2011 Record: 7-9
2011 Ranks
Total Offense: 27
Rush Offense: 15
Pass Offense: 25
Scoring Offense: 31
Total Defense: 11
Run Defense: 26
Pass Defense: 6
Scoring Defense: 12
The Chiefs suffered through a spattering of injuries at quarterback last year, but starter Matt Cassel should be healthy once again heading into this season. Cassel isn’t going to blow the pants off anyone, but he is efficient enough to get the job done. The Chiefs are talented on the outside with Dwayne Bowe, former Pitt standout Jonathan Baldwin, and Woodland Hills alum Steve Breaston. In the backfield, they have two lightning-quick runners in Jamaal Charles (who is coming off a torn ACL) and Dexter McCluster. They also brought in Peyton Hillis to shoulder the ground-and-pound load. This is an offense with a lot of skill but they’re not going to blow anyone out.
This might be one of the most under-rated defensive units in the league. Romeo Crennel takes over as head coach after building a tough defensive unit, led by linebacker Tamba Hali (12 sacks). Free Safety Eric Berry, arguably one of the best young defensive backs in the league, suffered a season-ending knee injury last year and his return will be a tremendous boost to a pretty good Chiefs secondary. On the whole, this is a good defense, with the biggest hole being a lack of a second pass rusher.
The Chiefs have made a name for themselves making big special teams plays to turn the tide of games over the last few years. Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas are both dynamic returners that are capable of breaking one any time they touch the ball.
Everyone is anointing the Broncos in this division, but this is a good Chiefs team that still finished 7-9 despite injuries last season. 10-6.
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