Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2015 regular season. Today, the Kansas City Chiefs.
2014 in a nutshell: Spurred by NFL sack leader Justin Houston, the league’s second-ranked scoring defense helps Kansas City win nine games. But the conservative offense — not a single wide receiver catches a touchdown pass — just can’t do enough to keep up with the division-dominating Broncos.
Why 2015 could be different: They’ve replaced Dwayne Bowe with Jeremy Maclin at receiver and the law of averages suggests they should have better luck with health after Football Outsiders concluded that only six teams were hit harder by injuries in 2014.
Major additions: Maclin, safety Tyvon Branch, veteran guard Ben Grubbs and first-round cornerback Marcus Peters.
Major losses: Bowe, center Rodney Hudson and right tackle Ryan Harris are all gone.
Breakout watch: Watch for 2014 third-round pick Phillip Gaines at corner. He showed flashes last year and has a chance to bring some stability opposite Sean Smith.
Position to watch: The offensive line is in flux. Hudson was graded by Pro Football Focus as the best offensive player on the team and Harris was a proven commodity on the right side, plus 2013 No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher has yet to flourish. In order to keep the offense rolling and Jamaal Charles on top of his game, they’ll need Fisher to improve and veterans Grubbs and Donald Stephenson to step up.
Prediction: Even with Houston back and Charles on top of his game, this team has its limitations with Alex Smith under center and so many questions regarding the offensive line. They won’t be bad, but they aren’t a playoff team.
