Did Scott Pioli Cripple the Kansas City Chiefs by Drafting Tyson Jackson?

If you are a Kansas City Chiefs fans, go back in time with me for a moment to about eight months ago.

Do you remember how you felt?  Well, I do…and it was very optimistic, almost giddy as we headed into the NFL draft.

The Chiefs were coming off of their worst season of all-time; things couldn’t get any worse. The offseason couldn’t come soon enough. 

The Chiefs were finally rid of GM Carl Peterson. Scott Pioli became his replacement. The Scott Pioli who had made a career out of helping orchestrate the personnel decisions responsible for the Patriots dynasty. 

The Chiefs now had the man in the front office who would put the pieces back together, starting with Matt Cassel.

Pioli brought in the “franchise” quarterback and was able to keep the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft. 

Going into the draft, the Chiefs had made swift yet necessary changes to the faces of the organization. The draft would be the proving ground for Pioli to show the fans why he (cue Denny Green’s voice) is who we thought he was.

This past April, Pioli and the Chiefs selected Tyson Jackson, defensive end out of LSU with the third overall pick.

If you remember correctly, many draft specialists had suggested that this pick was quite a stretch for Jackson with the third overall pick. Many of these specialists had Jackson much lower on the board, projected as a later first-round pick, and some even had him going in the second round.

However, the draft guru Pioli had his man.  The organization had Jackson at the top of their board, so they thought, “why go looking for hamburger when you have prime rib staring at you in the face?”

The Chiefs had a glaring need on the defensive line: They needed a pass-rush specialist who could create havoc in the backfield and put much needed pressure on the opposing quarterback. Tyson Jackson was drafted to do just that; after all, Pioli’s first pick with the Patriots was a defensive end by the name of Richard Seymour.

Now that we are basically at the end of the season, let’s see how Pioli’s pick and the largest investment in Kansas City’s history has paid off. Let’s see how this $57 million pass-rush specialist has fared so far for the Chiefs…

Jackson has played in every game in 2009. His stats: 34 total tackles with zero sacks. 

Obviously, it is a little too early to label Jackson a bust; however, I haven’t heard his name brought up more than a handful of times all year long. That’s just not a good sign coming from a man selected above every college football player in the nation except for two others.

The bottom line is that Jackson just hasn’t been the force that should be expected out of a man who signed the biggest contract in Chiefs’ history: five years worth $57 million, with $31 million guaranteed.

So let’s compare him to the other first round picks. Do you remember the name Aaron Curry?

Curry was the pick that most “draft specialists” projected the Chiefs to select with the No. 3 pick, including Todd McShay. Curry was labeled as the “surest thing in the draft.” He was a linebacker that could have been used on the inside against the run or the outside for pass rushing. 

Curry was drafted one spot behind the Chiefs, at No. 4 to Seattle. To date, he has produced 61 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and two sacks at the outside linebacker position. He has also been injured and missed one game this year—not too bad for the first-year player out of Wake Forest.

Maybe Pioli didn’t see as big of a need at linebacker than at defensive end: Ok, so what about the other defensive ends taken in the first round?

Aaron Maybin was the next end selected, with the 11th pick to the Bills. So far, Maybin hasn’t been able to crack the starting lineup and only has 16 total tackles and one forced fumble this season. Not acceptable.

The next defensive end taken was Brian Orakpo to the Redskins at No. 13. In case you haven’t heard, he is the lone Redskin to be selected to the Pro Bowl. Orakpo has racked up 48 tackles, one forced fumble, and 11 sacks after 15 games.

Why didn’t Pioli see this guy’s talent level during the combine, endless interviews, game film, etc.?

So, as you can see, Tyson Jackson was not the best defensive end taken in the draft.

As I mentioned before, only time will tell if he is a bust or not, but so far Jackson just isn’t earning his $57 million and Pioli didn’t do the Chiefs any favors with his drafting skills.

If you are a Chiefs fan check out ChiefsHouse.com or if you are interested in starting your own sports blog check out SportsPageNetwork.com!  Thanks for reading!!

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Why Charlie Weis with the Kansas City Chiefs Makes Sense

The writing is most certainly on the wall in South Bend. Charlie Weis’ head coaching experiment is all but over at the University of Notre Dame.

