Romeo Crennel steps down as Chiefs defensive coordinator

By NFL-EN | dave@nflen.com

The Kansas City Chiefs have had a disappointing season in almost every way this year, after a 7-9 season most thought they would build upon in 2012. The Chiefs currently sit at 1-7, and are looking at a top five draft pick in 2013.

Crennel took over as the head coach of the Chiefs during that 2011 season after being the defensive coordinator for two years. Thing is, he also kept his defensive coordinator duties, and his detractors are saying he spends too much time on that side of the ball.

I can point out that the Chiefs were 18th overall in total defense after eight weeks, and 12th in overall offense. Despite that, Adam Teicher, Chiefs beat writer for the Kansas City Star, tweeted earlier that Crennel has stepped down as the defensive coordinator and named Gary Gibbs to the position.

Adam Teicher
‏@adamteicher

Crennel also makes Gary Gibbs the defensive coordinator

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This move should mean Crennel spends an equal time with the offense, but the Chiefs would have to put together some wins to stay out of the top five on draft day next April.

The Chiefs also released starting cornerback Stanford Routt, signed last winter as a free agent, and signed defensive lineman Shaun Smith, a former Chief.

From what I understand, there may be more moves in store for the Chiefs after the season is over.

Related articles

• Chiefs name Gary Gibbs defensive coordinator (arrowheadpride.com)
• Romeo Crennel gives up defensive coordinator duties (profootballtalk.nbcsports.com)
• Chiefs cut starting CB Routt, name Gibbs DC (espn.go.com)
• Chiefs shaking it up (espn.go.com)
• Chiefs Bring Back Shaun Smith (arrowheadaddict.com)

AFC West Will Be Competitive Division Once Again

The AFC West has been viewed as that of a ‘weak’ division the past few years. This is mostly attributed to the fact that the division hasn’t made it far into the playoffs in the last couple years.
This may be a common misconception held by NFL fans around the league. The AFC West may in fact be the most competitive division in football today.

Last year, there was a three-way overall record tie for first place in the West at 8-8 (Denver, San Diego, And Oakland) with Kansas City not too far behind at 7-9. Beyond that, every team in the west finished with an even 3-3 divisional record.

Chargers division losses were determined by no more than 7 points.

With the teams in the West maintaining their team for another year, the competition will be pretty much the same as last year.

San Diego went through a huge makeover of their team, adding several new expected starters on both sides of the ball. Where do the Chargers stack up with these teams?

The Denver Broncos will be the Chargers main problem this year I believe, adding free agency gem and Hall of Fame Quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning will no doubt elevate the young and talented Bronco offense.

However, the Chargers main focus this offseason was to improve defensively, adding much needed depth and speed to their defensive line and linebacker core.

This will cause a lot of issues for Manning. Manning has dealt with pressure from teams like the Houston Texans with Mario Williams, but Manning will experience a new kind of pressure this year.
Nevertheless, expect the Broncos and Chargers to battle for the AFC West title and spot for the playoffs.

This doesn’t mean I’m discounting the viability of Oakland or Kansas City winning the division, just based on the talent and coach’s, I think it will come down to Denver and San Diego.