Thank you, Chan Gailey. Apparently, Sippio made an impression on him last preseason with his play.

Thank you, Todd Haley. Apparently, Haley saw more similaraties between Sipp and Larry Fitzgerald than just dreds and height.

Thank you, Scott Pioli. At least someone in this league recognizes game when they see it!

Screw ordering my No. 7 Cassel jersey; it’s time to finally get myself that No. 83 Sippio jersey I’ve always talked about!

Chiefs Re-Sign Sippio – The Kansas City Star

At this rate, Whitlock will still be trying to get George an NFL quarterbacking gig when I’m 40 (a little over a decade). Give it up, “Big Sexy.” Your boy is a bust, and you were wrong (that’s the bigger issue to you anyway). Coulda, shoulda, woulda–didn’t. Let George move on with his new life, where he’s the spokesperson for the National Mullet Association.

I can’t believe I actually stuck up for you a little while ago. This is how you repay me? Thanks a lot. Now I’m going to have to enter the Whitlock Protection Program and hand over A.A. to the rest of the staff. Just great. Your George mancrush just turned me into the sportsblogging version of Henry Hill.

From the Kansas City Star (I can’t believe they let him even print this garbage):

Coach Belichick, I know the game. It’s a gift from the football gods.

I warned you that if you played Brady against the Chiefs, he might suffer an injury to his leg or knee. I told you that Matt Cassel was good enough to beat the Chiefs.

Look, I’m not writing you this follow-up letter to gloat. I like you. I’m a big fan. I’m trying to hand you the advantage I’ve tried to give to Carl Peterson and the Chiefs for years.

You need Jeff George.

Don’t laugh. Pick the newspaper back up. Keep reading. You didn’t listen to me last week, and what happened?

You need Jeff George. Yes, that Jeff George, the No. 1 pick in the 1990 draft, the guy who tongue-lashed June Jones in Atlanta, had one great season in Oakland and Minnesota before falling victim to Marty Schottenheimer’s wrath in Washington.

Yes, I know Jeff George hasn’t thrown a pass in an actual NFL game since 2001 and hasn’t been on a roster since Lovie Smith and the Bears let him go at the end of the 2005 season.

You do realize that Todd Collins went six years without starting an NFL game before leading Washington to three victories last season? You realize Todd Collins was never as good as Jeff George?

You realize even at age 40 and having lived in football exile for three years, Jeff George still has one of the five best arms in the game? Oh, he can still wing it with the best of them. He’s in great shape. He’s ready to go right now.

Bill, I’m not crazy. Yes, I’m in the tank for Jeff George. We grew up together on the east side of Indianapolis, and we take loyalty very, very seriously.

He’s not perfect. He mishandled his career and talent. But the dude is 40 now and still wants to play. He can get the ball to Randy Moss and stretch a defense.

It’s time to euthanize this fool, at least professionally. We all get attached to guys (like yours truly and Bobby Sippio), but this has become a personal salvation project. No Chiefs fan or Kansas Citian wants to read about your over-the-hill sugar pie signal caller. Then again, maybe if you do coax a team to sign him you’ll end up leaving town to cover your boy? Hmmm…

Whatever happens, you may haved dubbed Carl Peterson “King Carl,” but I’m giving you a new moniker–Jason the Jester. Hey, every royal court needs one. For you, I bet we can even get that tightwad to splurge on your new clown costume. 4XL, right?

Obviously, Teicher is nothing more than a journalist hack covering the Chiefs, one who has never been a fan of the Chiefs, or possibly anything for that matter. I doubt he’s even a fan of his own writing–I wouldn’t be. The way he and some Chiefs fans have treated Sippio has disgusted me. I’m not a guy who chastises people, but shame on you all. Bobby Sippio embodied the spirit of the fans, like Vince Papale, another No. 83, did with the Eagles roughly 30 years ago.

In an era when sports fans can’t relate to professional athletes, fans could relate to Sipp. Sippio didn’t have a mega-deal of a contract, or even a mini-deal for that matter. He didn’t become an All-American while playing at a Big 12 or SEC school. He wasn’t drafted by the NFL. Unlike his cousin Dwayne Bowe, he doesn’t have a big mouth. He never seemed to be about the glitz and glam. He seemed to be a lunch-pail player fighting to keep his dream alive. Despite the improbable nature of his journey towards his dream, he never stopped trekking forward.

