2008 Kansas City Chiefs NFL Predictions

The Chiefs enter the 2008 season on about as sour a note as any team in the league, having lost nine straight games. The Chiefs are in full rebuilding mode, but a lack of key free agent acquisitions tells us that they are content with being sub par for now. Jimmy Boyd provides the inside scoop on the Chiefs in his 2008 Kansas City Chiefs predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

When the Chiefs did not draft another QB, it became apparent that they would be going with Brody Croyle again. Croyle was winless in six starts last season and posted an atrocious 69.9 passer rating, but the Chiefs realize that he didn't have much of a supporting cast. Star tailback Larry Johnson wasn't available for any of his six starts for instance. Damon Huard gives the Chiefs a proven backup to spell Croyle if need be. He was 4-6 as a starter last season.

The Chiefs boasted one of the most feared rushing attacks in the league as recently as 2006, but they surpassed the 100-yard mark only four times last season. Priest Holmes comeback quickly failed when the former star took a blow to the head, and Larry Johnson missed eight games with a foot fracture. Johnson should return healthy, but it is hard to know how effective he'll be behind a makeshift line.

Tight end Tony Gonzalez proved why he is still one of the best in the business with a 99-catch season. Gonzo is now the all-time receptions leader for tight ends. The rest of the receiving corps doesn't get much attention in the film room from opponents. Dwayne Bowe does show some promise. He caught 70 passes as a rookie.

As recently as 2005, the Chiefs had one of the best offensive lines in football. Now the line is filled with holes. Brian Water is a Pro Bowler and Damion McIntosh is proven, but that is it. First round draft pick Branden Albert will be given an opportunity to start at left tackle, and if he's up for the challenge, McIntosh will move to right guard. The Chiefs need to find two more players to fill in.

Defense

Trading unhappy Jared Allen cost the Chiefs their only star on the defensive side of the ball. The Pro Bowl end led the league with 15.5 sacks a year ago. The Chiefs did get the best defensive player in the draft in tackle Glenn Dorsey. He will become an immediate starters and hopefully an immediate impact player. Dorsey's presence will likely allow the Chiefs to move Alfonso Boone to left end and Tampa Hali to right end. I think this unit will become a respected one but not just yet.

The Linebackers did not get the job done for the Chiefs in 2007 and some of the blame does have to go the interior of the defensive line for that. KC was hit up for more than 190 yards rushing on three occasions and gave up more than 140 seven more times. Donnie Edwards, Derrick Johnson, and Napolean Harris have the talent to be much better in 2008.

There's no question about Ty Law's ability, but he looked bad at times because the Chiefs' defensive line did nothing to help him out. Law is now gone and the Chiefs' secondary will likely struggled even more without Allen to provide a rush.

Special Teams

Punter Dustin Colquitt was, perhaps, the Chiefs best defensive weapon last season. The kicking game was not a smooth operation as the Chiefs went through three kickers in 2007. Billy Cundiff and Nick Novak are the candidates this season. The Chiefs are hoping to help out their offense by improving field position with the return abilities of rookie Kevin Robinson.

Prediction – 4th AFC West

The Raiders will no longer have a spot reserved in the basement with the state of the Chiefs this season. It's clear that the Chargers are the best in the West and the Broncos should be better this year.

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July 2nd, 2008