Anzlyzing the Kansas City Chiefs

As Larry Johson goes, so go the Kansas City Chiefs. At least in theory. The surprising chiefs reached the 2006 NFL playoffs, winning a tie-break over the Denver Broncos.

This run-first, run-often team would have handed the ball to the overworked Johnson every single play, if possible. Instead, when starting quarterback Trent Green was lost for the season with a severe head injury, the Chiefs turned to NFL journeyman Damon Huard, who was more than efficient, tossing 11 touchdown passes against only one interceptions in 8 starts.

So, with the addition of play-making wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and defensive tackle Turk McBride in the first two rounds of the 2007 draft, and the return of a rested Larry Johnson, why shouldn't KC be better in 2007?

Well, there's more reason to believe the Chiefs will slip out of playoff contention in 2007 than to believe they will be better.

First, with the departure of Green and the probability that Brody Croyle will take over at QB, Kansas City will need even more from Johnson, which may not be possible.

Croyle has thrown just 7 passes in two NFL seasons for a passer rating of 11.9, yet Chiefs brass is committed to the young Alabama grad.

Defenses are certain to load up against the run, until Croyle proves he can beat them. To make matters worse, all-world offensive guard Will Shields retired, leaving a huge hole in the KC offensive line, especially after Willie Roaf retired the previous season, meaning the Chiefs have lost two of the best lineman in NFL history in consecutive off-seasons.

Meanwhile, defensive end Jared Allen has been suspended for the first four games, adding pressure to a defense that was average at best in 2006.

Look at Larry Johnson, arguably the best runner in pro football, in the backfield, and the Chiefs look pretty good.

Consider the aforementioned problems, and it looks like a 6-10 year for Kansas City.