The richest of Johnson County aside, I still view Kansas City as a lunch-pale Midwestern town. I certainly see Chiefs fans as a hard-working, blue-collar, lunch-pale group who works their asses off all week just to get to Sunday. When Sunday finally arrives, they want to see guys wearing the Red and Gold that they can relate to, that they can say, hey, he’s one of us. Bobby’s not the first of these guys. Not even close.

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What I’m not heartbroken about is that I don’t have to spend $70 on a Sippio jersey and, more importantly, Historic Route 71 has finally been closed. The albatross known as Will Svitek is officially off the roster. I wish the Chiefs would just man up and hand Napoleon Harris his pink slip, too, but it looks like they don’t want to publicly admit they made a mistake, and an expensive one at that. Kendrell Bell the sequel?

From Bob Gretz:

OFFENSIVE LINE: C Rob Smith, G Travis Leffew, G Edwin Harrison, T Anthony Alabi, T Will Svitek and G Tre Stallings

FULLBACK: Chris Manderino

TIGHT END: Michael Allan and Michael Merritt

WIDE RECEIVER: Kevin McMahan, Sergiori Joachim, Jabari Arthur and Bobby Sippio

DEFENSIVE LINE: DE Jason Parker, DE Johnny Dingle and DT Derek Lokey

LINEBACKERS: E.J. Kuale, Steve Octavien and LeRue Rumph

DEFENSIVE BACKS: CB Rashad Barksdale and S Khayyam Burns

SPECIAL TEAMS: PK Connor Barth

What does everybody else think about the cuts?

This No. 25 doesn’t whiff–he makes tacklers do that!

What a night, huh? My post-game report was a bit delayed by a big fantasy draft and this itsy, bitsy speech you might have heard about. But that’s not all bad news. Why? Because I just got my NFL Direct Ticket and DVR hooked up, so now I can go back through each Chiefs game and report back with the most thorough, in-depth analysis you’ll find anywhere on these here interwebs.

I enjoyed CurtMerzFan’s post a lot, and think he’s indeed on the right track. But he wants to move the wrong player. There’s an old adage that goes “sell high, buy low.” We’d be selling Larry Johnson low right now (he’s also my second favorite Chief, and arguably the best hard-nosed RB in the NFL). Same with Jamaal Charles. That leaves Kolby Smith. I think Kolby could net us a third-round pick. I honestly do. If that’s the case, I say let’s move him.

I was wrong about Kolby (I told you guys Bizarro Adam was coming out). Actually, I was one of his first backers when he was drafted, but I kind of went to the other side after Chiefs fans got a little carried away about his play late last season. The Kolby-is-better-than-L.J. talk was just preposterous. But Kolby can be an every-down back. He is more Priest Holmes than Larry Johnson, but that still works. There are plenty of teams (Houston is one) who desperately need a running back.

Meanwhile, I foresee Jamaal Charles becoming our Maurice Jones-Drew. He is definitely not an every-down back, but his electrifying speed makes him the perfect change-of-pace back to compliment Iron Man. As much as I like Smith, he’s not what this offense needs. This offense needs an explosive playmaker, a gamebreaker. Charles can be that guy. We have to find a way to get this kid 10 touches a game.

By the way, isn’t it nice to see a No. 25 with dreds who isn’t utterly worthless?

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The Sippio Cup. It’s an A.A. joke from last season, which I believe was started by commenter xxxlp. I’ll have more on the game later (after I re-watch the game…it’s on a 2 AM CT on the NFLN), but this is the Bobby Sippio I know. When Sippio has both his confidence and the opportunity, these are the kind of plays he is capable of. Just his presence in the red zone alone is enough to warrant keeping him around. How could a team possibly defend Dwayne Bowe, Sipp and Tony Gonzalez with their size, hands and leaping ability? Impossible. I think he did enough to make the Chiefs‘ final roster, especially given Dantrell Savage‘s latest gaffe and Will Franklin‘s injury. Only time will tell…

(FYI, if he does make the final cut, I will stay true to my promise, order my No. 83 jersey and wear it for every game this year.)

Let’s hear it, Addicts, do you think Bobby Sippio makes the Chiefs?

So far this preseason, Franklin has been our second best receiver (Dwayne Bowe, aka Mr. Awesome is what HE calls himself now, is our best, regardless of his preseason stats). On the Chiefs’ depth chart, he is currently third. With Franklin out and Devard Darling having accomplished absolutely zilch during a game yet–not that he has had an opportunity to, by the way–it looks like the competition for that fourth and possibly final WR spot is about to heat up. It also could mean that we keep more receivers than we originally intended to.

