The Chiefs Offensive Ineptitude and What To Do About It
by Matt Conner on Nov 19, 2009 9:22 AM CST
in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign
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PrintShakira's hips don't lie and neither do the stats in the National Football League. And the key one here is this: the Chiefs are flirting with setting a new low for this decade in third down completion percentage.
That particular stat might sound a little ridiculous or misleading to pull out, but it's really not. It's the stat that keeps the chains moving. It's the stat that keeps the offense rolling and, therefore, the defense well-rested. It's the stat that eats the clock so you can actually control the time of possession game. And it's the stat that allows execution to expose mistakes in the opponents scheme and play-calling.
Instead, the Chiefs are doing none of that. There's no rhythm. There's no offensive sync. Instead, there's (usually) two go-nowhere plays followed by a desperation third down pass that (usually) doesn't work. The glaring stat: 20.3. That's the percentage of third down completions for your 2009 Chiefs.
Of course, you knew it would be bad. The won-loss record will tell you that much. But a bad team is bad for certain reasons and you have to search to figure out what those things are. And the inability to develop an offensive rhythm will cripple the team in all kinds of other areas:
*The Chiefs continue to give up the big gain every week. Yet a defense that's constantly on the field will become gassed as the game goes on - even with Haley's emphasis on conditioning
*We'll continue to question the development of our younger players on offense simply because there's not the allowance of any rhythm with the unit.
*And ultimately, Matt Cassel needs to be able to execute with a full hand, rather than being forced to think downfield all the time.
More on the stats and what to do after the jump.
Just how bad is this completion percentage? It's the worst of the decade if it plays out. Sitting at 20.3% is not just horrific. It's historically inept. It's on par with the Chiefs lack of a pass rush in 2008. During the 2007 season, no single team was lower than 30%, with the San Francisco 49ers setting the league low with 31.4%. The same can be said for 2006 (Carolina - 31.1%) and 2003 (Atlanta - 30%). Even the worst teams in those particular seasons were 10% better than the Chiefs in 2009.
In fact, you have to go back to the 2005 season to find a team that's been even close to Kansas City's ineptitude in third down situations. And that year was Alex Smith's rookie year at QB for a Niners team that finished with a 24% completion rate.
So what do the Chiefs do with this information? Well, a few things come to mind:
1. Certainly this cannot continue. At least I'd hope not. We think the toughest part of the schedule was on the front end, but that percent might drop even lower after Pittsburgh this week. And that end of December game against the Bengals now looks as menacing as any other game on the slate this season. Two against the Broncos, one against the Chargers and that means it might be tough. But a number that low is just so bad that you have to believe it can't continue. (Gulp)
2. The offensive line and running game *have* to become an off-season priority. You simply have to be able to move the chains on first down to balance the offense. The investment we made in Matt Cassel has to be only the first half of it. The second half of the investment must be in protecting the first half. And this is where Pioli's long-term plan comes into play. After all, you cannot fix every hole on a team in one season.
Thus, I would assume that three of our first four draft picks (one 1st, two 2nd, one 3rd) will focus on the offensive line and/or running game. And if not, then that means we probably picked up a solid FA on the O-line.
3. Re-think the importance of the tight end. It's been noted several times (here and other places) that Haley simply doesn't care too much for the tight end position - at least in the ways the Chiefs have been used to it. And you can afford to have Leonard Pope-like levels of stats at that position when you have Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston in your WR corps. But it's going to be a few drafts before the Chiefs have that luxury.
The cheapest and quickest way to fix some of the problems is to adjust the offense to include a dynamic pass catcher into the offensive game plan. Wide receivers are so hit and miss and, at this point, we honestly need two more. The latest news from Camp Bowe doesn't help and makes it even more of a priority. Plus tight ends come cheaper and easier to find comparatively.
It's not pretty to live through. At the same time, dire statistics like this usually lead to quicker answers - the squeaky wheel gets the grease mentality. Let's hope we're able to confront the problems head-on this offseason with maximum resources and effort.
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Hey what other team sets NFL records every year? lol
j/k
Winning begins with Attitude - Haley and Pioli will be winners in KC!
I'll forever be a Chiefs fan! Only God himself could take that away from me, but when I get to my great reward, I'll rejoin two bigger fans, my Mom and Dad.
The Lions and the Browns
God help all Chiefs fans
10/19/09: The Chiefs are on their way to an 11-5 season...I think....
