Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Here is a look at the Chiefs and what needs to be done after the break.
Record: 1-4
Reason they are in their current state: The Chiefs just aren't very good. I don't think anyone would have been surprised if they were told prior to the start of the season that the Chiefs would be 1-4 at the bye. That's no knock on what they are trying to get done in Kansas City. This team is very young and a number of rookies playing key roles.
Best player so far: He has been a tad inconsistent and he struggled Sunday at Carolina, but running back Larry Johnson can still get it done. He can still lead the Chiefs to a victory and did in Week 4 against Denver when he rushed for 198 yards. Johnson expressed concern about his role earlier in the season but he is still the team's best offensive threat. He has 417 rushing yards and is averaging 4.5 yards-per-carry.
Most disappointing player so far: We're going a little out of the box and it could be a tad harsh, but we going with quarterback Tyler Thigpen. Yes, not much was expected from him and he was thrown into the mix earlier then he likely was ready. But the bottom line is, he is playing for the future and Thigpen has not shown the Chiefs' brass he can be considered an option in the future. Thigpen, 24, has played in two games and has not impressed. Again, he is young and he wasn't expected to play this season but all players in the NFL want is a chance and Thigpen hasn't answered the bell.
What needs to be done: Everything. The Chiefs just have to be patient. There is no quick fix here. The key for this team to get better in the final month of the season. If the Chiefs can show some late improvement, there could be some legitimate hope for the future.
Fearless forecast: Brodie Croyle, who was injured in the season opener at New England, is expected to return in the starting lineup when the Chiefs return from the bye at home Oct. 19 against Tennessee. Croyle will be the quarterback the rest of the season as he tries to show the Chiefs they don't need to pursue a young quarterback in the offseason.
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
