The 5 Unsung Heroes of the Chiefs of the 2011 Season

by bigbosschief on Dec 22, 2011 12:31 PM CST

This 2011 NFL season for the Kansas City Chiefs has been one big roller coaster. It all started with an embarrassing pre-season and losing tight end Tony Moeaki for the year in the process. Then we go into weeks one and two and get blown out by the Bills and Lions while losing arguably our two best young players on the team for the year in Eric Berry and Jamaal Charles. Then all of a sudden the Chiefs go undefeated in October, lose every game in November, and beat the Bears with a scum quarterback and now are back in the AFC West race with an upset over the Packers in December. Man, is it great to be a Chiefs fan or what? You look at the Chiefs best players of the 2011 season and you think; Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Brandon Flowers, and Dwayne Bowe. The games weren't all won by those players there is much talent on this Chiefs team that is very under appreciated and this is a list of those key under appreciated players.

1. Steve Breaston: Wide Receiver

The Chiefs had a very quiet off-season free-agency wise, but signed one player that was on my radar for the Chiefs to acquire. That player was Steve Breaston who like on the Chiefs was an unsung hero with the Arizona Cardinals. Steve Breaston was one of three Cardinal receivers in the 2008 season with over 1,000 yards. Steve Breaston is the most underrated offensive player on the Kansas City Chiefs, coming up with key receptions and yardage in important parts of games. Breaston's numbers speak for themselves he has amassed 56 catches for 735 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Steve Breaston has become the Chiefs best number two receiver in quite a few years not counting former tight end Tony Gonzalez.

2. Kendrick Lewis: Free Safety

The Kansas City Chiefs have arguably the best secondary in the AFC West with big names including; Brandon Flowers, Brandon Carr, Javier Arenas, and Eric Berry (before he got hurt). Kendrick Lewis is really living in the shadow of their spotlight and deserves much more credit. The Chiefs have a top ten pass defense even without Eric Berry which means Kendrick Lewis must be doing something good despite Berry's loss. Lewis has tallied in 53 tackles and brought in 3 interceptions including a key pick six against the Raiders.

3. Ryan Succop: Kicker

Ah, yes Ryan Succop who has been personally one of my favorite Chiefs players ever since his rookie season. Ryan Succop has been incredible lately hitting 20 straight field goals without a miss since week four. Succop is in my opinion the most underrated kicker in the league and is over shadowed in the AFC West by Oakland's Sabastian Janikowski. Succop is having his best season yet with 22 fields goals on 25 attempts.

4. Jovan Belcher: Inside Linebacker

Jovan Belcher is one of the biggest assets to the Chiefs defense and doesn't get the credit he deserves. Belcher is overshadowed by Derrick Johnson, but DJ is having the best season of his career. Some people want the Chiefs to draft an inside linebacker in the 2012 Draft, but I don't think thats right the Chiefs have a terrific pair of inside linebackers that fit great in the 3-4 defense. The Chiefs have in my opinion one of the best young linebacking corps in the league with; Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Jovan Belcher and, rookie Justin Houston finally showing up. Jovan Belcher has been pretty consistent with 77 tackles on the year as well as starting every single game this season.

5. Branden Albert: Offensive Tackle

The offensive line of the Kansas City Chiefs is one of the biggest questions of the year, but have some decent bright spots. One of those bright spots is Branden Albert who has been shaky throughout his career, but is having a solid 2011 campaign. It all started in week 4 when Branden Albert was challenged against former Chief and Pro-Bowl defensive end Jared Allen. Albert held Allen in check and played a great game, however Allen did have a sack that game, but the sack wasn't on Branden Albert. Albert has really established himself as the best offensive linemen on the Chiefs and is really under appreciated for the work he has done in the trenches.

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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I just wish Belcher was more consistent.

it’s not like he disappears against good teams and plays well against bad ones he’s just all over the place. I’m hoping his situation becomes like DJ’s once was. A very inconsistent “flashy” kind of player that grows into a dominant force.

I’m sure when Berry gets back, between he and DJ, Belchers weaknesses in coverage will be masked more efficiently

There are no stupid questions just stupid people

by IPWT2009 on Dec 22, 2011 12:39 PM CST reply actions

The less Belcher is asked to do, the better he looks.

It seems he hesitates and many plays and ends up a step late. Is it a pass or is it a run? Does he fill one lane or does he fill the other? Belcher has to be subbed for too often.

"You talkin' to me? You TALKIN' to me ?" - Travis Bickle

by CatChief on Dec 22, 2011 1:52 PM CST up reply actions

# of tackles wise...

he hasn’t really improved, but it seems to me where he is making the tackles has improved a bunch. Re-acting much quicker this year. Wouldn’t hurt to draft a cover guy this year to go against all the TE"s and free up DJ more.

by 12t on Dec 22, 2011 2:09 PM CST up reply actions

Belcher is a run stuffer

…and he’s very good at that. He compliments DJ well by challenging blockers and keeping DJ free to make the amazing plays that DJ makes.

