What happend to him in Seatle last year? I know he worked with his son in the past in Houston and I still think he is the best o line coach especially for the Zone Blocking Scheme.

How huge would it be to bring in him as the O Line coach or even consultant for a yeaer or two to help complete our o line. I know he had a hug effect on Houston and lets not even discuss how much he did for denver.

I know a lot has been discussed about Coordinators (great piece by the way on Tom Clements and Mel Tucker i agree 100 percent) i have not seen his name pop up.

So is he done for good or would he not mind working for Romeo (not Haley) in even a small capacity to work around his son etc? Makes perfect sense as we use the ZBS and normally he did not require high round draft picks to accomplisth his goals.

Thoughts?

I give Haley about 5% chance of being our HC next year so here is my list feel free to add to it i have just read online about potential HCs and would like to read others opinions on who it could be.

NOTE : I am not even going to list Cowher and Gruden as I dont think either will coach next year BUT i would take either one of them over anyone.

1.  Jeff Fisher - not only do we need a moustache running the franchise I think he is a great HC that has experience as a HC and won't have to learn on the job.  Plus he is a Defensive coach and assuming we hire a new coach i doubt Romeo stays on so I think to offset that HUGE loss we will need a defensive HC.

2. Jay Gruden - Bengels OC.  Lets hope Pioli gives up on Cassel and we finally draft a high first round QB and who better to develop him than a Gruden.  What he has done with Dalton has been amazing.  Not sure who deserves all the credit but its hard to argue with a first year coordinator and a first year QB playing as well as they are with a shortened offseason.  He is doing MUCH more with less than the brain trust in KC.

3. Romeo Crennel - again head coaching experience and a defensive coach.  I really like how he handles himself and the players and honestly he has done a GREAT job with what talent he has been given the past 2 years. 

4. Perrey Fewell - Giants DC.  Took over as interim HC in Buffalo for a few games but did a nice  job with the Bills and Giants defense.

5. Gregg Williams - Saints DC.  Former HC and local guy would be an interesting choice as I really like how much he likes to bring pressure on defense.

6. Todd Bowles - Assistant HC Dolphins and secondary coach.  Worked for Parcells in Dallas and Miami and has interviewed for other HC jobs (Dallas) so he makes sense.

7. Eric Mangini - dont shoot the  messenger just bringing him up as he has HC experience as well as experience with Pioli and Romeo.

Open for discussion just bringing up names.

I know we have talked about OT and QB plenty on here and rightfully so but has anyone watched this guy play the last 2 years? 

2010 Nebraska record 152 tackles, 6 sacks, 10 pass breakups, and 15 tackles for a loss. 

How about his final game as a JUCO player where he mirror Cam Newton the whole game and pretty much shut him completely down as Blinn's powerful offense only managed a few scores (one of which was a punt return)

The knock on him would be his size as he is about 6'1 230 but i think he could come in and put on some weight and be a huge upgrade next to DJ.  He is a sure tackler and good in coverage and can really close on the ball and wrap a guy up.  Belcher is bad at best in coverage and just does not have that closing ability due to either awareness or speed or  both. 

He should go in the 2nd or early 3rd so I am not talking about a high pick for him and dont get me wrong i like Te'o better but I really think with all the passing teams in the NFL it would be nice to have another 3 down LB that  might even free DJ up to russ the passer more.

Just throwing another name out there as we discuss some players I am not going to outline needs etc (yes i know we need a NT, QB, and OT)

The guy is really impressive on film and seems to be a real emotional player that we could use.  Imagine him next to DJ with a healthy Berry behind them!

If anyone has any other player that has stood out go ahead and post i like reading about the prospects.

So I am still supportive of Pioli (although its hard to know if it is his fault for not doing more or Clark's for not allowing him to do more) but I  am done with Haley.  His ego has cost us Gailey and Weiss and it is no wonder we are the worst offense in recent memory.

This regime is all substance and no style which was a breathe of fresh air after the Carl Era of PR move after PR move BUT in order to have no style you need to win and they have not done that.  It is time to make a splash and get the best candidate available for HC and then get the best QB to come around in years.

I do not think we need to tear the team down and rebuild I actually think we have a lot of young talent (thanks Herm for leaving us some talent) but we do not have the QB and we do not have the Coach.

I think Gruden would be the best option not only because I think he has done a great job every place he has gone but he also knows how to develop a QB.  We could keep MOST of the coaching staff in place (all on defense) and even Muir to run the O Line (which will make the transition much easier).

Insert Luck at QB.  I do not think we will be favored again this season but if we do not end up with the first pick I would mortgage the future to trade UP and get the first pick.  This is the perfect chance as the number 1 pick will not make a fraction of what they used to make and we have yet to develop our own starting qb EVER.  Other than Brees all the other great teams that have success over time have drafted and developed a star qb.  This is a QB league and if you watched Big Ben, Manning, or Rogers you have seen QBs with average at best lines make super bowl runs.  Yes i know we need a right tackle but it can wait to round 2 or Free Agency.

You think adding Chucky and Luck would sell some tickets?  You think we would then have the nucleus and stability to really become a legit Super Bowl contender?  I still have faith in Clark/Pioli but it is time to either go for the best available QB and HC or watch 20,000 fans a game root on a loser.

I am not advocating pulling a Philly dream team spending spree rather keep our core intact (which Pioli has done a good job of) and add the final pieces but be very aggressive in getting Gruden and Luck and make it happen in whatever means possible!

i know Kansas Sampler but does anyone have any websites or good places for good chiefs gear?

Dicks only has a few items.  I am looking for last years Reebok Camo Jacket (and dont want to pay 100 at the stadium) but would like to find a place that has a lot of good stuff.  i have looked at a few sites online but figured someone had a good site for this type of thing.

Thanks in advance!

I know another article on Free Agents but based on what we have seen from Pioli so far I do not expect him to make a huge splash in free agency but rather get one or two specific players and then add some depth behind them.  I know we have approx $35M in cap but that is at the end of the year and I expect/hope we use it to lockup Dorsey, Bowe, Flowers, and Carr. 

1. NT Aubrayo Franklin - the one big time signing and I am basing this on we currently do not have a starting NT under contract, we offered Shaun Rogers $6M, and there is not that many options available.  I really like Powe but even guys like Raji rotated most of their first year before really making any difference.  This is the one position on the defense that has really not been addressed since Pioli got here and it is vital to the 3-4.

2. MLB Barrett Ruud - coming from a Tampa 2 system that wanted him to get deep middle just was not a good fit.  I think he would be a perfect fit as both a leader and downhill tackler and a big upgrade in coverage.  The knock was he did not cover all that well in Tampa but there is a big difference in ILB in the 3-4 and MLB in Cover 2.  Former Husker (from Lincoln as well) just makes too much sense and the last article i read on SI.com said he was a perfect fit for the Pats so the same holds true for the chiefs.  I think Belcher has improved and this is not a huge need it has to do with Pioli finding the right player not just position and I think Ruud would add a lot on and off the field with the absence of Vrabel that can't hurt.

3. WR Mark Clayton - coming off an injury but seems to have the right skill set to be a very solid slot WR as well as a very good locker room guy.  Could also start and allow Baldwin time to develop intstead of just throwing him out there.  Great value and would be nice to add one proven target and not break the bank doing it.  Santana Moss and Breaston would be great but i just dont see us making a Madden Type splash in free agency and getting Ruud and Franklin will cost a little.

4. FB Marcel Reece - Taking one from Oakland is always nice and i think he would add a lot both in receiving out of the backfield as well as the ability to get short yardage.  Keeping Thomas Jones one more year and adding Reece would be ideal.  This allows us to carry 3 RBs (4 if you could Dex) and not worry about Cox or Castille. 

