The Defense May Be About To Turn The Corner
by Patrick Allen on Nov 25, 2009 10:08 AM CST
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I have been doing some thinking and I believe the Chiefs D may be farther along than we think. Due to a little bit of luck and perhaps some smart drafting by Pioli the Chiefs may be ready to trot a respectable, if not above average D onto the field next season. The numbers may not reflect this yet but there have been some tell tale signs recently, especially in the Steeler game have brought me to this conclusion. Allow me to explain.
Let’s start with the Defensive Line, which Pioli obviously took great interest in upon his arrival, spending his first and third round picks on Tyson Jackson and Magee. I noticed earlier someone commented that they didn’t understand why Pioli drafted a backup Defensive Lineman with his third round pick. I have decided that he didn’t draft Mcgee to be a backup but a starter. I am pretty sure, from the reports I have heard, that the new regime didn't think Dorsey was going to work out at defensive end. They certainly were going to give a high draft pick like Dorsey a chance but I think Magee was a guy they liked at that position in case Dorsey flopped moving to end. My guess is that the plan was to try Dorsey out and trade him if he failed to adapt to his new position. Dorsey would have gotten pretty good value in a trade. It was only his second year and he was a very high pick. Dorsey’s emergence has given the Chiefs depth at end as they now believe they have their two starting ends in Dorsey and Jackson and a solid backup who can step up and play in Mcgee.
At the Nose Tackle position the staff was able to develop Tank and Edwards into being at least serviceable. They knew, however, that neither of them was the long term answer at NT and in a season that was unlikely to take them to the playoffs they wisely traded the lineman with the most value (Tank) and kept the cagy veteran to be a place holder until they can find a suitable Nose to lead their defense. Armed with an extra pick due to the Tank trade and with a lot of cap space, the Chiefs should have no trouble filling this void.
On to the Corners. The Chiefs are pretty solid here with Flowers and Carr. Remember these two are only in their 2nd year. They drafted Washington for depth at Corner/Nickel. They have Leggett who while not spectacular is also young and a solid special teamer. So the Chiefs have 4 young Corners with high upside, athletic ability and talent.
At LB I feel they have really turned trash into treasure. They have developed two defensive ends, Tamba Hali and Andy Studebaker into a solid OLB’s. Studebaker still has some proving to do obviously but the early returns are good. This was done by bringing in a guy like Mike Vrabel to show the young guys the way. Corey Mays, who is also very young and had very little playing time in Cinci has developed into a pretty good run stuffing MLB. He has coverage issues but he has shown pretty good sideline to sideline hustle and some limited pass rush abilities. Demarrio Williams is having a fantastic year, racking up 10 tackles in the Steeler win. There has been a lot of complaining about the lack of playing time for Derrick Johnson. However recently I have noticed that there is a rotation at Linebacker. On passing downs Haley rotates Williams and Mays with DJ and Belcher. I think Haley likes using the Belcher/DJ tandem in coverage as well as having DJ in for potential blitzing situation, which we saw him used in against the Steelers.
This reintegration of DJ into the defense seems to be working. Johnson, who has had issues with consistency and whose coaches have often said over thinks his play, has seemed more relaxed in his new role. He no longer has as much pressure on him and the results have been pretty glaring. It seems as though the coaching staff has found a way to maximize DJ’s athleticism and talents while managing his lapses in judgment. They also have created a "team defense" mentality as opposed to just trying to fill the field with "athletic stars" that only perform on occasion. As for Belcher, the rookie appears to be a solid addition not only on Special Teams but as a MLB along side DJ. The kid had 7 tackles against Pittsburgh, one of them being the OT tackle that saved the first down and forced the Steelers to punt. The Chiefs will probably still look for help at LB this off-season with a particular emphasis placed on finding another pass rusher, however, the team seems to be a lot deeper at LB than we may have expected at the beginning of the season.
The position where I think many will agree that Pioli screwed up was at Safety. Obviously Pollard has gone on to have a pretty good season for the Texans and Mike Brown’s play has been less than stellar. While Page has not been a Pro Bowler he has at least been serviceable and if put next to a lights out Safety next season his play should improve. There are quite a few good Safety’s in this years draft and the Chiefs have plenty of bargaining power with an extra second round pick and a couple of late rounders.
