Five Chiefs that need to step up

By Clayton Wendler  |   Tuesday, September 26, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Kansas City Chiefs
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The Kansas City Chiefs have the perfect opportunity to grab their first win of 2006 against the San Francisco 49ers this weekend.

San Francisco might have looked like a pushover against the Eagles in its last game, but the Chiefs, 0-2, really can't afford to take any game for granted at this point.

Here are five players that need to show up this weekend if the Chiefs want to improve to 1-2.

1. WR Eddie Kennison

Kennison is Kansas City's best wide receiver. He's got two straight 1,000-yard seasons, but just three catches for 53 yards so far this year. With Trent Green on the sidelines, the Chiefs need someone to step up in the passing game, and Kennison is the perfect candidate. The 49ers' passing defense has not been good this year. Kennison complained this offseason that he was worth a bigger contract. Prove it this week.

2. LT Kyle Turley

Turley's had his struggles in his first two games back after spending two years away from football. It doesn't get any easier this week against a 49er pass rush that has racked up 12 sacks already. At some point, Turley will find himself matched up against rookie outside linebacker Manny Lawson, who's got two sacks of his own so far. If Turley can give backup quarterback Damon Huard the time he needs to find Kennison this week, the Chiefs will run much more smoothly on offense.

3. CB Ty Law

You might look at the stat sheet and notice the Chiefs have only allowed 293 yards passing in two games this year. That's great, but the Chiefs signed Law to be a defensive playmaker this year. He doesn't have an interception or a pass defensed through two weeks. This week is the perfect time to flash those Pro Bowl skills against Alex Smith, a young quarterback. Earn that money.

4. HB Larry Johnson

Johnson led the NFL in yards from scrimmage after two games, but he's still searching for his first touchdown. With Green out, Johnson is Kansas City's best offensive weapon. He's facing a porous 49ers defense this week. Johnson needs to carry the load this week and show the talent that got him into the endzone 21 times a year ago. Above all else, Johnson needs to avoid fumbling like he did last week against Denver in the red zone.

5. LB Keyaron Fox

Fox was impressive during the preseason but doesn't have a tackle through two regular-season games. The Chiefs have been stubborn about sticking with Kendrell Bell as the starting weakside linebacker. Fox is the more talented player. If he makes enough plays, the Chiefs will eventually have to replace Bell. The Chiefs will be a better defense with Fox on the field. He's got limited opportunities to prove himself, so he has to take advantage.

Comments? Suggestions? Criticism? Contact C.E. Wendler at cwendler@realfootball365.com

Insightful Kansas City Chiefs coverage, courtesy of RealFootball365.com
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