Boom and Bust: Chiefs

by Jaime S on Jul 29, 2010 4:37 PM CDT

It's already almost August, meaning training camp is finally here. The Chiefs have been fairly busy this offseason, acquiring both players and coaches, with Thomas Jones and Charlie Weis being the latest examples. With the Broncos once again, trading away a key offensive player, and the Chargers not signing key offensive players, the Chiefs have a decent chance at the division this year. This year is an exciting year for just about every team, and this year, I can actually say that without crossing my fingers. I've been going around to every team in the order of the draft and have been trying to predict who will have a big year and who will have a poor one, and as you can already tell, it's the Chiefs' turn.

*Just want to say, "Bust" just means down year, not complete failure*

BOOM! - S Eric Berry

When the Chiefs drafted Berry with the 5th pick overall, they struck a gold mine. When Berry was a safety at Tennessee, he was a difference maker and play maker. In his first two years, he had a total of 12 interceptions and 3 sacks. When they stopped throwing at him at all he had 2 INTs his last year. Berry will lead the Chiefs in INTs this year and will be a play maker and a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Berry can do big things and has the potential of a healthy Bob Sanders and is such an athlete he can go rush the QB and stop the run in addition to his ability to be a ball hawk. His speed, strength, and natural ball hawk skills make him a dangerous player in the secondary. If he doesn't put up numbers similar to that of Jairus Byrd last year, I'll be surprised.

Bust... - RB Thomas Jones

Despite coming off his best year, Jones is in for a reality check this year. The past year when he rushed for over 1,400 yards and 14 TDs with the Jets, he had arguably the best offensive line in the league, at least for rushing. Last year, Jones had ex-Chief Tony Richardson leading the way for him, too. Now, he will be playing for the Chiefs alongside Jamaal Charles, who is far more versatile than the soon-to-be 32 year old Jones. While Jones will probably get the starting job, he will not have as good of an O-line in Kansas City and will be losing carries to Charles. Yes, Shonn Greene did take away carries from Jones last year, but Jones still got a majority of the carries. Charles will be getting playing time in all passing downs as well as 3rd down opportunities. And Jones really showed his age at the end of the year last year. His average yards per carry for the last 6 games were less than 3.1 yards per carry. He got worn down last year and this year, I'd guess 800 yards and 6 TDs for about 250 carries this year.

While Eric Berry could breakout as a rookie, expect little from Jones aside from leadership. Jones is a warrior, but few 30+ RBs have good years, especially when going to a rebuilding team like KC. Now go ahead and let me know who you think I missed. Next team up: the Seattle Seahawks.

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.

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good post

IF TJ “only” gets 800yds and 6TDs…. that’s far from a “bust”… that’s a fantastic 2nd RB line

this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?

by stagdsp on Jul 29, 2010 4:43 PM CDT reply actions

Pretty bold statement

Saying that Jones will have a “bust” year. I think it’s widely understood that he’ll be sharing the backfield with Charles, not taking up the role of a “feature back”. Just because he won’t hit 1400 yards doesn’t mean it was a bad year at all. 800 sounds like a great year for someone mostly used as a short yardage/spell back.

TOUCHDOWN! KAN-SAH-CITY!!!

by TheScootness on Jul 29, 2010 4:45 PM CDT reply actions

Good post...

But calling a complimentary back that racks up 800 yards and 6 TDs a “bust” is kind of shitty.

"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"

by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 29, 2010 4:45 PM CDT reply actions

you could say it's very optimistic...

