How to Make the Chiefs a Superbowl Contender

by Chiefs_KC on Dec 7, 2009 7:50 PM CST

After reading a lot of Chiefs mock draft posts listing what players the Chiefs need to draft as well as the Cassel, O-Line, D-Line, CB, S, LB, WR, TE, etc. bashing lately I decided to look at the top teams in the league right now and see how they got there and where they rank in terms of offense and defense this season. The top 5 teams are:

1.(tie) Saints and Colts 12-0

3. Vikings 10-2

4 (tie) Chargers and Bengals 9-3

Saints offense: 1st in total yds, 1st in offense total points, Defense: 18th in yds allowed, 17th in most pts allowed

Colts offense: 4th in total yds, 4th in offense total points, Defense: 17th in yds allowed, 30th in most pts allowed

Vikings offense: 5th in total yds, 2nd in offense total points, Defense: 9th in yds allowed, 22nd in most pts allowed

Chargers offense: 2th in total yds, 3rd in offense total points,Defense: 12th in yds allowed, 18th in most pts allowed

Bengals offense:18th in total yds, 16th in offense total points, Defense: 4th in yds allowed, 32nd in most pts allowed

***Chiefs: offense: 30th in total yds, 28th in offense scoring...Defense: 31st in yds allowed, 3rd in most pts allowed

General observations:

1) The top 5 teams all have top QBs. Brees (FA signing), Manning (1st overall pick), Vikings Favre (FA-HOF QB), Chargers Rivers (top 5-7 pick), Bengals Palmer (1st pick overall)

2) 4 of the top 5 teams are the highest scoring offense teams in the league. Only the Bengals offense isn't ranked in the top 5, (they are #16) but their D has given up the fewest points in the league.

3) How the teams were built. Both the Colts and Saints built a top flight offense and then started building a defense. The Vikings were built on defense first, then after drafting A. Peterson were a run-first team but drafted Harvin and signed Favre in the off-season and now have the 2nd highest scoring offense. The Chargers are probably the most balanced team here, good QB, RB, TE, WR, and middle of the road D. The Bengals were a high scoring team a few years back and still have Palmer at QB at Chad O. at WR. but they've drafted really well the past few years and have a good D now.

The Chiefs have a lot of holes to fill and probably can't add playmakers at every position that needs an upgrade this off-season but I'd like to hear how people would build this team into a contender. .Offense first? Defense first? Or add to both sides of the ball at the same time and have a balanced team? Personally, looking at the two undefeated teams (Colts and Saints) my personal preference would be to build a high scoring offense first. (Granted, a NT and a safety are necessities this offseason) but if you have an offense that can move the ball and score points it keeps your defense off the field, puts more pressure on the other team to score, and puts the other team in passing downs trying to keep up. A team that wins based on defense and an offense that can't score points will always keep the other team in the game. Build an offense around Cassel by improving the O-line and adding another big-play receiver and another RB to complement Charles and Cassel should be decent (as shown in NE last year) and if he isn't the answer atleast the other pieces will be in place in the next year or two so that another QB can come in and put up points right away. I think if the defense wasn't always on the field with all the 3 and outs by the offense they'd look better as well.

Poll

How would you build the Chiefs into a Superbowl Contender?

Build a high scoring offense first

47 votes

Build a team that is defense-first

51 votes

Build on both sides of the ball at the same time and be a "balanced" team

53 votes

151 votes | Poll has closed

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

Tweet Comment 18 comments | 2 recs |

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Okay

The Chiefs have tried both approaches over the years.
Latest was an O first and got us a 1st round bye, yet our D was SOOO bad.
How bad, we forced not a single punt by the Colts. And lost.
We have had stout D’s, which garnered more playoff appearances, yet no long term success.
I would and did vote Defense, and build a an offense to win playoff games. We are further ahead with the D NOW, so add to it, and then we can add some O Weapons to get us over the top.

