Chiefs Would be Wise to Note Offensive Trends

by Joel Thorman on Mar 19, 2009 3:43 PM CDT in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Draft

I've noted several times that NFL teams as a whole are creating a trend that places a heavy emphasis on the offensive side of the ball. The quarterback position, and by extension the offensive line's pass blocking, have become without a doubt the number one most important building block in building, or in the Kansas City Chiefs case, re-building a team.

As we continue our discussions regarding who and what position the Chiefs should select with the third overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, I wanted to throw a few numbers at you to demonstrate the offensive trend in the NFL.

The average NFL game in 2008 had a combined total of 44.06 points per game. As Rich McKay, co-chair of the NFL's Competition Committee and President of the Atlanta Falcons noted in his conference call with the media the other day, this is the highest the league has seen since 1970 and the ninth highest of all time.

In addition to that, NFL teams combined for an average of 654.5 yards per game in 2008, which is the 8th highest tally of all time. The spike in yards is a correlation to the emphasis NFL teams have given to the passing game.

Before 1990, only five times did a quarterback attempt over 600 passes. Nowadays that's common place as the NFL leader in pass attempts has gone over 600 five of the last seven years.

It's not just the offenses that are excelling at putting points on the board either. The kicking games are becoming more and more sophisticated as the years go by. The culmination of this was in 2008 when NFL kickers hit 84.5% of their attempts - the highest success rate in the history of the NFL.

I'd be stating the obvious if I said scoring a ton of points translates into wins. In fact, the 2004 Chiefs (7-9) were the last team to finish in the top 10 and not win at least eight games.

With the NFL emphasizing the offensive side of the ball, the Chiefs have two options:

Address the offense (specifically the offensive line) and keep up with the rest of the NFL.
Address the defense and stay ahead of the curve on how to stop these offenses.

These trends are also cyclical, as McKay noted in the conference call. Offenses will spike until defensive coordinators figure out a game plan to stop them.

I'm not arguing for one side or the other in the 2009 Draft. I'm just saying that the Chiefs would be wise to note the direction offenses in the league are headed - and that's up.

Tweet Comment 53 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

So we'll put Primetime on record

as saying the Chiefs should draft Crabtree.

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Mar 19, 2009 3:45 PM CDT reply actions

That's what you really meant, right?

Haha.

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Mar 19, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Ha No Because...

A) Both lines are more important and…

B) I don’t want to get

UCrawford’d

by Joel Thorman on Mar 19, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Nobody wants to get UCrawford'd :)

There's no hope with dope...

by chrisjo07 on Mar 19, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions

J/K UC. You make a great argument for the re-building of our favorite franchise.

There's no hope with dope...

by chrisjo07 on Mar 19, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah it's a joke

But a good one if you ask me.

by Joel Thorman on Mar 19, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions

coward.

by Official Arrowhead Pride Parade on Mar 19, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Balance......

When Herm came and let one of the very best offenses go to pot……that was ridicous. They should not rob Peter to pay Paul. There has to be balance and that’s what Herm ruined and never seem to understand on his own. You have to have both ranked in the top ten.

by jcox31mc on Mar 19, 2009 3:53 PM CDT reply actions

Excellent point

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Mar 19, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions

i have a question just say for some crazy reason we have monroe and curry on the board who we going with

FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.

by sexassassin on Mar 19, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Either one is fine by me

And with Pioli’s history either one makes sense.

by Joel Thorman on Mar 19, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions

i would have to go curry

although these last years without a run game just kills me but . What kills me even more is being helpless on d.

FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.

by sexassassin on Mar 19, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions

i think monroe is the safe pick i cant decide pioli good luck.

FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.

by sexassassin on Mar 19, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions

don't plan on having a run game any time soon

were crossing the Pats with The Cards and Chan Gailey. Cassel’s numbers are going to be so inflated he’ll put up the same number Colt Brennan did in Hawaii

Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.

by 808NaNz808 on Mar 19, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Not necessarily both in the top 10

Maybe one in the top 10 and another that’s mediocre or better.

by Joel Thorman on Mar 19, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions

agreed

but if your defense is what your team leans on your going to need a good return and field goal unit.

If you lean on offense your going to need good kickoff and Punt units to pin the opposing offense far back enough that your D has plenty of chances to stop them.

Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.

by 808NaNz808 on Mar 19, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Any REALLY weak link will kill you......

……whether Offense, Defense or Special Teams. This is Professional Sport. There are 31 other very smart and capable coaches and coaching staffs that are going to find your weaknesses and take advantgage of them. That’s why BALANCE is so important. You can already see how Pioli and Haley are doing things to help all phases of the game. I’m very enthused in what I’m seeing. I hope that our special teams are very good.

by jcox31mc on Mar 19, 2009 4:12 PM CDT reply actions

THE #1 SHOULD SOLIDIFY THE OFFENSE AND FURTHER ASSURES A SUCCESSFUL TRADE AT QB

I’ll say it again…an overall #3 is not correct for a LB. Only QB’s and LT’s rate at that spot.

