Future Projection
While the Chiefs defense, when at full strength, is quite capable of producing shut down outcomes, the offense needs more pieces, period. The Running Back situation appears healthy and deep going forward, especially if Jamaal Charles comes all the way back (and even if he’s only able to come back to 80% of his old self the threesome of West, Ware and Charles should be outstanding).
The Wide Receiving Corp needs another Jeremy Maclin (many are hoping that it is going to be Chris Conley — but it hasn’t been). Plus, the Offensive Line needs an excellent Right Tackle and probably a top notch Guard (unless Ben Grubbs is able to regain his prowess of yesteryears and since he’s signed through 2018 he will likely be getting first crack there next year).
If you look back over the Chiefs close victories this season, you’ll see that the defense has been mostly responsible for their staying in games… and then winning them in the end (e.g. Dee Ford vs the Chargers in game #13). In future years (like this year, which is now 2016 and hopefully you’re not so hungover that you’ve forgotten that already)… if the Chiefs can add the right pieces, then they can begin to dictate some games offensively, like the defense has been able to do this season.
As for now, they are able to confound and confuse, mix it up with short passes and an effective inside-outside running game but, never really dictating overall (and don’t ask me why the Chiefs are throwing the ball to Kelce in the flat… in the flat… on third-and-5, because for the life of me I’ll never understand why any team ever throws the ball to a receiver who is not PAST the first down marker on third down).
For the remainder of this season, no matter how long it lasts, fans should be prepared for the close contests that seem to have become Kansas City’s 2015 modus operandi… instead of the crusin’ through to large margin victories. Which, as some of us have learned, is purely illusion.
My guess about the game vs the Raiders on Sunday is that the outcome will unfold in the last seconds of the game… and the football Gods will likely make the outcome known in the same way when it comes to the Denver Broncos vs the Los Diego — San Angeles — Chargers (although they will likely stay in San Diego) game… while the Chiefs game has been unceremoniously re-scheduled for the 3:25 time slot tomorrow… for the drama-of-it-all.
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What do you say, Addicts? Are you ready for some more… hypertensive, diaper-drenching, brain-racking, pain-packing, delightful but derisive, divisive and indecisive… football games? Or, are you holding out for some smooth groovin’ & crusin’ to easy-peasy victories. I know what you’re thinking… “I Love it When We’re Cruisin’ Together.” Me too. For sure.
Happy New Year everyone and Go Chiefs!