We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09. Almost there :)
And Succop will be the Key in two of them. Skins & Raiders! Pittsburgh Sweet!
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram

by Steve_Chiefs on Dec 7, 2009 8:07 PM CST reply actions

I've been thinking a lot about how

much the Chiefs draft priorities are shaping up as we enter the 4th quarter of the season, and I’m coming to the conclusion that the D needs the most work.

Defense (We just need more talent and attitude here, plain and simple)
1. We need a dominant safety:
     -speed and coverage skills takes away the deep ball
     -tackling ability will keep gashing on the ground to a minimum
     -consistent play on the ball will make opposing QB think twice before throwing (sacks)
     (Berry, Burnett, et al)
2. We need an ILB that can cover and has some pass rushing ability
     -coverage skills and awareness to stop TE’s from destroying us
     -added pass rush will propel Hali to the next level as a pass rush
     -good tackling to cover for our lack of talent at NT (should we fail to upgrade)
     -attitude and “mean streak” for general punishment of opposition
     (McClain, Spikes, et al)
3. We need a bigger and stronger NT to command double teams
     -opens lanes for LBs to fire at will
     -improves play for Dorsey and Jackson by taking up an additional blocker
     -plugs running lanes to decrease production by opposing RBs up the middle
     (Suh, Cody, et al)
4. Shutdown corner with speed but more size than Flowers
     -Take away primary target of opposing QB’s
     -much needed upgrade to Carr who has some ability, but shouldn’t be starting
     -again this will increase the time opposing QB must hold on to the ball = more sacks
     (Hayden, Lindley, et al)

CB may be a luxury in this draft, but we can find one late or FA. S, ILB, NT are the most crucial upgrades need IMHO to get this defense going in the right direction and keep these big plays from happening as often as they have been…..

Offense (I’m gaining confidence in our offense being able to move down the field with just a few upgrades. I am definitely glad to see the offensive line giving Cassel more time to work with and they will only get better…..well most of them anyway. Offense has been showing some real signs of progress with the exception of some real untimely turnovers and dropped passes)
1. A strong Center
     -I’ve seen all I need of Rudy getting blown up and plowed
     -Need someone that can anchor the interior which will give Cassel a true pocket
     -Stronger player to drive assignment backward for short yardage runs
     (Haven’t done enough homework on college centers but I’ll bet there’s an upgrade)
2. Sure Handed WR
     -We need a target that can be trusted to make the catch on 3rd down Wade = :(
     -Maybe a little more speed here to force the opposing D’s hand and stretch the field
     -Someone who can make plays in space to make screens a viable threat
     (Shipley, Tate et al)
3. Another Guard
     -see Strong Center

Gimme a S, ILB, WR, C, NT, G, CB (can also KR/PR), OLB, TE and let the rest fall as they may.
Both sides of the ball are just needing a few upgrades to get going. I’m hoping we can lure a talented FA or two with the money we have available so we can afford a luxury or two in what is shaping up to be a great draft class.

And I’m done…….

by Hail2DaChiefs on Dec 7, 2009 8:40 PM CST reply actions 5 recs

Awesome post H2C

maybe others will ponticate, but I think you nailed it :) Rec

We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09. Almost there :)
And Succop will be the Key in two of them. Skins & Raiders! Pittsburgh Sweet!
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram

by Steve_Chiefs on Dec 7, 2009 8:55 PM CST up reply actions

+1

7AM-7PM meetings, six days a week…to come up with their draftboard. Yikes. I know these guys get payed nicely but I’d slit my wrists if I had to endure one week of 12 hour meetings. Impact players – we need at least one on each side of the ball.

by Kane on Dec 7, 2009 9:13 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks Steve.......

I agree with what you said, our team has been great in the past on either side of the ball but never really good on both sides simultaneously for the length of time necessary for us to get to the big show. My approach is assuming we can take small steps on both sides with each draft infusing a little free agent talent along the way. Signs of life are present, but the holes we have are able to generate a perfect storm the likes we’ve seen the past two Sundays. I’m gonna self-prescribe some blood pressure meds to get me through this season and keep the faith….

by Hail2DaChiefs on Dec 7, 2009 9:26 PM CST up reply actions

Quality Players that could become available via FA.

