Tony… Kendrick…

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits.

As much as I intend to support the players originally drafted by this franchise, I understand sometimes those players don’t work out. I’m beginning to think that will be the case with both of your respective careers. There’s really no nice way for me to say what I’m about to say, but I’ll be as considerate as I can be. The two of you are on borrowed time in Kansas City if there isn’t significant improvement over the next four months. Your careers have been marred by injuries and inconsistencies. This is a courtesy, gentlemen. A fair warning (if you will). The new administration won’t be hesitant to part ways with the underachieving players from regimes past.

Anthony Fasano and Travis Kelce potentially spell the end of your tenure here in Kansas City, Tony. Fasano is a reliable veteran who’s been the picture of health his last five seasons in the NFL. Over that stretch, Fasano has missed just four games. He provides the kind of stability and productivity that will make him a favorite in the race to become the Chiefs’ #1 tight end. Kelce’s a hungry, physical young player who is gifted both as a blocker and as a pass-catcher. He’s easily the most athletic player on the team at the tight end position. He’s going to give you a serious run for the #2 tight end spot. You’re perilously close to being pushed out the door if you can’t shake the injury bug.

Sanders Commings could turn out to be the thorn in your side, Kendrick. Andy Reid has already told members of the Kansas City media that he got looks at free safety in the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp earlier this month. Commings is bigger, stronger, faster and has comparable ball skills. He was drafted as an outfielder by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008. He has lots of ball-tracking experience, Mr. Lewis. I’ve defended you on a number of occasions, but loyalty is a curious thing in professional football. If you can’t stay on the field and out of the tub, you’re going to be on the bench by Labor Day (oh the irony).

When the team gets to St. Joseph for training camp, blood should be drawn for a chance to bunk with head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder. He’s been heralded as one of the best athletic trainers in the NFL. His work is very well documented. Burkholder’s rehab program in 1995 helped Rod Woodson return from a torn ACL in about five months. In 2004, he helped wide receiver Terrell Owens return from a severely sprained ankle and fractured fibula in time enough to play in Super Bowl XXIX. The guy knows his way around an NFL injury. Do yourself a favor and get to know him on the right side of the training table.

Finally getting that issue with your shoulder resolved might actually kill two birds with one stone, KL. You’ve been a poor tackler throughout your stay in Kansas City. That’s a weakness your unit can’t afford, seeing as how you’re the last line of defense. Your one good shoulder won’t be enough to bring most ballcarriers down in this league. I tend to think if you were healthier, had better tackling form, and technique, you’d keep your job. Ballhawking safeties are coveted around the league, but ballhawking safeties who can tackle get new deals a little faster.

With you Tony, it’s more of an durability issue. You’ve already missed the team’s first OTAs of the offseason (back in April). In fairness to you, I know you had your knee scoped at the end of last season. Thing is, every opportunity you miss on the practice field, gets Kelce one step closer to pushing you to the bottom of the depth chart at your position. If that happens, I’d be shocked if you were re-signed.

The two of you are good football players who I’m sure most of the Kingdom would like to see earn second contracts with Kansas City. It’s going to be an uphill battle, but I’m sure you’re up for the challenge. As these position battles heat up, along with the summer weather, the pressure will be on. R&D will have a watchful eye on the tight end and safety positions. The best are going to play. Good luck to you, gents!

Until next time, addicts!

When the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Alabama linebacker Nico Johnson in the 2013 NFL Draft, most fans weighing in on Arrowhead Addict viewed the signing as a positive. After all, the Chiefs were in desperate need of depth at the ILB position. Johnson seemed to be the ideal candidate to replace Jovan Belcher. Johnson is a thumper that can fly into the gaps, eating up blockers and opening things up for Derrick Johnson to make plays. 

Not everyone was on board the Nico Johnson bandwagon, however. Arrowhead Addict senior staff writer Ladner Morse absolutely despised the pick, while fellow staffer, Stacy Smith, applauded the move. 

The two have been sparring in the comments for a couple of weeks now and so we thought we’d let them have it out in a two-part debate right on the main page of Arrowhead Addict. And so, without further ado, we present “The Nico Johnson Debate.” -PA

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SDS: The passing of Jovan Belcher in early-December left the Kansas City Chiefs with a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. The job opening was filled when the Chiefs selected Alabama linebacker Nico Johnson with their fourth-round draft pick. The former high school Butkus Award finalist and Scout.com five-star recruit went on to earn All-SEC Freshman team honors in 2009. Johnson played a key leadership role in a successful Crimson Tide career that netted him three national championships. Having a young football player with that kind of exposure to success will aid the team in cultivating a winning culture in Kansas City.

LM: Yes, Nico Johnson played on national champions for three of the past four years but, was not one of their best players. In the past three years 12 Alabama players have been drafted before the 99th pick in the draft, which is where the Chiefs selected Johnson this year. While many are hoping Nico Johnson would be a full time starter next to Derrick Johnson, his lack of experience and success against the pass make him a liability when the Chiefs face teams who use the pass on all downs. This means Nico Johnson should be viewed as a developmental player. In the 2013 draft, since both New Orleans and Cleveland lost their second round choices, the 99th pick essentially becomes a late THIRD round pick and the Chiefs should not have been targeting a “developmental player” with pick #99 but instead drafting a player who can start immediately and or contribute right away.

SDS: When thinking about those Alabama championship teams, there are a few things to keep in mind. Through the four years of Johnson’s collegiate career, he played with the following: Mark Barron, Dont’a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw, C.J. Mosley, Dee Milliner, Dre Kirkpatrick, Marcell Dareus, Josh Chapman, Kareem Jackson, Terrency Cody, and Javier Arenas. The University of Alabama is an NFL factory and the defenses Johnson played on were absolutely loaded. Despite the unusual depth of those Crimson Tide defenses, he made an impact even while having split time with C.J. Mosley and Rolando McClain.

Johnson is often criticized for what he lacks in pass coverage, but he was rarely asked to drop back in Nick Saban’s scheme. His coverage issues tend to be overstated. There simply isn’t enough game tape available to call him a “liability” in that phase of the game. Johnson is an athletic linebacker with servicable speed for the position and light footwork. Given the opportunity, Johnson could well prove that he’s a three-down player. Here’s a short clip that makes a compelling argument that he won’t have two left feet in coverage (taken from Alabama’s Pro Day):

LM: Admittedly, Nico Johnson is a very good athlete but, he can’t be considered Derrick Johnson good. That’s why DJ stays on the field for every defensive down. At Alabama, in passing situations, Nico would come off and C.J. Mosley would go on. If the Tide is pulling NJ in favor of a better pass protector it means he hasn’t gotten experience in that area. Nico Johnson played in 51 games for the Rolling Tide but, only started 20 games including 5 games as a Senior. That’s only 39%. That’s one reason Chiefs fans should only expect him to be a developmental player. The nature of the pro style game has evolved to where a pass can be expected on every down. Also, Nico Johnson’s challenges don’t stop with pass protection. NJ plays with his pads too high. So, what does that really mean? It’s means he doesn’t keep his shoulders low and he allows blockers to get into his body and cut block him with ease. When I wrote a review of Nico in January I said at that time that he could be a developmental prospect and I still believe it’s this tendency to play to high that he’ll have to overcome before he can be seen as an everyday every down starter.

SDS: I’m not sure that it’s fair to compare Nico Johnson with his surname-sharing counterpart just 17 days into his NFL career. While Derrick Johnson is currently heralded as one of the best inside linebackers in the league, he was widely considered a bust before head coach Todd Haley arrived in 2009. Without Haley’s chiding and a scheme change, DJ may never have gotten a contract extension in 2010. It typically takes time for a young linebacker to play at that level in the pros. Nico deserves the same opportunity to grow as a football player.

It’s been said that Johnson struggles in pass coverage, but what exactly is the argument? I’ll concede that he’s not particularly fast, but he makes up for that by knowing his assignment and being in the right places more often than not. He will also follow the quarterback’s eyes to anticipate where the football is going to be thrown. Having a jump in defending the pass typically helps him keep pace with runningbacks and tight ends for short periods of time.

Exhibit A:

Watch Johnson (#35) in man coverage against Vanderbilt’s runningback Jerron Seymour (who runs a sub-4.4 in the 40-yard dash). He was able to anticipate the play and stay right on Seymour’s hip. Had quarterback Jordan Rogers completed the pass, Johnson would’ve been right there to make the stop. Instead, he had such good coverage he was able to pick the ball off.

My opponent cited a previous AA article where he expressed concerns about Nico Johnson’s game. In case you missed it, here’s Mr. Morse’s mid-January evaluation of “NJ”:

Nico Johnson is a not-ready-for-prime-time-player in the NFL but, would make a terrific understudy there and if he’s available in the 4th or 5th round then the Chiefs should bag that Bama brute. Johnson goes 6-1, 245 and for some reason keeps his pads too upright and allows blockers to get their pads lower than his, into his chest and chop block his legs any time they choose. He’s not much of a “bender.” However, Andy Reid is a good teacher and Nico Johnson has all the physical tools so, in the meantime, he’d make a great special teams player.

The fourth round is precisely where Nico Johnson was taken. It would seem that the Chiefs filled an immediate need and got great value from the pick according to my opponent’s pre-draft assessment. The latter point about Johnson’s pad level is well taken. He does tend to “play high” at times. As a general rule, the player with the lower pad level tends to win a direct exchange (leverage is everything). Fortunately for Nico Johnson, this can be corrected with the right coaching and Gary Gibbs (linebackers) is one of the best position coaches on Andy Reid’s staff.

LM: The video of Nico Johnson having a QB throw the ball right to him is impressive. Your right Stacy, it’s absolutely not fair to compare DJ and NJ. But that’s the point, NJ will never be a DJ. One is a first round pick and one is a 4th round pick. However, on draft day I heard many fans saying they think Nico Johnson is the perfect player to step in next to DJ but, that won’t likely be close to being the case.

Let me make something perfectly clear: I hope John Dorsey and Andy Reid were right about Nico Johnson and that he can come in pick up coverage assignments and learn to be instinctive, read NFL offenses and pick blockers off for Derrick Johnson. I also think Nico is a good guy so I hope he makes it for his sake as well.

In an article called “Belcher is KC’s Thumper” written in December of 2011 by Josh Looney, Derrick Johnson tells the real tale of what a good ILB must be and do. He said of Belcher,

Probably half of my tackles come from Jovan blowing somebody up and I’m scraping over the top,” Johnson said. “He’s not a selfish guy. He knows what he has to do in this defense to allow certain people to scrape over the top for tackles. Sometimes in the 3-4 defense you have to be a sacrifice guy.

To play this role, Nico Johnson must read the play correctly, take out the lead blockers and sacrifice his body to make way for DJ to take a clear path to the ball carrier. Nico has the body to make this happen but, after watching hours of film on him I see a player who over runs plays, shows up late for plays that other team mates have already made and then hoots and hollers at the end.

Chiefs fans should be aware Nico Johnson only made 3.1 tackles per game in his Alabama career. However, the important aspect of the ILB’s game that should be focused on is tacking blockers so DJ and others can make the plays.

In January, when I first evaluated Nico Johnson, I said he would be a good pick in the 4th or 5th rounds. Now it’s clear he should have been a 5th rounder and remember, the 1st pick of the 4th round this year was the equivalent of a late 3rd round pick in any other year. Jamaal Charles was a 3rd round pick but, I can’t see a time when Nico Johnson will ever have the impact of a JC.

Tomorrow I’ll tell you why Johnson should have been a 5th rounder.

The Nico Johnson Debate Part 2 will conclude tomorrow morning.

Look for more fireworks then!

Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

According to Dan Hinxman of the Reno-Gazette Journal, the Kansas City Chiefs have hired former Nevada head coach and creator of the Pistol offense Chris Ault. 

From Hinxman’s blog on the RGJ.com website:

Former Nevada football coach Chris Ault will be a consultant for the Kansas City Chiefs, Ault’s agent, Bob LaMonte, confirmed today.

Ault, whose Pistol offense has become a mainstay in college football and is making inroads in the NFL, will join the staff of newly hired coach Andy Reid, formerly the Philadelphia Eagles coach. Reid is also one of LaMonte’s clients.

Kansas City made a similar hire in late-March when Brad Childress was brought on as their ’spread game analyst.’ It’s unclear whether or not the two consultants have been enlisted to forge a hybrid offense with Reid’s WCO as the centerpiece, or if they’ve been commissioned to help Bob Sutton and his defensive staff stop offenses who utilize those formations.

Ault coached Alex Smith’s former teammate and current 49ers starter Colin Kaepernick at Nevada. Smith doesn’t share Kaepernick’s athleticism, so it seems unlikely that Ault was brought in to help make a runner out of the Chiefs’ new quarterback. More details about Ault’s specific role with the team should come available as the Chiefs’ offseason program wears on.

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced the signing of third-round draft pick RB Knile Davis. With the deal in place, Davis becomes the third member of the Chiefs’ 2013 NFL Draft class to agree to terms. The Chiefs inked sixth-round draft pick C Eric Kush and seventh-round draft pick DE Mike Catapano last week.

Here’s what Davis had to say about the signing on KCChiefs.com:

It’s something that I always dreamed of, just getting to this point in my life,” Davis said. “It feels good but I know (when) much is given to you, much is required, so, I’m staying humble and am going to take it one day at a time. It’s good to have the contract and have the privileges but there’s a lot required with it.

The Chiefs still have five other draftees to sign: Eric Fisher, Travis Kelce, Nico Johnson, Sanders Commings and Braden Wilson. Kansas City’s rookie minicamp, held over the weekend, provided an opportunity for the team to negotiate with Davis. It’s possible that other rookie signings will be announced in the coming days.

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Clark Hunt has been characterized as everything but a caring owner concerned with building a winning NFL franchise. Hunt was named Chairman of the Board of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2005. Since then, the Chiefs have a combined record of 48-80. It’s tough to stare a .375 win percentage in the face and make a reasonable argument that the Chiefs are the “No. 1 priority” Hunt said they would be when he took over. So why should the new regime inspire any confidence? I’m glad you asked.

Here’s what general manager John Dorsey had to say, in a post-Draft press conference, about the Chiefs’ sixth round pick fullback Braden Wilson (Kansas State):

He fits the type of person that Andy wants as a fullback. The way Andy described the fullback position to me, how he wanted that filled, I thought it fit his makeup very well.

This suggests that Reid and Dorsey had pre-Draft conversations about the kind of players he’s looking for. It’s probably also safe to assume that Dorsey was open to suggestion. By a show of hands, who thinks former GM Scott Pioli did this with either Todd Haley or Romeo Crennel?

Bueller?…Bueller?…Bueller?

The relationship that Reid and Dorsey seem to share, in the nascent stages of the new administration, is refreshing. It also brings to mind the new organizational structure that Clark Hunt put into place back in late-December. Here’s what he had to say after the Chiefs relieved head coach Romeo Crennel of duty:

You have the structures where the coach answers to the owner, and the general manager answers to the coach. You have the structure we’ve had, where the general manager answers to the owner, and the coach to the general manager. And there are a number of teams that do it as we’re going to do it, as a dual, with the coach answering to me and the general manager answering to me.

What better way to ensure accountability than to have both Reid and Dorsey answering to the owner for their own individual responsibilities? I think such a structure encourages compatibility. That’s something that was sorely lacking in the failed Pioli administration. I never sensed any real solidarity in that group.  I can’t imagine Reid having a Tyler Palko moment to spite John Dorsey.

My early impression of the Reid-Dorsey marriage gives me hope that irreconcilable differences won’t the be roadblock to success. I won’t make any bold predictions here, but I’m persuaded that this administration will succeed (or fail) on the merits of its football philosophies, and nothing else. There’s still the matter of identifying the right football players to help turn the franchise around, but I’m encouraged by the aforementioned Dorsey quote about Wilson. I believe he will make it a point to equip Reid with everything he needs to effectively run his schemes. We’ll have to wait and see how well they ultimately work, but I’m excited that Dorsey won’t stand in Reid’s way.

Q. What happens when the general manager can’t scapegoat the head coach for multiple losing seasons?

A. He has to do his job and either sink or swim as the team’s hunter-gatherer.

Q. What happens when the head coach’s handpicked players don’t succeed in his system?

A. He has to own his failure to either install successful systems or effectively use the talent he’s been given. 

There’s nowhere for Andy Reid and John Dorsey to hide. Their best bet is to have one common goal - to field the best football team possible. If the two of them can extract the best elements from their previous stops, they’ll have an excellent shot at turning things around and having long-term success in Kansas City. If they can’t, our apathetic owner might have to pull the car over and separate them…from the organization. I suggest you two play nice.

Until next time, Addicts!

When last we spoke, I predicted the Kansas City Chiefs would select Eric Fisher with the #1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. It should be noted that my prediction came before the wave of national reports that the Chiefs would take Fisher with their top draft choice. Before those reports began surfacing on Wednesday and Thursday of last week, most of the talking heads and draftniks had the Chiefs linked to Luke Joeckel. I hate to gloat, but I made one bad prediction after another for the 2012 season. Cut me some slack here.

Now that the studio audience is done applauding, let’s look at the 2013 draft class:

1 (1): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
3 (63): Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati
3 (96): Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas
4 (99): Nico Johnson, LB, Alabama
5 (134): Sanders Commings, CB, Georgia
6 (170): Eric Kush, C, California (PA)
6 (204): Braden Wilson, FB, Kansas State
7 (207): Mike Catapano, DE, Princeton

Here are the most notable undrafted free agents the Chiefs agreed to terms with:

Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee
Brad Madison, DE, Missouri
Rob Lohr, DT, Vanderbilt

I’m pleased with what the organization did over the weekend, but here’s what the national talking heads are saying about the Chiefs’ 2013 NFL Draft class:

Nate Davis, USA Today

Kansas City Chiefs: Hard to argue with T Eric Fisher at the top, nor the trade of their second-round pick for QB Alex Smith. Fourth-round RB Knile Davis could more effectively assume the battering ram role behind Jamaal Charles after vets Thomas Jones and Peyton Hillis struggled in recent seasons. Former Alabama LB Nico Johnson (Round 4) might start, and Round 7 pass rusher Mike Catapano of Princeton is a developmental prospect to monitor. Grade: A-

Chris Burke, SI.com

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs could not go wrong choosing between OT Eric Fisher and Joeckel at No. 1. They might have gone wrong after that, depending on how well TE Travis Kelce walks the straight and narrow or when RB Knile Davis can contribute. CB Sanders Commings could win playing time, and I actually think seventh-round pick DE Mike Catapano will stick on this roster. Grade: B

Alex Marvez, FOXSports.com

Kansas City Chiefs: In the spirit of the Peyton Manning-Ryan Leaf and Drew Bledsoe-Rick Mirer debates, history will judge whether the Chiefs made the right call snubbing Texas A&M’s tackle Luke Joeckel to nab Central Michigan tackle Eric Fisher with the draft’s top overall pick. Andy Reid doesn’t have a history of using big running backs, which makes his third-round selection of 227-pound Knile Davis from Arkansas so curious. Grade: B

Rob Rang, The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

Kansas City Chiefs: A smooth pass-protector and a more physical run-blocker than Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel, No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher provides the Chiefs with a physical presence and insurance in case the club elects to trade franchised left tackle Branden Albert. While Fisher is safe, tight end Travis Kelce and running back Knile Davis are definite gambles on upside, though each could pay off significantly. Of the Chiefs’ third-day picks, I like the physicality and size of defensive back Sanders Commings and linebacker Nico Johnson. This is a solid class, overall, but, frankly, I would’ve taken Joeckel with the first pick and thought that the Chiefs gambled too much on upside throughout much of the rest of their draft. Grade: C

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News

Kansas City Chiefs: They couldn’t miss on can’t-miss Central Michigan left tackle Eric Fisher first overall, but otherwise, what Andy Reid and John Dorsey did was underwhelming. Overrated Arkansas running back Knile Davis was a wasted third-rounder. It wasn’t exactly a “worst to playoffs” weekend for the Chiefs. Grade: C-

The full staff here at AA will be doing player evaluations throughout the week, but I’d like to talk about the class as a whole.

These eight players will be the foundation the new regime builds its legacy on. The first draft class for this administration is key to the future success (or failure) of this franchise. Look no further than the 2009 draft class and the impact it had on Scott Pioli’s failed regime. Only two of the players drafted in 2009 are still on the roster (Tyson Jackson and Ryan Succop). It can be argued that only one of those two is in good standing (Succop).

John Dorsey is in the same position his precedessor was in four years ago. He’s writing his own redemption song for a football team that went 2-14 in 2012 (like Carl Peterson’s Chiefs in 2008). Pioli also had a Top 5 draft pick when he came on board. The pick was used to take the much-maligned Tyson Jackson 3rd overall. Given everything that’s happened with Branden Albert, Dorsey can’t afford to miss on Eric Fisher like Pioli did with Jackson. Neither can he have six of the other members of his first class wash out of the organization (and in some cases the NFL) in just four years.

A successful launch of the new administration will require drafted players to live up to or exceed their draft expectations. I suspect that Eric Fisher and Nico Johnson will be Day 1 starters in Kansas City. In time, I think it’s possible that three more of the 2013 draftees could join the first team. Ideally, that will come through winning their individual starting jobs outright and through producing on the football field.

In the past, a lack of capable competition helped underacheiving players win starting roles by default. That should change under John Dorsey and Andy Reid. If that can happen, this organization has a future to look forward to. A failed draft class will lead to excess dead money and the inevitable rebuild.

I’m sure no one in Chiefs Kingdom wants to see a re-run of the last episode in Kansas City. Time will tell how well the Chiefs did this past weekend with the 2013 NFL Draft. These young players have a long road ahead of them. In the meantime, the Chiefs will host a three-day rookie mini-camp on May 10-11-12. Rumble, young men, rumble!

How do you feel about the Chiefs’ draft picks? Use the comment section below to weigh in.

Until next time, Addicts!

With the 1st pick in the 2013 NFL Draft…
The Kansas City Chiefs select Eric Fisher, offensive tackle, Central Michigan.

Eat your heart out, Luke Joeckel.

I’m sure this isn’t the prediction you were hoping for, but let’s be realistic. Branden Albert and the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t on speaking terms, the rumors about Miami’s willingness to meet Albert’s demands are heating up, and the Chiefs are unlikely to get better draft value at another position. Drafting an offensive tackle is basically inevitable at this point; however, I don’t think it’ll be the one the draftniks expect.

I believe Joeckel will be better out of the starting blocks (as he’s currently the more polished player), but Fisher will eventually become the superior left tackle in the NFL. Fisher has the edge in athleticism and is easily the more aggressive and physical offensive lineman of the two. There are some concerns about the level of competition he faced in college, but there are no questions about how dominant he was against said competition. Joeckel’s name has been linked with the Chiefs for months now, but Fisher is the best left tackle in this draft class.

The AP Third-Team All-American has the potential to become a Joe Staley at the next level. Fisher’s a mountain at 6’7″, 306 pounds, but he’s light on his feet. Fisher dominated at the Senior Bowl then went on to post a 5.05 40 time, 27 reps of 225, and a Combine-best 116″ broad jump and 4.44 in the 20-yard shuttle. His draft stock has skyrocketed over the past 90 days. Initial scouting reports had him going somewhere in the middle of the first round. He’s now in position to be the first player taken in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com seems to think the Chiefs prefer Fisher to Joeckel. He says there’s quite a bit of buzz around league circles that the Chiefs just may take him with the #1 pick:

I wouldn’t be shocked if the Chiefs decided to take Eric Fisher with the #1 pick. A lot of buzz out there. #NFLDraft

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) April 17, 2013

I think there could be some truth to Jeremiah’s speculation. Several of the draft experts think Fisher has a higher ceiling than Joeckel. I’m also in that camp. I’m no Mike Mayock, but here’s a deeper analysis of Fisher’s game.

In pass protection:

Pass blocking may well be the strongest part of Eric Fisher’s game. He has excellent balance, anchors well, and has nimble footwork to effectively mirror his man. His smooth, quick kick step makes it possible for him to keep up with quicker defenders. Fisher’s long arms make it difficult for defensive players to get into his chest. He tends to keep his base wide and that helps him win most of his battles. Couple all of this with above-average leverage and the ability recover quickly, and you’ll understand why he’s sure to become Alex Smith’s best friend on the football field.

