Tony Gonzalez: 'This Is A Playoff Team Next Year'

by Joel Thorman on Dec 8, 2008 8:52 AM CST in 2008 Campaign Comment 12 comments

Hey, what's he pointing at?

I wanted to piggyback on a few of the comments schraggyj made in this FanPost regarding Tony Gonzalez's post-game comments. He made three key points that need to be addressed. First, he fully endorsed Tyler Thigpen as the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback. Second, he said he that although he can see himself finishing his career as a Chief (with Thigpen at the helm), he hasn't determined his future in football yet. Third, he stated that this is a playoff team next year.

Asked about the possibility of the Chiefs addressing the quarterback in free agency or the draft, he said that would be a "disgrace" and stated, "We've been playing well since he came in."

"You already got your quarterback," Gonzalez said. "You get something else to help us."

Tony makes an excellent point that, I think, has been covered around here ad nauseum. There's no question he's part of our '09 plans but has Thigpen played well enough (or enough in general) to go into '09 as the starter?

Then there's this from Bill Williamson of ESPN:

"I don't know what I will want to do in two months," he said. However, Gonzalez did say he can see himself finishing his career in Kansas City with Thigpen as the quarterback. Thigpen had already left the locker room when Gonzalez made his comments.

"We're close on offense, we're close," Gonzalez said. "I think they are going to get some pieces on defense so the defense can catch up with us, but we're close. Right now, I'm a Kansas City Chief and I know we're close."

The key phrase there is "Right now, I'm a Kansas City Chief..." Gonzalez's future is still uncertain at this point. Despite our improvements and despite what he says about us being "close", there's basically no change in the 'Will he' or 'Won't he' when it comes to Tony's future in Kansas City.

Finally, Tony said that this team should be looking to the playoffs next year.

"I could see this being a playoff team next year," Gonzalez said. "I could see us turning it around."

Tony is the consummate professional. He'll never throw anyone associated with the organization under the bus (trade deadline fiasco excluded), unfairly criticize or bring anything but optimism when he's speaking to the media.

Tony's comments certainly resonate with me. I can see where he's coming from. But, at the same time, I can't forget that no more than 2 1/2 months ago he was the one clamoring to exit this organization. He wanted out and, as far as I can tell, not much has changed since then so why would he want to stay in Kansas City next year now?

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On the QB Situation

Regardless of what Tony G says, we will draft a QB at some point this coming year. But, if we believe Thiggy is possible starting material, it may push us into the later rounds for selecting the QB, which also works in our favor since “spread” QBs usually go later anyway. But Huard won’t be around and we know we can’t depend on Croyle, so drafting a QB is a foregone conclusion.

by Chiefs4Life on Dec 8, 2008 10:41 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Pretty Much

And Herm already said the Chiefs were going to draft one. The big question is, will the Chiefs use any of their first-day picks to draft linemen to protect him?

The Chiefs should win 5 to 6 games this year and no less than 4 for this season to be considered progress in any way. If he can't win at least 9 games next season, Herm's a joke.

by UCrawford on Dec 8, 2008 10:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

I could see us breaking all the “rules” and drafting a Right Tackle with our first pick…

by PVChiefsfan on Dec 8, 2008 11:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Wish

Not to minimize the problems with the defense, but I’d prefer they drafted an offensive tackle with the first pick instead of a defensive end. We probably won’t win next year if we don’t have a pass rusher who can get to the QB. We won’t win for many years if we let our QBs get beat to hell behind a line made up primarily of waiver castoffs and second day draft picks.

The Chiefs should win 5 to 6 games this year and no less than 4 for this season to be considered progress in any way. If he can't win at least 9 games next season, Herm's a joke.

by UCrawford on Dec 8, 2008 11:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No way

A top-5 pick for a right tackle? No way. Our first rounder will either be an MLB or a pass-rush D end. Our second rounder will be the other. In the third round we will go with an RT or a guard (or Harrell if he’s available). If we don’t get Harrell, our 4th round will be a different “spread” QB. We sprinkle in some WRs and some more O linemen later in the draft.

My question is, where will we get the D linemen we desperately need. My draft scenario only has us picking one, and we need two or three others since the ones we have are terrible.

by Chiefs4Life on Dec 8, 2008 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In the first round

we will pick the player who is available and is the highest on our draft board…it may be a OT, a DE, a QB, hell, it might even be a RB.

by PVChiefsfan on Dec 8, 2008 12:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think drafting a QB is a no brainer

the question is where do we draft one?

If “the guy” is available in the 1st round then you might just have to do it. If he isn’t there, then let’s get some more defensive pieces or O-line help (I’m looking at someone to replace McIntosh).

I could definitely see Graham Harrell of Texas Tech slip to the 3rd round or beyond. Picking him up to compete with Thigpen in our spread style offense would seem like a great move to me. No matter who or where we pick, though, I think drafting another QB is essential in providing competition and stability at the position.

by I need more Esteban on Dec 8, 2008 11:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1

Given what I’ve seen from Bones so far, I don’t see drafting a QB as a /pressing/ need. Sure, if someone pops up with “Brett Favre, Mk II” tattoed on his forehead, he’s best on the board, and it’s our turn, grab him – not that I see that happenig, of course. High-draft QBs bust, too – there are no guarantees.

Planning on starting Thiggy, and drafting someone good enough to press him & make him better, however, is a good idea. But O-line help, linebackers, and D-line help is more important right now. Another hot receiver wouldn’t hurt, either, or a good receiving Tight end. Tony’s a consummate pro, but that doesn’t mean you can count on him being here next season, either.

Thiggy may not be the be-all and end-all, but he’s looking gooed enough that we don’t have to pin all our hopes on a gamble.

by Bleedingredandgold on Dec 8, 2008 2:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

High-draft QBs bust, too – there are no guarantees.

First round QBs have about a 50% bust-rate.

by Joel Thorman on Dec 8, 2008 3:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ryan Leaf

We need a future defensive leader, his name is James Laurinaitis and he can be selected in round 1 of the upcoming Draft.

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Dec 8, 2008 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Harrell was the guy

I was thinking of. Would provide top-notch competition to Thigpen for the starting spot, which would improve our QB spot immensely. But I don’t think we go for him before the third round, we have too many needs and another “spread” QB will be available later.

by Chiefs4Life on Dec 8, 2008 11:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs