Expectations for the Kansas City Chiefs Starters

Aug 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Offense

The offense has been heavily scrutinized all offseason, from the departure of a multitude of linemen to the limited acquisitions made at the receiver position. While these issues have been dissected and examined in many previous articles, the jury is still out on whether or not these two position groups will be able to hold their own this upcoming year. I do expect both of these group to show improvement this game.

The offensive line looked shaky at best against the Panthers, and definitely left people feeling concerned. For this next game, they are going to have to be more cohesive with each other and work together, along with a certain number one overall pick needing to step his game up. While Fisher is still recovering from his injury, I do expect him to be more of an anchor over at the left tackle position, and to keep Alex Smith’s blindside protected.

Speaking of Alex Smith, my expectations for him are the same as they have been for every other game he has played as a Chief: Live up to your title as a “Game Manager”. While this seems like I give Alex a cop out, it is honestly the highest expectations I hold for any position. As a game manager, analysts always said Alex didn’t take risks, and wouldn’t go out and just completely carry a team with his arm. However, along with that comes with the facts that Alex doesn’t make many mistakes, doesn’t turn the ball over often at all, and is able to create with his legs. This may not result in a huge stat sheet, but that’s not what matters. I expect Alex Smith to do what he does best: put us in a position to win the game.

As for the running backs, I’m mainly going to focus on the back who I feel should get the most first string touches against the Vikings: Knile Davis. The third preseason game is a nice tune up before the regular season, but I don’t want to risk a freak injury to Jamaal. Personally, I’d prefer if he didn’t have a single carry the entire game. Knile Davis on the other hand is a different story. I still want him to stay healthy, as he is an excellent backup to Jamaal, but there is something specific I expect out of him. If he does play with the first team for most of the game, I’d expect him to be even more involved with the passing game. While it is unrealistic to expect him to lead the team in receiving like Jamaal, I do look for him to have a more involved role out of the backfield.

Finally, the receiving core. While our tight ends have been heavily looked at lately, especially with the emergence of Travis Kelce, most eyes will be on our receivers once again. Dwayne Bowe has had a solid preseason so far, and yet we haven’t had a solid emergence at the number two or three receiver. Donnie Avery is almost a guarantee at the second string spot across from Bowe, but besides the Colts playoff game last year has not shown much promise. I expect that Reid will try and get more receivers looks in the slot role, and one thing I need to see is someone else step up and be a threat on the outside.