2008 Kansas City Chiefs Outlook
Sunday, July 6, 2008
There's no need to tell you, a Kansas City fan, that the Kansas City Chiefs are one of the most successful franchises in professional football. This once modest team, first founded as the Dallas Texans In 1960, would go on to dominate much of the 1960s in the American Football League. The team has also earned its place in history being the second AFL team to defeat an NFL Club and winning an AFL-NFL Super Bowel World Championship in 1969. However, any non-Kansas City fan will be quick to point out that the team hasn't won a league championship in the last four decades. Nevertheless, the team has a strong fan base and continues to pull in massive support, setting records (a 149 game sell-out streak) and some impressive all around scores. (A record of 104-40 since 1990)
However, it is competition that makes the NFL. So how do the Kansas City Chiefs look in the upcoming season? 2008 and beyond will be the team's 49th season and will attempt to redeem the team's name after a humiliating 4-12 record from 2007. First off, there have been a lot of changes in management. Clark Hunt is the chairman of the Chiefs, inheriting the position after the death of team founder Lamar Hunt, and has made some drastic moves. Though head coach Herman Edwards is returning, as well as General Manager Carl Peterson, the Chiefs have hired a new offensive coordinator in Chan Gailey, who replaces Mike Solari after two lackluster seasons. Also cut from the team were management players of John Matsko, offensive line coach, receivers coach Charlie Joiner and running backs coach James Saxon. In fact, the only coaches who were retained were tight ends coach Jon Embree and assistant head coach Dick Curl. The Chiefs also hired Eric Price to serve as the new wide receiver's coach.
How about new players? Since February, the team has acquired offensive tackle Anthony Alabi from the Miami Dolphins, as well as free agents like place kicker Nick Novak, safety Erick Harris, defensive tackle T.J. Jackson, cornerback Chad Johnson, offensive tackle Joe Lobdell and guard Rob Smith. As the 2008 year slowly progressed, the Chiefs made some more exciting signings including linebacker Demorrio Williams, wide receiver Devard Darling, wide receiver B.J. Sams, tight end John Paul Foschi center Wade Smith, cornerbacks Will Poole and Jason Horton and fullback Oliver Hoyte from the Dallas Cowboys.
The Chiefs have been busy this early season as they have already signed 23 undrafted free agents, and losing only a handful of players in Eddie Kennison, John Welbourn, Gilbert Harris, Khreem Smith, Ty Law, Kendrell Bell, Jason Dunn, James Reed, Chris Bober and Greg Wesley. The Chiefs failed to sign Jeff Faine and Josh Brown despite an aggressive campaign, leading Herman Edwards to accuse other teams of cheating to ensure a signing. (Very possible, considering both players signed on their first day of free agency)
Nevertheless, the Chiefs look very promising this year as their draft selections this year (including Glenn Dorsey, Branden Albert and Brandon Flowers) are being touted as the best of any NFL team this season. Owner Clark Hunt is predicting a playoff spot for his team this year. If this prediction turns true, it will be a major turnaround and a winning season long overdue for this popular team.
However, it is competition that makes the NFL. So how do the Kansas City Chiefs look in the upcoming season? 2008 and beyond will be the team's 49th season and will attempt to redeem the team's name after a humiliating 4-12 record from 2007. First off, there have been a lot of changes in management. Clark Hunt is the chairman of the Chiefs, inheriting the position after the death of team founder Lamar Hunt, and has made some drastic moves. Though head coach Herman Edwards is returning, as well as General Manager Carl Peterson, the Chiefs have hired a new offensive coordinator in Chan Gailey, who replaces Mike Solari after two lackluster seasons. Also cut from the team were management players of John Matsko, offensive line coach, receivers coach Charlie Joiner and running backs coach James Saxon. In fact, the only coaches who were retained were tight ends coach Jon Embree and assistant head coach Dick Curl. The Chiefs also hired Eric Price to serve as the new wide receiver's coach.
How about new players? Since February, the team has acquired offensive tackle Anthony Alabi from the Miami Dolphins, as well as free agents like place kicker Nick Novak, safety Erick Harris, defensive tackle T.J. Jackson, cornerback Chad Johnson, offensive tackle Joe Lobdell and guard Rob Smith. As the 2008 year slowly progressed, the Chiefs made some more exciting signings including linebacker Demorrio Williams, wide receiver Devard Darling, wide receiver B.J. Sams, tight end John Paul Foschi center Wade Smith, cornerbacks Will Poole and Jason Horton and fullback Oliver Hoyte from the Dallas Cowboys.
The Chiefs have been busy this early season as they have already signed 23 undrafted free agents, and losing only a handful of players in Eddie Kennison, John Welbourn, Gilbert Harris, Khreem Smith, Ty Law, Kendrell Bell, Jason Dunn, James Reed, Chris Bober and Greg Wesley. The Chiefs failed to sign Jeff Faine and Josh Brown despite an aggressive campaign, leading Herman Edwards to accuse other teams of cheating to ensure a signing. (Very possible, considering both players signed on their first day of free agency)
Nevertheless, the Chiefs look very promising this year as their draft selections this year (including Glenn Dorsey, Branden Albert and Brandon Flowers) are being touted as the best of any NFL team this season. Owner Clark Hunt is predicting a playoff spot for his team this year. If this prediction turns true, it will be a major turnaround and a winning season long overdue for this popular team.
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Posted byJerry at 7:39 AM
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