IF he gets 800yds and 6TDs… AND people still say he was the biggest bust of KCs offseason… that means that everyone else is having a fantastic year!

this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?

by stagdsp on Jul 29, 2010 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions

That's one way to look at it.

by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 29, 2010 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

my boom/bust players

Boom:

Matt Cassel. I just saw him on ESPNs Fantasy football rankings #196, right after julian Edelman… so, I think I’ll draft him this year. Cassel has all the tools, and most importantly the work ethic, toughness and leadership it takes to be a great QB… THIS year, he also has a presumably much-improved OL, better running game, and the “Dex-factor”… not to mention a nice new big fat OC that’ll keep him on point. I expect a BIG year from Matty C… 4,000 yds passing, 20 TD/10 INT, 63% completions

Bust:
Chris Chambers. Chambers had a heckofa year last year, and became Cassel’s favorite target… but Chambers in the past, had one good year with his new team, then trailed off. He is also getting up there in years. I think this year’s passing game will focus on Bowe, McCluster and dump offs to the RBs/play action passes, and (I suspect) lots of passes to Moeaki. Chambers will contribute, but i wouldn’t bet on him having more than 500yds receiving.

this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?

by stagdsp on Jul 29, 2010 5:02 PM CDT reply actions

I don't think Chambers will bust.

Teams will continue to concentrate on Bowe, and IMO Chamber will still get alot of chances.

by CPT.Caveman on Jul 29, 2010 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions

we'll see...

but, hIm being a “bust” wouldnt’ bother me at all… IF Bowe is back to over 1,000 yds, and McCluster/Moeaki turn into big offensive weapons.

Also, I will admit that I probably didn’t pay attention to the post close enough… Cassel isn’t a new player this year, so I could have picked another Boom player like, say…

Javier Arenas I always liked seeing this guy play in college… he has a knack for the big play, and seems to always be proving that he’s not too small to play with the big kids. Arenas is a spark plug that will help the Chiefs on Defense with some BIG INTs. and Sacks… and he has the potential to instantly be one of the league’s best return men (I saw him ranked somewhere as the 7th best KR in the NFL, before he’s ever set foot on the field) I predict 3 INTs (1 for a TD), 3 Sacks, 3 return TDs… and a firey leader on the defense.

this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?

by stagdsp on Jul 29, 2010 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, if I had to pick one, I'd be comfortable with Chambers over say...

Bowe, McCluster, Arenas, Moeaki, Lewis, Carr, etc.

by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 29, 2010 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah...

it’s tough to say whom I would put in the new player “bust” category…

maybe

Bust:

Shaun Smith: Crennel likely brought in Smith hoping to “recapture some magic” … but, there’s a chance Smith doesn’t even make the roster. I am hopeful that he can come in and make an impact, but it’s hard to have too high of expectations considering his recent lack of production and interest from other teams. The x factor here could be Lokey… IF he continues his development into at least a rotational player, the Chiefs could cut Smith, and roll with an Edwards/Lokey combo at NT… which would bode well for the future, IF Lokey can play.

this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?

by stagdsp on Jul 29, 2010 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions

It would be hard to call a guy who came in as depth and got a 1 year deal for 630k a "bust" no matter what happens with him

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 29, 2010 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions

that's fair

but, I REALLY like the potential of the draft picks, TJ and Lilja/Weigmann… so… who else is there?

this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?

by stagdsp on Jul 29, 2010 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Old players?

I agee about the draft picks and hardly fair to call them busts first year. This is a young team and its hard to call young players a bust. And the guys who aren’t young are mostly signed to short term low money deals. The only two guys I can see that would even qualify in the “bust” category at the end of the year would be Lilja, DJ or Cassel.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 29, 2010 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions

I've had simular thought about Chambers, Stag

There were a few times last year that started me thinking along that line. There were several times last year when he just didn’t seem that he would go up after the ball or didn’t put up much of a fight for it. Chris is a good receiver, but not a great receiver.

Bowe is a good receiver who could have been a great receiver, his window is closing on him quickly.

Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...

by oldchiefsfan on Jul 29, 2010 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions

No Way He's a bust

An inproved Bowe, D Mc, and Koeaki will command coverage…I would guess Chambers gets 700 yds and 7 TD’s

by chieffaninfl on Jul 29, 2010 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions

no way Jones is a bust no way

This is our year.

by jrcnc on Jul 29, 2010 5:11 PM CDT reply actions

Agreed

I also don’t think Jones will start, over Charles.

by CPT.Caveman on Jul 29, 2010 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Thomas Jones a bust?

