Kansas City Chiefs: Finally Something To Cheer About !!

To say that Kansas City’s upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday felt good is an understatement.

Maybe its just me, but through all their trials and tribulations this year, this win is the one I’ll always remember. The “Never Say Die” Chiefs overcame all odds and managed to pull off something even fans couldn’t have possibly expected.

I’ll mention in passing that I live in Pittsburgh and have for the past 30 years.

I’ve seen the Steelers play every game over those years, and frankly, I am shocked at this result. Granted, anything is possible in any game, but after losing Dwayne Bowe and Mike Vrabel (the one player on the Chiefs who knows the Steelers better than anyone), a Kansas City win was a fantasy come true.

And despite a few head scratching decisions by Todd Haley at the end of the first half, in the end it was this team’s effort, tenacity, and relentless nature that decided the game.

Without recapping the whole game, here are a few notes:

–Matt Cassel proved a lot in this game. He wasn’t focused early in the game, but ask any NFL QB if they can read that Steeler defense and see what they say. Most importantly he came back in the second half and made the throws that mattered. He BROUGHT this team back.

–Jamaal Charles had a nice return but he needs another back to split time with. Kolby Smith should already be cut. Using Charles on returns led to a score, but in the future they will need a RB better than Kolby Smith to share time with him and they should be looking as we speak

–Chris Chambers has come on like gangbusters, averaging nearly 25 yards per catch in his 3 games with KC. With Chambers and Bowe, Haley now has the two dominant WR’s he’s been hoping for—if Bowe will get his act together.

–Tyson Jackson is looking like a complete bust to me. He is making a fortune, so he better get his act together quickly or fans will let him hear it. 0 Sacks? $57 Million?

–Belcher and Studebaker have both come a long way.

Belcher terrified players last year playing Division 1-AA Football as a Defensive End. To learn linebacker this quickly is unheard of. He had a reputation in college as a hitter, and has lived up to it.

Mr. Studebaker was a guy from Division 1-AAA school and the story with him is that the Eagles only released him because they were convinced they could resign him 24 hours later to the Practice Squad. They couldn’t. They thought he had great potential as a stand-up 3/4 OLB. They never expected anyone would claim him.

Believe me one game does not make a season but it was heart that won this game.

The Steelers should have slammed the door after that 17-7 lead, but the Chiefs wouldn’t allow it.

Maybe its me, but after writing so many negative articles about this team I just wanted to say that as a Chiefs fan I’m very proud of my team.

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Can God Save the Kansas City Chiefs?

Well, they turned over every rock. They followed every lead. They have searched far and wide. They used to have a PRIEST on their team and most recently added a POPE (Leonard). How about some Divine Intervention. Please….

One might say that If the Dallas Cowboys are “America’s Team”, maybe the Kansas City Chiefs are “God’s Team”

If so, God certainly has a wicked sense of humor.

The Kansas City Chiefs have reached rock bottom. In fact, they are about to make history. This will be the third straight year the Chiefs will win only four or less games in a season. In their 43-year history this has never been done before, and the worst part about it is that three-year stretch may grow longer still.

Who’s to blame?

Fingers can be pointed everywhere and I confess I’ve done a lot of the pointing myself, but in end, it doesn’t really matter. This team is self destructing before our eyes and no matter how much you wish things would change, it seems the results are always the same. Everyone has the “answer” but not the right one.

Now, one can always argue that their are other pathetic teams out there and that argument is true but somehow that doesn’t make fans feel any better. And outside of Detroit, all the fans of those other teams have seen their teams in a Super Bowl over the last 40 years, but not us

What hurts is being a fan. Believe me, even fans think they have all the answers but really don’t. However, sometimes even the fans can come up with more astute observations and it baffles me how a fan can seem to sense the element of “Risk” while those professional experts who get paid for their opinions can be so blind.

There are many reasons a team loses games but certainly a “lack of talent” is the biggest issue. Yes, you can get all the “High Character” guys you want who put the team first and give 100 percent on the field but at the end of the day, it is those teams with the most talent that have the advantage, and this team is certainly is not in that group.

