Interview with CheifsChatter.com Editor Ryan Jones

Ryan Jones of CheifsChatter.com was kind enough to fill us on on the goings on of the Chiefs, and here are some answers to questions as we get ready for tomorrow’s matchup:

1. Is Jamaal Charles the answer at RB with the release of Larry Johnson? Will the team take a look at upgrading this spot in the offseason?

A: The second half of the season will go a long way towards determining which way they want to go at running back. Due to his problems with fumbling, Charles has been in and out of Todd Haley’s dog house all season. Even last week when he was cutting up the Raiders for big gains, Haley still made sure to get Kolby Smith (fresh off PUP) 9 carries even though he was ineffective. Charles is going to have to do really prove himself to get a hold on the position. With that being said, I’d be surprised if running back was a huge priority with all of the other holes that need to be filled.

2. How much is Dwayne Bowe in the doghouse after his recent suspension? Is he simply not getting it? Or is he turning into another T.O.?

A: I think he has a long, long way to go now, which is such a disappointment. He had seemingly come a long way from the early days of training camp when he was running with the third team offense. Haley only rides people that he is trying to get the next level and there were times this season that we saw Bowe on the cusp. But the way he has now hurt the team is going to set him all the way back. I’d be surprised if, even after his suspension, he gets right back on the field to start. As for him being another TO? He’s never been THAT kind of problem. He always keeps his mouth shut, he just needs his work ethic to match his talent.

3. Rate the progress of the team through the first 9 games…is Todd Haley happy with the club where it’s at, or should they have more wins than just two at this point?

A: Haley is in no way happy with only having 2 wins, no matter how close they were to having 4 or 5. But even with only a couple of wins there is progress to like with individual players. They’ve found a kicker in Ryan Succop, some young linebackers in Corey Mays and Jovan Belcher and are finally seeing Top 5 play from Glenn Dorsey just to name a few. No one will ever sign on for this kind of season, but when you are trying to evaluate talent and build a foundation, I think there has been some very real progress in that respect so far this season.

4. Give Matt Cassel a grade to this point, and explain why.

A: I would give him a solid B-. He certainly hasn’t been great, but he also doesn’t have a whole lot to work with. Considering that he was working most of the season with Larry Johnson and his 2.7 ypc as his running back, a patchwork offensive line and rotating receivers unable to hold onto the ball I would say he’s done his part. Could he be better? Absolutely. He tends to hold the ball too long and the accuracy on his intermediate passes needs to improve. I think both of those things could get better if he weren’t constantly running for his life or being flat out pummeled every week. Next year, with more talent around him, will be the true test.

5. Final score Sunday

A: I think the Chiefs will come out and rally around the fact that they are down a man just like they did last week after the release of Larry Johnson. But I still think they will come up short against the bigger and better Steelers.

Steelers – 30
Chiefs – 20