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Kansas City Chiefs Vermeil, Green arrivals give franchise renewed hope
Kansas City opens its training camp at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in River Falls, Wis. on July 28. By Jon A. Dolezar, CNNSI.com Though the Chiefs were able to secure prized head coach Dick Vermeil -- as well as quarterback Trent Green -- from St. Louis, it came at a high price: a third-round bonus selection for Vermeil and a first-round pick in April's draft for Green. Fans are hoping Vermeil's magic can turn around a team that has not seen the playoffs since the 1997 season. The Chiefs can make the playoffs if ... Quarterback Trent Green develops a cosmic connection with tight end Tony Gonzalez early in the season. Kansas City's offensive talent is nowhere near that which Green was scheduled to lead in St. Louis two seasons ago before suffering a major preseason knee injury. Pivotal games: Oct. 7 at Denver; Dec. 9 at Oakland. Road games in the brutal AFC West are no picnic, and Kansas City's Week 5 visit to Denver will be its third road game in the first five weeks. The Chiefs play four of their last six at home following a Week 11 bye, but a Week 14 trip to the Bay Area is always a tricky proposition. On the hot seat: Not often do tight ends have offenses built around them, but with the Chiefs' lack of talent elsewhere on offense, coordinator Al Saunders would be wise to do so with Tony Gonzalez. After catching 93 catches for 1,203 yards and nine touchdowns last season, defenses will already be keying on Gonzalez more than ever before. Up-and-coming: Strong safety Greg Wesley started all 16 games as a rookie, recording 73 tackles and picking off two passes. On a Chiefs defense devoid of any real stars, Wesley is poised to establish himself as one of the defensive leaders and could emerge into a Pro Bowl talent. Sports Illustrated's season preview will post Aug. 29.
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