AA Greeting: Welcome To Haterville
Every Monday, Arrowhead Addict editor/lead writer Adam Best will kick off the week with his AA Greeting — his one-of-a-kind POV on all things Chiefs.
Since the Oscars just recently went down, I thought we’d honor the biggest haters from free agency’s opening weekend. Drumroll, please…
“Caveat Emptor” came off as sour grapes. He wanted Jon Kitna and Tyler Thigpen, while yours truly and a whole lot of others wanted Matt Cassel or a comparable young quarterback. He didn’t get his way, so he tried to paint the move as a mistake. He even went Scott Mitchell on us, which I would have given him points for if he had of actually come up with the zinger on his own. Daddy Defense, like Slumdog Millionaire, your views typically represent all the “little people,” and are presented with a lot of heart. Not this time. “Caveat Emptor” was completely out of touch. Wack.
Who? Who? Never heard of the guy. His whole column just sounds like some serious homespun hatin’ to me. There are “far more personnel men” who think Cassel’s a flop than a franchise quarterback? Really? Who have you been listening to and reading? I’ve heard just the opposite. But screw hearsay; Cassel made a believer out of me late last season, when he went 4-0 down the stretch and posted ridiculous numbers. I understand, Borges — you’re a Bill Belichick apologist. He’s obviously got your balls in his Darth Vader-like vice grip. Even Colin Farrell’s performance in In Bruges didn’t make me laugh as much as your column. You’re a funny guy, Borges.
I’d listen to just about anybody before the guy who gets clowned live and in living color by Woody Paige on almost a daily basis. Conspiracy theory? Not when your fellow haters are calling Cassel and Mike Vrabel a bench-riding phony and a washed-up snitch, respectively. If last year’s Pau Gasol trade in the NBA didn’t get overturned, there is no way this is even going to get investigated. What a desperate attempt to regain some readership after getting canned from the Chicago Sun-Times. Just how I don’t understand The Reader getting the props it did on the awards circuit, I don’t understand how Mariotti has managed to stay relevant for so long.
The Dark Write – Jason Whitlock
Boy, did Jason do some serious damage this past weekend. Way to cast a dark shadow over one of the few happy moments Chiefs fans have experienced during the past few years, Big Sexy.
First off, since he enjoys mafia references, he played the role of Luca Brasi for the Godfather of the Chiefs locker room, Brian Waters. Considering they are dealing with The Pioli Trinity and not King Carl and his consigliere Herm Edwards, I wouldn’t be surprised if B-Dub and Big Sexy were sleeping with the fishes soon. Can’t you just see the Trinity wacking them out as the No. 3 pick gets baptized, er, selected?
But seriously, nobody else even talked about Waters last weekend. After considering that, doesn’t it seem like Big Sexy was simply trying to stir the pot? His rivalry with Carl Peterson was his bread and butter, so it doesn’t surprise me that he wasted no time kicking off his feud with the new regime. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure Waters and Whitlock are cool, and I’m sure this was partially done as a favor to Waters. But the big fella definitely had his own agenda.
Then there was his column on the Cassel-Vrabel trade. You know, the one where he belittled Scott Pioli and Tood Haley by calling them Scott Belichick and Todd Parcells. You know Jason, I could do that to you. You have a mentor, too — the late, great Ralph Wiley. I could call you Ralph Whitlock. Real funny, huh? Ha, ha. They went out and did what you, myself and everybody else who covers the Chiefs had been begging them to do for, well, freakin’ forever — get a franchise quarterback! — and you respond by blasting them for it? Not only that, you went on to compare Haley to Dick Vermeil and Pioli to “King Carl on steroids” not long after you openly campaigned for both men. Worst of all, you welcomed three-time Super Bowl champion and 2007 Pro Bowler Vrabel to Kansas City by calling him a “snitch.” You, my friend, have watched one episode too many of The Wire.
Jason, Jason, Jason. Sometimes there’s no columnist I like better. I have no problem admitting it; for years now I’ve been both one of your biggest fans and your biggest critics. Why? Because when you’re on, you’re as good as anybody. Like the piece you did on the drug war and incarceration for Playboy last year. I always enjoy your FOX Sports columns as well (except when you called Chad Johnson a bojangler, that is). But sometimes you play the contrarian just so you can take the slant that nobody else is taking. Just admit it. I even see why you do it. It makes you look like an independent, outside-the-box thinker with brass balls, plus it stirs up conversation.
