It was one play but it had a drastic impact on the future of the Kansas City Chiefs franchise.

Bernard Pollard’s hit on Tom Brady.

We all know the story. It was game one of the 2008 season when the young Chiefs, led by then head coach Herm Edwards, traveled to Foxboro to take on the Patriots. Early in the game, with the baby Chiefs showing some surprising fight, Kansas City safety Bernard Pollard lunged at Tom Brady as the All-Pro QB stepped into a throw. The hit ended Brady’s seasons and sent shock waves through the NFL that are still being felt today.

The dust has settled now and the much of the NFL landscape is quite different. Scott Pioli left New England and brough Matt Cassel, Mike Vrabel and eventually Romeo Crennel with him. He hired Todd Haley, then fired Todd Haley who fired Bernard Pollard, who landed in Houston before settling in Baltimore. Pioli also cut veteran guard Brian Waters who turned in another Pro Bowl season in 2011.

For the Patriots.

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Chan Gailey, the original offensive coordinator of the Pioli/Haley era, was served his pink slip by Todd Haley less than two weeks before the start of the 2009 season. Apparently Gailey never forgot that firing and who can blame him considering it occurred at a time when his prospects of finding another respectable coaching job anytime before the next season were probably slim to none? In a Radio 610 interview during the week leading up to his week 1 match-up, Gailey made it pretty clear that his firing from the Chiefs did not sit well him. Following the humiliating defeat his team served up in Arrowhead, his exact words after the game were “It feels good . . . You’re lying if you say it doesn’t. It does. It feels good.”

Gailey didn’t just beat Haley. He outcoached him in every aspect of the game. Gailey also had a few other things to say about his coaching philosophy that I find somewhat pertinent to the situation, if not in total contrast (I suspect even specifically targeted) to Haley’s own approach of breaking the season up into four segments and his monotone mantra-chant of “just trying to get a little bit better” each week.

Here’s what I’m talking about, in Gailey’s own words: “If you say, ‘Well I hope we’re a little bit better than last year,’ you ought to get out. That’s wrong. I expect to win every one of them. I expect to be undefeated. That’s the way I’ve always been, and that’s the way I’ll always be. I want to be 1-0 after this one and whoever we play second, I want to be 2-0.”

Did you catch that?

I’ll go a step further. I believe last Sunday’s game may very well determine more than simply who won the game, if not its subtle battle of wits. I’ll explain what I mean after the break.
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Former Kansas City Chiefs G Brian Waters has found a new home.

With the New England Patriots.

I figured that once cuts were made and teams had a better understanding of their needs that Waters would be snatched up quickly. A veteran offensive lineman of Waters’ caliber won’t sit on the open market long.

This is a great situation for Waters. He lands with a powerful offense and a Hall of Fame QB. He also lands with a legitimate Super Bowl contender. This move gives Waters one more shot at getting a ring.

After watching the Chiefs this preseason, I’ve found myself wondering if letting go of Waters was the best move. I still think it was because if the team had kept him he likely would have started. The time is right to get Jon Asamoah on the field and in a season in which the Chiefs very well could take a step back, having Waters blocking Asamoah for another year wouldn’t accomplish much.

What do you think Addicts? Will Brian Waters finally get his ring in New England?

To be honest, my hand has been hovering over the Chief’s panic button pretty much since the 2011 schedule was announced. Even as the Chiefs signed their draft picks and free agents — when every team is feeling pretty good about itself — I tried to temper that enthusiasm. Now, after three humiliating preseason showings, the protective cover is off, I’ve gotten code confirmation from Paddy, it’s time to push the damn thing.

After the jump, here’s three things I think we now know about the Chiefs with the preseason nearly over: (more…)

There seems to be a lot of chatter in these here parts about what all is wrong (and right) with the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line and how to make it better. We’ve all heard ‘em, they generally go something like this:

Branden Albert will never win us a Superbowl at LT; he should be moved to . . .

We need a major upgrade at RT, Barry Richardson shoved a coach.

Even at 74 years old, 110 lb Casey Weigmann continues to play phenomenally well. He anchors our OL dammit!

Don’t dare touch Ryan Lilja, he’s from here and more importantly, he went to K-State!

Brian Waters play has slipped, he’s just getting by on reputation.

Okay, perhaps I exagerated a tad on the matters of Casey Weigmann’s diminutive stature and charter membership to AARP, but are all or any of these statements really valid? I’ll do a little review on all this right after the jump.
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The 2011 NFL Draft is over, the picks are all in, and now the grades are going out. Of course, giving a team a report card on its draft choices is sort of like grading a student on their class selection at the beginning of the semester: “Jimmy’s really weak in math, so I’m glad to see he’s talking calculus, and I’m not sure what ‘Intro to Global Sensitivity Analysis’ is, but maybe it’ll make him into less of an asshole.” The real passing and/or failing hasn’t even begun.

So for now, the grades we give are, like the picks themselves, educated guesses in response to the following: “Will _____ be a good player for us? Will he make our team better?” And so far, the answer for most of the players picked seems to be, happily, “Yeah…I really think so.”

But there’s a secondary consideration, an aspect that concerns all of us, and especially those of us who have taken it upon ourselves to write and/or comment about this team week in and week out: “Will _____ be a good story for us? Will he make our team that much more interesting?”

Of course, interesting isn’t necessarily good. But for every Chad Ochocinco who coasts on talent and early success, says whatever he wants to get attention, perhaps changes his name to a Spanish number, launches a reality TV show, and in his spare time plays soccer, there’s a Priest Holmes who goes undrafted, works harder than anyone, overcomes injury, overcomes rejection, and then overcomes injury again to become one of the greatest ever—and in his spare time plays chess just to relax.

Looking over the crop of new stories about to join the larger Chiefs narrative, there are reasons to be excited about the potential of these picks. So while all the football grades are going out, here are my evaluations on the human-interest angle for each draftee, on a five-star scale, from downright dull (think Varsity Blues…Necessary Roughness…The Longest Yard (2005 version)) to a legend in the making (Rudy…Brian’s Song…The Longest Yard (1974)).

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Arrowhead Addict is currently working on a Chiefs Ultimate Mock Draft, but that doesn’t mean the Draft Thursday Mock machine stops.  We are a mere three weeks away from the NFL Draft so Merlin, Andrew, and I felt the need to sneak one more seven round mock draft in before the big day.  Without further ado, here is my mock.
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As depicted in this old photo, Brian Waters should be the Center of attention.

Some of you may have read Adam Teicher’s article recently suggesting that Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Todd Haley thinks that the play of Brian Waters is slipping.  (Maybe Waters made the Pro Bowl on reputation alone he suggests). Whether that is true or not is debatable.  But what is not debatable is that some changes to the O-line are bound to happen, if not this year, for sure next year.

Casey Wiegmann has not declared whether or not he is going to return for another year.  Even if he does, Todd Haley has reiterated numerous times, that every position is open for competition.  I have suggested this option previously, and will do so again.  We should Move Brian Waters to Center. 

Casey Wiegmann is a better choice than Rudy Niswonger at Center, but his play is slipping, as evidenced by the big nose tackles who pushed him around some last year.  Brian Waters play is debatably slipping at LG, yet he has some good years left on his plate, arguably at Center (where he gets some help form both guards).  At this point I do believe that Waters is a better option at Center than say both Niswonger or Wiegmann.  Please don’t forget that Jon Asamoah (G) played admirably last year in relief duty and by all accounts is a star in the making.

 More after the jump…

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Earlier today Merlin took a look at the nose tackle class in this year’s NFL Draft.  I have no idea who from his list will be drafted, but I do know that it is up to the center to nullify the nose tackle.  In fact, one of the keys to a fully functioning 3-4 defense is the idea that the nose tackle occupies at least 2 offensive linemen.  This means, that if the center can take on the nose tackle 1-on-1, then the 3-4 defense loses some of its effectiveness.  Kansas City Chiefs fans should be familiar with this since our NT can’t consistently force a double team.

Along with the NT class, the center class should also be of interest to the Chiefs since their current center, Casey Wiegmann, is currently 50-50 on retiring.  Even if he wasn’t retiring center should still be a priority for the Chiefs because while Wiegmann was serviceable, he was showing his age last season.  Also, as a smaller center (6’2” 285 lbs.) he was not holding up well versus the nose tackles he faced.  That being said, he was an upgrade from previous year’s center Rudy Niswanger.  Now that we’ve established the idea that the Chiefs need a center, here are some likely candidates to be drafted:
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Pro Football Talk is handing out their PFT Hereoes awards and today they’ve arrived at the offensive line where Chiefs guard Brian Waters is nominated.

Waters is currently up against Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, Browns tackle Joe Thomas, Bucs tackle Donald Penn, Falcons tackle Tyson Clabo and Packers guard Josh Sitton. Currently Thomas is leading with 30% of the vote. Waters is in 4th place with just over 6%.

While I think a lot of these guys probably had better seasons than Waters, Brian has one thing going for him; he’s a Chief!

That means we need to rally the former NFL Man of the Year to a strong showing.

And while you’re at it, make sure you vote for Arrowhead Addict in the About.com Reader’s Choice awards. It looks like we’re going to lose to the Donkey blog at this point but we still want to keep the voting going strong. If any of you know any good tricks to win these online polls (which I hate) now is the time to speak up.

Now that the 2010 NFL Season has concluded, it is time to focus on the offseason.  Unfortunately, this offseason will be marred by concern over NFL Labor negotiations.  However, since I can’t go up to each negotiator, slap their face, and tell them to get the deal done; I’ll have to find something else to keep myself busy.  Since the draft is a sure thing with or without a new CBA, I figured I would focus on that.

