Which Kansas City Chiefs are Under the Most Pressure in 2009?

by Joel Thorman on Jul 11, 2009 8:00 AM CDT in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Offseason

Here's how the list shakes out for the folks over at the four letter network:

I'm a little surprised by the addition of LT. He's set for a major decline in production this season when age and carries are considered but somehow, someway he continues to reinvent himself to be the #1 fantasy option in football. I fully expect Chargers GM A.J. Smith to have no hesitation in deciding that LT is done and cutting him loose if he fails to perform this season.

This list got me thinking about our team in Kansas City. Do we have any players that have to perform in 2009 or face losing their job? Will the new defensive system give the players a bigger learning curve? What offensive players are facing a prove-it year?

Which three Chiefs players are under the most pressure in 2009? Here's how my list would shake out:

3. Matt Cassel

I would definitely say there's a pressure to perform but Matt Cassel will be the Chiefs quarterback for several seasons because A) he appears to be the best fit for Todd Haley and Scott Pioli and B) he'll likely have a long-term deal in place before the season starts.

So, the pressure is there but I don't necessarily think he has to put up Pro Bowl numbers to keep his job.

2. Derrick Johnson

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, DJ has to show he can perform in the new 3-4 defense. Zach Thomas is on record that this will be DJ's best system and should exploit his strengths. A poor season could mean the Chiefs don't re-sign him.

I'm sitting in Austin, TX right now, DJ's alma mater, so I gotta be careful what I say.

1. Larry Johnson

It's simple. The biggest salaries create the most scrutiny. Larry Johnson currently has the biggest contract on the team (and franchise history) thus he's expected to put up big numbers. Only problem is he hasn't done that the last two seasons.

This season, more than any other, will make or break LJ. After '09 (and even right now), the Chiefs can get cheaply get out of his contract.

Ultimately, though, running backs are a dime a dozen in this league. I think the smart way to run this offense is invest in the offensive line and rotate lesser running backs in and out of there.

***

Who did I miss?

Defensive ends transitioning to linebacker

Mainly, Tamba Hali and Turk McBride. This is a difficult situation to assess. On the one hand, the team can quickly decide whether or not these players will "get it" when it comes to making the switch. On the other hand, they might be inclined to take their relatively low salaries and wait it out.

Wide receivers

Basically, everyone but Dwayne Bowe has no lock on a job for 2010. They're all playing for their jobs in my opinion. No one has stood out thus far in their careers. Bobby Engram is working on a one year, $875,000 deal so he's certainly not guaranteed for 2010. To be given a roster spot on the 2010 team, everyone after Dwayne Bowe has to step up.

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Cassell, Johnson & Johnson are good choices

I think Cassell’s got the target for highest expectations, so he’d top my list. Johnson and Johnson are our first round picks from 2003 and 2005. To me, Derrick is solid and that’s all I really expect. I’ve lowered my superstar expectations of him, but he could get to a Pro Bowl someday. Larry would be a bonus if he shows up this year, but I agree that a good second tier (below Adrian Peterson, LT in his day) running back doesn’t seem to be that hard to develop. So I don’t think Larry has as much pressure to play well as much as he has pressure to keep his nose clean.

So after Cassell, I’d go with the first round picks from 2006-2008:

2006 Tamba Hali - Let’s assume a splintered coaching strategy and failed “give him Jared’s spot” idea hurt him last year. And also assume that this year’s defensive coaches know what they’re doing. (That’s not a terrific assumption to make, given their resumes, but I’ll be a homer for a sec.) Hali has to make some plays. He’s good at causing fumbles. He was actually doing pass coverage more than people remember last year. But can he transition to a 3-4 LB?

2007 Dwayne Bowe - All show and no pro? Can Dwayne settle into dependability while still gearing up for spectaculor moments? I generally like his attitude and the way he plays. The pressure will be on him from the defense and from fans. How will he perform? I’m optimistic regarding Bowe.

