As C-Webb reminded all of us Chiefs fans not too long ago, there’s a thing called the Fave Five. And, no, I won’t plug that ruthless phone company here–screw them. Charles Barkley and D-Wade also remind those of us who are following the NBA playoffs, oh, once every commercial break, maybe more (Celtics-Lakers, anyone? Could be epic!)

So, that’s the A.A. D.Q., or Daily Question: Which current Chiefs make your Fave Five?

My list:

1. Larry Johnson
2. Tony Gonzalez
3. Dwayne Bowe
4. Brian Waters
5. Tamba Hali

Not yet, Glenn Dorsey. But you’re on my radar. I’m rooting for you because, truth be told, I’m more of a defensive guy.

Let’s hear your lists, and why, I guess, if you feel like it…

We’ve had some interesting developments in relation to my Joe Phillips story and my take on how I didn’t buy HBO’s RealSports claim that former Chief Joe Phillips deserted his wife and family.

Over a month after ArrowheadAddict first published my story and take on the situation, Joe Phillips and his sister commented on this site with their side of the story, one that was suspiciously missing from Bryant Gumbel’s HBO piece, newspaper articles, and others. Phillips even recently created his own blog that details the entire story.

In a nutshell, Phillips’s former wife, Cindy Ream-Phillips (kinda funny/ironic her name was Ream, because Joe is getting reamed out pretty good) apparently carefully orchestrated a scenario in which she’d have the leverage over Joe in divorce proceedings. She hired private investigators to follow him around. Later, she’d take these reports from the private dicks, edit them, and send them back for them to sign according to Phillips. She liquidated his assets just over a month after the divorce, and then appeared on HBO to further damage Phillips who was not featured in the story because according to HBO and others he was a fugitive from justice in Oregon for DUI charges, and had deserted his family and went into hiding.

“Cindy’s parents worked as family law mediators in the courthouse of the county Cindy and I moved to. Yes, talk about a railroad job. Move to jurisdiction in which her parents work in the courthouse in a family law, when every ounce of financial or gain or status was beaten out of me after years of football, then construct a circumstance in which (I) was painted as something (I) was not-it took time, two years–then take the money,” Phillips said.

Joe’s side of the story rings true to me. If you go to his blog and read his statements, you’ll find that Cindy had dreams of being in front of the camera again, moved to New York City with the kids, and had a relationship with Sally Jesse Raphael of all people. Picture this, you’re an NFL player, one of the first United Way spokesmen (with the wife at his side…on tv) you pay for the following for her: “Beauty Salon, a personal trainer, full time nannies. plastic surgeons, a professional decorator and a cook”. Not to mention a home on the plaza in KC, law school tuition for her and three attempts at the bar exam (boy did that backfire). Once the football is over and the lights go down…the pads come off and the fans file out of the stadium; his wife didn’t want the fame to end. Well what better way than to move your husband into your parents legal den of wolves in Florida, manipulate the system and use his wallet to pay for building his own coffin, so to speak. Yikes.

Joe claims that once his wife told people he was trying to kill her, he filed for divorce for his own protection. Who could blame him. The funny thing is to me is that even once this entire ordeal was basically over and done with, then she manages to get this story on HBO on a segment about retired players dealing with pain. sure, Joe had a few DUI’s but so did another former Chief. Why you might ask? Well, to get back on TV and be famous again, even for a short time and to vengefully damage Joe’s character even further to get his disability payments from the NFL. It always kills me how a former wife can be so vengeful and heartless…I mean does she go up to crippled people dancing too? Or someone in a wheelchair? “Hey ironsides…race ya!” Hat tip to Bill Hicks.

So, our friends at Deadspin chimed in on this too So, Windex! I believe I called this one. Sorry I had to get that in. We stick up for our Chiefs around here even if we bash them now and then, they aren’t forgotten.

“I’m done with the Chiefs.” - Greg Wesley

Right back atcha, baby. The fans dumped him long ago, but now the Chiefs are finally terminating (releasing is too nice of a term) Greg Wesley! Short of giving me free season tix and a signed D-Bo jersey, this is the best present the Chiefs could give me. We first asked for the bum’s release on March 30 of last year. Check out this excerpt from an old edition of The Cut List:

3. S Greg Wesley - Here is another guy that just makes my stomach quiver. Completely blowing, like former Chiefs D-back Jason Belser did, is one thing. The piss-poor attitude that Wesley brings to the field every Sunday is another. How many times have we seen him completely quit on a play, usually ceding a touchdown to the opposition (remember Shannon Sharpe…Tiki Barber…Mark Clayton…and on and on and on)? How many times have we seen him go for the knockout hit and completely miss the ball carrier? How many times have we seen him just run by a ball carrier, matador style, then shake his head? He has to go. I seriously hope that the organization’s faith in Page and Pollard and the signing of McGraw means a pink slip for old G-Wes. My disdain for Wesley is so great that we will soon be running another feature specifically dedicated to this defensive turnstile.