Before reading this I need you to understand three things.  The first is that I am doing this based on the idea of no free agency.  Second, I am pretending that I’m sitting in the General Manager’s seat.  I am not pretending that I am Scott Pioli.  However, it should be known that he and I share our like for smart, high character guys.  Third is that these choices will change many times before the actual draft occurs.  One of the biggest events leading up to the Draft, the NFL Combine, has not yet occurred and so these players will move up and down the board depending on their performance there.  With that being said, here is my Chiefs’ mock draft.
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Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, site of the 2011 Pro Bowl: "Aloha" has many meanings, including "Hello," "Goodbye," "I Love You," and "What the $%&, Ref?? You Call THAT Pass Interference?!?"

It’s the end of January and the Kansas City Chiefs—six five of them!—are still playing. That is something to celebrate, and more importantly, something to watch. It will be great to see Jamaal Charles et. al. back in uniform on my TV, and not just on the faces of random strangers.

Now, as I may have hinted at last week, I’m not normally a fan of the Pro Bowl, if you define “fan” as “someone who is aware that the game is on while the game is actually still on.” I mean, it’s hard to accept the claim that the Pro Bowl only features the best of the best of the best of the NFL, when exceptions are made for those players who are:

a) Even the slightest bit injured.
b) Faking injury.
c) Skipping the game because they would rather stay home and pout, without even bothering to fake injury.
d) Actually playing for either of the two best teams in the NFL.

And, as you all probably also know, there are special regulations for the Pro Bowl:

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Source: fox4kc.com

So I can’t prove it, but I am pretty sure—really, almost positive—that Todd Haley is my cable guy.

He showed up at my door yesterday afternoon (and, might I say, well within the waiting window I had been given) and claimed his name was “Justin.” But from the moment we made eye contact—a lingering, suspicious, Larry David-type stare-down—I could tell he sensed I was on to him. That faint goatee, the tuft of mullet sticking out from under his baseball cap, a brooding, slightly dubious expression—he was a dead ringer for the Chiefs coach, and it dawned on me: I had never met this man before, and I have never met Todd Haley. But I have also never seen them both in the same room at the same time.

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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley said in his daily news conference that WR Dwayne Bowe and OL Brian Waters both missed practice today due to illness.

Exhale.

This is probably excellent news. Then again, I said the same thing when Matt Cassel was listed as having an illness and it turned out his illness was that his freaking appendix was being sliced out of him.

That being said, if Bowe and Waters just have a bug then they will probably be ok to play on Sunday. Hopefully both are just suffering from minor 24 hour style flu bugs. While it is never good for players to miss practice, Bowe and Waters are veterans and should be able to jump right in when they get healthy.

Let’s just hope they both still have their organs.

Source: Kansas City Chiefs

As the end of the regular season draws to a close, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves first in the AFC West.  It is great that we’re there, but with the lead in the division comes something else…pressure.

Different people handle pressure differently.  I, personally, don’t usually handle pressure well.  I have a tendency to be a spaz when something relies on me.  I watch players like Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and stand in awe of their ability to put games on their shoulders and win.  I’m most certainly more like New York Giants punter Matt Dodge than Peyton Manning.
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JoshLooney Josh Looney Kendrick Lewis (hamstring) and Dexter McCluster (ankle) remain “limited” with their injuries; Brian Waters (shoulder) limited too #Chiefs

Crap. I don’t like the sound of this. Not one bit. With the way the Broncos throw the ball we need Lewis and his speed back and with our offense needing to get jump started, I don’t want to see both McCluster and Waters riding the pine.

I’m feeling discouraged. Tell me it is going to be alright.

 The Kansas City Chiefs are leading the league in rushing attempts and have given up only 4 sacks all season long. That means they have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, right?

Not necessarily. Sometimes scheming and game planning can make up for a lack of talent in certain areas.

So what is going on in Kansas City? Are their offensive successes a result of their offensive lineman consistently beating their man, is it coaching and scheme or is it a little of both?

Pro Football Focus, a partner of Arrowhead Addict, grades every player on every snap of every game. PFF’s statistics and grades are some of the most reliable in football. For a full breakdown of how PFF grades players, click here.

The simplified version, is that each player is graded on a scale between -2 and +2 on every play. The negative is bad, the positive is good. If a player does what he is supposed to on a play, like say a seal block, his grade for that play will likely be 0. 0 is average. Most plays are graded 0. If the player messes up a little, he might get a -0.5 for that play. If  he goes above and beyond, he might get a +0.5 or even a +1. -2’s and +2’s are rarely given out. The grades are then all added up and the player receives his grade for the game. If a guy had a very average game, he would finish with a grade around 0. If a guy had a fantastic game, he might finish with a grade of +8.5 or something like that. You get the idea.

