Dead Men Walking
For those of you that have spent a lot of time perusing the outstanding offerings put forth in the Chiefs Nation blogosphere over the past year and half, you’ll probably recognize me pretty quick. But just in case you don’t, my name is Chris and I’m the owner/lead author of KC Chiefs Fanatic.
Some of you may have caught on to my no-holds barred kind of style when it comes to the way I write, and while I’ll be trying out some different approaches here, rest assured that you’ll still be getting more of the same attitude and substance as you would if you were hanging around my own site.
It took a lot of convincing and wrangling on the part of both Adam and Zach to get me over here, but I couldn’t be more excited then I am right now in knowing that I now can count the Arrowhead Addict audience as my own. This is definitely one of the best sites on the web devoted purely to Chiefs football, and I’m glad that I have the opportunity to share with you my passion and love of both the Chiefs and the game of football itself.
Ok, enough about me. Today we’re going to get right down to business by laying out the top five guys on the Chiefs that should be printing up their resumes and hitting the streets to look for a new line of work.
All of these guys are players who at one point in their pitiful careers actually showed a bit of promise but despite having the Chiefs invest large sums of money and time into molding them back into top-tier caliber players, they all have performed like a group of fat chicks trying to make the cheerleading squad.
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, no one ever wants to be the bad guy and tell them the awful truth that they suck beyond belief and should probably find a new career path. That is until now, of course.
So without further adieu, let me be the first to introduce you to the Chiefs version of Dead Men Walking…
5. Napoleon Harris
At one time I truly was excited about the addition of Nap Harris to the Chiefs defense. Here is a guy that is uniquely suited to playing the exact kind of defense the Chiefs just so happen to employ under Herm Edwards - the cover 2. He showed that he was definitely capable of being an every down middle linebacker while playing in both Oakland and Minnesota, but once he hit the nice contract the Chiefs doled out to him at the end of the 2006 campaign, he decided to take a stroll down Easy Street and hasn’t looked back since.
He’s had every opportunity to solidify himself as the Chiefs top middle linebacker, but he has chosen to bitch and moan about the perceived injustice of his lack of playing time all while consistently proving himself to be worthless time and time again by missing key tackles, blowing coverages down field, and making a general ass of himself in the process.
He probably won’t get the boot right away considering the Chiefs complete lack of quality depth at the position, but I for one think that he’s made a strong enough case for his one way ticket out of town, and if Herm had a real set of stones, he’d have made this move yesterday.
4. Damon Huard
Once upon a time there was a backup quarterback who played for the Chiefs named Damon Huard. He sat on the bench year after year, patiently waiting his turn in line behind the likes of Trent “Which way did he go? Green and Todd “Al Saunders is my daddy” Collins.
Then one day he finally got his shot with the Chiefs and he made the most of it by engineering a remarkable playoff push that still astounds most if not all of Chiefs Nation to this day. But instead of riding the hot hand arm of Huard into the playoffs, head coach Herm Edwards dumps him like he’s the ugly girl at the prom in favor of the concussed one, Tr-INT.
The Chiefs lost that game miserably of course, and while it was a nice season on the part of Huard, that was almost three years ago, and yet Huard is still somehow hanging on by a thread with the team. He has shown time and time again that he has little left to offer this team, which is why the Chiefs are so hell bent on throwing Tyler Twigpen to the wolves this pre-season.
It would be nice to say that Huard was just mentoring the Chiefs young QBs, but let me be the first to say that Damon Huard is the last veteran QB I would want teaching my young starter Brodie Croyle how to play the game. I mean what’s lesson one? How to be a crappy journeyman QB and still collect a paycheck?
All kidding aside, it’s high time Huard hit the road back to Washington and gets a head start on his new life, because right now he’s just wasting space on the bench.
3. Damion McIntosh
When the Chiefs brought BigMac into the fold two off-seasons ago, many in Chiefs Nation rejoiced, as they had seen him play solid football during his time in Miami, not to mention that he also played ball down the road for the K-State Wildcats.
But of course, as many a former decent player seem to do when they come to KC, the Mac Attack worked on developing his feminine side, and deposited himself firmly on the bench with a bunch of excuses and nancy-girl injuries. He was supposed to be the anchor of our offensive line, but instead of holding down the fort like solid left tackles are meant to do, he folded like a deck of cards, and dragged the rest of the team with him into the abyss otherwise known as a 4-12 season.
