SB Nation - Zach Thomas

FISH on FOOTBALL Wednesday Notes: Good-Looking Brooking

Mike Fisher — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:00:34 -0000

Dallas finds an inside linebacker. Plus, the Cowboys are about to climb out on a limb. ... of somebody else's tree. I explain in this FISH on FOOTBALL Wednesday notes package:

GOOD-LOOKING BROOKING: The good little things that are being accomplished tend to get buried under the bad big things (losses) that are understandably the headline-drivers. Still, props to Keith Brooking and the decision-makers who brought him here to, essentially, replace Zach Thomas. Brooking has that fire and cares (I'm sure Zach did, too). But on top of it, he makes good instinctive plays, good physical plays and good plays at the right time. Four games in, he's more notable than Thomas was after 16 games. Kyle Orton is yolked by that neckbeard and yolked by looking so mediocre in Chicago. But forget how he looks. Once he got lucky and beat Cincy on a long-distance fluke. Twice he's gotten lucky now that he'd beaten Dallas on a long-distance fluke? Maybe, but once you've done it twice, maybe it's not a fluke. I hate to say it, but: DeMarcus Where?

PARCELLS' COACHING TREE: The Cowboys are about to climb out onto another limb of the Bill Parcells coaching tree. Last week, the Cowboys bumped into Denver rookie coach Josh McDaniels, a"son'' of Bill Belichick and therefore a Parcells "grandson.'' This week it's Kansas City rookie coach Todd Haley, who of course was a lieutenant under Parcells in Dallas from 2004-06. Those are obvious ones. But the tree is more extensive than you think. On this year's Dallas schedule alone: Carolina's John Fox was Giants aide under Ray Handley, who is a Parcells guy. The Giants' Tom Coughlin is a Parcells guy. Sean Payton in New Orleans is a Parcells guy. In total, six of the Cowboys' 16 opponents are coached by Parcells disciples. Throw in Cleveland coach Eric Mangini, coach and the Rams' Steve Spagnuolo (a grandson via Coughlin) and almost a third of the coaches in the NFL spring from Parcells roots.

‘MILE-HIGH TONY': I'd like to give Tony Romo enough credit to wonder if there isn't something physically off about him. A shoulder, a finger, a hip, I dunno. But all season long he's been stunningly inconsistent in the accuracy department. We spent a lot of time in this space before the game discussion Denver's Mile High altitude and all I know is this: The biggest issue regarding "Mile High'' in that game was the location of too many of Romo's throws. Some day, Sam Hurd is going to be able to tell his grandchildren that he once got chances to catch consecutive TD passes against the great Champ Bailey. Now, Grandpa Sam isn't going to actually be able to say he caught ‘em. But he'll be able to say he had those chances.

SLOW DOWN, WADE-HATERS: DFW radio disc-jockey Jody Dean - who doubles as the Cowboys Stadium PA voice - actually did a Tuesday morning segment on the possibility of an in-season firing of Wade Phillips with Joe DeCamillis as his replacement. C'mon, FM radio. Settle down. Who was at fault on Brandon Marshall's game-winning touchdown? Start with Terence Newman, who was in perfect position but got beat by Marshall's "more perfect'' position. Then start adding up the Cowboys who missed tackles/clunked into each other/took bad angles. And you've got plenty of fault to go around. I still don't see how somebody named "Andre Goodman'' held up in that game. Was his name ever even called?

WITTEN THE PASS-BLOCKER: Why wasn't Jason Witten running game-winning routes at game's end? Dallas says if the other team rushes an extra guy, it's going to keep in a tight end to protect. OK, but if this Chess game is that simple: Dallas' opponents ought to "bring extra people'' (or at least show a blitz look) on EVERY PLAY. Then will Dallas keep Witten in on EVERY PLAY? Of course not - and therefore the Cowboys' overly simplistic explanation is lame. In their last eight games, the Cowboys are 3-5. In their last four roadies, the Cowboys are 1-3. Thank goodness for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And, thank goodness for the Kansas City Chiefs. If you are a Cowboys fan, you are getting a little sick of Brian Dawkins not being retired.