DVD, Franklin and, of course, The Show have already made the team. That means Bobby Sippio, Jeff Webb, Kevin McMahan and Maurice Price will be competing to make the roster, and possibly to see significant game action. That all depends on how serious Franklin’s injury is. Basically, the Miami game is going to be the biggest game of all the above-mentioned fringe receivers’ lives. It’s step-up-or-get-cut time. Kevin Robinson, aka K-Throb, also has a shot to make the team. That is if he ever is healthy enough to play. I’m pulling for Mo and Sipp, but that’s just me.

If Franklin misses significant time, who do you want to step up in his absence?

I almost stood up and started clapping after I read this golden nugget of truth…

William Franklin and Bobby Sippio were fantastic. The Chiefs would love to see Franklin flourish. He’s a rookie draft pick, and he has the necessary skill set to shine as a slot receiver.

The Chiefs would prefer Sippio, the former Arena League star, not make the team. It’s not personal. He’s just not a Bill Kuharich draft pick. Thankfully, it appears Sippio is going to force his way onto the team and into the lineup. He’s a big, physical receiver with reliable hands. He has a swagger, too. And he can play on special teams.

The Chiefs would prefer Jeff Webb. But he’s no Bobby Sippio.

My relationship with Jabba has always been a love-hate one, but today it’s all love, big guy. It’s good to see that the whole Star staff isn’t buying into the bogus anti-Sippio propaganda. The mudslinging at Sipp in Adam Teicher’s recent blog entry was nastier than what we’ll probably see exchanged during this Presidential campaign. And it’s good to see Will Franklin get some props as well. The Helicopter definitely took off for flight last Thursday. The Jeff Webb diss was just the icing on the cake.

Keep it up, Jay. I’m sure you won’t.

One of the many negative aspects of last summer’s visit to Chiefs camp of NFL Films and the Hard Knocks crew was that the show glorified a wide receiver of rather average talents by the name of Bobby Sippio.

What? Average? I have seen more out of the guy in preseason action than I have ever out of Jeff Webb (I’ve always found it ironic that a guy who can’t catch well is named Webb). I also totally think he’s shown enough to land somewhere else if we blow it. The Chiefs aren’t the alpha and omega, aren’t the end all, when it comes to personnel decisions. We do screw up, and actually we screw up quite a bit.

Sippio isn’t fast. It’s why he was playing in the Arena League when he joined the Chiefs. It’s why he doesn’t get more playing opportunities.

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Honestly, this is getting under my skin a little bit. I don’t feel like Sippio is getting a fair shake from either Herm Edwards and Co. or the press. He better get some first half reps next Saturday, and the press better wake up and recognize that this guy has a real chance to do something in this league. I don’t care if he’s from the effin’ Arena League–so was Kurt Warner. I don’t care that he’s effin’ slow–so was Jerry Rice. So was Keyshawn Johnson. Is he Rice or Warner, or even Me-Shawn? No, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m just saying give Sippio a fair, honest shake here.

Samie Parker has blazing speed, and he couldn’t catch crabs in an Amsterdam brothel. Meanwhile, Sippio might be slow, but he could catch the clap in a convent. He’s also huge and tough. He can go up and sky for balls, just like his cousin, and he’s not scared to go across the middle or get whacked. Actually, it seems like he enjoys the contact. He’s like a robot after the catch, racking up YAC. I think I’m going to have to steal from the RZA and start calling him Bobby Digital.

I guess I just want to see Sippio get an actual shot to not only make the team, but also contribute. Maybe the Chiefs just see him as too redundant to Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez? Or maybe he’s had trouble with the playbook? There’s got to be something going on, because he’s looked good when he’s played, and he’s still on the roster. Or maybe I just have a man crush on Sippio? Even so, he’s still impressed me more than Webb, and in significantly less action. I think he’s a good fit fo Chan Gailey‘s ball-control offense. I see him as a Marty Booker-type player, and I think he’ll stick somewhere even if it isn’t with the Chiefs.

What does everybody else think about the Bobby Sippio conundrum?

“I finally get in the game…finally get thrown to…go off…catch the game-winning TD…AND I GET STUCK CELEBRATING WITH WILL FREAKIN’ SVITEK? Route 71? That shit is whack.”

Come on, Addicts, hit us with your best shot! Caption this pic…

Who were your top players for each half last night against Da Bears?

