Random Thoughts
Below are a couple of random thoughts that have entered my mind the past couple of weeks. Not really enough for me to write an entire article about, but put them all together and…
Not signing Jared Allen before free agency began is going to cost the Chiefs.
When Dwight Freeney signed his “long term” contract with the Colts a couple years back, it was the most ever for a defensive end–6 years, 72 million dollars with 30 million guarnteed. Tommy Kelly of the Faiders, which according to ESPN was a defensive end that is slated to move inside (I thought I saw him playing inside all the time) just signed a contract that will make him the highest paid defensive tackle in league history. Are you serious!? Then the 49er’s turned right around a signed Justin Smith to a 6 years, 45 million dollar deal with 20 million in guarantees. What’s my point? Tommy had 1 sack in 7 games last year, 3.5 sacks in a full season the year before that. Justin Smith had 2 sacks last year 7.5 the season before that. Jared Allen had 15.5 sacks last year and 7.5 the season before that. So, going by those two contracts that were signed in free agency this year and what Freeney received two years ago, JA is most likely going to be looking for a contract with 30-35 million in guarantees. The Chiefs played a game of chicken with the free agency market of defensive linemen this time and let it, not them, decide the market for Defensive linemen. The NFL puts a premium on getting to the quarterback, now the Chiefs will have to pay the premium to keep Allen in Red and Gold.
Two running backs or “running back by committee” was awful when the Chiefs did it pre-Priest Holmes, and now-”it’s the only way to go”.
Why is it before Priest Holmes arrived and the Chiefs couldn’t seem to find an every down running back, everyone and his grandma would say how you can’t have a running back by committee approach, you must have an every down back to be successful in the NFL. Now, when I watch the NFL network or ESPN, all you hear about is how you have to have two running backs that can share the load. Maybe the difference is the running backs the Chiefs had for several years sucked, and the analysts now are talking about 2 good running backs.
Maybe Herm wasn’t kidding around when he told Erik Kuselias at the Super Bowl this year “we’re two years away”. Will Herm be there to see it through?
My gut tells me that no matter what happens next season, Herm Edwards will get to coach the Chiefs in 2009. Why? Well, it’s simple really, CP said during Herm’s introduction as the Chiefs head coach that he (Herm) would be the last head coach he (CP) will hire. Carl has this year and one more on his latest contract extension, he and Herman by all accounts are good friends. They have set in motion their plan (supposedly conceived by both)and are going to see it to the end. With the courage to stick to their collective guns during the first week of free agency, I imagine the Herm and Carl are joined at the hip for better or worse. No Herm Edwards on the “hot seat” talk this year.
I’m growing increasingly worried that “redbeard” is right after all and Jake Long won’t be available at number 5 when the Chiefs make their selection.
I don’t know you personally redbeard, but I will be cussing you out loud in my den if the Rams (or anyone else for that matter) select Jake Long before the Chiefs get their turn. The two truths I keep repeating to myself to keep me calm during these stressful times are these 1: As I mentioned earlier the NFL puts a premium on getting to the quarterback. If Gholston keeps moving up the chart (I believe he improved pretty much all his numbers at his pro day a couple days ago) then the Rams will select him or one of the DT’s left. And 2: The draft is deep at “quality” tackles this year, they could pick up a starting tackle with their first pick in the second round. I continue to hold my breath and keep my fingers crossed.
On the other hand, can you imagine what the Chiefs defensive line would look like with the addition of Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis, or even my second favorite player behind Jake Long-Chris Long?
This truly is a random thought…just think about it.
Is anyone out there in Chiefs land convinced Brodie Croyle is the answer? A quarter back to build this franchise around for 10 more years or so?
Seriously, is there? I’m not, but I’m also not brazen enough to set here and swear he isn’t. Croyle supporter’s (which I officially am until he proves otherwise) can argue these two points when discussing Brodie Croyle’s ability (or inability) to your fellow Chiefs fans or enemies. 1. Brodie didn’t have a running game last year. Sure Kolby looked good at times, but when you loose your star running back, then you’ve lost your running game. This year, with a healthy LJ and a full off season and training camp to get into shape, the Chiefs running game should improve. Note I said should which brings me to point number 2: The offensive line was awful….and I mean awful. I don’t need to tell you this, if you watched more than 2 games last year, you know it to be fact. The Chiefs must improve their offensive line, so far they haven’t which is a little troubling, but the fact remains they haven’t taken any steps to improve it so far. Even when the running game was working, Croyle didn’t have the time necessary to complete his reads, no quarterback would have.