10/26/09: Okay, so it'll be 10-6, I can live with that...
11/9/09: So KC spots the league 7 games. 9-7 is respectable.
The TE is really important...
I don’t care if he’s much of a receiver, but his blocking is necessary.
Also, the other big thing I think we’re missing is our QB and WR’s being on the same page.
They first lost everything they put together during the training camp when Haley completely overhauled the season.
Then Cassel got injured and lost crucial time during this important transition.
Finally, how many games have we had where we started the same 2 receivers? 2 in a row seems a stretch to me… Our receiving staff is in a state of flux and Cassel obviously doesn’t have the ability to just jump in there and throw to whoever (a la Favre).
Unfortunately we were getting to the point where it looked like the offense would be set for at least a good portion of the remaining season and now Bowe is out. Hopefully the chemistry between Chambers and Cassel continues to grow, but I’d say with the exception of Bowe the starters we saw last week are the ones that will finish the season. We should really get a glimpse of what we have after a few more weeks together.
I'm still a little hopeful
that the Chiefs can find a bit of ground to stand on with Charles taking a majority of the snaps. If he can put out a decent performance this weekend, the rest of the teams we play this season will have to gameplan for Charles. That’s exactly what Cassel and his ragtag group of receivers needs.
Now, what about their defensive ineptitude?
Good Post Matt
I’m all for the picks after the first round being used on O-Line. I just want to use that first rounder on a playmaker on Defense (S or NT). I think some of the offensive ineptitude is gonna be solved with Charles now heading up the running game. Next year C and RG from the draft will make this a much more balanced offense.
People
Love to say a good C or RG will fix this line but in my eyes one of those two have to become a Pro bowler to e satisfied with that line….. Waters is going to either demand a trade or retire IMO….. And or RT just look like a good fix- a- flat … So matter what the tire needs to be replaced…… I think the only way w fix this line is to :
A: draft a C in the second.
B: draft a RT in the fourth move our current RT/C To G
C: shell out some real good money for a true bulldozing TE who can accually step up and in on the block for outside runs…( That is very inportant to building a running game with a speed back. He must be able to make the outside turn)
Untill those steps are taken our O line will not fit our qb who plays well in the pockect and our rb who needs open space!
How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.
I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!
by bouzi on Nov 19, 2009 10:15 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
C or RG
is just a great start based on what we have right now. Cassel is in fact a pocket passer, and I’d take O’Callaghan and Albert at OT for now. But our center get’s blown up all the time and RG has been in flux. Our interior is making it hard to have a pocket, and leaving us no lanes up the middle. I think you have the ideal solution to OLine, but this team cannot afford to use a RT with all of the holes we have to fix.
by Hail2DaChiefs on Nov 19, 2009 10:36 AM CST up reply actions
use an early draft pick on RT is what I meant.....(busy morning)
by Hail2DaChiefs on Nov 19, 2009 10:50 AM CST up reply actions
I think we have our starting RG on IR
and no I’m not talking about Goff, Colin Brown is a mountain, not overly athletic, but a big strong guy. Cirion Black and Jason Fox in the second to man the tackles, Wisniewski in the third. Albert and O’Cal can man the tackle positions while these guys get their feet wet, Waters can hold down the LG position until around the trade deadline, Brown at RG and Wisniewski at C.
What scares me with Wisniewski and Brown manning C and RG is that’s basically two rookies sitting there side by side, throw Black and Fox into the mix, there is the potential for disaster, but potential for a very nice O-line in the future.
We should be able to run the ball on the right side of the line all year reguardless of who’s playing RT. O’Cal or Fox, Brown, Wisniewski should be an upgrade over O’Cal, Goff/alleman, and Niswanger.
The blindside is where the problems would occur, with Black/Albert, and Waters/Albert, I don’t know maybe Black could take that LT position with a very small hiccup, and I’m sure Albert could take that LG spot with little problem, but it’s the incohesiveness of that line that would worry me, 4 new starters on it, one guy changing position, and in essence 4 rookies.
Still it’s the way I’d like for it to go, with us taking Suh in the first and trading Dorsey for a 2 and a 3 so we can get some skilled players in there.
by mcclanahanman on Nov 19, 2009 12:20 PM CST up reply actions
I think we should use out picks like this:
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
O-Line
O-Line
O-Line
O-Line
O-Line
O-Line
O-Line
O-Line
O-Line
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 19, 2009 10:01 AM CST up reply actions
Cut everyone else on the lien but Albert and Waters
Then use free agency to get 2 LB’s, a Safety and a WR.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 19, 2009 10:02 AM CST up reply actions
Throw enough shit at the ball and some of it is bound to stick
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 19, 2009 10:03 AM CST up reply actions
A stopped clock is right twice a day
How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.
