SB Nation - Rosevelt Colvin

Sending some love to Charlie Johnson

BigBlueShoe — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:49:15 -0000

More photos » by Michael Conroy - AP

Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Charlie Johnson. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Yep, I'm the schmuck who wrote this back in August:

NFL head coaches are supposed to coach, and since we all know that Tony Ugoh is better than Charlie Johnson, it is Jim Caldwell and Howard Mudd's job to coach Tony Ugoh, not play games with his head. Aggravating the situation even more is that Johnson hasn't even earned the right to start. He hasn't out-played Ugoh. He hasn't out-performed him in camp. If Caldwell thinks Johnson has, then Caldwell is a complete idiot.

It's a stupid, stupid move that undermines the credibility of Caldwell.

Statements like that are why Jim Caldwell is paid millions of dollars to coach, and I am paid fractions of pennies to write about his coaching.

The move to bench 2007 second round pick Tony Ugoh for 2006 6th round pick Charlie Johnson was not a popular move among fans. Whenever "C.J." had to step in and play left tackle in the past, the result was usually a QB pressure or sack. Fan collectively remember images of Rosevelt Colvin blasting through C.J. on the way to a Manning sack in the fourth quarter of the 2007 regular season match-up with the New England Patriots.

However, through the first four games of the 2009 season, Charlie Johnson is showing that people like me are idiots while people like Jim Caldwell have balls of solid rock. In four games, the Colts rank #1 in passing offense (1,321 yards, 9.8 yards a completion, 9 TDs), #4 in scoring offense (26 ppg), and #3 in touchdowns scored. They are also #1 in yards per game (414).

And to go with all this magnificent offensive production, they have surrendered only 2 sacks.

Part of the reason for allowing only two sacks is Peyton Manning. His pocket presence and timing is among the best ever to play. He gets rid of the ball quickly and makes smart decisions when he does so. But the other half of the equation is the much improved play of the offensive line, and in particular Charlie Johnson.

The most stressful position on the Indianapolis Colts has got to be left tackle. Defenses work very hard to isolate their best pass rushers in one-on-one situations so they can attack Manning and force turnovers. What the Colts have done to counter this is provide stable blocking assignments for their players and use the running backs to provide help, when needed. In addition, the individual effort given by all linemen has been top notch.

This expected level of effort is likely why Tony Ugoh has fallen so far on the depth chart. In Ugoh's case, it's a perceived lack thereof. This past Sunday, Ugoh was a healthy scratch from the game. The Colts dressed Daniel Federkeil over Ugoh.

Wow.

Back to C.J., when I have watched him in one-on-one battles, he has shown drive, toughness, and good technique. He's also protected the backside of his QB very well, not allowing Manning to take clean hits. Charlie has also proven to be a solid run blocker. It's no secret that runs left seem to work more effectively than runs to the right.

The verdict still is not in for Ugoh, but this much is certain: Charlie Johnson is better than him right now, and it was a good coaching decision to bench Ugoh back in August.

Interestingly, C.J. hurt his knee against the Seahawks, and we all anxiously await any news on his condition. Little did I expect that, in early October, I'd be hoping that C.J. is OK so he can start at left tacle next week against the Tennessee Titans.

Will the Pioli/Parcells/Haley Connection Bring Any Remaining Free Agents to the Chiefs?

Joel Thorman — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:37:19 -0000

Note: Primetime did the leg work on the tables and I did the writing. -Chris

If you're been reading Arrowhead Pride for a little while now, you know that Scott Pioli and Todd Haley are big on bringing in coaches and players that they've worked with before. Which makes perfect sense. It's a natural human instinct to take the known over the unknown.

It's gotten to the point where as soon as we hear of a new player the Chiefs have signed or are interested in, we look for the Pioli/Parcells/Haley connection and it's inevitably there.

Why look for a Bill Parcells connection in addition to a Pioli/Haley connection?

Well because the legendary coach has had some big time influence on the Chiefs current GM and head coach.

Todd Haley began his career as the New York Jets' wide receivers coach under Parcells in 1997. Haley also coached under Parcells from 2004 to 2005 as the wide receivers coach for the Dallas Cowboys, while Parcells was the head coach.

Todd is the son of Dick Haley, who is the current Player Personnel Analyst for the Miami Dolphins and former Director of Player Personnel for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. Haley, his father Dick and Parcells all worked together in New York from 1997 to 1999. Haley was the Jets wide receiver coach; Parcells was the head coach; and Dick Haley as the Personnel Director.

Haley and Scott Pioli worked together from 1997 to 2000, when Pioli was the Director of Pro Personnel for the New York Jets.

As far as Parcells and Pioli go, both worked together in New York for the Jets in the late 1990s while Parcells was the head coach there. Oh, and Scott Pioli also married Bill Parcells' daughter. They're probably pretty tight.