All of these things have led me to believe that the Chiefs D is close to turning a corner. Their play has not been great but it has been gutsy and aggressive, especially in the Pittsburgh game. They also did a fairly good job of not giving up big plays in the Pittsburgh game, which has been something that has plagued them. They Defense has been very good at forcing three and outs this year, something we rarely saw last season. The last two games have featured the defense getting huge stops in the clutch to help seal the victory, another shortcoming of last years D. Sure the young defense has its mental lapses and gives up the big play on occasion but this is to be expected of a young group. And lets face it. This is a very young group. But the little things seem to be coming together for them. Getting three and outs, being in the right place at the right time, increased number of sacks with very few legit pass rushers and most importantly, making stops when the game is on the line.
Here is an interesting stat for you from the Pittsburgh game. We all know the Chiefs gave up a lot of yards to the champs but whom do you think punted more? Surely it was the Chiefs with their offensive impotency. If you think it was the Chiefs who punted the most you would be right…and wrong. Each team punted 6 times. The Chiefs forced the Steelers to punt just as many times as the Steelers stopped the Chiefs. Here is the kicker; the Chiefs also forced 3 turnovers with 2 picks and a fumble recovery. The Chiefs D gave their offense the ball back 9 times in this one. Three of the Pittsburgh punts came in the 4th quarter with another in OT.
The Chiefs Defense may be 3 or so players (and probably a coordinator) away from being complete but you have to like the direction they are heading.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.
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signs of life, indeed
and a team defense mentality………Whitlock has called this a salary cap friendly, low talent football team……
hows about hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard?
add some talent to this group, it will be a force.
riggity-rec’d
ha
Riggity-rec’d. Haven’t seen that one before. Nice!~
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 25, 2009 10:25 AM CST up reply actions
Riggity Rec'd!
Great Post. I feel the anticipation. I to believe we are on the Cusp of something special, not with stop-gap free agents, but with talent that is developing at One Arrowhead Drive.
Finally a post that is realistically positive.
Though this Kool-aid business isn’t bad after a win
Haley told the offense to run it again. When someone said the defense already knows the play he responded, "So what, make it work."
Great post!
I think it depends on a lot of factors. The defense is obviously playing much better than we have seen for quite some time but, the fact is that Clancy may not be here again next year. If we bring in a new D-coordinator, won’t it greatly slow the progress of the squad? I would think a new DC would want to bring his own guys to play in his system which might put our defense right back into rebuilding mode.
they'll review everything when the season's over
if the D continues to progress(which I think it will) they won’t try to fix what ain’t broke.
I worry about that as well
You just never know. Maybe Clancy was asked to be a place holder this year. They may have told him that the main focus of his job was to implement the 3-4 defense. As we know it took a while before they named a coordinator. If they were going for someone else, maybe Romeo, and didn’t get him, maybe they told Clancy, “hey, have an audition this year, get us set up. We may go in a different direction next year but we want you on the staff.”
The only way I think that can work is if, when they brought Clancy on, it wasn’t to be Coordinator and he knew that and then when their targeted hire fell through they asked him to step up for this year.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 25, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions
I think that would be a great way to go.
I don’t know about him as a DC but, I will admit that he has done a pretty nice job with the D so far this year. Maybe they would keep him on as a position coach or something and help to maintain some continuity?
Hopefully we have found a formula that works ok
I am hoping the Chargers don’t gash us through the air all day on Sunday. I’ll get really depressed.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 25, 2009 10:42 AM CST up reply actions
Debbie Downer here.
I was on the highway Sunday so I couldn’t watch the game so I watched it on NFL rewind yesterday. Maybe it was because a 3 hour game was condensed into 90 minutes and alot of the negative and no gain plays were not shown, but it seemed like Pitsburg essentially did what ever they wanted on offense – especially through the air.
A win is huge and especially against the SB champs, but this defense still has a way to go. 30th in total defense tells me that we are still a little way from the preverbial corner.
Johnnie Morton: The Man. The Myth. The Legend.
by craig in calgary on Nov 25, 2009 10:44 AM CST reply actions
As positive as I want to be, we’ve fell in to the “three players away” trap for about five straight seasons.