KEEPING ‘EM DOWN: The Denver loss featured a perfect example, a perfect opportunity, for a good veteran team to put away a team that isn't quite certain how good it is. It was early - 10 minutes left in the second quarter - but the Cowboys were already up 10-0. Dallas faced a third-and-14 from its own 22. Is this when you "gun-sling it''? (Heck, you are NOT going to convert on third-and-14 against a solid Denver defense. You just aren't.) Or is this when you use McBriar to play some push-me/pull-you field position, to move the Broncos way back south? (Yessir. That is what you do. We all boo when our team runs a third-and-14 draw play, but that is what you do.) Dallas opted for Plan A. The Cowboys lineup in the shotgun and they put Choice in motion meaning Romo is in an empty backfield. Here comes a blindside safety blitz - quite possible dictated by the empty backfield - and Renaldo Hill records the sack and the forced fumble. Seconds later, what was 10-0 and a long Denver field is 10-7 and the Broncos have their free touchdown and their 4-0 confidence. Third-and-14 from your own 22, people.

BREAKS, SCHEDULE AND INJURY VARIETY: It's a good time to bring on the lowly Chiefs, and who cares if they're lowly? "Lowly'' is what the Cowboys need right now - and "lowly'' is how 2-2 Dallas gotten this far anyway. Dallas hasn't yet beaten a team with a win and right now, heck, don't you wish the schedule would serve up a steady diet of those? Dear Fox: I wish you'd trade all your pretty sideline reporters and all your cartoon robots and all your Caliendo mockery and all your weather reports from domed stadiums for more real reporters who will, at some point during a telecast, tell me why Gerald Sensabaugh and Marion Barber aren't playing in the friggin' game going on right in front of them.

Explaining Zach Thomas' Grievance Against the Chiefs

Joel Thorman — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:34:17 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

4 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) stiff-arms linebacker Zach Thomas (55) during NFL football training camp in River Falls, Wis., Monday, Aug. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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We didn't really cover this yesterday since news broke on the morning of gameday but former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Zach Thomas has filed an injury grievance with the club. Basically, he claims he was cut while he was still injured, which the team can not do.

This stuff gets a little confusing so after the jump I go into a little more depth about the grievance, how they work and what each side's position is.

Per the standard NFL Player's Contract, if a player is injured while a member of the team, he is entitled to his salary and all medical related costs (rehabilitation, treatment, etc). If the team wishes to release him to free up a roster spot, the two sides can come together on an injury settlement where the team pays the player X amount and he is released.

Thomas, who hadn't practiced since the first week of training camp and didn't play in any preseason games, claims he was still suffering from a concussion which has prevented him from playing when the Chiefs released him. Per NFLPA rules, he must file an injury grievance within 25 days which, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, he has done.

The Chiefs released Thomas on September 5th, which means his grievance must have been filed by the end of last month.

Thomas visited the Pittsburgh Brain Imaging Research Center at some point and the doctors told him his career was in his hands. I took a look at our training camp reports, and at the end of August there were two days when Zach Thomas was not on the field and unaccounted for (by local reporters, at least). That's possibly when he visited the hospital. Or it came after he was released (it doesn't really matter).

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported later that Thomas would retire. Thomas' agent disputed that report and stated his client intended on playing next season.

A Chiefs team official told Mortensen that Thomas was cleared to play by doctors and the release was performance-based.

Now that a grievance has been filed, Thomas will be evaluated by a neutral physician. If the physician finds that he's still injured, Thomas will appear before an arbitrator, represented by an NFLPA attorney, to decide the case.

Thomas had a $1 million salary with the Chiefs.

These grievances aren't that uncommon. There are about 40 or so filed each season.

The Chiefs signed Thomas over the offseason to be a locker room leader and a veteran presence on a linebacker group that struggled mightily in 2008. He showed up to the offseason activities and earned the praise of head coach Todd Haley, which is somewhat of a rarity we later learned.

Haley commended him on his work ethic on multiple occasions.

