Know Thy Enemy 2010: Kansas City Chiefs
by Josh Branco on Jun 3, 2010 11:00 AM PDT
in 49ers Opponents
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Welcome to the first Know Thy Enemy post of 2010. I'll be using the same format as Fooch for this year's version, but feel free to let me know if there's something else you'd like to see in these articles.
This week will focus on the Kansas City Chiefs. Their fans always leave great comments on my posts, so I'm excited that we're starting this series with them.
Earlier this off-season I wrote up a free agency preview, and a free agency update covering Kansas City. Those will help get you up to speed on the team, but I highly recommend that you visit SB Nation's own Arrowhead Pride for more details on the Chiefs.
In 2009, the club was able to double their win total from the previous season. Head coach Todd Haley led the team to a 4-12 record in his first year at the helm. Kansas City defeated the Redskins, Raiders, Steelers, and Broncos en route to last place in the AFC West.
Still, there is reason to be hopeful about the future.
The Chiefs have added two experienced assistant coaches at the offensive and defensive coordinator positions. Charlie Weiss will be running the offense, while Romeo Crennel has replaced Clancy Pendergast on the defensive side of the ball. Kansas City has a relatively young team, and adding two very knowledgeable assistant coaches will certainly go a long way towards coaching them up properly.
In addition to improving the coaching staff, General Manager Scott Pioli has added some talented play makers to the roster this off-season. The team boasts one of the leagues' most dynamic tandems in Jamaal Charles and Dexter McCluster. Both of these players are capable of breaking off a big play at any moment.
On defense, the secondary is expected to be much improved with the addition of Eric Berry at safety. The continued development of Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr is another positive in the defensive backfield.
Continue reading after the jump...
Additions
Thomas Jones was signed as a free agent. He and Jamaal Charles should make for an effective backfield duo. Meanwhile the offensive line will return largely intact, with the addition of 3rd round pick Jon Asamoah at guard. The Chiefs do still have a weakness at wide receiver, but Dexter McCluster should help.
Defensively, Javier Arenas was added via the draft. He is expected to solidify the team's nickel back position. The team added two other players to their secondary during the 2010 NFL Draft, 5th overall pick Eric Berry and Mississippi free safety Kendrick Lewis. With improved coverage, the club is hoping that their front seven will be able to get to opposing quarterbacks more often.
Subtractions
The Chiefs have shed a lot of dead weight since Haley and Pioli came aboard, but they have not lost anybody of note since trading tight end Tony Gonzalez last April.
While this is not really a subtraction, Kansas City did miss an opportunity to upgrade their nose tackle position when they passed on Terrence Cody in the 2nd round. The Chief's defense ranked 31st in Run Defense DVOA last season. They will rely on incumbents Ron Edwards and Glenn Dorsey, as well as un-drafted free agent Garrett Brown to solidify the interior of the defensive line.
2010 Questions and Answers
Is Matt Cassell a franchise quarterback? He certainly is being paid like one, but Cassell struggled in his first year with the team. He was often criticized for holding on to the ball too long, something that he'll need to improve upon in 2010.
Are Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Chandler Jackson busts? While it is true that defensive linemen sometimes take a while to develop at the NFL level, the franchise would certainly like to see improved production out of Dorsey and Chandler. Especially Dorsey, who is the more experienced of the two. He is expected to see some time at nose tackle this season.
How will Jamaal Charles' production be affected by the acquisition of Thomas Jones? Jones has been a perennial workhouse throughout his career, while Charles is just beginning to fulfill his untapped potential. My guess is that there will be plenty of carries to split up between these two players, and that both will be productive in their roles.
Match-Up
San Francisco will travel to Kansas City during week three of the upcoming NFL season. This match-up is scheduled right in between two tough games against the Saints and the Falcons. With that being said this game, along with week one against Seattle, becomes very important if the team is going to get off to a fast start.
While you can never take an NFL opponent lightly, especially on the road, on paper this looks like a win for the 49ers. The Chiefs are improving, but San Francisco has the overall edge as far as talent goes. Kansas City may have an advantage when you compare the two coaching staffs, but ultimately it's the players on the field who decide the games and I believe the 49ers' roster is superior to that of the Chiefs.
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Would have been great to get Berry
But with the way things unfolded getting Mays at 49 with that chip on his shoulder he could be even better.
Gimme 1 round!
I dont see that happening
Unless he improves his coverage.
Did you know Eric Berry was asexually produced by Chuck Norris?
he's got a blank slate in coverage
could be developed into greatness.