If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen
Stats don’t always tell the whole story, like Cassell the other week he put up 257 and 2 TD’s i believe, looks pretty good on paper but when the game was in contention he was nowhere to be found but his number in garbage time makes you think he played well. That’s what this post is saying.
Yea the steelers moved the ball easily but when it mattered the D stepped up and played very well. This team still needs to learn how to win, and they’re doing that. Coaches can tell you what to do to win untill they’re blue in the face but when you actually do it, then it all clicks.
yep... AND
the title of this article is “The Defense May Be About To Turn The Corner” NOT
“The Defense turned the corner in week 2 and has played amazing ever since”
We’re talking about a team that is starting to gel, some pieces that are starting to be put in place.. NOT a finished product that is producing great numbers at this point.
* "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
I never made an argument about any of that. In fact, you’ll find that I’ve made as many comments supporting and believing in this team as anyone. I’m just saying that for the last three or four years we’ve said that we’re only a few pieces away from competing and that I’m going to be cautious when it comes to believing that again.
If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen
fair enough...
didn’t mean to direct that at you, specifically
* "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
This Sunday will be the test to the theory
If the “Bend but don’t Break” theory holds true, Rivers will have his way in the air, but the Chiefs “D” will once again, stiffen up when it counts. Who cares if we give up 400 yards a game, if we get the “W”!
Offenses are so “high” caliber now. 13 teams are averaging 350 yards per game or better for the year so far.
Chiefs have won 3 of their last 5, and if the “Bend but don’t Break D” was in action earlier in the year, there are 2 more wins, maybe 3, that we would have had. (Huge turnaround in the W/L record).
KC ties for 12th in the league in Fumbles recovered, but almost dead last in Interceptions. Yet, we’ve had half the season total in the last 3 games.
I concur, the “D” could be about to gel, and turn the corner, but this week will send the signal.
I agree, Debbie in Calgary.
You see what I did there? :D
But seriously….that win had more to do, I think, with the heart of this team and the Stillers getting caught up in a dogfight, than it did with an exceptional scheme. Don’t get me wrong, a WIN is a WIN and I’m still on a high from the way we held the fort in OT. The attitude alone will help to make our defense more effective.
That being said, we’ve got to stop this 3rd and 11, 18-yard completion NONSENSE. Perhaps the answer lies in linebacker and safety coverage skills (upgrading talent) and also in more effective calls (WHY so much zone?? Why??).
I’m cautiously optimistic about my Chiefs, but when it comes to The Pendergast Zone (our patented third-down D), I’m definitely a little more cynical than usual.
"You've only got 10 fingers to stick in the dike. Is there a breaking point that pushes you over the edge?...Where's the limit?"
-Marty Schottenheimer
by go_saleaumua on Nov 25, 2009 12:50 PM CST up reply actions
Very well written, wrecktastic
I totally agree, especially on the Dorsey scenario and on the linebackers.
Get me a star Safety and a stout NT … that’s a top 10 defense, IMO.
I think they will draft an OLB, and mabye an ILB as well… and maybe a claim on that Roth guy…
* "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
Top 10?
You take out the Washington and first Oakland game, this is probably the 32nd ranked defense in the NFL.
I still think we need a NT, a safety, 2 or 3 LB’ers and I’m not sold on Brandon Carr. Thats half the defense right there that probably needs a facelift go get to middle of the pack.
I’m not looking to poopoo Patricks post, I just don’t see Top 10 anywhere near.
Johnnie Morton: The Man. The Myth. The Legend.
by craig in calgary on Nov 25, 2009 11:01 AM CST up reply actions
I agree they have given up big numbers
but like I said, I am not really talking about stats. It is about the little things they have been doing the last couple of weeks, the emergence of some of the younger guys that make me think maybe they are coming around.
I can tell you this. Last years defense blows both the 2nd Raider game AND the Steeler game.
I think this defense is better. I think the offense has taken a step back and their lack of production early in games is killing them.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 25, 2009 11:07 AM CST up reply actions
I know, the numbers do look bad...
but, again… if you want to “take out” stuff…
take out the 4 biggest plays per game… the stats would be a LOT better.
they are up there in the category of “most 3 and outs forced” already…
take away a few of the big breakdowns caused by bad Safety play and you’re talking about a pretty good defense.
