At this point of this season, it is not about the won / lost record, but rather whether improvement is being made.  There is no value in discussing the merits of a 2 – 11 record at this point.   The question is whether the current group of first, second and third year players are progressing.  The rash of injuries to many of them, and the veterans around them, makes a true assessment difficult to gauge.

 

The ’06 Class

 

Hali is an undersized, slow DE with a penchant for injury.  He is, at best, a #2 DE along with a premier pass rusher (ala Jared Allen).  He has already peaked and has very little upside as a #1 DE and pass rusher

 

Page made great strides his 1^st year, and leveled off last year and this year.  He is too big and slow to react to be a FS.  He has marginal foot speed and would be better suited as a SS.  He has little upside potential.

 

Pollard is even slower afoot than Page, with slower reaction times.  He is too enamored with making the big hit and not wrapping up on tackles (as are most of the players on defense).  There have been numerous drives that were kept alive where he had the ball carrier stopped to force a 3-and-out, but he tried to make the big hit and failed.  He is a good Special Teams player, and may have a future as an OLB.  However, he is very limited as a SS and has no upside.

 

Neiswanger was a FA Center and is now the starter.  He stands too tall (6’-5”) in his blocks and gets pushed into the backfield to disrupt too many plays.  He has some potential and with a year of starting under his belt, more time in the weight room and more consistency from his linemen, he should marginally improve.

 

Webb has been a total bust at WR.  He has had numerous opportunities to grab one of the starting wideout spots, but has regressed from his rookie year.

 

Croyle was an interesting experiment that was an obvious failure due to his inability to stay healthy.  If he has any future in the NFL, it will be as a back up.  However, if he does continue to pursue his QB career, it probably should be somewhere else to avoid an awkward situation for him and the Chiefs.

 

The ’07 Class

 

Bowe has all of the makings of a premier WR.  He has a propensity to drop too many easy catches.  He had 998 yards as a rookie, and could equal or surpass that number in ’08.

 

McBride was making progress at DE before going on I/R.  He could blossom as a #2 DE opposite a premier pass rusher.

 

Tyler was MIA as a rookie DT, but has made some progress in ’08.  He still takes too many plays off and does not always play with fire and focus.  He does still have some potential to develop into a credible DT.

 

Picking up QB Thigpen as a FA from the Vikings looks like a steal.  He has continued to grow and develop to the point where he now has to be, at the very least, considered a possibility at QB for the long term.

 

Battle has spent the majority of his two seasons on the practice squad.  He will have a chance to display his RB skills over the last 4 weeks of this year.

 

Taylor has yet to crack the starting offensive line at any position.  There have been numerous opportunities due to injuries and ineffectiveness.  He flashed some potential as a rookie, but has shown nothing in ’08.

 

Smith has had some good games at RB spelling Johnson.  However, he is injury prone and currently on I/R.  His best opportunity may have already passed him.

 

The ’08 Class

 

Dorsey has been nursing a bad left leg all year.  That, coupled with learning the nuances of playing DT and executing the responsibilities that are different than what he did in college, has slowed in development in his 1^st year.  All of the scouts had him listed as the best defensive player in the ’08 Draft, so the potential is still there.  He should show significant improvement in ’09.

 

Albert has been slowed by injuries as he switched from OG in college to OLT in the pros.  He has made steady progress since his return and looks to be a solid player for years to come.

 

Flowers has stepped in from day #1 as the shut-down corner and has done a great job.  He will only get better with more familiarity to QB’s, WR’s, schemes, etc.

 

Charles has shown flashes of brilliance, but has not exhibited the toughness to stay on the field.  He is a capable blocker, good receiver and great runner in space.  He can be the prototype #2 back in a 2 RB offense.  If the Chiefs stick to the “I-Gun” offense, he is a perfect match.

 

Cottam is being groomed as the eventual replacement for Gonzalez at TE, but is mostly being used as a blocker.  He has shown good hands, but can still learn some tricks fro the master before Gonzalez retires (or is traded).

 

Barth has only kicked for ˝ of the season.  His kickoffs are deep enough to be respectable and he is perfect on FG’s.  He looks to be the answer, but long-term consistency will need to be shown.

 

Robinson has been the KR for the past couple of games.  He has not busted a long return yet, but at least he catches the ball and goes upfield.  He still has some upside.

 

Leggett has been a find at CB as a FA from a small college.  He has two defensive TD’s the past two weeks.  The game does not look too big for him.  He has tremendous upside potential.

 

Morgan has been injured at S and not played much.  He should move into one of the Safety spots in ’09 where an upgrade is needed.

 

Carr is improving slowly at CB.  He plays somewhat tentatively.  He has all the tools and should develop into a good Corner.

