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Chargers vs. Chiefs Dec 29th Qualcomm Stadium
Last year was a season to forget in Kansas City, both for the play of the Chiefs and the Jovan Belcher tragedy. Things kind of imploded in the proud Chiefs franchise and as a result ownership decided to clean house and the team brought in Andy Reid to take over the head coaching duties. Say what you want about Reid's love of throwing the football and his penchant for playoff exits; he's one of the elite coaches in the NFL and very well could turn this Chiefs team right back around. By virtue of the worst record in football the Chiefs had the top overall pick and drafted Eric Fisher who they think will be their left tackle for the next decade. Fisher will protect the blindside of Alex Smith who they acquired in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Smith never turned out to be the player who warranted the top overall pick in the draft, but he has turned out to be a solid NFL quarterback. He should be able to execute Reid's system well and with an improved offensive line and the presence of Jamaal Charles at running back the Chiefs offense could turn around quickly.
In addition to Fisher the Chiefs had a very well regarded draft. In the fourth round they took Nico Johnson from Alabama who could start from day one alongside Derrick Johnson. The Chiefs also took Sanders Cummings, a potential fifth round steal and Travis Kelce, a third round tight end who should be a favorite of Alex Smith immediately, but is also a bit of a risk due to off the field issues. In free agency the Chiefs signed Mike Devito, a solid veteran defensive end, and Dunta Robinson a veteran corner. With the pickup of Johnson and Cummings in the draft and the free agency signings the Chiefs defense should be improved.
Things can turnaround quickly in the NFL and with a franchise left tackle, new head coach and improvements on defense the Chiefs have an opportunity to right the ship quickly.
By:Chris Michaels
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