Now don’t get me wrong, D-Mac isn’t the only one to blame for that Hindenberg-esque disaster of epic proportions. But truth be told, he did little to stem the flow of blood, and as such deserves a spot on this list. That being said, MacInturd sealed his coffin with his atrocious play this pre-season, and should vacate his spot and paycheck on this team to someone more deserving… say it with me now - Herb is the word.
2. Will Svitek
I won’t dwell too long on Route 71 as mi amigos here at AA have done plenty to enhance Svitek’s image as a worthless piece of crap for quite some time now. But that being said, it’s always fun to kick a terrible player when they’re down, and Svitek is no exception.
I doubt very seriously that any of you can look at me and say that he is deserving of spot as my trash man let alone as a professional football player. Svitek has done more to speed along his quarterback’s demise than anyone I have ever seen, as he seemingly turns tail and runs every time he faces off against an opposing defensive end, allowing his QB to be routinely blindsided and annihilated in the process.
The case has been made time and time again for his quick departure via trash truck to the nearest dump, and although it’s always possible that Herm could temporarily lose his mind and keep him on the roster, I have an outstanding feeling that this is finally the year where we get to see him tossed overboard and fed to the sharks.
1. B.J. Sams
Never before has a player made me hate his guts so quickly, but Sams has done just that through three games this pre-season. If there’s one thing I hate to see more than anything else, it’s D-bags like Sams tip-toeing around on kickoff/punt returns like he’s trying out to be on Dancing with the Stars with Jason “Twinkle Toes” Taylor.
I’m going to be brutally honest with this one - Sams is worse than Eddie Drummond ever was. I know that’s saying a lot considering the level of suck that Drummond forced us to watch each and every week when he returned kicks last season, but I’m telling you right now, Sams is much, much worse.
Not only is Sams completely unwilling to run the ball in a forward direction on a consistent basis, but he is also absolutely inept at making would-be tacklers miss, which is an attribute that I would think to be of critical importance to anyone wishing to be a return man in the NFL. He has quickly earned his way into this spot on the list, and without a doubt, he should be gone by sunrise tomorrow.
Chris Kolb is the owner and lead writer for KCChiefsFanatic.com
Recent Posts...
Branden Albert has got it goin' on. by David Errett
Wondering what LJ's been up to? by David Errett
Kansas City Deserves Better by This Old Chief
My Birthday List: by David Errett
Will You Pay The Price? by Jeremy Hanson
Great post…
I disagree that he is worse than Drummond…he actually got it out of the 20…
we will see what happens, I want the major cuts already so we can get our real guys some more reps…sheesh…
August 26th, 2008 at 2:07 amWow. That was a cheery post to wake up to.
August 26th, 2008 at 8:34 amTrue Sams was able to run it past the 20, but even a blind dog can find a bone from time to time. My problem is with his game time speed… It’s non-existent and Sams looks completely lost back there.
Time to go with Savage and cut loose the dead weight
August 26th, 2008 at 8:39 am100% with you on #1 - BJ blows.
August 26th, 2008 at 9:07 amAs for #5, I need to know who you’d like to replace him with before cutting him - jags won’t do. Naps problem is not his tackling, it’s the fact that he’s too often out of position. That’s something that can be corrected as long as he’s willing to learn. Also, he’s been nicked of late so I’d cut the guy a little slack for the moment.
Your #4 begs the same question as #5 - who are going to replace him with? Like a lot of older, veteran QBs, Huard probably just needs a little time to shake off the rust. Personally I’d rather see us cut Thigpen and see who’s out there on waivers. Dennis Dixon would be my first choice in case Pittsburgh’s hoping to send him to their Practice Squad as some have speculated.
Giving the current state of our OL, I could not disagree with you more on your #2 & #3 points. Svitek still has the potential to develop into a decent backup and if he get & can stay healthy, then I think D-Mac just needs more time to adjust after switching positions. Not saying he’ll end up as the starting RT, but he may be able to add value at either RG or as part of the regular rotation.
Meant to say “if he can get and stay healthy”
August 26th, 2008 at 9:24 amDouble D I hear you, but do you seriously think Svitek is capable of playing at all in this league? I have yet to see anything from him that would convince me of that, and I’d personally rather troll the waiver wire next week to find someone else’s trash then stick with a guy we all know is worthless.
As for D-Mac, I like the guy, but he’s on the bench way too much to be effective and as of late he’s been bitching about having to play RT instead of his usual LT position, so I’d rather not have a malcontent in the locker room on top of having one on the field at such a critical position.
August 26th, 2008 at 9:26 am[...] And now for a bit of shameless self-promotion… [...]
