Chiefs 2016: Could regression, father time sabotage season?

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Dec 14, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) celebrates with linebacker Dee Ford (55) after a sack against the Oakland Raiders in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Next, on the same side of the ball, is Tamba Hali. While I mentioned that Peters faces a tough task of repeating a stellar rookie season that set a high bar, Hali faces the issues of father time and health.

A player that showed signs of breaking down and aging at the end of last season, he will likely be tasked with being the main pass rush element in the first half of the upcoming season. The question is, can the aging pass rusher withstand and hold up. Certainly it’s beyond discussion the toughness of Hali, but if he’s not able to be a consistent and legitimate pass rush element, this defense could face some serious issues.

I believe that had Houston not had a knee injury more severe then expected, Hali’s tenure with the Chiefs would have ended this past offseason.

We’ll focus next on a pair of offensive lineman, and for different reasons. We’ll look at the ever polarizing Eric Fisher and second-year center Mitch Morse.

Next: Checking the offensive line

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