Also, Curry is exciting but LB’s emerge (from low picks or FA) more often than cinch Pro Bowl OT’s. Taking an OT would likley bring the Pro Bowl calibre of line players (G,T,T) to 3 and then you have QB, RB, TE and the 2 wideouts as highly productive and/or Pro Bowl. The pick of the OT soildifies both sides of the O line to to protect Cassel allowing the trade to be successful.

The Cassel trade not working would be Catostophic.

since63

by since63 on Mar 19, 2009 4:42 PM CDT reply actions

Define

“not working”.

You think it's coincidence that I bleed red?

by Mully on Mar 19, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Injured...due to a sack. Pressured....running for his life. Lack of offensive productivity at the Thigpen level (minimum wins)

A solified OL might also reinvigorate Larry Johnson.

since63

by since63 on Mar 19, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

O-line in this arguement

by Steve_Chiefs on Mar 19, 2009 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions

lol .......

Maybe cassel should learn to scramble like tyler!!

by CPT.Caveman on Mar 21, 2009 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't think were picking up Curry

I’m officially off the Curry Wagon. If we had two solid Tackles we’d be dangerous, especially with Cassel’s mobility, if all the pressure comes from the inside he’ll know just when to get out of the pocket. If we sign Goff all we’d need is a 3rd round center and our line would be complete for at least 2-3 seasons. Mr.Hunt did say we’d be offensively oriented, I think we’ll build on the only successful unit KC had last year.

Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.

by 808NaNz808 on Mar 19, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions

either that

or we trade down to nab Maualuga, which in my opinion would be an awesome move

Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.

by 808NaNz808 on Mar 19, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions

The defense needs at least another draft and and another free agnet or two

since63

by since63 on Mar 19, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed

To get where we are going

by Steve_Chiefs on Mar 19, 2009 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions

"Only QB’s and LT’s rate (an overall #3...spot)"

Trouble is, not /all/ QBs and LTs rate that spot.

Now, if there’s a LT on the board who rates it, and is BPA/BVA, I’m good with that choice.

Cassel vs. Thigpen in Camp should improve the play of both.
Next on the need list: linebacker, and both lines

by Bleedingredandgold on Mar 19, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions

There are OT's but not QB's worth #3 in 2009 draft

by Steve_Chiefs on Mar 19, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Fix the easiest fix first and play to Haley's strength

since63

by since63 on Mar 19, 2009 5:21 PM CDT reply actions

If we have a shootout caliber offense,

we always have a chance of winning, yeah I know Vermiel years, but I would rather have that, and not the horrible stuff we have watched the last three years. Build on the offense this year, get it up to its potential, work on defense, and other areas of the team in the following years. We do have a talented guy at GM now to build this team, and the offense does play more into the coaches strengths. (HC,OC)

Now hopefully this team is fun to watch again! Thanks Scott, Clark!!

by Eric Allen on Mar 19, 2009 5:26 PM CDT reply actions

Young Pro Bowl OT's are NEVER EVER found in Free Agency...

…grab one now. Thanks to those of you that are now joining me in advocating “steak” not “sizzle” with this pick.

since63

by since63 on Mar 19, 2009 5:33 PM CDT reply actions

Hey, I am with ya,

it all starts in the trenches, you have nothing without the ability to score points. It is also fun to watch!

Now hopefully this team is fun to watch again! Thanks Scott, Clark!!

by Eric Allen on Mar 19, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions

The Monroe Kid

I saw him on NFL Network at the combine. Incredible feet. Great ethic and personality and rated higher than good freind Brandon Albert. Cinch player for years to come. Note: I am a former LB who loves Defensive FB and tired of the Vermiel era BUT for several weeks I have become more and more convinced that an OT is the correct choice.

since63

by since63 on Mar 19, 2009 5:44 PM CDT reply actions

I would rather have the ability

to score at will, but I do like the big hits a tough defense brings. I think a team neds to be built from the lines back, if the d-line is horrible, linebackers wind up with three hundred pound o-lineman on them, and rendered pretty much useless. No offense intended.:)

Now hopefully this team is fun to watch again! Thanks Scott, Clark!!

by Eric Allen on Mar 19, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions

You're right about lineman on the backers...

…but I haven’t given up on Dorsey yet. Maybe too small….but always hustling with a big heart. I keyed on him alot last year.

since63

by since63 on Mar 19, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Perfect example,

Ray Lewis, Chiefs vs. Baltimore I think it was 04, maybe 05 we had o-lineman at the second level everytime, Chiefs high powered offense dominated the Ravens d. Ravens not having much offense, could not win with their d.

Now hopefully this team is fun to watch again! Thanks Scott, Clark!!

by Eric Allen on Mar 19, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions

i remember that game!

ray lewis was miked up and they caught him saying he couldn’t rush because he had an o lineman in his face every down. he was pissed and frustrated.

by dr. kill 4 on Mar 20, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions

D-fence

You can have the best offense evar and score 100 points a game but if your D consistently leaks like a sieve and you concede 101 points, you might as well not turn up.

Blame my wife!
Waiting until August!

by sir eccles on Mar 19, 2009 5:53 PM CDT reply actions

We'd have won several more games last year...

