The Kansas City Chiefs were one of the surprise teams in 2013, starting the season at 9-0 and giving the powerful Denver Broncos a run for their money in the AFC West. However, the team suffered through a slump that resulted in six losses in its last eight games, including the playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
In Kansas City, the beginning of the season gave them a reason to be optimistic, but the end of it made many believe the Chiefs were not elite yet. Going into training camp this year, which begins July 24, Head Coach Andy Reid and his team will look to maintain a successful season this time around.
Here are a few things to look out for in Kansas City Chiefs training camp.
Depth at Wide Receiver
The Chiefs passing offense was virtually non-existent last season, save for many screen passes to Jamaal Charles that made him the team’s leading receiver. It wasn’t always that Alex Smith couldn’t step up; more the lack of consistent wide receivers on the roster.
Dwayne Bowe is running out of time to prove that he is a No. 1 receiver, as he had just 673 receiving yards last season. The Chiefs lost fourth-leading receiver Dexter McCluster this offseason, so the depth at receiver is shallow.
Look for new names to emerge in the Chiefs’ passing game; simply because they have to in such a small group. Receivers like Junior Hemingway and A.J. Jenkins will haul in at least a few passes in training camp, while the newly-drafted De'Anthony Thomas could convert to receiver.
Will the defensive line improve?
The Chiefs defensive line has been a weakness since the team traded Jared Allen away six years ago, but it believes the line will improve on last season. The lack of a consistent pass rush led to the Chiefs ranking 25th in the league in pass defense.
Tyson Jackson is gone after a lackluster season and a battle is ensuing for one defensive end spot. Allen Bailey and Vance Walker will fight it out for, most likely, the left defensive end spot, a weakness for the team last year.
On the other side, Mike DeVito and Mike Catapano will for the outside pass rusher position. Don’t forget Dontari Poe, who needs to improve at nose tackle.
Who will replace Brandon Flowers?
Flowers was released by the Chiefs on June 13 and did not take much time before signing with the San Diego Chargers. It begs the question: Who will replace Flowers?
After also cutting Dunta Robinson, the Chiefs find themselves with two former Miami Dolphins corners who seem to be leading the competition. Chris Owens and Sean Smith are five-year veterans, but have not had the successes of Flowers of Robinson.
Chiefs’ third-round pick Phillip Gaines may see his fair share of first-team snaps in training camp, as well. Gaines was drafted out of Rice and ran a strong 4.38 40-yard dash.
Alex Smith’s chance to shine
The Chiefs traded for Alex Smith with the hope that he could be an elite quarterback for years to come. Smith was eager to prove it as well, as he sat behind Colin Kaepernick for a year before leaving San Francisco.
Smith had a strong season statistically, passing for 3,313 yards and 23 touchdowns. However, he struggled at times against stronger opponents like the Denver Broncos, where he posted his season-worst 25.5 Quarterback Rating in Week 11.
The Chiefs drafted Aaron Murray possibly to put pressure on Smith to perform this season. It will be interesting to see the dynamic between the two players at training camp.