Comments on: Merlin's Magic: Veteran Pickup Winner and Loser

By: parrottheadluke

parrottheadluke — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:02:27 +0000

LOSER: Matt Cassel, sounds like a queer thing to say but I am a bit nervous about Cassel. He simply does not have the talent around him in KC that he did in NE. He wont have the luxury of holding on to the ball (he holds the ball too long = getting sacked for a loss). Mr Thigpen did not win a bunch of games but he already has a season of getting to know the receivers, and other offensive players in KC. I think we could have given him a chance to mature and saved ourselves a second round pick (usually better than the first). BTW. offense was our strong suit last year which leads me to……

Winners: Thomas, Vrabel yes they are both on the decline as far as age. But, as badly as we struggled last year with defense, we needed proven veteran leaders and got them in Thomas and Vrabel. they will both make immediate impacts.

By: Whir

Whir — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:28:18 +0000

Good post, Merlin. I pretty much agree with all of it.

By: Dr. Paine

Dr. Paine — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:51:17 +0000

I’m not at all concerned about veterans missing voluntary workouts. They really don’t need to be there, and they spend more time with their families before the inevitable grind of the NFL season. Vrabel will come in and do his job. He’s made a name for himself doing just that throughout his career and is well respected throughout the league. Getting traded to a rebuilding but up and coming team will not change that.

It was clear last year that the defense really lacked a clear-cut leader, no one guy who brings to mind the classic scene in the program when Coach Winters (James cann) says to Joe Kane: “you are the only guy these guys are going to follow.” That’s why we needed Zach Thomas so bad. He signed and was there in the weight room the next morning to show the young bucks how its done in the offseason. DJ has really taken to him as several of you guys mentioned, which really can’t hurt because if Zach Thomas had DJ’s size, speed, and athleticism, he would be a scary bastard to stop.

If the young bucks up front can gel and pick up the D, and the vet LB’s we brought in can lead and get everybody lined up, with the young talent in the secondary we should have a solid D before too long for a really long time. We just have to be patient…

By: woody

woody — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 09:38:54 +0000

Yes….mills…

Vrabel stated that his reason for missing them is because the union fought for them to be voluntary only and he is exercising his rights in the union…that is it…

Man, I hope Thomas makes D. Johnson into a monster…Too many times have we thought a veteran would train an up and comer and they have failed…soak it up derrick…

By: hmills110

hmills110 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:23:12 +0000

Vrabel was part of the fight to GET those voluntary activities to be voluntary. Waters is KC’s NFLPA rep. Both are within their rights. Both are good on-and-off-the-field men.

Their absence in voluntary OTAs raises questions, but there’s little to be gained by pressing for answers or making predictions based on their absence. History suggests both will come in and school the young’uns when the time comes. Meanwhile, Thomas is providing the leadership on D, Cassel is providing leadership on O.

All’s well with the world.

By: 2383

2383 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:40:55 +0000

I saw an interview where Vrabel basicaly said that he was not in to being a Patriot this year and that he wanted to leave. I think that is why he was part of the Cassel trade. I’m not to keen on his attitude as a Chief so far, but I am pretty sure it has nothing to do with not being in New England.

By: Jeremy Hanson

Jeremy Hanson — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:17:27 +0000

I agree with tgreen2103. Zach Thomas is slowing down, but he is still smart and a tackling machine.

I am also disappointed in Vrabel. He has missed quite a bunch of OTAs and been less than enthusiastic.

Dear Mr. Vrabel:

I am sorry you were traded from your beloved team. However, it is still very much a privilege to get paid quite a bunch of money to play professional football for the most appreciative fans you will ever meet. I expect you to give us 100% in your last, hopefully more, year(s).

By: bbq

bbq — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:47:25 +0000

I’m sure Vrabel was bummed, but I’m also sure he had a reason to miss the voluntary workouts. Even if he didn’t, the workouts were voluntary and he’s old. Give him a break.

Matt Cassel is definitely the most exciting player pickup. Love the potential, love the attitude, work ethic, and personality. I’ve just got this feeling that Cassel really could finally be the franchise QB we’ve been so desperate for.

I think our only disappointing veteran acquisition is center Eric Ghiaciuc. This guy was horrible in Cincinnati.

By: tgreen2103

tgreen2103 — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:45:31 +0000

I think Zach Thomas will prove to be the best pick up in the immediate future, and potentially in the long run. It is obvious that DJ is already following him around and mocking him so that is great. If the rest of the young players on defense begin to follow suit this could be a solid defense for years to come.

By: chieflonghair

chieflonghair — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:27:02 +0000

time will tell,,, GO CHIEFS!!!!