FanHouse KeyaranFox

The next two issues I'll explore in the Chiefs' offseason gameplan is what they will do with their kicker and linebacker situation.

Kicker:
This time last year, I was excited about Lawrence Tynes returning to the Chiefs. He overcame major adversity in 2005 and finished with a very strong season. In 2006, he wasn't bad, but he was wildly inconsistent. Still, the Chiefs have to be absolutely fed up with this inconsistency. Arguably, his lax approach to kicking a chip shot field goal in the playoffs against Indianapolis is believed by many to have been the turning point of the game.

Quite simply, there is no excuse for missing a chip shot field goal in a dome, especially in the playoffs. Tynes is known to have constant lapses in concentration, which is why he has struggled very often at times at making extra points. It also doesn't help that Tynes has a weak leg for kicking off.

What will the Chiefs do?
Expect the Chiefs to bring in some competition this offseason. I think the Chiefs will have to find a huge steal for them to consider cutting Tynes, but don't think that Tynes' job is even remotely safe.

Linebacker:
Okay, so I have also heard from many that linebacker is a high priority position for the Chiefs. I don't buy it. The Chiefs are just fine at linebacker. Sure, Kendrell Bell is a little overpaid, but I also don't believe he's nearly as bad as people think he is.

I'm amazed that Derrick Johnson's injury has received such little scrutiny.

Derrick Johnson has been a difference maker for the Chiefs. I'm pretty quick to blame Keyaran Fox for a few screw-ups in Sunday's game, but then, perhaps I'm asking too much of Fox. He has some pretty big shoes to fill.

In 8 games, DJ had 49 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He was on pace for about 98 tackles and 9 sacks, which are pretty terrific numbers for a linebacker. In fact, those could reasonably have earned him his first pro bowl berth.

There have been multiple times when DJ's absence was visibly noticeable.

The Chiefs lost to the Miami Dolphins 13-10 in a lackluster effort.

It seems common for any NFL fan to attribute any loss to their team's own coaching and player failures, the refs, the wind, or the lack of wind. Count me out. The Chiefs lost to the Dolphins because the Dolphins played outstanding football. It seems like teams with losing records put in their best efforts against the Chiefs.

But there are lots of other reasons why the Chiefs lost. I can give you one simple explanation: the Chiefs are cursed. I will go into this in further depth later in the week; however, it is extremely understated that the Chiefs are banged-up. In fact, it amazes me that so few NFL talking heads seem to realize how banged up the Chiefs are.

Preseason is boring. This is, if you walk around like a blind man without a cane.

Not this writer. To me, the preseason is ultra-exciting because it gives average fans the chance to tinker with possible rosters, debate to the death whether upside should prevail over experience, etc.... Preseason shall be boring no longer! Keep an eye out for some of these preseason battles, and you may just find yourself being the only Chief fan to watch the back-end of the final preseason game with more interest than the front end. Here are some things to look out for on defense:

• Young safeties: Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard. You won't need to look long--they're all over the field.
  
• Defensive tackles: Ron Edwards and James Reed have replaced Lionel Dalton and Ryan Sims in the starting rotation. Given the way Reed played against the Rams, it's hard to imagine his job is in jeopardy. Edwards, on the other hand, has been good but not great so far in the offseason. Dalton is not going to be a stud defensive tackle anytime soon, especially at this point in his career, but he is fairly solid at plugging holes and engaging blockers. It's hard to imagine the Chiefs' defense not involving Dalton in some major role. It's sad to say, but it may be time to close the book on Ryan Sims, the first round draft pick. I would be shocked if Sims was cut, but it does not seem like he will ever be the star defensive tackle most scouts envisioned he would be after he was drafted in the top 10. Sims will have a very long uphill battle to replace Edwards at the tackle position. The extent of Sims' role in this year's defense has yet to be seen. Other players could include Shane Burton, who has been quietly having a pretty solid preseason after his return to football, and Junior Siavii, who looks to be one step away from being cut from this team.
• Linebackers: Kendrell Bell is a lousy fit for the cover 2. Keyaran Fox is hot on his trail and he should be: he's a much better fit for this brand of defense. Don't be surprised if Bell is slowly phased out of the defense.
• Cornerbacks: Anybody think that Lenny Walls was a wasted investment? Interestingly, when the Chiefs went into nickel situations, they were using Ty Law and Lenny Walls as corners and Patrick Surtain as a nickel back.
  
• Defensive end: The Chiefs probably won't give away too much of their hand, but one thing we know for sure is that Tamba Hali is going to have a major role in their formations. Two guys to keep a close eye on are Eric Hicks and Jimmy Wilkerson. Hicks has pretty much lost his starting job, and the way he's playing this preseason, could have his role significantly cut down. Jimmy Wilkerson has done the exact opposite: his improved play has skyrocketed him up the depth chart and he could be the man who takes those snaps away from Hicks.