July

July 3, 2008   

Chiefs look to fill pass-rushing vacancy left by Allen

The Chiefs weren't good in many areas last season, but one category in which they excelled was sacks per pass play. Their defense ranked third in the league in that stat, trailing only Super Bowl participants New England and the Giants. Finishing that high again isn't likely, however, after the team traded away 2007 NFL sack leader Jared Allen, whose departure leaves K.C. with a gaping hole in its pass rush. The Chiefs added a huge force in DT Glenn Dorsey, but he alone can only do so much damage. DRE Tamba Hali has proven very capable of getting to the QB and should anchor one side of the line, but the other side is seriously lacking a sack specialist, with Alfonso Boone slated to start there after having moved from tackle. The way we hear it, though, Kansas City really likes what it has seen in seventh-round pick Brian Johnston. The defensive end has already drawn comparisons to Allen, and a good training camp could mean immediate playing time for the rookie. The team is also banking on second-year D-line hybrid Turk McBride to take a big leap forward and contribute. Finally, look for the Chiefs to incorporate more blitzing linebackers into their game plan, especially with the active Derrick Johnson.

June

June 25, 2008   

Race for Chiefs' No. 2 WR job wide open

The Chiefs’ lack of receiver depth behind Dwayne Bowe leaves the team with quite a dilemma at its No. 2 WR spot. Kansas City signed free agent Devard Darling in the offseason, but he brings just 20 career catches with him from Baltimore. Considered the front-runner not too long ago, Darling may now be third in the pecking order for the job, the way we hear it. Fourth-round rookie Will Franklin looked very good this spring, running sharp routes and separating from his defender. He quickly has vaulted into the conversation for the starting gig, with the No. 3 slot looking like the worst-case scenario. If Franklin doesn’t capture the No. 2 spot, third-year wideout Jeff Webb likely would be the guy. He showed some flashes last season, even starting two games, and he’s the only one of the trio to have experience playing with QB Brodie Croyle. Webb’s game still needs work, but he currently has a loose grip on the open job. Regardless of who’s victorious in this battle, the Chiefs will need their second receiver to be productive at least moderately, or else Bowe can expect to face a whole lot of double coverage.

June 13, 2008   

Chiefs' run defense banking on Boone

The Chiefs are aware that it’s highly unlikely they’ll be able generate the same type of pass rush after trading away NFL sack leader Jared Allen to the Vikings. With converted DT Alfonso Boone shifting outside, the pass-rushing drop-off should be precipitous. Boone is taking over DE responsibilities on the left side, with Tamba Hali flipping over to the right side to take over Allen’s vacated DRE spot. There is a silver lining, however. Hovering around 300 pounds, Boone should be a significant upgrade over Allen in run defense. Overlooked because of his dominance as an edge rusher was the reality that Allen often got overpowered by drive-blocking offensive tackles, a reality that was partially responsible for the Chiefs’ lowly ranking of 28th against the run a season ago. Another player who figures prominently in the mix is rookie Brian Johnston who, like Allen, was a small-college standout. According to a team insider, Johnston will spell Boone in the nickel package but will be able to assume more every-down assignments if he proves capable of holding his own against the run. The Chiefs’ undersized LB corps makes it even more incumbent upon the ends to be more than merely pass rushers.

May

May 30, 2008   

In spite of obstacles, Chiefs' Johnson at ease and pain-free

Larry Johnson

It would seem as though being the undisputed focal point of an offense that has instability at quarterback, a patchwork offensive line and a new, smashmouth-favoring coordinator would equate to a daunting burden for any running back. Add the fact that he’s coming off a season in which a broken bone in his right foot caused him to be a spectator for the team’s disastrous second half, and it would only seem to intensify the pressure. But sources in Kansas City insist that Larry Johnson appears completely comfortable in his role. Fully healed, he’s embracing the opportunity to run pain-free, something that he took for granted before the pitfalls of ’07. Moreover, the low expectations those around the league — and in Kansas City — have for the Chiefs enable him to focus on the task at hand without wondering about outside perception. Actively helping out the rookie class’ assimilation into the offense, Johnson looks like he’s finally transitioning from mercurial talent to team leader.

