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2006 Kansas City Chiefs Predictions
The Kansas City Chiefs couldn't get to the playoffs for Dick Vermeil
in his final season as an NFL head coach last year. Despite featuring the
league's top-ranked offense, the Chiefs couldn't overcome their defensive woes,
especially in the passing game.
Now that Kansas City has brought in a defensive-minded, no-nonsense coach in
Herman Edwards, and upgraded its porous defense through the draft and free
agency, the team thinks it's ready to take that next step toward reaching the
Super Bowl. Edwards is expecting a much better defensive effort this season,
especially since he has been reunited with ball-hawking cornerback Ty Law, who
signed with the Chiefs after playing for Edwards with the New York Jets last
season.
"He (Law) had 10 interceptions with a bad foot [last season]. That tells you
something about this guy," Edwards said. "He's a tough guy and comes to compete
every Sunday." In 157 career games, the 5-foot-11 Law has registered 46
interceptions. "I anticipate that he'll finish with something like 60
interceptions and probably go to the Hall of Fame," Edwards predicted.
15% Sign up Bonus at WagerWeb Key Additions: DBs Law, Bernard
Pollard (rookie) and Chris Johnson, RB Michael Bennett, DE Tamba Hali (rookie),
QB Brodie Croyle (rookie).
Key Subtractions: FB Tony Richardson, QB Todd Collins, WRs Marc Boerigter and
Chris Horn.
Sportsbook Odds: The Chiefs will battle the Broncos and Chargers for the AFC
West crown. There should be at least two playoff teams that come from the
division. WagerWeb.com has Kansas City as +$165 to win the AFC West, +$800 to
win the AFC championship and +$1500 to win Super Bowl XLI.
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Watch: Larry Johnson was virtually unstoppable in the second half of last
season. In nine starts after replacing Priest Holmes as the featured back last
season, Johnson had 1,351 of his 1,750 rushing yards, 16 of his 20 rushing
touchdowns and 1,627 of his AFC-leading 2,093 yards from scrimmage. He also
averaged more than 30 touches a game. He should get a similar workload with the
conservative Edwards calling the plays. If Johnson has another huge year, he
will take the pressure off the still shaky defense and open up the passing game
for QB Trent Green.
Outlook: Kansas City will be involved in some shootouts again this season, but
with the additions of Law and No. 1 pick Hali, the defense should be better.
Just about everybody from last season's top-ranked offense returns, so expect
another high-scoring, entertaining team in Kansas City. If the Chiefs can make
the playoffs and get a home game or two, they could be a dangerous postseason
team as Kansas City is one of the toughest places in the league to play.
By Mike Brody of
WagerWeb |
