It Could be a Long Season… Episode 7.

Back in week 3, after a much-needed win over the Minnesota Vikings, I predicted the Chiefs could be anything from 4-3 to 2-5 going into the bye week. It wasn’t much of a stretch to make that kind of prediction, of course, but I simply didn’t know enough about what the Chiefs were going to be at that point to make any kind of guess as to where they’d end up.

After yesterday’s nail-biter over the Raiders, I still don’t know, yet this morning, they’re sitting at 4-3, in first place in the AFC West.

Not a bad place to be at this point in the season.

Here’s what we know going into the bye week:

• The defense is much improved.
• Jared Allen looks like he’ll be punching a ticket to Hawaii.
• The offensive line needs work, especially in the running game.
• Larry Johnson is inconsistent.
• Damon Huard may last the season at QB, but he’s not the answer for much longer than that.
• Dave Rayner has a huge leg, but seems to miss the easy kicks. We really don’t want to have to find out if he can drill a game-winner.
• Eddie Drummond is NOT the answer for kick and punt returns.

The uncertainties?

• Will the running game improve?
• What will Priest Holmes’ return do for this team the rest of the season?
• Will the offense develop some consistency?
• Can the defense continue to carry the team?
• Is there any hope for an improved return game?
• Can the Chiefs hold serve at home in the AFC West?

This team may be able to compete for a playoff spot in their division, but at this point, it’s hard to get too excited beyond that. The Chiefs are clearly not on the level of teams like Indianapolis and New England, and unless something changes, playoff success looks to be a distant dream. Just making it there would be a huge success though, given the way Herm is trying to transform this team.