Weis has already acknowledged his inevitable departure by stating that his record isn’t “good enough” at the moment to be the Notre Dame head football coach.

If you needed a more definitive reason why Weis won’t be in Notre Dame next year, the school’s Athletic Director will not allow him to go on his scheduled recruiting trip after Saturday’s Stanford game. Instead Weis will fly back to Notre Dame to face the end of his run as their coach.

So what are the next steps for Weis? Rumors have been flying around the past few days regarding Weis in Kansas City. There just happens to be an opening for an offensive coordinator in KC, and with Weis’ background, it would be no surprise to me to see him in KC in 2010.

It seems like a logical fit for Weis with the Chiefs, and here are a handful of reasons why.

1. GM Scott Pioli doesn’t hide the fact that he wants to fill as many openings as possible in the Chiefs organization with ex-Patriots. Weis was the offensive coordinator in New England during the Pioli days.

2. Weis doesn’t seem to have the natural leadership needed to be a head coach at the NFL or college level yet.

3. Weis and Todd Haley worked together on the Jets prior to Weis going to New England.

4. Weis could probably land another head coaching job at a much smaller school in the NCAA, but he might just want to return to what he is great at before he tarnishes his career any further.

5. His best chance to eventually become a head coach in the NFL would be to turn a struggling offense around over the course of a few years.

Personally, I would love to see Weis in KC next year. He has an amazing track record as an NFL offensive coordinator. Adding Weis would also give marquee offensive free agents more incentive to sign with the Chiefs.

Weis needs another chance, and the Chiefs need a talented offensive coordinator. The Chiefs could also use another personnel evaluator. So far, the Pioli/Haley-led 2009 Chiefs draft class isn’t looking so hot. Another opinion on draft choices couldn’t hurt.

After all, seeing Golden Tate in Chiefs red could be a very good thing in 2010!

If you’re a Chiefs fan, please check out more of my work at ChiefsHouse.com , or if you’re interested in starting your own sports blog, check out SportsPageNetwork.com! Thanks for reading!

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The Chiefs Blueprint To Beat The Steelers

I know what you’re thinking, there’s about as much chance for the Chiefs to beat the Steelers on Sunday as there is that Todd Haley and Mark Mangino were in the same Home-Ec class together. 

It may not be a big chance or even a realistic chance, but there is a chance….there is always a chance.

Therefore, I am going to make the exact blue-print for what should be the Chiefs’ game plan going into Sunday’s battle in Arrowhead.  If this list, or you can think of it as a schematic is followed exactly I can guarantee a Chiefs win.

If this were Facebook and Todd Haley was my only “friend”, my status would read: “The Gauntlet Has Been Thrown”.

The following is a simple ‘to-do’ list for a Chiefs’ victory against the Steelers on Sunday:

1. Stop thinking Lance Long is the next Wes Welker.  He’s not the next great slot receiver….get over it.  To this point what would make anyone think that?
2. Design more screen plays for Jamaal Charles.  He’s explosive but not a between-the-tackles kinda guy.  Give him the ball in the open field and let his quickness open up the field.
3. Let Derrick Johnson play the entire game.  It sounds like Vrabel might not play, get over the personal issues with DJ and let the man play.
4. More no-huddle.  Our O-Line is too weak to consistently set up plays.  Keep their devastating defense on their toes because we seem to only be able to play when we’re in a hurry.
5. Stop playing stupid.  Thank God the Raiders are about as disciplined as a T-ball team.  The only thing that made the Chiefs look not as dysfunctional as they were last Sunday, were the Raiders and something called Jamarcus Russel.  Stop with the penalties, bad hand-offs, fumbles, etc.
6. More pressure on Roethlisberger.  Yes, we are EXTREMELY succeptible to giving up the big play, but ‘Big Ben’ will pick us apart all day long if we let him.  It doesn’t always have to be a full-blitz or even blitzes at all, but get consistent five-man pressure on the man.
7. With that said shutting down Mendenhall wouldn’t hurt either.  The Bengals beat the Steelers last week in Pittsburgh by keeping Mendenhaal in check with only 36 yards.
8. Have Brandon Flowers blanket Santanio Holmes.  Holmes is their big play guy, and Flowers is the Chiefs only solid member in the secondary.
9. Cause some turnovers.  Probably wouldn’t hurt….c’mon secondary let’s see it.  I know its possible.  We can’t always rely on Darrius Heyward-Bey handing a safety the ball and the win.
10. Stop getting down early.  Besides the Raiders, have the Chiefs ever been ahead in a game in the first 3 quarters?
11. Get the ball down the field.  Take more chances down the field with Bradley and Chambers.  If there was ever a week to do this, this would be it.  With Polamalu out, Chambers may have a chance.
12. Open up more running lanes for Smith and Charles.  Easier said than done but it has to happen for a win.
13. Linebackers have to be heard from.  Other than Tamba Hali, where are our other linebackers at?  The Chief’s are running a 3-4, and out of the four only Hali is making his presence known.
14. Crowd has to be heard.  I know its been ugly.  There is the potential for this season to be the worst Chiefs season of all time.  I also know first-hand that it is next to impossible to continue to cheer for this team for 60 straight minutes in most games. However, the Arrowhead crowd has to be relevant for the entire game.
15. Hope for some good luck.  Pretty self-explanatory.
16. And finally – Summon the power of Grayskull.  It really couldn’t hurt.

