The Blueprint 2K9 V2: Steve Spagnuolo And The New York State Of Mind
Like last year when I had four different Blueprints, developments along the way have caused me to revise my 2009 Blueprint.
The good news?
Step 1. Lure Scott Pioli away from the New England Patriots to run the Chiefs football operations.
That was a success as Pioli is now officially the Kansas City Chiefs Head of Football Operations.
That bad news?
Step 2. Pioli hires Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to be our head coach.
Not going to happen. Those dispicable Denver Broncos beat us to the punch. Then again, with the lack of haste to get Pioli in office, maybe McD was never the guy.
Regardless, the old Blueprint hit masterfully on No. 1, but careened of the tracks on No. 2. That being said, to quote Jay-Z, “The Blueprint 2, baby, on the way…”
The Blueprint 2K9 V2: New York State of Mind
Step 1: Pioli hires New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as the Kansas City Chiefs’ new head coach.
(Again, Herm Edwards getting canned is a no-brainer. No need to waste keystrokes.)
With McD off the board, we turn our attention to the best available candidate, and one who has a more extensive portfolio. As most of our talent lies on the offensive side of the ball, a defensive-minded coach could work out perfectly. Just look at what Tony Dungy did up in Naptown. I like everything about Spagnuolo, from his intensity to his communication skills. He would be a great fit for the next chapter of Chiefs football.
Step 2: Trade Larry Johnson for whatever we can get for him.
Third-rounder, fourth-rounder, whatever. Get him out of town and that salary off the books. Houston, New England, New Orleans, Philly, Tampa Bay and others will be interested for sure. I understand L.J.’s feelings about the treatment he’s received from fans and also appreciate all he’s done here and him taking accountability. At the same time, you don’t come out and say you’re done with the Chiefs and the City after all they’ve given you. Iron Man is our hero no more. AA stood by you as long as we possibly could, but we won’t any longer. You’ve got the wrong kind of New York State of Mind, pal.
Step 3. Keep Tony Gonzalez.
Tony G. may be 32, but he’s hauled in more receptions over the past two years than any other two-year block of his career. And that’s despite being saddled by the constant switching of quarterbacks, offensive coordinators and offensive systems, not to mention a rushing attack on the decline. Tony has five more good years in him if he wants to play for that long, and I think we’d all love for the five time All-Pro to retire as a Chief.
Step 4. Trade for Matt Cassel.
If it costs us a second- and a third-round pick in 2010, so be it. If Tom Brady ends up being fine, Pioli needs to get this deal done, and I believe he can. If this deal doesn’t work out, we may have to ride Tyler Thigpen and Quinn Gray for another year, which would be fine. Better than reaching on a bust quarterback early in the draft.
Step 5. Sign either Bart Scott or Karlos Dansby at linebacker.
These guys are playing outstanding. The Cardinals and Ravens will have a hard time re-signing them as well. Scott almost signed with the Browns back in 2006, and the Ravens have a ton of other free agents. As for Dansby, the Cards will likely re-sign Kurt Warner and have a ton of money tied up in the offense (Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Matt Leinart, and possibly Edgerrin James should he stay now). I am confident we can land one of these players. I’m not so sure Rocky Boiman would be all that bad next to Dansby or Scott and Derrick Johnson, should he return. While Boiman played pretty well, I’m not against replacing him either.
Step 6. Sign Derrick Ward
This is where my New York State of Mind continues. Zach actually floated me this idea, as the coach often does. According to the Football Outsiders, Derrick Ward performed better than any other back in football this season:
Top 5 running backs
1. Derrick Ward, Giants: 375 DYAR (274 rushing DYAR, 102 receiving)
2. Kevin Faulk, Patriots: 365 DYAR (180 rushing, 185 receiving)
3. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: 361 DYAR (367 rushing, -6 receiving)
4. Clinton Portis, Redskins: 336 DYAR (285 rushing, 51 receiving)
5. Thomas Jones, Jets: 325 DYAR (253 rushing, 72 receiving)Ward ahead of Williams?!? You can thank each player’s performance in the passing game. If we look strictly at how the running backs did carrying the ball out of the backfield, Williams is numero uno, with Brandon Jacobs (308 rushing DYAR) right behind him. Because those players had no impact in the passing game, though, guys like Ward and Faulk jumped ahead of them. A first down is a first down, regardless of whether it came through the air or on the ground, and Ward (58) grabbed enough of them to pull himself ahead of Williams (51). Ward was excellent as a receiver, averaging 9.4 yards per reception
Pretty impressive stuff. With Brandon Jacobs also a UFA and Ahmed Bradshaw in the fold, Ward is as good as gone. I think Pioli and his good buddy Spags will be enough to lure him away. Ward also went to college at Kansas’ Ottawa University. I think this guy would be a perfect compliment to our passing game. He’s got Pro Bowl skills, I’m telling you. The Giants have a great O-line, but he was better than Jacobs this year, and that’s saying something.