5. RT Jeremy Trueblood - played very well for Coach Muir in Tampa and would make sense for a reunion.  I am a Richardson fan BUT I also think as much potential as Richardson has I could just as easily see him taking a step back and it would just destroy this offense to once again keep a TE in to block and really limit us offensively.  Adding another starter quality player that wont break the bank or wont force Albert to move all over the place makes a lot of sense and is low risk with Muir knowing the player.

I just wanted to bring up a few new players that I have not seen a lot mentioned and lets HOPE we see a few of these players signed in the next week. 

Come at me Bro! 

Matt GD Cassel

I posted this a long time ago but want to go over it again. 

Sitting at the game (well standing most of the game) I was just so impressed with our defense improvement.  Coaching is light years ahead (Romeo adjusts so much better on the fly) and I think Pleasant has done wonders with the D Line.  The talent on our D does not wow anyone BUT neither did the 2001 Pats D.  This team plays like that Pats team on defense right now.  Smart, hard nosed football, with a bend dont break attitude. 

Now I want to make it clear I still think we are a year away from really making a push and clearly the Chargers are the most talented team (if they get smart and get McNeil and Jackson on the field) but that Pats team beat much more talented teams along the way....so if you want to see the comparison here it is.

Position comparison:

Offense:

QB - not as much of an advantage for the Pats as you might think (I know after one week Cassel is a goat but I know he will and can play better) because Brady was a starting his first season.  He was asked to manage games but did come on in the playoffs and his legacy began.  Again, Brady is a gamer and stud but was not amazing during THAT regular season.

RB- no comparison chiefs are much better.  Smith was solid and really underrated but if we actually give Charles his 20 carries and sprinkle in jones with 10 we should be one of the best rushing teams in the NFL  (which after running the pistol 2 years ago Haley deserves a lot of credit for that its not just charles) Kevin Faulk was very solid for the Pats but still the talent gap is there.

WR - I give the nod to the Pats.  The Chiefs have more talent (Glenn was hurt that year) but until Bowe steps up the Pats were just much more consistent and we dont have a Troy brown 100 catch do it all player.  Again not a huge difference in talent if you factor if DMC and Moeki keeps improving.

OL - Again, nod goes to the Pats right now but if you look at the talent its not amazing.  They just played well together and were very well coached (recurring theme).  I would say the biggest upgrade is in the middle i am still very very dissapointed in our middle pass blocking.  Imagine adding one of the top 2 centers (O'Dowd or Wisnewski) would do for our line next year with a developing Asamoah and this could be a strength.

Defense:

D Line - I think the major difference is experience.  McGinest was still a force and Pleasant and Hamilton were very solid.  Seymour was coming along and they just had more depth (which we should feel some pain from that this weekend with injuries) I think our D Line made huge strides so far but we still have to continue and Tyson Jackson needs to keep improving.  Dorsey is a stud and a force for a long long time. 

LB - Until DJ played like a Pro Bowler I would say this is a huge gap.  Right now I like our LBers a lot.  If you factor in Studabaker I think we are closer to finding a solid 4 LBers that I thought.  I like Demario in the 3 point stance and Vrabel is still so tough and smart (anyone else see the timeout he called on 4th down right in Rivers face? that was classic) The pats played much better together than we do but it is only week 2 and again I cant say enough about Romeo's impact.

DBs - Very close actually.  Flowers reminds me of Ty Law and Otis smith had a good year that year but Carr seems to be improved this year.  Arenas made a great play on the goal line stand and that was nice to see a play by our Nickel CB.  Milloy and Berry are also similar players with Berry being more talented but not as experienced.  i was really impressed with our d backs and as young as they are they are an ascending group so this nod probably goes to the pats on experience but its close.

Special Teams - Cheifs get the nod but I think it is close since Vinateiri was so money so  many times.  But it is hard to ignore Colquit, DMC, and Arenas.

I found it pretty interesting to compare since we are being built by the same man.  I do not think we are on the path to the super bowl this year BUT there is a lot of things to be excited about and I can see the vision coming together.  Another successful offseason we should be ready to take over the AFC West for awhile.  The only wild card is Matt Cassel because if he does not progress we will almost have to take a qb round 1.

Thoughts?

One thing i really like about Pioli is he is always trying to add talent and fill needs every day of the year.  So in saying that I still think we add a few more players (vets) as well as some guys that get cut (maybe 1st or 2nd year guys)

So since it is May and I have nothing else to do (other than work) does anyone have any insight or ideas of guys that might be traded or still unsigned or event cut?

I saw all the Adalius Thomas stuff and never really thought he fit after how it ended in NE.  Here is a couple guys I came up with please add to it or speculate maybe guys we looked at or you liked in the draft that migth not make the 53 etc.

NT Shaun Rogers - Romeo connection and no clue what will happen but it makes sense via trade (late round pick) or cut.

NT Ron Brace - another NE connection and they just paid Wilfork and signed Warren

DT Darnell Dockett - ok bad joke.  well average joke.

DE Osi Umenyiora - not sure if he signed with anyone but good pass rusher.

anyone have any other ideas or players?  there are a lot of Weis guys and Romeo guys out there as well.

A lot can happen the week before and of the draft with player trades and signings.  I remember the draft we signed Priest right before the draft then traded for Green...

I am still VERY surprised we have not made at least one trade this offseason.  I think that will heat up this week as Pioli has been smart to watch all the moves unfold and how the draft lays out.  So I took a look at some players that are available both free agents and for trades and if i missed anyone let me know.  I have seen several trade down posts but not any on players available for trade.

1. Albert Haynesworth.  I start here because if we really did make him an offer last season the interest is there.  He is also a beast and could be a HUGE upgrade at NT.  Plus, Washington looks to be moving him after offering him in the Mcnabb trade.  AND, his cap number ans salary really is not that bad now.  The main reason i dont see it happening is from what i read he does not want to play NT in a 3-4.  If thats the case i would still consider trading him if you can get him to rotate at DE and NT (similar to Ngata at Baltimore).  If he could be had for a 3rd or even our pick 50 it would be a great play for us.

2. Darren Sharper. I think the only problem here would be Sharpers wish to play for KC.  What he did for the NO defense last year was amazing and I am confused why they did not lock him up.  This reminds me of the Rodney Harrison pickup by the Pats and how well he played for NE (even though i still hate him).  Adding Sharper and drafting a young safety would be huge.  He is a Free Agent and his list of teams interested could be diminished with teams looking to the draft.

3.Greg Olsen - only 25 and very talented I think he could be a pro bowl player on another team.  This is a very good year for TE and the Bears do not have a 1st or 2nd not to mention they hired Mad Man Martz I think this trade could happen for a 3rd or maybe 4th.  From ESPN TE Scheffler might go for a 3rd or 4th so that seems to be the value.  If he can be had for a high 4th or a 4th and 5th it would be a great pickup to add a TE for Weis (who uses a lot of TEs)

4. Kirk Morrision - Only given a 4th round tender would be a steal if we could trade our high 5th for him.  No clue why no interest in him so there might be more too it than i know but he always seemed like a very solid player to me and is still young.  Not sure how he would fit in a 3-4 ILB so that might be an issue also but still worth a look.

5. Jason Campbell - looks like he will be moved for a late pick.  I have always liked Campbell and think he never really got a fair chance in Washingon.  It is tough to develop a young QB and Snyder is not patient enough to not tinker with things every year.  He has had a new coordinator so many times how can he build on anything.  All i know is his completion percentage and rating has gone up each of his 4 years and if anyone can relate to playing behind a bad OL it is Campbell.  Not a need as we have Croyle but I am always in favor of improving the depth on the team and I know that this regime loves the big tall QBs and Campbell fits as he has a big arm and good size.

