A Tip Of The Cap To Carl Peterson

“Around the year 2000 Carl Peterson inexplicably forgot how to draft.  I can’t really say why, but for whatever reason Peterson became one of the worst drafters in the NFL practically overnight.”

That was me, two years ago after Carl Peterson “Stepped down”.  There were many reasons to dislike the guy, and he made a lot of mistakes.  But it always seemed like drafting was his most obvious Achilles heel.  I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it might be time to re-think that.

Who are the best players on our team?  I suppose answers to that question could vary, but there are a few obvious choices.  Brandon Flowers, Tamba Hali, and Jamaal Charles would have to be first ballot for anyone who’s been paying attention.  After that the waters muddy somewhat, but Dwayne Bowe and Derrick Johnson have certainly made strong cases for themselves this season.  Branden Albert and Glenngary Glenn Dorsey are arguably our best linemen.  Dustin Colquitt is a great punter.  Brandon Carri s a good number two corner.  What do these guys have in common?  They were all drafted by Carl Peterson.

Look, I’m glad Carl’s gone.  He deserved to be fired for a variety of reasons.  And this isn’t meant to be a backhanded slap at Pioli, either.  The 2010 draft class looks great.  I’m just saying, all our best players were drafted by Carl.  Todd Haley is winning games because of the talent Carl Peterson left behind. 

The case can actually be made stronger.  Even Eric berry, who had his coming out party yesterday, was essentially drafted to replace Bernard Pollard, another standout defender drafted by Carl.  Javier Arenas came from the pick we received for Tony Gonzalez, another Peterson draftee.  Brian Waters and Sweet Ron, our second-best linemen, were both brought in by the leather-wearing smug smile.

Look, Carl made some MASSIVE blunders on draft day.  When he picked Junior Siavii my jaw dropped, and stayed dropped for two years.  But Carl put together a great defense in the 90s, drafting Derrick Thomas, Neil Smith and Dale Carter and signing James Hasty.  It appears he may have done it again right before he left.  Flowers, Carr, Pollard, Hali, DJ and Dorsey (if you like).  That amount of talent on one side of the ball is nothing to sneeze at.  Turns out all those guys needed was some good coaching.  I guess I shouldn’t be surprised our players got better when we upgraded from Herm, Gunther and Krumrie to Romeo Crennel.  All hail Romeo Crennel.  And his pants.  God, I love those pants.

my thoughts on the game after the jump

We goin’ bullet points baby!  Lazy blogger’s best friend:

• Bowe.  Dwayne Bowe.  I’ve never loved watching a receiver like I love watching him.  The YAC, the fades, the celebrations!  My preseason prediction for D-Bowe was 1400 yards and 10 touchdowns.  If he makes it there I want someone to send me a fruit basket.  And none of that dried fruit either.  Apricots my ass. 
• Are Perv Smith and Sweet Ron actually good?  We’re almost halfway through the season now and those guys are still lookin’ mighty fine to my eyes.  I saw Tin Man on the field at one point and was like “Get him out of here!  I’m trying to watch our various fat guys play better than they should!”
• Every time either Charles, McCluster or Moeaki touch the ball I worry they’re going to get hurt.  Moeaki because of history, McCluster because of size and Charles because of they way he runs.  I cringed several times Sunday.  If we can get through the whole season without an injury to one of them it will be a miracle.  But man, all three of those guys are really talented.
• I think I may have identified a legitimate strength of Matt Cassel’s: not throwing interceptions.  He might not be mobile, accurate, or have a strong arm, but he doesn’t throw picks.  Not this year, anyway.  I’ll go ahead and celebrate that. 
• Hey Todd Bouman’s wife, sit down and shut up.
• These bogus pass interference calls are really getting to me.  I’m still pretty angry at those refs.  How does a guy on a limited budget go about getting revenge for something like that?  I tried getting in a screaming match with a subway attendant; it didn’t work.  I figured, you know, they’re both wearing uniforms, both disrespecting me (indirectly).  After 10 beers it made sense.  I don’t think I’m a very good drinker anymore. 
• So I guess I don’t get to make fun of Terry Copper now.  That catch was sick. 
• Our coverage unit could use some work.  Gary Stills, wherever you are, we need your help.
• Now let’s hear it for NFL owners!  They’re the real heroes. 

I was angry after the first half, but never nervous.  The zebras shepherded Jacksonville to a close game.  In the end we gave them the beating they deserved.  When you come to Arrowhead, you better come correct.  Nice to be able to say that again in a non-sarcastic manner.