Will Offense Or Defense Be Better For KC Chiefs

By Leigh Oleszczak | May 19, 2014

Now that the NFL Draft is wrapped up, it’s time to start looking ahead to the 2014 regular season. The KC Chiefs had an interesting year in 2013. They were coming off a league worst 2-14 record in 2012 and no one really seemed to give the Chiefs much credit.

The first half of the season saw Kansas City going 9-0 for the first time since 2003. Kansas City’s defense was on fire during those nine games and usually ended up winning it for the Chiefs, as the offense could never seem to get much done.

Alex Smith was trying the best he could, but the receivers were not reliable in the least bit. Jamaal Charles was pretty much taking care of all of the offensive scoring during the first half of the season. The defense would usually come up with a huge interception, fumble, or sack to win the game for the Chiefs.

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After week nine, the Chiefs had their bye week. Week 11 they headed to Denver to play the Broncos on Sunday Night Football. The defense played fine and the offense was able to put up 17 points, but the Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season.

Week 12 was when things started to go downhill. Kansas City was at Arrowhead against division rival San Diego and the once dominating defense couldn’t stop a thing. On the flip side though, Smith and the offense suddenly turned it on and put up a ton of points. The game came down to a last minute touchdown pass by Philip Rivers to put the Chargers ahead.

The rest of the season finished the same way. The defense became an embarrassment and a lot of it was in part to Justin Houston going out with an injury. Tamba Hali had spent some time on the bench as well, but even when he came back, the team couldn’t stop anything. Let’s not even begin to discuss the playoff game or I might start crying.

From the moves made by John Dorsey and Andy Reid in the draft, it would appear that the organization is keen on fixing the late season issues on defense. Kansas City drafted defensive end Dee Ford in the first round and cornerback Phillip Gaines in the third round. Defensive end isn’t necessarily a huge need for the Chiefs, but cornerback needs improvement.

The other four picks in the draft were used on offensive players. De’Anthony Thomas was selected in the fourth round and will more than likely be used as an offensive weapon for Alex Smith. Also taken were quarterback Aaron Murray in round five, guard Zach Fulton in the sixth round, and tackle Laurent Duvernay-Tardif also in round six.

With these players hopefully making the 2014 roster, which side of the ball will have the better year for the Chiefs?

Personally I think the defense will have the better year. Houston and Dontari Poe are coming off of their best seasons in the pros and they’ll hopefully only get better. Hali and Derrick Johnson are aging, but that’s why Ford was Kansas City’s first round pick. He can come in and make big plays when needed.

The offense won’t be terrible necessarily, but the wide receiver position was not addressed. Dwayne Bowe will continue to be the number one receiver for Smith and that just doesn’t cut it for me. Obviously Charles will be reliable and Knile Davis should have a great season. Tight end Travis Kelce will likely have a breakout year as well.

What do you think Chiefs Kingdom? Will the offense or defense have the better year in 2014? Leave your comments below, follow us on Twitter, and Like us on Facebook!

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