6. OJ Atogwe - not sure why not more interest so far he seems like a good player to me and is only 28.  Has already been franchised once so that has to mean the Rams thought he was good at one time.  This will probably be a draft day deal as teams looking for safety help in round 1 or 2 that dont find it might pull the trigger with the Rams just not sure what it would take.  I would rather draft someone but if the value is right would be a nice upgrade.  It will be interesting to see what we do with Page because if reports are correct he might be traded also.

7. Jared Gaither - there has been plenty of talk on this so i wont go into detail but I wanted him when he was a Supp pick a few years ago but this will probably happen on draft day as some of the tackles come off the board.  I think he would be a good upgrade for us but not sure how he would fit with our more athletic zone scheme and some questions about his work ethic.  Still if he could be had for a 2nd it would be hard not to look really hard at it as that would complete a much improved OL whether he plays LT and Albert goes to LG or he plays RT and Albert stays.

8. Kenny Phillips - The Giants added Rolle and Deon Grant and he is coming off a knee injury so they might be willing to move him but doubt they get much in return.  I really liked him out of Miami when he came out of college and he is only 23 but this is a deep draft for safeties so again it would have to be a lower pick to make sense but if you could trade a 4th and get him for the future even if he comes along slow this year it would be a steal.

9. Big Ben - Will never happen and I dont want to get into a moral debate BUT his leadership, toughness, and results on the field speak for themselves.  His haircut and brain off the field on the other hand...

10. Adewale Ogunleye - played DE for the bears but could make the switch to OLB as a situational pass rusher for us.  32 years old and still has some left in the tank as a pass rusher would be an uprade for some sacks but just depends how the draft goes.  Free Agent so no draft picks will be required which is a plus.

I am sure I am missing some so feel free to list more options but I think our 3 5ths and even someone wanting to trade up by sending a player and a pick could play out.  I would really like to see us sign Sharper and make a play for Olsen if we can package a 4th or 5th (that might give the bears enough picks to jump back into the 2nd).

Should be a fun week.

With no cap hit and therefore no cap hit this year I think there will still be several players getting traded on or around draft day.  McNabb will be gone for one and I expect Marshall to be a Skin but who do you think the chiefs will trade for or trade?

Pioli is known for wheeling and dealing and knowing that he pulled off the Welker and Moss trades what can we expect on draft day?

I think there is still a chance we move some players so I am going to list a few names and want to know what everyone thinks is possible or likely.  These are not trades i would do but some i feel are possible.

WR Dwayne Bowe - at this point i would NOT trade him as I think he learned a lot last year about being a Pro and I think he will have a breakout year this year.  What would he be worth at this point?  Worth the risk to hold on for another year unless some team offers a 2nd which i doubt happens.

QB Brodie Croyle - you can tell he is one of Haleys favorite players and to be honest I would not be suprised to see him starting for the Chiefs down the road (i know he cant stay healthy its not what i would do but like i said Haley seems to love him so we will see how Cassel holds up) but he has some value and teams like the Cards and/or Bills might take a flier on him for a 3rd.  Plus i think it is very interesting that we have checked on some other QB options (although the Pats drafted a lot of QBs over the years which i actually agree with)

OG Brian Waters - one of my favorite chiefs BUT his played did drop off.  Now was a it a result of a new offense and bad o line overall or age?  Great character and leader but the Pats have never had problems trading or releasing vets (Law, Milloy, Bledsoe, etc) Plus if we really do draft Bulaga then the only thing that makes sense is to move Albert to LG and keep him there for 10 years next to Bulaga.  Where does that leave Waters?

ILB DJ - This has been dicussed at depth but I still am not convinced that Chiefs have him in their future.  I gave up on DJ last year after saying year after year he will breakout.  He flashes some amazing plays but i just dont see the down by down consistency.  He has value and a 4-3 team such as Detroit, Tampa, NO, or INdy might make a run at him.  Much like Pollard and Page he seems to be a "Herm guy" which for some reason is almost completely opposite to what our new regime is looking for.  I would keep DJ unless we get offered a 2nd or player worth it.

DE Glenn Dorsey - I would hate to see him get traded as it was a gift when he fell in our lap on draft day.  switching defenses really did not help him but he was a rock for us last year on run defense alone.  When he did not play we were horrible at stopping the run and we cannot afford to try and replace that with Magee who looked like more of a pass rush DE.  The problem is I think Dorsey still has great value to a team like the Vikes, Colts, SAints, and Lions.  So if we got offered a late 1st for Dorsey do you take it?  I would not as I think it would be taking a huge step back on fixing our biggest problem (run defense) but it is worth discussing with all the talent in this draft (example trade Dorsey to the Saints then draft Mount Cody?) Again, i hate to trade an ascending talent for an unproven pick BUT everything I have seen shows me that Pioli IS building for the long haul.

S Jarrad Page - It is obvious he was missed when he got hurt but so was Pollard and still do not think Pollard was not that good of a player for KC so that shows how horrible our safety play was last year.  I have read plenty on his attitude (good article by Kent babb) and some problems he had with the coaching staff (much like Pollard) and I just dont think the chiefs have plans for him in the future.  I think he has good ball skills for a bigger safety but does not play as physical for his size or really fill the alley and blow people up in run support.  I wish he could have stayed healthy last year so we would have seen more of him in this defense.  I don't know if we are going with a true FS and SS look next year or Right Safety and Left Safety look but no matter what it is I think we need a good physical player and very very fast playmaking coverage guy.  We have scouted so many safeties it would not shock me at all to see us draft 2 in the draft.

On all these guys other than Waters I would give them another year in the system and coaching and see what we have.  I hate to knee jerk and trade players too soon just to see them thrive for another team.  I would trade Waters if we get Bulaga in round 1 unless they really want to move albert again to RT.  Croyle is too valuable with that arm and it will be interesting to see what Weiss thinks about his QBs. 

Look forward to see what everyone thinks...

What I would give to be in the war room with Pioli and Co. for one hour!

Most of the talent left is over 30 but several players could upgrade our team for a year or two and give us flexibility in the draft to not reach for a position.

C Kevin Mawae – has a past with Weis and Haley at the Jets and still much better than niswanger even if he is 40 (now a man see Coach Gundy)

G Bobbie Williams – huge mauler for the run offense still has a few years left.  Great locker room guy too.

 NT Jamal Williams – coming off injury but still worth the risk. 

 DE Jarvis Green – allows us some depth and versatility on the D Line.  Another 3-4 D Lineman that fits very well into our defense is a very good thing.

 NT Fred Robbins – at 33 still has a few years left and with no options at NT available would be good rotational guy to have. 

 WR Kassim Osgood – GREAT special teams player and worth a roster spot.  A cheap way to improve a unit that got much better last year.

ILB Larry Foote - solid ILB that played well for Pitt and should come very cheap and be an upgrade.

TE Ben Watson - would be an upgrade and now that the first day has come and gone and he did not get any attentio should come at a good price.

WR Chris Chambers - no need to explain.

WR Antwan Randle El - should be cheap and solid player that could play slot for us.

TE Ben Hartsock - just a solid blocker that would help the run game. 

OG Rex Hadnot - big physical run blocker that seemed to do ok against the chiefs when they ran for 1000 yards in one game.

DE Tyler Brayton - solid starter than can play 3-4 or 4-3 DE.  Good depth.

OLB Joey Porter - still had more sacks than any Chief last year.  Would be nice opposite Hali.

OLB Scott Fujita - still mad we let him go.  Not a great player but seems to play smart and do his job. 

