The Chiefs Injury Contingency

Injuries happen. That’s not exactly how the popular bumper sticker reads but, you get the idea. Bad things can and usually do happen to each team each year. Three years ago the Green Bay Packers overcame a host of injuries to win the Super Bowl.

“What happens if” is a big question that is best answered by the proper preparation of the roster. When Eric Berry, Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki went down two seasons ago… the cupboard was bare.

Now, the  Chiefs have been focusing on signing and keeping their own and filling in the black hole that has been the  quarterback position. However, is it enough. We can be sure that Dorsey and Reid are not done designing… or shopping? What if the Chiefs lost a front line player as things stand right now?

For instance, if JC goes down again, are the  Chiefs really any better off than they were two years ago? This is a big reason that so many teams now platoon at the RB position. Otherwise, once the main man goes down, so does the whole season.

What if the Chiefs lost their LT  for a major portion of the season? Donald Stephenson filled in admirably last year and if it happens again this year I’d expect the same results, if not even better. If Stephenson progresses we might expect to see him in a starting role in the next couple of years. Permanently. For now, he provide solid back-up. With Eric Winston smoke in the rear view mirror the Chiefs are currently one quart short of a gallon along the OL.

We all know that if Dwayne Bowe goes down, this season is not going to get better, it will be heading south faster than Clark Hunt at the end of a Chiefs season.

The same can now be said for the QB position. All of us here in “counting-our- chickens- before-they’ve-hatched” land know that if our newly un-crowned QB Alex Smith goes down from injury… the season will be going south faster than you can say “Dwayne Bowe is one of the best WRs in the league.”

So, what’s it all about Alfie?

It means, that while we’re all excited about the front line players that John Dorsey and Andy Reid are filling the roster with… we’re also going to be keeping a close eye on who they can get to bring depth to a team that has been in sore need of quality back-ups since ex-GM Scott Pioli left the comforts of a mid-afternoon Boston tea party for the rigors of Sunday Morning tail basting at Arrowhead.

This is not simply a question of depth. Yes, depth is involved but, the real question is… is there a player on the roster at each position who can take over and do a solid job until the starter returns to action?

The Packers had that 3 years ago.

While Donald Stephenson did an admirable job, Ryan Lilja taking over at Center for injured Rodney Hudson presented a weakness up the middle of the Chiefs offensive protection. With Rodney Hudson returning to complete his inaugural season the position is yet in need of fortification.

Making a mid-season adjustment at Center is rather a different matter than refilling the QB position.

This is one reason I’m sure the  Chiefs are not done bringing in more help at the QB position. In Philadelphia, Andy Reid always had another QB in the wings who he believed in and who he was developing.

The Chiefs may not be getting ready to draft Geno Smith #1 overall but, you can be certain the brain trust will be loading for bear at the QB hot spot… in one manner or another.

Of course, it difficult to imagine any starting position on the Chiefs roster that wouldn’t be hurt dramatically by the loss of a starter but, it’s difficult to name another position besides QB where the results of an injury would have a more damaging effect.

This is why I still believe the Chiefs will pick up a QB in this draft… even if it’s not with the first pick. Then again, selecting the best QB in this draft could help to solidify the most important position for years to come.

Whatever mistakes Andy Reid made two years ago when constructing the lame-named Dream Team we’re all hoping he’s learned his lessons. One mistake he didn’t make was leaving the QB cupboard bare. Nick Foles may not have stepped in and made a bold take over but, it was obvious to most who watched him that he has a future and consequently there’s been talk of his possibly coming to K.C..

One trade scenario I’ve heard is the Chiefs trading the first overall pick to Philly for the 4th pick + Nick Foles. I’d do that deal without hesitation. The Chiefs would likely be able to get whoever they wanted at number one plus be able to immediately gain a QB who Reid already has a dialog with. Here’s a post I wrote on Nick Foles 14 months ago.

There are so many possible options for improving the Chiefs QB position but, bringing Nick Foles to K.C. seems like a no brainer if all the Chiefs have to do is wait three picks to make their first pick because they will likely still be able get their man.

While most fans are keeping their eyes fixed on the big name players the Chiefs may be bidding on in Free Agency… because since they’ve already done an outstanding job of addressing the starters… it’s now the Chiefs injury contingency plan that I’m most interested.

Well, Addict fans, which positions do Dorsey and Reid need to fortify most?