 

Cox has been OK as a blocker at FB.  He still does not blow defenders out of the hole, nor has he been given many opportunities to handle the ball.  He should evolve into s serviceable FB over time.

 

Merritt has been injured all year and has yet to play.  If he is supposed to be the replacement for Jason Dunn as the blocking TE, he cannot be assessed until ’09.

 

Richardson has been active a few games as a spare offensive lineman but has not gotten into a game.  He is a developmental project, but has great size.

 

Franklin has not developed at the WR spot opposite Bowe.  He has good downfield speed but rarely gets balls thrown his way in games.  He has underachieved so far.

 

Johnston got a few starts at DE before going on I/R.  He needs more time in the weight room and time working on techniques and fundamentals.

 

The Chiefs will have one of the first five picks in next year’s Draft.  The selection of those players will be more vital than ever if this team is to affect a quick turnaround.  Secondly, the development of those players selected, as well as those retained, will have to be better than what has occurred in the recent past.  There are too many players who should be making more of an impact who are just marginal at best.

 

“Great players make great coaches”.  That is not true if the coaches do not develop the great players they acquire.
 

Luckily, for Chiefs’ fans, this season is half over.  If the pain, frustration and disappointment of the second half of the season match that of the first half of the season, it will be very trying.  But, this is a prime opportunity to assess the team, management and coaches at the half-way point.

 

Tight Ends – (A-)

 

Gonzalez has continued to play at a pro bowl level on a terrible offense, enduring double-, triple coverage, holding, etc., and is still producing outstanding numbers.  His tirade to be traded was a major distraction for a couple of weeks, but to his credit, he has not let his disappointment at not being traded affect his play.  When thrown to, Cottam has shown good hands and running skills.  Both have been effective blockers in the run game.

 

Wide Receivers – (D)

 

Bowe has been inconsistent, dropping key passes in crucial situations.  Darling, Webb and Franklin have been virtually missing in action.  Only the acquisition of Bradley and his contributions over the last two games prevents this grade from being an “F”.

 

Offensive Tackle – (D)

 

When Albert has been able to play, he has done a credible job, and shows tremendous upside.  Taylor has shown that he can be at least a stop-gap player, but is probably too small to man the RT spot long term.  McIntosh was routinely getting schooled, but has shown some improvement the last couple of weeks.  Maybe the line is starting to gel with injured players coming back and players in new positions getting accustomed to those positions.

 

Offensive Guard – (D)

 

This is a similar story to that of the OT’s.  Waters has done nothing to play up to his former Pro Bowl level.  Jones’ situation mirrors that of McIntosh in that the first five games, he was getting beat routinely. The last couple of games, he has improved.  At least both of them have stayed healthy.

 

Center – (D)

 

Nighswonger’s first five games were like the right side of the line – poor.  He too has picked his blocking up better the last two weeks.

 

Running Back – (D)

 

Johnson has been a non-factor since he can’t stay on the field for having to deal with his myriad of off-the-field issues.  Smith was doing nothing to distinguish himself, then he went on the I/R after the loss to Tampa.  Charles has shown explosiveness and tremendous upside, but has made some costly rookie mistakes.  Cox has blocked adequately.

 

Quarterback – Inc.

 

There is no way to give a fair grade here with the #1 and #2 QB’s on I/R, and the #3 starting his fourth game next week.  Croyle and Huard are most likely done as Chiefs.  Thigpen has been very impressive against the Jets and Tampa, but the body of work is too small to say he’s the answer.  The signing of Gray provides a big, young, strong arm to develop.

 

Special Teams – (C-)

 

 

Due to all of the injuries and dismissals, determini8ng a grade here is difficult.  The only consistent member of the Special Teams all year has been Savage.  He’s been OK, but nothing spectacular.  There have been changes in personnel everywhere else, so consistency has been a factor.

 

Defensive End - (F)

 

No pass rush – end of story.  Hali, McBride, Boone and Johnston have been totally ineffective in the pass rush.

 

Defensive Tackle – (D)

 

No pass rush up the middle and missed gap assignments sum up the first half.  Dorsey has been nursing a sore knee and has been unspectacular for the fifth overall pick.  Tyler has been somewhat better than last year, but not much.

 

Linebacker – (F)

 

This area has been the most disappointing.  This is where the team had the most experience, but has seen the least production.  Edwards has been hurt most of the first half, and his best days are behind him.  Johnson shows occasional flashes of brilliance and dominance, and then disappears for plays/games at a time.  Williams has done nothing.  This whole unit is either overrated or underachieving.

 

Cornerbacks – (B)

 

Aside from occasional rookie mistakes, Flowers and Carr have done a credible job.  Both look like long-time starters for the future.  Surtain has been a non-factor due to injuries.  The hosts of other rookies that have had to be used have performed like the rookie, backup players they are.

 

Safety – (D)

 

Page and Pollard have not continued to evolve and develop.  Page looks to be 20 pounds overweight and can’t cover anybody.  Pollard is too concerned with making a “blow-up” hit and almost never wraps up a tackle.  This has lead to numerous long gains and late game losses.  McGraw has bee a solid backup, and Morgan has been invisible.

 

Coaching – (D)

 

Cunningham’s defense and his players are not evolving.  They continue to repeat the same mistakes game after game, both in play-calling, coverage and techniques.   Gailey has been hampered by inconsistencies in personnel due to the reasons mentioned above, so a true measure of his play calling is still up for debate.  Edwards now appears to play not to lose, not “to win the game”.  His game management faux pas identified in New York are still prevalent.  He has been dealt a rash of injuries during a time of rebuilding.  The past couple of weeks, the effort by the team has been there.  However, it is becoming more apparent that his long-term profession may be in the TV booth, rather than on the sidelines.

The “Bye” week could not have been scheduled for a better time for the Chiefs.  This team needs to do a ton of reassessing and re-evaluating, not only for the rest of the season, but also for the long term.  The problem is the people who need to make these decisions; Carl Peterson and Herm Edwards need to be assessed.  If the rumors have any validity, Peterson is probably in his last year.  Clark Hunt does not have the same allegiance to Peterson, as did Lamar.  Clark also does not appear to want to stand pat and accept the status quo.  Conventional wisdom says that Hunt will make a change at the G.M. spot, reduce that person’s overall power in the organization, and have him/her gear toward 2010 for a playoff run.

 

Edwards’ situation is more difficult to assess.  Obviously, he is in the middle of rebuilding.  Injuries to several of his key, young, potential building blocks have stifled the team’s development so far.  We still do not know whether Brodie Croyle is the QB of the future based on his frequent injuries and inability to stay on the field (although it appears that he is just too frail to stand up to the weekly punishment). Rookie OLT Branden Albert has been hit with two fluke injuries that have cost him considerable playing time.  WR Will Franklin and DE Bryan Johnston have both been hurt as well.  The development of all of the youngsters on the team will take time and patience, and the lost time to injuries further complicates that development and the evaluation of the young players’ progress.

 

The other area of concern with Herm is with him and his staff, and their ability to evaluate and develop this talent.  It has been obvious from week 1 that Herb Taylor can play OT.  After Albert returned from his first injury, Taylor should have been inserted at RT to replace the overmatched, overweight, ineffective Damian McIntosh.  It took Edwards until week 5 to cut B.J. Sams and turn the return job over to Dontrelle Savage.  It took an injury to CB Pat Surtain to insert the bigger, faster rookie CB Brandon Carr.  Lastly, with regard to Edwards’ personnel decisions, the whole rotating QB fiasco suggests a mentality of just pulling names from a hat and hoping to get lucky.  Certainly, the injuries, inconsistent play and overall ineffectiveness have complicated this situation.  However, the head coach is paid to address with, and deal with these circumstances. 

 

As stated, Croyle’s fragility does not lend itself to being a starting QB in the NFL.  The Chiefs’ recent call to Cleveland to inquire about the availability of Brady Quinn suggests they have the same opinion.  A new, young QB will be acquired through either trade, free agency or the Draft before next season.  The question for all is what happens at that position until the QB of the future arrives.   Since the Browns do not appear to be willing to part with Quinn, K.C. will probably have to continue the revolving door at QB unless they are able to swing a trade.  Another possibility would be to bring in an injury-prone veteran like Byron Leftwich or Duante Culpepper to try to get them through the season.  It will be interesting to follow the plans of Peterson and Edwards as they address this major issue.

 

Of more immediate concern is the defense.  It has been atrocious.  In particular, the LB play has been substandard.  Derrick Johnson has finally started to play like the high first round pick he was.  Beyond that, no one has stepped up.  They consistently miss their gap responsibilities, fail to cover short and in the flat, and do not wrap up on tackles.  In addition, they show very little fire and intensity.  Other LB’s in the league arrive at the ball carrier with a bad attitude and bad intentions.  The Chiefs’ LB’s are content with trying to tackle high with a shoulder block (and usually missing) or just dragging the player down. 

 

The one responsible for the defense, as well as the LB’s is Gunther Cunningham.  The Offensive Coordinator usually countermands his play calling on defense.  When Gun rushes three and drops eight, the offense busts a run, runs a draw, or hits an underneath pass for a first down.  When Gun blitzes, he is hit with a deep bomb, because his blitzes rarely get to the QB.  The game may have passed him by.

 

There are numerous areas of concern at this point.  The Bye” week is the time to assess, evaluate and correct.  Fans need to understand that the season is only 25% complete, and the expectations for this year were not that great.  Most fans wanted to see development and progress as the foundation is being laid for the future.  The jury is still out.  The team is not as bad as it looked against Oakland and Carolina, and not as good as it looked against Denver.  The management team is on the clock to change the image and perception of this team.  They need to play with more passion and urgency while they learn to eliminate their mistakes.  After the 75% completion mark, they need to be in position to win every game.  If not, there should be greater questions to resolve in the off-season than who the QB of the future will be.

One game does not make a season, but there were plenty of encouraging signs in the Chiefs’ loss to the Patriots on 9/7.  Installed as 16-17 point underdogs on the road to the mighty Pats, the Chiefs acquitted themselves well.  To be sure, many of the concerns going into the game did manifest themselves, but there were several encouraging signs also.  Here is an assessment, by group, as to last Sunday’s performance:

 

Offensive Line

 

Branden Albert was a pleasant surprise.  He missed most of the pre season with a foot injury, but did a good job primarily against Richard Seymore.  This was not only Albert’s first start since his injury, and his first start in a real NFL game, but also his first start as a LT in an NFL game.  He still has a great deal to learn, but his career got off to a very solid start.  Brian Waters seemed to have some of his old fire and tenacity back and did well sustaining his blocks.  Nieswanger had trouble moving Wilfork from the DT spot, and needed double-team help.  The right side of the line looked to be overpowered.  Adam Jones was pushed back into the backfield, consistently clogging running plays.  Damion Mcintosh was off balance in his pass protection as well as run blocking and did little to support the offense.  If these two have another week like this, the Chiefs may just as well put in Taylor and Richardson at ROG and LOT and see what they can do.

 

TE

 

Tony Gonzales played another solid game and made several crucial catches to keep drives alive.  He also had to help with the blocking to offset some of the inadequacies noted above.  Cottam also played sparingly in blocking situations, but did nothing to distinguish himself.

 

Wide Receiver

 

It took all of the preseason and most of one game, but Devard Darling did finally catch a ball.  To his credit, it was a bomb to the 5-yard line in the waning minutes of the game, but it was nice to see the defense finally stretched.  Jeff Webb made a short catch in the last three minutes of the game and turned up field instead of getting out of bounds, thus costing the team several precious seconds and the use of a time out that could have been saved.  Dwayne Bowe needs to quit reading his press clippings from last year.  I counted at least four passes that he dropped, including the potential game tying (assuming the PAT would have been made) catch in the end zone with seconds remaining.  He was primarily covered by Deltha O’Neal who is at least 5 inches shorter and 40 pounds lighter than he is.  He should have been open all day.  Maurice price and Will Franklin, both injured for Sunday’s game, should help upgrade this unit going forward.

 

Running Back

 

Larry Johnson wound up with a respectable day, but he spent too much time being indecisive.  The blocking was porous at best, consequently, it was pointless to try to hunt and peck when your own guards are in your lap at the handoff.  Mike Cox looked good blocking and catching flares and Jamaal Charles needed more touches outside to loosen up the defense.

 

Quarterback

 

It only took one game for Brodie Croyle’s fragility to come to the forefront.  He was not doing badly while he was in the game, considering the porous pass blocking on the right side, and dropped balls by Bowe.  However, the biggest concern about Croyle has been his durability.  Apparently, he will be out at least 3-4 weeks with a shoulder injury.  Now the Chiefs are left to scurry and find another QB with experience to sign and bring in.  Rumor has it that they have already contacted Chris Simms, but he is in high demand with the Patriots losing Brady and the Titans losing Young.  It is evident that Croyle is too slight of stature to be a full-time NFL QB – his body cannot take the pounding.  The Chiefs need to continue to develop the other facets of their offense and next year, with what will most likely be a top 5 pick, get their franchise QB of the future.  To his credit, Damon Huard did come in and look good.  He had on interception that may have been as much Bowe’s fault for running a poor route as Huard’s fault for throwing into double coverage.  Huard did lead the team downfield in the waning moments and gave them a chance to tie.  He will be serviceable until a better solution comes along.  However, he has no mobility, so the game plans and play calling will have to be modified to remove the rollouts and bootlegs that Huard cannot execute.

 

 

 

Game Plan / Play Calling

 

The game plan was sound considering having to play the Patriots on the road with the second youngest team in the league.  Gailey’s plan to play it close, control the clock and have a chance to win was sound.  However, in the last drive down by the goal line, Gailey should have spread the defense and utilized Charles’ speed rather than try to muscle the Pat’s front seven.  He also could have used Gonzales on some fades in the back of the end zone instead of going to Bowe who had a rough day.

 

Defensive Line

 

The front four did a passable job in defending the trenches.  They had a couple of breakout runs that sullied the rush statistics.  They applied reasonable pressure on the Pat’s QB’s, and effectively intermingled the blitz.  Glenn Dorsey showed flashes of being a dominant, inside force.  Both McBride and Tyler have matured and elevated their games from their rookie seasons last year.  Hali looks slow, undersized and overmatched at RDE.

 

Linebackers

 

The LB’s looked OK, with the exception of the first TD and the two long runs allowed.  Derrick Johnson made some plays, but still not as many as a player of his athletic skill and four years’ experience should make.  Pat Thomas missed his gap assignments more than once on running plays, and Donnie Edwards was a non-factor.

 

Defensive Backs

 

Pat Surtain was burned on the bomb from the Pat’s 2-yard line that changed the momentum of the game (although he may have expected safety help on the backside).  Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr more than held their own against Moss and Welker.  The rookie CB’s had their initiation under fire against a couple of the best.  Now they should be able to settle in and deal with whatever WR’s they see without a feeling of trepidation and awe.  The safety play was average – they missed too many open field tackles and left too many seams in the passing game.

 

Special Teams

 

With the exception of one kick return, the coverage was good.  Colquitt continues to be one of the better Punters in the league.  Novak did not kick off particularly deep, but made his PAT and Field goal without any drama.  Dantrell Savage ran hard on kickoff returns and gave the team good starting field position beyond the 25-yard line each time.  B.J. Sams did nothing special on punt returns, and is occupying a roster spot that could be utilized by another position player – Savage can perform all of the return duties.

 

If there is such a thing as a moral victory, the Chiefs had one in Foxboro.  No one, including the local pundits, gave them a chance to cover the 16 – 17 point spread.  Yet, they were in the game until the final seconds.  That alone should give Herm Edwards something to build on with this young team.

In assessing the off-season for the Chiefs, several things come to mind:

 

1.       The front office did what they had to do with the Jared Allen situation and came out with, what appears to be, a win-win for both sides.  Allen gets to play with a potential playoff team while he is in his prime.  The Chiefs get, what appear to be, cornerstones of their offense and defense for the long-term future the players selected with the acquired draft choices.  The two #1’s, Dorsey and Albert should be fixtures on the D-, and O-Lines for years to come.  Flowers will be an immediate starter at Corner.  Charles and Cottam will initially be key reserves while awaiting their chance to start at RB and TE respectively.  Morgan will likely replace Pollard at SS by midyear.  Without the extra choices for Allen, this influx of potential would not have happened.

2.       The scouting staff did an exceptional job in identifying talent and, by all accounts, the Chiefs turned their 12 ’08 draft picks into what may have been the best Chiefs’ draft ever, at least on paper.  They also identified some key free agents who appear to be ready to not only make the team, but also make an impact.  Cox will likely start at FB, Thomas is penciled in as the starting ILB, Barth is in a battle for the role of Kicker, just to name a few.

3.       Shockingly, Carl Peterson surprised even his most ardent critics and got all of these high-potential rookies in to camp on time.  (Dorsey was a couple of days late, but missed no appreciable time).   This was critical with what is at stake.  These young players need every rep they can get.  They need time to jell with the veterans and determine rotations.  They need time to adjust to the rigors of a 17-week long season.  Lastly, the team needed to show the fan base that even though this is a rebuilding year, the front office was going to do all it could to give the coaches the building blocks needed to turn things around.   CUDOS to Carl Peterson.

4.       Now the pressure is on Herm Edwards and the coaching staff.  It is up to them to get these youngsters on the fast track and make them productive NFL players ASAP.

5.       Gone relatively under-the-radar has been much discussion about the acquisition of Chan Gailey as the O Coordinator.  This should be huge.  Having an experienced play caller, game planner and in-game adjuster running the offense will be a mega-improvement.   This will not be the offense of the Vermeil/Saunders era, but it should be more efficient and productive than last year.  It should also be easier on all of the young players to master and execute while they get their bearings.

 

Early camp thoughts:

 

1.       There is more speed and athleticism at almost every position than at any time in recent memory

2.       The young DB’s like to hit

3.       Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez appear to be rejuvenated by the new offense and all of the youth

4.       Donnie Edwards looks like he’s on his last legs

5.       None of the LB’s have impressed

6.       The foot injury to OT Albert is more severe and a bigger blow to the team than DT Dorsey’s strained knee

7.       “THE Bowe Show” is a welcome addition to a team with very few characters and charisma – as long as it doesn’t grow into a distraction like “T.O.” or Ocho Cinco”

8.       The defense could use some of the same fire and personality

 

 

 

Overview of Preseason Game #1 vs. Chicago

 

I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the first team offense.  The first drive of 80+ yards and almost 10 minutes was a thing of beauty.  The play calling was exceptional.  The execution was better than I anticipated, considering a new offense was installed and the O-line was in disarray.  Things sputtered for the offense until late in the first half with penalties and breakdowns, but that is what preseason if for – to iron out these problems.   It should be noted the Bears played their #1 defense throughout the first half, and were only missing their starting OLB – Hillermeyer.

 

 Even though the second half was filled with rookies and backups, the offense showed positive spurts; particularly in last final scoring drive where K.C. took the lead for what would ultimately be the final score – 24-20.

 

The #1 defense did a credible job against the Bears’ #1 offense in the first half (although the Bears’ offense is not very potent).   The Chiefs did make several assignment mistakes, particularly at LB.  Nevertheless, these should be correctable.  One encouraging sign was generally better tackling than in years past.  There were a couple of long runs, but overall the tackling was better.

 

Aside from the field goal made and good coverage on punts and kickoffs, there was nothing outstanding on Special teams from the return perspective.  These are many decisions to be made here.

 

Several players stood out in the game:

Croyle – QB did a nice job of moving the team, scrambling, passing and managing the offense

Taylor – OLT did a decent job filling in for Albert and established himself as a viable candidate for a key backup role

Price, Webb, Franklin, McMahan and Sippio – WR’s all proved they could play and have a chance to compete effectively for the #2 receiver slot along side Bowe.  They all made tough catches and had good yardage after contact.  There appears to be more quality depth at this position than at any other time in recent memory.

Cottam – TE had a couple of nice receptions and proved he has many tools that can continue to develop.

Flowers, Carr and Leggett – CB’s all showed good cover skills and the ability to hit.  However, all need to work on ball awareness and decision-making as to when to go for the interception vs. defending the pass.  Leggett gave up a TD when all he had to do was knock the ball down.

Morgan – S showed great speed and a willingness to hit, but was caught out of position a few times, which is typical for a rookie.

 

In all, there were plenty of encouraging signs.  The team is bigger, faster, more aggressive and tougher.  They appear to want to play.  Certainly, there are plenty of things to work on, but the foundation looks better than I anticipated for the first game.  The biggest and most pleasant surprise for me was the game plan and play calling of OC Chan Gailey, coupled with the fact the QB’s had the option to audible.  The whole offensive approach was more positive and upbeat, with a promise of the ability to score points.

Since all of the drama about the Draft and the hoopla surrounding the OTA’s and mini-camp, things have gone quiet in Chiefs’ Nation.  That is not a good sign since they have only signed 3 of their draft choices, Brandon Carr, Will Franklin and Barry Richardson.  None of these are expected to make an immediate impact, although Carr and Franklin should contribute.  The fans all have that same, sinking feeling we all get this time of year, “Will Carl get the draftees signed and in camp on time?”

 

Every year during this time period, it seems that he leaves the country for an extended vacation.  I understand the need to get away, and maybe there is no better time.  We can only hope that his team, led by Denny Thum, is making progress and there will be a flurry of signings upon Peterson’s return.

 

This year, there is even more anxiety in that the choices ahead of Glenn Dorsey at #5 have all signed.  There should be little problem in zeroing in on a figure – yet there is a problem.  Dorsey and his people believe that since he was generally regarded as the top player in the Draft, he should be paid accordingly.  But he slid to #5.  I’m sure that is going to be Peterson’s position.  And if Peterson continues to hone is image as one of, if not THE, toughest negotiators in the league, he may ruin this bountiful draft.

 

Carl Peterson’s record for signing players isn’t as poor as most fans would like to believe.  There was a recent article on the Chiefs’ website that depicted other teams’ #1 draft picks and when they were signed that went back several years.  The Chiefs’ picks were in the bottom half for getting them in on time, but they weren’t the worst.  However, with the past combination of #1 picks that didn’t pan out coupled with their tardiness in getting signed, and it’s easy to understand the fans’ anxieties over the signings of this year’s picks.

 

Another thought, suppose Ryan Sims had signed on time and showed up for camp in shape and ready to play.  Suppose John Tait had not gone through his acrimonious negotiation with Peterson and signed his first contract on time and in good faith.  Maybe both would still be Chiefs.  Maybe there would be at least one playoff win.  Maybe the franchise would not be in the midst of a complete and much-needed makeover.

 

But it takes two sides willing to make a deal that will benefit both sides.  It shouldn’t be about boosting a GM’s ego or reputation.  Hopefully, as Carl Peterson nears the end of his reign, he’ll realize the best legacy he can leave at this stage is a team of young, talented, contract-content players who want to help Kansas City get back to the days of contention.

The Chiefs held OTA’s and mini-camp last week, with the last practice open to the public on Saturday, 6/7. 

You definitely needed a program to match all of the new players to jersey numbers worn by long-time players

 no longer with the team.  It was quite an experience.

 

The atmosphere was brisk and there seemed to be a great deal of energy on the field – with both the players

and the coaches.  The team looked bigger, faster and more athletic.  There was little loafing and standing

around.  Rookies and veterans alike were very attentive.  After all, there are several new coaches, a new

offense being put in, and the uncertainty that most everyone’s job is up for grabs.  The drills were performed

crisply (if not always correctly) and there was very little standing around.

 

Even though there was no hitting, several new players stood out for their speed, athleticism, instincts

and presence:

       

1.       The following draft picks look as though they have starting slots already nailed down, and are working

on refining their techniques and working in concert with their fellow position players:

a)       Glenn Dorsey - DT

b)       Branden Albert  - OT

c)       Brandon Flowers – CB

 

2.       There are several draft picks who are “knocking on the door” and pushing for a starting spot:

a)       DaJuan Morgan – S

b)       Brandon Carr – CB

 

3.       Others of the ’08 draft class appear ready to contribute in special situations (2^nd TE, 3^rd down back,

4^th WR, Ret., DE rotation, etc.)

a)       Jamaal Charles – RB

b)       Brad Cottam – TE

c)       Kevin Robinson – WR/KR

d)       Brian Johnston – DE

e)       Maurice Price - WR

 

4.       There were some rookie FA’s who were also impressive:

a)       Maurice Leggett – CB

b)       T.J. Jackson – DT

 

5.       Veteran FA’s who showed well were:

a)       Nick Novak – PK

b)       Adrian Jones – OT

 

6.       Holdover veterans who were impressive were:

a)       Larry Johnson – RB

b)       Dwayne Bowe – WR

c)       Pat Thomas – LB

d)       Rudy Niswanger – C

e)       Tamba Hali – DE

f)         Tank Tyler – DT

g)       Tony Gonzalez – TE

h)       Jackie Battle - RB

 

 

On the negative side, there were some who did nothing to impress, either because they didn’t dress due

to injuries, or just did nothing to stand out:

 

1.     Rookie draft choices:

a)       Michael Merritt – TE (injured)

b)       Barry Richardson – OT

c)       Will Franklin – WR

 

 

2.     Starters from the ’08 team:

a)       Brodie Croyle – QB

b)       Jarrad Page – S

c)       Bernard Pollard – S

d)       Napoleon Harris – ILB

e)       Donnie Edwards – OLB (injured)

f)         Brain Waters – OG

g)       Derrick Johnson – OLB

h)       Damion McIntosh – OT

 

In defense of Brodie, the offense is significantly simpler this year, with a heavy emphasis on power running,

sweeps, flare passes, and short routes.  None of the QB’s stood out; because it doesn’t appear they are

supposed to in this offense.  There were a few occasions where they went deep, with moderate success,

allowing for new routes and an almost all new receiving corps.

 

The backs all looked quick through the holes.  Larry Johnson did not appear to have any issues with his foot. 

The starting O-line looks to be Albert, Waters, Niswanger, Jones and McIntosh.  Of course Tony Gonzalez

will line up at TE.  Dwayne Bowe is the #1 WR, and for now, Devard Darling is running #2, but look for that to

change.  One of the young guys mentioned above may very well win the #2 spot.  The FB is unsettled, with

no one claiming the job for now.  Mike Cox has the inside track since he played in this offense under

Chan Gailey at Georgia Tech.  Jamaal Charles will likely be the 3^rd down back, with Jackie Battle and

Kolby Smith as backups.

 

The D-line starters were Dorsey, Edwards, Hali and Boone.  That probably won’t change, but look for Tank

Tyler and Turk McBride to improve over last year and get more playing time.  Rookies T.J. Jackson and

Brian Johnston may make the final cut, with Maurice Murray having an outside shot.

 

The LB’s are set with Edwards, Harris, Johnson and Williams as the first four for the three starting spots. 

Pat Thomas may crack this unit based on special team play.

 

The CB position is really interesting.  Flowers has already been given Ty Law’s old spot, and Surtain is

holding on to his spot – for now.  He’s getting pressured by Carr, who is catching on fast and being given

every opportunity to win the job.  Leggett looks like a real player and could force out one of last years’

rookie carryovers of Brackenridge, Barksdale and Patterson.  This is going to be a VERY young group.

 

Morgan looks like a strong bet to start at S along side Page, with Pollard and McGraw as backup / special

teamers.

 

Darche is still the LS, and Colquitt is still one of the best P’s in the game.  The kicker with the strongest

leg on Saturday was Nick Novak, but all of the candidates made 50 yarders.  This spot is still up for grabs. 

The kick return duties will probably fall to Charles, while the punt returns are up for grabs between

 B.J. Sams and Kevin Robinson.

 

All-in-all, the changes and youthfulness were exciting.  Mistakes were made and quickly addressed by the coaches.  Expect that to happen with some frequency in ’08 – ’09, but the overall talent level is much better, giving reason for hope.
 

This has been one of the quietest, most uneventful off seasons the Chiefs have ever had.  Luckily, to date there have been no negative off-filed issues to deal with.  Conversely, there hasn’t been much going on at One Arrowhead Drive either.  There are roughly 20 positions to be filled before the season starts, and the team has been conspicuously inactive in the Free Agent market.  They have postured that they wanted in on Jeff Blaine – C, and Josh Brown – K, both of whom signed with other teams immediately after the Free Agency period began.  To date, their only “major” acquisitions have been Demorrio Williams at OLB, Oliver Hoyte at FB, Devard Darling at WR and Anthony Alabi at OT.  Only Williams appears to have a chance to start. 

 

That brings us to the Draft.  The latest count shows the Chiefs have 9 picks (5, 36, 67,100, 129, 132, 164, 196 & 224).  An additional pick is supposedly due them this year, and next from Tampa bay for the Bucs’ acquisition of Michael Bennett.  That pick would presumably be the Bucs’ pick # 180 in the 6th Round.  By having 6 of the top 132 picks in this draft, several starters could, and should be found in this draft.  The usual concern for every Chiefs fan is the ability to identify that talent and subsequently develop that talent.  The other concern surrounds the archaic, outdated negotiating tactics employed by Carl Peterson.  Nothing was done in the off-season to give the fans any assurances that these issues have improved.  However, with so many holes to fill primarily through the draft, there is still major concern that we could pick more guys like Ryan Sims, Junior Savaii, Julian Battle, Craphonso Thorpe, Jordan Black, and Alex Sulfsted with picks 1 – 6.

 

This draft is relatively deep at offensive line and defensive backfield, two of the numerous areas of need for the Chiefs.   Defensive End, Tight End and Outside Linebacker positions are adequate.  The remaining positions are relatively weak in comparison.  Since their needs are so many, this may be one of the rare times if the Chiefs say they plan to take the “best available player”, they may do well.

 

Another possibility is to solicit opportunities to trade down.  If they could find the right trading partner(s), it’s possible the Chiefs could pick up additional picks in the top 150, and still get players they’ve targeted.  An example would be if they wanted Ryan Clady (Boise State) – OT at #5, and he was selected ahead of that pick.  If they could orchestrate a trade with someone (Buffalo) in front of the team (Denver) who’d want the next OT available, the Chiefs could make that trade.  They’d possibly pick up Jeff Otah - OT (Pittsburg) and Buffalo’s 42nd pick in Round 2, while sending their 6th Round pick, # 164 back to Buffalo.

 

Who should the Chiefs draft in April, barring any trades?  Here’s my list, assuming availability:

 

#5 - OT Ryan Clady (Michigan)

#36 - CB Reggie Smith (Oklahoma)

#67- WR Harry Douglas (Louisville)
#100 - OG Andrew Crummey (Maryland)
#129 - From Miami CB Terrance Wheatley (Colorado)

#132 - OLB Curtis Gatewood (Vanderbilt)

#164 - QB Matt Flynn (LSU)

#180 – From Tampa Bay TE Jermichael Finley (Texas)

#196 - WR Marcus Smith (New Mexico)

#224 - From NYG RB Calvin Dawson (UL – Monroe)

 

So, assuming the Chiefs follow this plan and all of these guys made the team and played to their potential, what holes would still need to be filled either through college Free Agents and team cuts in late summer?

 

Center – maybe Rudy Neiswanger is already the answer

Kicker

MLB – an upgrade to Napoleon Harris would be nice

Safety – depth, Wesley’s desire for a trade and Pollards’ ineffectiveness

Fullback – someone needs to block

TE – Jason Dunn needs to be replaced as the blocking TE

Offensive Line Depth

KR / PR – a potential game-breaker as a Returner

 

That is a lot of holes to effectively fill in one year.