As a run blocker:

Fisher is an adequate drive blocker who should fit right into Andy Reid’s power-blocking scheme. His lateral movement is impressive for a player his size and he has the foot speed to get to the second level on run plays. Fisher has good straight-line speed, but he’s also quick in getting off the ball. He’s particularly adept at exploding into a defender and maintaining his blocks. He’ll get high on occasion, but he’s generally a natural knee-bender. Eric Fisher has enough lower-body strength to move a defender, but he could stand a little extra time with Barry Rubin (head strength and conditioning coach) once he arrives in Kansas City.

Here’s some of the best footage available of Fisher’s work against top competition:

We’ll square up again next week to see if I was right and to talk about the rest of the Chiefs’ 2013 draft class. Use the comment section below to make your own predictions about what the Chiefs will do with their top pick. Just remember, “When I’m right, I’m right. When I’m wrong, I could’ve been right, so I’m still right, cause I could’ve been wrong.” We good?

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Trivia time, boys and girls:

Q. Who was the last starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs to win a playoff game?

A. Elvis Grbac

I hope the question didn’t confuse you. We all know Joe Montana was the last starting quarterback to win a playoff game for the Chiefs. I was actually looking for the last starter (at quarterback) to win a postseason game with any team. That’s even more significant than the former factoid. Kansas City hasn’t had a leader experienced with postseason success for more than a decade. Grbac hasn’t been on the Chiefs’ roster in 13 years (2000 was his final season with the team). Is it any wonder that the Chiefs haven’t won a meaningful game in January over that stretch?

Like it or not, Alex Smith is the new starting quarterback for this franchise. There’s plenty you can say to disparage the man as a football player, but he has won in the postseason. His performances in those playoff games two years ago weren’t an aberration. Smith played well enough in those two games for San Francisco to advance. He posted a 101 passer rating that postseason, throwing five touchdowns and no interceptions. I think that experience will aid the new-look Kansas City Chiefs.

Yesterday, I watched the April 4th episode of Chiefs Live and Alex Smith’s comments about Kansas City’s first voluntary workout of the offseason struck a chord with me:

You have to treat every day like a sprint, work as hard as you can to get better each and every day and keep stacking days together.

Smith knows how important a flashpoint the early offseason workouts are along the trajectory of an NFL season. He understands how a viable contender ought to prepare. Starting today, the Chiefs will embark upon a three-day voluntary minicamp. I’m persuaded that having the leader of your football team bring that to the table will aid the Chiefs in maximizing these workouts. That kind of leadership has been missing in Kansas City since Bill Clinton was in office. Think about that for a second.

I should clarify my intent here. I’m not in any position right now to say that the acquisition of Alex Smith will pay postseason dividends. I just don’t know that yet, but I am convinced that he’s a great fit for this team. Smith is poised under pressure, he can slide around in the pocket, will deliver the ball accurately on short-to-intermediate throws, take care of the football, and will make prudent decisions on where to throw the ball more often than not. All of that will be beneficial to head coach Andy Reid’s WCO system. Every coach wants to bring a winning culture to an organization mired in mediocrity, but that’s hard to do when your ace in the hole doesn’t know what that looks like.

Smith can be an effective leader for this group because he’s been exposed to the championship-caliber football they’re now aspiring to. There’s been endless talk about Reid’s postseason resume, but he’s not a player and won’t be in the trenches when the real bullets start flying. Players also look to their peers for guidance and Smith, at the most important position on the field, can provide that. Whether or not it will translate to the field remains to be seen. This team has a long way to go before they can be taken seriously. For now, I’m persuaded that Smith will impart just how important these workouts can be to building the kind of team that can win January football games.

Next week we’ll jump back into draft coverage and I’ll have my final predictions ready.

Until then, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) has reported that the Kansas City Chiefs have signed former Eagles linebacker Akeem Jordan.

From Wilson:

Linebacker Akeem Jordan agreed to a one-year contract with Chiefs with minimum salary benefit plus $20,000 signing bonus, per league source

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) April 14, 2013

The Chiefs’ new linebacker visited with the team on Friday.

In 2012, Jordan was an outside linebacker in Philadelphia’s 4-3 scheme. He wasn’t well suited for the role and earned a -1.7 grade from Pro Football Focus. He’ll most likely be moved inside in Kansas City and should get a look for the vacancy next to Derrick Johnson. In addition to another recent linebacker signing, the Chiefs now have excellent depth at that position. It’s quite possible that they may have even found a replacement for the late Jovan Belcher.

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a week since last we spoke and to my surprise, there’s still no consensus in Chiefs Kingdom on what the team should do with the #1 pick. This was supposed to have been a joyous occasion for fans of this organization. The 2013 NFL Draft is the first time Kansas City has held the draft’s top pick in the history of the franchise. I’m sure most of you pictured a much different scenario. You were expecting a quarterback to stride across the stage to greet the NFL commissioner (if ever we were in this position). Unfortunately, it looks as though that ship has sailed.

Virtually every mock draft on the worldwide web has us taking Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel with our R1 selection. The muddled situation with franchised left tackle Branden Albert has made that inevitable. Albert is clearly unhappy with where he stands with the Chiefs. He opted not to attend the team’s voluntary workouts last week. Here’s what he had to say in a recent interview with NFL AM:

Until I know my situation with certainty, I’m going to stay away. [I want to know] if I’m going to be there long term. Right now, everything is uncertain. I want that long-term commitment, but as you know in football, you don’t have too much control of the situation. I want to play for the Chiefs, but I want that commitment long term.

The Chiefs hold Albert’s rights for the 2013 season and have committed $9.8 million of their cap in using the tag to retain him. It’s unclear whether or not he figures into their long-term plans, but it’s been rumored that there’s been no real contract negotiation between the sides. SI.com’s Peter King reported that the Chiefs would listen to trade offers for Albert, but we heard later that they were seeking multiple picks. In my estimation, Kansas City is unlikely to get multiple picks for Albert. It’s time for the front office to consider trading him for one R2 pick and calling it a day.

The 2013 NFL Draft is rich with talent between the middle part of the first and second rounds. Having only one pick in those rounds, that will eventually go to backfilling the left tackle position, puts the team at a disadvantage. The Chiefs seem to be resolved in moving on from Albert. With a flurry of quarterback movement over the past week (Flynn to Oakland, Kolb to Buffalo, Palmer to Arizona), there’s little chance that they’ll find a trade partner willing to move up that high. They may as well trade Albert before April 25th, clear the $9.8 million from their books, and give themselves an opportunity to come away with another starting-caliber player in the draft.

I’m not a part of the fan contingent who now sees Branden Albert as a malcontent. I completely understand his desire to know if he has a future with this football team. My suggestion that the Chiefs trade him is not emotional. I think it’s the best way for the Chiefs to manage an unfortunate series of events. Without a new contract, the relationship between the Chiefs and Albert could continue to deteriorate.

I’m curious as to why there’s been so little progress with this situation. Is the front office concerned that Albert’s back problems may resurface? That’s a legitimate concern, but then why give him $9.8 million for 2013? If John Dorsey has his sights set on replacing Albert, why carry such a high cap number for this season? Draft his replacement and be done with it. I won’t pretend to know the master plan. There may be a very good explanation for their silence on the matter. I just hope that sooner (rather than later) the team goes or gets off the pot.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’re so inclined, share them in the comment section below.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Last week we took a look at my ideas for the first three rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft. Follow the jump and get yourself up to speed if you missed that article. If you’ve already read it, let’s continue on with the last four rounds.

Which players can help the Kansas City Chiefs in the back half of the draft?

Fourth Round

1. Tony Jefferson, FS, Oklahoma

If the former Sooner were a few inches taller, there’s a good chance he’d be a Day 1 draft pick. Jefferson is a shade under six feet tall and that will prove to be problematic for some teams with a need at safety. Jefferson is a physical safety with above-average ball skills. He’s got good instincts, is an asset in coverage, and can also contribute on special teams.

2. Marquise Goodwin, WR/KR, Texas

Goodwin is one of the fastest players in this year’s draft class. Back in March, he ran a sub-4.3 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He’s an extraordinary athlete, but he’s still developing as a wide receiver. Goodwin’s route running leaves a lot to be desired, but if he can be molded into an NFL receiver, he’ll be dangerous. Goodwin’s straight-line speed also makes him a threat on special teams.

3. Kevin Reddick, ILB, North Carolina

Reddick is the kind of disciplined thumper the Chiefs could use in the middle of their defense. His instincts and awareness coupled with solid athleticism make him a force in run support. He’s not great in pass coverage, but can cover well in a small area. Reddick’s four years as a starter in North Carolina make him a polished prospect.

Fifth Round

1. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

I’ve expressed my disdain for Landry Jones all offseason, but if he’s available here, the Chiefs should take him. Jones has the prototypical size and arm strength you want in an NFL quarterback, but that’s about where it ends. He’s a younger version of Matt Cassel, with a slightly higher ceiling. Jones has trouble with his reads and with decision making in the pocket. He also lacks poise when under pressure. Jones isn’t much of a gamble as an R5 pick though and could develop with Reid mentoring him.

2. Nick Kasa, TE, Colorado

Kasa is a converted defensive end now playing the tight end position. He’s still green though, as he’s only had one full season in that role (2012). Despite a college career mostly on the defensive side of the ball, Kasa has natural pass-catching ability. He’ll need help with his route running, but with his size and speed, he can develop into a good NFL tight end.

3. Spencer Ware, RB, LSU

Peyton Hillis was a disappointment in his role as Jamaal Charles’ back up last year. When he wasn’t injured, he was ineffective. The Chiefs have two young backs in Cyrus Gray and Shaun Draughn, but both of them are right around 200 pounds. Kansas City could use a bigger back for short yardarge/goalline situations. Spencer Ware is that back, both in stature and in his running style. He’s big, physical, thrives on contact and has the ability to break arm tackles. Ware has limited speed, but he’s a downhill runner who will earn tough yardage between the tackles.

Sixth Round (A)

1. Ty Powell, OLB, Harding

Defensive end Tyanthony Powell is well on his way to being the first player drafted from Harding in 30 years. His work at the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, and Harding’s Pro Day has been turning heads and he could go one full round earlier than I expect him to. Powell’s not big enough to play defensive end in the NFL, but he’ll be able to effectively make the switch to outside linebacker. He’s one of the more intriguing Division-II prospects and would serve the Chiefs well in a rotational role at OLB.

2. J.C. Tretter, OG, Cornell

Tretter’s is just the low-risk, high-reward offensive lineman you want at this point in the draft. He’s a very athletic football player who moves well despite his size. Tretter isn’t particularly long so he’ll have to move inside in the NFL, but his flexibility and coordination are impressive. He needs all the help he can get from an NFL strength program. If he can get stronger at the point, he’ll have a chance to be a long-term interior lineman in this league.

3. Emmett Cleary, OT, Boston College

The Chiefs have all kinds of questions along their offensive line. There’s not much in the cupboard where starters or depth is concerned. The departure of Ryan Lilja and Eric Winston creates a need for new faces up front. Cleary is a mountainous offensive tackle who can provide some quality depth for Kansas City. Cleary’s a big man, but there are still concerns about his ability to handle bullrushes in the NFL. He’ll win most hand fights, but he’s susceptible to giving up the edge and/or being overpowered.

Sixth Round (B)

1.  John Boyett, FS, Oregon

Boyett is an intriguing defensiveback who should be available in the bottom half of Round 6. If not for concerns about his height (he’s just 5’10″) and injuries to both knees, he’d probably be drafted much higher. As a football player, Boyett’s a playmaker. He has good ball skills, tackles well in space, and is a defender with above-average anticipation. He’s not the physical specimen that most teams will want at safety, but he plays the position well.

2. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State

Jon Baldwin is likely down to his last chance to prove himself as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. Donnie Avery may or may not be over the injury bug, so the Chiefs would be wise to consider Wilson here. Marquess Wilson’s game bears a striking resemblance to #89. He’s a shorter, leaner version of Baldwin, but he’s similarly problematic in jumpball situations. Wilson has great body control and can adjust well to the ball in the air. He doesn’t have great speed, but he’s a long-legged wide receiver who quickly covers a lot of ground.

3. Bruce Taylor, ILB, Virginia Tech

Taylor has all of the requisite skills you want in a 3-4 inside linebacker, but the Lisfranc injury Taylor sustained in 2011 may have permanently lowered his ceiling. Being instinctive and having great recognition makes Taylor trouble for an opposing team’s run game; however, Taylor isn’t going to impress anyone when he has to drop back. The foot injury may have cost him some speed and that further complicates his ability to keep up in coverage. A lack of closing speed will make him a target in the NFL.

Seventh Round

1. Jeff Baca, OG, UCLA

The former Bruins left tackle has little chance of staying on the outside in the NFL, but he’s one of the nastiest offensive linemen in this class. Jeff Baca is fierce both as a run blocker and in pass protection. Baca’s a contact initiator and typically gets into his man quickly. He’s also active and will always look for someone else to block once he’s handled his initial assignment. Baca’s not quite as strong as his size would indicate, but with time to build strength, he can be a force on the inside.

2. Miguel Maysonet, RB, Stony Brook

Maysonet will be a steal if he’s still on the board this late in the draft. The 5’10″, 205 pound runningback had eye-popping production in his three years at Stony Brook. Over that span he amassed over 4,600 rushing yards and 53 touchdowns. He could very well be the Alfred Morris of the 2013 NFL Draft. Maysonet is a smart, determined runner who is always looking for additional yardage after intial contact. In the right situation, Maysonet can be an immediate contributor.

3. Manase Foketi, OT, West Texas A&M

The Polynesian offensive tackle out of West Texas A&M had a peculiar college career, but he finished strong. Foketi had stints at both Mt. San Antonio College and Kansas State before ending his career as a Buffalo. Foketi’s a rare blend of great size and athleticism. He’s a big man with the ability to slide his feet quickly, though probably not quick enough to stay at tackle in the league. Foketi is likely to be moved inside where his aggression will serve him and the lack of lateral mobility won’t be as big an issue.

We’re a scant three weeks away from meeting the Chiefs’ 2013 draft class, but we can have a little watercooler fun until then. Here’s your chance to finish up your AA mock draft. Use the comment section below to post your own ideas. I welcome your thoughts whether you agree with these two articles or not. Just be sure to have fun with this.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NFL Draft is now officially one month away. We’re up to our necks in draft coverage here at Arrowhead Addict, but it’s still an exciting time in Chiefs Kingdom. Debates are raging over what Kansas City should do with the top overall pick and that’s unlikely to change before April 25th. I’m not qualified to advise general manager John Dorsey on the draft, but I’d like to take a stab at it anyway.

The following lists will only deal with the first three rounds. We’ll finish this up next Tuesday.

Here are round-by-round options I think the Chiefs should consider:

First Round

1. Trade down

There are several teams drafting in the Top 10 with questions at quarterback. It’s possible that one of them may have interest in trading into the top spot to draft Geno Smith. This option restores Kansas City’s second-round draft pick and gives the Chiefs a chance to get better value for their R1 selection. Who they decide to take afterwards depends entirely upon where they land.

2. Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M or Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

Branden Albert will be the starting left tackle for the Chiefs this season, but his future in Kansas City isn’t certain. The recent signing of Albert’s franchise tender secured his rights for 2013. Beyond that, the Chiefs don’t have any security at the position. Drafting one of the young tackles secures Albert’s replacement if he leaves after the season. Both Joeckel and Fisher could also be Day 1 starters should the Chiefs find a trade partner for Branden Albert.

3. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

This is clearly the one choice the team is least likely to make. They have quite a bit invested in new starter Alex Smith and free agent Chase Daniel. Drafting Smith would create a quarterback controversy immediately. I’m not convinced that Dorsey will be fond of spending nearly $10 million on that position in 2013. That said, Geno Smith is the best quarterback in the class and limits the amount of time the Chiefs are wed to Alex Smith.

Second Round

The Chiefs traded their R2 pick for Alex Smith so unless they trade Branden Albert or the #1 pick, their only responsibility is to stay awake and watch the board. They could package picks and move back into the second round, if necessary. On the chance that they recover the R2 pick, here’s my shortlist:

1. Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU

The 2012 Butkus Award finalist is more football player than athlete, but his instincts and motor make him an intriguing prospect in round two of the draft. He’ll be a liability in coverage, but he’s great in run support. Minter is an instinctive linebacker with a nose for the ball. What he lacks in speed, he’ll make up for in football IQ and awareness.

2. Eric Reid, FS, LSU

Reid is a tall, athletic defensiveback with versatility. He’s rangy and can make plays at every level on the football field. Reid has a great combination of size and speed and has the kind of aggression that brings attitude to a defense. His ability to support the run and contribute in coverage make him an option at either free or strong safety.

3. Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse

I’m not convinced that the Chiefs have answered the quarterback question completely. Drafting Nassib gives Kansas City a good insurance policy at even better value. I was impressed with his quick release and good footwork in his Senior Bowl footage. Nassib has an arm that Alex Smith would die for. He can make every NFL throw and do so with velocity and accuracy.

Third Round (A)

1. Kiko Alonso, ILB, Oregon

The former Ducks’ standout linebacker could come into Kansas City and be an immediate contributor on the inside. Alonso is a tenacious defender who closes quickly on ballcarriers. He’s athletic enough that he won’t be a liability in pass coverage. He’s excellent at sniffing out (and subsequently snuffing out) pass plays out in the flat. Alonso is a high-effort player that can be used in a number of ways. He’s a defensive coordinator’s wet dream.

2. David Bakhtiari, OT, Colorado

The three-year player out of the University of Colorado is the kind of right tackle Chiefs Kingdom has been waiting for. Bakhtiari is a nasty offensive lineman who plays the game with attitude. He thrives on initiating contacts and will pancake a defender, if possible. David Bakhtiari has great upper-body strength and can really immobilize a defender once he’s gotten his hands on them.

3. Robert Woods, WR, USC

Woods is a former high school All-American who went on to be highly productive at Southern Cal. He’s a great value here and has the potential to be a #1 wide receiver in the NFL. Woods plays with a sense of urgency and is very quick. He runs crisp routes and is explosive when he’s running with the football. Woods has good hands and tends to catch the ball away from his body. He’s a scrappy, hard-working receiver who will fight for every yard in the NFL.

Third Round (B)

1. Barrett Jones, G/C, Alabama

There’s been some concern that Rodney Hudson might not be healthy to start the 2013 season. Drafting Jones would give the Chiefs a solid contingency plan if he isn’t. It’s a good bet that Jones’ limitations as an athlete will have him move inside in the NFL. With his technique, he’ll be well served as an interior lineman. Jones is a smart run blocker who will use good angles to create space for runners. He’s been a big part of those championship runs at Alabama and will similarly be a long-term solution for the Chiefs.

2. Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

Free agent Mike DeVito isn’t an ideal fit for the 1-gap scheme Bob Sutton wants to run. Montgomery is the kind of high-motor defensive end that the Chiefs need to bolster their passrush. He has a limited assortment of passrushing moves, but he hustles until the whistle blows. Montgomery could develop into a defender who can play on all three downs, but with DeVito in the fold, he’ll have time to mature at a natural pace.

3. Bacarri Rambo, S, Georgia

Rambo might be a bit of a risk here, due to his character issues (he was suspended more than once during his collegiate career), but his talent is undeniable. He’s a physical athlete who is willing to stick his nose in over the middle and lay a hit on a ballcarrier. He’s also instinctive and reacts quickly to the ball. If a team can see beyond his checkered past, he’ll be a solid pick at the bottom of this round.

We’re all armchair general managers at this time of the year. This is my humble attempt at identifying players who can take this football team to the next level. As always, you’re welcome to disagree with me. Do so in the comment section below. I look forward to reading your well-reasoned draft ideas for this franchise. We’ll square up again next week to go over the final four rounds. It’s your turn now. Let it begin!

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

We’re seven days into the new league year and the Kansas City Chiefs are a decidedly different football team. John Dorsey and Andy Reid now have new starters at four, possibly five, positions. There’s been no kidding around at One Arrowhead Drive this offseason. The Chiefs are widely considered to be one of the early winners in free agency.

Let’s recap, shall we?

1. Signed S Husain Abdullah (1 year, $715,000).

2. Franchised LT Branden Albert ($9.6 million).

3. Re-signed WR Dwayne Bowe (5 years, $56 million).

4. Re-signed P Dustin Colquitt (5 years, $18.75 million).

5. Re-structured DE Tyson Jackson (2013: $4.2 million).

6. Traded 34th pick and a conditional 3rd (2014) to the Niners for QB Alex Smith.

7. Signed free agent TE Anthony Fasano (4 years, $16 million).

8. Signed free agent DE/DT Mike DeVito (3 years, $12.6 million).

9. Signed free agent CB Dunta Robinson (3 years, $13.8 million).

10. Signed free agent WR Donnie Avery (3 years, $8.55 million).

11. Signed free agent QB Chase Daniel (3 years, $10 million).

12. Signed free agent CB Sean Smith (3 years, $16.5 million).

13. Signed free agent G/T Geoff Schwartz (1 year, $1.2 million).

The players listed above are those most likely to compete for roster spots, though several other players were signed to minor deals. That’s an impressive haul for Kansas City’s new head coach and general manager. There’s still work to be done (namely in finding a new right tackle and an inside linebacker), but the Chefs are cooking. Andy Reid told the media the team would now shift their focus to the NFL Draft.

“Who knows what happens from here?” Reid said. “We had this wave here and then we’re going to step back and kind of analyze what’s out there now. Is there a move to be made here or there? Yeah, possibly. But you’re digging in on the draft now.”

“It’s important to get ourselves ready for the draft. Both John and I have said this before: That’s kind of where you build your football team. It’s not necessarily through free agency. That’s not what we’re trying to attempt to do.”

With all the Chiefs have accomplished in free agency, they won’t have many pressing needs when the draft rolls around. Couple that with Geno Smith’s highly-regarded pro day last week and Buffalo’s release of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, and the Chiefs should be in a position to trade the #1 pick. Recovering their R2 pick would be helpful to the team. The second round figures to be fertile ground for both of the Chiefs’ remaining vacancies (right tackle and inside linebacker). A player like Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o or A-PB’s Terron Armstead would come in and contribute right away.

The most impressive part about the recent signings is how well they fit Andy Reid’s offensive and defensive plans. Say what you want about Alex Smith, but his accuracy over short and intermediate routes is exactly what Reid’s West Coast Offense calls for. The same is true of wide receiver Donnie Avery. He’s the fleet-footed complement to Dwayne Bowe that Chiefs Kingdom has long been waiting for. His ability to rack up yardage after the catch will be beneficial to Reid’s offensive system. Anthony Fasano is a blue-collar tight end, but his durability, reliable hands, and excellent run blocking talents will help mobilize the league’s worst scoring offense. Geoff Schwartz is a versatile offensive lineman who gives the Chiefs options along the offensive front. Schwartz could start at either guard or tackle. No word yet on Kansas City’s preference, but Schwartz has said he’d like to play guard.

New cornerback Sean Smith is an ideal candidate for defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s scheme. Sutton prefers press coverage and Smith is a big, physical player who is excellent within the first ten yards (as he can effectively jam a wide receiver). Did I mention that Smith is just 25 years old? He still has room to grow as a football player and should continue to mature under Emmitt Thomas and Al Harris. Safety Husain Abdullah has been out of football for a year, but PFF ranked him as one of the 25 best safeties in the NFL in 2011. He played only half of the season, but PFF gave him a +3.1 grade. In 2010, he played over 800 snaps in 15 games and received a +6.9 grade. If nothing else, he provides great depth at the position.

The Chiefs free agent class isn’t unimpeachable though. We’ll have to wait to see how the Chiefs plan to use cornerback Dunta Robinson. If he’s converted to free safety, his skillset will upgrade the position. He’s a hard-hitting defensive back who is great in run support and is a sure tackler. If the coaching staff prefers him at Nickel, forget I said anything. He’s lost a step and will have trouble covering smaller, faster receivers in the slot.

Mike DeVito is arguably one of the five best run-stuffing defensive linemen in the league, but he might’ve arrived a year too late. Now that Sutton is changing Kansas City’s defense to a 1-gapping system, I’m not sure DeVito was the right guy. He’s more of a 2-gap player. DeVito will be superb in run support, but he gives you even less than Glenn Dorsey when it comes to getting after the quarterback. Expect him only to play on first and second downs. Chase Daniel’s a bit of a mystery as Kansas City’s backup quarterback. He’s respected, but he’s only thrown nine real passes in four NFL seasons. His contract may have been a bit high for a guy as unproven as he is, but he can say he studied under one of the league’s best (Brees).

Overall, I give the 2013 free agent class a B+. This bunch, barring injury, should have a real shot at winning the division. Andy Reid can tell you that no group of free agents necessarily equals change in the left column of the NFL’s standings. These players need to gel for the grand design to work. They also need Kansas City’s front office to continue to put the right pieces together in the draft next month. It’s hard to argue with what they’ve done so far, but the team still has a long way to go. There are only five weeks left for the Chiefs to get ready for the 2013 NFL Draft. Dorsey deserves credit for being active in free agency, but it’s time for the Chiefs to look to the future.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

So far, so good.

We’re still six hours from the start of the NFL’s free agency period and general manager John Dorsey has already done most of the heavy lifting. He agreed, in principle, to send the 34th overall pick and a conditional 3rd round pick in 2014 to San Francisco for quarterback Alex Smith. The reported compensation was a bit too high for my liking, but he wasted no time in answering the quarterback question. Dorsey went on to franchise left tackle Branden Albert and re-sign wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (5 years, $56 million) and punter Dustin Colquitt (5 years, $18.75 million). Those three transactions actually all took place on the same day (Monday, March 4th).

The Chiefs’ new GM also re-structured defensive end Tyson Jackson’s contract, cutting his 2013 compensation by more than $10 million. That’s quite a haul within a span of just six days, but he still wasn’t finished. Dorsey added former Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson to the Kansas City secondary for a modest three-year $15 million contract. I thought this team had five problem areas heading into the offseason (QB, DE, WR, ILB, and CB). Four of those positions have at least been partially addressed and the new-look Chiefs are well on their way to digging themselves out of the AFC West’s cellar.

More reports about John Dorsey’s free agency plan surfaced over the weekend. Jason La Canfora (of CBS Sports) was told by league sources that the Chiefs are working on a new deal to retain right defensive end Glenn Dorsey. If he’s not signed by 3pm this afternoon, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. Kansas City believes there’s a place for him in Bob Sutton’s 1-gap scheme. He’s expected to use both 3-man and 4-man fronts. That’s good news for Glenn Dorsey, as he’s probably better suited for the 4-3.

The league’s unofficial start to free agency began at Midnight on Saturday, March 9th. The Chiefs quickly took advantage of the 87-hour contact period by getting in touch with the certified agent of cornerback Sean Smith. Just nine hours later, it appeared that the team was no longer interested in Smith. Smith’s contract expectations appear to be the reason why the Chiefs lost interest so soon. Reports suggest that he’s looking for a deal that will pay him $7-8 million per year. It’s now apparent that the Chiefs don’t intend for Dunta Robinson to start opposite of Brandon Flowers, but Sean Smith seems to be off their radar.

Thus far, there’s been a sense of urgency at One Arrowhead Drive, but John Dorsey seems to be unwilling to overspend to reshape this team. That’s a refreshing change and a great way to start a new regime. If I had to guess, I’d say that the Chiefs have a few more tricks up their free agent sleeves. This football team could go into April’s draft with only a few major needs. Unfortunately, one of them is likely to be along the offensive line. Right tackle Eric Winston was unexpectedly cut last week. Chiefs Kingdom won’t like this, but that re-opens door to Texas A&M tackle Luke Joeckel as an option for Kansas City’s #1 pick.

If we’ve learned anything over the past week, it’s that this administration is unpredictable. I have no idea what to expect from Reid and Dorsey as the NFL offseason ramps up, but here’s a shortlist of free agents I think the Chiefs should consider:

Runningback:

1. Danny Woodhead, Patriots
2. La’Rod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals

Wide Receiver:

1. David Nelson, Bills
2. Danny Amendola, Rams

Tight End:

1. Martellus Bennett, Giants
2. Brandon Myers, Raiders
3. Jared Cook, Titans

Right Tackle:

1. Phil Loadholt, Vikings
2. Gosder Cherilus, Lions

Inside Linebacker:

1. Brad Jones, Packers

Cornerback:

1. Chris Houston, Lions
2. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Eagles
3. Cary Williams, Ravens

Safety:

1. LaRon Landry, Jets
2. Patrick Chung, Patriots

The next six weeks should be very interesting. The speculation about what the Chiefs have planned for their top draft choice is at a fever pitch and only figures to continue with each new signing. More answers are forthcoming for the organization though. In a few short hours, we should know a bit more about what Dorsey and the Chiefs have in mind. Let’s reconvene next week to talk about what the Chiefs got done.

Until next time, Addicts!

Hope has been restored in Chiefs Kingdom, my friends! When reports began surfacing about the trade agreement between Kansas City and San Francisco (for Alex Smith’s services), there were some thoughts that the Chiefs offseason campaign was already headed down the drain. Luckily for fans, Kansas City’s new GM was only getting started.

With moments to spare late Monday afternoon, Chiefs general manager John Dorsey re-signed punter Dustin Colquitt and wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. Dorsey completed the hat trick by designating left tackle Branden Albert as the team’s 2013 franchise player. This is cause for celebration because these transactions have simplified Kansas City’s path to the NFL Draft. In locking up the three biggest names on their list of pending free agents, the Chiefs now have options.

In light of yesterday’s developments, who will the Chiefs draft 1st overall? There are still no clear answers, but it appears as though Luke Joeckel is no longer a foregone conclusion. Things could change once free agency begins on March 12th, but as it stands there are about four positions the team still needs to address (inside linebacker, cornerback, defensive end, and wide receiver). It’s reasonable to think Dorsey and the Chiefs will be players in the free agency sweepstakes, so that list could grow even shorter over the next seven weeks.

I won’t re-hash the help likely to be available in free agency. I began circulating those names on this website back in late-January when I wrote two articles that laid out options for this football team (part one & part two). There are a few notable salary cap casualties that could be added to those two lists, but we can revisit that conversation when free agency opens next week. For the moment, I’d like to turn my attention to draft possibilities.

1. Trade Down

According to reports, the Chiefs have already used the 34th overall pick in the NFL Draft to acquire Alex Smith. That trade effectively dashed my hopes of John Dorsey taking Geno Smith with the top overall pick. I suppose that’s still possible, but it seems highly improbable at this point. It also doesn’t seem likely that they’ll find a trade partner willing to give them a king’s ransom for their top draft choice, but I’d be shocked if Dorsey didn’t at least inquire. Recovering their R2 pick in a draft with so much talent crammed into opening two rounds would be a coup for Chiefs brass. There are at least two positions where the Chiefs need new starters (cornerback and inside linebacker). The better the talent, the greater the chance of a prospect making an immediate impact on this football team.

2. DeMarcus “Dee” Milliner, CB, Alabama

The starting cornerback spot opposite of Brandon Flowers is arguably the biggest hole on Kansas City’s roster. Now that the quarterback and left tackle positions have appropriately been addressed, Javier Arenas’ former Alabama teammate becomes a candidate for the #1 pick. Milliner had quite a showing at the NFL combine and his stock is quickly rising thanks to two sub-4.4 times in the 40-yard dash. Dee’s combination of size and athleticism would be an excellent addition to a talented young Chiefs secondary. Milliner’s footwork is a bit concerning though because he wasn’t often required to backpedal in Nick Saban’s coverage schemes. Fortunately for Kansas City, Andy Reid retained secondary coach Emmitt Thomas.

3. Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

The Chiefs owe defensive end Tyson Jackson $14.7 million in 2013. He’s in no danger of coming back to Kansas City at that number. There’s been some talk that the Chiefs are working to re-structure his contract, but nothing is imminent. On the other side of the defensive line, the Chiefs have a soon-to-be unrestricted free agent in Glenn Dorsey. As much as it will pain some of you to read this, the former University of Florida standout makes sense for this franchise.  Floyd would become the fourth defensive lineman since 2008 to have been drafted by the Chiefs in the Top 15, but if Dorsey’s allowed to walk the Chiefs will need a new starter at defensive end. Ropati Pitoitua will also be unrestricted come March 12th. Floyd has scheme versatility, one-gap/two-gap familiarity, a quick first step, and a great motor. He figures to be a longshot for the top pick though as he wasn’t exactly a dominant college football player.

If the NFL Draft were to be held tomorrow, these are Kansas City’s three best options (in my humble opinion). Here’s your chance to weigh in on the issue though. Use the comment section below to make your case. Things change quickly in the NFL this time of the year, so this could be a different conversation in another week when free agency starts. Let’s reconvene to discuss next Tuesday morning.

Until then, Addicts!

Mandatory credit: Michael Hickey-USA TODAY Sports

When last we spoke, Chiefs brass were headed for Indianapolis to attend the 2013 NFL Combine. It was precisely there, in Lucas Oil Stadium, where I believed the team could find answers about their future at quarterback. Seven days later, Kansas City is covered in snow and shrouded in speculation about Alex Smith. There have been rampant rumors that the Chiefs may already have a trade deal in place with San Francisco. It’s often said that where there is smoke there is fire, but the reports are far too conflicting to provide any real answers for the inquiring minds of Chiefs Kingdom.

It’s hard to make sense of all of the information available, but I’m not sure we have to. I think there’s one primary factor that will ultimately decide the course the Chiefs will take at quarterback. That factor is Kansas City’s left offensive tackle Branden Albert. It’s his fate with (or without) the organization that will determine who calls the signals at One Arrowhead Drive next season.

According to a report by USA Today, Albert did his part by passing a team physical a few weeks ago. It’s now up to John Dorsey and Andy Reid to decide if Albert is healthy enough to warrant a new contract. I suspect that successfully re-signing Branden Albert would require a six-year deal in the neighborhood of $54 million (think Duane Brown). That’s a big commitment for the front office to make and if there’s any concern about Albert’s back holding up, the Chiefs won’t pull that trigger.

Several national reports suggest that the Chiefs are quite fond of Texas A&M tackle Luke Joeckel. Draft experts believe he’s the best option for the Chiefs’ #1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. It may seem to be counter-intuitive to let a proven player walk for one who hasn’t played an NFL down, but he’s widely considered to be one of the best prospects at any position in this draft class. He’s certainly a safer alternative for the franchise if there are doubts about Albert’s durability.

If the Chiefs are unable to reach an agreement with Albert, they still have until March 4th to retain him by applying the franchise tag. That’s the last day a team can designate either the franchise or transition tags to retain a player. Using the tag would guarantee Branden Albert roughly $9.6 million for 2013 and give the team additional time to get him locked up to a long-term contract. Bear in mind, the tag could also be applied to retain the services of wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. That seems like a less likely scenario, since Bowe was tagged in 2012. The rule requires NFL teams to pay either the 2013 number ($10.3 million for wide receivers) or 120% of the previous year’s salary. Dwayne Bowe made $9.5 million in 2012 and would be due approximately $11 million next season.

I expect Albert to be tagged if the Chiefs sign Dwayne Bowe to a new contract prior to March 4th. If the two remain untagged when the designation period ends, Albert will mostly likely hit the open market. There’s some thought that the presence of Ryan Clady, Jake Long, and three NFL-ready left tackles in the draft (Luke Joeckel, Lane Johnson, and Eric Fisher) will keep the market for left tackles modest. The Chiefs will have a chance to make a fair market offer to keep Albert, but he’ll be unrestricted and free to sign with another team. If Albert defects for another NFL city, it all but guarantees that they’ll take Luke Joeckel with their top draft choice.

If the Chiefs tag or re-sign Branden Albert, Joeckel won’t be an option for the Chiefs’ #1 pick. The announcement of defensive tackle Star Lotulelei’s heart condition is expected to lower his draft stock, effectively removing him from the conversation as well. By the process of elimination, Geno Smith would quickly become the favorite to land the top spot in Kansas City’s 2013 draft class. It’s been rumored that the Chiefs are shopping the #1 pick, but a trade-down scenario seems improbable given the top talent available this year. There isn’t much of consensus about who the top five players in this draft are.

So there you have it, Addicts. Branden Albert is either the gift or the curse. The next six days are crucial to the future of the quarterback position in Kansas City. If you’re on the Geno Smith bandwagon (you should be), root for Albert to be re-signed or tagged. If you prefer another San Francisco backup or one of the alternatives in a weak quarterback class, root for the front office to let him walk. Just remember that Oakland also needs help at the quarterback position. Do you really want to see Geno Smith lighting us up for the next decade in the silver and blech? I didn’t think so.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Morning, Addicts!

Stop me if you’ve heard this:

Before I begin, allow me to clarify my position: I’m convinced that Geno Smith should be the player the Kansas City Chiefs take with the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. I believe he can help turn this organization around and bring championship-caliber football back to this town. If John Dorsey selects any other player with the #1 pick I’ll be supremely disappointed.

That was the preface to last week’s article about WVU’s quarterback Geno Smith. I’m still firmly entrenched on that bandwagon, but I’m now willing to be open-minded about what happens on the opening night of the 2013 NFL Draft. For months I’ve been swooning over Geno and trying to convince everyone who would listen that he’s the right guy for this organization. In my humble opinion, there are no other options for this football team.

In reality, the NFL Draft is never that cut and dry. John Dorsey has a very impressive draft record. Andy Reid has proven that he can get the absolute best out of his starting quarterbacks. While neither of them are infallible, they’ve both forgotten more about the draft than I’ll ever know. The debate about who the right quarterback is will rage on for another nine weeks, but none of us can forget about the people ultimately making the decision on that Thursday night. John Dorsey’s the captain of this ship and it’s his opinion that counts. I’m prepared to trust his evaluation of the 2013 quarterback class.

By now, most of Chiefs Kingdom is in full panic mode after Dorsey’s well publicized comments last week:

There is no quarterback where personnel guys can definitely say, ‘He’s a first-round pick. There were so many inconsistencies in the collective group. There was not one guy that stood up and said, ‘I’m the guy in the position this year.’ There really wasn’t one clear-cut guy. There are too many technical flaws, scheme flaws. There are so many different variables that there are a lot of people all over the place on naming the top four or five guys and who those guys would be.

That’s a curious thing for Dorsey to say given all we’ve heard from the draft pundits over the past 3 months. We’ve heard time and time again that as many as three quarterbacks could be taken in the opening round. Keep in mind that it’s mid-February and we’re still 4 days away from the NFL Combine. Dorsey and the Chiefs will have a chance to see these quarterbacks up close later this week. He’ll also have the opportunity to interview and get to know these players. There’s no way to undersell the importance of that aspect of the draft process.

I’ve said all offseason that I won’t cry in my beer if the Chiefs wind up with extra picks and Tyler Wilson at quarterback. I believe that as many as three quarterback prospects from this class are capable of having successful NFL careers. I want John Dorsey to get his guy. I’m hoping that he thinks it’s Geno Smith, but I’m not going to run him out of town on a rail if he doesn’t. His tenure here in Kansas City depends on him making the right decision. Picking the wrong guy will eventually cost him his job.

Geno Smith seems to be the best option available to Dorsey. Star Lotulelei and Luke Joeckel are the only other players worthy of the Chiefs’ top choice. If the reports are accurate though, Branden Albert will be re-signed (eliminating Joeckel). Lotulelei would be the only alternative if Dorsey isn’t sold on Smith. Trading down seems unlikely in 2013. I’m not confident that the Chiefs will be able to find a trade partner for this class. The consensus is that there’s no clear cut #1 pick. We could see that change over the next two months, but as it stands, the Chiefs are probably going to turn their first blue card in from the 1-hole in this year’s draft.

This is a nervous time for all who pledge allegiance to this franchise, but the Combine this weekend may make life easier for all parties. If Geno Smith lights it up for all NFL eyes to see, he could paint Dorsey into a corner. On the slim chance that doesn’t happen, I still expect this team to draft a quarterback this year. This team and this fanbase needs a talented and bright young quarterback to believe in. This team and this fanbase needs a quarterback who isn’t currently occupying an NFL roster. Enjoy your weekend and be sure to make time for Sunday’s Combine coverage of quarterbacks (NFL Network). We’ll reconvene next week to talk about what happened.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Before I begin, allow me to clarify my position: I’m convinced that Geno Smith should be the player the Kansas City Chiefs take with the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. I believe he can help turn this organization around and bring championship-caliber football back to this town. If John Dorsey selects any other player with the #1 pick I’ll be supremely disappointed. That said, there is one scenario where I’d co-sign that decision. If Geno Smith doesn’t throw at next week’s NFL Combine, I’ll completely understand it when the Chiefs draft another player with their top choice.

As crazy as that sounds, I mean every word of it. Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III have complicated Geno Smith’s path to the draft. Their success in 2012 has everyone convinced that Smith is an inferior quarterback prospect unworthy of the #1 overall pick. I’m not sure that I disagree with the notion that they were better prospects. I can be persuaded that they were both safer choices than Smith, but I also realize how being drafted just one year after the two of them has informed the dissenting opinions of the talking heads and draftniks.

People tend to forget that the word ”inferior” is a relative term. Luck and Griffin were better prospects, but that doesn’t change the fact that Geno Smith is a blue-chip talent. The problem is that he’s been compared to the two of them endlessly over the past six months. Their record-breaking rookie campaigns certainly didn’t help. If Smith were a quarterback in 2014′s class, I think we have a different discussion on our hands.

Geno’s situation is further compounded by a weak quarterback class surrounding him. The 2012 quarterback class produced five Week 1 starters, three of which lead their respective teams to the post-season. That class is already being heralded as one of the best of all-time.

With all of this in mind, how can Geno Smith become the consensus #1 pick over the next ten weeks? The answer is simple. The surest way to be taken #1 overall is to throw at the NFL Combine next week. There’s been some question about whether or not he will do that. Smith is currently training with former Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke at the IMG Academy. There are a few problem areas in his game that he’s hoping to sort out before the draft. If there’s a knock on the kid, it’s his inconsistent mechanics.

Smith could stand to drive his throws more often. His leg drive can vary and that often causes his passes to “hump.” He also needs to work on having a more stable follow through. He can be sloppy at times and that has an effect on his ball placement. Poor follow through creates passes that sail. The difference between a completion in the collegiate ranks and the NFL is striking. If Smith can shore up his footwork and delivery, he’ll be able to achieve optimal results with an otherwise exceptional arm.  Fitting passes into a smaller window will require better and more consistent mechanics. Geno needs time to work out the kinks in his game, but hopefully he won’t abstain from an opportunity to throw next week.

I’ll be concerned if Geno Smith opts not to throw at the NFL Combine. There’s far too much discussion about how no quarterback in this class is worthy of the #1 pick. Geno can separate himself by having a strong performance. If he doesn’t, that will leave me with serious concerns about how confident he is in his own abilities. It’s not uncommon for top quarterback prospects not to throw in Indianapolis, but this is a unique situation. The position isn’t as settled as it was in 2012. The best way to silence the experts is to make the trip to Indianapolis and prove that he’s the top choice in this year’s class. Not just among the quarterbacks, but among all positional players coming out of college.

It’s been 30 years since the Chiefs last drafted a quarterback in the opening round. Do the Chiefs really want a quarterback who’ll wait until mid-March (WVU’s Pro Day) to make his case as this year’s top quarterback? The most important position on the field requires a level of confidence that borders on arrogance. Pro Days rarely hurt top quarterback prospects because they’re much more controlled and scripted. Smith can end the debate by stepping onto the field in Indianapolis, alongside the other quarterback prospects, and making his case with his arm. If he doesn’t, I’ll have no issue with the Chiefs drafting Star Lotulelei.

I know this is unlikely to sit well with some members of Chiefs Kingdom. As always, you’re welcome to disagree in the comment section below. For his sake (and ours), I hope he decides to throw next week so that we can move forward. I’m sick of hearing about how the organization will be reaching to take him with its top pick. Give ‘em Hell next week Geno! Do us all a favor and keep Alex Smith out of the red and yellow uni next season.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Last week I began this two-part article by exploring free agent options, on the offensive side of the ball, for the Kansas City Chiefs. If you missed last Tuesday’s piece, please take a moment to get yourself up to speed. If you’ve already read it, let’s jump right in and take a look at the defensive and special teams units. Remember, I’m only looking at viable options for the Chiefs. Any players omitted from this list aren’t in my armchair GM plans for this team.

Defensive End

1. Ropati Pitoitua, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs initially signed Pitoitua in May of 2012, just six days after having his contract terminated by the New York Jets.  He was brought in to provide depth, but due to an injury to starter Glenn Dorsey, Pitoitua started 10 games for Kansas City. The Chiefs got a maximum return on their modest $950,000 investment. Pitoitua was by no means a world-beater in 2012, but he was only expected to be a rotational player. He finished the year with 51 tackes, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass defensed. With Dorsey likely heading for another team, it would be wise to keep Pitoitua around to have depth available at the position.

Inside Linebacker

1. Brad Jones, Green Bay Packers

Jones filled in admirably for starter Desmond Bishop when Bishop was placed on injured reserve back in August. Pro Football Focus ranked him as one of the ten best inside linebackers in football this season. Green Bay has a crowd at linebacker with D.J. Smith and Desmond Bishop returning from injury in 2013. They’re also faced with the decision to bring back A.J. Hawk or not. Green Bay needs to free up some cap space to lock up valuable pieces of their organization. Cutting Hawk won’t create much room for them though. They only stand to save a few million dollars by releasing him ($2.25 million to be exact). Jones is a three-down linebacker and would be an upgrade over the late Jovan Belcher and his successor Brandon Siler.

2. A.J. Hawk, Green Bay Packers

Without re-hashing the linebacker and cap situation in Green Bay, it’s clear that either Hawk or Jones will be the odd man out next month. Hawk would likely have to take a pay cut to return. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll want to do that. He may force Green Bay’s hand and wind up on the open market, where he’s sure to get more than what he’s scheduled to make in 2013. Brad Jones is younger and more versatile than Hawk so he may have the edge in being re-signed. Hawk graded out as Pro Football Focus’ 20th best ILB in 2012.

3. Brandon Siler, Kansas City Chiefs

Ex-San Diego Charger Brandon Siler was brought to Kansas City on a one-year deal in 2011. He was originally slated to compete for the starting job at inside linebacker, but Siler never made it to the field due to a ruptured Achilles tendon in a late-August practice. Despite not playing a down for the Chiefs in 2011, his contract was extended another year. He rebounded in 2012, but he was still unable to win the job. Siler’s contribution to Kansas City, for most of the year, was on special teams. When the starter Jovan Belcher claimed his own life on Dec. 1st, Siler stepped in to start four games in the final month of the season. During that stretch, Siler had dual roles: defensively (making 13 stops) and on special teams. A contract of $1-2 million should do the trick and secure a solid depth option at ILB and a regular special teams contributor.

Cornerback

1. Sean Smith, Miami Dolphins

26-year old Sean Smith will be an attractive option in free agency. The kid is 6’3″, weighs 218 pounds, and has a 40 time that hovers in the mid-4.4 range. Smith is also durable, making 32 consecutive starts for the Dolphins the past two seasons. Miami’s in great position to retain Smith, but it’s been reported that they may not be keen on his contract expectations. There will be plenty of help available in free agency at the Corner position, but Smith is still likely to find a team willing to pay him what he wants. He’s an ascending young player who has made a name for himself by consistently drawing (and handling) an offense’s #1 receiver.

2. Chris Houston, Detroit Lions

Houston doesn’t have the size you want in an NFL corner these days, but he plays much bigger than his 5’11″, 178-pound frame. According to Pro Football Focus, he surrendered a first down or touchdown on only 4.81% of his snaps in coverage (compare that to 5.05% surrendered by Kansas City’s own Brandon Flowers). Houston received Detroit’s Lem Barney Award as the team’s most valuable defensive player in 2012. He’s quietly a very important part of that Detroit defense. The Lions are in cap trouble and have more than twenty players headed for unrestricted free agency. The most notable names on that list of UFA’s (excluding Houston) are: Cliff Avril, DeAndre Levy, Justin Durant, Gosder Cherilus, Louis Delmas, and Jason Hanson. The six of them, like Chris Houston, are all starters. Couple that with an eye-popping 2013 cap number for Matthew Stafford (north of $20 million) and it’s quite possible that Houston hits the open market.

3. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Philadelphia Eagles

Rodgers-Cromartie, affectionately known as “DRC,” rounds out the list of available cornerback options for Kansas City because he’s the player Andy Reid and the Eagles received as compensation for trading quarterback Kevin Kolb. Reid’s ousting in Philadelphia shook everything up in Philadelphia. That’s ultimately an aside to DRC’s future in the City of Brotherly Love though. Rodgers-Cromartie may have already been on his way out. He had hoped for an extension prior to the end of the 2012 season, but the Eagles front office never flinched. Rodgers-Cromartie seems to be an unlikely candidate for the franchise tag. The 2013 number for cornerbacks is right around $11 million. Philadelphia is yet another team facing cap problems. The Eagles have a hill to climb just at the cornerback position. On top of Rodgers-Cromartie heading for free agency, Nnamdi Asomugha is due $15 million for 2013. All of that could lead to DRC reuniting with Andy Reid in Kansas City.

Safety

1. Patrick Chung, New England Patriots

Chung was drafted by New England in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. When he’s been healthy, he’s been an asset to that Patriots defense. Unfortunately, he hasn’t often been healthy. Since being drafted, Chung has only played in all 16 games of a single season once. Pat Chung has value for most secondaries around the league because he can play both Safety positions. Adding him to the defensive backfield in Kansas City would not only create much needed depth at that spot, but also provide an insurance policy for the frequently injured Kendrick Lewis. The Patriots have had a revolving door at Safety the past two seasons so it’s noteworthy that Chung’s been able to stick around in Foxboro.

2. Corey Lynch, San Diego Chargers

The five-year veteran out of Appalachian State has been a journeyman in his NFL career. Lynch has played for three different teams: Cincinnati, Tampa Bay, and most recently San Diego. He would be a good fit for Kansas City’s 3-4 defense, having played in the same scheme for the Chargers. Lynch is another defensiveback with versatility, who could play at either Safety position. Corey Lynch started four games this season when Atari Bigby was sidelined with a groin injury. Lynch is a fundamentally sound Safety with good discipline in coverage. He’ll be one of the better values in free agency at Safety and should only fetch a contract somewhere in the $10 million dollar range.

Special Teams

1. Dustin Colquitt, Kansas City Chiefs

Would it surprise you to know that Dustin Colquitt has been with the Kansas City Chiefs longer than Tamba Hali, Dwayne Bowe, Jamaal Charles, and Brandon Flowers? Colquitt and Derrick Johnson are the two longest tenured members of this football team, with both drafted in 2005. Colquitt is easily forgotten because he’s been one of the most consistent players this organization has had over the past decade. He has a career average of 44.7 yards per punt. Colquitt’s 2012 performance may have been his finest. He set a new single-season franchise record by dropping 45 punts inside the 20-yard line (he held the previous record of 41, set in 2009). As odd as it may sound, Colquitt may deserve a new contract from the Chiefs more than any other player on this roster.

2. Thomas Gafford, Kansas City Chiefs

Thomas Gafford owes his tenure with the Chiefs to a Jean-Philippe “J. P.” Darche injury. Darche was Kansas City’s former long snapper from 2007-2008. Gafford bounced around the NFL until November of 2008 when he took over as the Chiefs’ long snapper for their final 9 games. He hasn’t had a bad snap, that I can recall, since 2009. Kendall Gammon spoiled Chiefs Kingdom by being as dependable as they come in that role. Gafford is cut from the same cloth as Gammon and should figure into the team’s long-term plans.

3. Edgar Jones, Kansas City Chiefs

Jones was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs in July of 2012. His value to this football team is primarily as a special teams player, but he’s a standout in that role. Edgar Jones lead the Chiefs with 7 special teams tackles in 2012. He also recovered two fumbles on special teams and returned an interception, thrown by punter Michael Koenen, for a touchdown in Tampa Bay. New special teams coach Dave Toub consistently fielded some of the NFL’s best kick coverage units while he was in Chicago. Keeping Jones around only improves Toub’s chances of doing the same in Kansas City.

There are only five weeks left before free agency opens around the NFL. John Dorsey is hard at work devising a free agency plan for this franchise. Hopefully some of the player names I cited over the past two weeks either stick with or make their way to the organization for the 2013 campaign. Dorsey comes from an organization that believes in building through the draft, but they also recognize the importance of identifying talent in free agency.

The debate about who to bring in will continue, but I’m sure most Chiefs fans will agree that this team needs to get the offseason started with a few key signings before the draft in April. I think I put a pretty solid list together, but you’re welcome to disagree with me. Please indulge yourselves in either commending my efforts or telling me how big of an idiot I am (below in the comment section).

Until next time, Addicts!

Mark March 12th on your calendars, Addicts.

It’s the first day of free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the NFL. Our illustrious staff here at AA has spent the past few weeks talking about the 2013 NFL Draft (mostly in a vacuum though). Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but what happens in late-April is dependent upon what transpires in the six weeks leading up to the draft. The Chiefs have some in-house business to attend to, but may also look for outside help to solidify their roster.

With a solid FA haul, the Chiefs can de-pressurize their draft situation. There’s a wide range of opinions about the positional problem areas the Kansas City Chiefs have. Some think this team is devoid of talent (notwithstanding six players being named to Sunday’s Pro Bowl). I believe that there are only five positions that need to be addressed through free agency and the draft (QB, WR, DE, S, and LB). Let’s take a closer look, shall we? I’ll only list the offensive options I consider to be viable. We’ll explore defensive options next Tuesday.

Quarterback

It’s no secret that quarterback is the one position that needs the most attention this offseason. Quite a few people are convinced we’ll fill the position in April. It’s just as reasonable to think they could find Matt Cassel’s replacement through free agency though. There aren’t many attractive options, but consider the following:

1. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

The former #1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft is still under contract with the Niners, but he’s likely to be moved off of their roster shortly after the 2013 league year begins. Three days into the new league year, Smith will be due a $1 million dollar roster bonus. San Francisco will want to trade him, but most suspect he’ll be cut. Alex Smith revived his career over the past two seasons by completing 64% of his passes and throwing 30 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions. He was supplanted by Colin Kaepernick mid-season, but that decision was scrutinized for almost three months (until Kaepernick led San Francisco to Super Bowl XLVII).

2. Matt Moore, Miami Dolphins

Moore took his “talents to South Beach” when he was signed to be Chad Henne’s backup in the summer of 2011. Henne went down with a shoulder injury in an early-October game with the San Diego Chargers. Matt Moore would step in and post an 87.1 passer rating in 12 starts for Miami. Unfortunately, that 2011 performance wasn’t enough to earn him the starting job. Ryan Tannehill was drafted 8th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft and went on to become their Day 1 starter. Matt Moore is the only quarterback on this list who’ll actually be unrestricted once the free agency period starts. He’s in little danger of being retained by Miami and will be free and clear for any interested team to sign.

3. Matt Flynn, Seattle Seahawks

Flynn, like Smith, is under contract for the upcoming season. He was brought in last year and expected to be the starter. That was until Russell Wilson rode in a white horse and had a historical rookie campaign. He’s now entrenched in the starting role for the foreseeable future. Matt Flynn, on the other hand, is scheduled to make $5.25 million for 2013 season. That’s a pretty penny for a backup, but the Seahawks could retain him as an expensive insurance policy. They can also put Flynn on the block and see what teams might be interested in acquiring his services. Flynn was available a year ago, but only Seattle and Miami courted him. There figure to be a few more teams in the market for a quarterback this offseason. That should help Flynn’s cause, as the options in free agency and the draft are inferior to those available this time last year. He’s done little to warrant a starting job in the NFL, but he did play for the same Green Bay Packers that Kansas City’s newly hired general manager worked for.

Wide Receiver

1. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs

Thanks to another looming contract situation with Branden Albert, the Chiefs have a dilemma on their hands. More than likely one of the two will be franchised. The tag for wide receiver is $10.3 million in 2013, but Bowe would be due $11.1 million since he was tagged in 2012. The rule is, a franchise player receives either the franchise number for the current year or 120% of his salary the previous year (whichever is higher). Kansas City would save money franchising Branden Albert instead. He’s only due $9.6 million as an offensive linemen. Bowe will have company in free agency though. Mike Wallace, Wes Welker, and Greg Jennings will also be vying for big contracts. That only helps Kansas City if they’re serious about retaining him.

2. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

If Kansas City decides to let Bowe hit the open market, they could pursue 26-year old Wallace. He’s two years younger than Bowe and should be the odd man out in the Steel City. Pittsburgh has an unfavorable cap situation staring them in the face. Wallace is more of a downfield threat than Bowe, averaging nearly 4 more career yards per catch, but he comes with some of the same problems (see: drops). Mike Wallace regressed in 2012 under new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, but some of that can be attributed to offensive changes. A new team, looking to utilize his speed and stretch the field vertically, will present an opportunity for Wallace to get his career back on track.

Runningback

1. Peyton Hillis, Kansas City Chiefs

I’ll probably be one of a select few people who’ll publicly express a desire to bring Hillis back for another season. He was pretty underwhelming as the Chiefs’ #2 runningback. Take away the 101-yard performance in the Week 16 game against Indianapolis and Hillis averaged just 16 yards per game (compose yourself). That’s a compelling case for re-signing him I know, but I’m not convinced that he was healthy for any extended period of time last season. For most of the season, Shaun Draughn outperformed Peyton Hillis, but he’s not the big, physical presence they need in the backfield.

2. Danny Woodhead, New England Patriots

I’ll give you two reasons why Woodhead may soon be out of work: Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen. Those two backs are four and five years younger than Woodhead, respectively. Woodhead, at this point, is more dependable than Vereen, but his time may still be up in Foxboro. His pass-catching abilities should intrigue new head coach Andy Reid. Woodhead could be a bit like Brian Westbrook in Reid’s offensive system. Danny Woodhead’s as reliable as they come on third down, both as an option out of the backfield and in pass protection.

Tight End

1. Martellus Bennett, New York Giants

The former 2nd round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys, languished in Dallas and never made good on their investment. The New York Giants took a chance on Bennett in 2012, signing him to a one-year deal. Bennett rewarded them with over 600 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Bennett told the Giants he’s wanted to stay with the team, but the Giants never spoke with him about an extension. I think Big Blue will make an honest effort to keep Bennett in the Big Apple, but as with anything else, money talks. Martellus Bennett is just 25 years old and he’s ascending.

Offensive Linemen

1. Branden Albert, Kansas City Chiefs

I mentioned this earlier, but I think Albert’s the player Kansas City should use their franchise tag on. Doing so, will be the best way to avoid Luke Joeckel being the first player to greet commissioner Roger Goodell in the NFL Draft. There are better left tackles in the NFL, but Albert has been one of the few constants on the offensive side of the ball in Kansas City. He’s played well consistently, but there are concerns about his ability to stay healthy. Branden Albert’s back spasms are something the organization should think carefully about. His play is much less of a concern for them though. In pass protection in 2012, Albert surrendered just one sack in 11 games.

If Kansas City can retain Albert and Bowe, they’ll be well on their way to a successful offseason campaign offensively. Adding a few of the other names would help round out a solid offensive core. When we reconvene next week, I’ll explore options for both the defense and special teams units. You can debate amongst yourselves about offensive options in the interim.

Until then, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Much has been made of new GM John Dorsey and his comments in last week’s press junket. In his introductory press conference, he said he would take the “best player available.” That sent a chill down the spine of Chiefs fans who are clamoring for West Virginia’s Geno Smith as their #1 draft pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Dorsey went on to clarify:

“I know of no other philosophy but that,” Dorsey said. “We have been doing the same model and concept for the last 20 years. We have kind of refined that and tightened it up to where it is today. We started in 1992 … now we’re in 2013, and it’s a little bit tighter. Hopefully, I’d like to implement that type of similar system here within the Kansas City Chiefs.”

There’s no real way to know how this will play out on draft day, but the talking heads are now convinced that he’ll shy away from selecting a quarterback with the top pick. Geno Smith doesn’t appear to be the consensus #1 among draft circles (it’s still just January though). Reaching for a player to fill a need appears to be at odds with Dorsey’s draft ideology. I’m still not sure how revelatory Dorsey’s commentary really is though. How are we to know that Geno Smith isn’t already at the top of his early draft board? There’s also no reason for him to tip his hand and let the NFL world know which prospect(s) he’s high on.

John Dorsey’s draft strategy of choice is pretty straightforward. It’s a self-explanatory philosophy that seeks to draft the most talented player available (according to your draft board). The player’s position and the team’s needs are not accounted for under the “best player available” model. It can be a smart way to go about the draft for a team with few player personnel holes. This process, if done right, yields long-term success for a football team.

In Kansas City’s immediate future, it could prove to be problematic. I find it hard to believe that Dorsey (or any other general manager) would adhere to this philosophy in the strictest terms. That would create a surplus of talent at certain positions and leave the cupboard bare elsewhere. Kansas City’s most glaring need is unquestionably at the quarterback position. This team needs Geno Smith more than it needs Jarvis Jones.  The Chiefs have a rock solid core of talent, but that window is closing. Players like Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali, and Brandon Flowers are all in their primes. Can the Chiefs really afford to squander their best years while the quarterback question remains unanswered?

So what can we expect when the lights go up on April 25th at Radio City Music Hall? John Dorsey’s never been the man in charge so one can only speculate. He says he’s a BPA purist and won’t stray from that philosophy in late-April. I’ll have to take him at his word until he proves otherwise. I can say that Ted Thompson and the Packers organization have clearly utilized a varied approach in drafts past. Green Bay traded up twice in the 2012 NFL Draft. That clearly isn’t a play out of the BPA playbook. Mind you, those trades secured defensive help (Jerel Worthy and Casey Hayward) for the league’s worst total defense the year prior. It’s tough to deny that there was at least some consideration of need on Thompson’s part.

The best draft philosophies observe need, player ranking, and value. Dorsey comes from an organization that seems to mind all three categories. If Dorsey’s past experiences inform his handling of Kansas City’s future drafts, this team should soon be a contender in the AFC. There will be a better overall talent pool at Arrowhead and a focus on addressing the team’s biggest problem areas. That pragmatic approach to the draft is what Chiefs Kingdom is looking for. Games in the 2012 post-season tournament have been won (and lost) on quarterback play. That fact is not lost on the Chiefs’ new brass. Owner Clark Hunt told the Kansas City media that the quarterback position needed attention. Keep that in mind over the next 12 weeks.

For those of you still riding the Geno Smith bandwagon, there is still time for him to make Dorsey’s job easier. With an impressive showing at either the Combine or WVU’s Pro Day, he should make his case as the consensus #1 pick. We’ll get a clearer picture once the free agency period starts. There’s some thought that the Chiefs could address the position that way.

What will happen in primetime on that Thursday night is anyone’s guess right now, but I have no reason to believe John Dorsey won’t give Smith a strong look over the next three months. It’s not time to panic, my friends. We’re still in the best position to change the fortunes of this football team for the next decade. Enjoy the Pro Bowl this weekend and we’ll square up again next Tuesday morning.

Until then, Addicts!

In just over two weeks, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has turned over a new leaf.

He began the 2012 offseason campaign by hiring former Eagles head coach Andy Reid. On Monday afternoon, Hunt introduced John Dorsey as the 6th GM in franchise history. With the Reid-Dorsey administration officially underway, the organization is already looking to the future. The Chiefs’ abysmal 2-14 season is now in everyone’s rearview mirror, but the events that followed may turn out to be the silver lining in the worst season on the books for this franchise.

I know at this point, some of you may be eager to remind me of what I said about rooting for losses. Hopefully, it’s this part you remember:

Root for new leadership, not losses. Losses don’t always constitute better decisions. The Chiefs lost 26 games in the last two years of Carl Peterson’s administration. We wound up with Scott Pioli. Get the picture?

It would be an oversimplification to suggest that losing created the “sea change” we all knew Kansas City desperately needed. No one knows yet what fruit this administration will bear, but these look like excellent moves on paper. Chiefs Kingdom has legitimate reasons to be optimistic. This team now has one of the most successful head coaches in the NFL over the last thirteen years, one of the most successful scouts in the NFL over the last twelve years, and the #1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

That hat trick’s a hell of a way to start a new regime. West Virginia’s Geno Smith might be the only way to improve upon what’s already been done to right the ship in Kansas City (I’m prepared to beat this drum for the next fourteen weeks). Even without Smith, the culture of this organization is about to change drastically. Scott Pioli brought the “Patriot Way” to town, but how much of New England’s past success can we truly attribute to him? The Patriots are in the AFC Championship Game for the second consecutive season. The Chiefs had just one winning season in four under Pioli. I think it’s clear that the hooded gentleman was pulling the trigger in Foxboro.

Clark Hunt took a different approach to his second rodeo. He chose two people, from two different organizations, that understand how to win in the NFL. Andy Reid was instrumental in building a team that went to five NFC Championship games in Philadelphia. John Dorsey was instrumental in building a team that went to two NFC Championship games in Green Bay (the 2010 team won the Super Bowl). The Eagles and Packers have been two of the best teams in the NFL over the past decade. These two men deserve a fair share of the credit for the contributions they made to those respective franchises.

The Chiefs marketing department might have a few selling points that won’t cause prospective season ticket holders to roll their eyes this year. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will the new-look Kansas City Chiefs be. It’ll take time for Reid and Dorsey to identify the players who’ll appropriately fit their offensive and defensive ideas. There’s no guarantee that this will be a quick fix, but stranger things have happened. Several teams in the NFL made stark improvements from 2011 to 2012.

Andy Reid’s coaching staff has mostly been hired, but there are still a few pieces left to add. Kansas City met with Bears’ special teams coach Dave Toub on Friday of last week. The Chiefs met with former Jets OC Tony Sparano on Monday. Sparano was interviewed for the Chiefs’ offensive line coach vacancy. The two of them are among the finest in the NFL in their respective roles. Toub and Sparano would be the sexiest coaching hires that Reid has made over the past week.

New defensive coordinator Bob Sutton isn’t a coaching hire I’d write home about, but I am excited that he’ll bring a one-gapping 3-4 scheme to Kansas City. That’s a significantly more aggressive scheme than the two-gap version Romeo Crennel was running. It should also be noted that Reid is hoping to retain two position coaches from the previous regime, Emmitt Thomas (secondary) and Gary Gibbs (linebackers). Kansas City’s 2013 defense could be noticeably different.

I think fans are mostly excited about the direction the franchise is headed in. Many of them, who also want to see Geno Smith drafted, could have their enthusiasm curbed if he’s not the Chiefs’ top overall draft pick. Some of the early rumblings out of Arrowhead suggest he may not be at the top of their January draft board. The draft is still a ways off though. Geno Smith’s stock may rise over the next two months. With the NFL Combine and WVU’s Pro Day forthcoming, his head and arm could convince scouts, coaches, general managers, and draftniks that he’s the consensus #1 pick come late-April.

Nothing really matters until there are measurable results, but for now fans can sit back and dream big about the days to come in Kansas City. Will Andy Reid and company end the thirty-year drought and draft a quarterback in the opening round? Has the foundation been laid for a perennial playoff team down the line? Some answers will come sooner than others, but Chiefs fans can smile today.

I know there are some of you who’ll reserve judgment until these moves produce wins. I’m okay with that because the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Time will tell if Reid and Dorsey are chocolate and vanilla or tapioca. For the moment, you could at least bask in the glory of the #1 seeded Broncos falling to the Ravens over the weekend. I mean, what’s better than seeing a division rival go all ”one-and-done” before a national television audience?

Until next time, Addicts!

Ladies and gentleman, the chairman has spoken.

Clark Hunt, over the last 144 hours, has single-handedly given Chiefs Kingdom a reason to hope — again. On Friday, Hunt terminated general manager Scott Pioli. If that weren’t enough, he went on to hire Andy Reid to become the thirteenth head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s almost as though he’d been listening to his naysayers. Naysayers who questioned his commitment to making the Chiefs a competitive football team. His dissenters should now have their answer. Clearly this was the work of a man who is both prideful and concerned about his organization.

This is the second time that Clark Hunt has gone out and landed arguably the best candidate available to lead his football team. In both cases, it required Hunt to cut a pretty big check. In 2009, Clark Hunt hired Scott Pioli to replace Carl Peterson as GM. That contract made Pioli the highest paid general manager in the NFL. Reid’s five-year deal will reportedly make him one of the highest paid coaches in the league. That, my friends, suggests a burning desire to win.

Hunt introduced his new head coach in a press conference on Monday afternoon. With the Reid announcement out of the way, Hunt will now turn his attention to hiring Pioli’s replacement. Green Bay’s college scouting director John Dorsey is rumored to be the top choice for the job. The Packers advanced to the next round of the playoffs on Saturday night, so the Dorsey situation won’t be resolved for at least another week. In the interim, Reid is likely to start the process of assembling a new coaching staff.

No coaches have been named to Reid’s staff as of yet, but rumors are flying around about who he might hire. Most suspect he’ll bring in some of his former coaches to reprise the roles they held under him in the past. Right now we’re hearing names like Juan Castillo, Pat Shurmur, and Brad Childress (offensively). There are fewer ideas about which direction he’ll go in at defensive coordinator, but Monte Kiffin’s name has been kicked around a bit. It’s very possible that Reid’s hiring will signal the end of the 3-4 defense in Kansas City. That may not be as problematic as it sounds though, as several of Kansas City’s key defensive playmakers are scheme-diverse.

The Reid hiring represents new beginnings for everyone involved. It’s certainly a fresh start for everyone who previously worked at One Arrowhead Drive. It’s also a clean slate for Andy Reid. The former head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles was maligned after his last two unsuccessful seasons in the City of Brotherly Love. Those two seasons prompted his ousting after 14 years.

There are those who think Reid would’ve been well served by some time away from the game. 2012 was a rough year for Andy Reid, in ways that extend well beyond the white lines of the gridiron. A change of scenery may be exactly what he needs. At least Reid seems to think so:

“My family and I are very excited to join the Chiefs organization and the Kansas City community,” Reid said. “I want to thank the Hunt family for allowing me the opportunity to lead this storied franchise. The Chiefs have always had a passionate fan base and I’m looking forward to Sundays at Arrowhead Stadium. We’ve got a lot of work to do to get ready for next season, and we are going to get started immediately.”

There’s still plenty of work to be done to lay the foundation for the new-look Kansas City Chiefs. Reid is tasked with finding quality coordinators to usher in new offensive and defensive ideas. Those two forthcoming hires are key to keeping the train on the tracks, but so, too, is identifying the Chiefs’ future at quarterback. The Chiefs own the #1 pick in April’s draft, but it’s unclear whether or not Reid will start his administration in Kansas City the same way he did in Philadelphia. He began his run there with a young quarterback out of Syracuse named Donovan McNabb (selected 2nd overall in the 1999 NFL Draft). Chiefs fans are split on the issue of who to draft with the top pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, but many of them have West Virginia’s Geno Smith at the top of their wishlist. Fans can only hope Andy Reid feels the same way. He had this to say about the position in yesterday’s presser:

“The quarterback position, I’m going to dig in and look at that and we’ll build that thing. We’ll see how that whole thing builds out. I need to spend some time working at it, though. I’ve got to find that next Len Dawson, doggone it. It might be right here, it might not.”

It’s tough to know what to make of that, but we can rest easy knowing that Reid understands how important that position is to winning in the NFL. One can only hope that he’s as disgusted with the three quarterbacks on the roster as the “sea of Red” contingent he alluded to on Monday.

More answers are on the way, but it will take time to see exactly what Andy Reid has planned for this franchise. Buckle your safety belts, boys and girls. We’re in for a ride over the next few weeks. Hopefully the coaching staff and front office will be rounded out by then. The Senior Bowl is at the end of the month. The NFL combine will follow three weeks later. Andy Reid prides himself on organization so if anybody will be prepared, he will. I, for one, am glad that the Chiefs finally have a head coach who knows the importance of preparation.

Until next week, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City’s final game, of a woeful 2012 season, ended in a loss to the AFC West Champion Broncos. The win for Denver secured the #1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The 38-3 loss for Kansas City was the team’s ninth blowout of the year. The Chiefs’ 32nd-ranked scoring offense posted just three points on Sunday. Much of that can be attributed to a paltry 49 passing yards by quarterback Brady Quinn. As a result of no real passing game, runningback Jamaal Charles amassed only 53 yards on the ground and averaged just 3.8 yards per carry.

Peyton Manning put on an absolute clinic on Sunday afternoon. The 12-time Pro Bowler completed 23 of 29 passes and threw three touchdowns on the day. Kansas City’s run defense was gashed by the Denver ground game to the tune of 172 rushing yards. The Chiefs were +1 in the turnover category and still managed to lose by five touchdowns. Denver had four times as many first downs and won the time of possession battle by 15 minutes. John Fox and the Broncos imposed their will on Kansas City in every way.