Some Big Plays for Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson After 3rd Team Demotion

Joel Thorman — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:13:42 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

2 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) tackles Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) during the first half of an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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If not for a blocked punt that resulted in a Kansas City Chiefs touchdown, LB Derrick Johnson may have had the play of the game last week with a 70 yard interception return inside the five yard line.

On Sunday, he aided in an Oakland Raiders three and out with a sack on JaMarcus Russell. Actually, it was more like a smothering than a sack. Coming through the middle, DJ beat a Raiders lineman and did his best flying squirrel impression on Russell.

In two weeks, that's two game-altering plays. Of course, neither was the difference in the game but, again, it's a team effort.

Earlier this year, former Chiefs LB Zach Thomas said this should be DJ's best position.

"This is going to be his best scheme," Thomas said. "It's definitely weakside linebacker-friendly. It can exploit the talent that he has. Everybody knows how talented and fast he is. If he gets this down where he's not thinking, just rolling around and just having fun and he knows what to do, he'll be a great player in this scheme."

DJ himself said he's more comfortable in his role. He related it to his days at Texas when he was the best linebacker in college football.

As we've previously said, the current regime has no ties to him so there's pressure on him to perform this season to earn an extension from a team that has, at least to this point, avoided giving out long-term contracts (save for Matt Cassel).

Through two games, DJ has contributed to a couple of big plays that helped turn the momentum in the Chiefs favor. Now, there's something to be said for playing a complete game, but the early returns on DJ are better than what I expected.

Pour Some Sugar On Me - Preseason Wrap-up: Can We Build a Team That Can Beat the Raiders? Yes We Can!

Sugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:00:22 -0000

I understand how important this last preseason game was for roughly 20-30 players per team. I do. For some it was the difference between making the 53-man roster or getting cut. For others who were relatively certain of their impending unemployment, it was a chance to get on tape for potential future employers. For coaches, it was one last look at a few players they may try to retain on the practice squad. But for just about everybody else (in the world) these games were simply painful to watch.

As a Redskins' fan, I of course watched the game against the Jaguars intently and hung on most every play. But as I watched the games around the league, I found myself losing interest quickly as penalty flags rained down on my living room as if Pacman Jones himself were throwing them.

To write a recap of each game would be worse than having to read Peter King rate every latte he has ever drank. So instead, this week I thought I would put my preseason watch-a-ton to the test. Every team has made their final cuts. I will attempt to build a 53-man roster from all the players released by the Saturday deadline. This may include some players who ended up on the practice squad, but you'll have to excuse that. After all, even though I did watch pretty much every preseason game played in the last month, my knowledge of certain teams' backups probably doesn't go much further than guys who should rightfully land on the practice squad. This already feels like a poor man's version of Madden fantasy draft. I get to decide who I am going to keep and at what position they will play. My ultimate goal: a 53-man roster capable of beating the Oakland Raiders final 53-man roster. Our team name: Sugartime Ballers. At the end, you'll get to vote on whether you think the Ballers can take down the Raiders. The first picks after the jump...

QB (3): Jeff Garcia, Joey Harrington, Chase Daniel

This team is going to have a questionable offensive line, so I am going to need a veteran quarterback capable of escaping pressure and getting rid of the ball. I watched as much of the Raiders' preseason as I could stomach and to me it seemed like Jeff Garcia was the quarterback that gave them the best chance to win now. My guess is that they sensed that too and decided that going with a guy staring down 40 years old would be the nail in the coffin for the JaMarcus Russell era, at least from a confidence perspective. Joey Harrington (cut by the Saints) is experienced in the art of art of hand signaling, which is what I want in my backup QB. Plus he is a great pianist so he can play getaway music on the piano as Jeff Garcia is running fro his life behind whatever offensive line I can put together. Chase Daniel gave it a good run in D.C., but failed to be named as the 3rd quarterback when the team decided to go with nobody instead (ouch).