ILB Antonio Pierce - now that Chedder Bob (plaxico) is in Jail should be safe signing.  Not sure how much he has left with injuries etc but good player.

CB Leigh Bodden - the player i hope we sign the most that is left.  Really good year for the Pats last year and would be nice addition opposite Flowers.

S Darren Sharper - i dont care if he has one year left only he played amazing last year and would be worth it to add some leadership to this team.

FS Brodney Pool - should come cheap with all his concussions and Romeo knows him well just not sure how much he has left.

FS Ryan Clark - good player but i am scared he just did so well because he was next to Polamalu.  With our current safeties anything is an upgrade.

I think now that the smoke has cleared a lot of the restricted guys will be getting looks and traded.  Those 3 5th round picks could be key in acquiring some talent since pretty much every team just tendered all their players and will look to trade them if they have no intention of keeping them.

On a side note.  We are so blessed to be in the AFC West!  Even with only about 50 million payroll now (per Nick Wright) we should be able to compete in this division.  San Diego has me scratching my head and AJ Smith reminds me so much of King Carl.  Started out with a bang with Marty and then slowly gets worse and his business ethics are just poor.  They pulled off the Eli trade and it saved them for 5 years but they are getting worse by the year.  Rivers and Jackson are studs but after that i see nothing.  I actually understand what McDaniels is trying to do as the Cutler trade was great but they have to draft better with purging the old talent.  I do like what Denver has done in free agency the last 2 years switching to 3-4 but losing Nolan was a huge mistake.  Oakland...well I think that is the only thing saving the Hunt family is that we are in the same division as Oakland and they are so pathetic its amazing (yet they beat us at home!)

I think Pioli goes to work this weekend now that the big names are off the board (I am such a Pioli and chiefs homer)

Just wanted to see what talent Romeo had when they won the first title as I did not remember them being loaded with stars.  This was taken from a late october game that year.

LE Bobby Hamilton

NT Brandon Mitchell

DT Anthony Pleasant

RE Roman Phifer

SLB MIke Vrabel

MLB Bryan Cox

WLB Tedy Bruschi

LCB Ty Law

RCB Otis Smith

SS Lawyer Milloy

FS Matt Stevens

Notable backups:

DT Seymour

DE McGinest

A lot of vets and solid players but nothing amazing.  Milloy and Law where great players.  Seymour and Light where Rookies.  I would argue we might have as much talent on our defense already.  I think these 4 players alone stack up well.

DE Dorsey

DE Jackson (underachieved but DL always takes more time)

OLB Hali

CB Flowers

Take it for what it is worth but i thought it was interesting...

One more nugget that made me laugh.  NE starting WRs that year....

David Patten and Troy Brown

oh and starting RB Antowain Smith

We have both Coordinators, GM, and 4 picks in the top 3 rounds plus Free Agency...this should be interesting.

So from what i read it looks like players that would normally be UFA (unrestricted free agents) are now RFA (registricted Free Agents).  So how will this effect us?  Will teams just tender each player a one year low offer and then keep all there stars?  If this is the case (which it appears to be) why don't the players agree to a cap as players won't be signing a long term deal (why would any owner lock a player up long term for big money when they can have them cheap one more year)

I think a lot of players will be released to unload cap hits this year so that should add to the talent pool.  So the next questions becomes will there be a lot of sign and trade deals?  Like the Pats for example will they tender Wilfork and Mankins and just trade them even if they have ZERO interest in keeping them for the huge contracts they both will get???

So that brings me to my final question.  Based on all of this it looks like the talent will be very poor and with no cap do you think the draft is now that much more valuable (especially the top picks) so it would appear to me that a team like the Chiefs will have a good chance to trade down this year as teams might want to trade up to grab a premier playing as there will be very few available in free agency.  No cap so a lot of owners can front load a big rookie contract and lock up say a Clausen, Suh, McCoy, or Bradford. 

So i feel like all of this helps us for ONE reason.  I can't see many free agents wanting to come sign with us BUT if we trade for their rights then work out a deal long term with them it could work.  Plus if we are able to trade out of the 3rd pick to acquire more picks or players that would be a positive?

I know Whitlock has beat on Pioli and Haley for their ego but one thing i was thinking of is that in times like this it takes a big ego to stay the course.  Sure there are times when you can be overconfident but i think it is much better when you stick to a plan and don't get sidetracked by outside influences.  I am 100 % sure Pioli has Parcells keeping him up and focused as we go forward. But for a change i will state some very positive things we have going into the future:

1. A coach that CARES 100 percent about winning period.  He has made mistakes (admitted them also) and will continue to make more mistakes but unlike some used car salesman slick coach he stands up there takes his beating and works his butt off.  Go look at film of a young Cowher does he look/act a lot different that Haley?  Not standing up for Haley's game day issues or saying his is the next Cowher but we took a risk on a young talented coach as part of the plan.

2. Pioli changed the entire culture from top to bottom.  I do not agree with all his moves BUT if you have read about or been involved with change or change management this is ALWAYS the best move long-term.  Get a new perspective and new expectations.  Again, the key for me is not to keep changing back and forth... most teams go from Offensive coach to defensive and back and forth (Gunther, VErmeil, Herm, Haley, etc).  We have talked about 3-4 for years and knew it would be very tough to make the change but again Pioli did not put the Carl Peterson Ty Law quick fix on it.  He made the change and dedicated one and maybe more entire drafts to the change. 

3. I have been on Clark's case for 2 years now (yes i have called him Clark Bidwell and not going to start that up again) BUT he hired the best.  Pioli was the best available talent and Clark locked him up and for that I give him credit.  I think Clark is very much hands off but he knew that and hired the best.  He also needs to embrace we are in a recession and make an effort to reach out to fans and lower costs and give some great incentives.  Hell call next door I think the Royals have done very nice job at providing low priced options.  NOW i need to see him open up the wallet and let Pioli be aggressive (first with top rate coaches) and second with Free Agents.  The Chambers deal was a good sign as it showed he would invest over 2 million for a player for half a season.  I am not asking for a Dan Snyder approach BUT i have said many times Snyder WILL get it right someday as he continues to try new things...Plus if you look up NFL team values he is not as dumb as he looks.  He owns the stadium outright instead of the city. 

4. In a few weeks we will know a lot about the next 3 to 5 years of this franchise.  Again, not saying we need to go out and play madden with free agents but I want to see that plan that i know Pioli has.  Make trades and act quickly on coaches and players that FIT.  IF i see that i will call this year what it has been...a transition/rebuilding year.  If I don't see the moves made and we have another questionable draft I think a lot of the GREAT KC fan base will be lost for good.  I will always be loyal.  I will always read all I can and do my stupid mock offseasons and watch every play because it is part of me BUT I would argue the people on this site are the rock solid fans and others just cannot stomach the losses (not that i disagree with them)

5. So after watching a really pathetic year of football I am going into 2010 thinking positive thoughts about the Chiefs.  It is pretty clear they understand our needs and I think Pioli will exhaust every effort to give us a better product in 2010 without sacrificing a future.  Just please don't go get bombed by Denver I hate them!

Goals:

Improve the defense so what we have a young ascending potential top 5 D in a few years.  To bring Arrowhead back we need a great D.

Improve the interior line play.  Both depth and starters.  I am pleased with O'Callaghan and think it is too early to give up on Albert.

Improve the Coaching Staff as it was assembled so late in the game.  OC, QB coach, and DC.

Add SPEED to the offense, defense, and special teams.

Coaching:

Hire Charlie Weis as OC and QB Coach.  This is a HUGE need for both the QB position and to help Haley focus more on game management.  Shared an office with Haley with the Jets it just makes too much sense.