I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!
by bouzi on Nov 19, 2009 10:22 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Lfe is a box of sourpatch kids
How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.
I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!
by bouzi on Nov 19, 2009 10:23 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
The best poop is when you have to wipe both butt cheeks and half your back.
by Dove40 on Nov 19, 2009 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I now have a life philosophy
Thank you sir.
"You can't polish a turd", old guy, Christine
"Let your anger be, like a monkey in a pinata, hiding amongst the candy, hoping the kids don't break through with their sticks!" Master Payne, King Pow
After how many years....
……of acting as his own agent Brian Waters went out and hired an actual agent at the start of this season.
I wouldn’t count on Waters being around next season.
I can only think of 2 reasons to hire an agent after so long of acting as your own agent:
1) You’re getting ready to ask for that big dollar, long term contract.*
*Waters is far too long in the tooth for teh Chiefs to be thinking about signing him for a 4+ year deal with big money. Pioli has shown a history of trading players a year too early, instead of a year too late (thats a DAMN GOOD thing). I would not expect the Chiefs to hand big money to an aging guard on the back side of his career.
2) You’re getting ready to try and make a serious play to get traded / cut / moved to a different team*
*We all saw how Waters and TG supported each other in the last 2 offseasons. I would not be at all supprized to see that the trade deal that Gonzales got has really influenced how Waters thinks about his future. he may very well may have hired an aget to try tnd get himself out of KC for a chance to “win now” in 2010.
The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw
by Texas Chief on Nov 19, 2009 12:59 PM CST up reply actions
I'm all for trading him on draft day
because I think you might be right – he might want out. He’s also possibly already declining in skills, although hard to tell given who else is around him.
Air Cassel - approved for takeoff
What was this post about?
I started thinking about Shakira’s hips, and lost this ability to comprehend for a moment.
Maybe Matt “Al Bundy” Cassel has been thinking about her hips, too, cause he holds his balls way too long.
Seriously though..
Good perspective. Thanks Matt.
O line and TE
It is clear. At least 2 OL and a damn good blocking TE who can catch. Has to happen. It isn’t about play-calling. It isn’t about coaching. This is a simple matter of talent.
The problem is 1st and 2nd down.
If we set the record for worst 3rd down %, I think we must be on pace for the worst average 3rd down distance to go. Here is the Jags game as an example.
3-1, run no gain, FG
3-10, pass 6 yards, punt
3-3, run 2 yards, punt
3-6, qb scramble 3 yards, punt
3-4, run 1 yard, punt
3-10, missed FG (end of half)
3-18, pass 11 yards, punt
3-19, pass 11 yards, punt
3-5, pass 13 yards, converted 3rd down
3-14, pass 5 yards, punt
3-14, pass incomplete, punt
3-2, pass 18 yards, converted 3rd down
3-19, pass 54 yards, TD
3-10, illegal contact, converted 3rd down
3-7, pass 7 yards, converted 3rd down
That makes 5/15 on 3rd downs. But here is the beautiful part :
The average 3rd down during the Jaguars game was 3rd and 9.5 yards to go.
They are essentially trying to move the ball with one down. If they can start to get positive yards on 1st and second down, 3rd down effeciency will improve.
by saskwatch on Nov 19, 2009 10:42 AM CST reply actions 2 recs
Thanks for the stats Saskwatch.
What popped out to me right off the bat is why we are running 6 yard routes when we need 10. I know the line is not holding up, but come on we should be able to get a 10 yard route. Just looks like to many times they are running short routes with the thought that our receiver will pick up the extra yards after the catch. I don’t know if it the play calling or the execution, but it needs addressed for the percentage to go up.
Just pulled the stats from the Indy-NE game.
The average distance to go on 3rd down for the Pats was 5.2 yards and for the Colts was 5.6 yards.
To be a consistent offense you need to make positive yards on 1st and 2nd downs and put yourself in makeable 3rd downs.
Ah, just sounds so easy...
Why can’t they do it and make everyone happy? Oh wait, its cuzz they are blowing our line up better than Paris Hilton
And the reason they are running short routes is the defensive guys are dropping back onto the first down mark and forcing the underneath throw… That is the problem with third and long vs third and short, usually have better throwing lanes on short down.