QB – Tavaris Jackson ? comp + depth
HB – Mike Bell, Sproles, Lendel White. We should make a run at any of these who are avail.
WRs – Avant, Clowney, Lee Evans, Malcum Floyd, Urban. One or two of those players would upgrade staff. Resigning Chambers is a must. Vincent Jackson, Braylon Edwards, Brandon Marshall, Anquan Boldin could hit the market if any of them hit FA market we must make a move for them.

TEs Bo Scaife, Ben Watson, or deep at draft.

O-Line
Baas OG, SF
Barron OT, St Louis
College, OG, GB
Mankins, OG, NE We should make a move for one of these three Guards.
McNeil OT, SD if SD lets Mcneil on the market his price will be high but worth the price.

Center will have to come through the draft.

D-Line – Seymore, Will Smith, Vince Wilfork,

DB – Atari Bigby, S
Marlin Jackson CB
McGee CB
Newman, CB
Webster, CB
Hobbs, CB

Overall it should be a DEEP FA market aswell as draft for a team with money available such as the Chiefs major upgrades are possible.

by kcchiefstd on Dec 8, 2009 3:39 PM CST up reply actions

Great read KC, Rec

We need to DECIDE what we want to be.
Pioli and Haley have a plan, WE just don’t have enough info yet to determine what is is.
We Will come FA and 2010 draft. AND I sure want to get my 20 cents in before the writing is on the wall.

How else can I be a wanna GM in the NFL :)

We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09. Almost there :)
And Succop will be the Key in two of them. Skins & Raiders! Pittsburgh Sweet!
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram

by Steve_Chiefs on Dec 7, 2009 8:58 PM CST reply actions

Two parts

1- get a roster
2- get a coaching staff

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Dec 7, 2009 9:42 PM CST reply actions

This just proves that we have too many holes.

We need an experienced coach quite honestly. Haley will be that coach. I think we should be balanced like the Saints.

Saints last year had the O. Just needed the D. Finished 8-8

Look at them now. Nice D. Nice O. They gonna go to the SB.

When you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

by NJChieffan16 on Dec 7, 2009 10:22 PM CST reply actions

I agree with the Saints model but I don't consider the Saints as a balanced team

They rank 18th in yds allowed per game (343.9 yds/game) and have given up the 17th most pts on defense (20.9 pts/game) which puts them in the bottom half of the league. Their defense has been getting turnovers but they are more offensive-heavy than a balanced team IMO. They have a great offensive and an adequate defense which is what I think the Chiefs should strive to be.

2009-10 Predictions:
1. Chiefs will win ATLEAST 6 games, which is a big improvement over 6 wins in 2 seasons
2. Succop will bring stability to the K position for the first time in years
3. Chiefs D will atleast double the number of sacks form last season
4. Cassel will be a top 15 QB
5. Todd Haley won't make a poster and jump around holding it up welcoming the Chiefs players to summer camp, I mean TRAINING camp

by Chiefs_KC on Dec 7, 2009 10:53 PM CST up reply actions

Defense.

The saying will never lie “Defense Wins Championships”
I always have and always will believe in it.

Charles In Charge

by KC Nate on Dec 7, 2009 10:38 PM CST reply actions

If you have a Peyton Manning or a Tom Brady as your QB you can win on any given Sunday.

But, what I have always thought backs up your point nicely is this. If you are going into the playoffs you are playing in December. Whether you are on the road or at home there is not a bad chance you will be playing outside. If you are playing outside in December those games favor a good defense over having a good offense. (For example if there is snow you will likely have more running plays making a fantastic QB less important. Also, a hard, cold ball is harder to throw and catch backing this point up more.)

So just a couple points back and forth about the “defense wins championships” slogan.

by Primussux on Dec 8, 2009 2:42 PM CST up reply actions

Yea

Though Manning/Brady may be great, I’d rather have a Great Defense over a great quarterback. If a great defense was agains PM or TB that great defense “SHOULD” prevail.

