Future of the Chiefs

I waited as long as I could, but I've got to dive back in to the Kansas City Football Chiefs.

The Chiefs are coming off a 10-6 season and with Larry Johnson at the helm, things seem to be in pretty good shape. Unfortunately, this team is not Championship ready and things may get worse before they get better.

Obviously, it is a challenge to get groups of talented players together at the same time. It's easier to focus on one side of the ball, or focus on skill positions, but it's hard to focus on every area at once.

The Chiefs have had one of the best offenses and offensive lines in the last 5 years or so. But the future of that looks not so great. The O-line has gone from "old" to old with holes in it, as Roaf has just retired. Gonzo's getting older. Trent Green can only play high level for maybe 2 more seasons. And they've never had any great receivers.

But they do have Larry Johnson. But if they don't get the line repaired, and get a Quarterback of the future, it could be hard for LJ to do what everyone expects.

On the defensive side, it's been a struggle. And they've been showing signs of progress, but not fast enough. If the defense could have come together last year, with Roaf, and not blown the Eagles game, the Chiefs would have been 11-5 - the Steelers wouldn't have made it into the playoffs - and they were red hot at the end of the year.

But the defense will need a couple years under Herman Edwards to really play the Cover 2 well. By that time, who knows if the offense will still have any life left in it.