Who in the hell were the two guys ranked ahead of him, you ask? Ryan Sims and Eric Hicks, respectively. Not exactly good company.

My guess is that I’m not the only happy Chiefs fan today. I think a lot of Chiefs fans will have a little extra pep in their step today knowing that the Chiefs finally gave up on G-Wes, just like he did on so many back-breaking plays. So, adiós, El Matador. We’ll enjoy watching you whiff in colors other than Red and Gold in ‘08. Personally, I’m praying for Navy and Orange. You and Samie Parker deserve each other. And Patrick Surtain better watch his back.

He dons an armored uniform of red and gold, pulling on his helmet last before wreaking havoc on his enemies.

Currently, fans wonder if he’s the same old titanium-tough Merchant of Death we all got used to. Then again, the fans have never really gotten all that used to him. He’s never been as popular as his more-decorated peers. He’s always been less popular…and more misunderstood.

Whether it’s his urban sensibilities, his somewhat privileged roots, his playboy attitude or his standoffish demeanor towards the press, he’s never exactly been Mr. Popular with the average Janes and Joes. Envy (no, not Ty Brackenridge’s favorite hangout)? Maybe. A big-time disconnect between him and normal folks? Definitely.

Now that he’s fallen victim to injury, both the fans and the press are trying to bury him. Right now, he remains quiet, retooling and planning his resurrection behind closed doors. He will return, though, and with a vengeance, naysayers be damned. He knows it, yet the doubters remain. He doesn’t care, because he’s got a secret: he’s about to drop a couple of bigger, better sequels on us.

Tony Stark, aka Iron Man? No. I’m talking about No. 27, the Roc of Arrowhead, L.J. I’m talking about Kansas City’s Iron Man, the one and only Larry Johnson.

I hate to say it, but there seem to be a lot of fans–Chiefs fans even–who hope to see L.J. fall flat on his face in his comeback attempt. Some even speculate that the Chiefs are privately planning to move him, especially with the rebuilding project now in full swing and Jamaal Charles waiting in the wings.

I hate to break it to those folks, but that is the exact opposite of what is going on. The exact opposite.

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I mentioned in my last article that you really can’t grade a draft fairly a couple days after it is completed.  You need to wait at least 2 years, better yet 3 to look back and see how well the Chiefs did in any particular draft.  I believe Bob Gretz was or is doing this with the 2005 draft class, but to be honest with you, I don’t read many articles over at the old “official site” anymore, seems like propaganda most of the time and I would much rather read fans opinions instead of people getting paid by the team to write their opinion.

So below, I will start with the 2005 draft class, this was Dick Vermeil last draft I believe and as many Chiefs drafts under the Carl Peterson regime, the first pick or two are good if not great but then it all falls apart. I don’t know if that is because Carl and the coach he hired didn’t believe in playing younger players, allowing the time needed to develop or they just flat out missed on the pick.  

Round 1, Pick 15-Derrick Johnson LB

Now I don’t care what you say, you didn’t think Derrick would fall to the Chiefs with the 15^th pick this year and neither did I.  I can remember watching this draft and Carolina and New Orleans were ahead of the Chiefs.  When the Saints took Jamal Brown and thought for sure Carolina would jump all over Johnson, but instead they chose another LB/S in Thomas Davis.  I couldn’t believe it.  

 Johnson has gotten consistently better every year he has played.  I noticed two things watching him last year.  1.  He really has developed the knack for reading the guard pulling and running through the hole before anyone has a chance to block him, making a stop in the backfield.  This is a trait all good LB have in the NFL.  Watch Junior Seau, even up to last year, when the guard pulls, Junior is right there in the vacated spot with a clear shot to the backfield.  Derrick started doing the same thing last year with a good deal of consistency.  2.  He needs to get more INT’s to become a truly elite LB.  Donnie Edwards coming in last season I believe really did help DJ–much to the Chiefs delight.  I think this upcoming season will be a pro bowl type season (barring injury of course) for Johnson.  He will put it all together and deliver up monster numbers all the way across the board.  Then we can just hope Carl doesn’t trade him or something crazy like that…right?   