While this refernce not a truly great defense but think back to the bears sb run a few years ago. sure they didnt win but they made it all the way without a great qb. he was average, and hardly that.

"Charles In Charge"

"Defense Wins Championships"

by KC Nate on Dec 8, 2009 3:25 PM CST up reply actions

balanced

I think the Chiefs have often done the other, building primarily on one side of the ball or other. I think this can be good enough to get the team into the playoffs every year but typically not good enough to win the SB. There are exceptions, see the Ravens. But, generally, I think this puts you into an oscillation where one side of the ball is too old and by the time you rebuild that side of the ball, the other side is too old. We need to build fairly equally on both sides so that the team has a balanced maturity on both sides. Once that occurs you continue to maintain and kick out the old pieces and add new.

Air Cassel - approved for takeoff

by kabrink on Dec 8, 2009 8:06 AM CST reply actions

How ever we build we have to add team speed.

We look slow on both sides of the ball except for a couple of players like Charles and Hali. Some fast LB and S would help this defense. Speed will help cover up the mistakes.

by Helmets on Dec 8, 2009 8:19 AM CST reply actions

1997

1997 the Chiefs had good offense and defense, that was the year for this team, but that playoff loss to Denver ruined it. That game was a fluke, between the phantom hold on the field goal followed by the miss, and the whole QB “controversy,” where Grbac was given the job back even though Gannon was better. Denver lucked out in that game and went on to win the Super Bowl.

Our ‘97 team was good on both sides of the ball, but the problem is that was the only time we were good enough all around, and one bad game blew it. If you’re strong and balanced on both sides for enough years, you’ll be in the playoffs a lot and win a lot of playoff games, and you will win the Super Bowl. And one unlucky game won’t ruin your team for a decade.

The Steelers, Patriots and Colts are in the playoffs every year, and don’t have many weaknesses. They’re usually solid on both sides of the ball. The Colts didn’t win big games until they got stronger on defense. Their offense alone was never enough.

by Offense of the 70s on Dec 8, 2009 9:16 AM CST reply actions

Let's look at the teams who have won the last several SBs...Shall we?

2008 Steelers with Big Ben (defense)
2007 Giants with Eli (defense)
2006 Indy with Payton (offense)
2005 Steelers with Big Ben (defense)
2004 Pats with Tom Brady (balanced)
2003 Bucs with Brad Johnson (definitely defense)
2002 Pats with Brady (balanced)
2001 Ravens-with Trent Dilfer??? (most definitely defense)
2000 Pats-(pure luck but, I will say offense)
1999 Rams with Warner-greatest show on turf. (offense for sure)

This may or may not tell anyone anything but, I thought it would be fun to analyze. When I look at this, it tells me that even the teams with great defenses have good QBs with Baltimore’s Super Bowl win being the exception. That was possibly the greatest defense ever! What’s interesting is that even the teams that I marked as offensive teams had pretty good defenses as well.

The one thing that is consistent with almost all of these teams is the QBs. These teams all have/had very good QBs. In the case of Dilfer, he didn’t have to play well. He had the luxury of having an unstoppable defense. We don’t have that luxury. If we are EVER going to get tto the big dance, we are going to have to have a damn good QB. I’m not saying this because I think Cassel sucks (which I do) I am just saying it because it is the most consistent factor among Super Bowl winning teams. When times get tough, a great QB can pull a team out of a loss. as for the rest of the team, there is only so much they can do. Either of the Manning brothers, Tom Brady, Big Ben, Kurt Warner. Those guys are all very capable of putting a big game on their shoulders and winning it at the end. Does anybody here REALLY think that Matt Cassel is going to be as good as any of those guys? I don’t.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Dec 8, 2009 3:54 PM CST reply actions

That's why every team plays around .500 ( or should)...

Until they get that one guy(qb) to put them over the top for 10-12 years. The problem is, these guys don’t come around often. I’d stick with the D until we get “that” guy.

by 12t on Dec 8, 2009 5:37 PM CST up reply actions