Merlin's Magic: Kremlin Scott Pattern Edition

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When a new regime comes to town, people naturally start looking at what those folks did in previous jobs. We do this to try to get an idea of what we can expect in the future. However, there is a danger of expecting a carbon copy. To wit, I want to talk about Kremlin Scott and what I believe we can expect.

The Chiefs are in a different position from the Patriots when Pioli came to town. It would be foolish to expect the exact same plan that Pioli executed with the Pats applied to the Chiefs. For example, just because Pioli drafted LB Jarrod Mayo last year does not mean he will draft Aaron Curry this year. There is a very good case to make for drafting Curry, but it has nothing to do with Mayo. Similarly, just because Todd Haley had two very good wide receivers in Arizona does not mean that he will push for Michael Crabtree this year.

What patterns can we expect from Kremlin Scott? I see a couple of traits that seem to be highly valued. Lets go through them.

Brains is a big one. The Pats have consistently tried to acquire smart football players. While tests like the Wonderlic are not predictive of football smarts, I suspect that the Chiefs weigh it heavier than most teams.

Draft preference. If you look at Pioli’s drafts with the Pats, he has drafted a wide range of positions in the top three rounds. This appears to be more of going where he needs to go to fill needs with the right players than any firm philosophy. He does seem to grab a QB every two years or so. For those of you that think Pioli can always pull a good QB out of his ass, keep in mind that he also drafted Rohan Davey and Kliff Kingsbury.

Financial sacrifice from the players. This is an interesting one. With the Pats, Tom Brady has taken less money than he is worth. This sets the tone for the entire team. Will Pioli try to establish this with Matt Cassel? Keep an eye on this one Addicts. This may be what was behind Kremlin Scott not signing bigger name free agents. Pioli seems to be a guy that does not want to overpay for anyone.

Everyone on the same page. This is a big one and, frankly, the biggest positive change from the King Carl reign. This works well, provided the plan is good and the execution is good. However, the downside is that this mindset can become a bunker mentality. Healthy dissent is a good thing.

Versatility. Pioli seems to like multidimensional players, especially linebackers. When you have more than one linebacker that is an effective pass rusher, that does present challenges to the opposing team’s offense.

The ‘gym rat’ factor. A gym rat usually refers to a basketball player who never seems to leave the gym. He is always working on his game. Pioli wants the football equivalent. I expect Pioli to heavily downgrade players who takes plays off or get by more on talent than work. Look for the Chiefs to draft smart, dedicated high motor guys.

Role players. Pioli seems to put a premium on role players coming off the bench. When he signs a free agent, he does it with a specific role in mind. Does this get in the way of developing young talent? Time will tell.

KCMizzou

Excellent work here Merlin.

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Whir

I agree with this post. However, I prefer The "Pioli Trinity" to "Kremlin Scott" ...

Quazzimotto

Wow, thank God I hope they do! I hadn't read about that, best news I've heard all day! Thanks dbk301

dbk301

LJ isn't getting traded to Cleveland. First of all they already have a washed up running back in Jamal Lewis. Secondly, the Chiefs are getting ready to cut LJ. They are using his suspension as grounds to terminate his contract. The KC Star seems to think they have a good shot at their hearing on Wednesday about his contract. That is even better than trading him. No salary cap ramifications. He would just be wiped off the books.

Everyone has heard of the Pioli-ade, and with the hush hush orchestration around the new regime we ALL love to speculate on what'll happen next.

Although I don't know anymore than anyone else, I get the impression The Krem is about to put the Krem-della-krem in our roster. And it all ties around that #3 pick, TG, and LJ.

Here's a thought (and I'm just throwing it out there, someone probably already said it), but what if the Chiefs trade Tony Gonzalez to New England for either their 47th or 58th over-all pick? Would the Krem Scott & Co go for it if it were available?

I don't think they could turn it down. And New England adds yet another viable weapon to it's already potent offense. In the case of LJ, we all hope for some trade with Cleveland for Rogers and if that angle can be worked, the Krem man can do it.

My question on that: is Rogers the trench-working, smart, nose to the grind-stone player that we are talking about? Or is he just a really, really big guy that takes up 3 spots on the line to distract the other team while the rest of our guys try to make a play?

As far as that #3 pick goes, I dunno, I still like to think they'll find a way to trade down. I guess we'll find out April 25th! Here's to the future! Cheers!

SDChief

I have been 100 percent convinced on a draft day strategy....

when I saw Curry/Kruger being brought in, I thought, well this will look like I am just taking from a headline...but....

1..Curry-Fits all the criteria above
3...Kruger(if hes there)if not, Sidbury or Wood
4. Caldwell

zman

Problem is what we gonna do to get that second rd'er back? Or to get him we'd prob have to get back into the first dang near

Adam Best

Eben Britton is this year's Sam Baker. This year's Barnden Albert. This year's Tony Ugoh. This year's Joe Staley. I'm high on the kid.

One of your finest, Merlin. Other than disagreeing that there is a strong case for Curry, I am pretty much in across-the-board agreement on this one. I think the gym rat theory and Wonderlic will be part of the process.

On the other hand, Moss had a disastrous Wonderlic and is anything but a gym rat, so there are exceptions. I also doubt that Maroney's Wonderlic was very high after following the way that guy has acted since going Pro. But I do think that is why we worked out Eben Britton. He had like a 32 and is a natural right tackle. He's gonna be every bit as good as Jason Smith if you ask me.

Randy5k

I want to see some big thumpin' sackage this year.

Double D

Based on what others have said about him and my own impressions I pretty much get the same "feeling" about Pioli. Citing an example or two for each trait might make for a stronger case.

One thing that has impressed me about him since coming here is that he has started off by making special teams acquisitions one of his early priorities. Field position is a huge part of the game and special teams is where that all starts. Chiefs have by and large sucked at that aspect of the game for several years now. Finally we have somebody in charge who seems to understand that.