Grade:  A

Round 2, Pick 46 Trade with Miami for Patrick Surtain

Not much to say, other than I believe Surtain didn’t live up to all the hype and drama that went along with this trade.  As far as I’m concerned, since the Chiefs are rebuilding, why not kick him to the curb along with Law?   Grade:  C 

Round 3, Pick 99-Dustin Colquitt P

Last year, every time Dustin would come out on the field and punt the ball, I would look at the guys watching the game with me and say, “there’s the Chiefs MVP”. You might laugh or shake your head at that statement, but it’s true.  Dustin has helped the defense more than anybody else (except for maybe that guy the Chiefs traded away a couple weeks ago…what was his name?) with his ability to pin opposing teams deep.  This was a great pick, even though many stated it was a waste of a pick- a punter, in the third round?  I would like to hear what those people say now.  Dustin’s punting average has increased every year, but his accuracy is his real strength.   

Grade:  A

Round 5, Pick 138-James “Boomer” Grigsby LB, 

Chiefs’ fans fell in love with this pick the second his name was called out at the podium.  I admit–I liked all I saw, heard and read about “Boomer”.  Unfortunately, he lived up to none of it.  He was awful, in fact, he was unable to cut it as a linebacker in the NFL, so the Chiefs tried moving him to FB which he managed to fail miserably at that as well. This is the first bust of the 2005 draft, and unfortunately for not only the players, but for Chiefs fans around the world, most of picks that remain are bust as well.  

Grade:  D

Round 5, Pick 147-Alphonso Hodge CB

Bust # 2–Mr. Hodge.  It amazes me how people in the organization pump these guys up when they draft them.  To hear the GM, or head coach talk about a pick, they want you, the fan, to believe that every pick they made should be a pro bowl player one day.  I know they can’t come out a say “Well, chances are he won’t make the team, but he has a chance.”  Oh, wait, Herm does do that now. My bad.  

In closing, Hodge did nothing of merit for the Chiefs and is somewhere in the US doing something I’m sure.  Maybe writing for a Chiefs blog somewhere?  Who knows…oh wait upon further review he is currently an “All American Football League cornerback with Team Michigan”. Ahhhhhhhh OK. 

Here Alphonso, catch this—F

Round 6, Pick 187-Will Svitek OT

Will has managed to stick around-somehow.  I guess it’s due to the fact that the offensive line has just been awful.  Will hasn’t done much except get burned and allow the Chiefs quarterback(s) get drilled and hurt.  Thanks Will!  Unbelievably Will didn’t play too bad at RT last season towards the end of the year, word is he will have every opportunity to claim the spot and make it his own this season.  I guess for that reason and that reason only I have to give Will a C in the grade. 

I will make these last three short and sweet.  

Round 6, Pick 199-Khari Lang DE

Bust

Grade: F

Round 7, Pick 229-James Kililan QB

Bust

Grade: F

Round 7, Pick 238-Jermey Parquet OT

Bust

Grade F

So, going by how one would figure out their GPA in High School or College, with an “A” being worth 4 and an “F” being worth 0 let’s see how the Chiefs faired in the 2005 NFL draft shall we?

D-

No matter where you went to school…that ain’t good.  

Next week, 2006.

CUT/TRADE/RELEASE PATRICK SURTAIN

By Jeremy (Riverside, CA)

Hello everyone!  I first want to thank Adam and Zach for all their hard work.  They make being an obsessive compulsive Chiefs fan wonderful.  Thank you.

As you know, the Chiefs are undergoing a very public and very painful rebuilding process.  As such, I wish to propose the following:  CUT PATRICK SURTAIN!

If we are going to rebuild then let us gut the entire team of all underperforming big name players.  Sure we would lose some considerable depth at CB, but will we actually suffer?

Patrick Surtain is virtually guaranteed to be cut next year, and allowing this aging CB, (whose speed and coverage skills have obviously deteriorated), one more year on our roster is hampering the development of our younger developmental CBs.  (Do any of you remember Patrick making any big plays last year; or any picks?  Was his play worth 9.4 million?)

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Here’s the first half of our Friday Fan Week doubleheader, from long-time commenter Donovan…

Having been two weeks since one of the most exciting days in my life, I wanted to create a 2008 NFL draft Re-do. Over the past three years we have made some good first round decisions followed by some debatable second/later round decisions. So I’m going to take a shot at being a GM. If any NFL organization likes my opinions please email me with any job offers.

These selections that I will make are merely based on my own personal opinion of the players; although, I did a vast amount of research on “professional” opinions from websites such as Walter Football, Draft Tek, Draft Consensus, and Rivals. My selections will be tailored to two things:

1. I can only select players that were chosen after the actual Chiefs’ pick. For instance, I would not be able to select Chris Long because he was taken before our selection; however, I would be able to select Gholston at no. 5 over Dorsey. (This isn’t true, this is just an example)
2. I must respect all 34 trades that were made and not alter the selection order in anyway.