Today I am going to break down the Chiefs offensive line. Check out who is really playing well and who is benefitting from the coaching scheme after the jump.

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Source: Yardbarker.com

The Madden 11 roster update hasn’t gone live yet but the details have been released.

Since the Chiefs didn’t play last week I didn’t expect their to be any adjustments but apparently someone got a hold of Donny Moore (Madden ratings czar) and told him Brian Waters is awesome.

Waters got a nice healthy boost from an 85 to 88 overall.

Not too shabby for the old man, huh? I guess they figured having a week to rest his bones would make Waters a little more dangerous in Week 5.

Let’s hope they’re right.

Source: Yardbarker.com

Last season Brian Waters was the NFL’s recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes a player for excellence both on and off the field. Waters was honored not just for his play but because extremely active in the community.

Well, Waters is being honored again and this time with the Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Award, according to Tulsa World.com.

The Iba Awards, named in memory of former Oklahoma State and Olympic basketball coach Henry Iba, were created in 1994 to annually recognize a male and female athlete who excel in their sport, who exemplify a high degree of citizenship and who demonstrate by their actions a desire to help others.

The 2010 recipients — Waters and Ruth Riley of the WNBA’s San Antonio Silver Stars — will be honored June 14 at the Renaissance Hotel.

It is good to see Brian Waters is still representing the Chiefs well and is being recognized for his generosity. Congratulations Brian.

Prior to the recent OTA, it was assumed that Brian Waters and Mike Vrabel would not be in attendance.  They usually never are.  Last year their “no shows” made me upset, especially Vrabel’s.  Why?  Vrabel was new to the team, obviously unhappy about his trade, and his leadership and experience was needed to help the youngsters implement the new 3-4 Defense.  This year; ehhh not so much.  I was actually hoping he would miss the OTA.  Why?

More after the jump.

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Source: Yardbarker.com

Most of Chiefs Nation seems to be happy with the progress the team made this offseason. While not everyone is thrilled with every move, it can’t be denied that the Chiefs are a faster and more talented team than they were a year ago. The 2010 Chiefs should also be more prepared, thanks to a year of continuity and improvements made to the coaching staff. The Chiefs have a lot to hang their hat on this offseason.

Unfortunately, they don’t hand out Lombardi Trophies for having the best offseason. We’ve been here before, remember?

This time a year ago, Chiefs Nation was riding high. “King” Carl Peterson was but a horrifying memory. Herm “You Play To Win The Game” Edwards was signing his ESPN contract and applying Vaseline to his pearly whites. The Chief had hired the best possible GM candidate available as well as a young up and coming head coach who had helped make the Arizona Cardinals into a Super Bowl team. Lastly, they traded for a little New England Patriot magic in 09’ surprise player of the year, Matt Cassel.

Chiefs Nation rejoiced. We were going to be in the Super Bowl in no time.

All of that hope, all of that optimism, was great for the fans. It really was.

What did it bring us? +2 wins.

The worst case scenario after the jump.

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Source: Yardbarker.com

The Chiefs have released their OTA (Organized Team Activities) schedule. Some of you may not be clear on just exactly what OTA’s are and I was going to try to explain it but I found a site that does a pretty food job of it. Check out Taking It To The House.

In short, OTA’s are practices in shorts, t-shirts and helmets. The team gets together and starts laying the ground work so that when they get to training camp they can hit the ground running. Most of the sessions are voluntary though there is usually one mandatory mini-camp. There is also usually a rookie mini-camp after the draft and before the start of regular OTA’s.

The practices are not open to the public but they usually allow some media to be present for portions. We will of course, bring you every scrap of info we can get our hands on.

More on this and the dates after the jump.

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This picture doesn't have anything to do with this article but are you going to complain? Photo Source: Yardbarker.com

I am not big on the Chiefs taking big gambles. I wanted them to take Julius Peppers but I did not want them to pay a billion dollars to have him. I don’t mind, however, when the Chiefs make smart gambles. The signing of Casey Weigmann is an example of a smart gamble, so long as they don’t put all their eggs in his 36 year old basket. A major offseason need the Chiefs have been trying to fill is the offensive line. While it may appear the Chiefs have done enough to improve the unit by signing Ryan Lilja and Weigmann, they still need depth and injury insurance. A player has recently became available. Would you gamble on him? He is a 27 year old, 6-4, 325 pound guard and has been selected to two Pro Bowls. He is currently a free agent. Should be really expensive right? Probably not. You see, that was the good. The bad is that the player has only played 2 games in the last 2 seasons due to injuries and has suffered from depression. These issues are largely why his previous team released him. Still, if the player still wants to play, would you take a gamble on him and take him to camp? The players identity is after the jump.