May 23, 2008   

Due to shoddy surrounding cast, Croyle's job not in danger

The Chiefs boast what’s probably the NFL’s worst offensive line, they don’t have a single reliable wideout outside of Dwayne Bowe and they’re breaking in a new (though experienced) offensive coordinator in Chan Gailey. The way we hear it, this could wind up boding particularly well for QB Brodie Croyle. Croyle’s shoddy play in ’07 has many believing that the former Alabama star isn’t equipped to be a proficient triggerman in the NFL and that he needs to show quality stuff quickly to salvage his starting job. Yet, the downtrodden state of the offense could serve as a mitigating circumstance should Croyle continue to falter. With no viable long-term QB prospect behind him on the depth chart, word we’re hearing is that Kansas City will afford Croyle time to grow in the offense and is bound to give him his share of mulligans should he need to take them.

May 16, 2008   

Chiefs dismayed with downtrodden placekicking outlook

With a dearth of offensive talent that should make it difficult for the Chiefs to consistently find the endzone in 2008, it could be essential that they kick enough field goals to stay competitive. The only problem is that their placekicking prospects are even more dismal than their offensive outlook. Ex-Cowboy Billy Cundiff, journeyman Nick Novak and undrafted rookie Connor Barth are the three options currently under contract, but none is a solid bet to be on the roster Week One. Yet finding a decent option still on the free-agent market is tough to do. Former Colts star Mike Vanderjagt is available and was granted a workout a couple months ago, but the amount of time that has lapsed since his audition without an offer being made is evidence that the team has obvious reservations about him. Regardless of which kickers are dotting the roster come training camp, expect an intense battle to be waged, and — barring any dramatic turn of events — a lot of missed field goals in the tricky Arrowhead Stadium conditions.

May 9, 2008   

Chiefs' offensive line in state of fluidity

The Chiefs have only a vague idea about what their offensive line will look like come September. That’s the word we’re hearing out of Kansas City, where the Chiefs don’t have a single lineman they’re comfortable trotting out and feeling confident that he can hold his own. The only two positions that are even relatively safe are on the left side, where OG Brian Waters and OT Damion McIntosh take up residence. But even those spots aren’t guaranteed, as rookie Branden Albert — the 15th overall selection in the draft — could conceivably take either one of those jobs and bump the incumbent to the other side. Regardless of what the Week One lineup is, expect a lot of personnel shake-ups on the line throughout the season. The Chiefs are in full experimental mode and are willing to sacrifice short-term stability for long-term potential.

April

April 25, 2008   

By trading Allen, Peterson sends ominous message to rest of the roster

Updated as of 8:00 a.m. EDT Monday, April 28

While the Chiefs may very well be pleased with their recent draft, a source close to the team wonders if their strong-arming of DE Jared Allen, who was traded to Minnesota following stalled negotiations on a long-term deal, is going to do irreparable damage to the relationship between management and the players. “If I’m a good, young player on this team, I’d have serious doubts as to whether I’ll be tossed aside in a couple years after seeing how they treated Jared,” the source said. “His (two) DUIs probably hurt his cause, but other than that, he was exactly the type of player and person you’d want as a cornerstone of your team.” The source also pointed to the lengthy, and often testy, holdout of star RB Larry Johnson last offseason as further evidence that team president Carl Peterson’s rigidity in contract negotiations is chipping away at team morale.

April 18, 2008   

Chiefs' D-line undergoing renovation

The Chiefs are going to be trotting out a fresh, young look on the defensive line next season. Disgruntled star DE Jared Allen is in talks with the Vikings ("Vikings may be close to trading for Chiefs DE Allen") and possibly the Buccaneers about a possible trade, and a deal could be struck sometime before the draft. Even leaving Allen aside, the line will look different. Word we’re hearing is that the Chiefs are itching to get two of their more coveted draftees from a season ago — DT Tank Tyler and DE Turk McBride — more involved in the game plan. Both made tepid contributions a season ago as they were getting acclimated to defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham’s system, but they are primed for big ’08 campaigns. Tyler is a good bet to be a starter, or at least heavily involved in the DT rotation, while McBride has the versatility to play outside and inside. If Allen is shipped out, McBride could take over the vacant DE job, but he should also get numerous reps as a pass-rushing tackle in nickel sets.