This concocted contrarian act is getting a little stale. We’ve seen it more times than Brandon Marshall’s been arrested at this point. Hey, all of us writers do things to elevate our own status and boost our readership. I can admit that I do it, too. But acting like Waters’ pushy divorce lawyer and throwing the new regime and their first two high-profile acquisitions under the bus in the same weekend was completely uncalled for. Especially considering that we are still in the honeymoon period. Besides, can’t you just let us enjoy possibly the biggest trade acquisition in the history of the franchise for a little while? Would that kill you?
Like The Dark Knight, you were the outcast on this one. Problem is, we just got rid of the Joker, we don’t want your gloom and doom right now, and we’re not down with you trying to turn Scott Pioli into Scotty Two-Face.
Brian Waters Trade?
If the Bills are willing to pull the trigger on a trade for Brian Waters, I’d make that deal. Waters signed his divorce papers this past weekend and he’s already 32. Plus, he still has value. I think we could get a third-rounder for him (We’re not going to get a fifth-rounder, too, as he’s older than Marcus Stroud.). I think most teams out there understand that old vets and a new regimes sometimes clash, and wouldn’t hold it against Waters. We could find his replacement with one of our two third-rounders.
King On Cassel
Peter King had some great things to say about Cassel in his latest MMQB, including that he thought Cassel was worth a first- and second-round pick plus change, not to mention a long-term contract once the trade was consummated. He also had this discussion with Haley about Cassel over the weekend:
Haley, who worked with Belichick and Charlie Weis with the Jets a decade ago, told me over the weekend what has him thrilled is that the New England offense and the Kansas City offense have the same verbiage and playcalls. “So we won’t have to take the time a new quarterback would normally have to take to get up to speed in a new system,” Haley said. “He knows this system. And I’ve watched so much of him from last year. I see a player who’s learned under a Hall of Fame quarterback in Tom Brady, and who’s so mature for someone with only a year’s experience.”
Those of you who were worried that Cassel would have a more difficult adjustment period than Tyler Thigpen can now relax. It’s also nice to hear our new coach speak so fondly about our new quarterback. God, it felt good to write that sentence.
King goes on to talk about defensive lineman Chris Canty, who apparently signed with the ninth team on his list. Does it bug me a little that we didn’t go after him? Sure it does, just like it bugs me that we aren’t pursuing Derrick Ward and especially T.J. Houshmandzadeh with all that money we have. But in Pioli we must trust. After all, he hasn’t let us down so far.
Free Agency Freeze Tag
Freeze — you’re not it. I guess Clark Hunt wasn’t joking when he told season ticket holders that we weren’t going to go crazy signing players during free agency’s opening weekend. That’s fine with me for two reasons, both of which seem obvious after what we’ve witnessed this weekend:
1. Pioli would rather surrender a draft choice and get a player he really wants, under a somewhat reasonable contract, than overpay for a free agent he doesn’t like quite as much. See: Bart Scott/Mike Vrabel. More trades look like they are on the horizon.
2. Pioli likes being the shot-caller, and not vice versa. He’s waiting until some of the remaining teams with cap space have spent their money and the remaining quality free agents have grown desperate.
Always waiting for The Pioli Trinity to methodically make their moves is a bit frustrating, especially when they don’t leak any information. Nonetheless, they have accomplished so much in so little time that we should continue to be patient.
Cutler Cut Loose?
Maybe the single greatest part of the Cassel trade is that it has destroyed the budding relationship between new Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, a QB guru if there ever was one, and Jay Cutler. Despite the spin from Broncos backers out there, it now looks like Cutler wants out of the Mile High City. The Bucs, Lions and Vikings are all interested in the young QB. The AFC West sans Cutler would be a much prettier place for the Chiefs to be, wouldn’t it?
Chiefs to the AFC South?
The Old Chief and I have a theory. We think that the Jaguars are going broke and will eventually wind up playing in that new stadium L.A. is building. I mean, can you really see the Bills or Vikings getting relocated? No, but you can see the Jags getting moved. If that happens, the divisions would have to be realigned. I think the NFL would move the Rams to the AFC South and the Jags to the NFC West. My reasoning? I think rivalries are more important than even geography, and that Roger Goodell realizes that. My old man thinks that the Chiefs and Jags would swap divisions, stating that the old NFL teams hate switching to the AFC.
I hope the latter is not the case. If the Jags do ever make the move, I can assure you that A.A. will be among those fighting on the front lines to keep the Chiefs in the AFC West.