Hire Romeo Crennel as DC and allow him to hire his own assistants.  I know these are not original hires but they are the best available coach's and have experience in both the offense and defense we run and with Pioli and Haley.

Free Agency:

Resign:

WR Chris Chambers - would be nice boost to have Bowe, Chambers, and Cassel on the same page working together for year 2.  Will overpay for Chambers but Cassel needs as much support at WR next year as it is a make or break year for him.

QB Brodie Croyle - great arm and depth.  Still looks like a kicker but rocket for an arm.

TE Leonard Pope - really helped this year.  Good 2nd TE as Cottam looks to be the answer.

OLB Mike Vrabel - played great against the Bengals and is very key for the defense to get out of this losing culture.  I will take 22 mike vrabels.

FS Jarrad Page - should come back ready to contribute.

S Mike Brown - would not hand him the job but he has value.  Would be nice to draft berry and let him learn from Brown. (while Berry starts of course!)

OLB Matt Roth –  Would be an upgrade at OLB and add more pass rush.  Local Iowa guy that is still young.

RG Stephen Neal – NE locks up Mankins and Neal immediately upgrades the RG spot for us.  If only for a year as we add depth in the draft.  I don't want to just rely on a rookie center and guard.

NT Ryan Pickett – GB has Rajii and Pickett will get big payday.  He is our major signing and in huge demand so we will need to overpay.  We need a solid vet that can play so we do not have to risk/wait for another rookie to develop.  I think with this signing the entire D Line comes together and really turns into a strength next year.

WR Kevin Walter – good possession receiver that can CATCH the ball.

OLB Darryl Tapp – young player that has some upside as a pass rusher if the Seahawks let him go.

RD 1 FS Eric Berry Tennessee – Best player available period. Suh is gone and right now i do not see Okung as being a franchise LT.  McClain is tempting.

RD 2 MLB Brandon Spikes Florida – might not be here but the MLBs slid last year.  GREAT talent that along with Pickett and Berry would solidify the middle for years.

RD 2 C Kris O'Dowd USC - great career at USC and will make immediate impact.  If you have not seen the piece on ESPN with Jake Olson its a good watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX0ovhkgR7s

RD 3 MLB Micah Johnson Kentucky- very talented player that would add size and a physical presence to our D.  I am tired of teams running the ball right at us.  Best way to improve any D (or any team for that matter) is stop the run and give them 3rd and long.  Best way to bring arrowhead back is to give us a physical tough defense to cheer for.

RD 4 WR Jordan Shipley Texas – as much as I want a big body WR (Alexander) we have Bowe and shipley will be a huge upgrade in the slot and on returns.  This gives us Chambers, Bowe, Walter, and Shipley.  Big improvement plus he is a solid return man.  I think he falls to the 4th due to 40 time.

RD 5 OG Jeff Byers USC – can play center too and has injury problems but huge talent.  Should be great depth on the line and could develop into a starter.  Was a 5 star center out of high school that just got  banged up a little.

RD 5 WR/RB/QB Juice Williams – could be the short yardage back we need and add a wildcat option to our offense.  Should fly under the radar but a great talent and has a place in the NFL.  Imagine what you could do with some goal line packages with Charles and Juice…and Haley is creative enough to call it.  Plus i do not want to use a high pick to add a short yardage back.

RD 5 DE/OLB Jeffrey Fitzgerald KSU – huge upside and great player for KSU.  kind of a tweener but like Gilberry cannot have enough players with a good motor that can get to the QB.

Ok thoughts? I know i did not draft a tackle but I am fine with O'Cal and Albert for one more year.

No this is not another mock draft BUT I did some thinking on what the most valuable positions are to winning a super bowl. 

1. QB - like it or not we have Cassel and his contract (i think he will be better next year)

2. Pass Rusher - can be OLB or DE and we have ZERO other than Hali

3. LT - Albert is still young and I am not sure even Okung is better.  This draft is horrible for LT in my opinion.

Then what?  I want to know what everyone thinks.  DT/NT? FS? RB? WR? MLB?

It is different for every team i know but i look at Ed Reed and Polamalu and even Bob Sanders and his impact and I think a dominant Safety might be the most valuable player on the entire Defense well other than pass rusher.

I read that only one safety has been picked top 5 and that shocked me.  The only explanation i can see is that the game has evolved so much that the value of a safety is now much higher.  

So yeah after all that I want Berry even if we pick 3rd.

Like i said I am really curious what everyone else thinks.  Not just on what we need but overall what any great team needs.

1. We hire Charlie Weis as OC and just as important QB Coach.  His track record on offense is excellent and he has the background that Haley should respect and trust.  This should help Haley manage the TEAM better and really benefit Cassel.  This is a Mike Nolan type hire (denver new DC) and if we get lucky enough to land him I think we take giant strides on offense.  Plus I always like having assistant coachs with head coaching experience.  This should help in signing offensive Free Agents as well.

2.  We hire Romeo Crennel as DC.  It is really clear we are following the patriots model and I remember the Pats that won all the super bowls as playing great defense and winning a lot of close games at the end by having a QB that is very clutch.  Cassel has struggled but he seems to have IT at the end of the game.  I am not picking on Pendergast because there is not a lot to work with but Romeo is a GREAT DC that is very respected.  This should help in signing offensive free agents as well.

3. We end up drafting around 10 and can trade down at LEAST once and even better trade way down.  This is going to be the deepest draft in years with everyone coming out before the new rookie salary cap next year.  I would much rather have several 2nds and 3rds.  Plus, I see 3 sure thing players in round 1 that would make a huge difference for us (Suh, Berry, and Okung) and they will all be gone by pick 5. 

I think we have made strides and Haley and Pioli showed up very late in the offseason last year.  I hope we are as active in upgrading our coaching staff as we are in free agency.

and why not:

Trade:

3rd for LT Matt Light (only 31 and rookie vollmer looks great and is much cheaper) and move Albert to RG.

Down in round 1 to around pick 25 obtaining an additional 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.  I think teams will jump up to get QBs this year.  This will require trading down multiple times similar to CLE last year.

Sign:

OG Mankins (big money but Weis, Light, cassel, and Pioli get him here and NE will spend on Wilfork and other free agents)

NT Ryan Pickett GB

MLB Kirk Morrison Oak

Draft:

RD 1 FS Earl Thomas Texas

RD 2A WR Golden Tate ND

RD 2B OLB Jerry Hughes TCU

RD 2C RB Toby Gerhart Stanford

RD 3 C Matt Tennant Boston College

RD 4A OT Sam Young ND

RD 4B TE Colin Peek Alabama

RD 5A KR/PR Dexter McCluster Ole Miss

RD 5B OG/OC Jeff Byers USC

RD 5C MLB Micah Johnson Kentucky

I am not giving up on Albert but right now I am not sure he can be an elite LT and after Okung I dont see anyone worth taking a flier on.  If we give him next year to prove himself I understand but Light should be available and just the experience alone should help the entire OL especially if we get Weis.

Free Agency:

Tons of mid-level talent will be available as teams will cut big contracts in the no cap year to clear the books.  Snyder and Jones will spend like mad but after the dust settles a lot of quality will be available. At this point no clue who will be available with all the potential cuts but add but I expect Pioli to be active via trades and signing as Arrowhead will be empty in December:

Best available interior lineman – hope Logan Mankins as Ohrnberger could replace (maybe even a trade for Mankins if he is tendered.)

Best available 3-4 LB – I think Dansby will sign long-term and my hope is that Morrison gets tired of Oakland and likes the future in KC.  OLB Matt Roth would be a nice fit.

NT – Wilfork will re-sign but NT Ryan Pickett for the packers would be nice and after drafting Rajii I doubt they want to pay 2 NT top dollar.