The Chiefs will wake up on Monday morning from a 17-week nightmare. This organization fielded the single worst team in franchise history this year. Sunday’s loss secured a share of the league’s worst record and the #1 draft pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. That’s the first time the franchise has owned the #1 pick since the 1963 AFL Draft. Such a distinction will be cause for celebration in April. For now, everyone’s left wondering why a team, expected by many to win the division, is still regressing in the fourth year of the Scott Pioli administration.

Everyone’s on pins and needles at One Arrowhead Drive. Head coach Romeo Crennel has already been fired. Scott Pioli’s future is uncertain, but several reports suggest that he’ll be retained by Chiefs owner Clark Hunt. Here’s what Hunt had to say:

The entire football operation will remain under review, and there may be additional changes to come. No final determination has been made at this point on the future of General Manager Scott Pioli.

I’d venture to guess if he stays on as general manager, it’ll be with the understanding that serious change must follow. I won’t be surprised if he’s also on the unemployment line in a few days though. Chiefs Kingdom will have to wait to see how the rest of the drama will unfold.

What do fans have to look forward to in the meantime? The best-case scenario would be for the front office dominoes to fall quickly. Ridding the organization of the wrong personnel, sooner rather than later, will allow Hunt to get on with the process of finding their replacements. The Chiefs were behind the 8-ball the last time a general manager was fired (Carl Peterson in late 2008). Scott Pioli wasn’t hired until January 13, 2009. Pioli took office and the next ten days to evaluate then-head coach Herman Edwards. Edwards was eventually fired on January 23, but that left the team with a limited set of head coaching options. With several other teams vying for head coaches, this would be a good time for Clark Hunt to get clear about the direction this team is heading in.

There are mixed emotions about West Virginia’s Geno Smith. Draftniks aren’t sure that he’s the consensus #1 pick, but they generally agree that he’s the best quarterback prospect in the 2013 draft class. The NFL Draft is still more than three months away and a lot can change over that time. Smith could remove all doubt about his being worthy of the #1 pick if he decides to throw at the NFL Combine or WVU’s Pro Day. 

Geno Smith is my personal choice to be this team’s top pick. I think the kid checks out in every way the NFL measures collegiate quarterbacks. Smith can make every NFL throw, is poised in the pocket, has well above-average accuracy and ball placement, and is athletic enough to extend plays or scramble when under pressure. Couple that with a career completion percentage of 67.4 and his intense film room habits, and I think he makes a compelling case to join this football team. With the new collective bargaining agreement, drafting your quarterback of the future, is much less risky than it was five years ago.

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to embark on a transition period. How big a transition remains to be seen, but it’s clear that there will be changes with this franchise. Clark Hunt has the opportunity to change this football team’s fortunes (for the better) over the next three months. He could also make the wrong decisions and keep this team mired in mediocrity. It all starts with a house cleaning. Will Hunt be a hoarder or make room for some shiny new furniture? Get your popcorn ready folks, should be an interesting ride.

You might want to add Arrowhead Addict to your favorites folder.
There could be breaking news forthcoming and who better to give it to you than us?

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Merry Christmas, Addicts!

As a miserable 2012 campaign for the Kansas City Chiefs draws to a close, I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on one of the precious few things that makes me happy about this team. He’s a Christmas miracle who’ll celebrate his 26th birthday on Thursday of this week. I’m talking about Kansas City’s fourth all-time leading rusher, Mr. Jamaal RaShaad Jones Charles. The man who’s run his way into the hearts of thousands of people in Chiefs Kingdom. It pains me to see this team stumbling its way to the season finale at 2-13, but I’d like to spend today being grateful about this gift we have in #25.

Priest Holmes is still my favorite runningback (and perhaps player) in the history of this franchise. I feel privileged to have seen him play. Holmes was never a freakish athlete with breakaway speed, but he played the position the way it was meant to be played. He had great field vision, he was patient, he understood angles, he had great forward lean, and had a nose for the end zone. I’d put his 2001, 2002, and 2003 seasons up against any three-year stretch from any other runningback in league history. Priest Holmes was that good. I never thought I’d see myself swooning over another runningback the way I did Holmes; then came Jamaal Charles.

The franchise moved on from the debacle known as Larry Johnson late in 2009. There was some concern that their backfield fortunes were in jeopardy with the smallish Charles as the new starter. Few people believed he could be a workhorse back and carry the ball twenty or more times per game. Jamaal allayed those fears the following season when he posted a career-best 1,467 rushing yards and was invited to play in the Pro Bowl; then came 2011.

I’m sure you remember that fateful September day in Detroit. Charles ran off-tackle to the right side trying to outrun a defender to the first down marker. When Charles extended his leg and stepped out of bounds, he tore his ACL. He was placed on injured reserve just two games into the season. No one knew if he could rebound from such a serious injury. It’s not uncommon for a runningback to be forever changed by a torn ACL. The Chiefs had two other ACL injuries in 2011, but no comeback was more highly-anticipated than his. Charles had an uneventful 15 carries to start this year’s pre-season; then came the season opener.

Charles had been fairly quiet through the opening twenty minutes of the game against Atlanta, but midway through the second quarter he burst through the right side of the line for a 46-yard gain. The run was bittersweet. Fans were happy to see that Charles was still explosive, but concerned that he’d lost his world-class speed, since he was caught from behind. That’s something fans aren’t used to seeing. I told you back in September not to be concerned though. Will Moore got ahold of Charles’ foot, caused him to stumble, and gave Thomas DeCoud a chance to catch him and make the stop. Remember I said that wasn’t any indication that he’d lost speed? Do you believe me now?

There’s only one game to play in this woeful Chiefs’ season, but Jamaal Charles is wrapping up the finest single-season performance of his NFL career. Charles needs just 12 rushing yards to surpass his highest rushing yard total in a season (1,467). He has gone over 100 yards seven times in 2012. He’s twice gone over 225 and has had three runs of over 80 yards this season. This has been an absolutely brilliant comeback for Jamaal Charles. If not for Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning, he’d absolutely be Comeback Player of the Year. His 226-yard rushing day against Indianapolis last Sunday was jaw-dropping. Jamaal averaged 10.3 yards per carry and helped the Chiefs mount a beastly ground game that produced more than 350 yards.

I’m thankful that we have one of the league’s best runningbacks right here in Kansas City. His efforts in 2012 have been wasted on a miserable offensive unit (currently the worst scoring offense in the NFL). The offense desperately needs a makeover and for Charles’ sake, I hope they add West Virginia’s Geno Smith in the NFL Draft. With his help, Charles might actually get to play meaningful football some December in the future. For now, he’ll keep giving us his Christmas best and the organization will keep giving him the same ugly sweaters he’s gotten the past five seasons. Despite the ungrateful behavior of the organization, Charles is a cheerful giver. For that, we should all be thankful.

Enjoy time with the people you love the most today!
May God’s peace be with you during this holiday season.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

In the event that my headline doesn’t tell you where my head is this Tuesday morning, allow me to clarify: I HATE THE OAKLAND RAIDERS!!!

I’m typically salivating for Raider Week by the final whistle of the preceding game. Midway through last week, I noticed that my standard loathing of the forthcoming Raiders just wasn’t there. The Chiefs are wrapping up what is arguably their worst season in franchise history. Being sapped by one disappointment after another in 2012 made it tough for me to work up a desire to see Kansas City kill Oakland (with fire). That was until the Raiders beat the Chiefs with five Sebastian Janikowski field goals on Sunday. It’s not the loss that burns though. It’s dealing with their insufferable blackhole of a fanbase that I can’t handle.

Beating the Kansas City Chiefs means never having to say you’re sorry. Make no mistake Raiders fans, you root for one sorry organization. At the risk of being the pot to call the kettle black (and silver), I’ll leave no stone unturned in telling you why. I’m an honest man though so I’ll start with an admission.

It pains me to say this, but the Raiders currently stand to be remembered ahead of the Chiefs. They have three Super Bowl wins to a lone Chiefs’ NFL championship victory in 1970. There’s no bigger feather to have in your cap. That is the coup de grâce of NFL gloating. Fortunately for me, none of my “friends” who support that organization could tell you a thing about their last trip to the promised land. Most of them are barely old enough to remember January 22, 1984. I’d be willing to wager that none of them would recognize Jim Plunkett if he introduced himself as “James” and said he once threw a touchdown pass in a mid-80′s Super Bowl.

I’m sure by now some of you think I’ve conveniently overlooked the Raiders’ 2002 Super Bowl appearance. Nay nay my friends, I remember that game well! That was the fateful Sunday evening where your precious pirates were run out of Qualcomm Stadium by halftime (Tampa Bay won 48-21). That loss sent Oakland into a dizzying decade-long spiral down the NFL drain.

Here are the Raiders’ final results dating back to 2003:

• 2012 – Record: 4-10, currently in 3rd (with two games left to play)
• 2011 – Record: 8-8, 3rd place finish
• 2010 – Record: 8-8, 3rd place finish
• 2009 – Record: 5-11, 3rd place finish
• 2008 – Record: 5-11, 3rd place finish
• 2007 – Record: 4-12, 3rd place finish
• 2006 – Record: 2-14, 4th place finish
• 2005 – Record: 4-12, 4th place finish
• 2004 – Record: 5-11, 4th place finish
• 2003 – Record: 4-12, 3rd place finish

There you have it boys and girls. That’s good for 49-109 (.310) and a 3rd or 4th place AFC West finish in each of the last ten seasons. Here’s the most damning statistic of all, Oakland has had ten consecutive seasons without a winning record. That’s what you have to brag about this week Raider fan! Sure, your squad just completed a sweep of the Chiefs with a jaw-dropping victory on your home field (where only Janikowski recorded points), but is that really worth boasting over?

The Chiefs were without their two best wide receivers on Sunday. Dwayne Bowe is finished for the season with broken ribs. Steve Breaston was a healthy scratch again this week. Apparently he’s sleeping with a group of Kansas City coaching wives (I’m kidding). With the two of them out, Jamaal Charles was keyed on and taken away. That made Kansas City’s offense one-dimensional and Brady Quinn a sitting duck. The Chiefs had just 119 total yards on offense on Sunday. Oakland should’ve won this game by three touchdowns.

While I’ll never actively (or passively) root for this team to lose games, I realize that the Chiefs are now one step closer to drafting West Virginia’s Geno Smith. Kansas City has that to look forward to. Conversely, Oakland is still trying to explain away one of the worst trades in recent NFL history. A #1 in 2012 and a conditional #2 in 2013 for Carson Palmer? That’s how you answer the quarterback problem after Jason Campbell and JaMarcus “one of the biggest busts in NFL Draft history” Russell? Enjoy the victory guys; this was your Super Bowl. You’ll see the Chiefs again in 2013 and I suspect they’ll have a real signal caller the next time the two teams square up. Be afraid, be very afraid.

I know full well that the team I support is the worst in the NFL. It’s time Raider Nation realized they aren’t far behind. Those 4-10 west coast world beaters are hardly the ’85 Bears my Facebook timeline would have me to believe. I tip my hat to the Raiders for being the better team in head-to-head competition this year. Turn the volume on the bragging down a bit though, will ya? You’ve managed only to distinguish yourselves as the prettier ugly girl. In three weeks, you’ll be at home (like the Chiefs) while the truly attractive girls are at prom.

Sunday’s shutout loss at Oakland-Alameda renewed my hatred of that woeful and soulless organization. May the fires of my hostility forever burn hot in the most hidden parts of my heart. The king has returned to detest the drab colors of your existence! You’ve brought shame upon a prideful group of men, but they will regroup when the winter of their discontent is over. When the spring descends upon Kansas City they will reunite and rally around a brave young warrior named Geno. He will lead them to restore all that has been taken from them.

*starts slow clap*

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s not waste time today.

There’s not much I can say about the 7th blowout of the season. Cleveland humiliated the now 2-11 Chiefs and won by three possessions on Sunday, 30-7. That’s hard to understand after the Chiefs racked up 150 yards from scrimmage on just three plays in the opening quarter. Daboll’s offense went into hiding for the remainder of the game. With 3 games to play, Kansas City is still the worst team in the league and in the driver’s seat for the #1 overall pick in the 2013 Draft. Dwayne Bowe is reportedly on his way to IR with two broken ribs. If those reports check out, the top pick in next year’s draft is almost a sure thing for this franchise. Kansas City’s season is lost and I think it’s time that we look ahead to 2013.

It looks as though Chiefs owner Clark Hunt will allow Scott Pioli to finish out the season as general manager. There’s some thought that he may even be retained for the final year of his contract. For the sake of today’s article (and my sanity) we’ll assume that he’ll be fired on February 4th, 2013 (the Monday following the Superbowl).  Hunt could begin his search for the next general manager of his franchise, with a full slate of options available. I’m a wounded prognisticator, but here are a handful of candidates who may be on Hunt’s short list:

Bill Polian

Polian’s currently out of football, but he’s a longtime general manager with a metric ton of NFL experience and success. Two teams, Buffalo and Indianapolis, made five Super Bowl appearances on Bill Polian’s watch. Those five appearances yielded just one NFL championship, but it’s hard to argue with those results. If all of that weren’t enough, he also drafted Peyton Manning in 1998. That might seem like a no-brainer in hindsight, but remember that twenty NFL GM’s polled said they would’ve taken Ryan Leaf instead. He’s quite simply one of the greatest executives in the history of the NFL. That said, Bill Polian is also 70 years old and his best days are probably behind him.

Dennis Hickey

Dennis Hickey, Tampa Bay’s director of player personnel, has played a key role in the re-shaping of the Buccaneers.  He’s been an aid to GM Mark Dominik and deserves shared credit for three rookie standouts from the ’12 draft class (Mark Barron, Doug Martin, and Lavonte David). Hickey was promoted in 2012, but was formerly the Bucs’ director of college scouting for six years. He’s also partially responsible for Josh Freeman, Mike Williams, E.J. Biggers, Mason Foster, Leonard Johnson, and undrafted running back LeGarrette Blount. Hickey has shot up the ranks in Tampa’s organization and would be a fine candidate to succeed Pioli in Kansas City.

Tom Gamble

Gamble got his start in the NFL in the late 80′s working under his father (and team president) Harry. He has wide-ranging NFL experience as a former defensive coach, pro and college scout, and manager of both the salary cap and contract negotiations. Tom Gamble’s had a big hand in a successful rebuild out in San Francisco. That organization is poised to contend for the next several years. Gamble’s a former disciple of Bill Polian, having spent time with him in Indianapolis. Here’s what Polian had to say about him:

“He’s got a complete grounding in the game. He grew up in the game,” Polian said. “This is exceedingly important when you consider there are a lot of issues that you have to deal with when becoming a general manager that will come up with a team. You’re at a big disadvantage if you don’t have this experience in dealing with everything. That’s why non-football people have a harder time succeeding. Because Tom has so much experience and grew up around the game with his dad, he’s going to be more prepared than most. That’s a huge advantage.”

Marc Ross

Ross is currently the college scouting director for the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. He joined the team in the spring of 2007 and helped the Giants return to (and win) their second NFL championship in five years. Ross was vital in the drafting of Kenny Phillips, Terrell Thomas, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks, William Beatty, Jason Pierre-Paul, Linval Joseph, and Prince Amukamara. It should be noted that he can also be credited for undrafted Wide Receiver standout Victor Cruz. Before he landed in the Big Apple, he had a stint in Philadelphia’s personnel department. There he was responsible for having drafted Bryant Westbrook, Lito Sheppard, and Derrick Burgess. Here’s what Giants GM Jerry Reese had to say about him:

He’s a veteran personnel guy and has been around two or three different clubs, so he’s seen how things are done differently at different places,’’ Reese said. ‘‘And he’s smart. He’s a people person, a terrific evaluator, and he’s qualified.

Marc Ross will be a hot commodity this off-season as he’s had several GM interviews in the past. If I were Clark Hunt, I’d pull a Brinks truck up to the front door of Ross’ home and make him the next GM of the Kansas City Chiefs. I feel strongly about Ross, but I’m certainly not immune to making God awful predictions (see my article history). If the choice was yours, who would you pick to be the next general manager of the Chiefs? Leave your comment below and we’ll compare notes.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

With heavy hearts, the Kansas City Chiefs stood together on an emotional Sunday afternoon just one day following two tragic losses. Chiefs Inside Linebacker Jovan Belcher shot and killed his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins after a verbal altercation early Saturday morning. Belcher would go on to the Arrowhead complex and speak with Scott Pioli, Romeo Crennel, and other coaches before killing himself. Before I go any further, I’m not here to proselytize on human dignity, suicide, or whether or not he deserves to be publicly honored by the team. Suffice it to say, I believe the loss of human life is lamentable under any set of circumstances.

Chiefs officials spoke with the league about whether or not they planned to proceed with Sunday’s scheduled game. Carolina was told by the league to keep their travel plans and it was eventually determined that a postponement was not in the best interest of the NFL. Wide Receiver Steve Breaston was none too happy about the news (commenting on Instagram):

There is no way we should be playing this game tomorrow…

I was invited by a friend to attend the Chiefs-Panthers matchup one week ago. Needless to say, I graciously accepted the invitation. I had been excited about returning to Arrowhead, for the first time since the opener, but Saturday’s tragic events almost made me reconsider going. As with any tragedy, getting back to your routine is a good way to begin the healing process. It was going to be business as usual at One Arrowhead Drive so I decided it would be business as usual for me, as a fan of this football team. My 15-year old son accompanied me to the stadium for his first NFL game experience. The circumstances surrounding the game weren’t exactly ideal for such an important moment, but we decided to go and try to enjoy ourselves anyway.

To my surprise, the team took a diplomatic approach to addressing Saturday’s events. The stadium announcer honored victims of domestic violence with a moment of silence, but promptly moved on with the rest of his pregame agenda (no mention of Belcher’s name). Kansas City won the opening toss and elected to receive the ball. Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll orchestrated a gem of an opening drive that ended in a 2-yard touchdown run by Peyton Hillis. It was the first touchdown scored on an opening drive all season. In fact, it was the first opening drive touchdown since late December 2010.

Conversely, the Chiefs’ defense didn’t fare as well on their opening series. Carolina made short work of the Chiefs’ defense and scored in just six plays on their first offensive series. Tight End Greg Olsen found a hole in leaky pass coverage and Cam Newton hooked up with him on a 47-yard touchdown pass. That tied the game at 7 and left the Arrowhead crowd wondering how the Chiefs would respond. Eleven plays later, Kansas City extended its lead (10-7). The two teams exchanged leads for most of the game, but the Chiefs were able to hang on to a slim 6-point lead to win.

Kansas City played with a sense of urgency on Sunday. Despite a season marred by penalties and turnovers, they were flagged just once and avoided turning the ball over for the first time this year. A team united by a nightmarish incident with one of their own banded together and played their best game of the season. When all is said and done, this won’t fix the troubled hearts inside the organization. Football is just a game. It could very well be months before members of this organization find peace. For one afternoon though, this team overcame the dark cloud that hung over Arrowhead Stadium. The 46 men active on gameday matured and played an inspired brand of football. With 4 games left to play, it’s unknown if this momentum will spill over into the last quarter of the season. I hope, for their sake, that it will. They need some momentum heading into 2013.  More importantly, I pray for peace of mind and closure for everyone involved.

Tell someone you love them today.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

A real man can admit when he’s wrong.

The Chiefs are now sitting at 1-10 on the year and are consequently in the pole position for the top selection in next April’s NFL Draft. It’s probably time that I copped to speaking out of turn this off-season. I was clearly inebriated when I evaluated this football team over the summer. I made one bad prediction after another. I’ve come to terms with the fact that my prognostication powers leave much to be desired. Peyton Manning clearly knows the Kansas City Chiefs better than I do.

It was Manning who politely declined Kansas City’s offer to visit during the open free agency period. Apparently, he saw something he didn’t like about this organization. Chiefs fans mostly laughed at his decision to join the Denver Broncos, but it appears that he was spot on. The Chiefs are in the basement with the worst record in the NFL. The Broncos are running away with the AFC West and need just two more wins to seal the division. How is it even possible that Manning saw this coming without ever having visited Kansas City, but the powers that be at One Arrowhead Drive were caught unawares?

Denver beat Kansas City 17-9 in Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. The Chiefs have now lost eight straight. Brady Quinn got the start, but didn’t do much to help the offense. Aside from Jamaal Charles’ 107 rushing yards, the Chiefs didn’t get much else accomplished offensively. Ryan Succop was the only Chiefs player to account for any points on Sunday afternoon. That comes as no real surprise, as there hasn’t been an offensive touchdown in the last eleven quarters of football. The Chiefs defense had a better day, but still buckled at inopportune times. Manning faced consistent pressure, but made plays when he had to. The Broncos failed to score 30 points for the first time over their six-game win streak, but 17 points were all Denver needed to improve to 8-3.

I’m not going to waste time telling you what you already know about this franchise. The Chiefs stink to the high heavens. Manning could smell it from his South Florida home. How will future Chiefs targets perceive the organization? Given my aforementioned prediction pitfalls, I probably shouldn’t suggest that we’ll be in the market for a head coach this off-season (though I think we will be).

Several teams are likely to be looking for a new head coach in 2013. I won’t try to handicap those teams right now, but I can’t imagine that Kansas City will be most attractive option no matter who has a head coaching vacancy. Then again, the Chiefs have a talented core of young players and are staring down the barrel of the first overall pick. I guess it all comes down to who’ll hire the next head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. If Scott Pioli is retained, the odds of snaring one of the top head coaching candidates available are likely to be longer.

I hope I’m wrong, again, about how difficult this process will be. Fan circles are chomping at the bit for a Jon Gruden or an Andy Reid. I’m not sure that either of them could co-exist with Pioli though. A full house cleaning may be required for this franchise to obtain the best available parts once the season is over. Clark, get the Pine-Sol ready. You couldn’t fool Peyton Manning and there’s a very good chance someone else may get a whiff of the stench here in Kansas City. There hasn’t been a move made yet and I suspect there won’t be until the Chiefs’ 2012 campaign is over. Like everyone else, I’m hoping those dominoes start to fall immediately after the Chiefs close the season up against the same Denver Broncos team in late December. In the meantime, Killa Cam’s coming to town for what he hopes will be a get-well game in the house the Chiefs haven’t protected all season long. The Panthers stink too though so we may be in for a cripple fight.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Clark, I hope you’ll take time out of your day to read this.

I’m kind of at a loss for words here, Mr. Chairman. I always have an opinion to share, but I’m really running out of ways to talk about how bad this football team is. I strongly considered resigning my post here at Arrowhead Addict (I’m only kidding, Patrick). That’s the easy way out of having to find a fresh perspective on such a rotten situation for the next six weeks. Put simply, I can’t quench today’s thirst with yesterday’s water. This slumping franchise has now lost seven straight games. I’ve taken your hapless starting quarterback to task in a number of articles. I’ve lambasted your head coach and his near-historical level of incompetence. I’ve even called your woeful general manager a “coward.” What more can I say?

You’ve got Chiefs Kingdom in an uproar, Mr. Hunt. Fans are waiting on your next move with bated breath. Many of them are concerned that your silence and failure to relieve anyone of duty suggests there won’t be major changes made at One Arrowhead Drive in the near future. Some are even calling you a chip off the old block, Clark. I’m sure they intend your father no disrespect. Lamar Hunt is one of the pioneering pillars of the NFL. He coined the name of the game that fans so desperately want this franchise to win again, the “Super Bowl.”

Despite everything your dad did for the Kansas City Chiefs, he still had to answer for allowing Jack Steadman and Carl Peterson to stick around for so long. You know that as well as anyone. It was you who rid the organization of Carl Peterson. Four years into the failed administration of Scott Pioli, fans are worried that they’ve seen this movie before. It’s a bit like being thirty minutes into “Taken 2.” Things were supposed to be different, but it’s essentially the same plot.

The Chiefs stand at 1-9, are guaranteed a losing season, and look to be in the driver’s seat for the #1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Sunday’s loss to the Bengals marked the sixth time Kansas City has been blown out this year. Matt Cassel has been benched for the second time this season. An equally uninspiring Brady Quinn is likely to return as the starter on Sunday when Peyton Manning and the AFC West leading Denver Broncos come to town. Arrowhead Stadium has been pillaged time and again in 2012. The Chiefs have yet to win a game on their home field. All of that said, Thanksgiving is upon us and there are precious few things to be thankful for in Kansas City.