You know who else hates Slumdog Millionaire? – Salman Rushdie. He said it was ridiculous, just like Caveat Emptor.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.72d8443178d81efb91dfe7eed836b682.6c1&show_article=1
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:12 pmWow, I get top billing! Thanks Adam!
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:26 pmMerlin,
My only problem with your post was that the author of the article you referenced has a serious man crush on Belichick, and could not acknowledge a potential mistake because of Belichick’s genius.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:02 pmI hate to outright say good job on a post, because I feel like a kiss ass, but I think you made a lot of great points in this one Adam.
I agree completely on Whitlock, he just enjoys trying to stir shit up, no matter how ridiculous his points may be, just to get people talking. I think when he isn’t trying to do his stir shit up articles, he can be very insightful, and I do enjoy a lot of his stuff.
I think one thing that isn’t being considered in the lack of big signings is that the team is definitely not taking on any bloated contracts. I like the bargain approach that is being taken. I think your point on waiting out the lower paid guys is spot on. I was terrified of Haynesworth as a Chief. That contract will stink in a couple of years.
I don’t agree on changing divisions, I just don’t see Kansas City leaving the West.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:15 pmWhitlock is just dhowing us his true side. He wants the Chiefs to fail…. It is good for business. winning is fun, losing is funny. What is Whitlock going to write about when we are winning?
That Cutler stuff is freaking awesome!!!!!! You know Haley and Pioli had a few smiles about that one. Two things happen, they fall apart or come together better than ever. I hope the broncose fall apart. BTW: Dawins will be 36 in August, right? He is not going to catch Bowe.
Why no play on the Romeo Crennel story? KFFL reported yesterday that he is condiering an off from us.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:15 pmSo, looks like TJ is going to seattle, nate washington to the titans…what WR do we go after now? devery henderson?
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:15 pmI really do know how to spell. I just get so excited. lol.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:16 pmhttp://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/02/nfl_insider_what_recession_bro.html
Crennell to be the DC? Since all the FA WRs are off the board this might be the next piece of the pie.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:22 pmI like the post…
That bit about Cassel basically knowing the offense already stuck out to me from MMQB too…Awesome…
Whitlock just wants attention/comments….just ignore him…
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:42 pmAgree with your post
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:45 pmIm new to posting but have read AA for months many times a day
I think pete Prisco has to be added to the list he is deffinatly a BONE HEADED HATER
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/11439558
He also has a post he just wrote that says the cutler for cassel is laughable and he just dogs on cassel
Oh yea…and Lauren Cassel is crazy hot…
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:47 pmI’m like you bryman, I don’t want to be a kiss ass either but great article adam.. I think that it is so sweet that not only did we get MC, the guy who the broncos were hot in there pants for, but now cutler wants out of denver! While I don’t think cutler will actually get traded, a lot of people do and how awesome would that be! I also think it is important to realize and to take into account that matt cassel has been a back up since high school, which a lot of people knock him for (cough merlin cough), but I look at it from the flipside. Matt does not have wear and tear on his body that a at qb in his 3rd year of the league would have… So were pretty much getting a fresh qb.. Haters keep drinking your haterade.. Like Katt Williams said the more haters you have the more your doing right
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:48 pmGreat post…
I usually agree with what Merlin has to say, but his opinion on the whole Cassel/Thiggy/Kitna thing was just way off.
Crabtree is getting the surgery sooner btw. Here’s hope for a speedy recovering and for being the #3 pick.
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:02 pmDamn lauren cassel is fine…
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:46 pmI’m disappointed in the way the Brian Waters deal is panning out. I’d like to see them resolve their differences. It would take away 1 0f 2 pieces on our O-line that are solid (Albert), creating another void to fill if we trade him. I’m not sold on being able to replace a Pro Bowl LG with a 3rd.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:20 pmI was thinking about why Pioli wouldn’t want to sign TJ. H today and I came to this conclusion. I think if he had gone out and signed TJ that devalues our 3rd pick a little bit. It tips his hand that he doesn’t want Crabtree. Now I’m not saying he wants Crabtree, but if teams think he wants Crabtree, well then they will be much more inclined to move up in a trade if they decide they want him. Just a thought to share with the class!
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:49 pmChiefs447,
Did you listen to Cassel’s teleconference? I listened to it on kcchiefs.com tonight. In it he said how Pioli was one of his biggest supporters and how last year whenever he needed advice Pioli’s door was always open for him to come talk. I thought it was interesting that Pioli’s door was always open for Cassel, but not for Waters.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:54 pmdbk:
Very interesting post and a great point.