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You want further proof that you have to be a passing team in order to win in the NFL?  The top two RBs this season, Chris Johnson (Titans) 2006 rushing yards, and Steven Jackson (Rams) 1416 rushing yards, did not even make the playoffs despite stellar rushing statistics.  In fact, the Titans won eight (8) games and St. Louis won only one (1) behind their league high rushers.  Moreover, the two teams in the Superbowl, The Colts and Saints, were clearly passing type teams with elite QBs and very deep WR talent.

Jamal Charles may currently be our best weapon on offense, but we absolutely, positively should not build our offense around him.  He played very tough this year, but he is no bruiser, and durability has to be a concern going forward.  Jamal Charles has turned out to be quite the stud, (a poor man’s Chris Johnson, if you will) but he should be “icing on the cake” so to speak rather than the cake itself.  You should look no further than to Tennessee’s league leading rusher and their mediocre record for proof.

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Photo Credit: Joe Ledford

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell revealed Sunday that Brian Waters of the Kansas City Chiefs was this season’s winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Goodell made the announcement shortly before kickoff of the Super Bowl, flanked by Payton’s children, Brittany Payton and former University of Miami running back Jarrett Payton.

The Man of the Year award has been issued by the NFL since 1970, then re-named in Payton’s honor in 1999.

Chiefs’ Waters honored before game-ESPN.com

“We never doubted we were going to win,” Fujita said. “We felt that back on Tuesday when we first walked into this stadium. There was just never a doubt because we were playing not just for ourselves, not just for each other, but for an entire city and region. All we wanted to do was give New Orleans a championship.

“I can’t wait to get back home. I wish we were leaving tonight, but this is going to be one great party, and let me tell you, this team knows how to party and we live in a city that knows how to party.”

Who Dat? World Champion Saints-BobGretz.com

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Kansas City Chiefs lineman Brian Waters has won the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, a source close to the NFL told KMBC 9 News. An official announcement was expected as part of the league’s events leading up to Sunday’s Super Bowl.The honor recognizes players for their community service as well as strong performance on the field.

Looks like the Chiefs will be winning something tomorrow. Nothing will be confirmed until the official announcement is made but it looks as though Brian Waters is getting a well deserved honor. I understand he is involved in somewhere in the neighborhood of 3 dozen charities! That is fantastic. Congratulations Brian!

The award recognizes players for their service to the community as well as excellence on the field. The winner receives $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice.

Also in the running with Waters are Mike Furry of the Cleveland Browns and London Fletcher of the Washington Redskins.

Waters spoke on being named a finalist via a Chiefs press release.

“It’s an honor to serve the NFL and the Chiefs by assisting those both in Kansas City and my home state of Texas,” noted Waters. “In reality, what I’ve been able to give back to these communities represents only a small percentage of what they have done for me and my family. My goal is to not only do my part, but also to encourage others to do the same in their communities.”

The winner will be announced prior to the Super Bowl on January 7th.

Congratulations to Brian and here’s hoping he gets the Chiefs an unexpected victory on Super Bowl Sunday.

I hope you all enjoyed the games yesterday. We certainly had a good time watching them here at AA. Now that there are only two teams remaining it is time to turn our full attention to obsessing over the Chiefs offseason.

Here is your Morning Fix.

We will let all that play itself out in the coming days. Here on the day after, let’s take a look at how these two football teams were built, and specifically how the Chiefs compare to what these teams have gotten done and experienced success. Is there a path to be learned by the Chiefs in how the Colts and Saints were built? Absolutely, although it’s not a new method or game plan that these teams have uncovered to find success.

It’s always the same: it’s find good players and it’s the process of developing good players. That’s what these teams have done, although it has happened in different ways.

Next Stop Miami … Monday Cup O’Championships-BobGretz.com

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Enter Todd Haley. A few veterans must have been expecting Kindergarten Coach given the team’s recent head coaching hires. What they got was something totally different. In fact, a “tum-ah” might have been more fun given that they had grown accustomed to Pee Wee Herm’s playhouse.

The Chiefs new head coach is not only a hard ass — he’s a smart ass. I’m thinking Andrew Dice Clay with more of a Pittsburgh accent, maybe even a little Dirty Harry thrown in for intimidation. I’m glad he came in here busting balls, honestly. Now that Haley and Scott Pioli are here — and their reputations do precede them — it’s time for the players to STFU and trust The Pioli Trinity to do its thing. Yes, even Tony Gonzalez.

Just who do the Chiefs’ veteran stars think they are? What is the deal with their sense of entitlement? Brian Waters demanding to meet with Haley and Pioli to discuss football would be similar to Chris Brown demanding to meet with Joe Biden to discuss his Violence Against Women Act. Just ludicrous.

Speaking of domestic abuse, Larry Johnson wants a fresh start. So do we, Larry, so do we. But the bottom line is that the Chiefs signed you to that long-term deal you demanded, so you’re here until Pioli tells you you’re not. Your heart may belong to Jesus Jay-Z, but your ass belongs to the Chiefs.