August 26th, 2008 at 9:28 amPoints taken. If there are better guys out there, then I’m all for it. I guess my main point about Svitek is that very often guys like him can look absolutely horrible in their early years and then all of sudden one day blossom into premiere linemen because they get their technique down and develop the right chemistry with the guys alongside them. As far as D-Mac goes, I think he just needs to decide whether or not he wants to be part of the problem or part of the solution. That, and stay healthy.
August 26th, 2008 at 9:34 amDaily Grind - unfortunately your link gets blocked by my employer because it falls under the category of “Social Networking and Personal Sites.”
August 26th, 2008 at 9:37 amThat is K.C. Chiefs Fanatic. It might just be the hyperlink pingback itself that is blocked. Not sure.
August 26th, 2008 at 9:40 amChris, now I’m not only an Addict, I’m a Fanatic, too. Great post, man. Welcome to A.A.! I’m sure the readers are loving it…
And figuring out if Drummond or Sams is worse damn near made my head explode.
Everybody make sure to add K.C. Chiefs Fanatic to your rounds–or, better yet, bookmark it–as this is the level of quality you’ll get over there on a routine basis.
August 26th, 2008 at 9:43 amChris,
I agree except Svitek, who should be on the right side of the line, and Huard who stays by default unless some gem of a qb pops up in the next week.
August 26th, 2008 at 10:09 amUm, Chris Simms will be out there. I still don’t see how anyone can vouch for Route 71. Huard, sure. Svitek, no.
August 26th, 2008 at 10:45 amI don’t think Simms would play out the season if he had to play every week. Svitek’s play last year, on the right side, was not bad - before he was injured. He is not a left side guy.
August 26th, 2008 at 11:05 amI agree with Dbl.D. on Huard and Svitek for pretty much the same reasons he stated….. and a hearty AMEN!!! on your view of Sams, I don’t understand all the debate on Savage though,In my mind he’s won his spot on the 53 man roster. But then again it wouldn’t be the first time Chiefs personal decisions left me scratching my head.
August 26th, 2008 at 11:05 amP.S. Dead on, on Mc. and Harris Time to go lay down and let their pups suck!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:10 amGreat post Chris and WELCOME to the AddictAsylum!!
I agree with the general tone of your post… with the caveats that we should only cut Huard or Svitek if we find better talent. If we could get Chris Simms then I’d have no problem letting Huard go - though if it was me I’d send Pigster packin`.
DMac is toast in my book and your description of ‘NancyGirl’ injuries are exactly why. I wouldn’t mind the lame injury excuses in the preseason if he was still playing a position he was used to - but for him to whimp out on playing time when he is so clearly LOST on the right side is more about attitude and character than ability. Pack his a$$ off to oakland or denver where all bad chiefs go to die.
I don’t know what happened to Nap, but your explanation makes the most sense I’ve heard.
Sams? Shoot him dead! (its a metaphor folks!!)
to JohnNDallas: I think Savage has made the team… but I’m quite sure he really pi$$ed Herm off stepping out at the 2 yard line last weekend, so Herm is letting him sweat for a few days - deservedly so too… that was a prep school mistake!
August 26th, 2008 at 12:01 pmYeah CurtMerzFan I agree
August 26th, 2008 at 1:09 pmWe’re going to have to start the Svitek fan club if this continues.
Personally, I’d rather play nobody at tackle than Route 71. The quarterback is going to get whacked either way, so at least save some money. This guy is indefensible. Almost as bad as sticking up form Kendrell Bell and Samie Parker.
August 26th, 2008 at 1:32 pmRoute 71 or bust, baby!
August 26th, 2008 at 1:36 pmMaybe Svitek just needs to find his inner fullback? Why not? Pretty much everybody has had their shot at it . . .
August 26th, 2008 at 2:01 pmTrue. That is what the Chiefs do right before just giving up on someone, usually at L.J.’s expense.
They’ve played three non-FBs there: Boom, Hoyte and Kris Wilson. Geez…
Well played, DD.
August 26th, 2008 at 2:09 pm5. We need to hang on to Naps. At least until we get this linebacker thing figured out.
4. Damon needs to go as soon as someone else is available to pick up. Thiggy should be dropped down the depth chart too. He is not a #2 yet.
3. DMac needs to get out of town. Shoot, I’ll even loan him my truck and help him move if he needs it.
2. Svitek is bad on the O line but we are pretty thin at linebacker. Maybe he could compete there and push Naps out?
1. Sams is a HUGE disappointment. Lets not do the Drummond thing again. Savage has him beat by a mile.
Excellent post Chris. I love your stuff!