When Scott Pioli took over he issued the statement “we are not looking to acquire talent, only build a team.” Well Scott, you better think that through a little more. All any Chief fan has to look at is the talent on other teams and compare it to theirs and its pretty obvious that talent means a lot.

This year everyone knew the Chiefs were still a ways away from contending but were they really? I mean after all didn’t they lose both their games with San Diego by only one point? Wasn’t this second year of the youth rebuilding efforts result in much better play by those rookies who “improved” because of being thrown to the wolves last season? That at least was the rationale.

This year? New management. High Hopes. “A new Sheriff in town,” and no not Eddie Murphy, although even he could at least given us some much needed comic relief. Rules became more harsh. Players showed up in shape. They showed their adaptability by even accepting the challenges that go with a change of positions.

Veterans such as Mike Vrabel and Bobby Engram were brought in to lead the way and provide new leadership. But there were problems, and those problems continue today. I don’t need to tell you what you already know.

So what now? A great draft in 2010. Some new “big name” free agents to go with them? Well, we can always dream, but sometimes you have distinguish fantasy from reality

In reality, this team has more holes than Swiss Cheese. Well we know Larry Johnson will be gone but it wouldn’t shock me if they keep him this season and stick him on the bench just to make an example out of him.  Humiliate him. That would be too easy though. I’d cut him.

Along with losing LJ, Brian Watters will retire. Dwayne Bowe will most likely be gone (after being threatened by Haley just before the trading deadline that he might be dumped). Other current starters and backups will leave by retiring or become Free Agents. And then we have to ask the ultimate question: What Free Agents would WANT to come here. Don’t think management is concerned about that already.

When people ask me who I think the Chiefs first round draft pick will be next year I have to laugh, because when you think about it, does it matter? Tell me positions this team WON”T need help at. For me, how about quarterback, kicker, and punter? Every other position is starving for upgrades.

Well, let’s hope for a miracle. If this really is “Gods Team,” their fate are in his hands. They sure as hell aren’t in ours

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Pioli and Haley—A Self Fulfilling Prophecy?

When discussing the diatribes of Chief GM Scott Pioli and Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley, a Chief fan must never take what they say with a grain of salt. Its more appropriate to listen while under the influence of Jack Daniels, or at least a few beers. Alcohol numbs the senses and makes you feel like everything makes sense. Believe me, I am not an advocate of getting drunk, but when it comes to the Kansas City Chiefs, it may be a good place to start. Hell, fans are plenty numb already.

My beloved Kansas City Chiefs have lost 28 of their last 30 games which is quite a feat. It is the worst stretch in Professional Football. We are just 3 games into the season and fans have seen it all: Management change, coaching firings, players playing positions they’ve never played before, bags on heads, and a revolving door of comings and goings unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I think its safe to say things are a mess.

I will have to say this much however: It’s funny how things come full circle. Pioli and Haley are straight shooters. Never have innocent superficial remarks come back to bite its sources the way it has with these two

When Scott Pioli was hired, he stated that he was not interested in acquiring talent, only building a team. He has accomplished this very well building a team with very little talent. Bravo!!

Someone forgot to tell Scott Free Agency began in March.

Then there’s his sidekick Todd. It was reported that before the preseason, Haley had an unpleasant encounter with Brian Watters stating that he could get 53 guys “off the street” and still win two games this year.

Since the preseason and thru the first three weeks he has signed nine players off the street. Over a 16 game season, he’s on pace for 48 on a 53 man roster, and the way its looking two wins may be a pretty good prediction. Bravo again.

What was once a joke is now a fact.

Its hard to believe in their propensity to “make true” on remarks from the “Id” but both have managed quite nicely. Somehow, I don’t think this was planned but its amazing how it has come to fruition. Yes, these guys tell it like it is, and boy do I wish they were wrong.

Listen, I know the argument. They both have great credentials, they have a direction they are taking and they are making everyone work hard to keep their jobs (more appropriate for a city like Pittsburgh than Kansas City). They are trying to truly upgrade this team, but with what?

Players nobody wants.

Kansas City’s roster is in perpetual motion right now, one day a guy is your teamate and the next day he’s nowhere to be found. For a team that prides itself on team chemistry you would need a chemist to solve this one

Is there a method to this madness? I hope so. The future of this team depends on it.

