Like every year, Touchdown News offers you its traditional pre-season sheets. You can find them all by clicking on this link.
Winner of the Super Bowl in 2019 and unfortunate finalist in 2020, Kansas City had a revenge to take. Unfortunately for Andy Reid’s men, the season ended with a cruel defeat in the conference finals while the Chiefs had the game in hand.
While Kansas City’s consistency seems unwavering, key departures make the 2022 season a year full of uncertainty. Can the Chiefs maintain the same level of dominance in an AFC stronger than ever? It will be far from a cakewalk.
Last season: 12 wins – 5 losses, 1st AFC West, loss in the conference final against the Cincinnati Bengals
Movements in the off-season
In a single offseason, Kansas City lost two of its stars, one on each side of the field. The defense must learn to live without its main vocal leader Tyrann Mathieu, who has returned to his native Louisiana. This departure was compensated by the arrival of Justin Reid, but replacing the “honey badger” is not an easy task for a player in decline in Houston.
The other departure is that of Tyreek Hill, transferred by the franchise to Miami against numerous draft picks. Author of 1,239 yards and 9 touchdowns, replacing him will not be easy, especially since Byron Pringle and Demarcus Robinson have also packed their bags. The new wave is called Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Juju Smith-Schuster, not sure that Patrick Mahomes is a winner in the exchange.
Other significant departures are worth noting, such as Charvarius Ward, Austin Blythe or Jarran Reed, but nothing that seems insurmountable. Kansas City will be fortunate to be able to rely on a very rich rookie class, with talented players like cornerback Trent McDuffie and pass rusher George Karlaftis. But the contribution should not be limited to these players, all can claim playing time, in rotation (Skyy Moore, Darian Kinnard, Jaylen Watson) or even as a medium-term starter (Bryan Cook, Leo Chenal) in the event of failure holders.
Less “star-power”, more youth and still a lot of talent in this workforce.
Notable arrivals: Justin Reid (S), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR), Juju Smith-Schuster (WR), Jermaine Carter (LB), Ronald Jones (RB), Taylor Stallworth (DT), Deon Bush (S), Carlos Dunlap (EDGE)
Re-Signatures : Derrick Ndadi (DT), Andrew Wylie (T), Blake Bell (TE)
Draft : Trent McDuffie (CB), George Karlaftis (DE), Skyy Moore (WR), Bryan Cook (S), Leo Chenal (LB), Joshua Williams (CB), Darian Kinnard (OT), Jaylen Watson (CB), Isaih Pachecho (RB), Nazeeh Johnson (S)
Notable losses: Tyreek Hill (WR), Charvarius Ward (CB), Tyrann Mathieu (S), Byron Pringle (WR), Melvin Ingram (EDGE), Austin Blythe (G), Jarran Reed (DL), Mike Hughes (CB), Daniel Sorensen (S), Armani Watts (S), Demarcus Robinson (WR), Darrel Williams (RB)
The strong points)
Despite two disappointments in a row in the playoffs, Patrick Mahomes remains the best quarterback in the league today. Capable of transforming a perilous situation into a big win, he is the main strength of his team. He will have to learn from his mistakes, like all great players, and chase away this “hero syndrome” that he has too often adopted since the Super Bowl against the Buccaneers.
Because what has changed since this famous Super Bowl is that Patrick Mahomes has an efficient offensive line. The recruitments of Orlando Brown and Joe Thuney are a success on the blind side, and the explosion of rookie Creed Humphrey in the center is the great news of the 2021 season. He is not the only 2021 rookie in form, since Trey Smith also imposed himself, hoping that the medical problems are definitely behind him. If we add Lucas Niang, we can say that Mahomes is much better protected.
If Mahomes is largely responsible for the recent success, the technical staff should also receive congratulations. Andy Reid is one of the best coaches of all time, Eric Bieniemy is an attacking genius and Steve Spagnuolo knows how to get the best out of an often incomplete defence. Having such stability is a blessing, even if it can sometimes hinder the renewal of ideas. With such a leader, Kansas City knows they will still be competitive in 2022.
The weak spots)
Tyreek Hill has often been the tree that hides the forest, but with his departure the conclusion is clear: the group of receivers is very far from being at the top of the basket in the NFL. Marquez Valdes-Scantling has not yet demonstrated that he can be a number 1, despite having one of the best quarterbacks in history. Juju Smith-Schuster is a good slot player, but his physique doesn’t fit the Kansas City “mold” and the passing game will have to be adapted. Travis Kelce will undoubtedly help this group, but Mahomes will have to sublimate players who don’t have Hill’s talent.
It’s almost a habit in Missouri: the defense has great headliners, but the squad as a whole is questionable. The first question is at the level of the cornerback position: Jarius Sneed is a solid number 2, and Trent McDuffie has a lot of potential, but neither of them gives the certainty of being able to be a “shutdown corner” from 2022. defensive line rests on a star (Chris Jones) and an intermittent star (Frank Clark), for the rest it is there still expectation. Can George Karlaftis start in the first year? Can Derrick Ndadi get back to his 2020 level? Is Carlos Dunlap still level? Always questions and few answers.
X Factor(s): Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB)
When selected in the first round of the draft, “CHE” was to become a force in the Reid system in running and passing, a bit like Brian Westbrook at the Eagles then coached by Big Red. For the moment, he has relatively disappointed during his first two seasons. Author of 1320 nyards on the ground and 426 in the air in 23 matches, he is today more a useful member of a committee than a potential holder.
Patrick Mahomes is going to need support, and having a safety valve behind him can help. The running game must become an engine of attack, not just a supplement to an aerial fire attack. The franchise must reinvent itself, and the racing game will not escape this change. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be under pressure, but it’s also a huge possibility to show up in view of negotiating a future contract.
Player to watch: Trent McDuffie (BC)
As mentioned in the weak points, the number 1 cornerback spot is up for grabs. Trent McDuffie has a “reassuring” profile, as strong against the pass as against the run and capable of limiting the opponent’s gain. If he is not in the mold “playmaker” of the Chiefs, he provides welcome support. He will have a lot to do in the AFC West, with opponents like Jerry Jeudy, Davanta Adams and Keenan Allen.
No observation period for the former Washington player, who has the “default” of not physically ticking all the boxes. The challenge is immense, but McDuffie has the shoulders to meet it. There is no doubt that the game plans will be adapted so as not to have to constantly fight in 1 against 1 and receive help from the safety if necessary.
Bonus: the sheet is here.
Calendar
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In summary
No fear of an “end of cycle”, but it will be more difficult to dominate a terrible AFc in 2022 with a weakened workforce. The forces are known, and are enormous, but the uncertainties reign in attack as in defense.
When we know that in addition the NFC West is on the program, there will not be a delay in ignition as in 2021. Can Patrick Mahomes get up after 2 years of failure (all other things being equal)? We will have to be mental, but the boy has resources.
The AFC West is a jungle, and Denver should be a very strong contender, just like potentially the Chargers.