FanHouse Linebacker

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.

Shawne Merriman gets a lot of recognition for his pass rushing skills, but the guy starting opposite of him, #95 Shaun Phillips, can play too. He was second behind Merriman last year with 7 sacks. He wasn't a full-time starter either, coming in mostly in passing situations. This year, with OLB Steve Foley out for the season, Shaun Phillips has taken over the starting job and is looking to make a name for himself:

"By the end of the year everybody will be saying 'Shaun Phillips' or '(No.) 95 is a beast,' " veteran linebacker Randall Godfrey said. "He's doing a great job, and by the time this season is over he'll definitely have a lot of attention."

This season, Phillips is again behind Merriman in sacks - Merriman has 3 while Phillips is pushing him with 2. There is friendly competition between these young starting Outside Linebackers, but also a strong bond and a willingness to help each other get better:

"When he goes in the weight room, I go in the weight room," Phillips said. "He's been to the Pro Bowl already, so obviously he's doing something right. Anything he does, I try to piggyback. And I help him with some technique things. He learns from me, I learn from him. We just work well together."