The Maginot Line
In respect to Herm Edwards and Gunther Cunningham’s German heritage, I thought it appropriate, particularly after yesterday’s lackluster effort, to give a certain title to our defense — particularly our defensive line. The Maginot Line was named after the French Minister of Defense Andre’ Maginot and was a line of concrete fortifications, tank obstacles, artillery casemates, machine gun posts, and other defenses, which France constructed along its borders with Germany and Italy. It was constructed in light of World War I and in the run-up to World War II.
The French established the Maginot Line to provide time for their army to mobilize in the event of attack and also to entice Germany to attack Belgium. At first, this fortification system seemed to be an effective strategic gambit as the Germans did invade Belgium. The problem was that this allowed them to bypass the Maginot Line and as a result conquer France in approximately five days. Thus the Maginot Line is often recorded as a gigantic blunder and outdated strategy.
Such is the case of the high-payroll, low-performance defensive line of the Chiefs. Despite having a first-round pick at left defensive end (Tamba Hali) a first-round pick at defensive tackle (Glenn Dorsey), a third-round pick at DT (Tank Tyler) and a second-round pick at the other DE (Turk McBride), the Maginot Line has recorded only six sacks this season. To put that in perspective the great Derrick Thomas once had seven sacks in ONE GAME against the Seahawks. The Maginot Line is on course to beat the pathetic record of the Baltimore Colts of 1981 –13 sacks for the season.
I reviewed the stats from yesterday’s game and the defensive line — with the exception of free agent Jason Babin — had four measly tackles. Furthermore, Alfonso Boone and company repeatedly jumped offsides, giving the Bills 1st and 5 or 2nd and 5.
This wouldn’t be so bad if we hadn’t of invested so many high draft picks in restoring this segment of the franchise. This coupled with the drafting of Ryan Sims (first round, No. 5 pick) and Eddie Freeman ( second-round pick) lead to the ultimate conclusion: IT IS NOT SIMPLY COACHING AT FAULT HERE BUT THE ENTIRE ORGANIZATION — SCOUTING, COLLEGE AND PRO!
Ultimately, after the Maginot Line was circumvented, President De’Gaulle left France for the safe harbor of Puerto Rico. Maybe it’s time for another President to flee rather than fall victim to the Maginot Line.
As Jean Girard said in Talladega Nights, the French “invented democracy, existentialism, and the ménage à trois.” Yet we copied their worst invention!
Great post, old man. In one week we had posts with four of my personalities, tailgators puking on cars and the Maginot Line. It gets pretty funky around here, I guess…just wait until my next vlog, or should I say vlag (very sly hint as to what I will do).
November 25th, 2008 at 1:22 amTurk was 2nd rd, Tank 3rd…I’m picky this morning…
Great nickname though! Lol
November 25th, 2008 at 9:28 amI hear that OC, great post. Most people thought CHUCK D’s policies were rooted in good intentions but way to ambitious. Sounds even more familiar.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:37 amImportant to read Teicher’s article on Gun this morning…no link, sorry (damned iPod touch)
November 25th, 2008 at 9:43 am“Coach Herm Edwards agreed with Cunningham’s assessment, saying the entire defensive staff, the coordinator included, would be invited to return next season”. Sounds like Herm feels he will be around to be doing the invitin’
November 25th, 2008 at 9:57 amWoody:Important to read Teicher’s article on Gun this morning…no link, sorry (damned iPod touch)
For the masses…
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/907734.html
“The Chiefs are soft against the run and, lacking a strong rush, weak against the pass.” If you throw in undisciplined, I would say that pretty much sums it up.
November 25th, 2008 at 10:33 amYep, don’t count on Gun, Herm, or Carl to be going anywhere soon.
Yah our Defense isn’t so hot these days. There, also, isn’t a lot we can do, in this next draft, about certain under-performing top picks, either. But I have a feeling, that if we patch the original holes on defense, the whole machine might start running again. I’m talking about ILB, OLB, and possibly rDE.
Lets say we get Maligula ILB, Cushings OLB, Suggs rDE. Lets look at what that does.
Tackle…Dorsey/Tank. With the addition of an ILB hammer behind them, and a talented rushing OLB on the outside, a lot of presure would be taken off Dorsey and Tank. Also, Terrell Suggs would add to the rushing DE formula. This might even take double teams off Dorsey. Once free’d up I think Dorsey, in his second year, is going to start looking a hell of a lot more like Sapp. I’ll eat my damn underwear if Dorsey turns out to be a bust. Not gona happen. I also think Tank is good enough, for right now, to hold down his positon. Again, not alot we can do (or should do) about it.
DE’s…we have a ton of left Defensive End talent. Hali, McBride, Babin, Johnston, Boone ect. Unfortunately, I don’t see a rushing rDE in the Lot. Jury is still out on Babin, but im not holding my breath. What we forget is, what a rare and precious thing a true rushing DE is. They are about as hard to predict as QB talent and are always found at the top of the Draft, Jared Allen not withstanding. We knew the risks of giving up said rushing rDE, and I still think we made the right choice. That is why I think we should buy the talents of Terell Suggs in the off season. He is a proven rushing rDE. Also, I dont think we should take a rushing rDE in the draft. They are too hard to predict and we have too many holes to fill.
ILB OLB… Yah lets overhaul this with Maligula and Cushings. Problem solved. These two might even light a fire under Surtain.
Corners/Safties…they are doing fine.
With these 3 picks our original holes on Defense will be filled. THEN we should argue about who isn’t working out for the 2010 draft. And, THEN I might be on the fire gun band wagon if the 2009 season is in the complete crapper. Till then, im on the fence.
November 25th, 2008 at 12:09 pmAnyone who has ever considered season tickets 09 is the time to buy.
November 25th, 2008 at 2:12 pmWoody,
My dad is getting old — he always gets Tank and Turk confused.
November 25th, 2008 at 5:19 pmPS. The Germans did not BYPASS the line, they attacked the weakest part. France extended the line behind Belgium when they declared neutrality but did not spend the same amount on to build a quality line as they thought it would cost too much.
This ALSO sounds like the Chiefs.
November 29th, 2008 at 8:41 am