All right, those are my random thoughts, what do you think? Do you agree, disagree or do you have some of your own?
It’s part of that last thought that concerns me the most.The Chiefs HAVE TO sort out their Offensive line.If it stays like it was last year it won’t matter if they pick up star receivers or quarterback via FA or Draft.Picking up some tried and tested OL players in FA would seem a safer way to go surely?
March 10th, 2008 at 7:01 amFrankly, I think that Brodie could be a GREAT quarterback given the opportunity behind a decent offensive line. Brodie did a lot at Alabama while not being protected that well, but the speed of the game at the NFL level pretty much precludes anyone having much success without some protection. With the right additions in the draft, the Chiefs could field a very different and much improved line. I think both the running game and Brodie’s performance should improve next year. Go, Chiefs.
March 10th, 2008 at 8:12 amGreat Post, Zach… Now watch it explode as we eclipse 100 comments on it.. SO! My Thoughts: I AM a suppoter of the 2 back system. After seeing how its worked for teams like JAX (Jones-Drew & Taylor) PIT (Bettis & Parker) NYG(Tiki & Jacobs) DAL (Barbarian & Jones) Etc… I think if we want LJ around a little longer, we should lessen the load and who better to share it with than DMC… I was watching an ‘06 game against OAK and LJ + Bennett handled them with the run… How much more so can we handle with LJ and DMC.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:18 amNext, Brodie… He MAY not be the next Brady or Manning, BUT I believe that with a good O Line and running game, we got ourselves a legit QB that can get the job done.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:21 amO-Line…. Oh Man… : MAX STARKS! We just really need to get better at a couple spots. That being LT and RG (MAYBE RT… Im not too sold on D Mac, but I think he can get better.) IMO, I say we sign Starks, that way if Jake Long IS gone at 5, we have our LT and also wouldnt have to reach for 1… then in the 2nd or 3rd we draft a G and then draft Schmidt in the 4th… then cause terror for defenses with LJ.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:27 amO-Line…. Oh Man… : MAX STARKS! We just really need to get better at a couple spots. That being LT and RG (MAYBE RT… Im not too sold on D Mac, but I think he can get better.) IMO, I say we sign Starks, that way if Jake Long IS gone at 5, we have our LT and also wouldnt have to reach for 1… then in the 2nd or 3rd we draft a G and then draft Schmidt in the 4th… then cause terror for defenses with LJ.. . . . SIGN MAX STARKS!
March 10th, 2008 at 9:27 amWoops. Sorry For the same comment.. . .my Bad.
March 10th, 2008 at 9:30 amGreat Post, I wish you did break it up, because there is so much to talk about. Anyway. I had to tell you guys about this. THIS IS NOT A JOKE. http://warroom.sportingnews.com/nfl/draft/2008/mockdraft/1.html THE SPORTING NEWS HAS RYAN CLADY AS THE NUMBER ONE PICK TO THE DOLPHINS!!!!!!!! Where is that coming from? The sportingnews seems to be out on thier own on this one. Is Clady really that good?
March 10th, 2008 at 10:23 amYou know what I’m scared about, and I really didn’t state this in the article….IF the Chiefs don’t sign anymore FA’s which is a real possibility going by what Herm has said. The Chiefs have 3 starters needed on the OLine…sooooo that means there could actually be three rookies on the OLine next year. HOLY CRAP! I think Niswanger will be in there…somewhere….but still two rookies, mabye three on the oline next year.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:36 amI absolutely believe Croyle is the answer. I remember watching him his senior year at Alabama, and I could see that he had that special "it", and actually thought he would be the best value at QB on draft day. I was delighted to see the Chiefs get him in the third. Give this kid the tools and the weapons and we win. The O-line the Chiefs fielded last year might have been the worst I’ve ever seen in the NFL. To analyze Croyle behind that unit, and compounding that by analyzing his rookie year is not only unfair, but impossible to establish a base line for comparison. I will be pissed if we go QB with our first pick. There is no QB in the draft that is that much better to qualify a number 1. Get one in 6 or 7, and give Croyle a chance to do it.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:41 amPerhaps the real reason the Chiefs are not doing anything in free agency is because they now realize what it’s going to cost them to keep Jared Allen?
