Chiefs have weapons for war

Catapult: Jamaal Charles

Nothing much can be added to the global knowledge pool about why Jamaal Charles is perhaps the Chiefs biggest weapon except to notice this: In 2015, Charles touched the ball 32% as much as in the previous three seasons, obviously because of an injury, but still was named by his peers as a top 100 player. JC came in at number 75.

If you’re wondering if Jamaal Charles will still be the central focus of the Chiefs offense and running game, find out what Matt Verderame thinks: Chiefs Offense: Who is the top Weapon?

In any event, everyone in the league knows that one single play by Jamaal Charles can turn the fortunes of a whole game around and catapult K.C. to victory.

Swiss Army Knife: Alex Smith

Talking about the top 100, Alex Smith finally made the list after his best season in the bigs. While some players cited his ability to run like the wind, others said it was because he’s finally slinging the ball all over the place, like he did as an undergrad. That makes Alex Smith a Jack-of-all-trades when considering what he can do that most other quarterbacks in the league can not: run to daylight. I recall a play this year in which Alex Smith gain about 50 yards, but it was called back because of a flag. That was truly breathtaking and heartbreaking simultaneously. Considering that his offensive line should be much improved this season, it’s exciting to consider what else Alex Smith can pull out of his sleeve. Hopefully that will include another “best season,” an AFC West title, playoff home field advantage and a Super Bowl victory in NRG Stadium. Yes, I believe his sleeves are that big.

A Machine Gun: Jeremy Maclin

Jeremy Maclin deserves the machine gun moniker because his 87 receptions in 2015 was more than any wide receiver has ever caught in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs. If Maclin can keep up his machine gun pace and then they add another wideout who can match him, the potentials are huge. In five seasons in Philadelphia, Maclin was able to climb to 9th overall on their all-time receptions list. In 2014, Maclin’s last year in Philly, he had 85 receptions which placed him second on their WR single season records list exceeded only by Irving Fryar who had 88 in 1996.

Let the bullets fly Jeremy. Metaphorically of course.

A Bazooka: Travis Kelce

There is nothing quite like the feeling of watching Travis Kelce gliding towards the end zone uncontested with the ball outstretched in one hand while his opposite arm is circling, like Pete Townsend beating snot out of his Rickenbacker, then suddenly seeing Kelce provide a knockout punch to the unsuspecting piece of leather and stitches. Sometimes Travis Kelce appears to be shot out of a cannon but I’ll settle for his bazooka shots any time.

Flamethrower: De’Anthony Thomas (DAT)

De’Anthony Thomas is more like gasoline on a fire. Or better stated, the threat of gasoline on a fire. As I may have mentioned previously, DAT’s college highlights are the best I have ever seen. Although he’s beginning his third season in the NFL, Chiefs fans have yet to see the great potential he displayed at Oregon.

Sure, I go crazy when he steps on the field with the offense because the opposing defense goes into Chinese fire drill mode and that’s always entertaining. However, is DAT a decoy or just a distraction? If other teams figure out that Thomas can be pushed to the ground with a pinky and brushed away like sweeping crumbs from a table, they’ll eventually stop running around like a chicken with it’s head removed… unless DAT begins to produce like he did in college.

Is De’Anthony Thomas still a flamethrower? I believe he can still burn you faster than a donkey blink. How fast can a donkey blink? Ask John Elway, he lost two quarterbacks that fast.

All jest aside, I am now praying that I am wrong about my assessment of this year’s crop of quarterbacks because I ranked Paxton Lynch as the best QB in this class. With Mark Sanchez out for now with a thumb injury Lynch will be taking all the first team reps for the Broncos. If all goes well for him, he could be the first quarterback from this class to shine as the top breed-in-show. Not that I think he or Sanchez can beat the Chiefs defense this year.

Now let’s take a peek at the Kansas City Chiefs new weapons acquired in the draft or via trade this offseason.

Next: How about some new weapons?