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
Have fun.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
by SportsChicken on Jun 3, 2010 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Chiefs could be much improved this year
Berry and whatever Arenas can contribute in the secondary. Arenas for ST. Asamoah on the line. Got a little bit better in several places
Gimme 1 round!
hey man awesome write up !
good research the only thing I found wrong is that its Tyson Jackson not Tyson Chandler
Excellent Write Up
However I think talent wise we are more matched than you give us credit for. This game could really go either way. I think it will come down to whose QB steps up. Both have something to prove this season and this game is as good as any for both to show they are the future of the franchise.
I don't think it's quite as close as you say
but KC will definitely be in a much better position than they were in 2009
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
Niners Defense will be incredible ferocious this year. It’d be hard for the Chiefs to win when they’re only kicking field goals.
I survived the David Carr Press Conference Thread 3/06/2010
Credit to iaalexeeff
It's official: I'm a Buster Posey fan..... Who isn't?
by Hoopers Judge on Jun 3, 2010 1:32 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Needless to say, the Chiefs will be battling the Chargers for the AFC West in the next few years.
I survived the David Carr Press Conference Thread 3/06/2010
Credit to iaalexeeff
It's official: I'm a Buster Posey fan..... Who isn't?
by Hoopers Judge on Jun 3, 2010 1:34 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I think it will be Chiefs/Raiders in 2 years
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
by SportsChicken on Jun 3, 2010 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions
field goals?
you have little faith in us! They wont make it past mid-field!
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
Lol.
What I meant was they’d try to kick it, but it’ll be blocked and Clements will take it to the house.
I survived the David Carr Press Conference Thread 3/06/2010
Credit to iaalexeeff
It's official: I'm a Buster Posey fan..... Who isn't?
by Hoopers Judge on Jun 3, 2010 6:24 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
by McDonald, of course (the blocks)
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
I think...
San Francisco is our most likely loss to all the NFC West teams. Your offensive line upgrades will probably expoit our inability to stop the run. Not to mention Patrick Willis will help contain Charles and Jones. Our best bet will be to keep you out of the end zone and hold you to field goals.
Oh God.
I read that as “San Francisco is most likely to lose to all the NFC West teams.” Like you were saying the Niners were going to get swept. I almost offed myself right there.
Frustrated fireworks inside my head..
Vernon Davis is our biggest scoring threat
Will Berry be starting when we play?
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
by SportsChicken on Jun 3, 2010 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions
The 49ers are more polished
I would say. The defense is proven and is only getting better. The offense could have been better last year but there was a TON of discontinuity to deal with including a mid-season QB change, a rookie WR entering the mix in week 6. I give SF the edge but KC has made enough improvements to play a tough game.
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
Well...
the Chiefs had a solid draft and got help all over to improve there team. With that being said we should be able to shut down there running game and make them one dementional. What we need to do is establish our running game and take that hostile crowd at KC out of the game. This will be one of those games were we have a chance to get our runnung game in gear for big numbers.
Beat Em To The Punch - Bill Walsh
by Desi on Jun 3, 2010 12:42 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
You forgot some of the Chiefs' FA signings
They signed Shaun Smith to help at NT and Ryan Lilja and Casey Wiegmann on the O-line. These guys seems like patchwork until they can get someone better, but they are better than what they had before.
Not to throw flames or nothing :)
But the 49ers were 2-6 on the road. Looking at the 8 wins 2 were against the Cardinals.
That is great cause the Chiefs hope to defeat our division foes too as a way to win Divisions. Yet the other 6 wins were against the Bear, Jags, and Lions along with the Hags once anfd the Rams twice, not exactly murderers row there mainly on the home turf. At AP we call this one a toss-up. Iagree with the above comment it is on the QB’s to decide who wins. I know Alex is not going to get warm comfort from the Chiefs faithfull.
Just ask Young how he was treated years ago. Hali might be the second coming DT.
Rule 49. " Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram
I would challenge you to look at the margin of loss
for the 49ers in 2009 against some real quality teams
49ers losses:
Minn = 3 pts
Indy = 4 pts
GB = 6 pts
And losses to a few other teams by less than a TD…we were in every game.
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
AFC champion, NFC runner up, and team who won a playoff game
not bad…meanwhile KC lost by 6 or less to:
Oakland, 3
jacksonville, 3
Dallas, 6 (good game)
Oakland, 6
We, like you, are confident we’ll win the close games in 2010.
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
Yes we are :)
I think someone has a stat but the majority of NFL games are decided by less than 7 points.
Rule 49. " Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram
That game against Dallas
was Miles Austin’s breakout game.
by ZeroOneInfinity on Jun 3, 2010 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions
The Chiefs have loaded up for bear in the Defensive secondary.