RB (5): Dominic Rhodes, Anthony Alridge, Ian Johnson, Fui Vakapuna, Isaac Redman

It struck me as a little odd when the Bills jettisoned Rhodes. With Lynch out for the beginning frames of the season and Fred Jackson a little dinged this preseason, I figured a veteran like Rhodes would have value for that team. Alridge just barely missed being the last running back kept by the Redskins and adds speed out of my backfield. Ian Johnson is a young buck that got bounced by the Vikings. I have a soft spot in my heart for this guy after watching him have such a great career at Boise State, not to mention the now famous Statue of Liberty play against Oklahoma a couple seasons ago. Vakapuna is a guy I picked because I need a blocking fullback and I have been watching HBO's Hard Knocks this season featuring the Bengals. He is a big, athletic dude, and we are going to need a Samoan presence in the backfield on this team. Redman had a great preseason in Pittsburgh but the numbers game beat him. We are lucky to have him and Vakapuna muscling up in our backfield.

TE (4): Leonard Pope, Alex Smith, Bear Pascoe, Garrett Mills

The Cards cut Pope and the Pats cut Smith. Both are capable receivers that understand the position well. Bear Pascoe was on the 49ers squad and I remember hearing his name for the first time late in the game against the Raiders I think. He was described by his college coach at Fresno State as the "most devastating blocker" they had ever seen. He started out there as a quarterback. He blocked 6 kicks on special teams, and keeps his edge by participating in rodeos. He's an old-school kind of player and on my team he will play an old-school role: Iron Man. At 6'5", 250+ lbs, he will never leave the field. Our wildcat offense will be called the "Wild Bear" formation and we will direct snap it to him. He will rush the passer on defense and he will line up all over the field on offense. His importance on this roster almost necessitated adding a 4th tight end to help carry the load at the position, and Mills, fresh off the Vikings roster, will fit in nicely. The Raiders will not have a chance.

OL (9): Damien McIntosh, Tony Pashos, Andrew Crummey, Kynan Forney, Jeremy Bridges, Scott Burley,Justin Geisenger, Mike Butterworth, Mark Wilson

McIntosh (Chiefs), Pashos (Jaguars), Crummey (Bengals), Forney (Chargers), and Bridges (Redskins) are my starting five. Burley (Redskins), Geisinger (Panthers), and Butterworth (Falcons) are my backups. Burely went to University of Maryland and has been hanging around the league the last two years. Geisinger is a journeyman lineman who spent a season with the Redskins but has also been a member of the Bills and Titans. The Raiders gave Mark Wilson his walking papers, but he has had steady employment as a backup since 2004. Mike Butterworth made this team because I simply ran out of guys that I really knew much about...and I love maple syrup on pancakes.

All of my starters would likely be welcome on most squads in the league after a few weeks when teams are all of a sudden hit by injuries and become starved for guys who have played before. Forney was a huge shock getting cut by San Diego. He might be one of the two or three best players on the Ballers.

WR (6): Keary Colbert, Robert Ferguson, David Tyree, David Patten, Trent Shelton, Steve Sanders

Ferguson (Falcons), Colbert (Lions), and Patten (Browns) have all been unfortunate members of previous unfortunate fantasy teams of mine. So they owe me. Hard to argue against Tyree (Giants). He can start on special teams and catch balls with his helmet. With Bear Pascoe behind center, he might have to catch a few wild pitches. Shelton (Redskins) should make their practice squad and Steve Sanders (Cardinals) was great on Beverly Hills, 90210.

DL (8): Shaun Smith, Alex Buzbee, Ryan Boschetti, Darryl Richard, Rob Jackson, Tommie Hill, Matthias Askew, Terrance Taylor

The Patriots drafted Richard last April, and that is pretty much good enough for me. I recall Tommie Hill made a huge play late in the first Monday Night game against the Panthers, scoring a touchdown with no time left on the clock. Not being good enough for the Giants defensive line does not necessarily make you bad. Rob Jackson and Alex Buzbee both got cut from the Redskins so I have seen plenty of them and are comfortable with them as backups. Boschetti got dumped by the Raiders--can't remember anyone listing their personnel decisions as better than...well, anyone's. Shaun Smith was a shock to get sent home by the Lions. He is definitely good enough to anchor the Ballers' defensive line. And Terrance Taylor was a 4th round pick for the Colts. I am little surprised to see him gone from there, but we will not ask too many questions and scoop him up.

