FEATURE STORIES

July 26, 2006

The Chiefs’ 2006 Offense: Still in the Limelight?
 
By Kat Krtnick
UW-RF Public Affairs

Since day one of his inauguration into the Chiefs’ franchise, Coach Herm Edwards has been brazenly committed to replenishing the faction of the team that has long been lacking in production and execution: the defense.

An aberration from the Vermeil era and his adamant emphasis on offense, all of a sudden, one of the most potent offenses in the league may be abdicated from the limelight and replaced by its defensive counterpart. 

But offensive-minded Chiefs’ fans and Fantasy Football gurus should not be at all rattled by Edwards’ objective to push the defense to the forefront. This newly imposed significance on defense will not only improve the tactics of the veteran offensive stars, but will ensure that the Chiefs’ offensive unit continues its legacy in the NFL.

Leading this highly touted offense is sixth-year veteran quarterback Trent Green. Green possesses unremitting self-control and poise on the field. The combination of his on-field experience and his two Pro Bowl appearances will surely ignite his troops for another transcendent season. In 2005, Green finished the season completing 317-507 passes for 4,014 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The three quarterbacks in Green’s wings are the seasoned Damon Huard, the third-round draft pick Brodie Croyle, and the acquired free agent Casey Printers. Huard has served as one of Green’s back-ups since 2004 and has the experience to direct the offense if age or injury gets the best of Green. Croyle, a callow addition to the Chiefs, has proved in OTAs that he can make quick decisions in the pocket but will need a few seasons of mentoring before he can take the reins. The emergent CFL quarterback, Printers, is also competing for a back-up spot. His physical presence and his ability to adapt to the offensive scheme exhibit much promise.

The offense was ranked No. 1 in total yards for the second straight year in 2005. Much of the credit can be allotted to standout running back Larry Johnson, who after taking over for injured Priest Holmes, rushed 336 times for a team single-season record 1,750 yards with 20 touchdowns. To add to this list of accomplishments, Johnson was a first-time Pro Bowl selection last season and is expected to be the catalyst of this offense once again, but questions still remain as to whether he can be as productive as he was last year and if he is physically and mentally prepared to be a 16-game starter.

If legendary running back Holmes recovers from his spinal injury in time for the season, the Chiefs could have the most daunting running back tandem in the NFL. If Holmes remains on the injured list, though, Dee Brown and Quentin Griffin will compete to be Johnson’s back-up. The retirement of Holmes would not only pose a vacancy at the running back position, but more importantly the team would lose one of their most respected leaders and performers.

Renowned names and faces deluge the offensive roster, but perhaps the most standout feature of the Chiefs is its offensive line. No other offensive line in the 21st century can match the achievements and permanence of tackle Willie Roaf, left guard Brian Waters, center Casey Wiegmann and right guard Will Shields. Combined, these veterans have acquired 10 Pro Bowl slots in the past four years, a statistic that no other team in the league can match.

This tenacious contingent maintains an unmatchable bond and comfort level with one another. Roaf is considered as one of the top tackles in NFL history, and Shields is attributed with being one of the smartest players in league. Waters and Wiegmann are also heralded as elite players at their designated positions. This foursome is undoubtedly the foundation of the offense, and will once again shut down all opposing defenses so that their teammates can continue to set receiving and rushing records.  

The unexpected retirement of right tackle John Welbourn has left a vacancy on the offensive line. Jordan Black, Kevin Sampson and Kyle Turley will all battle for this starting position in hopes of collaborating with the Fearless Foursome.

The offensive headliners do not stop there. Tight end Tony Gonzalez is a leading man both on and off the field. He may appear as an esteemed guest in many television spots and commercials, but his celebrity status actually emanates from his performances on the football field. Gonzalez received Pro Bowl honors for the seventh consecutive season in 2005, leading the team with 78 receptions for 905 yards.

Jason Dunn will once again serve as the second tight end. Of strapping strength and stature, he is one of the most powerful blocking tight ends in the game and is sure to supplement the success of his lauded running backs.

With two-time Pro Bowler Tony Richardson’s emigration to the Minnesota Vikings, Ronnie Cruz will most likely inherit the fullback position this season. The coaches were impressed with his industriousness and activeness in mini-camp and expect him to make great strides in training camp.

The biggest enigma in the offense is who will solidify the four wide receiver spots. Eddie Kennison and Dante Hall are the obvious favorites for two of the leading roles, but with no off-season acquisitions at this position, Edwards is hoping that guys like Craphonso Thorpe, Sammie Parker and Jeris McIntyre will step up to the challenge.

Last year Kennison produced his second straight 1000-yard receiving effort while Hall made 34 catches for 436 yards with three touchdowns.

Along with the institution of a fresh defensive attitude, Edwards ensures that his offense will primarily focus on the running game. To direct this task he named Mike Solari, former Chiefs’ offensive line coach, as the new offensive coordinator. This is Solari’s first offensive coordinator position, and some skeptics have doubts that he can live up to the offensive accomplishments of the highly-venerated Al Saunders.