Hey guys, Matt Cassel isn't the problem, being one dimensional is!
How to fix it:
The entire team needs to execute. Period. That includes coaches as well as players. If they’re not good enough or not focused enough to execute and do their job right…. then they need to be executed….. from the roster.
Easiest answer ever, IMO. That would solve first and third down problems. It would solve the penalty issue.
It's years like this that I wish I was a bear. Hibernation would make it so much easier.
by Red N Gold Beast on Nov 19, 2009 11:04 AM CST reply actions
No 3 - TE
It kind of highlights what Tony Gonzalez was to this team, he knew where that down marker was and pretty much was always standing just past it.
Blame my wife!
Waiting until August 2010
I think Haleys mind is stuck in AZ
He had a HOF QB that reads defenses as well as anybody in the league and 2 Probowl recievers and another 1000 yrd reciever to boot. He is calling plays like he has those types of players…he doesnt!!..The chiefs have D bowe and a bunch of cast offs from other teams. I also dont see Cassel audibling too much or if he is even able to.
O-Line has got to be a priority this coming offseason. I think that with the cap space we should address the line through free agency a lot more than the draft. We need some PROVEN NFL caliber linemen. Not a rookie getting his feet wet and learning an NFL system. If we can address it that way, then we can use some of ouf picks to land some playmakers early in the draft.SS,WR,RB…LB…not neccisarily in that order.
Agreed
He had a HOF QB that reads defenses as well as anybody in the league and 2 Probowl recievers and another 1000 yrd reciever to boot. He is calling plays like he has those types of players…he doesnt!!..The chiefs have D bowe and a bunch of cast offs from other teams.
I believe this is a good point. Coaching is not only about finding the right players, but also knowing their strengths and weaknesses – and making use of schemes and plays that address them.
I also dont see Cassel audibling too much or if he is even able to.
I agree. It’s hard to know if this is because Haley doesn’t feel Cassel can do it, of if he simply doesn’t believe in giving the QB that much latitude.
John
"Gentlemen! You can't fight in here. This is the War Room!"
Colin Cowherd
he made a good point this morning. He was discussing the top qb’s in the league and they all have a 70 % completion percentage! That is high. Peyton, Brees, Big Ben, Warner and Brady. He credits how the nfl protects qb’s today and how cb’s cant touch wr’s. With that in mind I like Haley as an offensive mind. That is where the nfl is currently headed. But I would love to answer our safety concern or dt concern with Berry or Suh with our top 5 pick. Serious def playmakers. New def coordinator maybe.
Mr J
KC Chiefs Fan
I'm all for Suh
and Shopping Dorsey, if we used our other first day pics on the O-line, Dorsey should bring in 2 first day playmakers. Probably not world beaters, but solid guys that fit haley’s mold.
by mcclanahanman on Nov 19, 2009 1:25 PM CST up reply actions
Bringing in an unknown to take the place of an already developed Dorsey is taking a big risk, even if we get multiple picks in return. We have enough picks already to solidify get a couple linebackers and safeties and put together a nice line.
Suh is as highly touted as Dorsey was coming out. If you think we’re solidified enough to start grabbing linebackers good for you. If we were solidified enough along both lines our W/L record would be a lot different. Our main problem is our big men aren’t doing a good enough job, we need new and better big guys. Suh could be better in the 3-4 than Dorsey, he has better speed and a better build for it. Seymour could be brought in to provide depth and to make sure there is no drop off in production.
DJ is going to be shopped he’s a RFA this year, I’m sure Dorsey will, possibly Flowers, and Carr, even Waters and Bowe could be shopped this year, I’m sure there’s more. This draft is loaded in talent and Pioli and Haley want THEIR GUYS.
There’s too many people saying no no no no we won’t trade off these high Peterson/Edwards picks, not the core guys some will be retained but I think Pioli’s going to put his stamp on this team and our big name guys our fan favorites are out the door this year and next, so we can make room for a new generation of Pioli chiefs.
by mcclanahanman on Nov 20, 2009 12:49 AM CST up reply actions
If we were solidified enough along both lines our W/L record would be a lot different.
I never claimed the offensive line was solid. In fact, I said that we could put together a nice line with the number of picks we already have. The D line may not be solid yet, but give Jackson another year and they will be.
You really like Edwards at NT?