No wonder we traded for Mike Vrabel and visited with Bobby Engram. We need captains — not crybabies.

After his infamous “22 guys off the street” comment, I can totally see Haley going all Diceman and screaming “ohhhhhh!” Can’t you? Or maybe it’s just more fun to imagine it that way. Regardless, my imagination went wild. Here are some of Andrew Dice Haley’s nursery rhymes, written especially for some of the Chiefs’ vets:

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Recently, we were informed that Brian Waters, a stalwart right guard for the Chiefs, had left his Texas home to come to K.C. There he hoped to have a pow-wow with head coach Todd Haley and GM Scott Pioli.Terrible timing, bad instincts and poor form. Pioli and Haley are in the process of putting together a coaching staff, a scouting staff, their free agent wish list and their draft big board. Waters was quickly rebuffed by Haley saying he didn’t intend to meet with him — besides he could go 2-14 with guys off the street!! The uninvited Waters demanding a meeting with Pioli and Haley would be like one of the bankers from Citibank demanding an audience with President Obama.

Mr. Waters further flamed the fires by going to see the Grand Marshall of Dissension — Jason Whitlock. By airing the dirty laundry of their meeting, Mr. Waters was going behind the back of his employers, and playing for support and sympathy from the fans. Unfortunately, such actions only seem to weaken the fiber of the relationship between the coach and players.

This brings us back to the addition by subtraction. The Eagles have been a better and more harmonious team since they released Terrell Owens than the Cowboys have been since signing T.O. The Dolphins became a better team after they eliminated malcontent Jason Taylor and all the distractions that came with him last year. The Falcons were finally able to rebuild once Michael Vick was halfway across the country behind bars. The Tennessee Titans became a team the minute they benched Vince Young. The list goes on and on.

I am not suggesting that Brian Waters is in the same class of troubled stars (nor Jason Taylor, for that matter). What I am suggesting is that this staff will not tolerate self-serving, coddled veterans who could distract form team chemistry and mislead impressionable rookies and young players.

Pioli and Haley have the unenviable task of changing the team mantra — particularly after past two player’s coaches coddled the players. I suggest that the loyal Chiefs fans support their efforts wholeheartedly. I, for one, am sick of Larry Johnson and his off-the-field adventures. Waters, by his recent actions, may have joined L.J. on the express train out of town. If Tony Gonzalez isn’t careful, he could join them, too.

The sum of the team and its culture is more important than any one star. That’s why B-Dub, L.J. and Tony G. might soon have new teams if they don’t soon have new attitudes. Remember, the colors — Red and Gold — are more important than the cast of characters.

Every Monday, Arrowhead Addict editor/lead writer Adam Best will kick off the week with his AA Greeting — his one-of-a-kind POV on all things Chiefs.

Since the Oscars just recently went down, I thought we’d honor the biggest haters from free agency’s opening weekend. Drumroll, please…

Slumblog Millionaire – Merlin

“Caveat Emptor” came off as sour grapes. He wanted Jon Kitna and Tyler Thigpen, while yours truly and a whole lot of others wanted Matt Cassel or a comparable young quarterback. He didn’t get his way, so he tried to paint the move as a mistake. He even went Scott Mitchell on us, which I would have given him points for if he had of actually come up with the zinger on his own. Daddy Defense, like Slumdog Millionaire, your views typically represent all the “little people,” and are presented with a lot of heart. Not this time. “Caveat Emptor” was completely out of touch. Wack.

In Borges – Ron Borges

Who? Who? Never heard of the guy. His whole column just sounds like some serious homespun hatin’ to me. There are “far more personnel men” who think Cassel’s a flop than a franchise quarterback? Really? Who have you been listening to and reading? I’ve heard just the opposite. But screw hearsay; Cassel made a believer out of me late last season, when he went 4-0 down the stretch and posted ridiculous numbers. I understand, Borges — you’re a Bill Belichick apologist. He’s obviously got your balls in his Darth Vader-like vice grip. Even Colin Farrell’s performance in In Bruges didn’t make me laugh as much as your column. You’re a funny guy, Borges.

The Readerless – Jay Mariotti

I’d listen to just about anybody before the guy who gets clowned live and in living color by Woody Paige on almost a daily basis. Conspiracy theory? Not when your fellow haters are calling Cassel and Mike Vrabel a bench-riding phony and a washed-up snitch, respectively. If last year’s Pau Gasol trade in the NBA didn’t get overturned, there is no way this is even going to get investigated. What a desperate attempt to regain some readership after getting canned from the Chicago Sun-Times. Just how I don’t understand The Reader getting the props it did on the awards circuit, I don’t understand how Mariotti has managed to stay relevant for so long.

The Dark Write – Jason Whitlock

Boy, did Jason do some serious damage this past weekend. Way to cast a dark shadow over one of the few happy moments Chiefs fans have experienced during the past few years, Big Sexy.