LB (8): Tim Crowder, Zach Thomas, Rocky Boiman, Khary Campbell, Bruce Davis, Jeremy Leman, Robert Thomas, Cody Glenn

Crowder should have cracked the Broncos' Final 53. Our squad will benefit from the veteran presence of Zach Thomas, who might not really have ever been realistically in the Chiefs' plans. Rocky Boiman has been around, most recently ending his second stint with the Titans. He has a ring from the Colts' Super Bowl victory and his experience will be put to good use for the Ballers. Khary Campbell is a special teams standout that did not make the last cuts in Houston. Bruce Davis was a huge underachiever for the Steelers. Here's hoping he can turn it around for the Ballers. Leman (Panthers) was a guy who I thought played well enough in the preseason to stick. I guess that is why my phone isn't ringing off the hook to become anybody's GM. Thomas and Glenn were both waived by the Skins. Thomas has plenty of experience in the league and Glenn (while still an odd draft choice by Vinny Cerrato--read: "wasted draft choice") is a raw player from the Nebraska Cornhuskers' program.

DB (8): Deltha O'Neal, Brian Russell, Brian Williams, Bernard Pollard, Corey Lynch , Deangelo Smith, Corey Ivy, Lendy Holmes

O'Neal (Texans), Williams (Jaguars), Russell (Seahawks), and Pollard (Chiefs) are my starting defensive backs (first two are CB's, second two will man the safety positions. Smith (Cowgirls), Lynch (Bengals), Ivy (Browns), and Holmes (Redskins) round out our scrappy secondary.

P: A.J. Trapasso - Any guy who takes aim for a $40 million video board in a preseason game, ESPECIALLY one bought by Jerry Jones, gets a spot on my team.

K: Brandon Coutu (Seahawks) - The 'Hawks kept this guy on their roster all season last year behind Olindo Mare in the hopes they could trade him. He has a hell of a leg and will get a shot from another team very soon.

Give Me the Numbers, Stat!

27-17, Ballers over the Raiders. Bear Pascoe has 78 yards rushing, 2 rushing touchdowns, 1 blocked field goal and 3 sacks. Jeff Garcia runs in for the other TD and throws the ball straight into the owner's box where Al Davis is sitting. Davis sues the NFL.

Next week at this time, we will be through the first weekend of meaningful football. Imagine...four quarters without any fourth-stringers (God willing). The season of excessive penalty-calling is over. Let the games begin. We'll see you back here on Tuesday--with nary a mention of any battles for the backup long snapper position.

Poll

Can this team I have constructed beat the Raiders today, on a neutral field, with a run-heavy offensive philosophy behind the Iron Man Bear Pascoe?

Yes, handily

164 votes

Maybe 51 times out of 100

142 votes

Maybe once in a 100 tries

51 votes

Not a chance

42 votes

399 votes | Poll has closed

Kansas City Chiefs Release Bernard Pollard, 12 Others

Joel Thorman — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:56:02 -0000

More photos » by Ed Zurga - AP

4 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rodney Wright (11) makes a catch while chased by Houston Texans cornerback Glover Quin, left, during the first quarter of their NFL football exhibition game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009. Wright gained 12 yards on the play. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

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The Kansas City Chiefs have just announced the final round of cuts to get down to the league mandated 53 man roster.

Biggest shocker? Bernard Pollard. Wow.

Offense	Defense
TE Tom Crabtree	CB Jackie Bates
G Darryl Harris	DE Dion Gales
WR Taurus Johnson	DE Bobby Greenwood
WR Ashley Lelie	DT Derek Lokey
RB Javarris Williams	S Bernard Pollard
WR Rodney Wright	LB Zach Thomas
G Colin Brown (IR)	S Ricky Price

After the jump, we take a look at the circumstances surrounding each of the cuts.

The following were released:

S Bernard Pollard

Wow. There were trade rumors recently and apparently they had some legs. This is far and away the most shocking move by the Chiefs.

Frankly, I don't understand this move. This leaves DaJuan Morgan, who was injured for much of last season as a rookie, and Mike Brown, who has been injured much of the last five years, as your strong safeties.

