The Kansas City Chiefs experienced a franchise record six-game turnaround from 2009 to 2010 but they may have trouble keeping that pace up.
We know the Chiefs have a more difficult schedule which will be the hardest part of maintaining another 10-win season. Cold Hard Football Facts passes along a few interesting stats regarding teams like the Chiefs who have experienced a big turnaround.
From 2002 to 2009, there were 30 teams that improved by five games or more from one season to the next. Via Cold Hard Football Facts:
The 30 teams average three fewer wins the season after the five win improvement. If that doesn't sound like much, consider that three games represent just under 20% of an NFL season. A shocking 24 of the 30 teams (80%) won fewer games the season after the improvement - 13 of them experienced drop-offs of at least four wins.
That doesn't mean the Chiefs can't win 10 or more games in 2011 but history certainly suggests they won't.
The good news? Two of those 30 teams improved their win total the year after the five-plus game turnaround and both of those teams -- 2003 Panthers and 2006 Bears -- went to the Super Bowl in that second year.
Doesn't mean the Chiefs will or won't improve on their win total but it's some interesting food for thought on the challenge ahead.