Don’t give me this Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith B.S. either. Neither of those guys have shown anything that should lead anybody to believe they can handle being a feature back. Honestly, I don’t even think those two make up a decent platoon.
Step 7. Sign offensive tackle Mark Tauscher from Green Bay.
I know he blew his knee out in early December, and I know everybody loves Jordan Gross. But Gross is going to get P-A-I-D and he’s not leaving Carolina. Because of his knee and the other players on the market, I think we could steal him at a bargain basement price. He also came back from a 2002 ACL injury to start every game for five years, so that right there proves that he will almost definitely be back. Play Tauscher at RT and you have bookends for four or five years. Who cares if he isn’t ready for opening day. He’ll be ready soon thereafter.
Step 8. Pass on Julius Peppers and Terrell Suggs.
They are going to command outrageous money and I believe that we can get a good defensive end with our early second-round pick. I also believe that both are staying put. Sorry.
Step 9. Draft Michael Crabtree or Andre Smith with the No. 3 overall pick.
Point blank — these are the only two guys that have proven to me that they are sure bets. Crabtree is going to be the next Fitzgerald, and we can always move Branden Albert to guard, where he can be our long-term replacement for Brian Waters. Can’t you see Albert and Smith being or next Big Willie Style — Roaf and Waters? We cannot reach with the No. 3 pick, so I say go offense until someone else proves they belong there. One caveat: I love USC QB Mark Sanchez, so we’ll keep an eye on whether he declares or not and where he’s projected to go. That’s another thing; why pick a LB at No. 3 when the market shows no LB going before 8-10 at the earliest? That’s called reaching, my friends. Aaron Curry is up there, but how often do you see a linebacker go that high. Uh, never.
Step 10. Find a pass-rusher in round two.
Someone like Ole Miss’ Greg Hardy or maybe even Georgia Tech’s Michael Johnson will be there. I think there are a lot of good DEs in this class, and a lot of the top five ones look better suited to play 3-4 OLB.
That’s the Blueprint 2, which I think has a far better shot of shaping up then my shoot-for-the-stars original draft. This plan could also end up being a little better in the long run. Like the Chiefs, I’ve had more time to digest everything.
Addicts, what do you think of the Blueprint 2K9 V2? What’s your new Blueprint?
I can’t say I have any dissagreements with this, except Spag as the HC. I think there may be better options out there.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:22 pmReally? Why?
January 13th, 2009 at 5:27 pmExtremely positive change. Pioli is a winner and its a sign that Clark Hunt is committed.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:31 pmI like Shanahan or Marty
January 13th, 2009 at 5:35 pmi think we have to try and sign peppers or suggs, we have $40MILLION to spend, we have to attempt to get one of those two. everything else im down with.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:37 pm$40 M doesn’t have to be spent in one year, nor will it be by Hunt and Pioli.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:38 pmCan you imagine Mike Shanahan as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs? That would be so weird.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:38 pmStep 1 – good
January 13th, 2009 at 5:42 pmStep 2 – good
Step 3 – amen
Step 4 – meh, I think Cassel’s success is more a product of that system. Nothing about him convinces me that whatever talents he possesses will translate into success elsewhere. I also expect he will not come cheap. The alternative you offer is the much better bet.
Step 5 – hell yeah
Step 6 – makes no sense whatsoever to me. There is nothing lacking in our RB platoon that an improved OL won’t dramatically correct.
Step 7 – okay but we should also be addressing interior line needs through the draft. Think Max Unger in the second round.
Step 8 – You lost me here. When I look at team needs and who’s available, I am strongly convinced there will be a big run on DE/LB talent in the first round.
Step 9 – Uh, SLB Aaron Curry ranks near or at the top of just about every board that carries any weight. Who’s boards have you been studying? That aside, I believe both Smith and Oher will end up being the first two picks. At this point, I think we’ll have a minimum of 3 good options. 1) Take Crabtree, 2) Take Curry, or 3) make the trade with Oakland because we know Al Davis will give us just about anything we ask for in exchange for Crabtree.