April 4, 2008   

If Long gone, expect the Chiefs to trade down

It’s no secret that the Chiefs need a stellar draft class to have a fighter’s chance of making a playoff run in 2008. Coach Herm Edwards’ recent assertion that he hopes between 50-75 percent of his draftees earn starting roles only highlights that need. So, in a somewhat perverse line of logic, expect the Chiefs to treat quantity over quality in the draft. Michigan OT Jake Long is believed to be the top target on the Chiefs’ board, but assuming he’s gone, Kansas City will work the phones to try to move down. But not too far. “I think they’ll want to go about 5-to-7 spots down,” a source close to the team told PFW. “That way, they still should be able to take (Boise State OT) Ryan Clady or (Pittsburgh OT) Jeff Otah to help their line.” Also, don’t expect any veterans to come the Chiefs’ way via trade for draft picks. K.C. is firmly committed to making long-term progress, and wants to add extra picks rather than aging veterans.

March

March 28, 2008   

Edwards subtly wags finger at Rams, Bucs

Maybe the Chiefs’ inability to make a splash during free agency is more a result of other clubs’ indiscretions rather than their own lack of aggressiveness. At a news conference earlier this week, coach Herm Edwards implied that the reason Kansas City was unable to lure C Jeff Faine or PK Josh Brown — two players it coveted — for even a visit was because the Buccaneers and the Rams had them locked up before the official Feb. 29 start to free agency. NFL rules prohibit teams from talking to agents before the start of the free-agent signing period, though the practice is believed to be widespread throughout the league. Earlier this week, commissioner Roger Goodell made the unprecedented move of punishing the 49ers for their allegedly premature contact with Bears OLB Lance Briggs. “There were probably some deals done before (free agency began),” Edwards said, according to the Kansas City Star. “We didn’t cheat. We abided by the rules. That’s how you’re supposed to do it.”

March 21, 2008   

QB Ryan only on periphery of Chiefs' radar screen

Don’t read too much into the fact that Herm Edwards was the only head coach on hand to watch QB Matt Ryan at Boston College’s pro day on Tuesday. Ryan remains a long shot to be the Chiefs’ selection as the fifth pick in the draft. For starters, there’s little chance Ryan slips by the Falcons at No. 3. But more than that, Edwards plans on being present at a number of pro days around the country, unlike many NFL head coaches. After making few moves in free agency, Edwards strongly believes in taking a proactive approach to the draft. Offensive line remains the Chiefs' most pressing area of concern, and Edwards was also on hand in Chestnut Hill, Mass., to take a look at Boston College OT Gosder Cherilus. Cherilus isn’t top-five material, but would represent good value if he fell to Kansas City early in the second round.

March 14, 2008   

Unknown to many, Darling in line to make significant impact in Kansas City

You know it’s been a quiet offseason in Kansas City when the Chiefs sign a receiver with 20 career catches in four seasons and it’s considered a noteworthy addition. Or, perhaps it’s also indicative of just how starved the team is for pass catchers. Regardless, the Chiefs’ addition of WR Devard Darling is a quality addition to a club that has faith only in second-year pro Dwayne Bowe to be a consistent contributor among the existing wideouts. Of Darling’s 20 receptions, 18 came in 2007, three of which went for touchdowns. With good size (6-1, 215) and speed, he’ll have every opportunity to earn a starting job in training job. It appeared for a while that the Chiefs would be targeting a receiver in the first round this April, but word now is they will be taking an offensive lineman with the fifth pick. For one thing, no receiver in this draft class grades out as a top-five talent, and new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s rugged, smashmouth offensive style further heightens the Chiefs’ already pressing need to get tougher in the trenches.