Starting RB to spell with Charles – Jerious Norwood would be a nice addition and not require a top draft pick for a starter.

RD 1 FS Eric Berry Tennessee – Best player in the draft at a position of need.  Suh might be as good but we need Berry more.  Watch him play one game and you can see he would be all over the field for us.  Only way I take Suh is if we trade Dorsey for a first round pick (I would not do it but i would not be surprised if we did)

RD 2 MLB Brandon Spikes Florida – drops just like the MLB last year and is a steal at the top of Round 2.

RD 2 OG Mike Johnson Alabama – should start from day 1 and replace Goff (pronounce goff like you are coughing up something)

RD 3 OC JD Walton Baylor - again should start from day one and with Mankins and Johson provide a huge upgrade next year.

RD 4 OLB/DE Jeffrey Fitzgerald KSU – local talent will get to the QB.  Situational guy that could develop into a solid starter down the road and replace vrabel.

RD 5 TE Colin Peek Alabama – great blocker that should help the running and passing game immediately.

RD 5 OT Adam Ulatoski Texas – can play guard and tackle and will be good depth and could develop into a starter down the road.

RD 5 KR Trindon Holliday LSU –fastest player in the draft finally gives us a game breaker return man

The one change i would make is if Albert struggles then we need to go Okung but I think Albert makes progress and I see no reason to replace O'Callaghan right now.  I would love to add a WR like Dez Bryant or Golden Tate in round 2 but I think we need to fix the O Line and middle of our defense.  Plus Chambers might come in and do well.  If you would have told me in July that Chambers and Wade would be chiefs without giving up draft picks I would have been ecstatic.

As bad as this is I think the one thing that is hurting us the most this year is that it took us so long to hire Pioli and Haley.  We ended up with scraps as far as assistant coachs and were behind schedule in free agency and the draft evaluation.  But just like when a new coach is hired in college football and they have that one bad recruiting class I think it was worth it to be held back one year to get Pioli.  So in my opinion here are some positives we can see for next year...and no this is not a mock draft for players rather coaches.

OC Jim Zorn Skins - dont laugh he is one of the most respected offensive minds in the league...just not as a HC.  As you will see on this list i like adding former HC to your coordinator staff as it adds experience and they had considerable talent to be considered as a HC.  Plus, the Skins are a mess.  It would be fun to have Snyder as an owner because he TRIES to win but this is a joke.  Imagine, how good they would be if they would have stuck with Marty years ago and not ditched him for Spurrier.

WR Coach Ray Sherman Dallas - Haley knows him well and Phillips will get the axe this year opening the door for Shanahan (who will likely bring his new offensive staff).  He has coached Rice, Chris Carter, and now Miles Austin.  From Haley's comments about Miles Sherman has been trying to get Austin more playing time but in Big D they have played the guy that they gave up the picks and money for until he got hurt (Roy).  This would take a lot of pressure of Haley.

DC Romeo Crennel Cleveland - This was the worst kept secret we wanted him and if he did not just have hip surgery he would likely be our DC.  Would be great upgrade for us.

or

DC John Fox Carolina - i always like hiring a DC that was just fired as a HC (Mike Nolan, Dick Lebau, etc) and I think he is a very good Defensive Coach.

or

DC Jack Del Rio Jax - This makes sense as he seems to the personality that Haley likes.  Again, having an X head coach as your DC would help Haley.

or

DC Ron Rivera Chargers - experience with the 3-4 now and I have always liked him since he has coached for the Bears.  Norv Turner cannot keep his job one more year by beating the Chiefs and Raiders and sneaking into the playoffs with all this talent can he?

Anyone I am missing  (no not Cowher or Shanahan either haha? Any Golf coaches I am missing?  Butch Harmon maybe? ok you have to admit that is funny.

It is obvious we have a void in talent but if you look at the difference Mike Nolan has made in Denver and Greg Williams has made in NO it would be nice to upgrade our coaching talent also.  I just want to a different perspective that I have not read before.  If Clark really allows Pioli to spend money this year we have enough picks and Cash to vastly improve but we have to coach them up first. 

Thoughts?

If you hate draft talk then I am sorry BUT looking ahead (even Pioli talked about the draft on the radio monday) I just wanted to hear what some people have seen out of Okung.  I am going to watch the MU vs OSU game tomorrow but just curious if we had any OSU fans willing to give some input.  I watched OU tackle Williams get used and abused at Miami and was not impressed at all.  I still think Albert can make strides and is as talented as all the OT in the draft this year.

I think we need a legit LT but with as many holes as we have on this team we cannot afford to pass on the best player if we are building for the long haul.  For example, DT Suh and FS Berry are by far the most impressive players I have seen so far this year.  Both made tons of plays against good teams when i watched them play.  Suh could play NT in my opinion.

One thing to consider, from what i have read a LOT of very good players will be cut this year due to no salary cap and teams can kind of get out of jail free this year on any big contracts.  Maybe that is why we were so quiet last year in free agency....?

Thanks for your thoughts on Okung in advance..

National Football Post

1. The longer I watch the Patriots on offense, the more apparent it becomes they need a back. To run the spread, you must have a back who can make tough yards and yards after contact. Right now, they don’t have a back with that kind of consistent skill, which makes their offense struggle.

10. Derrick Johnson, the former first-rounder of the Chiefs, must be in the dog house. He never seems to find the field for the Chiefs, and last year he was one of their better players. I’m sure he’s available for trade if a team is looking for a fast-flowing backer.

LJ would do well for the Pats.  It is very similar to when they got Dillon (both on bad teams and only 30) and the Pats needs a big back to lean on if they want to do anything in the playoffs...especially when it gets cold.  Taylor is done for the year and Sammy Morris is not close to LJ.

It is pretty obvious DJ will not be here next year so they might as well trade him and get something.  I can see the Bills (just lost 2 LBers) making a move.  Maybe get a pick and KR Parrish?  Just a thought.

So what do you think they are worth?  With Smith coming back and LJ not effective at all in the shotgun draws etc it is time to move on.  I like DJ and hate to give up on him but it is obvious he is not popular with this staff.

What do you think they are worth or any ides on trade partners?

Well if this year is all about finding out who fits in the future of the chiefs after 5 games I would say most of the players have emerged for better or worse.  There are some unknowns who are young and still learning (jackson) but I don't think we will see too many people step up that have not already flashed.  So the here is my list of players that look like they deserve to be in it for the long haul.

QB - Cassel, Croyle, and Guterriez - crazy to stay this but our best and deepest position now.  2 starter quality players and a nice young talented guy.

RB - Charles, Cox - I don't see Battle or Savage making it.  Charles needs way more touches and LJ is running hard but just not a good fit in our offense with this bad line.  Sad but this is a HUGE need next year.

TE - Ryan, Pope - I like the Pope addition but it would be very helpful to have a huge blocking TE like Dunn. 

OT - O'Callaghan - I have seen enough of Albert at Tackle.  NO clue what has happened to him but he is our worst OL.  I think it is mostly mental sadly enough and he might bounce back but I would move him to guard and draft a LT in round 1.  O'Cal looks solid enough to me to at least be an average RT and maybe even a solid starter.

OG - Alleman, NDukwe - Waters makes too much money for his play.  He holds, false starts, etc.  I like the guy a lot but he is not dominating like he used to.  Some players lose it sooner than others and I might be wrong but he does not look good.  Goff is pathetic.  I would move Ndukwe to guard and replace Goff for the rest of the year.

OC - NOBODY - Niswanger is just bad.  HUGE need in my opinion to be able to run it up the middle.  This whole line is a mess so it is hard to see who is at fault but nobody stands out.