If there was ever a time to instill some confidence in a disgruntled fanbase, now is that time, sir. It’s unlikely that an in-season firing will make much constructive difference in the product on the field, but you can certainly send a message. Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams recently came out and voiced his displeasure with the direction of his franchise. Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson pink-slipped general manager Marty Hurney last month. Cleveland’s Jimmy Haslam hadn’t even made a dent in the owner’s chair when he removed Mike Holmgren as the team’s president.

I’m not sure what it will take for you to come forward, but you’re running out of options. You’re going to have a tough time getting people out to Arrowhead for your final three home games. Fans would appreciate a clear communication that you’re just as fed up with this awful brand of football as they are. Especially those who are paying to see it.

So what’s it going to be, Mr. CEO? Are you prepared to separate yourself from the lamentable part of your father’s legacy? Do you agree that the Kansas City Chiefs stand in dire need of new direction? When are you going to demand more of your general manager, head coach, quarterback, and the rest of your team? If you aren’t prepared to answer those questions, you’ll be left with trying to figure out how to win this fanbase back. It’s your move, Clark.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

There are no moral victories in the NFL.

Don’t talk to me about how well the Chiefs traded with the Steelers on primetime television last night. They wound up losing 16-13 on another costly Cassel turnover in overtime. Kansas City showed signs of life, but they’re still just north of comatose right now. The Chiefs got a stellar performance from their defense on Monday night, but couldn’t capitalize on it. This football team spoiled yet another opportunity to win a big game against a contender.

The Chiefs, at their best on Monday night, proved they can compete with any team in the NFL. They held a brief 10-0 lead over Pittsburgh in the first half. The Chiefs, at their worst on Monday night, proved that not even their best football can stave off their old self-destructive ways. Kansas City was a comedy of errors, on a national stage, again last night. It was like the first week of Last Comic Standing auditions. We saw a brutal and unfortunate series of events. There was the ”group celebration” for a defensive touchdown that didn’t count. Then there was Dwayne “Clifford Franklin” Bowe’s case of the dropsies. Or how about the one where rookie Devon Wylie caught a kick 6 yards deep in the endzone and decided to bring it out? The showstopper, of course, was Matt Cassel’s game-sealing interception in overtime.

There comes a point where all you can do is laugh, to keep from crying. There are only so many ways to express frustration in the vernacular of human body language. I think Chiefs fans are fresh out of ways to be visibly disgusted. The facepalm doesn’t do an inexplicable interception justice. Rolling your eyes at missed field goals (inside of 35 yards) isn’t satisfying anymore. As of late, seeing this team beat itself time and again, only elicits laughter. Make no mistake, it’s not funny. I’m sure most of you take no pleasure in watching a fallen football team self-destruct over and over again. That’s not what this is. Laughter’s been called the best medicine, but it’s also a telltale sign that someone is at their wit’s end. At the moment, such is life in Chiefs Kingdom. This team is a joke.

Pioli and company have made a laughingstock out of a talented group of players. In four years under this administration, the Chiefs have become the National Lampoon of the NFL. We’re now having a weekly dialogue about when Scott Pioli and Romeo Crennel will be fired. This football team has finally become a national talking point, for all the wrong reasons. Today, few people are talking about Derrick Johnson’s standout 12-tackle performance. No one cares that Justin Houston had 7 tackles of his own (including the sack of Roethlisberger that knocked him out of the game). Neither is there any discussion of Jamaal Charles’ 100 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. The only conversation to be had at the watercooler today, is the one about the collective stink of an organization in the middle of a six-game slide. Problem is, after two nationally-televised losses, those watercoolers are everywhere. Someone in Maine is shaking their head at the Kansas City Chiefs today.

Things don’t figure to get any easier for this team. They have another short week and a Sunday showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals ahead of them. The “Save Our Chiefs” bunch will spearhead a stadium blackout on Sunday. The Chiefs may have to work feverishly to avoid another blackout on television. Brady Quinn was magically cleared to play according to a post-game report from Adam Teicher. He could get the start this weekend, but if he falters he may soon take his place back on the bench. I expect to see a quarterback carousel the rest of the year. Hopefully Stanzi will get a few reps. This is a watershed moment for the organization, may as well see what the kid has. There are but seven games left in this wayward 2012 campaign. There’s little to be gained at this point, but Chiefs’ brass should do some arsenal inventory. A house cleaning is coming and for fans of this organization, that’s no laughing matter.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

The receiver formerly known as Jonathan Baldwin wants to be called “Jon” these days. Kansas City’s former #1 draft pick in 2011, is quietly being called a “bust” in fan circles. Through the first 19 games of Baldwin’s career he has just 36 catches for 467 receiving yards. Jon has just one career touchdown and it came in his second career start in last year’s Halloween matchup with the Chargers (371 days ago to be exact).

Media training camp reports suggested that Baldwin was something like a world-beater this summer. He was reportedly making one circus catch after another and embarrassing Chiefs defenders. We all expected to see that translate to the field when the real bullets started flying in September. Baldwin answered by not recording a catch in a lopsided season opener with the Falcons (he wasn’t targeted that day).

Dwayne Bowe’s future with the Chiefs is uncertain, so fans are a little anxious about the rate of Baldwin’s progress. Fans often forget how difficult it can be for a wide receiver to transition into the NFL game, though. Most of the time it’s a slow burn. Unlike Baldwin, Dwayne Bowe had an immediate impact on the team. I think that’s partly why fans have grown so impatient with Baldwin. We were spoiled by how quickly Bowe’s game matured and translated to the field, but it’s important to remember that he was the exception and not the rule. What might be more aptly called the “Wide Receiver Three Year Rule.”

It’s not uncommon for a young wide receiver to need 1-2 years to get adjusted in the NFL. That doesn’t mean a player at that position can’t come in and contribute right away. I’ve already cited Dwayne Bowe as an example of a rookie who produced from the outset. Others have done the same, but I think fans might be surprised by the list of receivers who needed a year or two to get acclimated to the NFL.

Here’s what I came up with over the last 15 years:

• Hines Ward
• Peerless Price
• Reggie Wayne
• Steve Smith
• Santana Moss
• Marty Booker
• Plaxico Burress
• Laveranues Coles
• Chad Johnson
• Brandon Marshall
• Steve Breaston
• Justin McCareins
• Javon Walker
• Jerrico Cotchery
• Kevin Dyson

That’s quite the list. A list that suggests that wide receivers can and do grow at different rates. Baldwin was said to compare favorably to Brandon Marshall when he was drafted. If he has a similar maturation process, we’ll have one hell of a wide receiver on our hands. I’m not that liberal, but I have seen improvement over his truncated rookie season. He lost time and valuable reps when he broke his thumb in that altercation with former Chief Thomas Jones. He’d already suffered through a lockout where he couldn’t have contact with the team. Expectations may have been too high for Jon Baldwin in his rookie season.

We may never see Baldwin go on to produce like the aforementioned company, but certainly there is reason to reserve judgment. He still has a lot to learn about this game. He still needs time to develop as a football player. Baldwin is also contending with a severely handicapped passing game that is squandering his physical gifts. This offense was designed to stretch the field, but because of Matt Cassel’s limited arm strength and inability to throw the ball down the field (with accuracy), it’s been revised to feature short-to-intermediate pass plays. That’s an offense that isn’t well-suited for where he is as a second-year player. It’s hard to “show up” when all of that is true.

Baldwin has several problem areas that need to be addressed. His route running leaves a lot to be desired. Todd Haley helped Dwayne Bowe in this area during his time as head coach of this team. Taller wideouts can struggle with running tight routes because it’s harder for them to bend and get out of their breaks. He has a tendency to round off his routes, which further limits his ability to be effective underneath. Baldwin also needs to work on cleanly getting off the line. For a guy his size, you wouldn’t expect him to have so much trouble with being jammed by cornerbacks. In short, Jon Baldwin could benefit from more time in Camp Fitzgerald.

Let’s see how things shake out over the next 8 games before we start calling him the b-word. There have been slight improvements to his game. His yards-per-catch average is up, significantly (by two more yards per reception in 2012 — 14.2). I’ve also seen him do an even better job at using his size advantage against smaller defensive backs. He’s always been good at using his body to seal off defenders. I’ve seen him do that a half-dozen times this season. All of that said, there is hope! Now let’s all pray that wide receivers coach Nick Sirianni knows its phone number.

The kid has half of the season ahead of him to make good on the promise of an impressive camp. The forthcoming MNF matchup with Pittsburgh should be a great test for Baldwin. The Steelers boast the league’s #1 pass defense. As they say, “To be the best, you gotta beat the best.” Rumble young man, rumble!

Until next week, Addicts!

The Peter Principle is a belief that, in an organization where promotion is based on achievement, success, and merit, that organization’s members will eventually be promoted beyond their level of ability.

Source: Wikipedia

If one thing is certain, seven games into Romeo Crennel’s tenure as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s that he’s coaching one position higher than he should be. Prior to Todd Haley’s in-season firing in 2011, Crennel had only been entrusted with Kansas City’s defense. That was a role he was well-suited and well-qualified for. We’ve seen what he’s capable of (or culpable for) as a head coach. His stint in Cleveland yielded just 24 wins in four years.

Results are what matter in the NFL. Clearly the results aren’t there for this football team. When you fail to produce, there will be tough questions. Tough questions that good head coaches can answer. Crennel, on the other hand, has been short on answers. He can’t tell you why this team’s a colossal failure. He doesn’t know why his star runningback carried the ball only five times on Sunday afternoon. He’s not even sure who his quarterback will be despite a short week where the Chiefs face the Chargers on Thursday night.

With two weeks to prepare, the Chiefs were still handled by the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. They fell to their biggest AFC West rival, 26-16, for the sixth consecutive time at Arrowhead Stadium. The loss marked the sixth time Kansas City has trailed their opponent by 17 points in 2012. Being ill-prepared is one of the few things this team has been with any consistency. That falls squarely on the shoulders of the head coach. You’d think a man with 30 years of NFL experience would know a thing or two about preparation. It’s as though he’s unclear about his job responsibilities.

Crennel has struggled with delegating responsibility to his coaching staff,  with clock management, with in-game adjustments, and with personnel. That’s just about everything that comes under his purview as the leader of this football team. I’m not sure that he’s shown significant improvement in any area since being named the 12th head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. At 1-6, Crennel’s Chiefs may be the worst team in the NFL. Kansas City is the first team since 1940 not to hold a lead in regulation through seven games.

I don’t know if GM Scott Pioli is worse at identifying starting quarterbacks or at picking good stewards for the “Right 53.” His second head coaching hire came after Crennel flirted with a division title and led the team to a 2-1 finish in 2011. One of those wins came against the undefeated Green Bay Packers. That game may have been the reason Crennel ultimately got the job.

As with all bad relationships, the problems start when you stop doing the things that got you the girl in the first place. Where’s the defense that surrendered an average of just 11 points per game the final three weeks of the 2011 season? Any idea where we might find the opportunistic bunch that produced four turnovers during that stretch? Romeo doesn’t seem to know. This team has had absolutely no momentum since beating the Denver Broncos on New Year’s Day.

Crennel was back in full head scratch mode in the post-game presser. It’s unlikely that a man without the obvious answers, to the simplest questions, will be able stop the bleeding. He’s not even sure how to parse what he’s seeing on the field. Chances are, he also doesn’t know what to say (or do) to motivate his players to go out and win a ballgame in convincing fashion. Crennel swaps out locker-room signage. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it, if it’s one idea in a series of ideas. What terrifies me, is the thought that it may have been Crennel’s best idea.

Pioli won’t survive the firing of two head coaches in as many years. Especially not if Crennel’s contract is also terminated mid-season. The Chiefs are headed for historical ineptitude and unless Clark Hunt cleans house, we could be forced to watch this team continue to wilt for another 9 weeks. The next two contests will be nationally-televised. If the team can’t get back on track, perhaps being embarrassed on a national stage will do the trick? We’ll soon know the answer to this question — unlike Romeo Crennel.

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

I’m feeling refreshed after being spared from another Chiefs’ loss this past weekend. It’s cheap, I know. They didn’t lose because they didn’t play, but when your favorite team is 1-5, you’ll enjoy avoiding a loss any way you can.

The entire organization was under a microscope all last week. It’s been rumored that Scott Pioli’s job may be in jeopardy. We’ve also heard reports that Dwayne Bowe is demanding a trade. A healthy Matt Cassel has been supplanted by Brady Quinn. These are all symptoms that everything’s in disarray at One Arrowhead Drive. Fans are fed up and are taking matters into their own hands. Several social networking campaigns have been mounted to create an organizational tipping point. One of the most common memes in fan circles is the idea that the best thing for this franchise is to lose all of its remaining games. Doing so would put the Chiefs in position to find their quarterback-of-the-future in next year’s NFL Draft. Last year it was “Suck for Luck”. This year it’s either ”Blow For Barkley”, “Give Up for Geno”, or “Tank for Tyler”. Tyler Bray or Wilson for the record, not the Chiefs’ failed former third-round draft pick. Notice I didn’t mention “Lose for Landry” in the aforementioned company (I want no parts of him).

What I’m about to say may rub some fan circles the wrong way, but I’ve been here before. I survived the first article I wrote about Matt Cassel, and I was certain that would get me run out of town on a rail. You’re reading this, so I survived. Call me the Gloria Gaynor of the Gridiron Gallery.

Okay, I’m going to stop stalling now. Here goes nothing.

*Ahem*

Kansas City Chiefs fans should NEVER root for losses.

You’re still here? Good, let’s continue. I hope you’ll hear me out.

Reason #1: It’s counter-intuitive

As fans, we’re naturally inclined to cheer for this football team. How does one suddenly start celebrating turnovers, missed field goals, and being gashed by an opposing offense? My love for this franchise won’t allow me to. In Game 3, when the Saints stretched their lead to 18 points, I know you were screaming at the TV as you watched Jamaal Charles break a run for a 91-yard touchdown. Those are the moments we live for as fans. You mean to tell me you’re going to stare blankly into the television set the next time he takes one to the house? That’s nonsense and the both of us know it. You can continue to root for this franchise while you also demand that they get back on the right track. Those two things are not mutually exclusive.

Reason #2: The Pride Factor

There’s no good way to convince NFL players to lay down and look to the future. The league is comprised of professional and prideful men. Men on the field, along the sideline, and in the booth. Losing seems to be a foregone conclusion in Kansas City anymore, but players certainly aren’t happy about it. Chiefs players want to win. Prolonged futility for future possibilities isn’t persuasive. The NFL’s life expectancy is 5 years. These athletes are one hit away from never seeing the field again.

Reason #3: Players have options

The last thing the Chiefs’ front office wants is to create compelling reasons for players, with little time left on their contracts, to lose hope. Does anyone think Dwayne Bowe would prefer to be patient with Kansas City over, say, joining Tom Brady in New England? He’s reportedly demanding a trade. None of us know how true those reports are, but it’s clear he’s had his fill of this failed franchise. Bowe’s only been part of one winning season since being drafted by the Chiefs in 2007. The “maybe next year” mantra will only play for so long with this team’s star players. Selling the future will be much tougher if the Chiefs’ brass can’t retain the core of this football team. You can only backfill so much talent on an annual basis. If players start defecting to escape the stench, we could be staring at another multiple-year rebuilding project.

Reason #4: It’s a half-measure

The immediate return on an awful NFL season is a premium draft pick. Teams from the previous year with the poorest records are slotted on a worst-to-first basis (the lowest draft pick is awarded to the team that wins the Superbowl). Having one of the first ten picks in next April’s draft will put a team in great position to select a quarterback. We’ll have to wait and see who declares, but the early mocks have as many as three quarterbacks being taken in the top 10. When the draft rolls around, about six months from now, it will have been 30 years since the last time the Chiefs drafted a quarterback in the first round. It’s a well known secret that every man, woman, child, and dog who roots for this franchise wants said franchise to draft an elite quarterback prospect.

Losing will put the Chiefs in position, but without the right man in charge (who shares the desire for an elite quarterback prospect) we could very well wind up with another #1 along the defensive line. That would add insult to injury and pin the tail on the point I’ve been trying to make throughout the article. Is Tyson Jackson not the clearest example of why having a top pick can be a dangerous thing, in the wrong hands? Scott Pioli has never used an early draft pick on a quarterback. If he’s still here in the spring, are you sure the losses you rooted for will have the desired effect? Be careful what you wish for. Star Lotulelei may be a valued customer at Gates & Sons this time next year.

I believe this team needs an elite quarterback to take the next step in the NFL. The supporting cast he’ll be surrounded by can give him the help he’ll need to turn this team into a contender. If we have the right general manager in the War Room come April, we won’t need to pile up losses. That general manager will understand the need to have a franchise quarterback in the NFL. I suspect he’ll also do whatever it takes to acquire one. That’s what we should all be rooting for — the right leadership. Losing might expedite a separation of employment for the wrong leadership, but it won’t guarantee us that a better general manager will succeed Scott Pioli. The only thing that will create the kind of change we all want to see is better decision making, on a consistent basis, at the top of the organization. Clark Hunt has to identify and obtain the right general manager. The right general manager has to find the right head coach and the right quarterback for this team. When all of that happens, the Kansas City Chiefs will be headed in the right direction.

Root for new leadership, not losses. Losses don’t always constitute better decisions. The Chiefs lost 26 games in the last two years of Carl Peterson’s administration. We wound up with Scott Pioli. Get the picture? I’m sure all of this will be unconvincing to some of you. I’m okay with that. Do what you have to do, but for the love of all that is holy, please don’t root for the Chiefs to lose this coming Sunday. That’s just uncivilized. Death to the silver and blech!

Until next time, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

I’m beginning to feel a bit like Phil Connors. Every Sunday afternoon I watch the Kansas City Chiefs play the same uninspired, undisciplined, and mistake-filled brand of football as the Sunday before. Chiefs fans are stuck in a time loop. Punxsutawney Pioli has held this team and its fanbase hostage with a failed four-year administration. We’re not going to rehash the reasons why the administration has failed though. I’m sure you know those reasons well by now. There haven’t been many sunny days at One Arrowhead Drive this year. I’m hoping Pioli hasn’t seen his shadow and that the winter of our discontent will soon be over.

The good people of Chiefs Kingdom are holding their collective breath that Clark Hunt will break the time loop. They want Pioli gone. They want Crennel gone. They want Cassel gone. After a 1-5 start, all of that may come to pass when the season is over. Kansas City has now lost four games by at least 16 points. They’ve been down by 18 points in five of six games this season. The Chiefs aren’t competitive right now and just lost big to a football team that was 1-3 coming into Sunday’s game. One of the worst offenses in the NFL just hung 31 on the Chiefs’ defense. Six games into the season, Kansas City hasn’t lead an opponent for one second. That’s the longest any NFL team has gone into a season, without a lead, since 1983 (which is incidentally the last time the Chiefs drafted a quarterback in the first round). This franchise is making history in the wrong direction.

On Monday morning, Bill Maas told 610 Sports that he expects Scott Pioli to be fired during the Chiefs’ bye week. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that the Chiefs offered Pioli a two-year contract extension on Sunday morning. The offer reportedly had not been signed because Pioli had a problem with the buyout language. Later in the day, Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star filed a conflicting report that no such offer had been made. Clark Hunt declined to comment on the veracity of that report. As of right now, it’s tough to know what the organization is thinking about Pioli, Crennel, or Cassel. Answers may come during the bye week.

When Kansas City resumes the season, will it be business as usual at Arrowhead? That is to say, Matt Cassel back as the starter at quarterback, Romeo Crennel comfortable in his dual roles as head coach/defensive coordinator, and Pioli ensconced in his tufted leather executive chair? God forbid. We’ve already seen fan disapproval ratings at an all-time high. Disdain for the current direction of the organization has already done an Arrowhead flyby. I’m sure you’ve also heard about sites like “Bench Matt Cassel” and ”Save Our Chiefs“. Fans are waging an all-out war on this regime through the social media. They’re also looking for ways to be seen and heard inside of Arrowhead Stadium. Gameday measures, for the next home game, are being concocted as we speak.

How much, if any of this, will actually persuade Clark Hunt to make changes? It’s tough to know. I can’t imagine that he’s happy with the current product on the field though. Only time will tell what will ultimately become of his franchise. It’s so bad that people are actively rooting against the Chiefs in hopes of earning the #1 pick and Geno Smith, by extension, in April’s draft. I can’t bring myself to do that, but I won’t shed one tear if he winds up in the ketchup-and-mustard colored uni. We’ll have to wait it out, but at least we know the Chiefs can’t lose this week.

Let’s chat again next Tuesday, shall we?

Until then, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

For shame, Mr. Pioli.

I think I get it now. You don’t have an issue with responsibility. You’re just willing to shrink into the shadows while fans of the Kansas City Chiefs shoulder that responsibility.

A number of fans cheered on Sunday when a concussed Matt Cassel came out of the game. That’s a lamentable moment for Chiefs fans. Football is just a game. No one should ever cheer a player (check that: human being) being injured. That’s flat out despicable. There is no excuse for that kind of behavior from a community of fans who are known for unwavering support of this franchise. But therein lies the problem. Kansas City has had Cassel forced down its throat. Cassel is just a guy. The kind of guy who an NFL front office should never stand behind for so long, but that’s precisely what Pioli has done. Fans are frustrated and for a moment on Sunday, with Cassel lying motionless on the field, they couldn’t see a human being on the ground. They could only see liberation from the quarterback who has held this offense (and the team) back for three years.

Right Tackle Eric Winston weighed in on the controversy in a post-game interview:

When you cheer somebody getting knocked out, I don’t care who it is, and it just so happened to be Matt Cassel — it’s sickening. It’s 100 percent sickening. I’ve been in some rough times on some rough teams, I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life to play football than in that moment right there.

Those comments went viral and became a national headline. Fans are now the ostensible culprit in Kansas City. This is a convenient distraction for a 1-4 football team. The national media will spend the next several days not talking about what created that admittedly disgraceful moment: Pioli’s failure to admit his mistake with Matt Cassel is the real problem.

We can’t blame Matt Cassel. For what it’s worth, he’s done everything he’s been asked to do. He has the desire and work ethic needed to play well. He just doesn’t have the God-given ability. We can’t blame Romeo Crennel. He’s only following Pioli’s marching orders. Cassel’s not his guy, but he doesn’t have a say in the matter. The best he can do is try to hide him. That’s basically what happened on Sunday. Brian Daboll dialed up 50 run plays compared to just 18 pass attempts (three were credited to Brady Quinn). Cassel attempted only 7 passes throughout the first half. Crennel is taking a play out of Todd Haley’s playbook of defiance.

It’s tragic that Pioli has allowed this charade to go on as long as it has. At the very least, Cassel should’ve been benched last week. He’s regressing with every game. Cassel’s responsible for 13 turnovers this season. It’s time to move on. Brady Quinn is likely to be the Week 6 starter in Tampa Bay, but I suspect that he’ll be shelved again once Cassel is medically cleared to play. It’s just not fair that fans of this team are stuck with Matt Cassel. It’s worse that the highest-paid general manager in the NFL is going to allow them to take a bullet for a crime he ultimately committed.

Man up, Mr. Pioli! Take a proactive approach and reassure this town that you’re working diligently to put the best possible product on the field. Brady Quinn may or may not be the answer, but that’s beside the point. A message needs to be sent to players, to the coaching staff, and to the fans of this franchise that Cassel’s level of play is no longer acceptable. We’ll address a poorly-performing Brady Quinn when we cross that bridge. Make it happen, Scott. Give Romeo Crennel the green light to tell the media that Matt Cassel is no longer the starting quarterback for this team. Let him state unequivocally, injury or no injury, the Cassel experiment is over.

Now let’s recap:

Cassel deserves to be respected as a human being by the fans. The fans deserve a better quarterback. The team deserves a real shot at winning games. Romeo Crennel deserves to be evaluated on his coaching performance with players he can believe in. Scott Pioli deserves to be fired. I deserve something positive to write about! Sigh.

