Gunther Time?

In 1995 Gunther Cunningham was hired as defensive coordinator for the Chiefs. In his four seasons as DC the Chiefs gave up 16.4 points per game. They were +30 in turnover margin. Was that more great players like D.T. and Neil Smith, Dale Carter and James Hasty or more Gunther? I would like to believe it was a happy medium but since his return in 2004 the D has not made huge strides. The have got progressively better every year but they were so horrible when he took over that right now they are just a middle of the pack defense. Every year there has been a reason why the defense has stunk, Offensive minded head coach, not having "your guys", new system. Granted when he took over the talent level on defense was horrendous. Now the defense has been completely over hauled.

2004 Defensive line: John Browning, Ryan Sims, Lionel Dalton, Junior Siavii, Eric Hicks, Vonnie Holiday

2008 Defensive line: Tamba Hali, Turk McBride, Tank Tyler, Glenn Dorsey, Alphonso Boone, Brian Johnston

2004 Linebackers: Mike Maslowski, Monty Biesel, Shawn Barber, Keyaron Fox, Kawika Mitchell

2008 Linebackers: Derrick Johnson , Napoleon Harris, Donnie Edwards, Demarrio Williams, Nate Harris

2004: Cornerbacks: Eric Warfield, Dexter Mcleon, William Bartee, Julian Battle

2008: Cornerbacks: Patrick Surtain, Brandon Flowers, Brandon Carr, Tyron Brackenridge

2004 Safety: Greg Wesley, Jerome Woods

2008: Safety: Jarrod Page, Bernard Pollard

The one position that has not been completely upgraded is safety but it is not that much of a drop off. He clearly has players with abilities now. If the Chiefs D struggles early it will be blamed on the youth movement. And that is understandable but this unit has to show major improvement in 08 Gunther was not a Herm Edwards selection and you can only imagine that Herm could bring in one of his own "Tampa Two" coaches. I will be rooting for Gunther but the clock is ticking and the Chiefs will be expecting results this season.