So it's one big happy family over there at One Arrowhead Drive nowadays.

Every single coach hired by the new Kansas City Chiefs' brass has had some sort of Scott Piloli/Todd Haley/Bill Parcells connection.

Special teams coach Steve Hoffman (Parcells)
WR coach Dedric Ward (Haley, Parcells and Pioli)
Defensive quality control coach Pat Perles (Haley)
Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast (Haley)
Offensive line coach Bill Muir (Pioli and Haley)
LB coach Gary Gibbs (Parcells and Haley)
Joel Collier (Pioli)

It's the same thing with the free agents the Chiefs have signed this off season:

LB Monty Beisel - Played for Arizona in 2008 under Chiefs' DC Clancy Pendergast
QB Matt Cassel - Former New England Patriot under Pioli
WR Terrance Copper - Signed to the Cowboys by Bill Parcells when Todd Haley was working with the wide receivers
CB Travis Daniels - Former Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel, who coached under Belichick and Pioli in New England, traded for him prior to the 2008 campaign
WR Bobby Engram -Played for the Bears when Todd Haley worked with wide receivers
LB Darrell Robertson - New England practice squad in 2008 and a former Georgia Tech player under Chan Gailey
TE Sean Ryan - Played last year in Miami for Bill Parcells and for Haley and Parcells in Dallas from 2004 to 2005
TE Tony Curtis - Played for Haley and Parcells in Dallas from 2005 to 2006

Is that enough evidence that these guys prefer working with people they've worked with before?

It makes sense to take a look at who the top remaining free agents and see where the Pioli/Haley/Parcells connection is. It's likely that any future free agent signings will come from this group.

The top offensive and defensive free agents connected to Pioli, Haley and Parcells are after the jump.

Offense
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Age	Pioli	Haley	Parcells
Rex Grossman	QB	6'1"	222	28		CHI 03-04
Lorenzo Neal	FB	5'11"	255	39		NYJ 97	NYJ 97
Marty Booker	WR	6'0"	212	32		CHI 01-03
Kelley Washington	WR	6'3"	218	29	NE 07-08
Jerame Tuman	TE	6'4"	255	33		AZ 08
Brandon Gorin	RT	6'6"	308	30	NE 03-05
Rob Petitti	RT	6'6"	347	26		DAL 05	DAL 05
Terrence Metcalf	G-T	6'3"	325	31		CHI 02-04
Evan Mathis	G	6'5"	304	27			MIA 08
Grey Ruegamer	G-C	6'4"	310	32	NE 00-02
Matt Lehr	G-C	6'3"	300	30			DAL 03-04
Edgerrin James	RB	6'0"	219	30		AZ 07-08

Back on Monday, I asked you what was the biggest positional need for the Chiefs after the draft. You responded by saying that wide receiver, offensive tackle and outside linebacker were the Chiefs' biggest needs.

WR Marty Booker has already had a workout with the Chiefs and left without a contract offer (We assume).

Former 3rd round pick Kelley Washington is an option too I guess, although I'm not sure what he would bring to the table considering his poor career numbers.

At best, I think any of the offensive line free agents out there would be back ups to our current crop of linemen.

The defensive free agents are pretty slim pickings as well. Check them out.

Defense
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Age	Pioli	Haley	Parcells
La'Roi Glover	DT-NT	6'2"	285	34		DAL 05	DAL 03-05
Chris Cooper	DT-DE	6'5"	275	31		AZ 07	DAL 04
Vonnie Holliday	DT-DE	6'5"	290	33			MIA 08
Rosevelt Colvin	DE-LB	6'3"	250	31	NE 03-08	CHI 01-02
Ebenezer Ekuban	DE	6'3"	265	32			DAL 03
Derek Smith	ILB	6'2"	245	34			MIA 08
Junior Seau	ILB	6'3"	250	40	NE 06-08
Willie McGinest	OLB-DE	6'5"	270	37	NE 00-05
Mike Brown	S	5'10"	210	31		CHI 01-04
Rodney Harrison	S	6'1"	220	36	NE 03-08
Lawyer Milloy	S	6'0"	210	34	NE 00-03
Roy Williams	S	6'0"	235	28		DAL 05-06	DAL 03-06
Keith Davis	S	5'10"	193	30		DAL 05-06	DAL 03-06
Terrence Holt	S	6'2"	208	29		AZ 07
Cameron Worrell	S	5'11"	199	29		CHI 03-04
Mike Green	S	6'0"	195	32		CHI 01-04
Deltha O'Neal	CB	5'11"	194	32	NE 08
Jason Webster	CB	5'9"	187	31	NE 08
R.W. McQuarters	CB	5'10"	198	32		CHI 01-04
Lewis Sanders	CB	6'1"	190	29	NE 08
Aaron Glenn	CB	5'9"	185	36		NYJ 95-00, DAL 05-06	NYJ 97-99, DAL 05-06
Roderick Hood	DB	5'11"	198	27		AZ 07-08
Travis LaBoy	DE	6'3"	250	27		AZ 08

Considering that the top remaining linebackers are all over 34-years old and that the Chiefs have already signed two veteran LBs, I don't see the Chiefs signing Junior Seau, Willie McGinest or Derek Smith. McGinest could theoretically fill at defensive end in addition to linebacker but his age prohibits most investments in him.