Step 10 – You’re gambling a bunch here. Johnson definitely will not be there. And need I remind you of just how bad our pass rushing attack was last season? Cough up the money for Suggs or Peppers and be done with it. Put Curry behind/alongside at SLB – problem solved. Is it me or is it him? It’s him, right?
I’d like to see Ryan, or Rivera…or the idea of Pioli luring Shanny or Cowher is still a hope of mine. Spags is solid though.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:46 pmToo many of you Shannafans out there. Very disturbing trend . . .
January 13th, 2009 at 5:47 pmHow about Romeo Crennel as DC?
January 13th, 2009 at 5:49 pmI’ve heard Crennel may be staying on with Mangini as a DC
January 13th, 2009 at 5:52 pmTauscher is not a bad thought. I would prefer Suggs and someone like Vilma (who is more gettable) for my defensive FA’s. Under that scenario, you draft Curry and load up on D. Oh, I keep saying it, Matt Cassell = Scott Mitchell. Spags is a good choice for a HC. Ward is fine as a RB option if we can trade LJ. Round 2, you go someone like Mack or Unger to further help the O-line.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:58 pmChiefs FA money is better spent on a proven defensive end like Peppers than a QB like Cassel. I guarantee you that Cassel won’t look nearly as good if he’s constantly in fear for his life because the right side of the line can’t block to save their lives or if he’s constantly trying to come from behind because the defense can’t stop anyone to save their lives.
I absolutely agree on picking Smith or Crabtree at #3 and not taking someone on the defensive side of the ball that high, especially a LB. Pioli has made it a habit of making do with spare parts at the LB postion in New England (with the exception of 2008 1st rounder Jerod Mayo, who is a legit stud).
January 13th, 2009 at 5:59 pmI just don’t like a LB at 3. LaVar Arrington was God coming out, and look how he turned out being picked that high. Not exactly what anybody hoped he would become. Meanwhile, Ray-Ray, Urlacher, Merriman, Ware, all picked a little later. Mayo just last year…
January 13th, 2009 at 5:59 pmGood points, panther. As my bro said today, Pioli is a genius when it comes to finding LBs.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:00 pmWhen does free agency start in Feb?
January 13th, 2009 at 6:03 pmI like Rex Ryan for our head coach. I belive we need to go with a defensive minded coach. I wouldn’t mind Jim Schwartz either on that one.
Fire Gunther now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:04 pmI hate the idea of trading for Cassel. I think he may or may not be an excellent qb in the future, but he is going to demand a very large contract. That combined with the draft pick or picks it is going to cost to get him is just too big of a risk. If he ends up as a straight up free agent, I may change my tune.
Adam, just curious…why no mention of Oher?
January 13th, 2009 at 6:06 pmSpags, Ryan or Schwartz as HC. I will be happy with any of those three.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:07 pmI agree about Ryan. I have a feeling he is going to be out to prove something to the rest of the league for bypassing him the past few years. Besides you know who his daddy is so you know he is a little gangsta!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:08 pmGod bless everyone God bless!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:19 pmFirst of all, with Brady behind schedule, I think you may see a franchise tag put on Cassel (maybe). Either way, NE won’t part with Cassel.
Both Spag and Ryan would be good transition to focus on the defense as a HC. What I haven’t seen is what happens to Chan Gailey? If Herm goes, I think the Gun will be gone as well as the HC will bring in his own staff.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:19 pmFrom PFT.com…”Added Belichick: “To sum up in words everything Scott Pioli has meant to this organization and to me personally would be difficult, if not impossible. From the day I met him, he has demonstrated a passion for football and respect for the game that is second to none. It has been extremely gratifying for me to follow Scott’s career ascension from the bottom of the totem pole in Cleveland to his place as a pillar of championship teams in New England. Now with the opportunity to steer his own ship and a vision of building a winner, there is no more capable, hardworking, loyal, team-oriented person than Scott Pioli.
“On a personal level, the Belichick-Pioli bond runs far deeper than our workplace, as we and our families have shared countless memories away from football. Working side by side with one of my best friends for almost two decades is special enough in itself. But to help each other achieve success beyond our dreams is a blessing and something I will always remember and appreciate.”
Wow. Was that Bill Belichick?”
