Chiefs 2015: Five most important players for success

Jul 26, 2014; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) signs autographs after practice during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

1. Eric Fisher

If Fisher doesn’t play better in 2015, he is going to be a labeled a bust. Fisher has been nothing better than average each of his first two seasons, with his rookie campaign marred by bad play and injuries at right tackle. Last year, Fisher was able to stay healthy but struggled to show consistency, being beaten way too often for a player charged with the blind side of Alex Smith.

In 2014, Fisher ranked as the fourth-worst left tackle of any player who started at least 10 games in that spot, according to PFF. Only Matt Kalil, Jake Matthews and Byron Bell were worse. It is hard for Smith to feel comfortable when he knows that at any moment, he could have a helmet slamming into his back from the man who just beat Fisher in less than two seconds.

Fisher does not need to become Jonathan Ogden or Willie Roaf, but he must become a reliable starter. Fisher has to be able to keep Smith clean, allowing him to have confidence in the deeper routes which take time to develop. If Fisher can simply play an adequate left tackle, the Chiefs will come a long way on that side of the line with Ben Grubbs replacing Mike McGlynn.

So what say you, Addicts? Did I royally screw this list up? Did I miss anyone that is really obvious? Let me know in the comments. I look forward to reading them.