Reviewing the four preseason games is not a good idea in determining who these Chiefs will be. Even then, you have to wonder if the Chiefs will be more like their first two possessions against Arizona or the rest of the preseason? When the Chiefs scored on their first two possessions and kept the Arizona Cardinals team from crossing their own forty yard line, they placed a great deal of pressure on their opponent.

So, let’s get a clearer picture of “pressure.” Pressure is the exertion of force on an object.

We have long been aware of Romeo Crennel’s defensive mind. He’s brilliant really; just think back to Dec. 18, 2011 when the Chiefs hosted the mighty and undefeated Green Bay Packers. If you never had the opportunity to read my post  “Honey, I Shrunk The Packers” you should check it out.

The point about Crennel is that he has championship rings and he got those rings by knowing how to push all the right buttons on his defense system control panel. Remember this is his third season as a Chiefs coach and he’s been working with the personnel long enough to know during this offseason exactly what he needed to succeed and I believe he has the players he needs to succeed.

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We’re halfway through the preseason and I’ve learned a few things about this Brian Daboll-led offense. Some of these things are certain to incite riots among the angry Arrowhead mobs I’ve been surrounded by lately. If you have violent reactions to Matt Cassel or Dexter McCluster being heralded in any way, turn away now! Take all of this with a grain of salt and please remember that I’m a lover not a fighter.

1. Matt Cassel will be efficient.

Remember when I said that one of Daboll’s job responsibilities was to maximize Cassel’s strengths? That’s precisely what Daboll has done thus far. This is the most efficient Cassel has ever been. He’s completed 75% of his passes and posted a 114 QBR through the first two preseason games. He’s done this without Dwayne Bowe or any real contribution from Breaston or Baldwin. That’s a testament to how comfortable Cassel currently is with Daboll’s system and coaching. I think it also helps that his new offensive coordinator is trusting of him and allows him some measure of control over the offense. Cassel’s clearly taken advantage of the opportunity to check at the line of scrimmage. A confident Cassel with a cadre of offensive weapons could very well mean a return to his 2010 form. It should also be noted that Cassel’s been putting the ball in the right spots and seems to have more velocity on his passes (courtesy of Tom House).

2. Dexter McCluster will make his biggest offensive contribution yet.

McCluster, or Public Enemy #3 in Chiefs country (Pioli and Cassel own the top two spots), has quietly made the decision to move him back to the Receiving corps look good. Daboll believes he can be beneficial to this offensive group so he’ll be used in a number of ways. The presence of Bowe, Breaston, and Baldwin on the outside will leave room for Dex to hurt defenses underneath.  McCluster’s precise route-running and quickness have already helped him to become one of Matt Cassel’s favorite targets. Dex leads all Chiefs receivers with 69 receiving yards this preseason. He’s averaging 11.3 yards per catch.

3. The Chiefs will be more successful at converting third downs.

Kansas City was 19th in the league in 2011, converting just 36% of their third downs. While I don’t expect them to be a Top 10 unit in this category, I think they will improve upon that number. Peyton Hillis answers the problem the Chiefs have had in short-yardage situations. McCluster, Boss, and Moeaki provide great pass-catching options for anything under 7 yards. I’d venture to guess that we’ll also see the right play called on a more regular basis. Too often, under Haley’s leadership, run plays and pass plays were interchanged on big third downs.

4. Jonathan Baldwin still has some growing up to do.

Despite an impressive training camp, Chiefs second-year WR Jon Baldwin has struggled in the opening two games of the preseason. He logged just one catch in Saturday night’s matchup with the St. Louis Rams. No sooner than he’d caught the football, he put it on the ground, and St. Louis promptly took advantage of the turnover. Baldwin’s swagger in St. Joseph hasn’t translated onto the field yet. Things won’t be any easier for him now that Bowe’s back in the fold. He’ll see fewer reps with the top offensive unit. Steve Breaston is a polished veteran who will hold the #2 WR job down until Baldwin pushes him to the slot. Time will tell if he can force him out of that role.

Two games left to play before the regular season opener. I look forward to adding a few more items to this list. Hopefully we’ll cover more ground and I can tell you what I learned about the offensive line, Devon Wylie, and Dwayne Bowe.

Until then Addicts, adios!

The training camp schedule is out! Football is around the corner!

Sometimes I forget about all the really really cool things that have happened to the Kansas City Chiefs in the last five years or so.

We have a quarterback that can stay on his feet and win games. We have a newly renovated stadium. We have one of the most respected, talented GM’s in the league.

And the Kansas City Chiefs training camp has moved to Missouri where it belongs.

If you have never been to camp, you need to go.

It’s  a great way to meet players, staff, and other fans.

It’s a great way to see which players really want to work hard to win, and which ones don’t care one way or the other.

It’s a great way to get that 2012 Kansas City Chiefs football feeling going.

I’ve been every year since the Chiefs made the switch to St. Joe from River Falls. Here are some tips to make your trek more fun:

1. Camp is free. Parking isn’t. Parking is usually five bucks or so.

2 Drinks are very expensive. Drink a lot before you go in the gate if you’re on a budget.Same deal on the food.

3. It will be one of the hottest, most humid experiences you have ever been through. Plan accordingly.

4. I have had no problems getting my camera in. Take yours and you will get some great photos. Make sure your lens isn’t too long or they will stop you at the gate.

5. They say no video, but most cameras have that option now. Shoot away.

6. Watch Arrowhead Addict for updates on the practices. They are often cancelled with little notice. Weather can really screw things up too. You will need to be flexible.

7. Keep your eye out for updates on the actual practices. Some are much more interesting than others. Again, these announcements are often given with little notice so check AA often.

8. Volunteer to be an on-site reporter with your favorite Kansas City Chiefs website, Arrowhead Addict. I have participated in previous years and it’s an experience you will not forget.

9. If you are a hard core fan (you’re an Addict after all!), use one of those hand-held recorders or a recorder on your phone and take verbal notes of what you see. Review them in the car on the way home or when you get sometime later. Make predictions, then review them during the season to see how accurate your predictions turn out to be.

10. Go to as many as you can.

The 2012 Training Camp is just around the corner! See you there!