DL - Dorsey, Jackson, Gilberry, Magee - I have not seen much from Jackson or Magee but that is very common for first year DL.  Gilberry and Dorsey are really coming along and are the 2 best lineman.  Dorsey was a beast today he IS legit.

LB - Hali, Vrabel, Mays, Belcher - Mays needs to be a backup or have a great MLB next to him.  Our coverage in the middle of the field is horrible and we really get negative running plays by the MLB.  If you watch other 3-4 teams it seems like the 3-4 LB is much more active and making plays.  Hali needs to wrap up and Vrabel is solid but not getting any younger.  We need more SPEED off the edge and in the middle.

CB - FLowers, Carr, Washington - Leggett is bad.  He can't tackle or cover.  Washington has potential and Flowers is a Pro Bowl talent.  Carr is average.  Just like the LB position we need more SPEED.

S - Page- Mike Brown is just old and slow.  He lunges all the time in the running game and does not come up and strike fear into players across the middle or make the INT.  I mean how is it possible to have so many teams throw on us and so few INT?  Page is solid and would be much better with a faster playmaker next to him.  I was sick of Pollard but I will admit he is much better than Brown.

Special teams are very solid other than the return game but coverage and kicking and punting has been exceptional (minus a bad block on the FG)

So we have a lot of needs and really need Clark to open up his wallet.  I don't see any way we can pass on a franchise LT in round 1 and probably a C or G in round 2 (or both).  I love FS Berry and MLB Spikes but we just have too many needs on the OL.  RB and some speed at WR would help too but how can we find all these players?  Lets hope they have a much better plan this year as they have more than enough time and evidence.  I hope they find a way to trade LJ  (Pats make him their next dillon?) or DJ before the deadline as both players have value on another roster but not for the future chiefs.

Thoughts?

If Clark is not willing to spend enough to bring us out of the cellar then we will be stuck here for a LONG time.  I KNOW we are not one player away but look at Denver, look at Oakland (with an insane owner), and look at how Miami and Atlanta turned their teams around.  They went out and got players that they needed.  Some of us laughed at all the players Denver added but it looks like it is working.  Even Russ Hochstein who they just picked up in a trade from NE is playing MUCH better than Goff. Their defense is leaps and bounds better (Nolan helps a lot but they acted too fast for us to get him)

Oakland added Ellis and Seymour to a bad defense and they look much better.  If they would let go of the Russel QB dream they would be very tough.

Atlanta paid big money and risk to draft Ryan and also signed RB Turner and S Coleman not to mention trading for Tony G this year. 

Miami signed and added several players via trade.  QB Pennington, G Smiley,C Grove, S Wilson, etc

In 2008 we signed Devard Darling and Demario Williams.  In 2009 we signed Goff, Thomas, Engram, Toomer, Wade (great signing), and Mike Brown (smart but has lost several steps.  And traded for Vrabel (tough guy but WAY past his prime and Cassel)

Now I don't blame Herm for 2008.  I mean why would he not want to add more talented players? Do you think Herm wanted to trade the best young pass rusher in the league away for draft picks?  It is/was about money plain and simple.  Not at risk player (that is easy to write into a contract just ask LJ and his lost earnings due to getting in trouble).  As KC fans we have gotten used to this for the Royals but the difference is the Chiefs CAN compete and spend money because the revenue structure is so much more balanced in the NFL.  The Royals will never have the money to keep or sign great players when the big market teams can pay double.

I don't blame Haley for 2009 why would he not want to add more talented players.  He knows how to coach.  We have to run screens and draws because Cassel wont make it through a game with a standard 3 step drop (not to mention a 5 step for deep balls or play action).

I don't blame Pioli because why would he not want to go get more talent?  The pats never made a huge splash in free agency (other than the moss and welker trades) but they went after Adalius Thomas and Roosevelt Colvin and even this year added several players to the mix.

So Clark does not get a free ride from me.  We can all agree Lamar was one in a million as a person and owner.  Clark has a lot to live up to but we have to spend to improve this team.  I am not talking Daniel Snyder methods I am talking about targeting key players and making them an offer they cannot refuse.  How stupid is it to pay Cassel all that money and give him no line and no weapons? 

Haley is doing his job.  He worked the players hard and has changed the culture.  He is coaching his ass off. 

Pioli is doing his job.  He is trying to build this for the long haul and seems to constantly look for upgrades.

So in two years with all the free agents available we end up with Matt Cassel and Bobby Wade as the only long-term starters (and he is a slot.)  Mike Brown, Mike Goff, Ndukwe, Sean Ryan, Copper, Mays, Beisel, Williams, and Engram all look like below average players.

Would any of these players help out?

LT Pace, OG Dockery, OT/OG Pashos, C Brown, C Birk, C Grove, DE Canty, DE Olshansky, DE Ellis, etc etc etc and that is just people i remember from this year. 

So is it the bad economy?  Is it the fact the chiefs are putting their own money into the stadium?  Or is it the fact that an owner lives in another town and does not have the passion to bring a winner back to KC.  We have two teams like this in Kansas City.  Both have young talented GM's and owners that do not seem to have the dedication to right the ship. 

So am I overreacting to another pathetic Chiefs effort?  Probably.  But Clark deserves to be held accountable as does everyone in the organization.  I don't blame Haley in any way for this season.  He is learning on the job and has made mistakes BUT there is not one coach in the league that would be doing much better than he is now.  Even Belicheck failed in Cleveland.

Ironically the Cards are very close to the Salary cap fresh off a Super Bowl appearance and the Chiefs have the 3rd most cap dollars available (could be much more but they front loaded the Cassel contract).  We are the worst franchise in the NFL right now.  We have won two of our last 28 games.  That is 2 games in almost 2 full seasons and it does not look like a win is coming any time soon.

So I want to ask everyone a question.  Do you think this mess is Herms fault (easy scapegoat), Carls fault (easy to hate), Dick Vermeils fault (loved old players) or the man at the top of the decline signing the pay checks...?

Bill Bidwell Bio wikipedia:

As owner of the Cardinals

Bidwill's ownership has been marked by little success. In his 47 years as at least part-owner, the Cardinals have only made the playoffs five times. He moved the team to Phoenix, Arizona after the 1987 NFL season after St. Louis refused to build a new stadium to replace Busch Memorial Stadium. Bidwill had a reputation for running the Cardinals rather cheaply; the Cardinals had one of the lowest payrolls in the league for many years. In recent years, however, the Cardinals have begun to spend more since the opening of University of Phoenix Stadium in 2006.

The increased revenue paid off in 2008, when the Cardinals won their division for the first time since 1975 (while they were still in St. Louis), hosted a playoff game for only the second time in franchise history (the last coming in 1947, while they were still in Chicago) and advanced to Super Bowl XLIII.

In recent years, Bidwill has ceded most day-to-day control over the Cardinals to his sons Michael and Bill, Jr., who serve as team president and vice president respectively.

I really want to know everyone's thoughts on this?  When i listen to talk radio i hear a lot of heat on Cassel, Herm, Carl, and Haley and very little towards Clark.

It is so early in the year this will change a lot as the year goes along but I thought it would be interesting for me to see what the biggest needs are now...and then look back at the end of the year and see if it has changed.  I mean Brodie went from a guy that NOBODY counted on this year to whispers of taking Cassels job.  Things change fast.

I want to do this as I see it and please add to it or comment if you see it differently etc.

QB - 4 solid players and MUCH improved over the Quin Gray era.  Cassel and Brodie are legit Starting QBs and Guitterez looks like he has upside.  Thigpen looks horrible in this offense but has value as a situational guy to another team once all the QBs are healthy.

