Post by theultimatekcchiefsfan on May 10, 2005 22:33:59 GMT -5
A Dogfight at Linebacker
by Todd Hunt
The Chiefs went into the off-season hurting at linebacker, and the free agent loss of Monte Beisel to New England made the situation even more desperate. The questionable return of Mike Maslowski, along with the mediocre play of every other linebacker on the roster, led the Chiefs to seek the help of Kendrell Bell and Derrick Johnson. But even with these two additions, none of the starting spots are set.
Bell and Johnson are the cream of the linebacker crop in Kansas City. Bell is a Pro Bowl inside linebacker that is feared throughout the league, and Johnson was simply the best outside linebacker in college sports. It seemed like a given that Bell would start in the middle and Johnson would replace Shawn Barber on the outside. Once the dust cleared from free agency and the draft though, Gunther Cunningham told Johnson he had to win Scott Fujita's spot, and Bell may move to Barber's position on the right side.
The second level of talent for the Chiefs includes Fujita, Barber and Maslowski. All 3 can be solid performers at their respective positions. Unfortunately, all 3 are also recovering from surgery. Maslowski, the most productive from this group, is facing a do or die season. If Maz returns, he will provide a very good MLB option and will likely be a great special teams' performer. Barber is slated to start camp on the PUP list, but could return after the first quarter of the season, while Fujita has a good shot at playing on opening day, barring any setbacks in his recovery.
The third level of talent includes Kawika Mitchell and Quinton Caver. Neither of these players has proven to be a solid starting linebacker, however both players showed improvement in the last half of 2004. They will need to improve even more to provide the solid linebacker group that Gun wants. Being near the tackle is good, but making the tackle is much, much better. Both will have their work cut out for them if they plan on capitalizing on the opportunity to start in 2005.
Barring a fantastic training camp performance by "Boomer" Grigsby, the 3 starting linebackers will likely come from this group. Bell and Johnson obviously have the inside track. The Chiefs have been very clear that Fujita will have to win a spot and you can't win a spot if you aren't participating in camp. As thingy Vermeil once said, "You can't make the club if you're sitting in the tub." A swift recovery is imperative for Fujita if he wants to remain a starter.
Bell is, by far, the best linebacker on the roster. If the Chiefs played a game today, Bell would be at the right outside spot, with Mitchell starting on the inside. However, Bell's punishing style is best suited for the inside, where he has been a Pro Bowler. Whereas Mitchell will have to carry on his improvement from the end of last season just to be average on the inside. Ideally, the Chiefs need a linebacker to step up and take that outside spot, which would allow Bell to slide back to the middle.
The ascending Caver and Mitchell are going to push hard to be starters. Rich Scanlon and "Boomer" Grigsby both have tools, and will be fighting for their professional lives. Keyaron Fox should also feel the pressure to get good or get going. Although a first day draft pick, Fox could not get on the field when Barber went down midway thru last season. Maslowski will show the heart he always has, and leave everything on the field.
It is going to be a dogfight at linebacker at this years training camp. Unfortunately for Barber and Fujita, they will have to sit and watch a hungry group of young players scrap for their positions. And they will know that they may never win it back.
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This writer acts like Maz will be back and Barber will return after the 4th week ?
I just don't see either of them making it,but that's just me.