1 - Herm is Gone - I was OK with the hiring of Herm. Didn't love it. But I was OK with it. Herm's a good guy. I think he's a pretty good motivator and evaluator of talent. But he's one of the worst game day coaches I've ever watched.
2 - Cassel at QB - After watching Huard, Croyle and Thigpen, I was very pleased to see Pioli make his first order of business getting a legitimate quarterback.
3 - Vrabel at LB - Vrabel will be the quarterback of the defense. Didn't have one last year. He lead the Pats in sacks twice, and will bring much needed intensity to this side of the ball.
4 - No More Cover 2 - While it will take some time to transition to the 3-4, I'll be very happy if I never see the Chiefs in a Cover 2 as their base defense.
5 - The O-Line - While Chiefs fans remain unhappy, the offensive line is not that bad. We've become a bit spoiled with great line play during the Marty and Vermeil years. The Chiefs upgraded with the signings of Goff and Ghiaciuc. We'll be fine up front.
6 - Youth - The Youth Movement is one year older. Whew!
7 - Chan Gailey - Last year Chan completely revamped the offense around Tyler Thigpen half way through the season. Impressive work. This year he's got a real QB.
8 - Zach Thomas - Another great pickup. Leadership and intensity.
9 - Carl Peterson - Yep, after about a hundred years at the helm, Carl is gone. Carl did many good things for the Chiefs and for Kansas City. But it was time for a the change. Thank you Clark Hunt.
The Chiefs drafted a DE last year Johnston who I thought could become a good 3-4 DE. He has the size to play the spot. I think with their new DC they will be able to use him very effectively. I am not saying how many sacks they will get this year but I bet is more than last year.
Don't expect many sacks from DEs in the 3-4. Most come from the outside LBs.
Johnston is listed as 6-4 and 269 pounds. If he's mobile, they might ask him to play at outside LB. If he's not, he'll have to put on some weight to play DE in the 3-4. But he does have the height you'd want for a 3-4 DE.
Don't expect many sacks from DEs in the 3-4. Most come from the outside LBs.
Johnston is listed as 6-4 and 269 pounds. If he's mobile, they might ask him to play at outside LB. If he's not, he'll have to put on some weight to play DE in the 3-4. But he does have the height you'd want for a 3-4 DE.
In one of the draft books I had they listed him 10lbs heavier which still a little light but right in the range for a 3-4 DE. I do not think the Chiefs will run a true 3-4 or 4-3 so I think he could be ask to do a lot of different things.
10 Reasons the Chiefs Will Be Better in 2009
10 Reasons the Chiefs Will Be Better in 2009
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