Comments on: Merlin's Magic: Core Players Edition

By: hmills110

hmills110 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:47:38 +0000

I think the Chiefs have pretty solid core at LB, and can just keep modestly upgrading it over time. Most bang for the buck would be perimeter players who can win more one-on-one’s, and allow the LBs we have (or will add) to play downhill more.

Offense is hard to tell. Could’ve been nicks and bruises that cost Ndukwe and Alleman and O’Callaghan starting jobs in Mia/NE. See how many minutes they’re getting towards the end of the season and how well they’re doing with them. Might be some core OL players already on the roster, who just haven’t emerged, yet.

By: hmills110

hmills110 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:44:54 +0000

Carr needs to get better inside leverage, and not give up the middle of the field so easily. This looks like coaching, to me. Even without inside help, all our corners play as though there IS inside help. Carr, in particular, should use position to deny the middle and his size and athleticism to foil anything over the top. See SD game versus Vincent Jackson. He definitely has the tools, but needs work on technique that he doesn’t appear to be getting.

Flowers presents obvious mismatches. Almost rather see Flowers at FS. Flowers is a zone player or FS type of player, but he can’t single up.

If DJ can stay healthy, he’s a core player. It’s his nicks that set him back, and, in Haley’s system, you have to earn your way back onto the field.

Hali’s most productive season was on the strong side opposite Jared Allen, and he still seemed to get lost in the wash of bodies on running plays. Maybe SOLB or free-roamer, with 4 down linemen or 3 linemen plus Studebaker on the WOLB post (or vice-versa – I kinda like Studebaker at SOLB, with Hali at his (now-) usual WOLB slot.

By: Double D

Double D — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:49:45 +0000

Good work Merlin – as always.

I think DJ might be considered a core player for a lot of teams; just not this one apparently.

By: Randy5k

Randy5k — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:53 +0000

I agree with all of this Merlin, a much needed emotional boost.

By: Broncos Links | Predominantly Orange | A Denver Broncos Blog

Broncos Links | Predominantly Orange | A Denver Broncos Blog — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:53:29 +0000

[...] Despite the Chiefs poor record, they’ve got a good group of core players. [...]

By: Robb

Robb — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:02:18 +0000

I agree with this list but would hope to have Corey Mays here for quite some time. He seems to have found a nice home and is playing REALLY hard.

Also, is it just me or is it really sad to see that Derrick Johnson is not on this list. . . I’d like him to be – but he’ll probably not survive the off season.

short list, very sad and short list.

By: shane.smith

shane.smith — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:59:09 +0000

5′ 11″ at 186lbs. 24 year old kid with great speed.

By: Double D

Double D — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:47:15 +0000

How tall is Lance Long?

By: Jeremy Hanson

Jeremy Hanson — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:58:48 +0000

Yeah Merlin, I agree. It is troubling that out of 22 starters we have so few core players.

Tamba Hali is playing is butt off, but sadly, he still is not dominating anyone. I love him though.

By: shane.smith

shane.smith — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:54:18 +0000

I definately agree with your opinion of a core player and the core players on this team. I find it troublesome that there are so few. One long shot that gave me my only true excitement last Sunday was Lance Long. The guy totally reminded me of Wes Welker. If he stays healthy, he definately may be a core player and contribute nicely to our offensive scheme. Other than that, I have no names to add. If I could speak to Pioli & the boys I would beg them to start first with the O-line in the draft and in free agency. Heal that open wound first, and then address the rest of the open wounds/holes on our team!