Even the Chiefs' defense needs Roaf back on the field

The Chiefs are a hard team to figure. They shot out of the gate with impressive wins over the Jets and Raiders, then were embarrassed by the Broncos on Monday Night Football before blowing an 18-point first half lead in a stunning loss to the Eagles. They were off last week, giving them a chance to sort through the jumble of the first quarter of their season.

The Chiefs have reason to be concerned. Their defense, supposedly upgraded with the additions of cornerback Patrick Surtain, safety Sammy Knight, linebacker Kendrell Bell and rookie linebacker Derrick Johnson, is starting to look a lot like the unit that ranked 31st in total defense a year ago. The Broncos rushed for 221 yards against Kansas City, and the Eagles passed for 368. Opponents seemingly can do whatever suits them against this defense.

More surprisingly, the offense is struggling. Trent Green has passed for only three touchdowns, Tony Gonzalez largely has disappeared, and the 1-2 punch of Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson has been held in check the past two games.

But before Kansas City fans go into panic mode, here are two words of encouragement: Willie Roar. The 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle hasn't played since early in the opener because of a hamstring injury, but he'll be back this week against Washington. And his impact could be huge.

With Roaf, the Chiefs have arguably the best offensive line in the league. Without him, well, Green has been getting pounded and Holmes and Johnson have found holes narrowing. The Chiefs have kept Gonzalez in as a blocker to help tackles Jordan Black and Kevin Sampson, effectively erasing Gonzalez from much of the passing game. Roaf's return should give Green more time to throw while boosting the running game and letting Gonzalez get back to what he does best--catching passes.

And that could do wonders for the defense. This is a team that, like Dick Vermeil's Rams in 1999, needs its offense to lift its defense. The longer the offense can control the ball and keep opponents on their heels, the less time guys such as Donovan McNabb and Mike Anderson have to knife through the defense. This unit might be improved from last year--it's still too early to tell--but it clearly isn't the second coming of the Bucs or Ravens defenses.

But it might be good enough. That's all the Chiefs wanted entering the season, an average defense to match with an all-star offense. We'll find out soon enough whether that's what they have--about the time Roar gets back.

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