 

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“Good For You Brett. Don’t Take No S&#T Off Nobody”

No this is not “Goodfellas”, its the NFL.

And this is not a character named “Spider” but a real life hero named Brett.

But somehow I think the message might be the same.

You know, now that I think about it, Robert Deniro came out with a movie not long ago called “Hide and Seek”. I bring that up because to most fans who follow Pro Football, this could be a new entry in the decadent halls of Hollywood.

Its bad enough when a player has decisions that he can’t seem to make, but its another thing when millions of fans are brought in as part of this dizzying act.

People stand divided on his return. Minnesota fans are ecstatic. Green Bay fans are jealous, and the rest of the Football community seems completely perplexed.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Favre is the greatest quarterback of the decade (Manning fans may disagree) and we all love to see this guy play because he personifies everything that sports, and in particular NFL Football, stands for.

It’s just…well…. I just can’t make up my mind……well yeah or then again yeah well maybe not….but then I could…..but then again, you never know what might be..

You know Farve is one tough guy. Maybe he needs another guy even tougher (pictured above) to set his mind straight

Hey Brett we all love you but keep teasing the fans and they will start reading more about Michael Jackson’s burial arrangements and then where will you be?

Or could I be totally wrong. My god, could the media be a part of this sideshow? Yes, and for reasons you may not think

Reporters are paid to Report. PERIOD. Sure they can have their opinions, after all this is America and they have papers to sell, but they call Reporters that name because that is what supposed to do.

What have they been reporting over the last two years? That a once great NFL quarterback can withstand incredible pain but can’t make a decision?

I find that awfully hard to believe.

So go ahead Brett and do your thing. Change your minds as many times as you like. Hey how about everyday? What do you care? All you want to do is play football.

Fool me once shame on you.

Fool me twice and it’s shame on us

So just go out there and do your thing Brett. No matter how many times you change your mind I know one thing: when you are playing we’ll be sure to be watching

Kansas City Chiefs Make a Statement by Signing Ashley Lelie

You know, this year’s Kansas City Chiefs are like a complex puzzle full of surprises.

Ever since the new Pioli/Haley Era, fans have been trying to get a grasp on the new identity of this team. Yes, we know that “winning” is always the ultimate goal, but with each change made in either the team’s management or coaching staff, there is always anticipation and wonder that put fans in the position of not only being supportive, but speculative as well.

Case in Point, the Kansas City’s wide receivers.

One year ago, we were thrust into the Herman Edwards’ famous “youth movement”. Signing a player over 28 was considered a sin, after all when there is youth, there is always hope, and it was this “hope” which kept fans optimistic (at least until the latter games of the season when Arrowhead was filled for the first time with empty seats).

Now a new era is here in Kansas City and very slowly we are starting to get a better feel for what this team’s new identity thrives upon. 

The Chiefs are going after experience over youth.

When the Chiefs initially signed a few veterans such as Mike Vrabel and Bobby Engram, it seemed like a brilliant move to add leadership to a team in dire need of it. What we have found now is that “leadership” is not the only reason these signings were made.

Last year Herman Edwards had young wide receivers who, like most other positions, had no idea what they were doing on the field. The message from Edwards seemed to be “put them on the field, let them gain experience, and whatever happens happens.”

What happened was a 2-14 record.

Will Franklin, Jeff Webb, and Devard Darling all had long rap sheets of guys who all came out of college with one interesting note on their collective resumes: “Lacks awareness on the field and may have problems learning the playbook.” 

Add this “Sandlot Football” mentality of Edwards and you have a recipe for disaster.

Of course it wasn’t truly “disaster” because after all, you have Tony Gonzalez, a quarterback’s best friend. Combine the production of Gonzalez with the emergence of Dwayne Bowe and they didn’t need the other guys. These two players and their starting running backs out of the backfield became options one, two, and three. Forget about option four because without a good offensive line, the opposing team’s pass rush took care of that option themselves.

Well, now there is no more Gonzalez as option No. 1 and we know that our present No. 1 receiver has been a great wide receiver simply based on raw athletic ability alone.

