Chief Concerns: Case in Point VOLUME II
By Laddie Morse
Is it the point of no return? It could be. You can call it the Marcus Peters syndrome if you like but the Kansas City Chiefs have made what appears to be a conscious decision to bring in players who have had questionable personal histories.
Having said that, I also think there is a correlation between… guys who have a little personal history… and guys who have a tough attitude on the field: gritty, strong-willed players. In the past, I’ve often thought the Chiefs had a bunch of sweet faced, goody two-shoes kinds of guys. So, if you’re going to vary from that path… you have to accept some guys with a little abnormal behavior and/or offensive off-field question marks.
Is there any proof to back that up? Maybe not but when I think about guys like… Ray Lewis, Vontaze Burfict, Michael Vick, Adam Jones, Terrell Owens or DeSean Jackson… it makes me wonder if Andy Reid and John Dorsey are purposefully bringing in those… kinds of guys now.
I hope you realize that half the players on the list above were players Andy Reid has coached before. So, while I think the Chiefs may have moved past the point of no return… I have to admit, that it may be helpful. Not necessarily a “good” thing… as in goodness… but helpful none the less.
they can beat teams passing the ball: Case in Point
Fans and media alike have touted the most recent draft for the K.C Chiefs as a “draft for the future.” I disagree. The Chiefs invested heavily in this draft in the defensive backfield, and rightfully so, and each of those defensive backs should find the field this season, in fact, Adam Teicher said this week, “it’s clear the Chiefs have something to work with at corner.”
K.C. also took two players that can have an impact on the passing game this year in Tyreek Hill and Demarcus Robinson. General manager John Dorsey also used free agency to add veteran wide receivers, Rod Streater and Mike Williams.
In his piece called “Three Things I Think Before Training Camp,” Arrowhead Addict’s own Stacy D. Smith says,
"“The addition of Streater to a growing list of offensive options should keep defenses honest more often than not. I expect him to use his combination of size, speed and improved route running to exploit them this year.”"
Streater’s presence should not only provide the possibility of a solid #2 wide receiver but give both Albert Wilson and especially Chris Conley all the competition they need to take their game to another level. A level which I believe Streater… who has experience in a West coast offense… is already at.
If you haven’t kept track of Mike Williams career, he “can be” a beast. At 6-foot-2 inches and 212 pounds, Williams can provide the red zone threat the Chief have lacked: a wide out who can go up and fight for the ball in the corner of the end zone. When signed to a one-year contract ArrowheadPride predicted,
"“The reward, however, could be big. In a perfect world Williams could get in the rotation along with Albert Wilson, Chris Conley and Rod Streater.”"
That is… if… Mike Williams makes this team.
The point is, the level of talent lining up at wide receiver this year will be formidable and teams will have to take the passing game more serious than most teams in the league.
I don’t believe the team will have to rely upon just one aspect of their offense… the running game or the passing game… unless several guys get hurt. Consequently, the 2016 Chiefs, if need be, will be able to beat other teams with their running game or their passing game.
Can I get a Hallelujah!
Next: Could Marcus Peters be worse this year?