A Super Bowl Caliber Team

In a given year, there might be 4 or 5 Super Bowl Caliber teams for only 2 spots. Last season, I think it's safe to say there were 4 SB Caliber teams. The two that made it, plus the Saints and Chiefs were both one play away. The Bears were a kicker away from finding out if they were in the conversation. The Chargers were more than a few plays away. (The year before, the Eagles and Pats were SB Caliber, but also the Jags and Saints were one play away.)

Which goes to show that you can build a Super Bowl Caliber team, but that doesn't mean you're going to win it or even make the game. The Saints have seen their Super Bowl hopes end on fluke plays in back to back years. But the goal is to do what the Patriots have done. If you have a SB Caliber team for 4 years, hopefully you make at least 2 and win at least 1. If you can build a SB Caliber team for almost 20 years, that's how you build a dynasty.

When you think of building a SB Caliber team on paper, usually we think of what the Rams did last year, bringing in multiple great free agents. Sometimes that doesn't work (Eagles 2011 Dream Team) but last year, the Rams won the offseason and then went to the Super Bowl. But another way of building a top team is through the coaches. The Patriots success belongs to Brady's Offense and Belichick's defense. Usually they're both pretty great. Sometimes one is hall of fame level, which can carry the other side.

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A couple weeks ago, I wrote about the Chiefs new DC Spags. I noted that while he's not an up and coming younger guy, he brings a lot to the table. Well, Spags has brought in up and coming guys who were sought-after candidates for Defensive Coordinator positions.

First they got the DL coach from the Patriots, Brendan Daly. You know, the defense that just won the Super Bowl by allowing 3 points.

And DB coach Merritt, who's also won Super Bowls.

And then they added Matt House, the guy that turned around Kentucky's defense. 

I don't claim to be an expert on defensive fronts, but I like what I see:




Based on this, I feel like Chiefs could absolutely be a top 15, maybe top 10 defense next year. That might sound crazy from where we were last year, but the Chiefs D has good players. I think these coaches will make a serious difference.

You pair that with a top 5 offense (last year Chiefs were #1) and that's a Super Bowl Caliber team. Doesn't guarantee they make it or win it. But you have a chance.

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The Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl.