The Chiefs’ Battle Royale

Addicts, we’ve been through the most exciting offseason in recent memory. We now have a proven coach, an aggressive owner, high caliber coaches, the number one pick in the draft, key free agents, a relatively easy schedule and a strong core of returning players. As we count down the days to the regular season, I’m left with a key question as an Addict: which unit of the Chiefs will be our strength – offense, defense or special teams?

Last week, Dwayne Bowe said, “I’m going to lead the league in receptions.” He might just be right. We also read about how Offensive Coordinator Doug Pederson is going to use Jamaal Charles just about everywhere. With Alex Smith at quarterback, a raft of talented tight ends and one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, we may be in for the most productive Chiefs offense since the high flying days of Dick Vermeil.

On the other hand, our defense is, well, outstanding. New Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton has revitalized our defensive line with the new and improved Tyson Jackson, strongman Dontari Poe, free agent Mike DeVito and perhaps even the resurgence of Jerrell Powe! Our linebackers are the the best unit in the league, with Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson and either free agent Akeem Jordan or fourth round pick Nico Johnson. And our secondary is world-class – potentially the best unit in the league as well. We’ve got a lockdown corner in Brandon Flowers playing opposite a skilled veteran in either Sean Smith or Dunta Robinson, and safeties Eric Berry, rookie Sanders Commings and veteran Kendrick Lewis.

But wait – don’t discount our special teams. With Dave Toub at the helm, can you imagine Dustin Colquitt even better than he is? Ryan Succop may go from a very good kicker to one of the best kickers in the NFL. We’re hearing rumors of Dexter McCluster or rookie Knile Davis returning kicks – Toub said of McCluster, “he’s got a lot of untapped potential as a punt returner.” And our punt and kick coverage should be nothing but red shirts flying down the field. Colquitt said, “You have to have guys getting blocks, hustling, not holding, and that’s what he brought. That’s what he’s doing here. We can’t have two or three bad plays. We don’t have any plays that we can give up. We need to be good on every play, and that’s what he brings. Everybody knows that there is a lot expected on every play.” Our special teams could be real gamechangers, causing turnovers and returning kicks for TD’s.

I’m torn, Addicts. I’m inclined to say our defense will be our top unit. More importantly Addicts, which unit do you think will rise above the rest this year? Give me your answer and your top two reasons why!!