The Kansas City Chiefs are not a team to overlook in the upcoming football season. After spending the last few seasons in a state of limbo, the team has plenty of new pieces to make them contenders. With Andy Reid as the new head coach, Alex Smith at starting quarterback and new tackle Eric Fisher to protect him, the Chiefs are a team to beat. With plenty of offensive improvements heading into 2013, it is the Chiefs defense that might really make the noise.
Kansas City made several moves to sign big defensive names in free agency. Cornerbacks Sean Smith and Dunta Robinson both joined the team in the offseason, adding even more talent and depth to a unit that sent four players to the Pro Bowl last season. That means even more excitement for Chiefs' fans. Cornerback Brandon Flowers believes it is those kind of additions that make the Chiefs secondary the best in the NFL.
"We going out there trying to have the best secondary," Flowers told NFL Network. "Sean Smith is a big corner that can bump and run...we brought in Dunta Robinson, someone who can come in and cover. Also, Eric Berry is always roaming on the back end. If we put it all together man, I think we have the pieces to be the best secondary in the NFL."
The grouping of players certainly gives Kansas City plenty of options. Robinson can also be used as a safety alongside Berry or in the slot during nickel packages. The team is not ruling out any options. Smith has the size to pair up well against the bigger receivers while still keeping quality control. Add Kendrick Lewis into the picture and Flowers might just be on to something.
Head coach Andy Reid was certainly impressed with the unit after a slew of offseason workouts. The new head coach complimented the player's work ethic the player's work ethic throughout practices, knowing that the team could have something really special on their hands.
The secondary is not the only area of the defense that will stand out in 2013. With the pass rush taken care of, the linebackers have reason to be optimistic. Tamba Hali and Justin Houston highlight the second line of defense for the Chiefs, adding even more talent in place.
Fans will know by December if Flowers was correct. On paper, Kansas City has some of the best secondary players in the game. The question remains if they can put it all together in time to be productive.
