Tony G and everyone else

After all, with Tony Gonzalez already way out front that’s basically what this group is shaping up to be. Here’s the 411 on the rest of The COAT’s WR/TE Group…

Otis Taylor - At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Taylor was not only a dominate receiver, but also one of the best blocking wideouts the game has ever known. He still owns several Chiefs receiving records and perhaps is best known for his jaw-dropping 46-yard TD catch that helped the ‘69 Chiefs win the Super Bowl. The three-time All-Star (once in the AFL, twice in the NFL) won’t receive more votes than Tony G, but he is the surest bet to advance with Gonzo to the next round (I guess Fred Arbanas, pictured right, has a shot as well). Fellow COAT contender Len Dawson said this about Taylor, “If you got the pass to Otis, you knew he’d catch it.” We’ve been looking for a WR like him ever since his departure.

Stephone Paige - A talented wideout that played his entire career with the Chiefs. Among his greatest accomplishments are his 1985 309-yard game and his 83-game reception streak. Paige made one trip to the Pro Bowl.

Eddie Kennison - A former journeyman receiver whose career was left for dead by the sinister Mike Shanahan and the vile organization that is the Denver Broncos, Kennison has more than found a home in Kansas City. He’s a consummate pro that has put up very respectable stats — at least 50 receptions and 850 yards in each of the past five seasons. The aforementioned stats are even more impressive when you consider that lack of complimentary wide receiving talent he has played with, not to mention consistently facing the opposition’s top corner.

J.T. Smith – J.T. was a dangerous receiving weapon who also could return punts. However, he only played with the Chiefs for about half of his career and enjoyed his best season as a Cardinal. He made the Pro Bowl as a Chief in 1980.

Carlos Carson - This Redbeard favorite posted three 1,000-yard seasons and in 1983 was second in the NFL with 1,351 receiving yards. He made one Pro Bowl and spent all but one year of his career playing for the Chiefs.

Chris Burford - Buford definitely wasn’t that gifted of an athlete, but he made up for his sub-par athleticism with great hands, crisp routes, a high football IQ and guts. A Chiefs HOFer who made the AFL All-Star Game in 1961.

Fred Arbanas – Arbanas was essentially Tony G for the Chiefs before Gonzalez was even born. He was a five-time AFL All-Star and a huge contributor for the ‘69 championship squad. Not only is he a Chiefs HOFer, but he is a member of the All-Time AFL Team. A great player who will probably be hurt by the WR and TE positions being lumped together.

Andre Rison - I’m listing him solely because he did enjoy one monster season — in 1997 he had 72 receptions, 1,092 receiving yards and 7 TDs — and his Spider-Man gimmick was rather enjoyable while it lasted. All of you who are considering voting for our favorite check bouncer should remember that he was only a Chief for three seasons. Also, if citizenship is part of your voting process than just go ahead and count Bad Moon out.

The OL is up next, so remember to vote for The COAT and keep this baby moving forward!