Keys to a .500 season for the Kansas City Chiefs

After seasons of 2-14 (2008) & 4-12 (2009) there is hope around KC that the Chiefs have improved themselves enough this offseason that they may stand a chance at doubling their win total for the second consecutive year.  Either that or, at the very least, there is a feeling that the team has touched bottom & is on the way back up.  They say the biggest room in the world is the room for self improvement.  Probably somewhere in that room you can find this version of the Chiefs. 

Running Game:

In the backfield it appears KC is ready to experiment with an RBBC approach.  Thomas Jones is listed first on the depth chart, probably out of respect for his seniority; Jamaal Charles is likely to get the most touches as he should, but it is rookie WR Dexter McCluster whose quickness & shiftiness could help Jones & Charles shine.  As KC is not bestowed with a particularly stalwart offensive line it seems they will have to rely upon misdirection & creative play-calling to stay in games & have a chance at the end.  Jones appears to have plenty left in the tank & Charles is an emerging star.  The run game could be a pleasant surprise for Chiefs fans that have been privileged to have gifted running backs throughout their history like Abner Haynes, Mike Garrett, Ed Podolak, Christian Okoye, Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson.

Passing Game:

It looks like Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis is setting Matt Cassell up to have a series of checkdowns in this offense.  His downfield options are late blooming former #1 pick Dwayne Bowe & sturdy veteran Chris Chambers, along with talented rookie tight end Tony Moeaki, if he can stay healthy, if he can't look for incumbent Leonard Pope to keep his job.  Beyond the starters KC might get production off the bench from Jerheme Urban & Jeremy Horne who have both exhibited flashes of brilliance in the pre-season.   

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Run Defense:

The Chiefs have been downright woeful against the run for each of the past two seasons, ranking near the very bottom of the NFL.  However, in last Saturday's preseason loss to Tampa Bay the starters turned in a solid & respectable effort allowing just 43 first half rushing yards.  Ron Edwards, Tyson Jackson & Glenn Dorsey anchor the base 3-4 D, with Mike Vrabel & Tambi Hali as the outside linebackers & Derrick Johnson & Jovan Belcher on the inside.  This is much the same core of players that ranked 31st in the NFL vs. the run last year.  Clearly this group has a lot of room for improvement.     

Pass Defense:

The secondary is getting interesting with both Brandon's, Flowers & Carr, along with stud newcomer Eric Berry, anchoring would could prove to be a very athletic & effective coverage unit.  They should get plenty of opportunity to showcase their skills unless the front seven can generate more pressure than they have in several years.  KC is hoping for a breakthrough secondary star to join in the ranks of the legends: Johnny Robinson, Bobby Hunt, Fred "The Hammer" Williamson, Emmitt Thomas, Gary Barbaro, Albert Lewis, Lloyd Burruss and Deron Cherry.       

X-Factors:

Rookie Kick Returner Javier Arenas has exploded for three huge returns in two pre-season games totaling 194 yards, although his 99 yard touchdown was called back for a holding penalty.  Arenas looks to be the real deal & could bring excitement to the return game that KC hasn't enjoyed since Dante Hall.

All-told another 4-12 to 6-10 record wouldn't be all that surprising but 8-8 may be the light at the end of the 2010 Chiefs tunnel.

By Allan Gardner
ProFootball-fans.com Kansas City Chiefs Correspondent