Jake Scott is off the market – signed with the Titans.
2 back system? Why not a 3 back system? LJ, Kolby, & Schmitt.
Whether Herm says it or not, the truth is that we are at least 2 seasons away from fielding a championship team and yes, Herm will be allowed to finish his contract. I say the better question is whether Herm will be re-upped and if so, whether he assumes any of CP’s current responsibilities?
Redbeard is correct. If we can’t trade down, we must take the best available LT with our 1st pick. I’m okay with Clady as the #5 – some mocks even have him being picked ahead of Jake Long. Would love to have Ellis or Dorsey but not enough to take the risk that we’ll be able to land a 1st round caliber OT in the 2nd round.
Not convinced that Brodie is the answer. Not convinced that he’s not either.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:01 amDraft Dennis Dixon in the 5th or 6th round as back up QB.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:03 amOne thing that is really not talked about when allen is mentioned is the amount of turnovers he causes. Over the past 2-3 years he has been stripping qb’s like mad. He is the #1 DE in the league and should be paid acordingly. You also wont find a kinder, more "sellable " character. He is one guy who has earned his money. The same can not be said for Kelly however, but we all know the raiders are block heads. Real smooth with Walker guys.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:16 am
My boy Maurice Williams resigned with the Jags a week ago. If he was not a solid player, they would not have resigned him. We missed out again. BRING IN SHANE OLIVEA!!!
March 10th, 2008 at 11:20 amThat Raider Kelly (DT) contract made Jared Allen smile big time. LOL.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:21 amI am pretty new at AA, but here is my .02 cents worth: J.A. will cost the Chiefs a lot of money, I don’t care…..sign him. We need him!One back or two back systems depends on the backs. L.J. is a one back guy. The chiefs need a quality backup. Is K.S. the answer to that……I think so. He looked pretty good last year. Do not pick run DMC at #5. The Chiefs have other more important issues to address like O line an DB’s.I hope J. Long is still there at #5, but if he isn’t and C. Long is, the Chiefs should be able to trade down (I don’t think the Chiefs will be able to trade down for a team wanting DMC). If that doesn’t work out, Iwould be okay with Clady or another quality LT (I don’t know much about Otah).The jury is still out on Croyle. Put him behind a decent O line and give him a chance.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:34 amWelcome cd!!!, appreciate the $.02 cents.
March 10th, 2008 at 12:04 pmI don’t think the Chiefs will draft a LT with the 5th pick unless it is Long. Clady isn’t the 2nd or 3rd best Tackle in the draft. If Long is gone, and they can’t trade out of it then the best available football player according to Herm and gang will be wearing red and yellow next year, whether it be on offense or defense. Well, I should say will most likely hold out because of a contract dispute with Carl. Oh well.
March 10th, 2008 at 12:19 pmKolby Smith isnt anything TOO special. What? Cause he had a good game against Oakland? Ok. What RB DIDNT have a good game against Oakland?! I Dont think he’s the future starter. Sorry… He’s good, but cant and wont fill the shoes of LJ, Priest, or Marcus Allen… DMC? NOW, THATS a WHOLE different story…
March 10th, 2008 at 12:22 pmNow, back to the O-Line… I dont know what kind of money Olivea is looking for, but I wouldnt imagine Faneca money… Just a thought here, if we can take Olivea, then we would only need to take 2 or 3 OL’s in the draft and start 1… cause we can have Olivea, Waters, Wiegman, D Mac, and the rookie. This will help the transition go a bit smoother and easier…. So Much More So IF we get Olivea AND Starks. . . But Im not counting on it. Herm is being a retard.
March 10th, 2008 at 12:28 pm& Stevenh, THATS what IM saying… Even if Clady WAS the #2 OT in the draft, (whic he isnt), I STILL wouldnt take him at 5. My boy Dave proved it to readbeard last week, we dont NEED to take a LT in the 1st round in order to have a GOOD LT… I Say and have a HUGE feeling that IF LONG IS TAKEN, we take the next best player. Whether that be Dorsey, Ellis, C.Long, or Run DMC… Why? Cause we can use them.