S Keith Davis left KC without a contract offer after a private visit to KC back in March.

DE Travis LaBoy, like Primetime wrote this morning, really does seem to be the most viable option for the Chiefs on this list, although I'm not sure what the odds of him coming to KC truly are.

Last year, we would have crossed off any one on this list that was over the age of 27 but that's no longer the case. Now, with the draft over and compensation for many of these players at a minimum, we could be looking at more signings.

Would you like to see any of these free agents signed by the Kansas City Chiefs?

Poll

How many of these free agents will the Chiefs sign?

0

52 votes

1

108 votes

2

212 votes

3

154 votes

4

71 votes

5+

86 votes

683 votes | Poll has closed

Catching up with the Chiefs in Free Agency

Joel Thorman — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:59:57 -0000

Will the Chiefs make a run at Igor Olshansky?

via www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com

Here's a quick update on the free agents at positions of need for the Chiefs.

Defense

Chris Canty (DE - 6'7", 286 lbs - 26 years old) - Originally scheduled to visit with the Redskins but was later canceled because the Redskins were "running out of money" according to Executive VP of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato. Is still in New York following a visit with the Giants even though they recently signed defensive lineman Rocky Bernard from the Seahawks. Although no deal is imminent, Canty's agent said talks are continuing and the Giants do want to sign him. He's supposedly seeking $18 million guaranteed and $8 million per year. **SI.com says it's either the Giants or the Packers. ***Signs 6 year, $42 million deal with $17.5 million guaranteed with the New York Giants.
Antonio Smith (DE - 6'3", 274 lbs - 27 years old ) - Signed 5 year deal with the Texans.
Bart Scott (LB - 6'2", 235 lbs - 27 years old) - Signed 6 year, $48 million deal with the Jets.
Ray Lewis (LB - 6'1", 245 lbs - 33 years old) - Apparently the Cowboys aren't after him anymore. The Ravens are still trying to sign him after he reportedly turned down a 3 year, $24 million offer before free agency started. **The offer apparently remains on the table. It appears more and more likely he'll stay in Baltimore.
Angelo Crowell (LB - 6'1", 243 lbs - 27 years old) - The Redskins were interested in him but not after their spending spree. No visits scheduled.
Rosevelt Colvin (LB - 6'3", 250 lbs - 31 years old) - No sniffs from anyone after the Pats released him. He knows the 3-4 defense and represents a need but he's missed 17 games in two years.
Igor Olshansky (DE - 6'6", 309 lbs - 26 years old) - Haven't heard a word about him. No visits reported.

Offense

Laveranues Coles (WR - 5'11", 193 lbs - 31 years old) - Whittled his choices down to the Buffalo Bills or the Miami Dolphins and the New York Daily News speculates the smart money is on the Dolphins. Who doesn't want to sign in Miami this year it seems? **Dolphins aren't likely to pursue Coles.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh (WR - 6'1", 197 lbs - 31 years old) - After a visit with the Seahawks and the Vikings, he is still in Minnesota. It's believed that they're talking money at this point. However, ESPN's Michael Smith reports that he will also make visits to the Bucs (who just re-signed WR Michael Clayton) and the Eagles.
Stacy Andrews (RT/RG - 6'7", 342 lbs - 28 years old) - Signed 6 year deal with the Eagles.
Jeff Saturday (C - 6'2", 292 lbs - 33 years old) - Signed 3 year deal with the Colts.
Khalif Barnes (LT - 6'6", 305 lbs - 26 years old) - The Raiders have "toyed" with the idea of taking a harder look at him. Meanwhile, Barnes canceled a visit with the Saints after they resigned Jon Stinchcomb.

Chiefs Unrestricted Free Agents

Jason Babin, Oliver Celestin, Jon McGraw, Adrian Jones, Rocky Boiman and Pat Thomas - Haven't heard a peep about any of these guys.

Chiefs Restricted Free Agents

Jarrad Page, Jeff Webb and Rudy Niswanger - They were all tendered so I don't expect any team to be willing to part ways with the compensation packages assigned to each of them.

