Chiefs things I might think: Week 1

Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher (72) before the start of the game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

O-line is Sum of its Parts

I think the offensive line is best to start with Eric Fisher on the right side.  Especially versus the Texans front seven, Fisher has the chance to help the offense more from that side than from the left.  Fisher can play either side equally well, but he can play with more strength on the right.  He is close to becoming the solid starter the team envisioned when they drafted him, even if he ends up at right tackle.

It also let’s Donald Stephenson return to his more natural left tackle position.  Stephenson is simply better on the left.  By playing him on the left, it increases both Stephenson’s performance, as well as the line’s as a whole.  I put it like this a few minutes after the move was announced:

Start Ramik Wilson for sake of the Franchise 

The rookie has enormous upside, but he can’t achieve it without playing significant snaps. The team needs him to surpass Josh Mauga.

Its time to pump the brakes on this inside linebacker corp.  Yes, the bottom end is much improved, evidenced by James Michael-Johnson, a 9-game starter in 2014, being cut from the roster.  However, the starting spot next to Derrick Johnson is still lacking.

Wilson has shown well in the preseason and proved to be ready to play in the NFL.  He needs to improve his rushing defense, but is no worse than Mauga right now.  We’ve seen Mauga versus the run and it isn’t pretty.  Playing Wilson early gives the defense the best chance to plug the hole next to Derrick Johnson.

Next: A Missile Man and Marcus Peters