Every year, Chris and I keep an ongoing list of Kansas City Chiefs story lines so that we can always keep our eye on the big picture as we're blogging about the team. We're getting the list for this year started and there's a number of story lines about the team that are pretty interesting.
Here's the beginning of our list. Help us come up with the year-long story lines about the Chiefs as we enter the season.
Jamaal Charles. There's no specific story line here other than Charles competing to be the NFL's best running back. By fantasy standards, he's in the top three players in the league. Will Charles get more carries this year? How many yards will he have? Will he lead the league in rushing?
The Raven infusion. Three former Baltimore Ravens players signed with the Chiefs in the offseason including NT Kelly Gregg, FB Le'Ron McClain and OT Jared Gaither. How will they perform? Will they put the Chiefs over the edge? Will they bring their history of winning in Baltimore to KC? Will we look back on these signings as some of the best moves, or worst moves?
The battle at left tackle. This is going to be pretty interesting throughout the season. If Gaither gets healthy, Albert's going to have some competition on his hands. Could Gaither beat out Albert at left tackle? If Gaither beats out Albert, what happens to Albert next year? Could Gaither move to the right side?
Matt Cassel as the most indispensable member of the team. He is the most important player on the team, when you think about it. There's an argument for Charles in there but generally the quarterback is the glue that holds it all together. Will Cassel put in another year similar to 2010? Who will back him up if he goes down?
Bowe and the Brandons long-term future. Another story line this year -- CB Brandon Flowers, CB Brandon Carr and WR Dwayne Bowe are all entering the final year of their deals. Who gets wrapped up? Who gets an extension in-season? Who gets the franchise tag? Who do they let walk?