High Side by Clayton Gray
Much to my astonishment, Priest Holmes is vastly underrated this season. I mean, he only led the NFL in rushing last season (please note that he did so after beginning the year with 15 carries and 51 yards after two weeks). The final 14 weeks of 2001 saw Holmes run for 1504 yards and catch for another 596. In those 14 weeks, he was under 75 total yards once and under 100 total yards 3 times. Once Holmes was given the job, he simply gave awesome consistent production.

Let's list the negatives surrounding Holmes: <null>

Well that about sums that up.

Seriously, this talk of Priest never producing until last season is misplaced. He has produced every single time he's been given the chance:

• In 1998, there were 6 games where he had 15+ carries. He averaged 135 rushing yards in those 6 games.
• In 1999, there were 2 games where he had 15+ carries. He averaged 112.5 rushing yards in those 2 games.
• In 2000, there were 3 games where he had 15+ carries. He averaged 88.3 rushing yards in those 3 games.
• In 2001, there were 14 games where he had 15+ carries. He averaged 107.4 rushing yards in those 14 games.
• For his career, in those 25 games, he has averaged 112.12 rushing yards per game.

To make a long story a tad bit longer, Priest Holmes has always produced big numbers when given the chance. There is absolutely no reason to believe the Chiefs will not give him the chance. He will produce again in 2002.

Low Side by Dave Shick
I still believe Priest Holmes will be a top 10 RB this season. Hence, he's my RB#10 going into the season. Holmes will be the focus of the offense this season in Kansas City. Further, Holmes will be the focus of defenses this season as well. I look for Holmes to have a solid year, but his chances of being the #2 RB as the end of the season are slim to none.

Dick Vermeil is trying to create another offense similar to what he had in St. Louis. I just don't see it happening. The wide out talent is nothing like what he had in St. Louis. Kansas City is the team I see falling into the AFC West basement. Sure Holmes will get his touches and post decent numbers, but if Kansas City is playing catch up all season Holmes will not be able to post stud numbers week after week..