So where does that lead us? A young quarterback signs a huge contract with a lot of pressure to live up to? A team of fans that are sick of seeing their team lose ?

Here is an answer, go after veterans.

Chief fans, we have truly come full circle.

Our new receivers: we have Bobby Engram, Amani Toomer, Mark Bradley, Terrance Copper, and the latest addition Ashley Lelie.

Lelie came out of college as the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2002 NFL Draft and boy were the evaluators wrong.

Yes, it’s true this guy can run like the wind, a true “bomb threat” that excites all fans, but he has problems, many of which will not endear him to KC’s coaching staff.

First of all, he believes football is not a contact sport. This guy not only doesn’t want to be hit, he doesn’t want to be touched. Every time there is contact he seems to come up injured. He won’t go over the middle and he brings absolutely no special teams value. He also has very shaky hands.

But he does have that speed and he does have experience. And let’s not forget the most important element of all, he’s a veteran of the league.

For the current Kansas City Chiefs, that might be all that matters.

Kansas City Chiefs: Their Receivers’ Original Scout Notes

Sometimes scouts are right, and sometimes they are wrong. It’s the nature of the business.

With the trading of Tony Gonzalez and the addition of Todd Haley, it is likely that wide receiver will be an important position during the Chiefs’ upcoming season.

The good news is that, with stability at the QB position plus the Haley/Gailey tag-team tandem, the Chiefs will have an excellent coaching system and good game-planning. That’s great when you consider the Chiefs are “shaky” at the WR position.

Since I regularly follow the NFL Draft, I decided to look back at the actual scouting reports on four Kansas City recievers. It’s up to each of you to take this information and decide if the reports proved accurate.

I am not including Dwayne Bowe and Bobby Engram. They are already established. Rather, I will concentrate on Mark Bradley, Devard Darling, Jeff Webb, and Terrance Copper, receivers who, so far, have not exactly set the world on fire.

I’m sure they’ll be a few more moves before the season begins.

 

Devard Darling

At the NFL Combine, Darling ran a 4.52 40-yard dash, and he had a vertical jump of 37 inches.

Positives: “Transferred from Florida State to Washington State where he had a few productive years….Deep threat….Built for speed….Easily beats press coverage….Good burst out of his breaks….Can pluck the ball with ease….Prefers intermediate routes. Strong runner after the catch.”

Negatives: “Doesn’t protect the football when catching in a crowd….Has poor awareness and makes poor adjustments to passes that are not on target….Will take plays off and [has] not give much effort when blocking….Scored 19 on the Wonderlic Test, which is average….Has a chance to be special but will require at least three years of good coaching to reach his potential.”

 

Terrence Copper

At the Combine, Copper was timed running a 4.46 40-yard dash with a very good 38-inch vertical jump

Positives: “Very durable in college never missing any time due to injury….Tough guy with the explosive running style to break tackles like a running back….Has played all WR positions….Can beat the jam and hit top-end speed quickly….Can turn a short catch into a long gain….Can stretch the field but is excellent over the middle….Good hands.”

Negatives: “Struggles to sink hips and has trouble making sharp cuts….Doesn’t play as fast as his 40-time.”

 

Mark Bradley

Bradley ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the Combine with an excellent 40-inch vertical jump.

Positives: “Promising despite only fair production in college…..Well-built and built for speed….Best on out patterns, comebacks, slants, and screens….Strong, willing blocker and excellent gunner on special teams.”

Negatives: “Body catches the ball too often and lacks confidence in his hands….Struggles to beat the jam….Despite his speed prefers to not run deep and has to use double moves to blow past defenders….Has a lot of problems catching over the shoulder and is almost useless on fade routes.”

 

Jeff Webb

In the 40-yard dash, Webb was timed anywhere from a 4.4 to a 4.55. He had a 36-inch vertical jump.

Positives: “Good at beating the jam….Has good solid hands and catches the ball in stride….Makes big plays on deep outs….Good production.

Negatives: “Needs motivation….Is not a team player….Poor focus on the field….One-speed runner with little burst out of his breaks. Trouble getting separation from defensive backs….Hates going over the middle and prefers to have his catches along the sidelines to avoid contact….Has trouble learning the playbook….Had one of the lowest scores ever on the Wonderlic Test and had problems with academics.”