Derrick Johnson who Intercepted twice and scored two TD’s in the final game against Denver as of today has a leg onto the starting ILB spot. You will probably have to attack our Defense with a Rushing attack. Many of our opponents in 2010 do not have solid rushing attacks like yours.
Rule 49. " Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram
Scored nearly 30 pts for me that week
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
by SportsChicken on Jun 3, 2010 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions
we were not in every game
I didn’t mean to write that…we did have a few losses by wider margins…we were in MOST games we lost is what I should have written.
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
and the Philly game was not as close I think as it ended up
we looked terrible in that game
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
I thought we had a good chance
Delanie Walker fumbled and Parys Haralson whiffed on McNabb (TD).
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
by SportsChicken on Jun 3, 2010 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I can't get that image out of my head
the Haralson whiff on McNabb…
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
I didn't pay too much attention after the Delanie Walker fumble
But if neither of those two plays happen, the 49ers have a chance to win that game.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
by SportsChicken on Jun 4, 2010 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I would remind you to look at our margins of loss the last few years as well..
but the only thing that matters is if you come out of the game with a W or an L.
Hali might be the second coming DT.
Are you really a Chiefs fan making that comment? Hali pales in comparison to the disruptive force that Derrick Thomas was. Hali is good at one thing only: beating Ryan Clady. Hali has never even broken into double digit sacks in his 4 years in the league whereas Thomas had at least 10 sacks each of his first four years. I just don’t see how you can make that comment.
As far as the 49ers vs Chiefs game goes, the Chiefs struggled at two things that the 49ers are good at. They struggled in pass protection and in stopping the run. The 49ers were tied for third most sacks last season. The 49ers also upgraded their O-line and I don’t think I need to mention how good Frank Gore is. If the 49ers can play to their strengths, it could be a tough day for the Chiefs.
by ZeroOneInfinity on Jun 3, 2010 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I might have stretched it a bit.
But Hali is actually playng DT’s position now. As a Chiefs fan I watched How close he got to those other sacks that stats don’t count, those penalties never called for non_established players. Hali has the work ethic and will get those strip sacks just like DT did :)
Rule 49. " Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram
Those are still two rookies on your o line
first round picks or not. I wouldnt even try to predict a game until the season starts. Who knows? The Chiefs could be decent or they could be horrible. The 49ers could win the SB or struggle to win the divison. All I know is the 49ers were not good enough last year to think of this as a automatic win. (Im not saying you are either).
Did you know Eric Berry was asexually produced by Chuck Norris?
The guys they are replacing are 2 of the worst players on the team...
And Snyder is one of the worst tackles in the NFL. Even a bust can be better than those 2.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jun 4, 2010 1:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Look at Hali's hurries
look at the % of the teams pressures that Hali had. He isnt anything like DT, but he is a force. His sacks may not be on par with the elite 3-4 OLBs but his pressures are close.
Did you know Eric Berry was asexually produced by Chuck Norris?
Strength of the Lines
Clearly the Chiefs have some weapons on offense, but in my opinion the 49ers have an advantage against Kansas City’s offensive and defensive lines. I think San Francisco will be able to control the line of scrimmage, and that will be the difference in the game.
How many sacks did the Chiefs give up in the last 5-6 weeks of the season?
How many rushing yards did they put up that year? Would adding Lilja over Andy Alleman make that same line even better? Be careful before you assume things about the Chiefs oline because the oline that started last season and the oline now are two completely different things. New blocking scheme, new QB and no rushing attack for the first nine weeks made it a virtual track meet towards Cassel. Now you have a much better oline, even just counting the guys that finished last season and against a top 8 defense in Cinci, a top 7 sack defense in Cleveland and the NFL sack champ twice in that stretch.
Also don’t be so hasty to judge the defensive line. Again three players last year that had no 3-4 experience including one with no NFL experience. Add to that an experienced NT and a years worth of learning for everyone else and maybe one of the best dline coaches in the league and I think you will see a very different result.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
It should be a very good game
I will be there. Arrowhead will be packed and loud as hell. Im excited to see Eric Berry vs. Vernon Davis myself. Im also excited to see how the Chiefs DL plays. If they are as pathetic as last year, it will be a long day. However, Glenn Dorsey is a beast and not anything close to a bust. His numbers are actually more historical than they are bad. Tyson Jackson has alot to prove but im hoping for improvement from him. If he improves dramatically our DL will be very solid. Dorsey is what he is, he wont get alot of sacks but he will stop the run. He just cant do it by himself. I know you might say “How can he be good against the run if the team was 31st…” Just ask the Buffalo Bills and clevland browns, two games he didnt play.
