Chiefs Things I Think: Pre-Camp
By Ryan Tracy
Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stands on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Good Morning, Addicts.
This will be a bit different. Generally, you’re going to get some hard-fact-based analysis from me. You’re going to get that ’Skybox” type, General Manager point of view of what the performance of players and coaches means to the franchise overall.
This column and the columns in the series that will follow will be a bit different. A bit more forward-thinking. They will be snapshots of where I see things going in the near future and down the line.
The two of them look like they are the future of the cornerback tandem – read on to #8
You may think this column sounds familiar. That’s fair. It is my homage to Peter King and I aim to do it justice. This is my take. Please, add your opinion to the comments. Tell me where you think I’m nuts. Tell me what you think I missed. Just don’t be surprised when things shake out that way I see them. That said, here’s the pre-camp edition. Let’s get after it.
The Pre-Camp Chiefs Things I Think I Think
Alex Smith needs to throw more interceptions. Yes, you read that right. Smith has three options at wide receiver, in Maclin, Wilson and Conley, that should be able to gain separation on routes. That’s new for Smith. To be successful, he has to getting the ball to these guys down the field. Smith need to take more chances. It will cause a few more interceptions, but it will lead to a more dynamic offense. That tradeoff is worthwhile.
Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith (21) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2015 is probably Sean Smith’s last in a Kansas City uniform. The facts are stacked against him returning next season, with all due respect to Reach. He’ll be 29 years old before training camp 2016 opens. While a physical presence at cornerback, he is vulnerable to speed. finally, Smith is likely to command the top pay in the free agent market at corner. With an eventual new contract for Eric Berry, that price tag will be too high for the Chiefs.
The best scenario for the Chiefs line is starting Morse at center. Dorsey spent a second-round pick on Morse. There were quality centers taken later in the draft that were options for Dorsey. The team sang the praises of Eric Kush repeatedly since the end of last season, but chose to draft Morse anyway. If he is anything but a starter in 2015, that is a problem for Dorsey.
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