FEATURE STORIES

Chiefs Looking For Offense From New Faces

By Shawna Carpentier
UWRF Public Affairs

Critical. Perplexing. Indefinite. It's not about what is known, it's what is not known that has made this year's off-season a significant time for the Kansas City Chiefs. Eyes and cameras alike are focused on a team that is sure to bring motivated competition and fresh opportunity to Summer Training Camp.

It's a Saga That Stem From Last Season

A noteworthy drop in the NFL's former leading offense in 2006 has ignited speculation concerning the Chiefs' offense into the 2007 season. The Chiefs landed 16th on the charts concluding last season declining from a second place finish in 2003 and two consecutive years at the top of the league in 2004 and 2005. The franchise also finished 15th in scoring averaging 20.7 points per game, that's down from sixth place in 2005 when the Chiefs averaged 25.2 points per game. A total of 37 touchdowns and 310 first downs in 2006 also fell from the Chiefs 46 touchdowns and 347 first downs in 2005.

At times it may have been difficult and disappointing for the Chiefs offensively exposing what some would call "weaknesses." But a winning record (9-7) and a post season appearance verifies the team's offense did something right. Not too many teams in transition to a new head coach could accomplish such a feat, let alone without its veteran quarterback, two-time Pro Bowler Trent Green, who sustained a concussion on Opening Day. The severity of his head injury left him on the inactive list for eight games.  

The Questioned Passing Game

Since Green's trade to the Miami Dolphins in early June, veteran Damon Huard and rookie Brodie Croyle vie for the first quarterback spot on the depth chart. A drop in passing performance from 2005 to 2006 has fueled an already complex situation. From sixth in 2005 with an average of 238.1 yards per game, the Chiefs' offense took a big hit down in the league to 22 nd averaging 187.5 yards per game in 2006. As an essential part to an offenses' success, the Chiefs' choice in quarterback is an important one.

Huard used his experience as a signal caller to lead the Chiefs to a 5-3 record while relieving Green in 2006. He finished the season with a 98.0 passer rating to earn a second spot rank among NFL quarterbacks. Huard threw 1,684 yards with one interception and 10 touchdowns as a starter . Reflecting his good decision-making skills, Huard also led the NFL with a .4 INT percentage and set a Chiefs single-season record. Beginning his fourth crusade with the Chiefs, he enters training camp as the top prospect to open the regular season.

With an opportunity to prove his abilities as a pro, Croyle enters his second year with the Chiefs after serving eight games as back up quarterback behind Huard last season. He has shown strong performances this off-season and brings confident abilities from the renowned program of Alabama where he had a history of producing big plays under pressure. Croyle brings to the field resiliency, poise, precision and a quick arm. He is likely to make a big challenge for coaches when it comes to deciding the starting quarterback.

The Talent That's Back

Returning their specialties to the field are veterans Tony Gonzalez (tight end) and Eddie Kennison (wide receiver), along with running backs Larry Johnson and Michael Bennett. Johnson and Bennett helped the Chiefs to 2,143 total rushing yards in 2006 for an NFL top 10 finish.

Headlining a story of his own, Johnson's status come training camp remains unknown. In dealings with his contract for more money, the two-time Pro Bowler has established himself as a leading ball carrier and he wants a contract that matches his achievements. If necessary Johnson may hold out of camp, something that would put pressure on any negotiations. Last season he finished second among backs in the league rushing for 1,789 yards.   Johnson also accomplished a NFL single-season record with 416 carries. The previous record was set by running back Jamal Anderson in 1998 (410) of Atlanta.

Resigning a five-year contract with the franchise this off-season, Gonzalez brings back an elite leadership as an eight-time Pro Bowler. He returns for his 11 th season with the Chiefs embarking on a seventh season and a fifth consecutive season to post 900 or more receiving yards. Gonzalez is on schedule to break the NFL's all time touchdown record at his position. He needs just two more to surpass the famous tight end Shannon Sharpe's record of 62.