January 13th, 2009 at 6:25 pmI’ll be Mangini loved reading that sound bite from Belichick!!!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:27 pmNow I get to see how much my tickets will cost next year
January 13th, 2009 at 6:27 pmGod bless everyone!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:29 pmGetting Spags in addition to Pioli would be unbelievable. I want no part of Cassel. I the new GM and coach draft Stafford or Bradford and we get a franchise qb that is the face of this franchise for the next decade.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:29 pmI hope to see Chan get another shot next year. He did a great job with the talent he had. Brokie, Damon, and Thiggy…Johnson missing time to smack ladies around. Herm’s insistance on playing Sackitosh. Without Tony, we could have been sharing history with Detroit.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:30 pmWe need Chan back. Tony back. Larry gone
January 13th, 2009 at 6:35 pmWhere have you been Rockin Randall?!
I like slot of that…except Just Say No To Tauscher…Gross can be had…
I like Spags or Ryan…not Schwartz…he is a trendy pick but it had more to do with personnel depth than his scheme
January 13th, 2009 at 6:45 pmWOODY!!! Computer problems just like you suspected Bud. Ryan is the BIZARRO of Herm, Id love to see him throw a tantrum on the field and swing at a ref.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:50 pmGross can be had, let’s do it. I’ll believe it when I see it, though.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:52 pmI’m not as big on Oher as I am on Smith. Perhaps I will do a post covering just that soon.
I don’t like Stafford and really don’t like Bradford.
One interesting idea: trade L.J. to the Pats — who have been rumored to be interested in him — in a deal for Cassel should Brady be cleared, which I imagine he will be. The way the Pats are with injuries, I think this is concocted to get something out of Cassel.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:54 pmOh I like that A-Train
January 13th, 2009 at 6:57 pmBy the way I went to GRACELAND Saturday. Old Elvis never left the place that gave him his start.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:58 pmChiefs give Pioli “final say” over football decisions as per NFL MOBILE LIVE
January 13th, 2009 at 6:59 pmI think it’s a real possibility. Jeffri Chadhia (sp?) of ESPN wrote about it recently and our Pats blogger just mentioned it to me. That or a Tony G. trade.
Actually, he has a good post on the Pioli signing:
http://musketfire.com/2009/01/13/omg-another-ones-gone/
January 13th, 2009 at 7:01 pmI love the real King, Randy. Not this fake King we had for twenty years. Now we need a nickname for Pioli. And to makes some shirts…
Hot for Scott
Holy Pioli!
Great Scott
I Rollie with Pioli
…something!
January 13th, 2009 at 7:04 pmI really agree with 1-3 very common sense. I do disagree with 4. I really don’t think that Cassel after one year has proved at least to me that he can do it for a long time and that he can do it with worse assets, maybe I will be wrong on this but I don’t see it.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:07 pmNow what I have to say is I totally agree with bringing in Tauscher to play right tackle, being the geek I am I was looking up a lot of the Free Agents and I noticed him and I contemplated posting that we should get him, but you did it first so good job. If we draft Smith from Bama we are set on the line other than RG or C depending where Waters gets moved to, because I believe they will move Albert to LG, so we can build and have a dominant Left side for a long time. As for Ward I never thought about that but you and Zach really get some genius points for that one, anyways sorry this is so long but I am so excited that we got step one done.
i may be the only one who thinks this but i think herm deserves one more year.
he started this season with a rebuilding idea and look how his young picks have worked for him in the second half of the season. there were tight games and i think he deserves another season. playoffs or bust this season for him.
also i love the crabtree idea. him bowe and tony g would be lethal.
i also think ball states qb could be a good pick in late rounds. i see potential.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:14 pmgross will be tough, but possible…
January 13th, 2009 at 7:18 pmeveryone who is a chiefs fan has to be pumped right now!!! I was worried that Pioli might fall through, im glad its all done with. I think we do everything Adam says i think crabtree will make thigpen a better qb and we could ride him out for the season and maybe even longer. But we have to get a D end and Linebacker, if we can get steady pressure on the other qb we can win with the team we have. You have to remember we lost 8 games within 7 points or less this pass season. some of those games were because of one play…gonzo on a push off (tb), dj picks off favre (ny), bowe catches onside kick (sd) we all know but this team isnt far off. GO CHIEFS…i know im pumped!!!
January 13th, 2009 at 7:25 pmBall State’s Nate Davis. Whitlock, is that you?
January 13th, 2009 at 7:34 pmNoooooooooooo
Whitlock would have us taking him at 3
January 13th, 2009 at 6:53 pm“Sweeping changes will be coming to Kansas City”
-Adam Schefter….
oh so exciting…..
