SB Nation User Blog: Red Shadow

Loser's Curse

Red Shadow — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:30:46 -0000

Loser's Curse

I came across the article by Bill Simmons and Malcolm Gladwell on the front page of ESPN today, and Gladwell recommended a paper called "The Loser's Curse" by Cade Massey. Well I ran a search on google and found it. It is about 50 pages including appendices, but it is a fascinating analysis on the NFL draft. It is more valuable to a team to draft at the end of the first round than it is at the top! All factors are considered in the analysis, including on-field performance and compensation. Check it out if you get the chance, and after reading it, I am really hoping that we can win this weekend and get outta the top 5!!

Winning Mentality and Why Todd Haley Is Our Coach

Red Shadow — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:56:06 -0000

It is almost like Chiefs fans forget how terrible Herm Edwards was. From what I gather, he held short, weak practices, and wanted to be each player’s best friend. He wanted to be the grandpa instead of the father. It made our team mentality W E A K. And I personally think that is the reason for the ineptitude that we still see. Some people will argue that is was drafting wrong players, or Vermeil ignoring the defense for so long. I disagree.

WInning teams have a winning mentality, and it makes it appear that they have the talent. Now, that is not to say winning teams don’t have talented players. It is simply saying that the winning mentality as a team, makes the effort maximized in each player, making them play above themselves. I believe this. The mind is the most powerful of things. It can corrupt you or it can energize you. It is the coaches’ jobs to create this mental environment. And it doesn’t happen by coddling the players and making them like you. It happens when you get a coach that pushes you to the point of hating him. And, you want to do whatever possible to prove him wrong. It instills discipline, and it is a proven method. Todd Haley is the PERFECT coach for the Chiefs right now. He is ALL business. And the first order of that business is changing the mentality on the team. They are going to work for everything they get, and some players don’t like it (DJ). Although, I want to see DJ on the field as much as the rest of you, it HAS to be this way. We want our rookies for years to come to come in and play with an edge, we don’t want anyone complacent. It starts with the coaches and they must win over the veterans first. Then, the veterans lead by example and voice for the youngsters.

The point is this. Todd Haley is getting the short end of the stick right now with the fans, because it is a “what have you done for me lately” league. But truly, in reality, we cannot develop a winning team until the locker room is filled with a winning mental environment. The players have to believe they are warriors. Warriors WANT to go to work, they don’t complain about it.

Just my 2 cents – and a little perspective.

You're Killing Your Father, Larry

Red Shadow — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:48:16 -0000

Is this your homework, Larry? Is this your homework, Larry?

Little prick's stonewallin' me.

See what happens, Larry? See what happens when you $&%^ a stranger in the ass? DO YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU $#@! A STRANGER IN THE ASS, LARRY?

I just thought this was fitting with everything that was going on - all the homophobic talk and his name is Larry. By the way, this dialogue is from The Big Lebowski. John Goodman as Walter Szobciak.

Larry Johnson

Red Shadow — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:31:37 -0000

On Sunday, I attended the Cowboys - Chiefs game. This was my third overall game at Arrowhead and first since 2002. Before, during, and after the game I noticed something on the field that was plainly obvious. Larry Johnson is highly over-rated and should have never received the payday that he did. In pregame warmups, he is off on his like a primadonna, not wanting to have anything to do with the rest of the team. When the rest of the team is jogging off the field to the locker room, he is walking at his own pace by himself. During the game, all LJ does is run into the back of his lineman. It is like watching Greg Hill all over again. Does anyone else think it is a coincidence that this team has not won a game in over a year when Larry Johnson is our starting tailback. Haley has benched practically everyone else, but the one guy who is more of a cancer to this team than anyone else is still starting. I mean bench him for lack of productivity if you have to...take your pick on reasons to bench this player.

It was truly a sad moment to watch the Priest Holmes retirement ceremony before the game, and then watching Larry Johnson on the field afterwards. Oh how I wish Priest was young again.

Carson Palmer?

Red Shadow — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:38:23 -0000

What about a trade for Carson Palmer...obviously the Bangles are not satisfied with him. He is a player with leadership ability and the talent to take it over the top. Some players just need a change of location to flourish. Trade Tony to the Giants for a 3rd rounder and send that 3rd rounder to CIN for Palmer. Maybe it is too early to jump the gun, but you got to strike while the iron is hot. The Bengals benched him and the trade deadline is Tuesday.

Thoughts?

Devard Darling

Red Shadow — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:28:35 -0000

Many will call me crazy. I would not disagree with the majority, but time always tells.

This year will be a coming out party for Devard Darling. I have zero conclusive evidence of this. However, I get the feeling the guy is an adrenaline type player (ala Allen Iverson - practice? practice?). It is all about the games that matter. Obviously, with no conclusive evidence to back me up, it remains just a theory and gut feeling.

I love his build coupled with his speed. It will be a great compliment to Dwayne "The Arrow" Bowe and Tony G. I remember he had his best game on Monday night football against the undefeated Patriots last year...I think he may have had 2 TDs or 1 TD and another long catch (like 40-50 yards).

Anyhow, I am looking forward to seeing what he can do. It is clear that Herm and Chan are hiding him from other teams at this point. They will not have any video on him to start the season.