You are clueless and need to worry about your own team. Your breakdown of Jones shows you dont know why the Chiefs brought him in or what role he will play while he’s here. You really think he’s a Chief to be the starter?

Jones is here as insurance, to limit Charles workload, to lead in the lockerroom and show by example to a very young team what it takes to be successful in the NFL. If he gets 800 yards and 6 tds in the role he plays that would be far from a bust.

Before you go and comment on any other teams with your Boom/Bust series maybe do a little more research first.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 29, 2010 5:18 PM CDT reply actions

"but few 30+ RBs have good years"

This one has proven he can be successful already so not really a valid argument. Good luck with Ladanian.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 29, 2010 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Damn dude... That was a little harsh.

by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 29, 2010 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Would you go post on another teams site like this without doing a little research first?

Its ok to have an opinion and post it but its a much different thing to have an informed opinion. Wasn’t meant to be harsh but the young guy has in his profile that he wants he be a sports writer and asked what he might be missing and what he’s missing is information and facts.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 29, 2010 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, just because he predicted that Jones might win the "starting" job doesn't make him clueless.

I agree that calling Jones a Bust with 800 yards and 6 TDs is a pretty shitty evaluation, but think about Jaime’s position for a second. He’s a Jets fan… he’s way more familiar with Jones than any of us, so yeah it’s not that surprising for him to think Jones could be the “starter”. Hell, Haley himself has alluded to how much he like Jones, and how much of an addition he is to this team. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if Jones ended up being listed as the “starter”. Jaime was right in saying Jones will lose carries to Charles, if in fact Jones “starts”, then he might put up 800 yards… but Charles, even with less touches, could still break 1200 rushing yards.

And yeah, he’s aspiring to be a sports writer. Go read a Chiefs related article on NFL.com, Bleacher Report, or one of the other hundreds of sports outlets and you’ll probably see that Jaime is on the fast track to becoming just like their writers.

by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 29, 2010 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Okay I understand what you are saying here, but if you also saw my profile, you’d know I was a Jets fan. I know Thomas Jones really well and knows that he is done. I understand that 800 yards is far from a bust, but he is going in and will be having a substantially less year than the previous one. I would just like to say that the Chiefs have no real busts from what I can forsee for this year; however, going from 1,400 yards to 800 is a bit of a downfall, no? And 800 yards for 250 carries equals 3.2 yards per carry. Trust me, TJ is done. I still believe Jones will play starter, as Charles could use him to loosen up the defenses with his ground and pound game. And if TJ isn’t getting a majority of the carries, I was wrong, you were right, and the world is back to normal. I appreciate your criticism, as I’ll take note of it.

Yet, TJ is done. 800 yards would be an optomistic look. From what I undestand, he will win the “starting” job, as in he’ll get 1 or 2 carries per set of downs and run on 1st down. And, I’ll take “Good luck with LaDainian” as a sincerity, so thank you. Oh, and good luck with the Chiefs.

by Jaime S on Jul 29, 2010 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Stats are wonderful but not worth much without context.

I guess where we disagree is you think Jones will end up the starter. So based on that maybe 800 yards and 6 tds is “bust” worthy. I just dont understand, with all the information available, what would make you think the Chiefs brought Jones in as a starter or will win the starting job? Or if a fan like you knows “he’s done” as a starter that the Chiefs brass wouldn’t already realize that?

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 29, 2010 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions

If this post was about fantasy value I'd agree with you though 110%

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 29, 2010 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions

I’m not the only one who “knows he’s done” if you like using quotations, but I just think that he’d win the job, but would deteriorate over time. I think he’d start out strong, but would dwindle like last season. And you do know the Chiefs better than I do, so you, and everyone else here are probably right about a 60/40 split for Charles. And to be fair, LT could very well be done too. I think he’ll be similar, start off strong, but waver off at the end of the season. My opinion is he is done, just like what everyone is saying of LT, Larry Johnson, and others.