Where Belcher has problems is when he has to drop into coverage. He’s not a cover guy and shouldn’t be doing that.

I really like this choice…

by Chief_Elmo on Dec 22, 2011 2:02 PM CST up reply actions

Doesn't Bring Anything More than Your Average Linebacker

Belcher’s speed ,strength , and instincts are actually average / below average.

3-4 Left Inside Linebackers

1. Ray Lewis
2. AJ Hawk
3. James Farrior
4. London Fletcher
5. Takeo Spikes
6. Jerrod Mayo

The Chiefs run inaffective cross blitzes. Most of these Linebackers are responsible for covering the Tight End or Running back. Every now and then they’ll be asked to join in the blitz.

by Shackett on Dec 23, 2011 2:26 AM CST up reply actions

Yea thats not the point of Belcher being on here. Derrick Johnson would be on that list you just posed.

All of those guys on that list are the top inside linebacker on their teams. DJ is our “top” ILB on our team. Who does Ray Lewis have next to him? Who does AJ Hawk have next to him? I know James Farrior has another good ILB next to him in Lawrence Timmons, but that is really rare… Who does London Fletcher have next to him? who does Takeo Spikes have next to him? who does Mayo have next to him? thats right no one

3 Wishes:
1. Chiefs win their remaining games against Oakland and Denver
2. The Broncos lose against the Bills
3. The Chiefs repeat as AFC West Champions

by bigbosschief on Dec 23, 2011 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

*posted

3 Wishes:
1. Chiefs win their remaining games against Oakland and Denver
2. The Broncos lose against the Bills
3. The Chiefs repeat as AFC West Champions

by bigbosschief on Dec 23, 2011 10:37 AM CST up reply actions

Breaston, Lewis and Dex have quietly been getting the job done...

First of all, you throwin' too many big words at me, and because I don't understand them, I'm gonna take 'em as disrespect...

Charter Member of Chief Fans for Neck Beards...Viva La Orton

by SFLChief on Dec 22, 2011 12:41 PM CST reply actions

Dex is a guy that should be on the list

I don’t understand all the hate he’s been getting around here

There are no stupid questions just stupid people

by IPWT2009 on Dec 22, 2011 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

no hate, dude just hasn't done much

Twisted Lord of AP Color Commentary (H/T - Loco)
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"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
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hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!

by upamtn on Dec 22, 2011 1:29 PM CST up reply actions

been running the ball better than battle...

and has amassed 934 yards of Offense on 127 touches…

nothing spectacular but a solid contributor…

First of all, you throwin' too many big words at me, and because I don't understand them, I'm gonna take 'em as disrespect...

Charter Member of Chief Fans for Neck Beards...Viva La Orton

by SFLChief on Dec 22, 2011 1:39 PM CST up reply actions

934 = 654...

my bad…

First of all, you throwin' too many big words at me, and because I don't understand them, I'm gonna take 'em as disrespect...

Charter Member of Chief Fans for Neck Beards...Viva La Orton

by SFLChief on Dec 22, 2011 1:40 PM CST up reply actions

you were only off by 50%

ie, 50% of 600 … but hey, you were “close” and this is horseshoes, right?

by upamtn on Dec 22, 2011 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

accidently used career rec yards...Doh! but fixed it right away...

but still he has been a silent contributer that I feel will benefit from Orton being our new QB…

First of all, you throwin' too many big words at me, and because I don't understand them, I'm gonna take 'em as disrespect...

Charter Member of Chief Fans for Neck Beards...Viva La Orton

by SFLChief on Dec 22, 2011 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

dex

HAS contributed, he always seems to be involved on big drives…

besides, he has nearly as many total yds as Breaston, who we al agree has been great

by stagdsp on Dec 22, 2011 6:27 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

I see him as the biggest victim of our weak-armed QBs.

Nobody has been scared of the Chiefs going over the top on them this year. So they throw 8 guys in the box and keep 9 within 10 yards of the LOS on a lot of plays.

Dex’s big play ability comes from screens and draws. But you can’t run those plays when the entire defense is up like that. So he isn’t able to produce anything. He’s going to become more productive as teams realize we can throw deep now. In fact, he’s my pregame pick for surprise player against Oakland.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Dec 22, 2011 1:43 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed

Dex is just ordinary. When you are a smaller back with speed, you need to make explosive plays. We have seen flashes last year, this year not so much. I always cringe when he has the ball in fear he is going to fumble. Hopefully next year he will move to the next level many of us were expecting him to this year.

by TheScreenName on Dec 22, 2011 4:27 PM CST up reply actions

I'd also like to add:

Jordy Nelson
Donovan “F” McNabb
Jacob Lacey
Phillip Rivers
Caleb Hanie

Appreciate it guys, to steal a line from Ben Rapenbathroom, “You were the best Chiefs player” those days.

