ChiefJames's Keys to 11-5 in 2011

While many do agree the Chiefs have legitimate shot at 11-5 in 2011, many other don't. I understand that point as well. The Chiefs have a MUCh more difficult schedule. We have to play arguably the top 5 teams in 2010, in a 5 week span (11-15). Will they be that good in 2011, only time will tell, but I think everyone would agree that it's highly likely that most of them will. So we will have to improve quite a bit to compete with the top dogs week in and week out. So here are my keys to 11-5 in 2011.

2010 Rookie Class

First is that the 2010 class must continue to develop and improve. I think Berry and Moeaki, will improve a nice bit, they were really coming on late in the year. As, for McCluster and Arenas, they need to step it up even more. Haley has said that McCluster will probably work more out of the backfield this season. I believe that will be good for him, he seemed much more comfortable and aware in the backfield. He caught passes and made good runs everytime he got the ball. I remember this... Aw man that was sick!!!! I think McCluster will show major improvement working in backfield more often. Arenas was pretty solid on D, if he can make even a little progress as a CB this year I think that would be solid. BUT where Arenas needs to improve his kick returns. I know it's gonna be harder with the new rule, but he needs at least some progress to be made here (I'm not confident that he will). If most of this happens we should be good here.

Production from the 2011 Rookie Class

2 Scenarios would work

     A. We get moderate to high production from Baldwin (500+ yards) and 2 other rooks. Anyone of them would work, even Bannon (solid Blocking) and Miller (3+sacks and decent pressure). We just need moderate improvement in a few places. The Chiefs were a much better team then most give credit for. Like for instance that without the one huge anamoly (SD Game) we rank 4th in points per game, 9th in run D, and T8th in points allowed. Needless to say, we are very close to being there.

     B. We get solid production from Baldwin and Powe. With Baldwin opening up Bowe and the run game, the offense should be top 10. I'd be pretty scared having to cover Bowe, Moeaki, Baldwin, and watch for Charles/McCluster out of the backfield. There are matchup nightmares all over the field.

          Powe just has to be servicable. If he can simply hold his ground while rotating with Edwards and Smith, then the D will be miles better for it. KC didn't allow a 100 yard runner until week 10, and only allowed 2 (Knowshown did it twice and Bush did it once) all season. Both of them gashed us over and over up the middle, I am confident that Ron Edwards could hold up if he had a young guy helping him stay fresh.

No Regressing

Everyone must continue to improve if possible, but at the very least maintain. A lot of players made real progress last season, and it must stay that way. Guys like Dorsey, Bowe, DJ, Carr, ect. must be able to keep it up this season. Anyone of these guys takes a big step back, and it could be a long season.

No Major Injuries

I know thats asking a lot, but there are not many spots the Chiefs are deep at yet. If someone like Bowe, Cassel, Charles, Hali, Berry ect were to go down for the year, it would make things much more difficult. I hope and pray that this does not happen, but on the plus the Chiefs have been known for being a less injured and healthy team, even if they were out of shape.

MAYBE THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL!!!!!!

We MUST See More of this from Cassel

I like Matt Cassel. I think he has greatness in him. He's a great leader, has strong work ethic, a fierce competitor, and just wants to get better and win. He has all the intangibles to be one of the best. I look at some of the records he holds, and the transformation I saw last season as signs that he's going to be great. Jim Zorn is an excellent QB coach, and hopefully he'll work his magic on Cassel. Cassel has made solid progress over the last 2 seasons, and I think it's time for him to take a BIG step. Even against tougher teams, I think he's numbers overall will improve. I think Cassel's Int/TD ratio wont be quite as good, but he will have more TDs, more yards and a better completion %, I'm thinking 3800 yards, 63%, 35 TDs, and 10 Ints. Those would be good numbers wouldn't they? I think every Chiefs fan would happy with that.

Those are ChiefJames's Keys to 11-5. If I missed anything you think needs to happen leave me a comment and lemme know.