That’s right, A Boy Named Sue came out in 1969 too. What could that song possibly have to do with the 2016 Chiefs? Respect… or the lack of it. And like the character in that song, this offense is going to have to fight it’s way to respectability. Even then, it will likely be called unkind names.
A specific feature of this year’s incarnation of the Chiefs is speed. These Chiefs will have enough speed on the offensive side of the ball to make defenses Dizzy. The return of De’Anthony Thomas and Jamaal Charles alone should make this years team look dramatically different than the way last year’s team finished. Not that the way last year’s team finished was something to complain about at 11-1.
Two of the K.C. draft picks bring even more speed to the offense. Wideout Demarcus Robinson has some speed to help stretch the defense and running back slash kick returner, Tyreek Hill, who should also get some time at wide receiver, is a super-burner.
Returning this year is WR Chris Conley, who once ran a 4.33 40 yard dash, not only has a 45 inch vertical jump but also has one year under his belt in Andy Reid’s offense and should get more reps and a shot at the number two wide receiver position. Of course Albert Wilson’s 4.43 40 is nothing to sneeze at. Joining Wilson and Conley will be Mr. Go-to Jeremy Maclin, who also now has a second year in Reid’s K.C. system. To top it off, ex-Raider Rod Streater, who runs a 4.36 40, should make this year’s wide receiving corp one hot mess to deal with.. and leave other teams standing around… Grazin’ in the Grass.
The offensive line should gain a certain level of respectability this year too. Anytime you can take a weakness and make it a top level strength, it can be a game changer. The Chiefs added RT Mitchell Schwartz who will come in and not only stabilize right tackle but give the offensive line a bookend that can have a positive effect on the right guard, whoever that may be.
There’s a possibility that whoever does win the right guard spot, will end up being an above average guard in the league. You see this happen all over the sports world… in baseball, bring in a good clean-up hitter and the guy hitting third right before him gets all sorts of pitches to hit and his average goes up dramatically. In basketball, add an all-star guard to the mix and suddenly everyone else on the team is so good that you win an NBA Championship.
That’s what can happen when you add one of the best players in the game at a critical position. Will Mitchell Schwartz have that effect for sure? Who knows, he could. What we should count on is this: it’s far more likely happen with him playing in a red and gold jersey. You may not see it… but These Eyes do.
Next: Yes, I heard it through the grapevine!