That’s it!  That’s all that’s needed….if Todd Haley and the Chiefs follow this blue-print exactly you might as well go ahead and put a check mark in the “win” column. 

However, if they don’t it could be a long Sunday filled with multiple, disturbing, Todd Haley nostril flaring, public chew-out session close-ups. 

And nobody wants that.

If you’re a Chiefs’ fan check out my work at ChiefsHouse.com or if you’re interested in starting your own blog check out SportsPageNetwork.com .  Thanks for reading!!

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Todd Haley’s Choice: Kolby Smith?

If you’ve listened to any of the Todd Haley press conferences in the past two weeks, you can sense the inner-struggle with the Chiefs head coach to remain positive regarding recent headlines.  You can also sense who he wants to be the Chiefs starting running back.

More losses, turmoil surrounding the ex-Chiefs Larry Johnson, and a coach struggling to find any answers on the field are just a few of the topics that Haley has to address in most press conferences.

In recent weeks Haley’s emotional spectrum has traveled anywhere from disappointed, to confused, to happy.  Haley, who is known for his fiery outbursts on the sidelines, keeps his temper in check when indoors.  In fact, he’s almost dull when it comes to answering the media’s questions.  That is except for when asked about Kolby Smith.

It’s happened a few times now, a Kansas City media member asks something to the extent of how Jamaal Charles is looking as a primary ball carrier.  Haley always answers in his best Ben Stein voice something close to “I think Jamaal is finally starting to get it.  He had some struggles in training camp and in the early part of the season, but is starting to come together.”  This answer is essentially the PC answer for “He’s OK”.

Then that same media member will ask the coach about Kolby Smith.  Immediately you can hear Haley’s voice raises a couple of octaves.  He becomes almost giddy when talking about Charles.  You can just tell Haley prefers Kolby Smith.  You can hear it in his voice.  He is genuinely excited when talking about Smith.  With a man who doesn’t even crack a smile over the holidays, his getting excited gets me excited about Smith.

Smith saw his first in-game action last week, in over a year since his patella tendon injury.  He totaled only four carries for 17 yards, but then again Chiefs only ran the ball a total of 12 times against Jacksonville.

Smith is undoubtedly not in “game” shape yet, and will most likely take at least a handful of games to get his strength back in his legs.  However, Haley likes his progress enough to possibly start this week against Oakland, according to the Kansas City Star :

“He’s worked very hard. He’s practiced now four weeks, so I would say he’s getting better. But I would still say that, given the circumstances, it’s still asking too much to feel like this guy is going to be the best he’s going to be right now.”    – Todd Haley

I still think the Chiefs should give Jamaal Charles this week.  I don’t feel like Charles has been given a true opportunity to see how he would handle being the primary ball-carrier.  If he has a breakout game, Smith could be a perfect complement to Charles by filling some of the “between-the-tackles” plays.