2008 Glenn Dorsey - Overrated in last year’s draft? Along with Jackson, DJ and others, I think Dorsey will be one of the right 53. I’m a fan of Dorsey and believe he will be part of an increasingly tough total defense for the next five years. I don’t know that our defense will have a Ray Lewis person as it’s defining characteristic. Dorsey will anchor improved defensive line play and be stronger this year doing it. The pressure’s on him more than Tyler, more than Jackson, more than the rest. On the field, Dorsey has got the pressure to lead the line to do great things this year.

by sunny D on Jul 11, 2009 8:42 AM CDT reply actions

Hali: I explained part of that above. I think he’s playing out his rookie deal no matter what.

Bowe: I don’t see him being under a ton of pressure. He’s proved he’s a 80-90 catch, 1,000 yard receiver. Are you asking him to produce more or maintain those steady numbers?

Dorsey: Still a couple years out from producing. B/c of his contract, he’ll be given even more leeway than Hali in transitioning to the 3-4.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Jul 11, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Same Here

Hali, Dorsey and Bowe, in that order…for all the reasons mentioned. Although I also think Derrick Johnson should be considered. We’ve been hearing for five years now how Johnson’s a potentially great player who can lead this defense and for five years he’s put up mediocre numbers and the Chiefs’ defenses have generally stunk. He’s in a contract year, so if he wants to show he’s anything more than a journeyman or even a backup he he has to produce this season.

In fact, I think he’s probably got more to prove than Bowe.

Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
3. Maurice Carthon will be the most hated man on the Chiefs' coaching staff within two years.
4. Larry Johnson has already played his last meaningful game for the Kansas City Chiefs. He's gone before the 2009 season starts.
5. Larry Johnson will gain 0 yards rushing for the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs.

by UCrawford on Jul 11, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions

I think DJ has more to prove than Dorsey as well

I hope people don’t expect too much out of a defensive lineman who is switching from 4-3 DT to 3-4 DE in his second year – Don’t get me wrong, Dorsey will contribute, and may even improve drastically as the season goes on, but we have to be reasonable in our expectations of him

Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.

by PVChiefsfan on Jul 11, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Right

DJ’s entering the last year of his contract so, even though we’re switching, he has to show enough to get another deal.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Jul 11, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions

I Don't Really Expect Much More Out Of Him, Though

Every year he’s on this list and every year he produces at about the same level. The only reason I wouldn’t rank him above Dorsey is because Dorsey’s more of an unknown quantity at this point so if he doesn’t produce that’s going to say a lot about how bad the decision to draft him (and trade Jared Allen) was, whereas if Johnson doesn’t produce beyond what he’s already done I’m probably not even going to care…I think that after five years in the NFL a player pretty much is what he’s shown he is.

Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Jul 11, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Pressure due to contracts

Good stuff, PT. I think you’ve got a greater emphasis on the role of contract status and upcoming negotiations. It’s always interesting to me how terms like pressure and who’s a “bust” have so many interpretations.

Bowe: I don’t see him being under a ton of pressure. He’s proved he’s a 80-90 catch, 1,000 yard receiver. Are you asking him to produce more or maintain those steady numbers?

1. So much talk of “drops” can start to play with a person’s head. I think it’s overblown, but that on-side kick must have literally been a nightmare more than one evening in the past few months. He’s got pressure to get “catch everything I touch” in his head and not even have the d word enter his head.

2. Opposing coaches are going to focus on shutting him down. Lot of double coverage to beat.

3. Anyone who markets himself by putting “show” after his name is bringing on some added pressure. Can he deal with it? I think he can back it up. A little chest-pumping is good, and I expect him to moderate his swagger to be just right. Again, I don’t think it’s been out of line — just attracts the spotlight.

4. Numbers: He’s gotta look around and with the departure of TG, feel like has MUST get 1500 yards this year. Yes, I also believe he’s got to get 1,500 because his team needs it from him.

Dorsey: Still a couple years out from producing. B/c of his contract, he’ll be given even more leeway than Hali in transitioning to the 3-4.

