The Kansas City Chiefs And The Importance Of Recovery

by Flowers24 on Feb 9, 2012 5:00 PM CST

The Super Bowl is over and that means the 2012 season is truly upon us. Nothing from last year matters anymore. Those two blocked field goals? Last year. Those losses to New York, Detroit and Buffalo? Last year. It's all in front of the Kansas City Chiefs because now, it's a brand new year.

The biggest key for a successful season has nothing to do with free agents or even the draft. It's about recovery, specifically three knees that needed mending.

If Eric Berry can come back in his rookie form, the defense will be elite. It doesn't matter if Jovan Belcher remains a starter and if the defensive line is rotation-based. It would be great if the Chiefs upgraded those positions but if Berry returns and plays up to his ability, it's more than enough. With Berry next to Kendrick Lewis and the cornerback tandem of Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers, they form the best secondary in football...hands down.

If Tony Moeaki can play a full season and continue on his upward trajectory, the passing attack has the potential to be lethal. Kansas City could conceivably have Moeaki, Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston and Jonathan Baldwin all in a pattern at once. Even if Matt Cassel is throwing the ball, that group of receivers will find a way to get open and make plays.

Finally, if Jamaal Charles comes back, the Chiefs will have a top-notch rushing game. Granted, the offensive line needs improvement in a few spots. However, Charles makes an average line look great. He'll absolutely rush for around 1,300+ yards if healthy and catch a handful of passes each game. He takes an inordinate amount of pressure off of the quarterback and the big boys up front to be perfect.

It would be a beautiful thing if Kansas City adds Carl Nicks or a quarterback in the draft, but neither of those things matter as much as the aforementioned trio. Yes, the quarterback position is by far the most important in football, but look at the San Francisco 49ers. They were two special teams gaffes from being in the Super Bowl.

Provided that Carr and Bowe return, this team could be a legitimate force deep into the playoffs. The AFC West is mediocre at best and Kansas City has the best talent of the bunch by a mile. It's always tough to predict what will happen in the NFL, especially with free agency and the draft still ahead of us. That said, I'm very confident in saying Romeo Crennel's team is loaded with playmakers.

One last thing to chew on. Imagine if Charles, Moeaki and Berry come back healthy. Imagine if Bowe and Carr re-sign. Then imagine Peyton Manning signing with the Chiefs and the draft provided them with a right tackle and depth.

Those are a lot of if's, but just imagine. It's a good time.

Poll

Are the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl contenders with good health next season?

Yes

372 votes

No

108 votes

Only with a new QB

337 votes

817 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 0 comments | 1 recs |

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Comments

"Only with a new QB"

Yeah, I said it…

"There will be increased competition at every position, including the quarterback position".-Scott Pioli

by severn58 on Feb 9, 2012 5:06 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

Rec for the pic

LOL

In accordance with the prophecy

by SCKSChief on Feb 10, 2012 8:11 AM CST up reply actions

Position-wise, Charles is the guy I'm least worried about as far as the injury hurting his performance.

He really doesn’t make all that many violent cuts. Berry makes a lot of violent cuts, and Moeaki has to cut in and out of routes.

When you gotta go in the lion's den, you don't go quiet. You go in loud, kick the door down and say WHERE IS THE SONUVABITCH. -B. Billick

by Brsrkr on Feb 9, 2012 5:09 PM CST reply actions

I an worried about Jamaal's speed

He direly depends on that to avoid hits, that definitely take a toll on him. If he isn’t fast enough anymore to get through those holes, a LB will have a chance to get there and light him up

I'm so overrated, I'm underrated.

by RememberDelaney37 on Feb 9, 2012 5:12 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

ACL is mostly for lateral stability, shouldn't affect straight-ahead movement much.

When you gotta go in the lion's den, you don't go quiet. You go in loud, kick the door down and say WHERE IS THE SONUVABITCH. -B. Billick

by Brsrkr on Feb 9, 2012 5:17 PM CST up reply actions

True, but was talking more about the mental side

I'm so overrated, I'm underrated.

by RememberDelaney37 on Feb 9, 2012 5:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Yeah, no telling about mentals or genetics.

Personally, I expect Berry to recover faster in those areas. Boy’s a freak.

When you gotta go in the lion's den, you don't go quiet. You go in loud, kick the door down and say WHERE IS THE SONUVABITCH. -B. Billick

by Brsrkr on Feb 9, 2012 5:28 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed. Berry should have no problems, especially where he was at his best: blowing up the run game

I’d like to see the gif of him completely blowing through a lead blocker and taking out of the running back without even falling down. I think it was in the Tampa preseason game?

I'm so overrated, I'm underrated.

by RememberDelaney37 on Feb 9, 2012 5:30 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Don't sell Jamaal short on the genetics side of things

kid may not be the brightest bulb in the house but athletically and physically he’s off the charts. He’s shown a propensity to play through pain in his tenure as well so I’m not too worried about the mental side of things, he’s been injured before and never became gun shy or afraid to take hits in their wake.

Bask in the glory that is Kwame Harris. Poor Alex...

by JHWK on Feb 9, 2012 6:27 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, but Berry's a berserker.