Also, another year of development for the young guys already on the team… they WILL get better, IMO
* "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
You have to remember though
Carr is a #2 corner. He will always look worse than the #1 corner because he’s going to be thrown at a lot more. A few years back I took a look at teams who had great #1 corners who got injured, and INSTANTLY the #2 corner (who became the #1 because of an injury) had much greater stats all around.
LB is one of our weakest position on our defense right now. We have so many lapses in their pass coverage it’s disgusting. We still need another pass rusher too.. Way too many needs right now… SIGH At least I trust Pioli more than I did CP.
by EyePod on Nov 25, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
I got what you are saying
But the fact of the matter is our defense DID perform that will those games. Every defense is going to go up against some weak teams and some strong teams. So either you must take out the outliers for all teams or include everything. Personally I prefer the latter.
I am seeing signs of improvement in this D. If we can improve the defensive play calling (which I do think is getting better as the year progresses) and bring in a couple of key play makers, like a safety and NT our D should be middle of the pack at least. If we had an average D our record, with our pitiful offense, could easily be 5-5 (Dallas, Oak) right now, maybe even 6-4 (Balt).
If our progression continues into next season I think we have a legitimate shot at winning the division.
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http://www.turnleafdesign.com/
Everyone in football know’s if you’re strong down the middle you’re a strong D, I agree. Give us a stout NT and a play making safety and we’ll have a huge jump. I’m not crazy about any of our middle linebackers though, i think we need to add one, i just think it’s comparing bad to bad. Sorta like when you’re at a bar and its full of ugly women but you zero in on that 6 just because she looks that much better than the others but walking down the street you would barely notice her.
Return to respectibility
I think there’s a chance that everyone who voted that are underestimating how important a REAL nose tackle is to a 3-4…yes, Edwards is holding his own, but if we land a fantastic NT in Free Agency, or spend our 1st round pick on one, our defense could improve A LOT more than we anticipate.
If you have a NT who ALWAYS demands a double team, plus Jackson and Dorsey demanding double teams on some plays, who blocks Hali? or Studebaker? or a blitzing Mays?
Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl
by PVChiefsfan on Nov 25, 2009 10:49 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I agree
I think if you plug in Sean Rodgers instead of Edwards this D may have 6 more sacks this year and a couple more LB picks.
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by Patrick Allen on Nov 25, 2009 10:57 AM CST up reply actions
personally
I’d rather land a Wilfork or Hampton type who’s already developed and still has gas in the tank than draft an NT & wait 2 or 3 more years before they become solid…….or do BOTH! Yeah……there we go….If we acquired Wilfork & drafted Cody? Look out!
Oh yeah
I didn’t mean we should go after Rodgers but he is so good, if we had him this year, I think it would have made a drastic difference.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 25, 2009 11:04 AM CST up reply actions
probably so
the nose is the MOST important position in the 3/4, I’d be VERY suprised & upset if this wasn’t addressed @ some pt. during the off-season
Clancy..
Last yr with the Cardinals, when they made their run to the SB, that defense was stellar…..I see improvements all over the field and last week Clancy was sending blitz after blitz. I think the conditioning of our players really showed in the 4th quarter against the Steelers. We were getting close all day but Big Ben kept escaping and making plays. By the 4th quarter that Steeler line was gassed but we kept coming. Thats when the tables turned and we started getting sacks and Ben was hurt running for his life. Not to mention we broke Batches wrist..LOL.
I think the thinking on DJ is simply…stockpiling talent. Building a good linebacking core in a 3/4 is a must and they have a very good start so far. This is a new system with a lot of young players. There is going to be growing pains
I think we go for a DT in the first round or safety…Address the o-line through FA…..we dont need another rookie trying to protect Cassel. We need PROVEN veterans to do that…..
Clancy is amazing or terrible with no in between. He’s a blitzing genious, but he gets afraid. He eff’d up in the SB by going into the prevent and letting the Steelers march down the field when he should have continued the pressure which had worked earlier. I hate the prevent defense, and the Cards lost a bunch of games last year because of it.
EyePod: My complaint exactly.
The Pendergast Zone will either enable LB’s/Dorsey to get to the quarterback, OR get us shredded for a first down.
Clancy’s creative but he’s got to find a balance somewhere here…my heart can’t take it, lol.