For the sake of brevity I’ll go ahead and tell you I kept the first three picks the same. Nicely done Carl and Herm!

Round 3

73rd Selection – Early Doucet WR LSU

• I understand that Charles is a great compliment for LJ, but if you notice we have a pick merely three selections later after. Many people say Charles was probably the best available on the board but Doucet is also a great prospect still available.
• What about Jamaal Charles? Either select him three picks later, after Carolina whom drafted Stewart and San Francisco whom are the worst drafters ever, or go elsewhere. Our offense was horrid last year, especially the run game. A good way to help the run game is having receivers that the opponents have to worry about. I going to guess that not many teams were worried about Jeff Webb making a huge play; therefore, the opposing defense crowded the offensive line making it difficult to run. This along with a good line can help our offense drastically.

76th Selection – Mario Manningham WR Michigan

• So two wide receivers back to back you say? Absolutely, you want to know the reason. Devard Darling is our no. 2 receiver. That’s why. Anybody doubting Mario’s character must not fear. Herm Edwards is a great mentor to players.
• What about Brad Cottam? Alright I’m starting to second-guess my decision. Maybe Cottam is the perfect player for the Chiefs. Good Blocking, Hands, and Speed. But I’ll stick with Manningham I want to keep it interesting and I’m looking forward to your opinions on this draft.

82nd Selection – DaJuan Morgan FS NC State

• Bernard + DaJuan = Safety Dance!!!

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Here’s another great fan week Chiefs post, this time from All Weather Fan…

Seeing the billboard & newspaper campaign schlepping 1/2-season tickets capped it.

Being an all-weather Chiefs fan these last 2 seasons has been excruciating. Watching Herm blow up the offense and listening to cliche excuses through the 9-game skid is enough to drive a guy to the bottle…even more than usual. There’s no relief reading Jason’s personal jihad to dethrone King Carl or the rage-a-thon on the Star’s Chiefs blog.

Then along came a critics’-choice draft. Not so suddenly, I feel compelled to study the transformation of a team. In the corporate world it’s called a make-vs-buy decision. Despite Herm’s job being on the line, he chose to make a team rather than go shopping. It’s a long range view, unlike my decision whether or not to re-up for another year of season tickets.

Call it Pollyanna, but I sense an Obama-esque hope that this strategy may build a team to last an era. Something in my inner-football fan is changing.

Fans have good reason to be full of venom, abandoning support of this team, as illustrated by my first successful move-down in 19 years as season ticket holder. Not only does Clark Hunt have to rebuild a team and a revenue stream, but a fan base as well.

So who are the new generation of Chiefs fans? Is there a stark contrast in their demographic or psychographic? Do they transition like the boomer generation discovering Branson?

Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t gone completely Kenny G for this notion of a smarter, stronger Chiefs. We want to go to the playoffs…every year. Screw the rolling dome and notion of hosting a Super Bowl. We want a winning franchise that makes the Sports Center reel and appeals even to the fair-weathered.

Will I be in the next generation of Chiefs fans? Likely. Will it be painful? Most certainly. Will I still raise my glass and scream “Chiefs” at end of the national anthem? Will you?

Cheers,
All Weather Fan

A couple of Bengals notes…

A.) Chris Henry will be permitted by the courts to travel to tryouts with prospective new teams. Any interest? The cost will be minimal, and if we were ever going to find a true No. 2 WR for next to nothing, this would be the time. The again, Henry is an idiot, a damn miscreant. Personally, I think he’s worse than Pacman Jones. Is he worth the gamble for the Chiefs, who still need help at wide receiver? Maybe, maybe not.

Cincinnati Bengals threatened to sue one of our blogs, Stripe Hype, citing the blog did “irreparable harm” to the franchise. Um, I think the 1,247 arrests did that, actually. Anyway, we have taken care of the suit, but that doesn’t mean we can’t voice our opinion about the matter. For a franchise struggling with an image problem, attack one of its hard-working fan bloggers and the blog’s parent company–both tireless promoters of the NFL–isn’t a very smart move. Very relevant stuff after what happened on Costas recently.

Fan Week continues into the first full week of May. Just send in your thoughts on the Chiefs in a coherent, spellchecked piece and we’ll feature your post on the site and give you props! Tell us what you think about the draft, free agency, King Carl’s hair, etc.  Send all posts to arrowheadaddict@gmail.com.

Also, we’re going to do a live Best Bros. chat soon, but first we’re running this poll to see when the best time would be…