Smith is built more like a NFL running back who can carry the majority of the load.  Smith and Charles are both 5’11” but Smith outweighs Charles by 20 lbs.  In Haley’s eyes, Smith’s body type and work ethic may have already won over the starting job over Charles.  And the only reason that Charles may get the start for a second straight week is because Smith is still not 100 percent.

If Smith comes back and proves that he is in “game” shape this week, look for Haley to give Smith the starting job from this point on.

If you’re a Chiefs fan you can find more of my work at ChiefsHouse.com .  If you’re a blogger or want to start your own blog check out SportsPageNetwork.com .  Thanks for reading!!

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Chiefs Claim Chris Chambers From San Diego Chargers

About three hours after I wrote about how the Chiefs probably shouldn’t sign Chambers, they do.

Apparently, there were other teams interested in Chambers, but it was Scott Pioli who pulled the trigger and claimed him.

The issue will be that if the Chiefs decide to sign him after “claiming” him will owe him $2.4 million for the rest of the season, which is only nine more games.

Chambers is 31 years old, and is capable of helping the Chiefs, specifically because of his speed and ability to stretch the field. 

There is very little talent and depth at the receiver position with the Chiefs—which is why Chambers could be a welcome addition. However, his production has declined over the past three seasons.  

Is he a better option than Bobby Wade, Bobby Engram, or Mark Bradley? Possibly. 

I really just don’t think he is worth that amount of money. That is a big check to write to a guy who may only end up being a No. 3 receiver for the Chiefs. Of course, that hasn’t stopped Pioli before in bringing in a suspect receiver (Ashley Lelie, Bobby Engram, Bobby Wade, Amani Toomer).

The bottom line is that he is an upgrade over what the Chiefs currently have, but is he worth it at that age and at this point of his career? I don’t think so…I think his better days are behind him.

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The Case for Kenny Smith(s)

Derrick Johnson, Larry Johnson, and I think even Magic Johnson were said to be on the Chiefs “chopping” block approaching the trade deadline.  As Oct. 20 came and went, the Chiefs were left with only one pre-deadline transaction. 

The Chiefs ended up trading Nose Tackle Tank Tyler to the Carolina Panthers for a fifth-round 2010 pick in the draft.  Yaaawwwnnnnnn.  Where were the fireworks, where was the Derrick Johnson trade or even a Larry Johnson blockbuster?  Yaaawwwwnn.

Then it happened, as if on-cue. The Chiefs’ brass chose not to let the fans down, chose not to let the team down.  Instead they chose to make a move that would help the Chiefs, not next year but this year! 

Ladies and gentleman, we’ve got him…Kenny Smith everyone! 

Wait a minute…who?  The Kenny Smith who hasn’t played in the NFL since 2003 or the “Gone fishin” Kenny “The Jet” Smith, NBA analyst on TNT?  Don’t laugh, it’s a legitimate question. 

When I first heard that the Chiefs added Kenny Smith, for a few minutes, the thought had crossed my mind.  Knowing how impatient Todd Haley can be with the progress of receivers, I began to entertain the idea of “The Jet” lining up opposite of Dwayne Bowe.  It could happen.  Why not?  Is it not plausible?  Could he be an improvement?

Let’s look at the evidence.  Todd Haley has been openly unhappy with the play at Wide Receiver since training camp.  Hence, a revolving door of aging, past-their-prime, never-had-a-prime, injury prone, NFL cast-offs that have dressed (or are currently) in a Chiefs’ uniform this season including: Bobby Engram, Ashley Lelie, Bobby Wade, Amani Toomer, and now rumored-to-be Joey Galloway. 

You have to ask yourself, is it that far-fetched to see Kenny “The Jet” Smith in a Chiefs’ uniform?  I mean, his nickname is “The Jet” after all, that has to count for something, right?!  That thought of “The Jet” playing at WR may not be that crazy after all.  Crazier things have happened.

Is it anymore out-of-the-question than the Raiders taking Darrius Heyward-Bey at No. 7 in the draft?  Is it anymore crazy than Vinny Testaverde coming back to the NFL at 43-years old?  Is it anymore crazy than Al Davis?

Then I realized that the “Kenny Smith” that the Chiefs actually signed was going to fill the Nose Tackle position left open by the vacating Tank Tyler.  Immediately, I thought this makes sense, we need someone to fill this spot, there can’t be that many NT’s to work in a 3-4 defense on the market, this move seems to make sense.

