In our final Outsider's Take, we finally talk to someone from the MileHighReport to get their take on the Kansas City Chiefs off-season and the state of the team from our rival's point of view. Many thanks to Stephen (hoosierteacher) from MHR for answering our questions and for giving us some intelligent answers. In case you missed the first two, you can catch the Chargers' perspective here and the Raiders' installment here. On with the Broncos:

Q: Before any of the housecleaning took place, so to speak, what was the perception toward the Chiefs as to their legitimacy within the division (i.e. how concerned were you guys about the Chiefs within the division in the foreseeable future)?

A: The Raiders are in the basement, and as long as they have their current owner, I don't see any change. The Chargers are the best of the division, but aging. Cracks are showing, and I think they are in decline. The Broncos are taking steps backwards and forwards, and this year is no different. Overall, the team is improving. KC is a team that is building over the long term. It may irritate fans, but it's the best way to build a team that can sustain success for a long while. In the next two to three years, I expect Denver and KC to be the powerhouses in the AFC West, with SD third and Oak a distant fourth.

Q: Now that the dust of the offseason has largely settled, has that perception changed? Why or why not?

A: My perception remains the same. KC had a very good draft in my opinion, and has been smooth in their off season moves. I think the team will have some tough games on the schedule, but the play of the team will be much improved.

Q: What was the one or two moves the Chiefs pulled this offseason that upset you the most?

A: I think a lot of Denver fans might have wanted your new QB to come to Denver with Coach McDaniels instead of going to a division rival. As the dust has settled, I think many fans at milehighreport are feeling good about Orton. Cutler was flashy and gained a lot of yards, but he rarely scored and he threw a lot of INTs. Orton had a much better record, and did it with lesser WRs and a lesser OL. But before Orton started growing on some of us, I think many of us coveted Cassel.

Q. What are the primary one or two things, from your perspective, that still need to be done?

A: I think that there are are two areas of concern moving forward. First, I think a coaching change was needed. No matter how good the new coach is, there will be an adjustment period. With Haley's tough style, the team may benefit in the long term, but I think things might be a little rough the first year. The coach will need to assert his style, but it will take time to sink in with guys used to the Edwards approach.
 
In close proximity to the first point, I think the change to the 3-4 is the right move, but will likewise suffer an adjustment period at first. Those would be my two biggest concerns. In terms of players, I think the Chiefs are moving forward well. I think the Chiefs made a little bit of a short term sacrifice for a long term gain.

Q: Finally, what do you predict for the Chiefs over the next two NFL seasons?

A: I think the Chiefs will have a turbulent year this year, with some promising wins and awful losses. However, I expect the Chiefs to pass SD in the second year (with Den), and to be positioned for a fight to make the playoffs. Like Denver, I think the Chiefs had to take a step back in order to take several steps forward. This year I think KC will have close to an even or better season. Next year, I think they will be competing for a playoff spot. Beyond that, I think KC will have an established, competitive program for several years.