  Kennison's speed and ability to go for the long ball will aide in the team's receiving game. He is expected to be a leader on and off the field as he enters his seventh season with the Chiefs. The versatile receiver could show up at either post in 2007.

Bennett joins the Chiefs for a second season in the backfield. Restricted by a lingering hamstring injury last year, Bennett will join the team in healthy condition at this year's training camp. He is anticipated to increase his contributions to the Chiefs' offense this season. His speed will support the Pro Bowler's ability to run effective routes.

They'll Be Lining Up

Retiring from the line, 12-time Pro Bowler guard Will Shields ended his long time history with the team on April 15th. Shields' select talent has been recognized through numerous honors and awards that will distinguish his services in NFL history. After a team high 223 profound starts with the franchise, Shields is an unquestioned candidate for the Chiefs' Hall of Fame.

A key performer at left guard, the influential Brian Waters brings strength to the line for his eighth year with the Chiefs. The three-time Pro Bowler has showed no signs of slowing up on his way to continue in the legacy of the Chiefs' reputable line. He will be a key in the success of the Chiefs' offense.

Projected to be the front-runner for the right guard post left vacant by Shields, John Welbourn will seek to win the starting spot. If granted the start he will be the first Chief other than Shields to open for the team since 1993. Welbourn's hard-hitting play will make him a tough competitor during his fourth season with the franchise.

Casey Wiegmann is set at center for his seventh run with the Chiefs. His hard work and commitment in every play has earned the Midwestern native five consecutive appearances on the USA Today's All-Joe Team. His trustworthiness on the line will be enjoyed by the team again this season.

Potentially up for grabs is the starting right tackle position with many contenders up for the spot.

They Are in The Workings to Give What They've Got and Get What They Can

Former defensive linebacker Boomer Grigsby makes the transition to fullback for his third year with the club. He will battle for playing time behind the quarterback this season as he learns the ins and outs of an offensive performer. Grigsby is also expected to lend his talents on special teams.

Also a favored potential for playing time at fullback is the skilled pass blocker Kris Wilson. The transformable tight end is a risk to his defenders at any spot on the field. Coming off the 2006 season injury free, he enters his fourth season with the Chiefs. Wilson should be of assistance to his teammates.

Tight end Jason Dunn is predicted to contain the second spot at that position during his eighth year with the Chiefs. The authoritative blocker has successfully opened the field for the Chiefs' run game and is a potent act alongside Gonzalez.

The up and coming running back Derrick Ross will make his second appearance with the Chiefs.   He has been active this off-season playing in NFL Europe as a member of the Cologne Centurions. Ross is predicted to display more of his talents during training camp.  

Some Have Taken Their Game Elsewhere

After seven successful seasons with the Chiefs, wide receiver Dante Hall will don a St. Louis Rams uniform this season.   Offensive tackle Jordan Black's status as a free agent ended his four-year run with the Chiefs. He joins the Huston Texans in 2007.

Promising Talent Arrives

The Chiefs have acquired a promising quartet of new players including wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, running back Kolby Smith and tackle Damion McIntosh.

Bowe joins the team as the Chiefs' first-round pick from LSU. The rookies' agility and toughness is foreseen to make him a candidate for a starting spot at wide receiver opposite former LSU associate Kennison this season. Yet to sign with the team, training camp is sure to be a central affair for his future with the franchise.

As a versatile running back hailing from Louisville, Smith is expected to compete for playing time this season behind the position of Johnson and Bennett. The former Cardinal was picked up by the franchise in the fifth round of the draft. The young potential should also produce yards for the Chiefs as a member of the special teams.

Bringing eight years of experience in the league to the franchise this season, McIntosh enters training camp as a top prospect for the starting left tackle spot this season. McIntosh signed a six-year contract with the Chiefs as an unrestricted free agent from the Miami Dolphins in March.