And while I don’t like being called “clueless”, I don’t mind criticism at all, if I’m wrong, I’m wrong. This is essentially just practice for me.

by Jaime S on Jul 29, 2010 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd bet my salary and Joel's that TJ is better than LT and LJ combined this year

this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?

by stagdsp on Jul 29, 2010 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Only used quotations on "hes done" because its your quote and your opinion not mine.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 29, 2010 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions

LT and LJ haven’t had good seasons for a few years now while TJ was just among the top RB’s in the league last season. Not really a good comparison.

If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen

by JComp11 on Jul 30, 2010 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Just to straighten you out:

Charles will start, Jones will compliment. It’s going to be about a 60%/40% split for Charles. I know I said I wouldn’t be surprised if Jones starts, but Charles is the man in KC.

Also, thanks for this:

I would just like to say that the Chiefs have no real busts from what I can forsee for this year;

by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 29, 2010 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree that Charles is the man, but with Jones as the veteran pressence, he’d start and would absolutely fight for the right to start. Charles is obviously more versatile with everything he does for the Chiefs.

And your welcome :)

by Jaime S on Jul 29, 2010 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions

If you asked any Chiefs fan, follower and probably even Coach and front office person

If they’d be happy with 800 yards and 6 TDs out of Jones they would be ecstatic. Especially when most people are realistically expecting 1500+ yards out of Charles.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 29, 2010 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Damn Generic

Ease up on the poor guy. Hell, the article even has an footnote that says

Just want to say, “Bust” just means down year, not complete failure

That may have been added after the fact, but predicting a 30+ year old RB with 800 yards and 6 TDs is hardly insulting.

This is the kind of shit that other blogs pull. AP is better than that.

by Reno_Chief on Jul 29, 2010 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Was added after the fact.

If I was too harsh I’m sorry but like you said AP is better then this and I expect better. It gets old reading posts from other teams fans and stories from national media where they comment on something and the very base of their comment is uninformated in the first place. There’s alot of fans from other teams who post on our site that have done their homework and I think for the most part when our site members post on other pages they do the same. Jamie is posting a series on every teams page now and the criticism I gave should be something he heeds before continuing. Again apologize for the harshness of some comments but these types of posts are officially getting annoying and I expect a higher level here.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 30, 2010 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Sorry, but I agree with GenericBrand

in that Thomas Jones, for the purpose he was brought in for, will not even be close to a bust. To think that Jones was brought in to potentially start over Charles, who in the last half of last season racked up yardage second only to Chris Johnson, that thinking just seems to lack research.

If you consider being a role player, tremendous locker room presence, and solid running back who can help keep the entire load off of Charles a bust, well then I guess it’s a moot point anyway.

by old_school on Jul 30, 2010 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Pal I have news for you

Shonn Greene was a two game semi-star and you want to talk about done? Ladainian Tomlinson is DONE. TJ just had a huge year and works harder than anybody in the league. If he were still on the Jets you’d be crowing about him rushing for 1500 yards this season. I live in NY and I watched the games. Good luck with Greene averaging 3 YPC and defenses bringing heat on the Sanchize. Can you say 8-8?

Matt Verderame

by Flowers24 on Jul 31, 2010 1:41 AM CDT up reply actions

My Boom/Bust:

BOOM:
Glenn Dorsey. After a full year to settle into a position and an entire offseason to work with defensive line guru Romeo Crennel and solid line coach Anthony Pleasant Glenn Dorsey explodes on the NFL scene with a 50 tackle, 6 sack year. Obviously those stats aren’t all that impressive, but they are in line with what good 3-4 ends put up. He ends 2010 as being recognized as a top three 3-4 DEs playing right now, and his ability to demand double teams helps to push the Chiefs’ run defense to at least a top 16th rank.