When you gotta go in the lion's den, you don't go quiet. You go in loud, kick the door down and say WHERE IS THE SONUVABITCH. -B. Billick

by Brsrkr on Feb 9, 2012 6:29 PM CST up reply actions

Rewatch some of the 2010 season

I think we’re forgetting just how much of a beast Jamaal is, not to sell Berry short. Some of the hits Jamaal takes and lays on defenders were brutal and he just gets right back up and does it again, most 205lb backs don’t play with his physicality because they just can’t match up against 250lb linebackers but we’ve seen Jamaal take them head on and ring a few bells other than his own more than once.

Long story short, we’re lucky as shit to have both Berry and Charles on our roster. If they both come back at 100% we’re in for a significantly improved record in 2012.

Bask in the glory that is Kwame Harris. Poor Alex...

by JHWK on Feb 9, 2012 6:34 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

True, he's more physical than most people give him credit for.

When you gotta go in the lion's den, you don't go quiet. You go in loud, kick the door down and say WHERE IS THE SONUVABITCH. -B. Billick

by Brsrkr on Feb 9, 2012 6:36 PM CST up reply actions

His injury happened so early in the season that he should

be past any mental worries about cutting on his knee…..he has been rehabbing for a while now….all his questions will be nswered before training camp starts…

Clark Hunt and Scott Pioli need to IMPRESS me in 2012....No Settling this year Chiefs Fans!!

by KCinAZ on Feb 9, 2012 7:54 PM CST up reply actions

True

although, he still needs to take those first few hits, especially around the knees/ankles to be 100% mentally prepared. That uncertainty can sometimes cripple a player.

Here’s hoping!

In accordance with the prophecy

by SCKSChief on Feb 10, 2012 8:14 AM CST up reply actions

yup

2009: 3.6 yards after first contact per attempt. Led the league.

I've been rapping for about seveteen years okay? I don't write my stuff anymore I just kick it from my head you know what I'm sayin? I can do that. No disrespect but that's how I am.

by soybon on Feb 9, 2012 8:39 PM CST up reply actions

our two best players

and that’s not selling DJ or tamba short. they are just that freakishly good.

by shaytron on Feb 9, 2012 9:13 PM CST up reply actions

Problem with ACLs is its such a fluke injury that the key to recovery is mental.

He might be tentative for awhile just worrying that it might happen again. I don’t expect any of these guys near full health physically and mentally until mid season.

"Give them nothing! But take from them everything!"

by GenericBrand on Feb 9, 2012 5:15 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed

I'm so overrated, I'm underrated.

by RememberDelaney37 on Feb 9, 2012 5:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Given how he's handled past injuries (namely his shoulder)

I don’t see him coming back at anything other than 100% in all facets of his game. He’s young and even in some pretty terrible pain was still aggressively fighting for yardage and running into contact on his bad shoulder to milk every last yard out of his carries.

Bask in the glory that is Kwame Harris. Poor Alex...

by JHWK on Feb 9, 2012 6:30 PM CST up reply actions

The good thing is JC is too dumb to think about that stuff

Standing on the corner in a white Godfather hat. He drives a long black gangster Cadillac. He can steal a broads mind, man, in three or four minutes. It’s not how long you talk, brother, it’s what you put in it.

by HIV 2 Elway on Feb 9, 2012 7:06 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Haven't had any interaction with him or really seen any interviews

Is he not the sharpest knife in the drawer?

I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
I am the Master of Hyperenthetical Asiditry (you know, like this. Only more)

by MNchiefsfan on Feb 9, 2012 9:12 PM CST up reply actions

He's a heck of an athelete

Not tooo bright though.

"Give them nothing! But take from them everything!"

by GenericBrand on Feb 10, 2012 8:09 AM CST up reply actions

he sure as hell isnt going to step on any more yardage markers!

Clark Hunt and Scott Pioli need to IMPRESS me in 2012....No Settling this year Chiefs Fans!!

by KCinAZ on Feb 9, 2012 7:55 PM CST up reply actions

Man I still get pissed every time I think about that.

It's no fun if I have to explain it.

by TRSChief on Feb 9, 2012 8:18 PM CST up reply actions

Taking those first hits

that is what concerns me. Until then, we’ll never really know how they are each responding to the injury. Everything can seem rosy when you can run around the field and make the cuts and catch passes…but in the back of the mind is “will this hold the next time I get hit.” Especially from those ankle-biting DB fuckers…

In accordance with the prophecy

by SCKSChief on Feb 10, 2012 8:15 AM CST up reply actions

I agree to all except

The receiving group may find a way to get open, but the QB may not be able to get them the back once they are open. Sad but true

I'm so overrated, I'm underrated.

by RememberDelaney37 on Feb 9, 2012 5:10 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Or worse yet...

He might not even see that they’re open because he’s already dumping the ball off to Dex or Jamaal.

"saints_chiefsfan1979 is a genius" - yes, I lost a bet.

by Tomahawk29 on Feb 9, 2012 5:13 PM CST up reply actions

They're a playoff contender with Cassel.

They’re a SB contender with an upgrade at that position.