 

Final Thoughts

These are all the scouts’ words, not mine. Maybe if we had studied film more often, we would see just how far this group has come.

However, based on overall statistics, they have not come far enough. Hopefully, this year will be the breakout year for a few of them. As a Chief fan, I certainly hope so.

 

Uncapped 2010 Season Could Pay Dividends For The Chiefs

New rule changes for NFL’s 2010 season will be pivotal for many organizations and will dictate a new direction for which there may not be a return.

As it currently stands, it has been reported that NFL General Managers will have even more leverage when it comes to contract negotiations.

This past May, the majority of owners agreed to opt out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the league will no longer operate under a salary cap format. In essence, football will operate much as MLB with players who enter the league having to wait a full six years before becoming free agents

It helps organizations because they will be able to retain players for an additional two years. There are exceptions.

What may happen is that free agents will be able to go to the highest bidder with the advantage being that other players will not have to have their contracts negotiated to create salary cap room. Big markets such as Chicago and New York will have advantages over small markets like Pittsburgh and Kansas City.

The reason this is such a big issue is because the Players Association will stick a wedge in the door and players will strike before they go back to the previous system

As it stands, both Derrick Johnson and Jarred Page will have to remain with the Chiefs for another two years. They normally would be unrestricted free agents after this season but because its their first four years in the league they become restricted.

Now, more than ever, the NFL Draft will be more important because any small market team that drafts poorly will suffer

The Pittsburgh Steelers may become the next Pittsburgh Pirates

Of course, they state only 2010 will be uncapped but I’ll believe that when I see it.

I’m sure there are more details to come.

The Chiefs: What Would Have Been If Carl and Herman Had Stayed?

 

Kansas City Defense: 1984 Was a True 3-4

With Kansas City being one of many teams making a transition to the popular 3-4 defensive scheme I thought it would be interesting to look back 25 years to 1984, the Chiefs last year of the 3-4

First of all, this is not your normal group of players by any means, many already being in the Chiefs Hall of Fame, but wouldn’t it be interesting to look back to get a better perspective of how it was?

Some of you were in diapers at the time.

As hard as it is to believe, The Chiefs starting three Defensive Lineman were all first rounders, and not only that, they were all drafted in the top five of Round One!

Sound familiar?

Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey have a ways to go to catch these guys

Art Still came out of Kentucky and at 6’7″, 253 pounds he appeared almost too skinny by today’s standards but I guess steroids were not as popular back then. As a base end, Mr. Still had a total 15 sacks alone.

Mike Bell was the other Base End. Bell also undersized at 6’4″, 255 pounds contributed 14 sacks of his own. Bell was the second pick of Round One behind Earl Campbell

The photo above was their Nose Tackle Bill Maas. Its hard to believe he played NT at 270 pounds but he was so tough it didn’t matter (Remember Jack Lambert of the Steelers made the Hall of Fame as a tall 220 pound MLB.) Maas contributed five sacks.

That’s quite amazing—34 sacks from their front three starters? It’s true

The beneficiaries of these sack machines were their stellar secondary of Albert Lewis, Kevin Ross, Lloyd Burris, and Deron Cherry. All they did was intercept 19 passes as a group.

Ross and Lewis of course were shut down Corners, a couple of mid round draft picks that may be the Chiefs best tandem. Cherry and Burris were the Chiefs greatest Safeties of all time. Cherry was drafted as a Quarterback. Ross was barely drafted at all

Linebackers were not as impressive with only Gary Spani, a good little plugger that stood out. Even so, their starting four contributed another 10 Sacks

You would think that nobody could score on these guys right?

Wrong

Kansas City placed only in the middle of the pack on Defense in the league ranking 15th. Sure that included the run but how many backs could run against Maas and their 2 greatest Safeties of all time? What these linebackers lacked as rushers was made up for against the run

It would be nice to think that someday Dorsey, Jackson, and Magee could combine for 34 sacks but they’ll be lucky to get even half that amount. The same holds true for their present Defensive Backs

And what are my conclusions? I have none. Lets just say that if this is a Defense that only was “average” by league standards then……………

Chief Report: These Guys Need to Step Up

If the Kansas City Chiefs are to win this year, they will need a total team effort with contributions from everyone. Over the years we have been told that certain players have “Great Potential”. Few ever reach it.