What a way to kick off the Chiefs‘ 2008 season, huh? Here are my thoughts…

The star of the first half was undoubtedly Brodie Croyle. People have it twisted about Croyle; we like him and are pulling for him, but we just didn’t possess the blind faith in him that some Chiefs fans do. Tonight, he definitely made us believe a little bit more than we did yesterday. His opening drive was the perfect way for him to start this season, not to mention put last season behind him. The drive was 16 plays, but that wasn’t what impressed me the most. What impressed me the most was that he was 5-5 on third down conversions. I also liked that broken play he turned into a scramble for a first down. A sharp performance overall.

The star of the second half was Arrowhead Addict favorite Bobby Sippio. Say what you will about his speed, but the guy could catch a bullet blindfolded with chopsticks. He’s also one helluva load to bring down in the open field, every bit as hard to drag down as Dwayne Bowe or Tony Gonzalez. He led the team in receiving with three catches for 57 yards and a TD, and simply took over the game during the game-winning drive. It was good to see Sippio given a chance, as I have always felt he’s a better player than either Jeff Webb or Sammie Parker. All the guy needs is an actual shot. Hopefully, Herm will look at what he did and get him some burn with the first and second strings next game. Regardless, he took a huge step towards making the team tonight.

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Albert, a left tackle, walked back to the locker room before the practice concluded. Coach Herm Edwards said he didn’t believe the injury would set Albert back much if at all.

“He’ll be fine,” Edwards said. “It’s nothing bad.”

I’m waiting for more info, but by all accounts our guys looked pretty good. I was glad to hear players like Bobby Sippio, Dimitri Patterson and Herb Taylor made some plays. Still, you can’t take too much away from the scrimmage because the Vikings kept a lot of guys back at home.

Will it be Devard Darling, who according to our recent poll is the odds-on favorite. With multiple trips to the endzone last season and a pair of breakout games despite receiving limited snaps as a part of Baltimore’s woeful passing attack, yeah, he certainly has promise. But why was he buried on B-More’s depth chart in the first place? That is a tad bit troubling.

Will it be Webb, who attempted to fill in at the spot last year when Eddie Kennison pulled up lame and the Chiefs finally figured out that Samie Parker is lame? Many of us here at the Addict couldn’t have been less impressed with Webb last season. In fact, there are those of us who believe he wouldn’t even be on the team if he wasn’t Herm Edwards‘ son’s BFF from San Diego State. The name Webb is a bit deceiving for a guy who doesn’t have either Spider-Man’s sticky mitts or his Spidey sense (remember that catch against the Pack when he couldn’t get his feet down inbounds?)

Will it be Will Franklin, aka The Helicopter? Honestly, though, what can we really tell from OTAs? I have no clue if he’s going to become Will.I.Am.A.Player or Will.I.Am.A.Bust (couldn’t resist the Black Eyed Peas reference for all of our young ones out there). We all–team, A.A. staff, readers, etc…–believe the kid has potential, but who knows if he’ll actually materialize into something this year, or even down the road.

Will it be Bobby Sippio, the former Arena League star and current A.A. cult fave? Just give Bobby a chance, Herm. Personally, I’ll take Sippio eight days a week over Jeff Webb. Let’s give the guy an honest shot this time around.

Will it be Maurice Price, unknown commodity/Chiefs’ diamond in the rough? We don’t really know anything about the kid, except for that he’s turned some heads during OTAs after sitting out the ’07 campaign due to injury. We’ll certainly keep an eye on him.

A darkhorse candidate? From the waiver wire, trade market or another team?

Tell us who you think will be the Chiefs’ No. 2 WR for the 2008 season and beyond. Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb!

There was absolutely no reason why Eddie Drummond should have been active last week. Zach and I both fought of colds and the elements — not to mention driving three hours both ways — to support our team last week, and this is how you repay us and the other 50,000 fools who were loyal enough to show up and support the Chiefs last week?

The only thing I wanted to see personally was a Bobby Sippio catch, and you kept him inactive for Drummond? The same guy who had been in street clothes for the last month? The same guy who set kick returning back about as much as Paris Hilton and Co. set back ladylikeness? The same guy who couldn’t run a kick return past the 30-yard line if his life depended on it? The same guy who has arguably cost us two games with bonehead fumbles? The same guy who prevented us from taking a look at Justin Phinisee?

(By the way, Phinisee is still available, because he’s still just sitting there on the Rams’ practice squad. Why not pick him up and give him another shot? At least we know he can make it past the 50.)

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