3 Pre-Training Camp Predictions For The Kansas City Chiefs

It’s been awhile since the old man, Merlin, has posted here on Arrowhead Addict. Relocating for a new job will do that to you. So, here I sit in 90+ degree temperatures, hearing all about Cam Newton. That’s right, Merlin invaded the South, ending up in North Carolina.

At the risk of starting a BBQ war, let me comment on the various types of Q in the area. Here, you have western Carolina (tomato-based sauce), eastern Carolina (vinegar-based) and South Carolina (mustard based). They are all good, but don’t tell the natives that. Not unless you want to start a war. KC Q is excellent too. I can’t wait to get back out to KC for another game and hang with DD. Now if I can get a regular shipment of burnt ends from Gates…..

This is a very exciting offseason for the Chiefs. For the first time in a very long time, the Addicts can look at their team and feel that, on a good day, we can beat anyone. The division is winnable and more. Let’s just stop there. No reason to get too far in front of ourselves.

The team is better and deeper than any team since the Marty years. I’m already submitting my first set of draft needs for 2013 over at DraftTek.com. I dislike having a single primary need, but it’s unavoidable right now. When you have Trent Dilfer, oh I mean Matt Cassel, as your QB, that has to be a primary need on a team this talented. Nothing against Cassel, but he is not a franchise QB. Don’t get me started on the ‘Pro Bowl’ designation. David Garrad was a Pro Bowl QB. Anyone ever think he was anything better than slightly above average? They were both named as replacement players. It’s not like they earned it outright.

To get the ball rolling, I have three pre-training camp predictions, leaving the best for last.

1] We will see little of the 2012 draft class on the football field this year. Poe may start and should get some good playing time either way. I was hoping Jeff Allen would start over Ryan Lilja, but he may take the Asamoah/Hudson incubation year.

2] Rodney Hudson will struggle early in the year and so will the Chiefs offensive line. The center position is very difficult. Not only is it very technical, but you also make all the calls for the offensive line. Hudson can do the job, but there is a good sized learning curve involved. I wish the Chiefs would sign Casey Wiegmann as a coach/mentor.

3] Dwayne Bowe will sign his franchise tender. Jonathan Baldwin will outplay him this year and Bowe will leave the following year. I like Bowe, but he just doesn’t seem to be the personality type to fit in Pioli’s Chiefs.