Andy Reid’s team has won two straight AFC West titles. But what five Kansas City Chiefs players need to step up in a big way this upcoming season?
There are only two teams in the league, the New England Patriots (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers (4) that have currently made more consecutive playoff appearances currently than the Kansas City Chiefs. Head coach Andy Reid took over the team in 2013 and they proceeded to win their first nine games on the way to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance. After a 9-7 finish in 14, the club has been to the postseason each of the past three seasons and captured the AFC West each of the last two years.
Yes, in 2015 the franchise snapped its long losing streak and won a postseason game for the first time since 1993. But we still haven’t seen this team in the Super Bowl since its first and only victory in 1969. There’s been a big overhaul in terms of personnel when it comes to this club this offseason. The Chiefs put an onus on adding more explosive weapons in free agency and dedicated their entire draft in April to the defensive side of the football (although rookie defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie is being converted to guard).
Kansas City hopes to make it four straight years in the playoffs and make a strong run to Super Bowl LIII. So what five players need to make the most improvement for Reid’s club in 2018?
5. Mitch Morse
All told, 2017 proved to be a very rough year for Kansas City Chiefs’ three-year pivot. Yes, he played and started in 15 games in 2015 and was in the opening lineup for all 16 contests in ‘16. But the former University of Missouri standout was limited to only seven outings this past season. And after grading out very steadily in his first two seasons in the league, Mitch Morse currently ranks at No. 29 when it comes to the players at his position.
The Chiefs finished fifth in the NFL in total offense this past season, including ninth in the league when it comes to rushing yards per game. Having Morse back healthy should go a long way to improving a ground attack that offers plenty of options.