With the exception of a couple of names, these players are beginning to represent the second wave of free agency. The signing bonuses are dwindling so the Chiefs should take a hard look at a few of these value players.

As always, post any updates to free agency signings in the comments or the FanShots (Free agency is an important time to install the FanShot bookmark so you can post to AP from any webpage).

Any other possible free agent signings out there?

Reviewing the Experts: CHFF's Fillability Index

SOLIS — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:12:44 -0000

They often say that the truth hurts. And when they say your team has been struggling to find a ground game and can’t rush the quarterback – there’s no denying the sting of reality.

Whether they make you happy or mad, the guys at ColdHardFootballFacts.com are always willing to let you know how good or how bad your team is – not based on opinion, but based on statistical analysis (a/k/a the cold hard facts).

With a sabermetrics-like approach to covering every aspect of football, they again came up with a bottom line that left me shaking my head. Let's take a look at their latest breakdown as they applied their Fillability Index to the teams of the AFC South.

Truth be told, I’m a big fan of CHFF.com and their unique slant on the NFL. They have several different indexes that they use to determine the strengths (and weaknesses) of any given team within the NFL. For example, their Offensive Hogs Index attempts to determine the strength of the offensive line while their Bendability Index seeks to find which defenses best demonstrated the ability to "bend and not break".

This week they took stock of which teams in the AFC South made the best offseason acquisitions based on last season’s greatest weaknesses. The better the team filled its needs, the higher they graded out on the CHFF Fillability Index.

Jacksonville Jaguars

According to the stat gurus, Jacksonville scored the highest marks in the AFC South. They received a respectable A- for drafting DE Derrick Harvey and DE Quentin Groves with their first two picks. CHFF said that the pass rush, although serviceable, was one of the only real soft spots for the Jags. I’m not sure that the two rookies can replace DT Marcus Stroud (BUF) and DE Bobby McCray (NO), but we’ll have two real good looks at them this year.

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans garnered a solid B+ with their moves on the offensive side of the ball. The Titans were offensively inferior to the stellar play of their defense. CHFF handed out the B+ based on the acquisition of free agent TE Alge Crumpler and rookie RB Chris Johnson. While Crumpler and Johnson are decent additions to the former Oilers, they still have an inept quarterback. That being the case, I don’t agree that they addressed their greatest area of need. They get an F- from me. (Sorry, that’s my Titan hate bleeding through).

Indianapolis Colts

Citing the Colts mediocre Defensive Hogs Index, CHFF thought that the defensive front seven is where the team should have focused its efforts. Apparently third round pick OLB Phillip Wheeler and fifth round pick OLB Marcus Howard were decent enough picks to warrant a B-. If that’s what you get by filling your needs with a couple of mid-round picks, then the Texans should have fared just as well – right?

Houston Texans

Well, about those Texans… let’s just say that they weren’t the head of the class. By CHFF’s estimation, the Texans Fillability Index graded out to a D. Yep, that's roughly a 65. Here’s their reasoning. According to their Defensive Hogs Index, which measures the overall productivity of the front seven, the Texans ranked next to last. Even with some of the best young talent in DE Mario Williams, DT Amobi Okoye and MLB DeMeco Ryans, the Texans failed to establish a consistent pass rush. No real argument there.

While they were looking under the sinks, they pointed out the Texans abhorrent Defensive Passer Rating that also ranked near last (30^th). (Shaking your head yet?) As abysmal as that was, it isn’t groundbreaking news.

CHFF justified the D grade because, although the Texans did address these areas of need through free agency and the draft, they didn’t provide any significant upgrades. According to them, a couple of journeymen and some mid-rounders aren’t enough to get us over the hump. A couple of games into the preseason, and you can kind of see what they are getting at. But a D?

So the question remains, can free agent acquisitions like LB/DE Rosevelt Colvin and OLB Chaun Thompson give the Texans other options to pressure the quarterback? Can CB Jacques Reeves and rookie CB Antwaun Molden help shore up the secondary?

In any case, it’s all just speculation. Last year the Texans earned a C- because they mortgaged their future on an unproven quarterback and another defensive lineman. Aside from having a nonexistent running game and several no name receivers they still managed to shoot up the offensive charts by slinging the ball all over the place. Here’s hoping this year the Texans can again prove the index wrong.

I know the Fillability Index didn’t take into account the hiring of assistant coach Ray Rhodes or the maturing of DT Amobi Okoye, but either way, it was too low. If I was grading out the acquisitions, I probably would have put us at a B-. From my perspective, we filled every glaring need. Whether those pieces will gel in time for the opening game remains to be seen.

So using CHFF’s rationale for assessing the offseason acquisitions, what grade would you give the Texans? Looking forward to reading your answers in the section below. Cheers to the new season.