CB Jackie Bates

This shouldn't be much of a surprise. The Chiefs decided to keep five cornerbacks and it was down to Bates or Ricardo Colclough. Colclough has been a return man in the past and provides a little more experience.

TE Tom Crabree

It's not surprising, either. This leaves three tight ends on the Chiefs roster (Sean Ryan, Brad Cottam and Jake O'Connell). Crabtree had a couple of nice plays in last week's game against the Rams but ultimately it came down to a numbers game. Remember, the Chiefs gave up a draft pick in a trade to get O'Connell.

DE Dion Gales

A little surprised here. Gales didn't necessarily separate himself but the Chiefs will be a little low on defensive ends.

DE Bobby Greenwood

See above.

G Darryl Harris

I thought about the best chance he had to make the team was due to the low number of offensive linemen. Harris' name was rarely mentioned and ultimately proved to be expendable.

WR Taurus Johnson

Chiefs had a lot of wide receivers and, for a position where they needed playmakers, he apparently couldn't cut it. It doesn't help that he didn't return kicks and/or punts as well.

WR Ashley Lelie

A little surprising considering he showed a little promise and is one of the few Chiefs receivers with some experience. He's a fast receiver and the Chiefs don't really have that right now.

DT Derek Lokey

He was playing nose tackle behind Tank Tyler and Ron Edwards. It was going to be tough to beat out one of those guys.

S Ricky Price

Again, a numbers game. He couldn't beat out Jon McGraw and starter Jarrad Page.

LB Zach Thomas

Rumored to be injured and looking at retirement. Apparently he was healthy enough for the Chiefs to part ways with him without an injury settlement.

RB Javarris Williams

The Chiefs 7th round draft pick and the only draftee released. He's certainly eligible for the practice squad.

WR Rodney Wright

29 year old player who hasn't shown much thus far.

Placed on Injured Reserve

G Colin Brown

When did he have an injury? Behind Pollard, this is the second most surprising move. There were no indications he was injured. He was the team's fifth round draft pick.

Retired? LB Zach Thomas is at Chiefs Practice

Joel Thorman — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:00:08 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

Chiefs LB Zach Thomas hasn't been in a live practice since August 6th. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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Towards the end of one of the most interesting days in recent Kansas City Chiefs memory, we heard a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter that Zach Thomas would be calling it quits.

Less than an hour later agent Drew Rosenhaus took to Twitter to say that his client is not retiring and he plans on having an excellent season with the Chiefs.

So, who was right? At this point, it looks like Rosenhaus' claim has been validated.

According to Josh Looney, Thomas is currently at practice.

"[H]appy to see Zach Thomas working out in the rehab area and NOT retired," Looney reports.

Interesting. There's still the possibility that Rosenhaus talked his client into continuing to practice and play for the Chiefs in order to secure some sort of injury settlement.

Thomas hasn't practiced since August 6th.

There's a good chance we won't know the truth until September 13th when the Chiefs line up against the Baltimore Ravens. If Thomas is in the lineup, he'll receive his full $1 million salary from the Chiefs since he is a vested veteran.

Report: LB Zach Thomas to retire?

Matty I — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:34:28 -0000

View full size photo »

He may not actually be a Miami Dolphin right now, but he'll always be a Miami Dolphin to most Dolphin fans. And according to ESPN's Adam Schefter (and pointed out to me by the fine folks at Arrowhead Pride), Zach Thomas is expected to retire in the near future. Schefter writes via his Twitter page:

Bruschi exited today, Zach Thomas next. He won't play again for Chiefs and, barring unforseen, is finished in NFL. End for 1 more great LB.

Zach's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, disputes this report, though. Via his Twitter page, Rosenhaus writes:

Zach Thomas is not retiring. He is progressing from his injury & he fully expects to have a great season with the Chiefs in 09.

Putting these two pieces of news together, what I get from everything is that Thomas is probably done with the Chiefs due to injury issues. While Rosenhaus is probably hoping for an injury settlement, the main point of all this is that Zach won't be in Kansas City in 2009 and likely won't find work from any other team at this stage in his career.