Dorsey could be a really good DE for us, Bottom line we could be a better team if we could take Suh and pick up 2 more first day picks for Dorsey. Maybe that’s treading water to you or taking a step back for a year, but that would free us up to spend more picks on the O-line and take more blue chip skilled players. Improve the whole roster instead of what we have now.
NE and Pitt are built through the draft, and sometimes that means sending out good players that look like they fit perfectly to pick up more draft picks, so they can add new young faces.
There will be guys out there in FA we could pick up next year, 3 NT’s are supposed to hit the FA market, there’s supposed to be 2 or 3 good safeties out there. Seymour is supposed to be a FA, there will be some linebackers out there. There will be some Vet RBs out there.
If someone will give us a 3rd for DJ, a 2 and a 3 for Dorsey, that’s 8 picks in the first 4 rounds some cover-2 team might even throw a fourth at us for Carr that’d be 9 picks. 9 picks will cover a lot of the field. 1 D-Lineman, 3 o-linemen, WR, CB, OLB, ILB, S.
Does Flowers and Carr fit what Haley wants to do at Corner, is Haley satisfied with Bowe, is DJ going to be a starter next year, does Dorsey fit the mold of a DE or is he just so talented that he’s getting it done? Lots of questions about our core guys……..
Would we take a step back? A step back from what? If we ship out our percieved Core of players to bring in guys that fits Haley’s schemes better and keep the role players. Then brought in some vets to play some key positions that aren’t filled through the draft to help these rookies along. Next year would probably be a 6 to 8 win season still going through growing pains, a step up, but the year after that, with that many young guys with playing time under their belts, we’d be a definate threat to anyone.
Yes it has potential to backfire, but so does keeping these guys if they don’t truely fit the scheme. When you’re this far into the hole does it pay bigger dividends to keep the talent that the previous management brought in? Does it pay to send them somewhere else where they might fit better?
Get what you can out of them so your guys can get here and start developing. Give these guys a chance to shine on a team where they have a better chance of showcasing their talents. Give us the guys that will fit our offensive and defensive schemes.
by mcclanahanman on Nov 20, 2009 10:32 AM CST up reply actions
Dorsey could be a really good DE for us, Bottom line we could be a better team if we could take Suh and pick up 2 more first day picks for Dorsey.
Assuming that Suh has a successful transition. He is just as much of an unknown as any player in the draft. I see your logic, but I’d rather keep Dorsey who has proven himself than take a player that hasn’t AND will take another two years to develop.
that would free us up to spend more picks on the O-line and take more blue chip skilled players. Improve the whole roster instead of what we have now.
We have enough picks right now to spend on the O-line and take a couple players to improve the secondary. That’s not to mention if we get anything decent out of DJ.
There will be guys out there in FA we could pick up next year, 3 NT’s are supposed to hit the FA market, there’s supposed to be 2 or 3 good safeties out there. Seymour is supposed to be a FA, there will be some linebackers out there. There will be some Vet RBs out there.
That sounds like you are making my point for me. I’m comfortable with upgrading NT and RB through free agency, leaving picks for the secondary and O-line.
If someone will give us a 3rd for DJ, a 2 and a 3 for Dorsey, that’s 8 picks in the first 4 rounds some cover-2 team might even throw a fourth at us for Carr that’d be 9 picks. 9 picks will cover a lot of the field. 1 D-Lineman, 3 o-linemen, WR, CB, OLB, ILB, S.
This isn’t Madden. Just because a player is good doesn’t mean you’ll get multiple (or even a single) high pick for them. And tell me what owner wants to dish out the money it would take to sign 9 players from the first 4 rounds?
Yes it has potential to backfire, but so does keeping these guys if they don’t truely fit the scheme.
That was the argument the entire off season for dumping Dorsey for picks. But guess what? He’s shown that he can play the 3-4.
I just don’t see a lot of trades for high picks. It doesn’t happen that often and probably won’t happen this off season. We got rid of Tony, Thigpen, and Tyler because they didn’t fit the scheme and we could get value out of them. How often does a team trade more than three players for mid-to-high draft picks?
How many guys on this team will be starting for the Chiefs next year?
QB – Cassel
RB by committee
FB Cox?………………
WR Bowe, Chambers, Long, Wade?
TE ………………
C ………………….
LG Waters? Albert?
LT Albert?
RG Brown? Ndukwe?……………..
RT O’Cal?………………..
