The Chiefs preseason is now over. Here are three things we've learned about the 2010 Chiefs.
Sep 3, 2010 - The Kansas City Chiefs 2010 preseason didn't look good on paper. They were 1-3 and couldn't score many points. In fact, they didn't look very good on tape at times either.
But they did learn a few key points about who the 2010 Kansas City Chiefs will be.
1. The defense will be the strong suit of the team
This is becoming more evident to me. This isn't going to be an offensive oriented team. The Chiefs defense -- particularly the first team defense -- seemed to get better and better each week. They were criticized for a bad opening drive against the Falcons but they allowed three points in the first half. The Bucs got just 10 in the first half. The Chiefs even sacked the quarterback -- granted, it was only one game but it was still five times.
However the Chiefs are doing it they're doing it right. Giving up 20, 20, 20 and 13 points doesn't make you a bad defense (even if half that was the backups and guys that will be cut on Saturday). That put them as the 14th best defense in the preseason.
Would you take the 14th rated defense? I would right now.
This is the group that made the biggest strides in the offseason and it's becoming clear that the defense will be stronger than the offense.
That said, it's still a bottom five defense the last time they were seen in a game so they're going to have to show it on the field.
2. The special teams unit will be solid
Yup...they're looking pretty legit at this point.
Dustin Colquitt is one of the better punters in the league. Ryan Succop can't hit 50+ yarders but he's been money inside of that.
And then there's Javier Arenas. He's been the return man this preseason and he's been lighting it up. Every game has featured a 40+ yard return. If Arenas can't get it done, surely Dexter Mccluster could, who has also returned kicks. The Chiefs now have options at returner.
Other than Succop's 50+ yard misses, there aren't a lot of negatives here.
3. The Chiefs will be a running team in 2010
Todd Haley has basically said this publicly. The Chiefs were the second leading rushing team entering the final week of preseason and it was generally the highlight of the offense.
I'm pretty sure that's because the Chiefs running backs are good. I think that's why Haley wants to run the ball. But there's part of me that wonders if they realize or predict that Matt Cassel simply can't move the ball downfield consistently. If we're to believe his 2009 season and 2010 preseason, he can't go deep, which limits one of the dangers of playing a running team.
Whatever the reason is, the Chiefs have shown during preseason that they are going to be a running team. That's where they're gaining yards right now and that seems to be where they have the most invested.
5 comments
Comments
Your first point is wrong
Preseason gambler’s fallacy, why do you think the Colts blow every year in the preseason? Offense is more hamstrung by the lack of creativity the preseason dictates. Which, with bringing Weis in, should hopefully create a major difference between this and the regular season. Hopefully. Cassel and the individual fumblers do raise our eyebrows though.
If the front seven shows they can shut down a premiere back for an entire game we’d be more inclined to buy the new d-first chiefs. It could happen, Monday night should be a good test, but we don’t think the chiefs our out of the “couple blowouts a season” territory just yet.
PARADEBULATE!
by Official Arrowhead Pride Parade on Sep 3, 2010 8:06 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Wow! This is the most negative Parade I've ever seen.... you could have at least thrown some candy out to the kids in the crowd.
So you got the fax. So why didn't you add it to the resume? What do you mean? Of course martial arts training is relevant.
by BigRedChief on Sep 3, 2010 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Do you really want Parade's candy?
by Keyser Sose on Sep 3, 2010 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Disagree with defense being the strength.
Same players with exception of Berry. Even though he has been exciting in pre-season, he is still a rookie and will get torched several times this season. Just part of the learning curve.
I see special teams and the running game being the strengths. I agree that there are staff concerns about Cassel’s ability to go deep.
Playoff predictions? Really? From 4 wins?
by BinSC on Sep 3, 2010 9:23 AM CDT reply actions
I can't say I feel that great about the D
Considering that Matt friggin Flynn put up 300+ yds against them. Yipes.
by Keyser Sose on Sep 3, 2010 9:27 AM CDT reply actions
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