August 26th, 2008 at 2:14 pmOkay - here’s the list so far (as per bobgretz.com):
DT Murray
DE Saint-Dic
OT Shackleford
PUP - Robinson
Coaches are currently meeting to decide about which K to cut. Moving Merritt to the NFL list is an alternative option if they decide to hold off on a kicker decision.
August 26th, 2008 at 3:10 pmI’m guessing it will be Novak. Chris did such a great job I wanted to give him most of the day. I’ll be checking back in later once we know which kicker got cut.
Thanks for the update, Double D! We love it when you guys post up-to-the-minute news.
August 26th, 2008 at 3:23 pmThere’s an update over on Chris Kolb’s site stating Merrit is still injured, and KC signed him and will put him on the injured list for the season while he has surgury and rehabs.
August 26th, 2008 at 3:40 pmIs it really fair to compare Svitek (I-71) to Jordan Black (I-65?) I NEVER saw a divided 4 lane interstate going thru Svitek!
August 26th, 2008 at 3:45 pmHere’s the latest on the Merritt situation per Bob Gretz:
Merritt remained unsigned because he’s still recovering from a broken leg suffered at the end of his college season with the University of Central Florida. Because he could not pass a physical to participate in practice, the Chiefs decided not to tie up one of their 80 roster spots with a body that could not get on the field.
“By signing him on Monday, Merritt will spend 24 hours on the active roster. That makes him eligible to be sent on Tuesday to the Non-Football Injury list. That is where he’ll likely spend the entire 2008 season, although after six weeks of the regular season, he’ll have the opportunity to practice during a three-week window. This is the same situation that Priest Holmes was in last year. After those three weeks the Chiefs can place him on the active roster, release him, or leave him on the NFI list for the rest of the season.”
“Although Merritt’s injury happened from playing football, it did not happen in the NFL, which is why he’s going to the NFI list instead of the Physically Unable to Perform list.”
August 26th, 2008 at 4:25 pmWelcome to AA, Chris! I look forward to hearing from you. IMO, I would keep Huard. I don’t have a big problem with him. I like a vet as a backup QB. Svitek and Sams should have their resumes handy. D-Mac and Nap, I don’t know. I am not happy with either one of them. It would not surprise me to see either or both of them cut.
August 26th, 2008 at 4:32 pmMore people have traveled on Historic Route 71 than I-65. You can go anywhere you want to go! Hell, Will Smith practically made a career out of it last preseason. I swear he had three sacks on Svitek in a half. Svitek is worse than Black by a mile. He makes Jordan Black look like Jonathon Ogden. If we cut Svitek nobody else in the NFL would sign him. And if they do, they’re an idiot and deserve to be fired.
August 26th, 2008 at 4:33 pmHow quickly we forget… Jordan Black sucked worse than a Cat 5 Hurricane on a line with three pro bowlers… how much worse than Svitek would he be on the current line?
August 26th, 2008 at 5:23 pmSvitek might be the worst professional football player I have ever seen. Great bullfighter–terrible tackle!
August 26th, 2008 at 5:37 pmSvitek does suck… at Left Tackle, where they want him to play. He’s too slow, imo. He’s strong, which is one of his only pro’s, against a sea full of cons. Slow footwork, sloppy technique, doesn’t seem to be picking up on blitzes and what-not very well, at least to me. We are going to start instituting zone blocking, that would surely help him out, if and only if he played the right side, and was alongside Herbie. If they are adamant about him playing in the LT spot as a back-up, then his days are numbered as far as I’m concerned, because he just can’t hack it there. I had hoped he’d blossom into our starting RT this year, but now I find myself rooting for Big Barry, and wanting Svitek to go play for the Raiders.
And for the record, I’d take Svitek over Black any day of the week. If Svitek ever gets his shit together he’ll be a solid starter, Black was just.. well Black was just like Welbourn and Turley, as in, couldn’t block an eight year old girl with spinal menengitis, with two amputee’d legs, who was also a little person, and who ‘ran’ a 947.8 second 40-time. Svitek > Black. Me > Svitek, at least on the left side.
August 26th, 2008 at 5:47 pmThe Chiefs released veteran kicker Jay Feely today, one day after signing him.
Feely went 11-15 on field goals Monday and 13 of 15 today but that wasn’t as good as either Connor Barth (28 of 30, including a perfect 15 of 15 today) or Nick Novak (27 of 30). Barth and Novak will kick for the job in Thursday night’s game against the Rams at Arrowhead Stadium.
Much more to come, including some interesting comments from Feely’s agent, in Wednesday’s Kansas City Star
August 26th, 2008 at 5:52 pm