January 13th, 2009 at 6:54 pmSweeping changes. Maybe this Blueprint is too conservative? I was just going on how the Hunts had spent in the past.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:18 pmWoody, we broke the comments thread somehow!? Your comments aren’t showing up down here. We are so jacked we broke the comments.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:21 pmBQuirk-Davis from Ball St. won’t be around in the late rounds. He will be gone in the 2nd round for sure.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:34 pmStep 1 – DONE
Step 2 – Agreed, get rid of him for whatever we can get.
Step 3 – Agreed
Step 4 – Sorry no tsold on Cassel. I thnk we are okey for next year and we can pick up Rhett Bomar (Sam Houston) in a late round steal.
Step 5 – Agreed
Step 6 – OK, or get a RB on day 1, there are several – gotta fill holes both through the draft and FA. Ward is a beast and proven to be very productive.
Step 7 – Again OK, definitely need to get a tackle in FA. I also like Carey (Miami) and Barnes (Jax) Pittsburgh also has a couple of guys coming available. All of these guys are younger. ( I just checked, the Steelers have 3 count them 3 Tackles available in FA, all listed in the top ten FA tackles Marvel Smith, Max Starks and Willie Colon)
Step 8 – Agreed, too much money tied up and too much competition. Keep Babin on the rotation but we need a pass rusher. I think DEs will stick around until later in the draft this year as teams are gonna run on LBs, WRs, OLs and DBs Lots of talent or very little at those positions this year.
Step 9 – Can’t reach here, would love to trade down and get more picks. But have to go with a player worth the pick and the money.
Step 10 – I think one will be available so yes. We can also address the pass rush with the proper corps of LBs. Imagine Bart Scott, Derick Johnson, Brian Cushing or Aaron Curry, or James L. you get the idea.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:34 pmCrazy….It has been a great day…
It is gonna be an exciting week to see who the HC will be…that is the best thing yet from the Number 1 Seeds all being eliminated…there are many solid assistants available NOW….
January 13th, 2009 at 7:35 pmYOUR ELVIS Adam, dont ever leave Graceland
January 13th, 2009 at 7:47 pmDivision win and post season seems very likely right now. What a great day.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:00 pmI think .500 should be the goal for next year as bad as we were this year. Anything beyond that is extra BBQ on top of a slab of ribs.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:15 pmSolid thoughts, Gump. I covered Carey in Miami and I’m not a huge, fan, though. I’m going to have to kep an eye on Rhett, too, since you seem pretty keen on him.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:17 pmAnd this Elvis is never leaving the building, Randy. I wouldn’t call me Elvis, either. I’ve got a lot of Addicts helping me make this puppy (or hound dog) go. This ain’t no one-man-band. Just a great community that I’m proud to be a part of. Even more proud today.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:18 pmmmmmmmmmm BBQ………mmmmmmmmm RIBS
January 13th, 2009 at 8:19 pmIts unreal how AA has grown since I found it, seems so long ago. Im proud of AA too, we all are. God I couldnt have mailed another check to KC knowing Carl was GM and Herm was head coach what a great great time to be a Chiefs fan. What exciting comments from the Pats fans too.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:29 pmHerm has to be relieved to be through with KC too. “HI honey Im home! What’d they call me today? Harm, Sperm, Worm, Germ?”
January 13th, 2009 at 8:33 pmNoga…Noga…not gonna work here any more. GONE! Who cares what his name is.
We gotta take this comment thread platinum (100 comments)…
January 13th, 2009 at 8:38 pmOpening day at Arrowhead is going to be like it used to be. I cant wait to open the envelope and smell my new tickets.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:43 pmI wonder what Jared is thinking about now? I really wonder if he would like to be part of this excitement?
January 13th, 2009 at 8:44 pmJared wouldnt have to beg to sell out a KC post season game, nobody would argue that
January 13th, 2009 at 8:45 pmHahaha….Randy you definately sound drunk on here….
January 13th, 2009 at 8:46 pmNO but Woody I went to every home game including the preseaon games and one away game during the worst season in Chiefs history, Would you call me a dedicated fan or a lobotomy recipient?
January 13th, 2009 at 8:49 pmStep 1: NO! Herm finishes out his contract, we make the playoffs, let him go and get Bill Cowher after next season.
Step 2: Yes!!! Get rid of his wife-beating wannabe ass!!!!!