…even with a defense that sucked, if we’d have been able to power up with LJ in the 4th quarter. How many games was it that we were ahead in the 4th only to lose when we couldn’t close the deal offensively.

since63

by since63 on Mar 19, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions

If he could/would play

LJ had to sit out some of the games we lost because he’s an idiot. When he does play, he doesn’t have near the intensity he had before signing his current ridiculous contract. I say not thanks to pinning my hopes on LJ.

by Chiefs4Life on Mar 20, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions

ala Denver Broncos 08

Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.

by 808NaNz808 on Mar 19, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions

I think a huge part of our defensive woes

were scheme and coaching related. If we have coaches that implement even the most basic scheme, as long as it’s a reasonable scheme and they coach the players well enough so that they understand their roles, we’re bound to see significant improvement.

As much as I don’t like the new D coaching staff, I do think we’ll play to the strengths of our personnel and it should net us some big positives. That being said, OT makes the most sense IMO.

Vae Victis!

by Buck'O on Mar 19, 2009 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions

The Tampa 2 was the problem

it doesn’t work unless you have an awesome linebacking core and two solid DT. We had…. a starting rookie DT

Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.

by 808NaNz808 on Mar 19, 2009 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions

sir

thats what im saying i dont want to be that team that scores a million and lose by one
both sides of the ball need to be addressed and we still have alot of money my guess is that we are saving it for the players that get cut .

FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.

by sexassassin on Mar 19, 2009 6:19 PM CDT reply actions

I guess I'm stating the obvious

The Chiefs can address the offense or defense…well, duh.

by Joel Thorman on Mar 19, 2009 8:32 PM CDT reply actions

If the needs are equal...

We have a lot of holes on both sides of the ball. So I think with the number 3 pick you HAVE to take the best player that fills a need.

IMO there is no question that Monroe will be awesome. I also think that Curry will turn into an absolute BEAST. Since we need help on our O-Line and we need help with our LB’s the question is which one is the better overall player. I think that almost everyone would agree that Curry is the best player in his position (possibly the whole draft).

Monroe or Curry…either way we are going to get one hell of a player with our 3rd pick (I just can’t see how Pioli could get the pick wrong with 2 studs like this to choose from.) I am still leaning to Curry because I think he will be the best player taken in this draft regardless of position.

One more point…If I had to choose between a Chiefs team with a dominate offense or a Chiefs team with a dominate defense. I would take the dominate D every time. (I must say the ideal situation would be a blend of a great O and a great D, but so few team can "have it all")

by KCChiefs on Mar 19, 2009 9:19 PM CDT reply actions

I disagree

I posted about how KC loves a dominate “D”
But hopefully we are on a 2yr glidepath to Nirvana.
A “O” line would get us there for more years than a “D” line will.
We have a Cassel “Castle” that needs protection build a Moat “line” to allow his developement.
Gonzalez, Johnson, and Bowe are “O” weapons that will allow scoring behind strong Line “Moat”.
Pioli is accumalating depth as we post. Slot WR +backup, ILB + backup, KR/PR, QB, and OLB.
We might go O or D. But O would give us a longer term impact than D at this time.

by Steve_Chiefs on Mar 19, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions

We had a good Offense last year.

Thiggy’s numbers where not that far off from Cassel’s. The Chiefs lost 14 games last year beacuse of our D (or more to the point our lack of D). If the Chiefs are going to win games this year we HAVE to improve on D.

by KCChiefs on Mar 19, 2009 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions

The arguement could be made either way

the defense was on the field so much that they were getting tired. We had a good secondary last year, and the injuries didn’t help. We didn’t have enough depth at the linebacker spot Pat Thomas came out of nowhere to earn a starting role. A couple of linebackers last year and we would have been off the field sooner.

offensively, if we could have remained on the field – more time for the defense to rest. Even when Jared Allen was here, the defense was on the field too much. One man is not a defense, but it helped.

Generally, offensive players are easier to integrate into a team as starters than defensive ones as far as making an impact goes. Warren Sapp didn’t blow up his first year either. I say get Curry this year, and get some more offense next year(if we have to pick) and then EXPLODE back into contention. i’d rather see a superbowl in 2 years than start losing our offensive players to free agency just as the defensive ones develop.

by TDubb on Mar 20, 2009 6:39 AM CDT up reply actions

Simply put...the Offense elevates faster with Monroe than the Defense with Curry...

…let’s get elevation anywhere with the least resistence. That would be Offense in the short term.

since63

by since63 on Mar 19, 2009 9:52 PM CDT reply actions

+1

Great call! Short, sweet, succint.

Let’s win now. GO CHIEFS!

Vae Victis!

by Buck'O on Mar 19, 2009 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

Brandon Spikes will be there next year we can nab a special linebacker then

Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.

by 808NaNz808 on Mar 20, 2009 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Does it really matter?

As long as we win that is all that matters. Sometimes it is about balance. Baltimore, NY, the Steelers never impressed in polls or ESPN highlights. However they always manage to win. I believe that is what Pilli is trying to accomplish – a good team.

by ALR on Mar 19, 2009 10:05 PM CDT reply actions