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The past season for the Chiefs was a disappointing one. In many pre-season predictions including, Sports Illustrated, they were predicted to go to the Super Bowl. Things were looking good for them in the beginning, starting off 4-0, including a win against Denver. However, they lost their next 2 games and split the following 2 games, with a win against Seattle and a loss at Denver. They won their next three games including one against the Super Bowl champion Packers, leaving them with an 8-3 record. Then during the Charger loss Quarterback Steve Bono was replaced by Rich Gannon. On Thanksgiving against Detroit Gannon received the start and won the game. This left 3 games remaining: Raiders, Colts and Bills. A win against any one of these teams would clinch a playoff spot. After losing to all three opponents there was still a chance because the Jaguars were only beating the Falcons by 2 and the Falcons had the ball. With seconds remaining one of the best kickers of all time, Morten Anderson, attempted a routine field goal and missed. This eliminated the chiefs from the playoffs and ended their season. The Chiefs off-season has been inactive. The only signings made was a contract extension of Marty Shotenheimer. They tried to sign free agent Jeff George, but were beaten out by the Raiders. Talented defensive players, Neil Smith and Derrick Thomas, will be free agents. The Chiefs are unlikely to resign them both, and it looks like Neil Smith will not be playing for the Chiefs next season. After an impressive career, Marcus Allen has announced that this will be his last year in the NFL. Steve Bono has demanded to be released or traded in the off-season and the Chiefs will oblige. The Chiefs have many needs to fill in the off-season. Here is a depth Chart from last season:
DEPTH CHART Louie Aguiar, P Keith Cash, TE Ricky Siglar, OL Neil Smith, DE Derrick Thomas, LB Keith Traylor, DT William White, S Restricted Free Agents (3) Donnell Bennett, RB Lake Dawson, WR Chris Penn, WR Exclusive Rights Free Agents (3) Steve Matthews, QB Tony Richardson, RB J.J. Smith, RBOFFENSE
WR : Dawson/Penn/Hughes- Dawson and Penn are both restricted free agents, one or both need to be signed. DEFENSE
LE : N.Smith/Browning/McDaniels- Smith is a free agent, if he signs
elsewhere they need to get a big player to replace him. SPECIAL TEAMS
P : Aguiar- free agent, should be signed. The Chiefs have a bad past with the draft. However, since they are in need of serious rebuilding, hopefully they will realize the draft is a key to this. In the last two years the chiefs have practically thrown away the draft, picking T Jenkins, who they could of picked in the third round. This year the Chiefs need to be very active before the draft. Three things will happen that will affect the outcome of the draft. First, if Smith leaves, second if Thomas leaves, and third the Chiefs need to sign a quarterback. Most likely they will sign Thomas, but not Smith, and will not sign a quarterback. In this case they should try to trade up to 1 or 2 to get Manning, or trade to 11- 14 for Jim Druckenmiller. If they do sign a quarterback, they will look to replace either Smith or Thomas. Here are some of the possible replacements for them Peter Boulware DE, Dwayne Rudd OLB, Mike Vrabel DE, Pratt Lyons DE, Reinard Wilson DE/OLB, and Trevor Pryce DE. Another position they should look hard to find prospects for is the WR position. Some include Rae Carruth WR, Yatil Green WR, Reidel Anthony WR, Ike Hilliard WR.
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