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:35 pmdbk and Merlin:
I believe Cassel said that Pioli’s door was always open throughout last season anytime he needed to talk. But the distinction should be made that Pioli had an inferior (slightly) role in New England and that was during the season not the day before Free Agency commenced. Also that the truth of the Waters story is yet to be heard….we have heard one side from a “reliable source.”
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:10 pmGuys, our WR/TE group is far better than a bunch of other teams out there. Bowe and TG are nothing to scoff at. Why do we keep thinking that we need 3 probowl caliber receiving threats? I mean that would be nice, but it is a luxury I don’t think Pioli is even entertaining with our holes on the O-line and the mess we have at LB. Espessialy if we go 3-4. With Bowe and Tony, I seriously doubt we even took a look at TJ. Crabtree will not happen, mark my words. If we stay at #3 Curry is really the only choice we can make now that we bagged a QB. A QB which by the way should make our already good receiving game even better.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:53 pmBy the way, Adam nailed it with the Whitlock rant. I too see why Whitlock does what he does, but it’s a fine line. Abuse it too much and your opinions become as flimsy as wet toilet paper.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:58 pm2383:
WR/TE group, whole comment-perfectly stated.
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:03 pmIs it just me or does anyone else think Matt Cassel looks a lot like Jake Gyllenhaal?
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 amTJ is off the market….glad he went to a non-competitor…
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:25 amI too agree that we could be much worse off at the WR/TE position. However, with a new quarterback coming in I would love for him to have another weapon to throw to. Obviously this doesnt seem to be a top priority of the new regime but i still think we could use another WR on offense, after all we know what our new head coach can do with an abundance of talent on that side of the ball. That being said, i think Curry is our guy for the #3 pick. We definitely have to bolster our D but another offensive weapon wouldnt hurt.
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:14 amFirst time posting. Been reading this site since last draft when I was starving for info. Just a few ramblings and a point on the WR/TE.
I am fine with the way the Cassel trade worked out. Didn’t want to mortgage the future for him but wasn’t impressed with the choices in the draft. I think he will be less gamble than a junior draftee and won’t cost us any more than a #3 QB. (Sorry Merlin and Thiggy)
I have NO interest in Crabtree at #3 other than as tradebait to the Raiders or anyone that might want to take him instead of letting the Raiders have him. I do agree with the “no one wants to trade into the top few in the draft” setiment. Too much risk for the reward.
In regards to our WR/TE……….I think that the coaching philosophy change will allow the players we have to play at a higher level. I am not a Webb fan but have to figure that the trio at the top felt he was worth tendering. (hmmmmm couldn’t type trinity and am not religious) How much better will the passing game be with better OL help and time for speedsters like Franklin to get downfield. I watched him enough at Mizzou to know he has faults but speed isn’t one of them. He doesn’t have the hands of a Sippio (Adam lol) but he doesn’t have to take a taxi to get downfield either. I think that taking a TE in the later rounds makes lots of sense especially with the Merrit axing.
Ok long post but actually deleted a lot of thoughts that have been brewing. Will post more later.
Not claiming to be knowlegable but am a chiefs fan through and through. Is it fall yet???
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:59 amDrafting a TE late is not a bad idea, but I think that by the time Tony is gone, Cottam will have all the tools. Even now I wouldn’t be surprised to see him step in and play a respectable game.
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:57 amGreat stuff people but since this article is called Haterville and I am currently drinking Hatorade I have something I feel I need to address. What the hell is wrong with ESPN. I know alot of people dont watch ESPN first take but I do. Why wont ESPN get at least a remotely attractive woman co host on this show. They have the mountain horse faced buck toothed regular and a stable of no name (face) standing in. Seriously, give B squared (Bonnie Bernstein), Suzy Kolber, Erin Andrews, anyone else. I think my coffee would taste better if I was watching B squared rather than Horse faced killa.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:10 amYes that was a Wu Tang Clan reference (Ghost Face Killa). Me grammar is more bad today. My bad.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 amBeauty Wu reference. I don’t get ESPN here in Canada, but from what you are describing I am picturing a woman version of Shannon Sharp. A picture that would turn any Chiefs fan’s coffee sour.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:22 amThe problem with Whitlock’s column is pretty basic: He fumes over the new regime’s treatment of Waters based on Waters’ history of integrity and sound character. A fair argument.
However, then he blasts and attaches the label of snitch to Vrabel–a man with a history of integrity and sound character. Uhh, does anyone else see the hypocricy in that?
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:21 am