"Why are all these people here? There are too many people on this earth. We need a new plague…"
-Dwight Schrute

by severn58 on Dec 22, 2011 12:44 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!

by upamtn on Dec 22, 2011 1:29 PM CST up reply actions

I'd say at least #3 has to be Le'Ron McClain.

To me, he’s unarguably the best fullback in the league. He blocks like a bulldozer (he’s right up there with guys like Vonta Leach, Lawrence Vickers, and Ovie Mughelli), he’s probably the best receiving FB in the league, and he averaged like 7 YAC last game versus a pretty decent GB run defense. I think if Romeo gives him some more carries to act like the workhorse next year when TJ retires and Jamaal comes back, we’ll have an incredibly deadly backfield.

by NigerianNightmare on Dec 22, 2011 1:36 PM CST reply actions

We definitely need to re-sign him...he is a bad ass that leads by example...

First of all, you throwin' too many big words at me, and because I don't understand them, I'm gonna take 'em as disrespect...

Charter Member of Chief Fans for Neck Beards...Viva La Orton

by SFLChief on Dec 22, 2011 1:41 PM CST up reply actions

absolutely

he might be my favorite Chief not on IR right now

by stagdsp on Dec 22, 2011 1:52 PM CST up reply actions

Green Bay Game was the first time we used McClain like I thought we would.

He was more involved than any gmae to date.

"You talkin' to me? You TALKIN' to me ?" - Travis Bickle

by CatChief on Dec 22, 2011 1:55 PM CST up reply actions

Yep

by Chief_Elmo on Dec 22, 2011 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

Do any of you follow him on Twitter?

He’s incredibly social and close with his teammates, too. He just seems like a natural leader that a coach would want on his team even if he wasn’t the best FB in the league.

by NigerianNightmare on Dec 22, 2011 2:08 PM CST up reply actions

God... Could you imagine McClain with split running duties with Jamaal Charles? Thunder and lightning...

by Hornet0880 on Dec 23, 2011 3:28 AM CST up reply actions

Favorite Chief...

by process of elimination?

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Dec 22, 2011 1:59 PM CST up reply actions

While Albert has been great

I think he would be a better guard than a tackle. I believe guard is his natural position.

by Knightwolfbr on Dec 22, 2011 2:01 PM CST reply actions

He's good at tackle.

But his potential at guard is extraordinary. I believe he could be First-Team All-Pro, 2010’s All-Decade team, and maybe even a HoF, if only a KC Chiefs Wall of Famer. He’s got the strength to duel with the biggest DT’s, he’s more athletic than almost every DT in the league, he’s probably the best O-lineman on the move in the league (he’d get more opportunities to get un space as a guard, pulling and whatnot), and the only thing he really struggles with at Tackle is speed rushers who he won’t have to worry about at Guard.

by NigerianNightmare on Dec 22, 2011 2:13 PM CST up reply actions

Good list

Enjoyed reading your thoughts on this. Mostly agree with them, though I’d submit that there are probably alot of others who also come to mind — Asamoah, McGraw (yes, I am going there dammit) & McLain to name just a few.

by Chief_Elmo on Dec 22, 2011 2:07 PM CST reply actions

Yea reading through fans' comments I really think McClain should be on here

McClain is the best fullback we have had since Tony Richardson

3 Wishes:
1. Chiefs win their remaining games against Oakland and Denver
2. The Broncos lose against the Bills
3. The Chiefs repeat as AFC West Champions

by bigbosschief on Dec 23, 2011 10:39 AM CST up reply actions

I think we should also include our three key special teams guys.

Succop, Gafford, and Colquitt, have been doing a phenomenal job this year and often get overlooked.

by Knightwolfbr on Dec 22, 2011 4:05 PM CST reply actions

nice article

I hope we remember their productivity in the off season!

by aFan4Life on Dec 23, 2011 7:14 AM CST reply actions

Thank you sir

3 Wishes:
1. Chiefs win their remaining games against Oakland and Denver
2. The Broncos lose against the Bills
3. The Chiefs repeat as AFC West Champions

by bigbosschief on Dec 23, 2011 10:38 AM CST up reply actions

T Jax

No one more ostracized on any chiefs blog I’ve seen than Tyson Jackson. He finally showed up this year in a big way. He went HAM this year. He isn’t gonna be much of a pass rusher, but you cant deny how much he has grown into his position as the anchor 5 technique he was drafted to be. We were generally not easy to run on this year, largely because of this hoss. Trust me, I scratched my head when he was picked 3rd overall in 09, but I’m happy with how he’s developed. Now I want to see him take that extra step and collapse the pocket more

"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you" Ralph Waldo Emerson

by Dr Paine on Dec 27, 2011 8:27 PM CST reply actions