Production is needed and the clock is ticking

Here’s a list of a few players that fall into that category, starting with the offense.

 

Damion McIntosh

A few years back, KC’s main problem was finding a left Offensive Tackle who could help protect the quarterback.

Carl Peterson knew that this would have to be addressed in free agency rather than the draft, because of the learning curve. He passed on some of the top free agents and went looking for bargains.

When the top guys were all signed, he had to look at the next tier, and McIntosh was all that was left. As it turns out, left tackles don’t come cheaply, and the Chiefs still had to open their wallets anyway.

Such is life when it comes to free agency.

McIntosh held his own for a while before getting injured. After KC drafted Brandon Albert, they decided to move McIntosh to right tackle, and he has struggled.

The problem is that McIntosh has never played on the right side of an NFL line. He must improve greatly with his pass protection this year or it will be his last. 

Brodie Croyle

Despite being only a backup at this point, Croyle needs to prove not only that he can play in this league, but also that he can remain healthy. He has been plagued by injuries both in college and in the pros. 

Larry Johnson

Well, we all know the story here, so I won’t burden you with the details. Lets just hope he returns to form this year as a great Running Back rather than just a mediocre one with baggage. Its true money may be his motivation to be a happy camper but why should Chief fans care. If there is production, the reasons don’t really matter.

For a guy his size though, he needs to do a better job picking up the blitz. I have seen scatbacks that block better. If Johnson is a tough guy, this is the year he needs to prove it, among other things.

This team needs Johnson and Johnson needs the Chiefs. A true symbionic relationship (at least for this year)

 

Jeff Webb

A few years ago, when the Chiefs were desperate for a wide receiver, Herman Edwards stated that Webb would be a “very important part of our offense.”

Last year, Webb caught five passes.

The knock on him was a lack of speed and some issues learning the playbook. He has now been in the league four years. He needs to find ways to get open and someone needs to light a fire under him as well. If he doesn’t have motivation I’m sure Haley will provide him with some or else he may need to find a new home

Devard Darling

Boy, coming out of college at Washington State, this guy looked like a true game breaker. He showed glimpses of this last year in their opening game against New England, when he caught a quick hitch on a slant and ran 68 yards downfield and almost scored.

Outside of that one play, Darling averaged just one catch a game for 11 yards over the last 15 games.

Not good. 

Mark Bradley

As a No. 2 WR this year, without Tony Gonzalez, he needs to stay healthy. He also must play, like most guys, when hurt. If he feels he’s not 100 percent healthy, he sits. 

Turk McBride

McBride’s problem is that he had no true position in the 4-3 and his situation may be even more in peril when playing in a 3-4.

Linebacker? Can this guy run?

Time to get out the stopwatch on him and Hali. If they can’t run at least a 4.85, they will ruin this defense.

Turk went from DT to DE and now LB. He is a warrior, which is why he was their second-round pick. He leaves everything on the field and takes no prisoners. 

Bernard Pollard and Jared Page

Decent players with different issues.

Pollard is a big hitter, but he bites on everything and is too slow to react. He gets caught out of position too much and takes poor angles. Most of his tackles are after a 15- or 20-yard gain.

Page has great ball skills and has improved every year, but he is still a very poor tackler (one of the reasons he lasted until the seventh round of the draft). He is entering a contract year and KC has to decide if he is worth retaining.

With all the money KC has, it shouldn’t be a problem. 

Derrick Johnson

Like Page, Johnson is in the final year of his contract.

He gets his share of tackles because he has great range, but like most Chief players, he can’t contain the run and too many of his tackles are made after the opponent has already gained big yardage. He needs to start making tackles on the line.

I watch the Steelers here in Pittsburgh and all their linebackers, even backups, can do what Johnson can’t, and many are not former first-round picks.

These are the players Kansas City needs big years from if they are to truly contend.

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