Step3: Duh! Letting him go would be like Indy letting Peyton go or (God forbid the talk has started on this one!!) San Diego getting rid of LT.
Step 4: Um do you guys actually pay attention? It has been mentioned for a week or so that NE would franchise tag Cassel just in case Brady is on the shelf next year as well. Not to mention they just lost McD AND Pioli!! NE would be committing offensive suicide if they let Cassel go.
Step 5: Ok. I REALLY like Scott and Dansby. Wish we could get them AND Peppers. Likely not going to happen. Especially if either the ravens-never more-or the cards get to the super bowl. I really think we should go after Suggs, Peppers, Gross (If he is available. Don’t think he will be though.) or one of the 3 tackles available from Pitt.
Step 6: ??? Now that would be a great pick up. I like his running style. My only concern is does he fit in our current style of Offense?
Step 7: No. Solely because of the knee issue. Could be a cronic thing now. I am also hoping we can get Andre Smith with #3. If not take crabtree, curry or TRADE DOWN for more picks. Lets not end up with another Ryan Sims or Todd Blackledge please?!!!!
Step 8: Dude you really need to pass me some of what you are smoking! If either or BOTH of these guys are available (I agree they will likely stay put though!), you take them without even second guessing it!! It would be like passing up on Anquan Boldin or Larry Fitzgerald if they were available. Dumb move! I don’t believe Pioli would pass up on either of them.
Step 9: Agree to an extent. Besides covered it earlier.
Step 10: If we don’t get Crabby, Smitty or Curry with #3 we should trade down. If we do trade down I think we get a great DE or LB late in round 1 and pick up another stud OL in round 2. If we get Crabby, pick up an OL in round 2. If we get Smitty, pick up a DE or LB in round 2. If we get Curry, pick up either a DE or OL in round 2.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:49 pmVrod, yes, I obviously now that Cassel is going to be franchised, as we were one of the first sites to report that.
However, paying two QBs $30 M is ludicrous, and with how NE is with injuries I have a feeling they are exaggerating Brady’s injury status to cook up trade market interest in Cassel. They just want to get something out of him if they can. That’s what I think. I think they still believe Brady will be ready.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:31 pmA Chiefs fan approached me at the grocery store last night b/c I had my Chiefs jacket on. He said that he’s been pissed ever since the Chiefs traded Allen. The Carl-Allen marriage had to end, much to the dismay of Allen and his hoard of K.C. fans. I do wonder what he’s thinking today.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:32 pmhttp://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcwest/0-3-1364/Chiefs-make-spectacular-hire-with-Pioli.html
Bill Williamson even mentioned Cassel to the Chiefs just today.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:38 pmKC Chiefs and the word “spectacular” in the same article.,,,,who would have thunk it. Read Dog Pound Daily, another team is scraping the bottom of the barrel now, how refreshing.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:45 pmlook at Piolis picture in the Williamson article, the guys got some balls!!!!! Just what we need I love this shit.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:47 pmYes I have examined my inner turmoils over Jared and have decided my anger was misplaced rage at Carl rather than good riddence feellings toward the calf roper.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:49 pmNonetheless, the Calf Roper was too much coin for that point and time. I think it worked out well for both sides.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:56 pmSome things that I love in this…
Belichicks comments about how passionate Pioli is about the game…This is something that we never saw in Carl…They claim it was there, but none of us ever saw it…Also, that the Presidency will remain separate…so no longer can/will we relate the lack of effort on field to just being satisfied with selling out…
We have a guy who loves to win…and knows how to do it…
January 13th, 2009 at 10:03 pmOh and Randy…I cannot wait for the soldout Arrowhead home opener…
The start of a new generation hopefully…
January 13th, 2009 at 10:05 pmGETTING RID OF HERM = 4 WINS! DRAFT OL ITS THE ONLY WAY TO GO LONG TERM ALTHOUGH I THINK SMITH IS NOT THE #1 OT IN THE DRAFT, TRADE DOWN AND TAKE MONROE AND TRY TO GET MACK TOO! I WATCHED WARD ALL SEASON, HE IS THE REAL DEAL, NO LJ BUT A VERY GOOD BACK AND TEAM PLAYER!
January 13th, 2009 at 10:08 pmWard might be a better all around player, and a better fit for this offense. He isn’t a better inside-the-tackles rusher, but I suspect that after what we saw last year we will be moving away from that to some extent.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:00 pmGreat point on the business and football sides being separate, Woody. I think that was the smartest thing Clark did. Well, other than firing Carl in for Pioli.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:01 pmI don’t know why I thought Spagnuolo was an offensive cordinator. Then I read your article again and I see why. You wrote that he’s the offensive cordinator for the giants instead of defensive cordinator.