First off, since he enjoys mafia references, he played the role of Luca Brasi for the Godfather of the Chiefs locker room, Brian Waters. Considering they are dealing with The Pioli Trinity and not King Carl and his consigliere Herm Edwards, I wouldn’t be surprised if B-Dub and Big Sexy were sleeping with the fishes soon. Can’t you just see the Trinity wacking them out as the No. 3 pick gets baptized, er, selected?

But seriously, nobody else even talked about Waters last weekend. After considering that, doesn’t it seem like Big Sexy was simply trying to stir the pot? His rivalry with Carl Peterson was his bread and butter, so it doesn’t surprise me that he wasted no time kicking off his feud with the new regime. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure Waters and Whitlock are cool, and I’m sure this was partially done as a favor to Waters. But the big fella definitely had his own agenda.

Then there was his column on the Cassel-Vrabel trade. You know, the one where he belittled Scott Pioli and Tood Haley by calling them Scott Belichick and Todd Parcells. You know Jason, I could do that to you. You have a mentor, too — the late, great Ralph Wiley. I could call you Ralph Whitlock. Real funny, huh? Ha, ha. They went out and did what you, myself and everybody else who covers the Chiefs had been begging them to do for, well, freakin’ forever  — get a franchise quarterback! — and you respond by blasting them for it? Not only that, you went on to compare Haley to Dick Vermeil and Pioli to “King Carl on steroids” not long after you openly campaigned for both men. Worst of all, you welcomed three-time Super Bowl champion and 2007 Pro Bowler Vrabel to Kansas City by calling him a “snitch.” You, my friend, have watched one episode too many of The Wire.

Jason, Jason, Jason. Sometimes there’s no columnist I like better. I have no problem admitting it; for years now I’ve been both one of your biggest fans and your biggest critics. Why? Because when you’re on, you’re as good as anybody. Like the piece you did on the drug war and incarceration for Playboy last year. I always enjoy your FOX Sports columns as well (except when you called Chad Johnson a bojangler, that is). But sometimes you play the contrarian just so you can take the slant that nobody else is taking. Just admit it. I even see why you do it. It makes you look like an independent, outside-the-box thinker with brass balls, plus it stirs up conversation.

This concocted contrarian act is getting a little stale. We’ve seen it more times than Brandon Marshall’s been arrested at this point. Hey, all of us writers do things to elevate our own status and boost our readership. I can admit that I do it, too. But acting like Waters’ pushy divorce lawyer and throwing the new regime and their first two high-profile acquisitions under the bus in the same weekend was completely uncalled for. Especially considering that we are still in the honeymoon period. Besides, can’t you just let us enjoy possibly the biggest trade acquisition in the history of the franchise for a little while? Would that kill you?

Like The Dark Knight, you were the outcast on this one. Problem is, we just got rid of the Joker, we don’t want your gloom and doom right now, and we’re not down with you trying to turn Scott Pioli into Scotty Two-Face.

(more…)

A couple of things:

• Adam Schefter was talking about how many players and front office personnel in New England believe that Matt Cassel is one of the best five to eight quarterbacks in the NFL. If that is so, isn’t it almost a certainty that Scott Pioli will make a power play for him?

• Bart Scott is still out there. Jason Brown is still out there. But both guys are apparently headed to St. Louis. It doesn’t seem like we are in the running for either player right now.

• The good news is that pretty much everyone — well, besides DeAngelo Hall and a few others — is still out there. Antonio Smith. Derrick Ward. Nate Washington. Stacy Andrews. All the other guys on my Blueprint are still available.

I don’t think we’ll hear anything until the late morning, so I will check back in then. I’ll also have you covered throughout the weekend with news and analysis.

This is what I think happened. I think Brian Waters tried to pull a little power play and test out the new management, and the new management wasn’t having it. Like Scott Pioli has said about Larry Johnson, if you’re currently under contract then you’re a Chief and there’s nothing else to talk about. Period. That’s why I think Pioli wouldn’t meet with him.

I also think The Pioli Trinity is fully united. Looks like Haley sided with the Pioli, as well as Clark Hunt, and not the disgruntled veteran on this one. Good to see that those guys are on the same page — they’ll need to be for this thing to work.

It also looks like Waters got offended, got angry and had his camp dish some dirt up on Pioli and especially Haley. Hell hath no fury like an All-Pro elder statesman scorned, I suppose. Waters may have been the head honcho in the old locker room, but this is a new era. Apparently, Pioli wasn’t about to let the veteran push him around. Good for him — that would have set a bad precedent. These guys need to know that there is a new sheriff in town. Again, I have no inside knowledge of the situation and all of this is purely speculation, but that’s my initial read.

From the Jason Whitlock, Kansas City Star:

Chiefs Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters asked the organization Thursday to release or trade him this offseason, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Waters asked for his release two days after a brief meeting with new head coach Todd Haley and after being told by first-time general manager Scott Pioli that he had no interest in meeting with Waters, the source said.

