Kansas City's Problem
Will Shields' Retirement Leads to Questions about Chiefs in 2007
Will Shields retired from the NFL on Sunday, April 15, 2007 with a simple letter on his website. How will his decision affect Kansas City this season?
One of the best offensive linemen of the past decade decided to hang up his cleats yesterday. As a guard for the Kansas City Chiefs, Will Shields provided holes for Larry Johnson and Priest Holmes.
From 2001 – 2003 Holmes rushed for over 1,000 yards, and in 2005 and 2006 Johnson picked up the torch.
Shields announced his retirement on his website, in a letter which expressed his gratitude to the city of Kansas City, his family and teammates, and expressed the hope of continuing a life in sports away from the field. “I am looking forward to a future filled with sports in mind. Whether it is in the stands, on the sideline, in the press box or in a office--football will remain in my blood. My best wishes to all and I hope to see you soon,” he wrote.
Kansas City is now faced with an immediate conundrum. The departure of Shields creates a large void at offensive guard. Replacing a 12-time Pro Bowl guard is never an easy task. It will be made even more difficult because the Chiefs have not even needed an injury replacement for the ultra durable Shields. He made a team record 224 consecutive starts, the equivalent of 14 seasons.
There are two other guards remaining on the Kansas City roster, Pro Bowl performer Brian Waters and second-year pro Rob Hunt. Hunt did not appear in a game last season as a rookie and with the Chiefs harboring playoff aspirations, it would be a difficult spot for him to fill.
Kansas City relies on its running attack to set the tempo of football games. Last season in the playoffs against Indianapolis, with Larry Johnson shut down; the offense was unable to move the football. During the regular season, the Chiefs won just one of the eight games in which Johnson failed to rush for 120 yards.
This season the Chiefs may also be starting a brand new quarterback in Brodie Croyle. The team is attempting to trade Trent Green, and Croyle will be given a shot to win the job over Damon Huard before the season.
Shields’ departure may change Kansas City’s draft priorities. The offensive line, once one of the Chief’s greatest strengths, has suddenly become a question mark. After finishing 2006 9-7, the Chiefs hold the 23rd pick in the draft. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs reach for a player like Ben Grubbs of Auburn or Justin Blalock of Texas in the first round.
Whatever the Chiefs decided to do, Johnson and whoever wins the quarterback job in Kansas City, are going to be working behind a retooled offensive line. For an offense that finished in the middle of the pack last season, it could spell disaster.
