2010 Chiefs

2010 Chiefs: What the Film Revealed

By ANDY BENOIT - May 29, 2011, 6:00 am

While we wonder whether there will be a 2011 season, this is part of a series looking back at the 2010 season, with the benefit of film analysis. This is the final installment of the series.

Offense

This offense found its identity late in the year. That identity was predicated on running the ball. Jamaal Charles was the best running back in the A.F.C. in 2010. He got to his inside and outside spots quicker than anyone in the game, and his lateral agility and acceleration provided an elusiveness that led to big plays. Charles, as well as the savvy veteran Thomas Jones, benefitted from an astute run-blocking scheme that took advantage of the powerful movement skills of veteran guards Brian Waters and Ryan Lilja.

In the passing game, Matt Cassel often had the luxury of throwing from the shotgun. Cassel improved his progression reads and displayed a good arm on intermediary timing throws. Though Dwayne Bowe blossomed into a true No. 1 receiver, the Chiefs were still somewhat hindered by a lack of weapons through the air.

Defense

Romeo Crennel’s young defense was well coached and fundamentally sound in executing a smart, variegated 3-4 scheme. Linebackers Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson were the studs – Hali primarily for his quick, relentless pass rushing and Johnson for his run recognition and athleticism in space. Up front, Glenn Dorsey was impressive holding ground and shedding blocks on the edge. Unfortunately, his fellow L.S.U. alum and top-five overall pick, Tyson Jackson, was equally unimpressive. Because Jackson and nose tackle Ron Edwards didn’t play nickel, the backup bull-rushing ace Wallace Gilberry was actually Kansas City’s second most prominent defensive lineman.

The secondary was highlighted by three solid young corners – Brandon Flowers, Brandon Carr and rookie Javier Arenas – who could be trusted with solo coverage assignments. What’s more, first-round rookie strong safety Eric Berry looked every bit like the versatile future star many expected him to be.

Myth Buster

Mike Vrabel is too old

The 14-year veteran turns 36 this August, but in 2010 he looked like a man barely over 30. Vrabel can still hold the edge against the run, and he’s fantastic at working off blocks and collapsing into traffic. His pass-rushing prowess has declined a bit, but not enough to make coaches feel obligated to always take him off the field on third down.

Something Positive

The rookie tight end Tony Moeaki is fantastic in Todd Haley’s system. Though he doesn’t possess a great second gear, Moeaki has the athleticism to make a variety of catches inside and outside the numbers. Even better is his run-blocking, which he executes masterfully on the move. The Chiefs know exactly how to build around Moeaki’s versatility.