If Zach is indeed retiring, I do hope the Dolphins step up and offer their legendary linebacker a one-day contract to retire as a Miami Dolphin. That's how it should be and I'm sure both sides understand this.

Thomas spent his first 12 seasons in Miami, where he was a 7 time Pro Bowler and 5 time first-team All-Pro as well as a 2 time second-team All-Pro. He ends his career with 1,106 solo tackles, 20.5 sacks, 17 interceptions, and 4 career touchdowns.

While I don't want to get into the Hall of Fame debate at this time, my personal feelings are any time a player is among the top 3 or 4 at his position for 7+ years, he deserves to be in Canton.

Agent: Chiefs LB Zach Thomas Not Retiring

Joel Thorman — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:12:35 -0000

Zach Thomas (right) and agent Drew Rosenhaus together (via Wikipedia)

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported within the last hour that Kansas City Chiefs LB Zach Thomas will retire "barring the unforeseen". Well, that unforeseen appears to be rearing it's head. Thomas' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, says his client is not calling it quits.

Zach Thomas is not retiring. He is progressing from his injury & he fully expects to have a great season with the Chiefs in 09.

Um...? Adam Schefter, as we said earlier today, is one of the most trusted voices in the business so I'm not quite sure what to make of this report.

As Josh Looney pointed out just a little bit ago, Zach Thomas hadn't been seen on the practice field for about a week. Today, however, he was out in 'No Man's Land' conditioning.

Rosenhaus may be pulling for an injury settlement for the Chiefs since Thomas is believed to be injured. Thomas' contract won't be guaranteed until day one of the regular season, which means Rosenhaus doesn't get paid until then.

Stay tuned.

Lots of Changes to Kansas City Chiefs Latest Depth Chart

Joel Thorman — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:13:35 -0000

More photos » by Ed Zurga - AP

3 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley talks with players during the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

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Changes, changes and more changes to the Kansas City Chiefs latest unofficial depth chart. The big changes come on the defensive side of the ball. The two new Chiefs are added on the offensive side of the ball.

No time for small talk. Here are the changes. After the jump I've posted the updated QTable.

Tyson Jackson to the first team, Alfonso Boone to the second team

The rookie slides past veteran Alfonso Boone at left defensive end. Definitely a good thing since he needs all the time he can get. From my vantage point the last few games, this is well deserved as well.

Demorrio Williams to the first team, Derrick Johnson to the third team

Demorrio Williams racked up 10 tackles in Saturday night's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He looked very good taking over for the injured Derrick Johnson. We're not quite sure what DJ's injury is but he's now been relegated to the third team at inside linebacker.

I'm assuming this is injury related though, it does make me wonder. Last week Todd Haley indicated DJ has to "get it going" a little bit.

Corey Mays to the first team, Zach Thomas to the second team

Zach Thomas has been injured the last several weeks of practice so this is no surprise. What's interesting though is that you can definitely make a case that Corey Mays won this job and didn't just have it handed to him because of Thomas' injury.

He's had a great camp.

Jon McGraw to the first team, Jarrad Page to the second team

Jarrad Page was reportedly injured in the Seahawks game so I don't think this one will stick barring the severity of that injury. That's just my guess.

Page has been one of the bright spots. There were some early (false) rumors that he was the first to gain his Arrowhead.

New Chiefs

Ikechuku Ndukwe is listed as the fourth right guard. Andy Alleman is listed as the third center.

In reality, Ndukwe has been seeing time at right tackle. Alleman has been seeing time at right guard.