March 10th, 2008 at 12:53 pmI have seen very few mocks with Jake Long not going before we pick, I really believe this is better though; Im thinking that if we end up with Ellis or Dorsey its better in the end. Im not convienced that Jake Long is that much better from the 3rd or 4th OT in the draft, but Ellis and Dorsey are both elite, tell me you wouldnt enjoy to have a dominate front 4
March 10th, 2008 at 1:53 pmI’m jacked about getting one of those DT’s. But our chances of getting J. Long just got better as St. Louis is said to be interested in Ghoulston. I’m a little shocked to find my self a bit depressed by this as I have grown quite fond of the Dorsey/Ellis idea. As for Olivea, is he that good? I think I’d rather sign Starks out of those two. Side note, if we pull a stunt like drafting Ryan or DMC, I will blow my face off.
March 10th, 2008 at 2:59 pmscratch that about olivea. i was thinking about a dallas cowboy for some reason. wrong guy.
March 10th, 2008 at 3:04 pmbigchief13. . . So, youre telling me that if Dorsey, Ellis, and BOTH Longs are gone at the Top 4, you’d “blow your face off” he we drafted DMC? … WOW, Well, Id blow MY head off if we DIDNT draft DMC. I would hate to draft Matt Ryan AT ALL, BUT IF the DTs and BOTH Longs Arent there, I think the best move is to trade for BOTH of the Cowboy’s 1st picks if not, then we take DMC. And I HOPE you dont kill yourself cause its possible considering the kind of players Chan Gailey likes.
March 10th, 2008 at 4:19 pmNo way can we afford to dump that much cash into our backfield. DMC and LJ? Thats an expensive running game. And it desn’t matter how much we pay, either one is going nowhere unless that o-line gets worked on. So yes, my face would be all over the wall. I would rather reach on a CB or Clady.
March 10th, 2008 at 6:54 pmI’d really want to trade out though.
March 10th, 2008 at 6:56 pmGOTTA SEE DRAFTEK.COM’s LATEST MOCK (3/!) WOOHOO!!!
March 10th, 2008 at 8:19 pmI agree that we don’t necessarily need Long to improve our oline. If we draft someone better than Svitek, we’re a lot better. With the talent available, it’s going to be hard to screw up the #5 pick. LJ proved that talent can make a horrible pick look smart. The Chiefs board likely looks like this. 1. Trade, 2. J Long, 3. C Long, 4. Gholston, 5. Ellis, 6. Dorsey. Yes, I think they would trade with Jake Long there.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:34 pmI think Brodie has plenty of talent. I just think he’s going to be hurt a lot. Since there aren’t any sure things in this draft, I think it would be cool if the Chiefs traded down with the Cowboys. Then traded the Browns pick back to them for Brady Quin. Add a WR, LT, OL, and CB in that order and we’re on our way.
March 10th, 2008 at 10:44 pmIf im’ the chiefs, my board is: 1. Trade, 2. J. Long, 3. Dorsey, 4. Ellis, and then it doesn’t matter, cause i think a least one of those options will be available. No denying C.Long and Gholston are great talents, but i think we have more room for an amazing DT than an amazing DE as our DE’s are solid. If we put one of them at LB then it might make more sence. Either way, #5 Gives us a lot of nice options. Unless the guys really EFFF this pick, we should get a future nfl star.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:55 amOf course, that’s what we thought about Ryan Sims also, when we picked him what, 6th? He didn’t pan out. Nothing in the NFL is a sure thing. Look at the Pats super bowl game. They were coasting for the perfect season, and got chopped down by a hungry team. There are busts in every draft. However, I think either of these DT’s would be a nice addition (if Long is gone), but I’d rather have Ellis than Dorsey. Dorsey has trouble staying consistently healthy, and has been nagged much of his collegiate career. He’ll be a guy in the likes of Kris Jenkins. Ability to go to the Pro Bowl, but injuries will hold him back in some years. While I’d still be happy if we get him, I’d rather have a SLIGHTLY worse, but less injury prone man take the position instead.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:30 amall depends on what the doctors say i guess. plus i think ellis did have one more sack than dorsey did last year. dorsey is just so nasty.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:51 pm