RB - 4 solid players again.  All different types of backs but I liked what i saw from Battle and Savage.  I think LJ has lost a step but still gets the job done and Charles will be special once the light goes on that the fumbles cannot happen.  I think LJ is gone after this year so adding another big back would be helpful but this group could get it done.  FB Mike Cox seems to be ok although i would like a player that catches more balls if they are not a devastating blocker which he does not appear to be.

WR - Very impressed by this group.  They have been coached up and really we have not seen a lot of mental errors or drops.  The talent is not there yet but Lawrence looks promising and Wade, Bowe, and Bradley look fine.  Sure Dez Bryant would look great as a Chief but this group can get it done.  I really like a guy like Golden Tate at ND as a slot WR and be a Wes Welker type player.  This will be the Pats offense and Welker (not moss) makes that offense.  A stud blocking TE should be a main target next year via FA or mid round pick. I am interested to see how O'Connell plays I think he has some skill.

OL - The one spot I can point to Pioli and say foul.  There were a lot of names available (Jason Brown, Pace, even Hochstein who is starting for the Donks) and we just did not do enough and that is no excuse when you bring in the Franchise QB.  Albert will be great (see the Ravens comments on his play) and Waters is great.  They  will look better when the rest of the line shapes up and they can focus on their responsibilities only.  I would scrap the entire right side this off season.  I think we can move Ndukwe to Guard and replace Goff and Niswanger in round 2 and 3.  We need to draft 3 OL next year and I hope we go RT and C in round 2 and try to get the best center (O'Dowd USC) and be solid at that position for years.

DL - honestly the jury is still out for me on our front 3.  I have seen good moments from all 3 players but not enough.  This is a new scheme and I hope that they all come along and solidify that front for years.  They all have the talent.  One suggestion I have is to see how Dorsey can do at NT and see more Magee at DE but the coaches know more than me so lets see how it plays out. 

LB - Mays had a great training camp and pre-season but I have just not seen him show up much in the regular season.  Again, it is early but we need more from our MLB.  Overall, the middle of our defense is soft.  Both in coverage and the running game.  DJ makes amazing plays but also gets stuck on blocks and misses assignments.  Hali looks great so far and Vrabel is exactly as advertised.  A solid MLB and pass rushing OLB with some burst are huge needs.  If S Eric Berry is gone when we pick I would go with the best pass rusher available.  We seems to lose a lot of games late in the 4th and that is how DT made the hall of fame....he was ALWAYS stepping on 3rd down and in the 4th quarter.

CB - no complaints at all from moving from cover 2 to man to man.  Flowers is a stud.  Carr can get beat but he is solid.  Legget is not a starter but a good Nickel.  Washington will end up being the steal of the draft in a few years he has all the skills to be very good in a year or two.

S - I like what Brown has brought with leadership and consistency but he has lost a step (see the Raiders winning TD whiff) Page will be fine for years.  I am glad Pollard was cut.  He just missed too many tackles and coverage.  If Eric Berry is there in round 1 I draft him. 

K - Succup has been amazing no complaints so far.

P - Colquitt see above.

KR and PR - we have done nothing.  Really need a playmaker here.

Thoughts?

I know it is early but I will always watch Rex Ryan and Sanchez and see how well they do.  I wanted Ryan as our HC bad and have no complaints about haley but Rex Ryan-Mark Sanchez combo would look pretty good right now.  We switched to a 3-4 and would have probably added MLB Bart Scott.  I think Cassel will be fine with more support but it is hard to ignore how well Sanchez is doing.

Anyone else follow these two comparing what could have been?

Pats waived C Ryan Wendell and Browns waived Martin Rucker.

Just an update.  I hope we claim both. 

I think Rucker can be solid as a receiving only TE...maybe play him in the slot on 4 WR.

Wendell was an academic all american for Fresno State and showed enough promise to make there opening day roster and can play Guard and Center...Pioli  signed him as an undrafted player last year for the Pats.

Updating the bottom half of the 53 (cut Copper and Wade Smith) as a suggestion.

Thoughts or anyone have any info on what happened to Rucker I thought he was a stud at MU other than the lack of blocking skills.

Anyone else surprised he has struggled so much?

I did not think he looked very good in the pre-season or yesterday.  It is early so I am not freaking out but long-term he might need to go to guard or RT...which would mean drafting a LT in round 1 next year.

It might just be because our whole O Line is a mess but I was hoping our left side would be amazing.

Lets hope we get some help but at this point there is not much available so we might have to make this group work.

Thoughts?

Tony Pashos-T-JaguarsSep. 2 - 10:10 pm et

NFL.com's Jason La Canfora suggests that Jaguars OT Tony Pashos could be among the team's final cuts on Saturday.
Interestingly, La Canfora says Pashos "has been moved inside (to guard)," essentially meaning either rookie Eben Britton or free agent pickup Tra Thomas will be Jacksonville's starting right tackle. Pashos won't start at guard, and his $4.34 million salary is way too hefty for a swing-type reserve.
Source: NFL.com

I say sign him up ASAP and let him fight it out at RG or RT.  The more bodies the better on the O line and he would be a huge upgrade for our running game.  Maybe move Alleman to Center and Pashos at Guard?

I won't go into how bad the line play was or Cassel getting hurt but I do feel good about the following:

In my opinion the line looked better with the new guys at RG and RT.  I think they are an upgrade as I do not even see Goff or McIntosh making the team at this point. 

If you watch the play that Cassel got hurt it shows just how much the whole line can get screwed up by one or two horrible lineman.  Waters could not even get to his man because the double team got beat so bad  So I think we will be better at RG and RT and that should make everyone better.

If we can judge by the reaction from the last 2 weeks count on something happening BIG to upgrade our team again this week.  Pioli and Haley do not seem content to just go play with this team and will keep searching.  I expect one more trade and being VERY active in both rounds of cuts.

The RB combo of Charles and LJ is going to work very well.  Charles is special if he keeps maturing.

I think Lelie makes this team because of his speed and he will do well with Bowe.  Anyone have a clue where Bradley is?  I doubt Toomer makes the team.

Matt Gut is legit.  He may never be more than a solid backup but I would love to see what he can do with the number 1's.

Defense is coming along a LOT faster than I thought.  We made a MAJOR switch from 4-3 to 3-4 and we are already a better than we were last year.  Tamba will get a 10 sacks this year and be a force.  Jackson is one of the better picks we have made in years.  He fits the system perfectly and is ahead of schedule.  Same can be said for Magee. 

The secondary is solid other than Pollard.  He wont be a chief next year.

We still have a lot of holes BUT we are building this through the draft and with two 2nd's next year and I am sure we will acquire more picks I can see us getting 4 more impact players...hopefully OL, OL, SS, and NT.

Just trying to stay positive I was at the game and it was UGLY but we only won 6 games in the last 2 years so we have work to do.

I am not going to cry chicken little but I do think we can add some players to help us win this year.

Our offense will be better with Bowe and opening it up BUT we need another WR and more OL help.  Also, I know there are a lot of Pollard fans but I think this defense is one stud safety away from being very good in the short and long-term.

Some of the guys I can think of:

1. Levi Jones - Anyone know why he has not signed?  Only 29 and much like Runyan would be an upgrade over McIntosh.

2. Jon Runyan - old but HAS to be an upgrade over McIntosh for at least a year.

2. Marvin Harrison - is it character or has he just lost it?

3. Matt Jones - character for sure but talent is there.  Worth a 1 year deal to me.  Hell if he comes in and does not buy into what Coach Haley is asking just cut him.  His speed would add a lot and he had a good year last year.

Anyone else?  Any ideas of who could be cut?  Any other Pats or Cards players that might be just deep at one position?

Pioli said he would add 3 to 5 more players...