Until next week, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Sunday’s loss to the San Diego Chargers marked the end to a miserable first quarter of the 2012 season. At 1-3, Kansas City joins the Oakland Raiders in the cellar of the AFC West. The Chiefs have lost three games by 51 points. That’s an average of 17 points per game if you’re scoring at home. This football team could be out of the divisional race before Halloween candy goes bad. The Baltimore Ravens are coming to town on Sunday, it might be a good time for someone to find some answers. Your dissenting voices are becoming the “irresistible force.”

Who’s responsible for this mess?

Clark Hunt:

Clark Hunt, the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, lives in Dallas. I’m in no place to say where the man ought to live. Out-of-state ownership can be problematic, though (see: David Glass). Hunt doesn’t have his finger on the pulse of the city and is cushioned by the 500 miles that separates Kansas City and Dallas. He isn’t exposed to the everyday discourse between members of the local fan base. He’s not hearing his organization maligned everyday on sports radio. He’s isolated from the dissatisfaction and a growing sense of hostility toward the franchise. Hunt is culpable, but he’s also the “immovable object” here. On the chance that you weren’t already aware, he can’t be fired. I suppose he could be cajoled into moving the team to Los Angeles, but no one wants that to happen (contrary to what some Chiefs fans are saying). Ultimately, he’s the toughest part of the problem to deal with. Fans can certainly abstain from going out to the stadium, but that’s something the Kansas City community isn’t likely to commit to. At least not for any extended period of time. We may see an increasing number of empty seats as the season wears on, but the likelihood that any of their remaining games will be blacked out is slim.

Something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give.

That said, we’re stuck with “The Clarks.”

Scott Pioli:

If there’s little that can be done about Clark Hunt, perhaps there are options for his top gun, Scott Pioli. You know, the Former NFL Executive of the Decade and the NFL’s highest paid general manager? He’s the guy with the “irrepressible smile” that wooed us with promises of championship-caliber football and the “Patriot Way.” More than three years into his administration, we’ve seen very little that suggests he’ll actually make good on those promises. Of the 31 Chiefs losses since he took over for Carl Peterson (the 2010 post-season appearance included), 17 of them have been by two or more touchdowns. That’s an embarrassing statistic. Perhaps the most damning of all. If an average of more than nine losses per season weren’t enough (coming into the year), the Chiefs are being blown out in 1 of every 2 games they drop? That has to fall squarely on the shoulders of the man with “total control” of this football team. He brought you Todd Haley, Romeo Crennel, Tyson Jackson, and Matt Cassel—his $63,000,000 quarterback being the most glaring mistake of this regime, one that he seems to be unwilling to cop to (Crennel said Cassel was his Week 5 starter). Pioli is also on the verge of his third losing season in four. Somewhere, somehow, someone has to hold this man’s feet to the fire. Might be time for Clark Hunt to inventory his supply of pink slips.

Something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give.

Romeo Crennel:

The 65-year old veteran of the NFL has more than 30 years of coaching experience. He was originally hired as defensive coordinator of this football team. He took over, as interim coach of the team, after Todd Haley’s 2011 in-season firing. Crennel, affectionately known as “RAC” to his players, galvanized his squad and won two of his final three games. One of those victories came against the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers. That game may have earned him the right to be named the Chiefs’ next head coach. Crennel failed to build on the momentum of last season though and now few people believe he’s the right man for the job. The Chiefs have stumbled out of the starting blocks and the first chapter of his head coaching tenure in Kansas City has been marred by game management gaffes and a lethargic, slow-starting football team. It was Crennel who decided that he would act as head coach and defensive coordinator of this team. Thus far, that’s been a horrible decision. Crennel has had a hell of a time with making effective in-game adjustments. There is time still to defer defensive play-calling responsibilities to someone like linebackers coach Gary Gibbs. Having an “old implacable heart” about that decision may soon cost him his job.

Something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give.

The 3-1 Ravens are headed for Kansas City this weekend for a Sunday afternoon showdown with the Chiefs. They’re bringing the league’s 5th-ranked scoring offense with them. If we see another rout (God forbid), will we see any immediate changes made by the organization? Will Clark Hunt make a definitive move to signify his displeasure with the current state of his franchise? Or will there simply be more of the same and only the promise of an unbearingly long season to look forward to?

Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight it with all of our might
Chances are some heavenly star spangled night
We’ll find out as sure as we live
Something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give, something’s gotta give

Until next week, Addicts!

Sometimes it’s all in your head.

I won’t be remiss and hang two humiliating losses all on a lack of confidence, but there’s a significant psychological aspect to NFL games. Confidence begets confidence in this league. It’s a vital ingredient in the recipe for playing good football. Teams that lack confidence give up easily and fall victim to unforced errors. This Chiefs team knows that well after having done both in the opening two games of the season.

At the risk of sounding like an after-school special, I’m going to restate the obvious.

“Confidence is important.”

Stop shrugging your shoulders and consider the evidence:

Exhibit A: Jamaal Charles

In Sunday’s post-game press conference, Charles expressed prior concerns about the lingering effects of his 2011 ACL injury. “I didn’t trust myself (until Sunday),’’ Charles said.  After racking up 288 yards from scrimmage and 1 touchdown, he’ll have faith in spades that his surgically-repaired knee is reliable. There had been whispers that the injury may have spoiled Charles’ world-class speed. He was caught from behind on a 46-yard run by Atlanta Falcons Safety Thomas DeCoud (though I explained this away — see item #2). There were no more whispers after Charles ripped off the longest run in franchise history on Sunday (91 yards). If Jamaal is convinced that he can continue to be a homerun hitter for this offense, everything else goes up from there.

Exhibit B: Ryan Succop

In the Chiefs’ opener, Succop missed what would’ve been a game-tying 40-yard field goal to start the third quarter. The miss lead to a string of unfortunate events and a total loss of momentum for Kansas City. What a difference two weeks can make in the NFL. 2009′s Mr. Irrelevant broke a franchise record by making six field goals on Sunday (including the game-winner). Succop also drained a 43-yard field goal to send the game to overtime. Those two high-pressure kicks are exactly what this struggling Special Teams unit needs.

Exhibit C: Justin Houston

Houston is one of only a few defensive players who’s actually shown up each week. His confidence has grown exponentially since late last season. The former Georgia Bulldog has been playing a self-assured brand of football the whole month of September. He’s the one wheel on a shaky Kansas City defense that doesn’t need oil. As we all know, confidence is contagious. His tenacity helped to spark a defensive lockdown of the Saints’ offense late in Sunday’s game. Drew Brees was rattled and made uncharacteristic mistakes as a result of having been dumped thrice by Houston. Justin Houston’s performance on Sunday raised the level of play around him. The result was a stunning defensive effort in the fourth quarter where Brees didn’t complete a single pass and the Saints offense had just one positive play (a 2-yard gain by Sproles).

Beating the Saints in front of a near-capacity Superdome crowd ought to build some confidence for this team. Confidence won’t be a panacea for all that ails the Chiefs though. They still need to play disciplined mistake-free football on a consistent basis. Confidence is a start though. If the Chiefs believe they can compete week in and week out, they’ll do a better job of staying in games. They’ll still have to execute, but it should help them get off to better starts. A lead would help this team psychologically, if nothing else. Regularly playing from behind takes a mental toll on a football team (through 3 games Kansas City still hasn’t held a lead).

So which team are we going to see on Sunday when the Bolts come to town? The resilient squad that refused to say die in Sunday’s game in the Big Easy, or the team that wilted down the stretch in the Atlanta and Buffalo games? San Diego got thumped by the Falcons in the late afternoon game on Sunday. They’ll be looking to get back on track, but they’ll also be coming to the unwelcoming atmosphere of Arrowhead Stadium. What better place for this team to be full of renewed confidence? If Kansas City wins the opening toss they should receive and look to strike first blood. Crennel needs to keep team morale high and ride the wave of this momentum. The Kansas City Chiefs proved Sunday that they can compete with any team in the NFL if they really want to. Hopefully we’ll continue to see evidence of that on the field.

Sunday will tell. Let’s reconvene next week to discuss. In the meantime, I’m wondering if Jamaal Charles, Justin Houston, and Ryan Succop will sweep the AFC honors this week? Offensive Player of the Week, Defensive Player of the Week, and Special Teams Player of the Week, for the win!!!

Until then, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE

The sky is falling.

Your fears are legitimate. Your anger is acceptable. Your hopelessness is understandable.

Your Kansas City Chiefs are 0-2 and have a Week 3 Superdome showdown with the New Orleans Saints this Sunday. Kansas City has dropped two games by an average of 17 points. Don’t be deceived by that statistic though. The Chiefs trailed the Falcons by as much as 23 in the opener. The Bills had a 32-point lead at one point on Sunday. Junk touchdowns late in both games made the final boxscores look less mortifying.

It’s time for a “come-to-Jesus” meeting at One Arrowhead Drive. Kansas City has been routed two times, in as many seasons, by Chan Gailey’s Buffalo Bills. I think it’s clear how he feels about the organization that demoted and eventually fired him three years ago. He’s made it a point to humiliate this football team. Sunday was a “get well” game for the Bills. They began their 2012 season by surrendering 48 points in a loss to the New York Jets. What better way to get back on track than to get the team that surrendered 40, to Atlanta, in your house?

This team has no such game to look forward to. They’re headed for another difficult road game in New Orleans. The Saints are also winless, but they were competitive in both games. Kansas City hasn’t been competitive for roughly six quarters. This football team is in shambles.

The scariest part about all of this is that head coach Romeo Crennel seems to be short on answers. You get the feeling that he might be in over his head. In the post-game presser Crennel said, “I thought we prepared well during the week.” The Chiefs looked anything but prepared on Sunday. It took Kansas City nearly three quarters to get on the board with a Ryan Succop 33-yard field goal. Buffalo outclassed this football team in every phase of the game.

Kansas City lost its first three games to start the 2011 season. The naive will lay that at the feet of three season-ending injuries to key players. This team is mostly healthy. That excuse just won’t wash in 2012. The Chiefs are deeper and more talented this season. Scott Pioli’s scruffy scapegoat is gone. There’s no one left to take the blame for this futility. Every faltering piece of this operation was hand-picked by Pioli. Who takes the rap this time? Pioli won’t survive another in-season firing of a head coach. Captain “Yakety Sax” Cassel won’t fall on the sword either. Scott Pioli has shown us no indication that he’s ready to move on from his $63,000,000 mistake. The answer, is simply, to start winning football games.

Winning is a cure-all. If the Chiefs go into New Orleans and beat the Saints on Sunday, they’ll have reason to believe the season isn’t lost. Crennel won’t call this a must-win game. Make no mistake, it’s a must-win game. Another drubbing and Kansas City may fold its tent and begin a “Blow It for Barkley” campaign. Romeo Crennel has to get this team prepared to play their best football this year in the next five days. The most liberal Chiefs fans probably had Week 3 as a loss for Kansas City before the season began. That’s why a victory will give this team the confidence it needs to right the ship.

I pray the football gods smile upon the Chiefs and give me a reason to use alliteration (in a positive way) this time next week. I’ve got the C-section bookmarked in my trusted Merriam-Webster just in case.

Until then, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

The Kansas City Chiefs opened their 2012 campaign with a 16-point home loss to the Atlanta Falcons. It’s not time to panic at One Arrowhead Drive, but there is reason for concern. Before you step off of the ledge, let’s see what we can take away from Sunday’s game.

The Good:

1. The Chiefs were efficient at converting third downs. They converted 11 of 16 third downs on the day. That’s good for 69% and second best in the league for Week 1. Kansas City was woefully inefficient in the same category just one year ago. It’s only one game, but improvement in that area is a positive sign.

2. Jamaal Charles ran off-tackle for a 46-yard scamper midway through the second quarter. Everyone, including Charles, has been waiting for a long run to put lingering concerns about his surgically-repaired knee to rest. It’s not often that we’ve seen #25 caught from behind, but don’t be discouraged by that. Falcons strong safety Will Moore got a hand on Charles (causing him to stumble). That slowed him up enough that free safety Thomas DeCoud eventually made the stop. He may have lost speed, but that play wasn’t any indication of it.

3. Kevin Boss and Tony Moeaki were successful spokes in the wheel of the passing game. The two tight ends combined for 5 catches, 73 yards, and 1 touchdown. One of those catches (by Moeaki) extended an offensive drive that later led to the first Kansas City touchdown of the afternoon.

4. Dexter McCluster was Matt Cassel’s favorite target on Sunday. He was targeted four more times than any other Chiefs’ pass-catcher. #22 hauled in 6 balls for 82 yards. Sooner or later, defensive coordinators will have to account for the diminutive receiver. He’s proving that he can hurt a defense from the slot position.

5. Kansas City’s run defense was effective against the Atlanta ground game. The Falcons ran 23 times, but only at 3.7 yards per clip. The Chiefs defense deserves some credit, but Atlanta didn’t commit to running the football. They were able to throw the ball at will on Sunday. It is encouraging that Turner and company were kept in check though.

The Bad:

1. Tom McMahon’s special teams unit struggled in kick coverage on Sunday. Jacquizz Rodgers returned Succop’s second kickoff 77 yards before finally being brought down by Javier Arenas. That return helped the Falcons extend their lead back out to a touchdown toward the end of the opening quarter.

2. Kansas City’s defense had trouble all day with pressuring Matt Ryan. With Tamba Hali serving out his league-mandated suspension for a substance-abuse violation, the difficulty at getting to the quarterback wasn’t at all surprising. Linebacker Justin Houston had the Chiefs’ only sack of the day. The lack of pressure resulted in three “Matty Ice” touchdowns and a 136.4 passer rating.

3. Tony Gonzalez was booed after punctuating a 7-yard touchdown catch with his signature crossbar dunk. This came after the same Arrowhead Stadium crowd greeted him with a standing ovation.

The Ugly:

1. The Chiefs pass defense was porous, missing four starters. Kansas City couldn’t force a single Atlanta punt until the waning moments of the game. The Falcons scored on their first eight possessions. The Chiefs had no answer for Julio Jones, who averaged an eye-popping 18 yards per catch. Ryan was sacked only once in 31 attempts. Poor throws to Roddy White and Julio Jones saved the Chiefs from surrendering two more touchdowns. Atlanta put on an absolute clinic through the air.

2. Kansas City came unglued when kicker Ryan Succop missed a 40-yard field goal to start the third quarter. The wayward attempt was a disastrous way to end a 10-play drive. The poorly-kicked ball bounded off of the right upright and set an unfortunate chain of events into motion. Atlanta drove down the field and extended their lead to two possessions and the Chiefs turned the ball over on each of their next three offensive series. The Chiefs weren’t the same after Succop’s miss and fell apart at the seams on both sides of the ball.

3. Matt Cassel needed only 4:53 to turn the ball over three times. Those three turnovers resulted in the Falcons’ final 13 points. Cassel began forcing plays when the Chiefs trailed the Falcons 27-17 late in the third quarter. He’s not the kind of quarterback you want under center when you’re playing from behind. The Atlanta defense pinned their ears back, and Cassel showed them just how generous he can be. He fumbled and then threw picks to both William Moore and Stephen Nicholas. Cassel had to have been in the running for Atlanta’s game ball.

This game should leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth for the next several days. The question here is whether or not the Chiefs will fold the tent or get to 1-1 before heading to the Big Easy the following week. Sunday ought to present the perfect opportunity to right the ship. Kansas City has a date with the same Buffalo Bills who humiliated them in Arrowhead to start the 2011 season. Sunday will reveal how much character this football team has.

Until next week, Addicts!

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

The regular season is here and the Chiefs’ biggest fears have been realized. Early injuries devastated this football team just one year ago when the ACL3 were all on the wrong side of the injured reserve list by the third week of September. The team’s top priority, coming into their 2012 campaign, was to arrive at the season opener with a clean bill of health. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Kansas City now has four injured starters (Johnson, Flowers, Toribio, and Lewis). Romeo Crennel believes his starting ILB and CB will play on Sunday. Anthony Toribio is listed as day-to-day. Safety Kendrick Lewis is likely to miss the opener. The league office added insult to injury when they levied a one-game suspension on Tamba Hali for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. This team could be missing three starters when the Atlanta Falcons come to town this weekend.

Game 1 was probably a “pick’em” two weeks ago. That was before the news broke about their top pass-rusher. On paper, the Falcons now look to have a decided aerial advantage. Without Hali to protect him, Justin Houston will get special attention from Atlanta’s OC Dirk Koetter. Derrick Johnson is the only other linebacker on the roster with a pass-rushing skillset. He’s nursing an ankle injury though that could affect his closing speed. Hopefully he’ll be ready to go by Sunday, but he did not practice with the team today (neither did Allen Bailey). That leaves the job to Andy Studebaker, Cameron Sheffield, and a rotation of defensive linemen who are similarly underwhelming at pressuring the QB. If Matt Ryan consistently has six seconds to throw, this team will be in for a very long day.

Brian Daboll and company will have to effectively control the clock and keep the Atlanta offense off the field. This Chiefs’ offense has struggled to sustain a drive over the last two weeks. If those struggles continue, we could very well see a repeat of the 2011 season opener. I’ve done my best to block out the memory of the Buffalo blowout at Arrowhead Stadium last year. That game is a perfect example of how offensive ineptitude can hang this defense out to dry. The Chiefs had just 12 offensive plays in the first quarter of that game. Those four drives netted Kansas City zero points. By then they were already down two possessions. A repeat of that offensive effort will be disastrous, especially against a team that boasts an offense with Julio Jones, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, and Michael Turner.

The team could also use a lift from Tom McMahon and the Special Teams. The aforementioned 2011 opener began with several Special Teams missteps. Dexter McCluster fumbled the opening kickoff and turned the ball over deep in Chiefs’ territory. Dustin Colquitt was responsible for a short 27-yard punt that swung the field position battle in favor of the Bills. Ryan Succop missed a 49-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Compare that against the 2010 season opener with the Chargers where McCluster returned a punt 94 yards for a touchdown. That helped to secure the game for the Chiefs and set the tone for a successful AFC West-winning season. Kansas City could use a few positive plays from the Special Teams on Sunday.

Here’s where Romeo Crennel will earn his paycheck. He needs to keep his football team calm and poised in the face of adversity. Crennel will have to balance that with instilling a sense of urgency in them to play passionately from the opening kick. It’s important that the Chiefs win this game before departing the cozy confines of Arrowhead for two tough road games. This game will be won with mental toughness and a great overall team effort. We’ve seen Crennel do this before. He beat the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers at Arrowhead last year to start a three-game stretch as interim head coach of this team. Crennel needed to make a statement then, and he needs to make a statement now.

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Fourteen points later, we’re back to discuss what we’ve learned since the Chiefs lost the coveted Governor’s Cup to the St. Louis Rams. I wish I could gush over the Chiefs’ offensive effort in Friday night’s loss to the Seahawks. Unfortunately, it looks as though there are more questions than answers heading into the last week of the preseason. That’s not exactly reassuring after the most important preseason outing for the Chiefs offensive starters. It’s always difficult to know how much you can glean from football in August, but I think there are a few more things we can add to last week’s list.

1. Cassel will return to old habits under heavy pressure.

Matt Cassel spent the off-season working to improve his game. Between the time spent with pitching coach Tom House and quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn, he looked to be a slightly different quarterback. Friday night Murphy’s Law descended upon Arrowhead Stadium and it marked a return to Cassel’s old habits. Guards Lilja and Asamoah didn’t do Cassel any favors being shoved around by Seahawks defenders. Branden Albert contributed a few poorly-blocked pass plays of his own. The receivers dropped a handful of passes. Even the offensive gameplan seemed to be conspiring against Cassel’s preseason efficiency. I’m speculating here, but it occurred to me that limited carries between Charles and Hillis might’ve been Brian Daboll testing Cassel’s mettle. All of this lead to a jumpy Cassel who looked quite uncomfortable in the pocket (when he had one). It’s no surprise that McCluster led all receivers with seven catches. I had been impressed with Cassel’s ball placement through the first two games, but in Game 3 several of his passes sailed. He did respond with just over 9 minutes to play in the second quarter though, leading the Chiefs on a 17-play drive that ended in a Dexter McCluster touchdown.

2. McCluster’s maturation could hurt Cassel’s progress.

McCluster has put it all together this off-season with an impressive camp and a very productive month of August. Through three preseason games he leads the team in receptions and receiving yardage. #22 can be dangerous in Daboll’s offense, but he can also help Cassel solidify the title “Captain Checkdown.” Relying too heavily on outlets will do a grand disservice to his top three receivers (Bowe, Breaston, and Baldwin). McCluster being productive is good for this offense so long as he doesn’t keep Cassel from looking up field. Daboll wants to attack defenses. We can’t do that if pressure forces Cassel to lock in on his diminutive safety valve.

3. The Tight Ends will be a productive platoon.

I’ve heard arguments all off-season about which tight end will separate himself from the pack. Tony Moeaki, the founding member of the ACL3, has been the favorite among these watercooler conversations. Free agent acquisition Kevin Boss brings a slightly different skillset to the table and currently leads the group in receptions. Converted offensive tackle Steve Maneri quietly had a solid camp and opened the preseason with a three-catch, 69-yard game against Arizona. In each preseason contest a different tight end has stepped forward. I doubt that Daboll will play any offensive favorites, and it’s likely that there won’t be a singular hero at the position. I expect to see a committee approach in the mold of the New England Patriots.

4. Brian Daboll will experiment.

The one thing that impresses me the most about the Chiefs new offensive coordinator is his ability to adjust. The offense has struggled at times during the preseason, but in each game they’ve rebounded and found ways to get into the end zone. Kansas City’s offense had no rhythm the first twenty minutes of the game against Seattle. Daboll got them going on a 17-play drive that culminated in a touchdown pass from Cassel to McCluster. Throughout the preseason he’s consistently found ways to get his sluggish offense moving. That’s a welcome change in Kansas City. Former head coach Todd Haley knew how to beat a dead horse.

The preseason finale on Thursday night likely won’t tell us much, but there are a few roster spots still up for grabs. Nate Eachus went off for 98 rushing yards in the fourth quarter of the Seattle game. The offensive starters will be pulled early so it’ll be interesting to see what he and Shaun Draughn make of the the remaining three quarters of football. Eachus is a long shot, but he could very well play his way onto this roster with another game like the one he had this past Friday night at Arrowhead. The race for the final two or three WR slots will also be something to watch. I’m also hoping to see some consistency from the offensive line in protecting the quarterback. When we reconvene next week we’ll have final preseason answers, a shorter roster, and a good idea of what we can expect in the regular season opener against Atlanta.

Until then, Addicts…

We’re halfway through the preseason and I’ve learned a few things about this Brian Daboll-led offense. Some of these things are certain to incite riots among the angry Arrowhead mobs I’ve been surrounded by lately. If you have violent reactions to Matt Cassel or Dexter McCluster being heralded in any way, turn away now! Take all of this with a grain of salt and please remember that I’m a lover not a fighter.

1. Matt Cassel will be efficient.

Remember when I said that one of Daboll’s job responsibilities was to maximize Cassel’s strengths? That’s precisely what Daboll has done thus far. This is the most efficient Cassel has ever been. He’s completed 75% of his passes and posted a 114 QBR through the first two preseason games. He’s done this without Dwayne Bowe or any real contribution from Breaston or Baldwin. That’s a testament to how comfortable Cassel currently is with Daboll’s system and coaching. I think it also helps that his new offensive coordinator is trusting of him and allows him some measure of control over the offense. Cassel’s clearly taken advantage of the opportunity to check at the line of scrimmage. A confident Cassel with a cadre of offensive weapons could very well mean a return to his 2010 form. It should also be noted that Cassel’s been putting the ball in the right spots and seems to have more velocity on his passes (courtesy of Tom House).

2. Dexter McCluster will make his biggest offensive contribution yet.

McCluster, or Public Enemy #3 in Chiefs country (Pioli and Cassel own the top two spots), has quietly made the decision to move him back to the Receiving corps look good. Daboll believes he can be beneficial to this offensive group so he’ll be used in a number of ways. The presence of Bowe, Breaston, and Baldwin on the outside will leave room for Dex to hurt defenses underneath.  McCluster’s precise route-running and quickness have already helped him to become one of Matt Cassel’s favorite targets. Dex leads all Chiefs receivers with 69 receiving yards this preseason. He’s averaging 11.3 yards per catch.