DE Jackson, Dorsey
NT…………………
OLB hali and …………………….
ILB………………………….
CB Flowers and ………………………….
SS………………………….
FS………………………
If you take Wilfork for 3 yrs, and then he’s gone what did you do? You applied a bandaid. But if you take Wilfork for 3 yrs and Draft a Rookie NT a year later, you provided depth and Vet Leadership.
Why was Magee drafted? Potential future starter or depth?
Washington was he drafted because he fits the mold Haley wants, drafted for depth?
I think KC will play Madden this year, plain and simple it’s a deep draft, there’s no salary cap and Haley and Pioli want their guys, to put their stamp on this team and remove any trace of herm and Carl.
I think Clark will give these guys whatever they feel they need to win the next two seasons, these are Clarks guys, a young trio and will probably burn the, “How To” manual on how to rebuild and try to give this young team a kick start. Like Johnson and Jones did in the 90’s these guys will do it their way and more than likely piss a lot of us off in the process.
by mcclanahanman on Nov 20, 2009 2:15 PM CST up reply actions
ummmm
Shakira’s hips don’t lie and neither do the stats in the National Football League./blockquote>
but i thought stats were for losers
Well, one thing is for sure...
and that is that Shakira’s hips are not for generally available to losers. :-)
John
"Gentlemen! You can't fight in here. This is the War Room!"
To be honest
I think this is what will happen.
From what I have gathered, there isnt really an elite future NT in the draft so I assume we will being going after Hampton or Wilfork pretty hard, as long as they dont resign with their current team. I think New England will atleast resign 1 guy between Logan Mankins (OG) and Wilfork.
They drafted Ron Brace in the 2nd round who hasnt really played much, but Brace seems to be in better position to become a starter than the guys they drafted that backup Mankins who were later round picks. However, if both guys choose not to resign or NE doesnt want to resign them, I’d expect a good chance of getting those guys also.
I also think theres a good possibility the Karlos Dansby comes to KC. That’d be a great pickup.
The possibility of landing Mankins, Dansby, and Wilfork arent far fetched, but still unlikely. BUT, bringing those guys in brings stability at positions of need, and giving us more room to play with in the draft. Can you imagine what Dansby, Wilfork and Berry would do to our defense? Not even considering the possibility of Romeo Crennel being the DC.
Trade Waters, Mankins steps into his place. Draft a RG with 1 of the 2 2nd rounders. RG is a big part of the run game and much more important than C. A center can be drafted either with the 2nd 2nd round pick or the 3rd round pick. Depending what we get for Waters is a possibility too.
That means your trenches are built. OL and DL were built in 2 offseasons. You’ve added young play makers to the defense. You already have a QB and a #1 WR. Chambers is a solid #2 FOR NOW, and I would be able to live with our current RB’s for another year unless we could get someone in FA or late in the draft that could be a starter.
THEN next year, we can go out and get the skill positions. Another WR. a top RB if needed. Maybe a CB if needed.
TE can be addressed at whatever point a good TE prospect is available, as long as it doesnt interfere with other positions of need. The reason why I’m not freaked out about WR right now is 1 reason. We’ve been spoiled by the greatest TE to ever play the game for 10+ years. Do we remember what a decent TE should be able to do? I think Ryan is definately just a stop-gap guy but I dont think TE is big enough of a hole to address immediately at the expense of more important positions being ignored.
That..would be 1 HELL of an offseason. Due to the lack of cohesiveness and inexperience from rookie(s) on the OL, I wouldnt expect much from the offense until later next season. I’d expect a strong improvement from defense. 6-9 wins would be a realistic goal, and meeting that would be excellent.
well said...
Mankins, Dansby and Wilfork would be HUGE (literally and figuratively)
That WOULD open up the draft for BPA.
I’d keep Waters in that scenario, start the season with
Albert/Waters/Rookie/Mankins/O’Callaghan
OR
draft one of the 2nd round OTs and adjust accordingly
TE… not sure what KC has with Pope and Cottam… hopefully the situation is more clear by the end of the season, otherwise it’d be prudent to draft one.
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
* Stats are for losers
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- Ahmad Bradshaw says Cowboys won’t win with Tony Romo at QB
- Cruz: Manningham’s Super catch wasn’t drawn up that way
- Whitney Houston performed the greatest national anthem in sports history (video)
- Justin Tuck visits New York City cop who survived gunshot wound to head
- The Giants won the ‘Brain Bowl,’ too
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