Dorsey has been asked to do the dirty work in the trenches, so I don’t believe any knowledgeable fan thinks of him as a bust. But he has the pressure of being poster child for high D-line Chiefs draft picks this year. We’ve got Sims analogies in the back of the closet just waiting to be laid on him, although I doubt he knows or cares much about that. But he’s the one drated higher than Tank and Turk, and has a year of experience over Jackson and Magee. If we are poor against the run, the finger will point mostly in his direction, I believe. Our rookies will get a pass.

I think that it may be difficult to prove how well he’s doing with just the number of tackles, sacks, forced fumbles and such. If Hali has a banner year, perhaps a lot of the credit will need to go to Dorsey — for “assists” — but it would be hard tor anyone but coaches going through tape to know. (BTW, I will be so glad to watch the first pre-season game and SEE which side everyone on the front seven is playing. Even though I could probably take a stab at who’s left and who’s right, it’s been hard to keep it all straight in my head. haha)

by sunny D on Jul 13, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Sackintosh should be on that list.

Colin Brown is in town… Barry Richardson, and Herb Taylor are on his foot steps. If he doesn’t step up he will be riding the pine.

by ravenhawk on Jul 11, 2009 9:15 AM CDT reply actions

Richardon and Taylor haven't seized their opportunity yet

And from what I read Colin Brown is a ways away.

I see the argument for Sackintosh being on there but no one is behind him pushing him for his job.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Jul 11, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions

I read nothing stating Colin is a ways away...

Just that he isn’t there yet… which should be expected. If Macintosh doesn’t show that he has anything left in the tank this year the RT position will be taken away from him.

Barry Richardson looked pretty good at LT when he was backing Brandon Albert up… Switching him to RT could be a mistake or could be a sweet deal. Herb Taylor has not had enough play to really say either way.

Colin Brown may not start this year, but could be ready next year. If Sackintosh doesn’t get the pass blocking thing down he should be considered a backup.

(I will give him credit… he is Ok at rush blocking off of the line of scrimmage)

by ravenhawk on Jul 11, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Herb Taylor backed up at LT, not Richardson.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Jul 11, 2009 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

thats exactly what I was going too say Haley did say Browns competing for a starting spot

by tomahawk44 on Jul 11, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions

I think Mcintosh gets a bad rap on here

Granted, he did not play all that great last year but, he was moved to a new position that he had never played before in his life. He has always been a pretty good player and he did a fine job towards the end of the season last year, even with a terrible RG next to him which he had to babysit.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Jul 11, 2009 10:16 AM CDT reply actions

No He Doesn't

Sackintosh stinks. He’s stunk for the last two seasons. He was so bad last year that teams were lining up their best pass rushers on the right to take advantage of his immobility. He’s a semi-competent run-blocker, but he’s one of the worst pass-blockers in the NFL right now and an absolute albatross around the Chiefs’ neck. Leaving him in place for the 2010 season and not seeking a replacement was a poor decision on the part of Chiefs management.

Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Jul 11, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions

DID.....

coaching, conditioning, experience at the position, and the guy playing next to him (adrian jones) have anything to do with mr. MacIntosh’s performance last season ???

by dinomight on Jul 11, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions

He's Been A Tackle In The NFL For Nine Years

At that point you really can’t blame the coaching staff for consistently not executing at your position. Did you watch the Atlanta game? Abraham was playing out of position to go up against him just because McIntosh was so slow and inept…normally Abraham goes against the left tackle so he can come in from the blindside. Of course our LT was a league-average pass-blocker so why go against him when you can go against someone who can’t lay a hand on you?

Adrian Jones didn’t have anything to do with pass rushers blowing around Sackintosh in 2007. It’s also debatable that he had anything to do with Sackintosh having pass rushers blow around him from the outside in 2008 either…he’s got two bad knees so he’s immobile, and he’s got a questionable attitude. There’s a reason why two teams he started for have let him skip…teams simply don’t let good young tackles leave very often, and it pretty much never happens to the same guy twice unless he’s got serious holes in his game or in his head. The Chargers and Dolphins dumped him because he stunk, Carl Peterson scooped him up like he has so many terrible free agents, and despite what Peterson said McIntosh has never performed at an acceptable level in his two years here. He was a terrible left tackle, playing on the same side as Brian Waters, and he was an even worse right tackle (which is supposed to be an easier position for a decent run-blocker with pass-blocking problems) last year. RT should be considered the primary area in need of addressing next offseason.

Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Jul 12, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions

The receivers as a whole

I think they are going to be under pressure to pick up the slack from TG. Now on the plus side, instead of an under pressure QB just defaulting to the easy option we have in theory a more accomplished QB and hopefully a better line to work behind so I don’t think we’ll see the default option so much anyway. But nonetheless the WRs and young TEs need to step up and demand the ball.

Blame my wife!
Waiting until August!

by sir eccles on Jul 11, 2009 10:27 AM CDT reply actions

What kind of pressure is Tomlinson under?

He’s getting old but its not like he hasn’t had an extremely successful career.

Viva 65tosspowertrap! The master of incoherent, nonsensical ramblings.

by HIV 2 Elway on Jul 11, 2009 11:26 AM CDT reply actions

That's kinda what I thought

I guess he could be cut loose after this season…but at age 30 and with his workload history that’s to be expected.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Jul 11, 2009 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions

He's Got To Prove He's Not Washed Up

It’s a legitimate concern coming off his worst professional season last year. And I think he’ll probably lose that one because he’s getting those kind of nagging injuries that indicate a RB’s legs are going.

Agreed that he’s had a great career, though.

Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Jul 12, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Cassell and Johnson

Both of em have to prove they aren’t flash in the pan players. I consider Johnson in the category bc after 2 awsome seasons he got his big contract after whinning and then fell off in production.

Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.

by maveric_87 on Jul 11, 2009 5:53 PM CDT reply actions

Suprised not much mention of Jackson

While Dorsey was drafted high, that was on somebody else’s watch. Jackson will be making # 3 money and be a referendum on Piolis drafting skills. Maybe not #1 but has to crack top 5.
For me:

1) Cassell
2) Jackson
3) Dorsey
4) Hali
5) Derrick Johsnon

i don’t really count LJ because so many people expect him to tank. Man is he going low on fantasy boards

by paxi on Jul 12, 2009 7:19 AM CDT reply actions

I'm gonna take a flyer on this one...

Tyler Thigpen. Not external pressure, as in other cases, but rather internal. I have a hunch that he’s hungry, and wantes to prove he’s got what it takes, at least as a talented back-up, and (in his mind, at least) as a potential starter.

Sure, Cassel’s under pressure, but he’s been handed the keys to the car. IMO, Thiggy wants to drive, too, and given the way the game goes, if he win’s the #2 slot, he’ll have a chance to get on the field at least once this season. QB’s take a pounding. Even if I’m statistically wrong, look at last year. That goes to establishing expectations on TT’s part. I expect him to be fully ready to step in, if/when Cassel goes down. He’s gotta know that if he gets the chance, and flubs it, he’s done as a candidate to start, if not in the NFL altogether.
Last year, he had a season to acclimate. This year, he might only get one chance. He can’t afford to blow it.

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

by Bleedingredandgold on Jul 12, 2009 11:51 AM CDT reply actions

I'd Agree

Especially considering Cassel’s tendency to take sacks last year behind a decent New England o-line. He’s likely going to get pummeled this season. Hopefully the Chiefs won’t go down the same road the Browns went down with Tim Couch where they get a QB they think is going to be their franchise and then don’t invest seriously in the o-line until injuries end his career.

Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Jul 12, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions

We need an O-line upgrade, no doubt about it.

Prolly the D-line, too, but I’m not gonna say much until we’ve seen them play. New system, and all that. Same with the LBs, so I see no reason to change my .sig quite yet.

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

by Bleedingredandgold on Jul 12, 2009 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Interesting perspective on Thigpen

There are a lot of different reasons for “pressure” in this thread. Thanks for something different.

Tyler Thigpen. Not external pressure, as in other cases, but rather internal

Hopefully, he does feel pressure and not just “yeah, I’m a back-up.” I thought he was too short; couldn’t see over the line and had a bad trajectory on throws when he first started. But he began to find ways to see his targets, and — through reps — know where they were supposed to be.

by sunny D on Jul 13, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions