ArrowheadAddict and its’ commenters have done a lot of criticizing and praising of our team since the end of last season and rightly so. With training camp upon us, I am of the opinion that it is time to forget the past, fully support and get behind the team. There is a tremendous amount of optimism heading into training camp. The players and coaches talk about the change, and we, the fans, now need to embrace it. I am pumped!
It’s Time To Get Behind Larry Johnson: Say what you will about Larry Johnson, he may have had a poor attitude, shown poor judgment, been a whiner and a complainer, but he is the best offensive player we have. He can still get the job done, and has done everything the coaches have asked him to do. Will you really be surprised if Larry is one of the top RBs in the league at the end of the year?
It’s Time to Get Behind Dwayne Bowe: I am tired of hearing all the negative things about Dwayne Bowe, namely he drops too many balls and is a show boater. The fact of the matter is: he has done very, very well in his first two seasons; he has been just as good as Calvin Johnson in my opinion. This boy is a gamer and he is only going to get better with consistent QB play.
It’s Time To Get Behind Brian Waters: So he and the new regime had a falling out. Big freakin’ deal. Although you can count me as one of his biggest critics this offseason, I am behind him 100% as he heads into training camp. He is absolutely an important part of the Chief’s upcoming success. The new regime knows that too and that is why he wasn’t traded.
It’s Time To Get Behind Matt Cassel: He has a lot of doubters, but we shouldn’t be one of them. As soon as we traded for Cassel, our QB position was upgraded. Cassel is a young prototypical QB (6’4, 230 pounds) with successful starting experience. His stats were surprising good considering he had never been a starter before. The doubters say he had better weapons in NE. So what? Do you really think his QB rating will drop off that significantly in KC, if at all? The new regime knows he is a smart, hardworking student of the game. More importantly he is a leader, and is already making his leadership mark on the team.
It’s Time To Get Behind Derrick Johnson: Derrick has been an underachiever to say the least, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give him another chance. Maybe Pendergast and the new defensive scheme is just what the doctor ordered for Derrick. He is in a contract year and needs to prove his worth. It is amazing what a contract year will do for a player. We have seen flashes of brilliance from Derrick. Maybe the new coaches can make those flashes happen on a consistent basis.
It’s Time To Get Behind Glen Dorsey: Glen Dorsey is not a bust. As I have said before, Glen’s rookie stats are comparable if not better to some of the best DTs in the NFL (Sapp, Haynesworth, Williams). He is now making the transition to DE in a 3-4 Hybrid defense. As a 3-4 end, he is not meant to be a pure pass rusher, his job will be to stop the run, and plug some holes. I am sure he will do just fine.
It’s Time To Get Behind Todd Haley: How can you not get behind Todd? It is obvious that he loves the game of football, loves this opportunity that has been given to him, and is doing everything he can to make sure it will be successful. He knows his time is limited and he must win now. He is humble and quite frankly does not like to hear himself talk. Winning is the only thing on his mind. What a nice change of pace.
It’s Time To Get Behind Scott Pioli: All the accolades were given to him for a reason. He is a shrewd evaluator of talent, and we could not ask for a better GM. Although he traded Tony Gonzalez, he received wonderful value in return. He has only just begun.
It’s Time To Get Behind Clark Hunt: What more could you have asked from an owner this offseason? After a horrific couple of years, he has fired a longtime underperforming GM and a talent evaluator masquerading as a head coach. He brought in the best GM candidate available and drastic changes to the franchise, its personnel, its administration, its faculties, and its stadium are underway.
The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into training camp in good shape and in good spirits. I would be absolutely shocked if we don’t improve from our 2-14 record. I would be willing to be money on that. Any takers?