Eric Berry, the Chiefs’ first round draft pick last year and a big part of the dramatic improvement in the pass defense compared to 2009, is reportedly out for the season with a torn ACL. He left the game early in the first quarter yesterday. Ryan Fitzpatrick went on to throw four touchdown passes, and tight end Scott Chandler became a star for a day with two touchdown catches.

This is horrible news for Kansas City, who already was facing a much tougher schedule in 2011 and was going to have an uphill battle to the playoffs. The team already lost tight end Tony Moeaki to a knee injury, and first round pick Jonathan Baldwin injured his wrist in the fight with Thomas Jones. As a result, a team that lacked quality receiving options opposite Dwayne Bowe last year needed those guys to provide some balance has been horrible on offense in the preseason and in the opener.

The defense was going to have to continue to improve, but now, I would advise you to go back and look at this team in 2009 with the corpse of Mike Brown and Jon McGraw at safety. 2nd year pro Kendrick Lewis is a decent player, but now Sabby Piscitelli (uggh) and Jon McGraw will be seeing a lot more time on the field. In 2009, teams played jump ball at will, and without consequence, especially teams with downfield attacks like the Chargers.

Here’s your fantasy tip. Start tight ends, and well, anyone with a pulse as a receiver against the Chiefs for the foreseeable future. I fear for what Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew, and Nate Burleson are going to do this week. It could get real ugly in Kansas City if the pass defense breaks down without Berry and the offense is struggling without Charlie Weis.

[photo via Getty]