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Opponents Point Out Chiefs Have Done Nothing To Help Run Defense

The Chiefs improved in quite a few areas from 2009 to 2010 (even though they've yet to take the field). From retaining Chris Chambers to adding Dexter McCluster to signing Ryan Lilja, there are a lot of reasons to be optimistic about the Chiefs chances of improving offensively.

Likewise, the Chiefs secondary got a boost of talent with the addition of Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis while Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr enter their third season.

But...(there's always a but)....what about the run defense?

The Chiefs have done virtually nothing to improve that area. They signed Shaun Smith, who is expected to backup Ron Edwards at nose tackle and added rookie Cameron Sheffield to the outside linebackers via the draft.

Other than that, not much has changed -- and opponents are noticing.

In a preview for The Sporting News written by the Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher, an "anonymous opponent" passes along their view of the Chiefs. The positives are there -- Thomas Jones, Ryan Lilja and the offensive moves -- but what about the defense?

"They'll have to be a lot better with the ball because I don't think they did enough to improve their defense. They were way too easy to run against last year, and I don't see how that's changed. Crennel also will have to figure out a way to get more pressure on the passer than they did last year."

As we've said before, the Chiefs are banking on the talent already in-house making a leap. Considering the run defense and the pass rush was so atrocious last year, that's a big gamble -- one that might determine the future of the 2010 Chiefs.

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