Kansas City Chiefs: Will the offensive line hold up?
Aug 28, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Fred Williams (83) catches a touchdown pass against Tennessee Titans cornerback Cody Riggs (37) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 34-10. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Game Notes:
* Jeremy Maclin is SO much better than Dwayne Bowe in this offense and with this quarterback. It’s not even comparable. I hoped that Maclin would be a better fit with Reid and Smith, but seeing it in action is impressive. I really thought Travis Kelce would lead this team in receptions this year and while I’m still a HUGE Kelce fan it’s apparent that Maclin is Smith’s top target.
* If you were paying attention to formations and personnel on Friday you may have noticed that the Chiefs used several three tight end formations with Kelce, rookie James O’Shaughnessy, and veteran Ryan Taylor. Reid seems to really like using three tight end sets. I wasn’t sure if the Chiefs had the depth behind Kelce to pull it off. The fact that they were successful with it Friday is a promising sign. If Demetrius Harris really is getting healthy that will only help the situation.
* If Fred Williams doesn’t make the 53-man roster it will be an absolute crime. Williams has been the most impressive wideout not named Jeremy Maclin and it hasn’t even been close. In fact, Williams is Pro Football Focus‘ highest rated wide receiver for the preseason so far. His +5.4 grade is almost a full point higher than anyone else.
Look, I’m a fan of Albert Wilson and Chris Conley, but I’ve been so impressed with Williams I’d even be OK with him taking some of their snaps with the starting offense. He runs great routes and he catches everything in sight. Do the right thing John Dorsey, put this guy on the active roster.
* I love K.C.’s defensive line depth. DeVito, Bailey, Howard, and Catapano are all guys I’m excited to see play each week. When Poe eventually comes back they may have a legit claim as being the best all-around defensive line in the NFL.
* If the Chiefs give Josh Mauga the starting job next to Derrick Johnson when he comes back from injury they will be making a HUGE mistake. Ramik Wilson hasn’t been a dominant playmaker, but he has been a very reliable tackler in the middle of the field.
Wilson is like a dependable safety net for the defense. He may not be the guy that makes the big plays but when guys get past the the line of scrimmage and into the second level he does a good job of cleaning things up. Last season Mauga lead all NFL linebackers in missed tackles. I’m not saying Wilson will be a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but at least he isn’t a liability.
* While Peters and Gaines have gotten most of the attention so far this preseason, two veterans are quietly doing everything they can to not only lock down a roster spot but earn some playing time as well. Fleming and Branch have both played very well. In fact, of all the the corners and safeties likely to make the 53-man roster they have the best PFF grades. Branch’s +2.8 is the best grade of any defensive back on the roster with good grades in both coverage and run support. This will definitely be the deepest secondary K.C. has had in years.
So that’s it for me this week, Addicts. What did you think of the third preseason game? Were you as impressed with the all-around effort as I was? Do you agree that the offensive line is the one real question mark remaining? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!