Now that I shake that off. I will have to agree with alittle you on this one. I wouldn’t mind having him in here as head coach. I would still rather have Ryan or shwartz in here.
Please fire Gunther now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 14th, 2009 at 4:53 amPlease keep Chan alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think a .500 season next year would put us on the right path back and fill the stadium again and I think we can do it.
January 14th, 2009 at 6:20 amSpags or Ryan and I’ll be a happy little indian!
January 14th, 2009 at 7:39 amStep 1 (Alternate): Chan Gailey as HC.
January 14th, 2009 at 10:20 am41 – Gee, how about we just call him Saint Scott? Aren’t we in Heaven now?
January 14th, 2009 at 11:37 amSchwartz isn’t happening (he and Pioli hate one another). Chan is collateral damage. Oh, Priest, thanks for noticing that mistake. I rushed this thing out trying to beat the pack and must have missed that slip. Appreciate it.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:48 amWhat is with all this Chan buzz? His Arrowspread offense won one game. Did he coach well enough to deserve another coaching job doing something somewhere. Sure. Did he coach well enough to stay on as O.C. or get promoted to head coach. Honestly, when my dad mentioned the possibility of Chan staying as H.C. I chuckled a bit. Couldn’t help it. I like Chan, but let’s get serious. People act like he designed last season’s Pats offense or something.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:52 amAdam, you can’t ignore the fact that he completely turned around a lifeless offense – not to mention doing it with half an offensive line, no #1 WR, and a project QB. I think it also can be rightly argued that Chan did an excellent job at Dallas as HC considering what he had to work with and who he was working for.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:11 pmInability to move the ball is not the reason we lost 14 games. Inability to keep the other team from moving the ball is the primary reason why we lost 14 games.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:13 pmBranden Albert and Brian Waters are Pro Bowl-caliber players, so the line was improved over last year. Even Sackintosh showed improvement towards the end of the year. Bowe is pretty close to a wide receiver, and he had the best TE in football as well. He had some tools to work with. He did a fine job, just not enough for Pioli to start off solo career with him still in the fold at a prominent position.
I would say that he did OK in Dallas, too. Excellent is a little overboard.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:22 pmWe lost seven games in large part to the coaching staff’s inability to make halftime adjustments. That includes Chan Gailey, because the offense was definitely stronger in the first halves of games.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:24 pmHere’s something else to ponder – what if Tony G decides to retire as a result changing the coaching and play system? He invested a lot of himself in this team and the direction he was told and believed it was going. Is it right to expect him do that again – especially if it means that these changes will allow whoever comes in to pad on an extra year or two to the rebuilding as a result of installing “the new system?” All this change everybody is so pumped about is also bound to bring about some pretty bittersweet (which, mind you, assumes this will all someday come out sweet) changes. Bank on it.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:24 pmCome on, the biggest problem was that we gave up yardage and points in the second half. Score the most points in the first half, run the ball and contain in the second half – that’s the way you’re supposed to do it in the NFL. We could never handle the “contain” part of that recipe – sorry, that’s not on Gailey.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:28 pmTony G. quitting after replacing Carl and Herm and our QB carousel with Pioli and what he is going to bring in (Spags?) would be like Brad Pitt turning gay after replacing Jenn Anniston with Angelina. There may be some bittersweet changes, but I’m not buying that one.
There will not be an extra year or two padded on. That whole rebuilding years thing was something concocted by Carl and Herm to save them from their own inadequacies. We will be close to 8-8 next year with Pioli. I truly believe that.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:35 pmAnd if we go 4-12, you’ll pass it off as a predictable result of such a huge transition process no doubt . . .
January 14th, 2009 at 12:40 pmThat is a somewhat flawed analysis.
If something’s working, then why go in a totally different direction? Especially when your line is better suited to pass protect the spread than grind out yards with the running game.
Arizona, Philly and Pittsburgh certainly didn’t get ultra-conservative and just run to protect their leads when they got up last weekend. Cherm played to win the game in the first half, but not in the second half last season.
Good riddance and good luck. Don’t let the door hit your rich asses on the way out. Sorry, but I don’t feel sorry for guys who got paid a shload of money to take our Chiefs to a 2-14 all-time low.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:43 pmNo wait – make that “residual effect of the Harm Edwards years” right?
