The Chiefs had quite the offseason, getting a new coach, Todd Haley, and several new players in hopes of turning around their franchise. The big move was a trade with the Patriots, acquiring quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel. Cassel should be the franchise quarterback the next several seasons. Vrabel is getting older, but remains a productive veteran, which should provide an instant impact to the Chiefs defense. The Chiefs also added veteran linebacker Zach Thomas, another big pickup on the defensive side of the ball. These guys will try and replace Donnie Edwards, who left via free agency.

The Chiefs should be a strong passing team this season. They have a top-notch play-caller calling plays and a quarterback (Cassel) used to throwing the ball all over the field. Kansas City also has a legit No. 1 receiver in Dwayne Bowe. You can expect the Chiefs to be a pass-first team, utilizing several receivers and the talents of Cassel and Bowe. The Chiefs didn't have a ton of options at receiver last season, but still produced big numbers when going to a spread offense later in the season, which bodes well for the coming season.

Kansas City's defense was horrific last season. The additions at linebacker should help, but we still worry about their pass rush. A rookie, Tyson Jackson, should be their top pass rusher this season. After him, the Chiefs don't have much at all. They only had 10 sacks all of last season. We don't see a big improvement coming in '09.

While we think the Chiefs will have some success throwing the ball, we still don't like their options at receiver. Bowe is solid and Engram should be a fine No. 3 or 4 receiver at this stage of his career, but after them, watch out. Mark Bradley, Devard Darling and Jeff Webb should compete for playing time at the other receiving spots. This isn't an exciting bunch, which could hold back the passing game some this season.

We like the moves the Chiefs made, but they still lack a lot defensively. Their offense isn't likely going to score enough points to make up the difference. They could finish around .500, but aren't likely to challenge for a playoff spot.