BUST:
Mike Vrabel. This is it for him. He’s getting old (at 34) and he’s done well to train up his understudy: Andy Studebaker. I’m not saying Vrabel is going to fall flat on his face (I don’t think any Chiefs will really bust… or at least I hope not) but Vrabel is going to slowly be phased out and Andy will be phased in. Vrabel will have played a big part in getting this D turned around by showing leadership, work ethic, and intelligence. In a few years we need to remember to think back to what Vrabel brought to this team when he decided to come back for year two of the rebuild. He’s going to play a long term part in the reemergence of a dominant KC D even years after he’s gone.

by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 29, 2010 5:19 PM CDT reply actions

agreed about Dorsey

this should be his year, I’m excited to see what he can do

And, you are probably right about Vrabel… though, with his contributions, it’s hard to call him a “bust”

this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?

by stagdsp on Jul 29, 2010 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Jones already a BOOM in the training room

Bowe was a BUST last year and remains until he shows different. The o-line is a Bust until showing otherwise.

by dubld on Jul 29, 2010 5:42 PM CDT reply actions

Dwayne Bowe 56% reception rate and 2000+ yards in his first two seasons. Not a bust.

Offensive line 7 sacks allowed in the last 5 games and 900+ rushing yards in those games. Not a bust.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 29, 2010 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Hate to interrupt GB's string of attacking people's posts

But dubld said “Bowe was a BUST last year”

The key to that being last year. Which has no bearing on your quip about his first two season. I’d say with a terrible habit of dropping passes and a suspension, he most certainly busted on us last year.

Chiefs - back in the playoffs in 2011.

by TRSChief on Jul 30, 2010 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Bowe was a BUST last year and remains until he shows different.

I was going off the whole sentence.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 30, 2010 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

If TJ wanted to be the "featured back", or starter, why would he sign with the Chiefs?

I think Jones realizes that Charles is the main man. He has accepted his role, and has stated that. I also think he realizes that he isn’t a 300 carry guy anymore, but can still be a valuable asset to the team, and a more limited role may even extend his career for a year of two. I think Jones will have more TD’s than JC, as I think he will see alot of goal line carries. I also perceive TJ as a team first person, who will do whatever is asked of him to get this team over the hump. His stats won’t necessarily reflect how valuable he is to the team.

There once was a man from Nantucket......Nevermind.

by Racyman on Jul 29, 2010 7:10 PM CDT reply actions

He wouldve also wanted more money had that been the case.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 29, 2010 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions

so Ryan Mathews in the 1st round doesn't count as a key offensive addition for the Chargers?

as far as TJones is concerned, I think he knows very well what the “reality” is going to be in KC … yes, Charles will get the majority of carries, so what? of TJ does gain 800 yds I think Chiefs Nation would be thrilled … that’s 50 yds/game, and we figure Charles should gain 1200 or so easily … together that’s a 2,000 yd season for the pair, and that’s just fine with us in Arrowhead Land

McCluster could very well have a boom year, and we certainly hope Berry and Arenas will as well … hell, we hope ALL our guys have a great season

doesn’t every fan of every team hope for the same thing?

"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!

by upamtn on Jul 29, 2010 11:32 PM CDT reply actions

NEWB!!!!

I’m just kidding ya. I see you’re 18 and wanting to be a sports writer. Just do all of us on AP a favor, don’t be a Jason Whitlock. Don’t post things downing the Chiefs to a bunch of Chiefs fans. As you can see, people on this site will call you out. It’s nothing personal, but Thomas Jones a bust? You say you’re a Jets fan. You should know you can’t count TJ out. And I agree with the majority of the previous posters….800 yds. and 6 TD’s would be a great help for our feature back who “IS” J-Chuck. Good luck on your aspirations of being a sports writer. I hope you make it big someday and can credit AP with some of your early growth.

by Jason Austin on Jul 30, 2010 11:58 PM CDT reply actions