For the first half of the 2010 season, Tony Moeaki was the answer to the problem known as the Chiefs tight end position. For the second half, until the Broncos game on Sunday, things were up in the air.
In the season's first eight games, Moeaki caught 32 passes for 384 total yards and 2 touchdowns. Not only was his pass catching ability on display every Sunday, but his blocking abilities were highly praised as well. It was easy to see why Scott Pioli manipulated draft slots to make sure he got his man from the University of Iowa.
Then just like that, he was gone.
Over the second half, Moeaki had almost completely disappeared with two total catches in three games. He did have one touchdown catch against the Seahawks, but it was his only catch of the game and he was only targeted twice overall. He wasn't even active for the Cardinals game after a head injury suffered in the Broncos game -- one in which he only had one catch. Last Sunday's contest, however, changed all of that. Against the Broncos, Moeaki led the team this last week with 7 targets from Matt Cassel overall, ending up with 4 catches for 54 yards, including a 21 yard catch. He had several impressive blocks for Jamaal Charles and became Cassel's favorite son again.
Perhaps it was the lingering head injury or some defensive schemes, but it's nice to see the continued maturation and growth of Moeaki continue in the season's second half. The well-rounded game he's displayed thus far is impressive and should provide a long-term answer to a position that's been in disarray since Tony Gonzalez was traded two off-seasons ago.