As PFT winds down its “Five Questions” series, we move next to the Chiefs, who are trying to make the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since the 1994-95 seasons. At the time, the franchise was reaching the end of a six-season streak of postseason appearances.
In a vote of the PFT staff published Wednesday, none of the six writer / editors selected Kansas City — 9-0 to begin 2013 and 11-5 overall — to go back to the postseason. Only seven other clubs didn’t get a single vote. This places the Chiefs with teams like the Bills, Browns and Raiders, all of whom haven’t made the playoffs in more than a decade.
So was the Chiefs’ 2013 playoff bid a one-and-done deal? Was it the foundation for even better things to come in Andy Reid’s tenure as head coach? Or is the answer somewhere in-between, with 2014 a baby step backwards before a bounce-back 2015?
With the regular season opener just four days away, here’s a closer look at Kansas City:
1. With a new contract in place and with experience in Andy Reid’s offense, can quarterback Alex Smith deliver a career-best season in 2014?
The debate on whether the Chiefs should sign Smith to a contract extension is over, and Smith won — big time, to the tune of a four-year, $68 million deal with $30 million upfront.
The issue now is whether the 30-year-old Smith can improve upon his solid first season in Kansas City (60.6 percent completions, 23 TDs, 10 turnovers, 89.1 QB rating). If Smith has yet to hit his ceiling, more progress should come in Year Two. This is his 10th NFL season, and he is approaching 100 career starts. He is still one of the game’s more athletic players at his position; note he gained nearly six yards per rush in 2013.
2. Who will emerge as the Chiefs’ top pass catching threat outside of Dwayne Bowe in the receiving corps?
There are catches to be had in the Chiefs’ offense. With Dexter McCluster (83 targets in 2013) and Sean McGrath (40 targets) no longer with the club, there are opportunities for pass catchers to shine. Perhaps second-year tight end Travis Kelce (team-high 14 targets in preseason play) is ready for a bigger role. Also, second-year pro Frankie Hammond (10 targets in exhibition play) is slated to start with Bowe serving an NFL suspension in the opener vs. Tennessee.
3. Can reserve tailback Knile Davis emerge as a key contributor in the offense?
In Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs have a true featured back. In 2013, Charles led the Chiefs in carries, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, catches, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and targets a season ago — and he did all of that averaging 20-21 touches per game. The Chiefs are at their best when Charles has the ball in his hands.
Still, Davis, who averaged about five touches per game a season ago, could be an important part of the Kansas City offense. He has exceptional speed, and he’s a playmaking threat in an offense that can be lacking in big-play punch outside of Charles. If Davis can handle a slight increase in work while mixing in a few explosive plays, the Chiefs’ offense will be better for it. And Charles will be better for it, too.
4. Will the Chiefs’ defense bounce back after a tough finish to 2013?
Including the playoff loss at Indianapolis, the Chiefs allowed more than 400 yards in seven of their last nine games. In fairness to the Chiefs, four of those performances were against Denver and San Diego — top-caliber offenses. And the Colts can have a potent offense, too.
Nevertheless, the Chiefs need their defense to return to top form to return to the postseason for a second straight year. The talent certainly is there in spots, especially at outside linebacker, where Justin Houston and Tamba Hali are a strong tandem. Nose tackle Dontari Poe and safety Eric Berry are standouts, too.
5. What else needs happen for another playoff trip for Kansas City?
Well, taking care of the ball and forcing turnovers like a season ago would help. Only the champion Seahawks (+22) were better than the Chiefs in this regard in 2013 (+19). Without much offensive punch, the Chiefs need as many short fields with which to work as they can get.
Also, the offensive line will have to quickly jell. Without Donald Stephenson (suspension) for the first four games, the Chiefs have moved left guard Jeff Allen to right tackle, with recently signed Mike McGlynn taking over at left guard. The progress of left tackle and 2013 No. 1 pick Eric Fisher bears watching, too.
Finally, the Chiefs can’t afford to be overwhelmed by the prospect of four challenging road trips in their first six contests (Denver, Miami, San Francisco, San Diego). With the matchup at Denver in Week Two, winning the opener vs. Tennessee is a necessity.