[ Google+ | Twitter | Last.fm ]

by Tarkus on Feb 9, 2012 5:14 PM CST reply actions 2 recs

This

I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
I am the Master of Hyperenthetical Asiditry (you know, like this. Only more)

by MNchiefsfan on Feb 9, 2012 5:24 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks.

That means a lot, coming from an edumacated man such as yourself.

[ Google+ | Twitter | Last.fm ]

by Tarkus on Feb 9, 2012 5:25 PM CST up reply actions

I do... what I can do

When I can do it

I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
I am the Master of Hyperenthetical Asiditry (you know, like this. Only more)

by MNchiefsfan on Feb 9, 2012 5:27 PM CST up reply actions

I did something once.

Scared the hell out of me. Now I’m back to just doing nothing.

It’s safer that way.

It's no fun if I have to explain it.

by TRSChief on Feb 9, 2012 8:19 PM CST up reply actions

Grammar Nazi says "Nein!"

the passing attack has the potential tone lethal

to be? just kidding but trying to help at the same time.

I’ll leave the picture to someone else.a

Bleedin Red & Gold... and Purple... since 1992.

by chiefs_fan_forever on Feb 9, 2012 5:16 PM CST reply actions

damn autocorrect haha

We're the same team as last year, except incredibly better, and with new players.

by Flowers24 on Feb 9, 2012 5:17 PM CST up reply actions

O/T but....

Raidahs sent Routt packing

"Give them nothing! But take from them everything!"

by GenericBrand on Feb 9, 2012 5:18 PM CST reply actions

S&BP don't seem too upset about it either......sucks.

"There will be increased competition at every position, including the quarterback position".-Scott Pioli

by severn58 on Feb 9, 2012 5:25 PM CST up reply actions

He wasn't worth 10M$ a year

But he was still their best DB. They are in full rebuild mode. Please cut Seymour next.

"Give them nothing! But take from them everything!"

by GenericBrand on Feb 9, 2012 5:28 PM CST up reply actions

Some fans think this is just a prelude to bringing him back cheaper.

"There will be increased competition at every position, including the quarterback position".-Scott Pioli

by severn58 on Feb 9, 2012 5:31 PM CST up reply actions

Why not just restructure him then?

Instead of letting him loose to talk to anyone?

"Give them nothing! But take from them everything!"

by GenericBrand on Feb 9, 2012 5:33 PM CST up reply actions

Omg don’t excite me like this!!! I just peed in my pants!!!

by Chiefsallday25 on Feb 9, 2012 5:37 PM CST via mobile reply actions

a Big NO

Superbowl?
This organization?

Maybe if they played in the AFL still.

Teeeeebbbbooooowwww!

by Redberry on Feb 9, 2012 6:41 PM CST reply actions

Stanford Routt release

WOW would KC go after him because Routt can sign at anytime…..

by AngryKitty on Feb 9, 2012 6:51 PM CST reply actions

Crazy

He’s a decent CB. Just not worth huge money.

I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
I am the Master of Hyperenthetical Asiditry (you know, like this. Only more)

by MNchiefsfan on Feb 9, 2012 6:53 PM CST up reply actions

Well he is a solid #2

He’s great on the other side…. Also he wont be that much now after this… nobody is going to pay him that much. Many around the NFL “scoffed” at Routt’s big contract

by AngryKitty on Feb 9, 2012 6:57 PM CST up reply actions

This could drive the price for Carr down a little as well

His agent won’t be able to point to that contract as a point of reference.

I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
I am the Master of Hyperenthetical Asiditry (you know, like this. Only more)

by MNchiefsfan on Feb 9, 2012 9:15 PM CST up reply actions

Had to say no.

if you said that we were playoff contenders, then sure!

But we need to win a playoff game first before I believe this team can contend for the SB. We need Cassel to be better than his 2010 form because that form did terrible in the playoff game

When you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

Jamaal above all. #25 ftw.

CHIEFS WILL!

by NJChieffan16 on Feb 9, 2012 7:12 PM CST reply actions

We need Cassel to back up our starting QB

Trade up for RGIII and profit

by ArrowheadHunter on Feb 9, 2012 7:18 PM CST up reply actions

I seriously have my doubts

that Moeaki will ever stay healthy.

by KCMizzou on Feb 9, 2012 7:34 PM CST reply actions

Lucky for us, we have a resident doctor around here.

I’m sure he’d be willing to offer his opinion on the matter.

Todd Haley lost 7 of his last 15 games by 20 or more points. It was time for him to go.

by joplin chiefs fan on Feb 9, 2012 7:50 PM CST up reply actions

ha!

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Feb 9, 2012 7:52 PM CST up reply actions

Please, no more whining about injuries

NY Giants:
6 defensive players out for the season with injuries. Multiple starters with ACL injuries.
Rushing offense awful.
Multiple other injuries to DL, WR and running backs throughout the season.
They just won the Super Bowl!!!
They found a guy in a middle school somewhere who came back, started a few games, and made a key interception in the Super Bowl!

Go get some depth Pioli so this team doesn’t lose a couple of players and fall apart.

by HowSweetItIs on Feb 9, 2012 8:50 PM CST reply actions