			R. Price		D. Morgan
			J. Page		M. Brown
			J. McGraw		B. Pollard
			*Free Safety*		*Strong Safety*

	P. Walters		C. Smith
	T. McBride		D. Johnson		J. Belcher		A. Studebaker
	T. Hali		M. Beisel		Z. Thomas		M. Vrabel
	*OLB*		D. Williams		C. Mays		*OLB*
			*ILB*		*ILB*			J. Bates
						D. Gales		D. Washington
L. Fryar		A. Magee		D. Lokey		B. Greenwood		T. Daniels
R. Colclough		W. Gilberry		T. Tyler		A. Boone		M. Leggett
B. Carr		G. Dorsey		R. Edwards		T. Jackson		B. Flowers
*Cornerback*		*Def. End*		*Nose Tackle*		*Def. End*		*Cornerback*

*Wide Receiver*		*Tackle*	*Guard*	*Center*	*Guard*	*Tackle*	*Tight End*	*Wide Receiver*
D. Darling		B. Albert	B. Waters	R. Niswanger	M. Goff	D. McIntosh	B. Cottam	T. Copper
M. Bradley		H. Taylor	W. Smith	E. Ghiaciuc	T. Washington	B. Richardson	S. Ryan	A. Toomer
B. Engram		C. Goldberg	D. Harris	A. Alleman	C. Brown		J. O'Connell	D. Bowe
Q. Lawrence					I. Ndukwe		T. Crabtree	T. Johnson
R. Wright	*Slot Receiver*							A. Lelie
	B. Engram			*Quarterback*
	Q. Lawrence		*Fullback*	M. Cassel	*Tailback*
	R. Wright		M. Cox	B. Croyle	L. Johnson
			J. Collins	T. Thigpen	J. Battle
				M. Gutierrez	J. Charles		*KR/PR*	*Punter*
*Long Snapper*	*Kicker*				D. Savage		Q. Lawrence	D. Colquitt
T. Purdum	R. Succop				K. Smith		R. Wright
					J. Williams		D. Savage

With Roster Cuts Looming, Twelve Chiefs Don't Play Against the Seahawks

Joel Thorman — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:00:20 -0000

More photos » by Ed Zurga - AP

Todd Haley aggressively speaking. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

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On Saturday I said we should be looking out for the Kansas City Chiefs that did not enter last night's 14-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. I argued that, with five roster cuts having to be made by Tuesday, the coaching staff probably knew who was going to get the heave-ho. Things like injury settlements might preclude Todd Haley from sending an undrafted free agent into the game who was unlikely to make the team in the first place.

Well, 12 Chiefs didn't play against the Seahawks and it's looking like, at least for a few of them, this might have been their last game in a red uniform. Five were due to injury and seven were unexplained.

Brodie Croyle also did not play but I did not include him on this list. His scratch was a predetermined decision by the coaching staff to get Tyler Thigpen more time.

First, the ones we knew were injured and hadn't practiced all week:

RB Kolby Smith
LB Zach Thomas
TE Jake O'Connell

No explanation on any of those injuries. Smith will likely start the season on PUP, Zach Thomas will be ready by Baltimore and Jake O'Connell is an unknown as well.

Then the two surprise injury scratches:

LB Derrick Johnson
FS Jarrad Page

No explanation on either of these either. Derrick Johnson missed a little time late in the week. Jarrad Page practiced all week and there was no indication he was injured.

Now, here's the list of seven other players, a combination of recent draft picks and undrafted free agents, who did not play Saturday against the Seahawks:

WR Terrance Copper
CB Londen Fryar
RB Javarris Williams
OL Colin Brown
DE Bobby Greenwood
OT Cameron Goldberg
OT Herb Taylor

Three names that wouldn't surprise me if they were on the cut list: Fryar, Greenwood and Goldberg.

They're undrafted free agents so they were long shots to begin with. Combine that with not playing in the third game of preseason and their stay in Kansas City appears to be a short one.

Four names that would slightly surprise me if they were cut: Copper, Williams, Brown and Taylor.

Terrance Copper has been running with the first team and, since the inception of the first unofficial depth chart, has been listed as the No. 1 wide receiver. Javarris Williams would be less of a surprise but he's still a '09 draft pick. Same goes for Colin Brown, who was a fifth round pick. He's been seeing time at right guard, the same position to which the Chiefs added more depth with the trade for Andy Alleman. Herb Taylor was drafted two years ago and hasn't developed like many thought he would.

With Tuesday rapidly approaching, and the Chiefs with the rest of the weekend to evaluate tape, keep an eye on these guys. There's a good chance the names on this list will make the majority, if not all, of Tuesday's five roster cuts.