One thing is clear after watching the Kansas City Chiefs closely for the past 35 days. The margin for error is slim. Some would argue that the margin is always slim in the NFL, but it is even more so for the 2007 Chiefs.
The wide receiver position might have the least room for mistakes. The Chiefs improved by reducing dropped passes in 2006. In fact, the Chiefs were 13th in the league in fewest dropped balls. Yet, this pre-season has revealed that the team is still searching for consistency at the position.
Who in the WR corps will catch the 3rd and 6 slant pass for 8 yards? Who will snag the shallow crossing route, "skinny" post or dig route and hang onto the ball? A perfect example was the drop by Samie Parker in the New Orleans game. Faced with a 2nd and 12 from their own 13, Brodie Croyle threw a slant pass that was dropped. The ensuing play resulted in a Chiefs penalty and punt from deep in their own territory.
Suprisingly, after a good start to the training camp, the offensive line has struggled in the pre-season. As a result, this team needs to be proficent in short throws and catches. It's why Dwayne Bowe needs to get ready in a hurry and learn the precision and sense of urgency required in the passing game of the 2007 Kansas City Chiefs.
Why? There is little margin for error.