Waters, according to the source, was offended and shocked by the arrogance of Haley and Pioli. Waters’ meeting with Haley and follow-up phone conversations confirmed in the nine-year vet’s mind that the negative reports about Haley that he heard from Arizona Cardinals players while at the Pro Bowl were accurate, according to the source.

I hate to jump to conclusions here, but Brian Waters is making good money and Hunt has imported the best available football brain trust in football in Haley and Pioli. The Chiefs remain committed to Waters and have renewed their commitment to winning. What is there to talk about, Brian? Can’t you make up your own mind, our do some of the alleged “guys from the Cardinals” have to do it for you? And I’m sure Haley does seem like a bit of a prick to him. After all, Chiefs players have been babysitted and coddled by Dick Vermiel and Edwards for most of the decade. Those days are over.

For now, I will give B-Dub the benefit of the doubt because he’s been a great player, a model citizen and a consummate pro ever since arriving in Kansas City. I think we owe him that much. At the same time, it’s hard to see how he is right on this one. Personally, I don’t think he is with the information I’m getting right now. We’ll keep an eye on this.

Oh, and 22 players off the street probably could win two games. Haley has a good point there. Then again, 22 players off the street with Harm coaching? Yikes. That sounds like a Hollywood comedy in the making.

Congrats to our new coach, Todd Haley.  This is the key hiring in Scott Pioli’s tenure, just like the key to Haley’s tenure will be his choice of coordinators. Lets hope there is no one named Clancy as our defensive coordinator. Unfortunately, due to his late hiring, many excellent choices are already gone (Mike Nolan). Hopefully, the Three Musketeers — Clark Hunt, Haley and Pioli — will have the opportunity to draft a franchise player like Carl Peterson did with Derrick Thomas in his first draft.

Stop the nonsense about Michael Crabtree. Yes, he is a great college player, but didn’t we learn anything from Matt Millen and the Lions? Receivers are available every year, but without a line or a quarterback to throw to them they are not worth the investment of a No. 3 pick. Regardless of the position, the Chiefs must find a player that will be Pro Bowl-caliber player at that position for 8-10 years. Often that is an outstanding offensive lineman — see Joe Thomas, Brown, 2007, or Jake Long, Dolphins, 2008.

Lastly, is an appeal to the Chiefs fans for PATIENCE. The Three Musketeers have taken over a mess. Arrowhead is being rebuilt and the Chiefs have the youngest team in the league.  In addition, they have several problem areas which must be rectified — like Larry Johnson. We are likely to get nothing in return for him as a result of his tirades and trade demands. Also, Brian Waters and Tony Gonzalez have mentioned that they might possibly like a change of scenery. It will take several months to assemble a staff, analyze our current roster and size up free agency and the draft. Good Luck!!

First round draft pick Branden Albert was in on every first string snap at left guard. Brian Waters was at left tackle, Adrian Jones was at right tackle and Damion McIntosh was at right guard with the first unit. Third-year center Rudy Niswanger snapped for the first stringers to round out the Chiefs’ first practice offensive line.

I’m thinking it’s a mistake, and that the writer switched the guards and tackles, but who knows? Jones has always been a tackle, and the Chiefs might be protecting Albert while playing their best lineman at LT for now. We’ll be looking into this, but if anybody else has anything let us know.

Update: Warpaint Illustrated is reporting the Chiefs line as previously reported. It looks like the UW-RF website must have just goofed. From WPI:

Kansas City’s starting five on the offensive line remains, left to right, Branden Albert, Brian Waters, Rudy Niswanger, Adrian Jones and Damion McIntosh. Albert, KC’s second first-round pick, showed no ill effects from the ankle he sprained earlier this offseason, and was light on his feet.

Other notes of interest are that Devard Darling started off as the No. 2 receiver for the first-string offense, and Dwayne Bowe was so “giddy” to be back that he was playing free safety for the scout team defense. D-Bo is definitely a character, isn’t he?

Kansas City is famous for its barbeque — have you been able to sample any great BBQ yet?

I’ve tasted a couple of places: LC’s Bar-B-Q and Gates Bar-B-Q. Those places have great food.

Being a guard in college and now moving to left tackle in Kansas City, how is the transition going?

It’s going pretty well. There are times where I’m doing very well and there are times where I’m struggling. But for the most part, I’m getting it and learning on the run.

Which Chiefs players have you become friends with?

Dwayne Bowe and Brian Waters. Most of my rookie class I am pretty good friends with, too. A lot of guys, but those two that I mentioned, I talk to and do stuff with on a regular basis.

Which player are you most looking forward to playing against in the NFL?

I would have to say Julius Peppers.

Now go check out the rest of the article to find out why he wants to go against Julius Peppers and how Brian Waters has been helping him along.

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