However, after about an hour of online research trying to figure out exactly who in the heck is Kenny Smith and how the Chiefs even found this “gem?”  I had to ask myself did the Chiefs get the right guy?  Did we even get the right ‘Kenny Smith’?  Which Kenny Smith could make more of a positive impact for the Chiefs?

Lets check the tale of the tape:

Height

Kenny “The Jet” Smith: 6’3″

Kenny Smith: 6’4″

Advantage: The Chiefs’ Kenny Smith

Weight

The Jet: 170 lbs

Kenny Smith: 303 lbs

Advantage: Kenny Smith

Age

The Jet: 44 years old

Kenny Smith: 32 years old

Advantage: Kenny Smith

College

The Jet: University of North Carolina

Kenny Smith: Alabama

Advantage: Kenny Smith (Alabama much better football school)

Draft position

The Jet: First round (sixth overall)

Kenny Smith: Third round pick (19th pick)

Advantage: The Jet

Last game played

The Jet: 1997

Kenny Smith: 2003

Advantage: Push (No advantage here, the amount of rust on the body after that many years out of either of these leagues is equal.)

League Championships

The Jet: 2

Kenny Smith: 0

Advantage: The Jet

The Final Tally

Advantage: The Chiefs’ Kenny Smith (3-2 with 1 ‘push’)

According to my calculations, the Chiefs’ added the right Kenny Smith to the team, but only by a nose.  

The “Kenny Smith” experiment could prove be another failed attempt by Pioli and crew, to fill another hole on the roster.  On the flip-side, the roster vacancy left by this unusual mid-season trade could have ushered in the coveted “3-4” NT that we’ve always been looking. 

Only time will tell.

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This Is What Happens When You Lose To The Chiefs

The question is, “What happens when you lose to the Chiefs?”  Well, in the case of the Washington Redskins, it turns your entire season upside down.

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Kansas City-Washington Preview

For the first time in the history of the NFL, one team will be playing against six straight winless teams. Basically, every team that Washington has faced so far has been pretty ugly, with the exception of the Giants, who they played in week one. 

This week will be no exception. The Chiefs take their 0-5 butts into D.C. to try to pull off another upset. This may be the fashionable upset pick this week as it was last week against Dallas, but this Chiefs’ fan thinks otherwise. 

Jim Zorn has taken his place on the “hot” seat over the past few weeks, and expectantly so. Washington has already lost to Carolina and Detroit, with their only wins coming against Tampa Bay and St. Louis. It has already gotten to the point five games into the season where Redskins’ players have had to publicly defend their coach. 

The Chiefs, who have just come off of a gut-punching loss of their own, will look to redeem themselves this week. After public humiliation due to a record-setting day from Miles Austin, the Chiefs could end up putting the last nail in the Jim Zorn coffin with a win in D.C.

However, after analyzing both teams I have come up with a few predictions for Sunday:

1. Jason Campbell will have his best day so far this season against the Chiefs. The Chiefs have given up the big play all season to a number of opposing quarterbacks.  Look for the ‘Skins to look deep and ofter to Moss.

2. The Redskins have sacked opposing quarterbacks 10 times this season. The Chiefs O-line has been horrendous this year, and with the absence of Albert (even though he has been a huge disappointment thus far) the line won’t be any better.  The Skins will sack Cassel at least three times in this game. 

3. For some reason, Dwayne Bowe seems to be only getting consistent looks in the fourth quarter. Look for that to change. Coach Haley wants to start utilizing the no-huddle a little more since Cassel is starting to gain some confidence.  Look for Bowe to have over 100 yards and a touchdown.

4. For the last and final prediction: Chiefs lose this one by a touchdown. The Redskins will be playing hard for the respect of Zorn. While the Chiefs have, for the most part, been competitive through the first three quarters only to give it away in the final minutes of the game. Arguably, the toughest loss to swallow was last week’s loss to Dallas in OT. With this game on the road, playing a very tough defense, the Chiefs lose, 21-28.

If you are a Chiefs’ fan please check out my other reads at ChiefsHouse.com , and if you’re a sports fan please check out SportsPageNetwork.com . Thank you for reading my post!

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