Priest could give Kansas City’s offense a huge lift

By Adam Best  |   Wednesday, July 25, 2007  |  Comments( 8 )

Kansas City Chiefs
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If you would have asked me yesterday what was most unlikely to happen during the course of the day, a Priest Holmes comeback would have been near the top of the list. Nevertheless, that is exactly what happened -- Holmes is attempting a comeback and will be at Kansas City Chiefs training camp come this Saturday. He's passed an extensive physical examination, so physically he's surprisingly ready to go. Barring a change of heart, Holmes will suit up for the Chiefs during the upcoming season.

If Holmes can remain healthy and is mentally up to the task of being an NFL back, it changes everything in Kansas City.

Larry Johnson no longer needs to be a 350-plus-carry back for Herm Edwards' ball-control system to succeed. Even in what General Manager Carl Peterson has said will be a lesser role than in seasons past, Holmes should be able to handle 10-15 touches a game.

Now that the 33-year-old is no longer a featured back, offensive coordinator Mike Solari can pick and chose the spots where he uses Holmes. Expect him to be used on passing downs and short-yardage situations, and to be involved in a lot of draws, screens and motion plays. This kind of utilization will not only keep Holmes fresh and injury free, it will also help to do the same thing for Johnson. If Johnson signs a new deal and Holmes can stay on the field, the Chiefs will have one of the most potent backfields in recent memory.

An L.J.-Priest reunion would thrill the entire Chiefs organization and its fans, but nobody would be happier than second-year projected starting quarterback Brodie Croyle. In order to adapt to the speed of pro defenses, he will need all the help he can get during his first year as a starter. When Johnson takes a breather on the sideline, Holmes can ensure that there won't be any drop-off.

No offense meant toward Michael Bennett, but he's a far cry from a healthy Holmes. Actually, he's a far cry from Holmes at about 80 or 90 percent. With the Chiefs' newfound depth, don't be shocked to see Bennett either released or traded to a backfield-needy team like Green Bay or Tennessee for a nickel back.

Rookie Kolby Smith is a fine player as well, but Holmes' presence will allow him to be properly used. For now, Smith's best talents -- blocking and receiving -- will likely be put to good use at the fullback position. Meanwhile, Smith could learn a lot by watching Holmes.

The rest of the offense will benefit from Holmes' presence, too. Most notably, he'll keep the Chiefs' best receiving options from seeing constant double teams and allow the offense to get rid of the ball quicker and convert more often on third down. The ability to move the ball more quickly on passing downs could be key, considering that the offensive line isn't as stable as it has been entering previous seasons.

After considering how Holmes will provide the offense with a huge shot in the arm, it's hard to imagine that the Chiefs won't at least contend for a playoff spot again.

Of course, assuming that Holmes will be at full strength for an entire year might just be the wishful thinking of the Chiefs and their fans. Nevertheless, that wishful thinking is more realistic now than it was just a day or two ago.
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CommentsComments: 8  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Jeremy		10:00 AM
07/26/2007
I am happy that Priest is attempting a comeback. But, I am a little reserved on how it will actually help our team. I will just ...
No.2
ShadyRaider		10:06 AM
07/26/2007
Good!! Maybe this means LJ will be in the NFC this year. I f'n hope so, that would be a big boost for the entire division.I don't ...
No.3
Ron Tepper		11:05 AM
07/26/2007
I think Holmes coming back should not be linked with Johnson's situation at all.Holmes has a lot to prove and the offense is ...
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