Arrowhead Pride

Good morning! Today's Kansas City Chiefs news continues looking at some of the big questions the team will have to answer this offseason. Enjoy.

Crennel has received a hearty endorsement from many of his Chiefs players. That may not count for much, as Crennel acknowledged when he said, "I appreciate their support, but I don't think they sign my paycheck.

"But those players have demonstrated that they will give a strong effort for Crennel, something Pioli wanted to see during his three-game trial.

Crennel gave no indication Monday that he's anxious for the Chiefs to make their decision. He is certain to have a job offer for next season, whether it's in Kansas City or elsewhere.

Crennel Has To Wait To See If Chiefs' Job Is Permanent from KC Star

Besides leading the team with 179 tackles, Johnson also added 11 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, a pair of interceptions, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His final statistics were impressive, but it was his leadership that impressed teammates most.

"He's more vocal and he's owning the leadership of our defense more than any other time since I've been here," Dorsey explained. "He commands the huddle and he had a tremendous year."

Teammates Vote Derrick Johnson Team MVP, Justin Houston Rookie Of The Year from The Mothership

The Chiefs played all season without tight end Tony Moeaki and almost all of it without safety Eric Berry and running back Jamaal Charles. All tore knee ligaments and had surgery.

Coach Romeo Crennel said the timetables for each player was encouraging...

...The three players are doing their rehab together. Moeaki indicated their sessions occasionally become competitive.

"In exercise drills, I'll try to sneak in an extra 10 pounds," Moeaki said. "We're all at pretty much the same level now. It's been real nice working with them."

Chiefs Buzz: Johnson, Houston Receive Honors from KC Star

Amon Gordon and DL Jerrell Powe were flanked by KC Wolf and Chiefs Cheerleaders during the latest "wellness tour" stop at the Legacy Park Community Center. The theme of the day was focused on educating those in attendance about making healthier lifestyle choices.

Together, these Chiefs representatives discussed the importance of eating right and staying active. The Chiefs contingent also led the youth in attendance through a series of health stations including an obstacle course, nutrition breakout session and a class on stress management techniques.

Chiefs And Truman Medical Centers Visit Legacy Park Community Center from The Mothership

With a gentle nature and grandfatherly demeanor, Crennel served as a counterpoint to Haley, whose firing came the day after he was whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct in a 37-10 loss to the New York Jets. The defeat had dropped the Chiefs to 5-8 on the season.

The mood abruptly changed when Crennel took charge, the wildly inconsistent performances brought into check. A team whose season to that point had been defined by devastating injuries, narrow wins and blowout defeats became more focused and more cohesive down the stretch.

Chiefs Coaching Situation Front And Center from The Associated Press via Sports Illustrated

In the Chiefs' overtime loss to the Raiders in Week 16, Kansas City never got the opportunity to win the game with a possession because of a 53-yard reception by Darrius Heyward-Bey early in the Raiders' first possesion of overtime.

That's how close the Chiefs were this year. Even with all the injuries. Even with all the blowout losses. Even with a head coaching change, the Chiefs were probably a coin flip away from winning the AFC West for the second straight year.

So what can the Chiefs do to get back on the right side of a .500 record in 2012?

How The Chiefs Can Return To The Playoffs In 2012 from SB Nation Kansas City

Orton will almost certainly garner a starting position in 2012 but will it be in Kansas City?

Short of offering Orton a contract he can't refuse, it is hard to envision the seven-year veteran in a Chiefs uniform in 2012 unless Cassel is either traded or outright released. Based off of general manager Scott Pioli's steadfast confidence in Cassel, convincing Pioli to admit defeat may be too much of an ego hit.

Offseason Brings Lingering QB Questions from Warpaint Illustrated