March 7, 2008   

Chiefs' meager free-agent crop raises red flags

The Chiefs have been very quiet on the free-agent front, with OLB Demorrio Williams representing the only significant addition to a club that needs substantial upgrades at numerous positions. Both coach Herm Edwards and GM Carl Peterson have stated that their intention is to focus on building through the draft rather than free agency, a notion which makes sense considering their pressing need to get younger. However, with the sparse crop of new faces arriving in Kansas City since season’s end, there’s not much of a realistic chance of the Chiefs getting enough out of the draft to obtain eight new starters in their offseason haul, which Edwards stated he was looking for when addressing the media at the Combine. According to one team insider, part of the problem is that veterans simply don’t find Kansas City an attractive place to play, despite Edwards’ reputation as a players’ coach. Two of the few free agents the Chiefs did covet help illuminate that point. Not only did C Jeff Faine and PK Josh Brown decline to sign with them, but opted against even paying Kansas City a visit.

February

Feb. 27, 2008   

QB not a pressing concern in Kansas City

Brodie Croyle hardly inspired the type of confidence with his play in 2007 to make the Chiefs believe that he’s obviously the long-term answer under center. On the other hand, it appears that it will be his position to lose heading into training camp. “Brodie played a lot for us this year, and we like him,” coach Herm Edwards said this week in Indianapolis. “At all positions on the team, you want to create competition … but you never want to put that pressure on a quarterback when he’s a young guy. You have to have a running game, you better be able to play good defense and have a good kicker, too, so it doesn’t fall on the quarterback. It starts with the offensive line. You have to be able to protect the guy.” We hear it’s unlikely the Chiefs will be spending a draft choice on a quarterback — at least in the early rounds — but that a veteran could be added to the mix in free agency.

Feb. 24, 2008   

Chiefs looking for eight starters this offseason

When Chiefs coach Herm Edwards addressed the media in Indy, he was surprisingly specific about what the team is looking for the offseason. “We’re probably looking for eight new starters,” Edwards said. Not that all eight players will be coming from the draft. Edwards specifically stated that both the draft and free agency will produce their share of future Chiefs, but that with the Chiefs’ emphasis on getting younger, only those free agents whose best football is ahead of them will be targeted. Edwards also said that he’ll take all that transpired over the Combine week with a grain of salt. “They run around, they jump, they touch the ground, they flip, they do all the cartwheels, but at the end, to me, the beauty pageant is how they play football,” Edwards said. “And you have to get back to the (game) tape.”

Feb. 15, 2008   

Chiefs' O-line to have fresh look in 2008

Updated at 7:30 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 22

If the offensive line is the heartbeat of an offense, it’s no wonder the Chiefs were so anemic on that side of the ball in 2007. Only the 49ers averaged fewer than the Chiefs’ 276.8 yards per game, as a rapidly aging and battered line provided only tepid protection and push in the passing and running games. True to his word that the unit would have a fresh look in 2008, GM Carl Peterson went to work quickly. In December, eight-year veteran Chris Terry was cut, and earlier this week K.C. claimed OT Anthony Alabi off waivers from Miami. In training camp with the Fins in ’07, Alabi was a leading candidate to start before knee problems relegated him to reserve duty. With O-linemen John Welbourn and Casey Wiegmann also showing signs of age and unlikely to stick around, serious fortifications will be sought through the draft. But by doing so, Peterson will be breaking from his pre-existing mold. Not since 1999 (OT John Tait, 14th overall) have the Chiefs selected an O-lineman with a first-, second- or third-round pick. Entering his 20th season with the club, Peterson has presided over each of the OL-deprived classes. Also, some moderately priced free agents could be targeted.

Feb. 1, 2008   

After a 'tough' 2007, Johnson reports he's on the comeback trail

At the Super Bowl media center, PFW ran into star RB Larry Johnson, who is pleased to report he is recovering well from the cracked bone in his right foot that cost him the second half of the 2007 season. He likes the freedom of being able to finally walk without a protective boot and is finally able to rise up on his toes, something he wasn’t able to do toward the end of the season, when he tried in vain to return to the lineup. He plans to start a running and weightlifting regimen as soon as he gets the OK from his doctor in March, and he’ll be anxious to put behind him a difficult season that saw him struggle before the injury and the Chiefs close out the year on a nine-game losing streak without his services. “It was real tough because I’d been hurt, but I’d never missed games in my career," Johnson told PFW. This is the first time I missed a large amount of games since I’ve been playing football, and it did hurt because I saw them out there really struggling and trying to find themselves. And not having me out there able to help really frustrated me because I always felt like I wanted to give my teammates something more with all they were going through.”