It should be a good game. Singletary is an awesome coach and one of my favorite coaches in the league right now. I think Iupati will really excell run blocking, he will probably be a handful. It is gonna be tough for KC to get a W if they even slightly resemble last years team.
Did you know Eric Berry was asexually produced by Chuck Norris?
Nice write up.
I think this game is a toss up although of course I give the edge to my team. I think it will be harder to pass on us this year than people can think. I think the best bet is to feed Gore the ball until he can’t run anymore. Either way, it will be a great game that I’m excited to watch!
Jamaal Charles...Enough said.
I love the moves you guys have made, really I do
and don’t take it the wrong way, but I don’t think the Chiefs are quite on the same level as the 49ers…just yet. One off-season does not a turnaround make, though I expect you’ll be much better. Not to say we’re a championship caliber team but defensively we are going to scare the crap out of teams in 2010 and the offense only got better. Mark my words, the 49ers defense will be all over the highlight reels and much talked about. I think the offense will come around beautifully with a better line and more time to gel (not that they did half bad in 2009). I think the Chiefs are just one more season from being “there” is all.
Probably pissed you off, sorry if I did. I appreciate your optimism as I’m sure you do mine.
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
actually
I take some of what I said about the 9ers back…we really COULD be a championship caliber team in 2010. Everything really is coming together and the naysayers will see that very early on.
"I will speak at times, when it's necessary, but I don't believe in talking just because you can." - P-52
Let's talk on Twitter
Nah, you didn't make me mad...
Just some friendly trash talk/opinions. Let’s just compare a little bit from last year…
We are both teams in the two weakest divisions in football right now. I don’t think that’s debateable
SF Wins: Cards x 2, Ramsx2, Seahawks, Bears, Jags, lions
KC Wins: Redskins, Raiders, Steelers, Broncos
What does that say? You guys won double the amount of games. The only teams that are decent on that list is the Cards and Steelers. You guys improved 1 game the year before while we improved 2 games. We both improved so that’s good.
Alex Smith (11 games): 1120 yards, 18 td’s, 12 interceptions, 60.5 completion percentage
Matt Cassel (15 games): 2924 yards, 16 td’s, 16 interceptions, 55 completion percentage
What does that tell me? You guys had a better o-line. Cassel made some bad judgements. Overall, we both need work in this area.
Frank Gore (14 games started): 1120 yards, 10tds, 4.9 ypc
Jamaal Charles (10 games started): 1120 yards, 7 tds, 5.9 ypc
Seems like our running games will do just fine, Especially with Coffee and Jones in the mix. We both won’t have trouble running it.
Now lets look at defense:
SF: 45 sacks, 18 interceptions, 69 passes defended, 23 forced fumbles
KC: 22 sacks, 15 interceptions, 85 passes defended, 12 forced fumbles
What does that say? You guys get pressure and can strip the ball. Pretty stout to me. We are hell to pass on. Our only weakness last year was the big play over the top which is why we got Berry. So that shouldn’t be an issue this year.
Special Teams: You guys punted it 99 times, we punted it 97 times…You guys had FG percentage made of 79.2 while we had 86.2. Fairly even in this area.
So let’s wrap this up. You guys were 18th in offensive pts last year. We were 23rd. You guys had more passing yards, we had more rushing yards. 22nd passing attack against.. 25th passing attack….25th rushing attack….agains11th rushing attack. Seems like we are closer than you think offense wise. We just had trouble on defense where you guys were solid.
So what made you think you will go from 8 wins to championship caliber? Let’s see you add Ted Ginn Jr. He will help stretch the field more and help the return game. You drafted 2 very good rookies for the offensive line but who knows how that will turn out. Taylor Mays has potential but needs work. Another year while the team gel’s is also a good thing. I honestly think we did more improvement basically because there was room for more improvement. Two of the best coordinators in the NFL. You can argue but the fact remains. Thomas Jones in the backfield with Jamaal Charles. Upgraded offensive line to give Cassel more time. The best safety in the draft to help our defense that needs it. We got Arenas to help out return game, also argueably the best blitzing CB in the draft to help put pressure on the QB. LIke I said in the beginning the only weakness is our rush defense. I just think we are a lot closer than people tend to think regardless of our record from last year.
Jamaal Charles...Enough said.
KC
IFmy memory serves me right the last time we played KC they out ran us, out hit us, and did every thing right to win that game.and we were favored by 10.They were a team in progress.KC will hopefuly not be taken lightly
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