"You've only got 10 fingers to stick in the dike. Is there a breaking point that pushes you over the edge?...Where's the limit?"
-Marty Schottenheimer
by go_saleaumua on Nov 25, 2009 12:53 PM CST up reply actions
Im not a Clancy fan...
I was just pointing out how the defense started coming around really well towards the end of the yr with the Cards last yr….They were very suspect then something just clicked once the playoffs started….But yes, Clancy blew it with the prevent. Whisenhunt even said that is exactly why he fired him was for those last two minuters in the SB…
I hate the prevent defense
I agree totally. Stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of.
Air Cassel - approved for takeoff
Depending on Studebakers progress
I’d like to see a them add a Nose, a pass rushing LB who can cover* and a stud Safety.
The rest should all be Offensive Lineman and Receivers.
I think if they can do that they can be competitive next year.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
Tight End is a really weak spot too. I do not want to see Leonard Pope as our starting TE next year.
His blocking's gotten better and he can still catch. He's no TG, but he's twice the player Ryan is.
"You've only got 10 fingers to stick in the dike. Is there a breaking point that pushes you over the edge?...Where's the limit?"
-Marty Schottenheimer
by go_saleaumua on Nov 25, 2009 12:56 PM CST up reply actions
yeah, I have no problem with Pope
I would like to know if Cottam/O’Connell will ever develop into contributors, though…
You can’t tell much from what they’ve shown so far
* "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
By the way Paddy: Awesome post, and rec'd.
Your point—“The D is getting stouter, and may only need a few pieces”—is an interesting one, and the post is well written.
Just wanted you to know.
"You've only got 10 fingers to stick in the dike. Is there a breaking point that pushes you over the edge?...Where's the limit?"
-Marty Schottenheimer
by go_saleaumua on Nov 25, 2009 12:55 PM CST up reply actions
thanks mate
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 25, 2009 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
And dont be surprised..
depending on where we draft, that we dont go for a RB….Charles is good and fast, but i dont think he is an every down back…imo
I think we have enough RB's
that if we get a line that can block and open up soem holes for our bigger backs like Battle, then we don’t need to waste a pick on RB’s. Haley has said he likes the RB’s and if you have a line you can put almost any asshole back there and he can get 4 yards…unless it is 2.7.
I agree about trying to get some Vet help on the line. We need some young guys too though. I don’t want a bunch of old timers protecting Cassel either. If we ad a vet it damn well be a Willie Roaf and not a Goff.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 25, 2009 11:21 AM CST up reply actions
I agree
We also have a bruiser back on the PS (can’t remember his name) who may end up being decent with more experience.
We may be playing ourselves out of contention for Berry, and if that’s the case I really think we should go for Rolando McClain in the 1st (the last LB we took from Alabama in the first round turned out alright), and then go with someone like Stuckey in the 2nd round..along with an OG.
The key, as you mentioned, will be to get a solid veteran NT to solidify the line. I really don’t want to play a rookie NT as the primary starter & have to wait for him to figure things out as he goes. Linebackers seem to be able to make a more immediate impact, so I wouldn’t have a problem with McClain starting from the beginning.
Predictions:
Kansas City will not win more than four games in 2009
Kansas City will have a new OC and DC in 2010
Kansas City will win at least seven games in 2010
Javarris Williams
* "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
Oh yeah, thanks
From what I remember about his Bio he was a big time high school talent in TX, but for some reason declined a scholarship to U of TX. I think he could turn out to be a legit NFL player.
Predictions:
Kansas City will not win more than four games in 2009
Kansas City will have a new OC and DC in 2010
Kansas City will win at least seven games in 2010
I didnt mean an old timer....
just someone with a name and some experience….not some rookie that shits his pants because he is lined up across from say,Jared Allen or Haynesworth…A guy with a couple yrs under his belt going into his second contract….someone with a good 5-7 peak yrs left in him. I had enough of the old vets with two yrs left in em when Carl P was still here…
what im saying....
is if we draft say…8th-9th….and someone like Engram is still on the board he might be hard to pass up…I dont think the Chiefs have full faith in ANY of the RBs on this team…It might be building for Charles as we speak but, he is only two games in as a starter. It might be a stretch considering Haley is a little pass happy and will think he can “make due” with the backs he has, but I know it took a lot to get him to finally give Charles the ball consistantly, and if he does not continue to produce that is going to end up being a position of need..