3. The Chiefs will be more successful at converting third downs.

Kansas City was 19th in the league in 2011, converting just 36% of their third downs. While I don’t expect them to be a Top 10 unit in this category, I think they will improve upon that number. Peyton Hillis answers the problem the Chiefs have had in short-yardage situations. McCluster, Boss, and Moeaki provide great pass-catching options for anything under 7 yards. I’d venture to guess that we’ll also see the right play called on a more regular basis. Too often, under Haley’s leadership, run plays and pass plays were interchanged on big third downs.

4. Jonathan Baldwin still has some growing up to do.

Despite an impressive training camp, Chiefs second-year WR Jon Baldwin has struggled in the opening two games of the preseason. He logged just one catch in Saturday night’s matchup with the St. Louis Rams. No sooner than he’d caught the football, he put it on the ground, and St. Louis promptly took advantage of the turnover. Baldwin’s swagger in St. Joseph hasn’t translated onto the field yet. Things won’t be any easier for him now that Bowe’s back in the fold. He’ll see fewer reps with the top offensive unit. Steve Breaston is a polished veteran who will hold the #2 WR job down until Baldwin pushes him to the slot. Time will tell if he can force him out of that role.

Two games left to play before the regular season opener. I look forward to adding a few more items to this list. Hopefully we’ll cover more ground and I can tell you what I learned about the offensive line, Devon Wylie, and Dwayne Bowe.

Until then Addicts, adios!

I slept just three hours on the eve of the pre-season opener for the Kansas City Chiefs. When 6am arrived, I was ready to spring out of bed and into a hot, steamy shower. I dressed quickly and darted out of my dimly lit apartment. For once I was on time for work and excited to settle into my 8-by-10 cubicle. I’d planned to spend the entire day perusing Chiefs-related websites. I freely admit that Fridays tend to be my least productive workdays. Why should the first official Red Friday, for the Chiefs 2012 campaign, have been any different? I’ll spare you the details of a monotonous workday and my errand-running afterward. You want to know about my gameday experience, and I’m anxious to share.

So here are my Top 10 thoughts (a la Letterman) on my Arrowhead experience:

10. The Kansas City Rumble Drumline is awful. I’m not sure whose idea it was to add them to the stadium presentation, but it just doesn’t cut it. The drummers are talented, but their routines are utterly uninspired. Their performances don’t translate particularly well to the jumbotron either. The natural sound delays (no fault of the stadium’s staff) render the visual useless. Tony DiPardo is sorely missed at One Arrowhead Drive.

9. Did anyone get a load of the kid who lifted his shirt and rubbed his nipples on the ordinarily family-friendly FanCam? The crew is obviously still in pre-season form as they never bothered to cut away from the boy. That was a golden moment. Pure comedy gold.

8. Paying just $10 to park outside the stadium, just north of I-70, was delightful. If ever you need some post-game entertainment, watching inebriated fans trying to climb the hill at the northeast edge of the parking lot ought to do the trick.

7. Steve Maneri was impressive with 69 receiving yards. Surprisingly, that led all Chiefs pass-catchers. It’s the pre-season though so Chiefs fans will have to curb their enthusiasm. Lest he become the Jesse Haynes of 2012.

6. As a longtime Hip Hop aficionado, I was pleased to hear seminal 90′s acts: Onyx, Lords of the Underground and Public Enemy pumped through the stadium’s PA after big defensive plays. Though there was a moment where a Ludacris lyric made my skin crawl. It wasn’t for any personal reasons, but I couldn’t help but to think about all of the kids in attendance. Let’s just say it detailed an encounter with an exotic dancer and her hindquarters.

5. Remember the sixth-round draft pick I said would contibute in 2012? He led all Chiefs RB’s with 65 rushing yards on Friday night. He punctuated his pre-season debut with a 7-yard touchdown scamper. It’s early, but my prediction’s on track.

4. Brady Quinn and Ricky Stanzi were unimpressive to say the least. Backup QB was believed to be one of the most hotly-contested position battles coming into training camp. Despite having split 3.5 quarters, there were only 9 completions between them. Tyler Palko is not amused.

3. Think Eric Winston will be a difference-maker along Kansas City’s offensive line? Watch the Peyton Hillis 28-yard run thrice then thank your lucky stars for Barry Richardson’s incompetence and for salary cap casualties.

2. Anthony Toribio was rock solid against the Cardinals. He made a case for continuing to run with the first team (at least for another week). Toribio was strong at the point. He collapsed the pocket on a pass play and stuffed Cardinals Runningback Alfonso Smith on a run. Seemed as though the Chiefs Linebackers were clean and able to make plays with Toribio helping to absorb blockers.

1. Brian Daboll got the offense rolling. The Chiefs found paydirt on back-to-back offensive series. Can you recall the last time that happened in a pre-season game (or any other game for that matter)? I didn’t see the vertical attack-style offense that Daboll’s been boasting about all off-season, but schemes are typically pretty vanilla this time of the year. I’ll reserve judgment for the next two or three weeks.

No two words draw the ire of Chiefs fans like “Matt Cassel.” He may well be the most hated Kansas City QB since Elvis M. Grbac. Cassel was acquired by GM Scott Pioli, in a 2009 trade with the New England Patriots, and he’s been the Executive of the Decade’s whipping boy ever since. Some of the criticism is warranted. Cassel has posted a paltry QBR of 80 during his Chiefs tenure. Couple that with 6.4 yards per attempt and the completion of just 57% of his passes, and you quickly realize there’s much to be desired of our Sixty-Three Million Dollar Man.

I’ll spare you another “Cassel will never be a franchise quarterback” rant. Google has thousands of entries on the subject (trust me, I checked). This won’t be another Cassel defense. I’ve long retired as an apologist for #7. I now happen to think 2011 was the penultimate chapter along Cassel’s Chiefs career trajectory.  However, in this article, it’s Scott Pioli I’m concerned with. Before you applaud, I’m probably going to take a slightly different angle than you’d expect. We all know there’s a Chiefs contingent that hates Pioli with the power of a thousand suns. My thoughts here are probably not going to dovetail with the consensus of that group. In three years Pioli has turned the pathetic roster he inherited into a talented young team that should soon contend in the AFC. He deserves credit for retaining all but one of the Pro Bowl-caliber players from the previous regime and for the infusion of new talent. That said, fairness demands that he must also take responsibility for failing to solve the QB question.

I think the typical Chiefs fan that cites Pioli’s failure to identify a franchise QB tends to presuppose. There’s often a presumption about the number of viable options that were available in the past and about the position the front office was in to acquire those candidates. I’ve always had my reservations about those notions, but I’d never done enough research to settle the issue in my mind. Could those ideas be reconciled with reality or is it revisionist history to think Pioli passed on a good opportunity to improve the position? That uncertainty led me to compile a list of would-be alternatives to Matt Cassel over the past 3 seasons. I asked a group of otherwise dispassionate, knowledgeable Chiefs fans to provide the names of the quarterbacks who might’ve been better options from the start of Free Agency in 2009 until the 2012 NFL Draft.

Here are the names the group came up with (and don’t laugh):

• Kyle Orton
• Josh Freeman
• Mark Sanchez
• Andy Dalton
• Tim Tebow
• T.J. Yates

Is your heart beating as fast as mine is? That eye-popping list could be called the “Canton Breakfast Club.” I’ll leave it to your imagination as to why anyone would put Texans QB T.J. Yates (former fifth-round pick) on such a list. That’s either the stench of desperation for a young QB to groom or another episode of the Pioli administration being called on the carpet for the umpteenth bad decision. That’s neither here nor there though folks. For grins, I’ll humor this bunch with more than “point and laugh” behavior.

Let’s start with Kyle Orton:

The former starter in both Chicago and Denver had a 3-game stint with the Chiefs to close out the 2011 season. Orton was claimed off waivers by Kansas City after he received the ouster in Denver. For all the hopes the Chiefs faithful tried to heave upon Orton’s shoulders, it was never grounded by past performances. At first blush he’s probably a slightly better pocket passer than Cassel (between the 20’s). The rest of his game has produced a career QB Rating just shy of 80, well-documented struggles in the redzone, and a single passing TD in a red and yellow uniform. None of that suggests he was the answer. It should also be noted that he opted to be a backup to Tony Romo over the possibility of an open competition with Cassel in Kansas City. Perhaps he knew that no such competition would take place, but he’d have to know the odds of him reclaiming a starting job are longer in Dallas. He’s slated to carry a clipboard for the Cowboys in 2012, but I’m not lamenting that fact like some of my peers. Dallas is on the hook to pay Orton $5.9 million in 2012.

Josh Freeman:

The former #1 taken in the middle part of the first-round of the 2009 NFL Draft wasn’t exactly a crowd-pleaser for the Bucs’ Central Florida fanbase. In the early going, Freeman’s name was often accompanied by the word “reach.” Three years later there are still mixed reviews on Freeman, but I think he’s at least played his way out of the perception that he was taken too high. He didn’t do anything to allay those fears in his rookie season though. He threw 8 more interceptions than touchdowns and managed just three wins in nine starts. The most compelling argument for Freeman was his sophomore campaign in 2010. He posted the best single-season QBR, 95.9, of any quarterback in Buccaneer history. His 4:1 TD-to-INT ratio (25/6) compared favorably with Cassel’s 2010 Pro Bowl performance (27/7). Unfortunately his heroics couldn’t stave off a late-season collapse. After starting 7-3, Tampa Bay dropped three of their last six and narrowly missed the post-season. Freeman went on to throw a career-high 22 interceptions in his third year. That start to his young career has left us with more questions than answers. Kansas City was certainly in position to have taken Freeman at 17, but you’d be stretching the truth to suggest we’d be in better shape today had we drafted him. Stop screaming. I know he’s five years younger than Cassel, but that isn’t germane to the discussion. Freeman’s made 40 starts at this point in his Tampa Bay tenure. In 5 more years Cassel will either be a QB3 or out of football. Freeman will own a spot on a roster somewhere, but likely as a backup if he doesn’t prove himself to the Bucs over the next 1-2 seasons. I’m not convinced.

Mark Sanchez:

Sanchez, like Freeman, was also taken in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. The Chiefs took Tyson Jackson 3rd overall that year. Sanchez could’ve been had at that spot. It’s important to remember, though, that Pioli wasn’t hired by the organization until mid-January. The pre-spring cleaning created a truncated scouting process for the new regime. You’ll have to decide for yourself if they were properly prepared to evaluate the most important position in the NFL (and, arguably, all of professional sports) with such a short window. What can be said of Mark Sanchez, himself? Was he a viable option to help the new administration get things turned around in Kansas City? We’re all familiar with the wrap on former Southern California quarterbacks. We also know that just 16 collegiate starts at USC made him a risky pick in the Top 5. He has the physical tools, but his lack of experience was a legitimate concern for the teams that were within draft range. His three year performance in New York seems to suggest there’s fire to that pre-Draft smoke. Sanchez has completed a mere 55% of his passes, thrown only 4 more touchdowns than interceptions, and has been sacked 92 times. There are serious questions about his decision-making ability at this point. He’s as much on the hot seat in the Big Apple as Cassel is in KC. Unlike Freeman, Sanchez has had good offensive options and two Top 10 defenses. That combination produced 4 post-season victories, but the Jets defense was ranked 1^st and 6^th in 2009 and 2010, respectively. When the defense came back to earth in 2011 we saw that team post an 8-8 record. Sanchez did play well in his half-dozen playoff appearances. He boasts a 94.3 career QBR in the post-season. His three-year regular season QBR; however, is more than 20 points lower. At best, Mark Sanchez has been inconsistent. The kind of inconsistent that makes you second -guess a Top 5 selection three years later. Would the Chiefs be a legitimate contender with Mark Sanchez at the helm?  I think the answer again is no. He and Cassel could both be looking for new jobs come 2013.

Andy Dalton:

Dalton was taken 35^th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2011 Draft. The Chiefs were sitting at 55 and it would’ve taken a high Third Round pick to move up and draft him. Justin Houston wouldn’t be playing football in Kansas City if they had traded up to take Dalton. A quarterback for a pass-rushing OLB sounds like a fair trade-off, but Dalton wasn’t a coveted QB prospect. He put two impressive seasons together at Texas Christian, but there were concerns about his arm strength, his not having played in a pro-style system, and a three-quarter delivery. Dalton made the Pro Bowl (as an alternate) in his rookie campaign, but only after Tom Brady withdrew. He finished the season with 20 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and a completion percentage under 60. That performance was good for an 80.4 QBR. We can’t crown Dalton just yet, as the jury’s still out. He simply doesn’t improve this team, not at this point. It would’ve been odd timing for Kansas City anyway, seeing how Cassel had just come off the best single-season performance of his career.

Tim Tebow & T.J. Yates:

No sense in wasting virtual space with two separate evaluations. Neither of these QB’s was in any danger of helping this football team. Both of them were projected to be drafted somewhere in the middle rounds. Denver, for some inexplicable reason, took Tebow 25^th overall. 699 days later he was traded to the New York Jets. The Broncos had no use for him after signing free agent Peyton Manning. The fact that they were even interested in improving the quarterback position after winning the AFC West and the Wild Card Round of the playoffs against the then-defending AFC Champion Steelers is telling. There were no delusions of grandeur about Tebow’s future. He has a limited NFL skillset and will never be a franchise quarterback.

Yates is no different. If not for two late-season injuries to both Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart, he never would have set foot on the playing field in a live game situation. When his golden opportunity arrived, he threw touchdowns in just two of his five starts. Incidentally, those were the only games the Texans won during that stretch. Houston won a playoff game with Yates at the helm, but mainly because of the 188 rushing yards they amassed and the three turnovers that Andy Dalton committed. Yates threw for just 159 yards in that contest (with one touchdown). There’s simply nothing to see here. Both Yates and Tebow are best suited for backup roles in the NFL.

Six quarterback candidates, and none make the Kansas City Chiefs a better football team today. Another group of Chiefs fans might add names like Matt Flynn, Peyton Manning, Robert Griffin III, Christian Ponder, or Ryan Tannehill to the discussion. The names are ultimately interchangeable though and really don’t change anything. The Chiefs were either in no real position to acquire those candidates or they weren’t clear upgrades over Matt Cassel.

Now, I’d love to see a franchise quarterback in Kansas City as much as anyone else. This fanbase deserves it. But they don’t grow on trees. Depending on who you ask, there are probably only 7 or 8 of them in the league anyway. If having a franchise quarterback was as simple as desiring one, every team would have one. As it stands, the best Pioli can do for 2012 is make chicken salad and hope he can snag Matt Barkley, Tyler Wilson, Tyler Bray, or Logan Thomas come late-April of 2013. I said earlier that I wasn’t apologizing for Matt Cassel. Neither am I apologizing for Scott Pioli. He wed himself to Cassel with that $63 million dollar offer. That move was premature and he’ll ultimately have to fall on the sword if, in 2 years, his golden boy doesn’t turn out to be, well, golden. Just keep in mind that there have been limited options available since Scott Pioli took over as GM. Unfortunately for him, sometimes in the NFL those (as they say) are the breaks.

“With the 182nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Cyrus Gray, running back, Texas A&M.”

Those words were music to my ears on that overcast Saturday evening in Kansas City. Veterans Jackie Battle and Thomas Jones were both on their way out at Arrowhead. The two of them were unrestricted free agents unlikely to be re-signed for the 2012 campaign. The Chiefs filled one of those vacancies when they acquired former Browns running back Peyton Hillis on March 14. Gray was subsequently drafted by GM Scott Pioli in the top half of the sixth-round. He may well have been the best value of any player in the Chiefs’ draft class having been projected to be taken between rounds three and four (NFL Draft Scout, Draft Countdown, ProFootballWeekly).

I really like the cut of this kid’s jib. Gray stands about 5’10 and he’s a cut 206 pounds. Cut might be misleading, he’s pretty “rocked up.” It makes him a tough runner who’s difficult to bring down with an arm tackle. He’s not a burner, but he has a 40 time that hovers right around the mid-4.4′s. He doesn’t possess the straight line speed of his teammate Jamaal Charles, but he won’t be caught from behind very often. The former Aggie can be electric in the open field. The things that really impress me about his game tape are his field vision, his decision-making, his patience in setting up his blocks, his forward lean and the angles he takes. Gray’s a smart runner with a style reminiscent of Priest Holmes.

Under a normal set of circumstances I’d expect Cyrus Gray, in year one, only to contribute on special teams. He’ll be the third or fourth running back on the Chiefs’ depth chart. Dexter McCluster is likely to be moved back to running back if fourth-round pick Devon Wylie can stay healthy. Wylie’s unproven, but could displace him in the receiver corps. Gray will need to make his mark on Special Teams to be active on a weekly basis. Given his track record at Texas A&M, it’s likely he’ll do just that. He amassed well over 2,000 kick return yards (two that went for touchdowns) during his collegiate career. I suspect that he’ll get an audition for that role between now and the end of training camp. Gray should see offensive opportunities. The Chiefs will want to bring their top two backs along slowly after coming off of injury in 2011. Charles suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the second game of the season. Hillis was nagged by a hamstring injury throughout the year that caused him to miss several games for Cleveland (*cough,  cough* Madden Curse *cough*). I think the Chiefs draftee will find a place in the backfield rotation. It’s what he’ll do with those chances that will make the difference.

Cyrus Gray has a versatile offensive skillset. He’s an inside runner with the speed to bounce outside. Add that to capable pass-catching hands and you have a running back that can be beneficial to this offense in a number of ways. Gray’s the kind of weapon that can really hurt a tiring defense over the last 30 minutes of regulation. His highest yard per carry average came in either the third or fourth quarter of games in all three seasons at Texas A&M. If this football team is protecting a lead, expect to see him on the field.

After struggling with fumbles early in his career at A&M, he was able to shake his ball security issues. He fumbled only once in his last two seasons as an Aggie. That will give him an edge over McCluster, who has often put the ball on the ground in crucial game situations. I’m looking forward to seeing what he’ll bring to the table in his rookie season. If he can gain the trust of this coaching staff I truly believe he’ll make a sizeable contribution this year.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Cyrus Gray play, take a few minutes to watch this highlight video from his 2010 season. Viewer discretion is advised. The track that accompanies the video isn’t suitable for the workplace. Neither I nor Arrowhead Addict will be held liable for the potential decline in office productivity or reprimands up to, and including separation of employment. With that in mind, enjoy the show!

With training camp underway, I thought I’d take the opportunity to put my prognostication prowess to the test. So the time has come for ”Black Babe Ruth” (me, not Gibson) to step up to the plate and call his shot. It’s always easy to make safe predictions about your beloved franchise in the dog days of summer. I’m prepared to potentially make a fool out of myself and forever consign my foreshadowing failure to the annals of Arrowhead Addict. I will sneer in the face of public humiliation over the next 5 minutes though (depending on how fast you can read).

*Cracks knuckles*

Submitted for your approval:

January 16, 1994: The last post-season victory for the Kansas City Chiefs.

January 5, 2013: The next post-season victory for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Good for an 18 year, 11 month, and 20 day drought, my friends.

I was a sophomore in high school when the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Houston Oilers to advance to the AFC Championship Game. Bill Clinton was closing in on his first full year as commander-in-chief. Arsenio Hall and the late-night talk show of the same name were on their way out at Paramount. Mariah Carey’s “Hero” was atop Billboard‘s Hot 100. Basically, that was a long long time ago. Kansas City children born the same year as that game are likely to be freshmen in college this fall.

Joseph Clifford Montana, Jr. was your starting quarterback. He retired, met the Canton eligibility requirements, and has owned a golden jacket for 12 years since winning two consecutive playoff games for this franchise. Marty Schottenheimer led two other franchises, stepped away from coaching twice, and spent time as an analyst for ESPN. General Manager Carl Peterson was one win from making good on his five-year plan. Founder and owner Lamar Hunt lived for more than a decade following that game. Think about all of that (preferably in a room free of sharp metal objects).

It all ends in just under six months. This football team will finish the regular season 10-6 and secure the #4 seed in the playoffs. There, Matt Cassel will silence every Doubting Thomas in this fan base for at least three hours. Brian Daboll, his trusted sidekick, will aid him in the most spectacular game manager performance this side of Trent Dilfer. Cassel will play efficient, mistake-free football and his two touchdown passes will be sufficient in dashing the hopes of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Running backs Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis will earn every yard against that stingy Steelers run defense, but they will turn in a third offensive TD and keep them honest enough for Cassel to operate. Todd Haley’s return to One Arrowhead Drive will be an unpleasant business trip that ends in his successor Romeo Crennel stifling his offense with a brilliantly called defensive game. The Steelers’ OC will make another unceremonious exit from Arrowhead, but not before gifting 70,000 fans with another one-fingered salute.

Cassel will win over his detractors for finally bringing another playoff victory to a town that’s gone nearly 20 years without one. He will be celebrated and thrown a ticker-tape parade in Kansas City until the following weekend. Unfortunately when the lights go up in Gillette Stadium, he’ll remember he’s Matt Cassel, throw two interceptions, orchestrate an embarrassing loss for this football team and officially end his tenure in Kansas City. You simply can’t win them all, but we will get off the playoff slide to begin the new year. And it will be glorious…

That is unless the Mayans have their “I told you so” moment a week after the Chiefs qualify for the postseason.

Sep 18, 2011; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Brian Dabol on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Sun Life Stadium. Houston defeated Miami 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Daboll is known to Crennel, having shared time with him in New England from 2002-2004. It’s there that he cut his teeth as an offensive assistant (wide receivers coach). He went on to become the quarterbacks coach for the New York Jets, before landing his first coordinator gig in Cleveland. The Browns, under Daboll’s stewardship, posted one of the league’s worst scoring offenses in both seasons of his tenure (29th-ranked in 2009, 31st-ranked in 2010). He was eventually hired by former Dolphins’ head coach, Tony Sparano, to spearhead a similarly woeful Miami offense. After such an unspectacular stint with the Browns’ offensive staff, no one lamented Daboll taking his “talents” to South Beach. You could make the case that Daboll’s shortcomings in Cleveland were due in part to a dearth of talent. Miami’s a much different story. There he had Brandon Marshall, Davonne Bess, Reggie Bush, Brian Hartline and Anthony Fasano at his disposal. The Phins did improve under Daboll (ten slots to the 20th-ranked scoring offense in ’11), but not enough to allay fears of continued ineptitude in Kansas City.

Can we have any confidence that Kansas City’s offense will produce under Daboll’s guidance? He has been able to assemble successful run games in the past. Runningbacks Jerome Harrison and Reggie Bush both posted career years under Daboll. I suspect that trend will continue with the addition of Peyton Hillis, the return of Jamaal Charles, and a significantly improved offensive line. The question then becomes: Can he create a respectable passing game for this football team? It should be noted that Matt Cassel is still your starting quarterback. Couple that with Daboll’s former 23rd-best, 29th-best, and 32nd-best passing game track record, and you may have found the Chiefs Achilles’ heel for the 2012 campaign.

Brian Daboll has his work cut out for him. This slow-starting team has managed to score an average of about 16 points per contest, in the opening four games of the regular season, since Cassel joined the team in 2009. That’s just one point higher than the average for Daboll’s first quarter offenses, over the same period. Scott Pioli and Romeo Crennel are praying those old habits die hard. With Peyton Manning joining the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs will need a strong start to the season to contend for the division title. Daboll and the Chiefs’ offense face a stiff season-opening challenge on September 9th. The Atlanta Falcons and last year’s 6th-ranked run defense visit Arrowhead Stadium for the home opener. I’d venture to guess that the Chiefs will bring Jamaal Charles along slowly. A limited Charles might hurt Daboll’s chances of mounting a productive ground game against the Falcons’ defense. The rest of the Chiefs’ September schedule includes two consecutive road games (@BUF, @NO) and a first quarter match-up with the San Diego Chargers (at home). The Falcons have the best defense of that bunch, but the other three teams boast offenses ranked in the top half of the league in 2011. Needless to say, the Chiefs and Brian Daboll will need early success to keep the train on the tracks.

The organization needs you to be Charlie Weis (circa 2010), Mr. Daboll. If it’s not too much trouble, could you kindly accentuate Matt Cassel’s precious few positives while simultaneously minimizing his weaknesses? Use play-action and two-tight end sets liberally. Dare to be creative on 3rd-and-Long. Take care that the word “cute” is never used to characterize your decision-making on 3rd-and-Short. Lastly, while I can appreciate the fact that you’re no miracle worker, could you maybe make a man out of Dexter McCluster? No pressure, but we’re kinda counting on you, big guy.