January 14th, 2009 at 12:43 pmWe’re not going to go 4-12, but, yes, I’m going to give Pioli and Co. at least half the time Herm and Co. got. I guarantee in that a year and a half, half the time Herm got, Pioli will have this franchise rolling.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:44 pmKnew it!!!
January 14th, 2009 at 12:45 pmSuch a Harm apologist. Why should Harm get three, some people even say four years, and Pioli not even get one when he’s cleaning up his mess.
Still, I stick by my guns and say that Pioli will have this ship righted in half the time it took Herm to turn a 10-6 playoff team into a 2-14 traveshamockery.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:52 pmOkay so you’re saying a year and a half so that I assume that figures to be 3 years, best case, before we can compete for a championship. Tony G is going to want to (be able to?) hang around until that happens?
See, this is one of the biggest reasons why I believe keeping certain key pieces of the coaching staff in place for at least another year will do the most to speed this along at optimum. With the talent we already have (much of it young) and our potential to find or develop the talent we’re missing, I see no reason why we can’t be at that point next season – 2 years max. I can see Tony being willing to stick around for something like that – as opposed to committing to a minimum of 3 years on some unproven, maybe it will work, maybe it won’t, total revamp.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:59 pmNo. I think we will be good in 2010, and likely go 8-8 this season. But I definitely think we will be a 2010 playoff team.
We are going to do an almost total revamp anyway, to clean up Herm’s mess. The only thing he did a decent job of was finding secondary and bringing in Albert and Bowe. Tamba Hali is a bust for a first-rounder and the verdict is still out on Glenn Dorsey.
The only way keeping Herm Edwards around will help this franchise is by getting us another top five draft pick. Get that bum outta here.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:09 pmWe hit 100, thanks to Double D.
Hearing that Herm has a chance to stay — GULP! — and that Ron Rivera could be his replacement if he doesn’t. I’m a big Rivera fan, and Zach and I actually discussed this last night. He said no, but I like Rivera. I’d rank him ahead of Ryan, probably still behind Spags.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:11 pmPlatinum – all that really matters baby!
January 14th, 2009 at 1:13 pmSoren Petro just said that now Michael Smith is saying that Pioli has not ruled out the possibility of keeping Herm. Sounds like there is a chance we have the Worm for another year.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:16 pmYeah, I read that over on ESPN along with the Rivera thing. That’s scary. Why does Clark like that guy so much. Kind of like Ah-nold liking Bush so much. Not going to stop liking the Governator, but it does make me shake my head.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:18 pmHis love and loyalty for Herm reminds me of how his dad was with Carl. Blind loyalty to a fault.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:20 pmBy what possible standard can anyone consider Dorsey a bust? After 2-14, apparently everybody’s a suspect.
And how can you ignore the contribution of guys like Brandon Carr, Brandon Flowers, Jamaal Charles, Dantrell Savage, and Tyler Thigpen? All those guys made immediate contributions as rookies (in Thigpen’s case – virtual rookie). These are the kinds of pick-ups that have paid dividends already and are bound to do so on even greater levels in coming years. Herm’s successor will get all the glory and credit for that of course – a la “turning a group of bad players around.”
January 14th, 2009 at 1:31 pmTamba Hali having an off season (strictly in terms of sack count I might add) after having two solid season does not in any way relegate him to scrap heap of busts. Tamba Hali’s career in the NFL is far from over.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:35 pmDantrell Savage did next to nothing, and Jamaal Charles is the most overrated Chief by far. Not impressed by Mr. Butterfingers.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:36 pmTamba has never played like a first-round DE should. Never. He was a reach. Let’s just face it instead of continuing to play the denial game.
And, yes, the book is still out on Dorsey, mainly b/c I wonder if his legs are right. Didn’t have the same burst, even though he played OK. Hopefully, Swamp Thing will return.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:37 pmMy guess is that Dorsey hit the (rookie) wall. He saw a lot of snaps this season and didn’t have much in the way of backups that could spell him. He’ll be fine.
For one thing, Savage was one of the first guys to really help improve the return game. That alone deserves some kind of award in my book. As far as Charles is concerned, yeah, fumbling was a bit of problem but that’s the kind of thing that can be corrected pretty easily and besides, it’s pretty hard to argue that were any better choices available at that point in the draft (early 3rd round) – Steve Slaton or a couple of WRs maybe and that’s about it.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:56 pm