The Kansas City Chiefs made a spectacular improvement in 2013, but the odds are stacked against them returning to the playoffs.
The Kansas City Chiefs experienced a spectacular turnaround when they finished 11-5 just a year after being the worst team in the NFL with a 2-14 record.
Alex Smith provided an upgrade at quarterback, and the defense stepped up as the team stormed off to a 9-0 start.
However, they slowed down and finished 2-5 before blowing a 38-10 to the Colts in the first round of the playoffs.
Here are five reasons why the Chiefs will continue to regress and miss the playoffs.
5. Defenses will focus more on Jamaal Charles
Running back Jamaal Charles made a strong case for the MVP award last season when he rushed for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns and added 70 catches, 693 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions. However, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning had an even more spectacular season that overshadowed him. This does not mean that defenses are not watching film on Charles though. He will be the key fixture in every opposing defense’s game plan, so Smith and Bowe may have to pull more weight.
4. Offensive line losses
The Chiefs lost Branden Albert, Jon Asamoah and Geoff Schwartz to free agency. This leaves them with a hole at left tackle, and their guard depth has been gutted. Eric Fisher struggled at right tackle after being drafted first overall, but he will take over at left tackle, which is his natural position. However, he will be a downgrade from Albert. The Chiefs drafted Zach Fulton in the sixth round, so they will hope to see him produce right away since Asamoah and Schwartz are gone.
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