KC Chiefs Game Day Prediction: Week 1 at Houston
By Mike Norris
Sep 15, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) looks to the crowd before the game with the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 17-16. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Defense
Fan favorite linebacker Derrick Johnson is back after a season-ending injury in Week 1 a year ago, as is veteran lineman Mike Devito. But no one will get a louder cheer from Chiefs fans (and maybe even Houston fans) than safety Eric Berry who is returning after missing most of last year to focus on beating cancer.
It remains to be seen how much he will play, but even one snap will be an emotional boost for the Chiefs.
The cornerback positions have an insanely youthful feel with second-year man Phillip Gaines and rookie Marcus Peters. The safetys on the other hand bring some veteran leadership in Ron Parker and Husain Abdullah.
Of course Justin Houston and Tamba Hali (despite his age) will disrupt offenses, but one non-starter is intriguing as well. It remains to be seen how much of an impact 2014 first-round draft pick Dee Ford can make. There have been talks of him being strictly a pass-rushing linebacker, while others feel he could take over for Hali when he retires.
There is no shortage of playmakers on this team, and it will be fun to watch them swarm the field Sunday at Reliant Stadium. Continuing on the good news note, The KC Star’s Terez Paylor said all 11 Chiefs (including Dontari Poe) on the injured list practiced Wednesday.
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