I will be really angry if we draft a RB with out 1st pick
RB is not one of big need positions and I don’t see the second coming of A.P. in this draft. It must be defense or O-line, nothing else is acceptable.
by BeijingKCfan on Nov 28, 2009 9:31 PM CST up reply actions
A concensus (or a groundswell) seems to be building that a 2nd's as good as a 1st in 2010 on OL.
No immediate elite left tackles apparent, with Okung currently at the head of the class.
But I’d be disappointed with RB or LB in the 1st.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
You are just rec'ing him so he rec's you
Johnnie Morton: The Man. The Myth. The Legend.
by craig in calgary on Nov 25, 2009 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm a flag whore
Flagged
Johnnie Morton: The Man. The Myth. The Legend.
by craig in calgary on Nov 25, 2009 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
You kids and your crazy drugs. LOL.
"You've only got 10 fingers to stick in the dike. Is there a breaking point that pushes you over the edge?...Where's the limit?"
-Marty Schottenheimer
by go_saleaumua on Nov 25, 2009 12:57 PM CST up reply actions
I voted for DT
That guy was amazing!
(Raiders game 1 should be listed here, 409 yds off, we let them off the hook)
(Cowboy's should be listed here - They are who we thought they were)
Skins
Raidaaas (game 2)
***Super Bowl Champion Steelers!***
Next victim: Bolts - Thanks for Chambers by the way, Cassel to Chambers = Touchdown KANSAS CITY!
Good post, very interesting
It is probably not quite as good as you make it sound but they are getting better. I voted for respectable next year. They should continue to improve this year. Upgrades via draft or free agency at NT, Safety and linebacker will make for a very good group.
I know there are some people at AP ready to replace (all) our coaches, but it is the first year, let it play out. We could win 4 of the remaining 6 if things keep improving.
I am hoping
we swing wins against Cleveland, B-Lo and at least one of the Denver games. A Denver sweep would make my season.
6 wins would be remarkable all things considered.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 25, 2009 12:09 PM CST up reply actions
Certainly capable of winning any of them
It’s pretty unlikely against SD & at Cincy, but could happen with a few breaks. Cleveland is probably at the point that they’ve given up on the season, so that should be a pretty easy win (I can’t imagine how AP is going to blow up should KC lose that one). Buffalo has been schizophrenic, but we should beat them at home. I have no idea what to expect with Denver…they seem to be falling apart, but I said the same thing in the preseason & they got lucky with 6 in a row. I think anywhere between 4-7 wins is a possibility.
The question is, are we screwing ourselves in the draft if we win TOO much? I’m inclined to say yes, but then again more wins would generate confidence in the team, and make it easier to bring in quality free agents.
Predictions:
Kansas City will not win more than four games in 2009
Kansas City will have a new OC and DC in 2010
Kansas City will win at least seven games in 2010
by jmcgoblue on Nov 25, 2009 12:36 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Draft implications?
I’m inclined to say, no, we aren’t screwing ourselves by winning more and moving down the draft board. A couple more wins, we get out of the top five, and we may be able to trade down and get more picks. If we can pick up more choices by trading down, I would be in favor, even at the price of loosing the chance at Berry. Two late first rounders could be better than one early pick. We can’t move down if we draft in the top five…ain’t happening. And as you say, more free agent interest will also help.
We'd probably be out of the top 5 in any case
I think even if we don’t win another game the rest of the year we’d still be picking behind Cleveland, Tampa, Detroit and St. Louis. With 2 more wins we may not even be in the top 10. There are a lot of bad teams out there this season!
But I do agree, the further back you pick the easier it it to make trades. I don’t really care so much about the 1st round anyway…it’s more about the 2nd & 3rd rounds where I’d want to have higher picks.
Predictions:
Kansas City will not win more than four games in 2009
Kansas City will have a new OC and DC in 2010
Kansas City will win at least seven games in 2010
I don't know that we get out of the top 10 with 2 wins but closer, true.
And if we can trade back the compensation would likely be an additional 2nd round pick, depending on how far we moved. It could be an interesting draft. Lots of good QB’s and alot of middle of the pack teams with a QB need! Sellers market for high picks, especially if some of the QB’s go early.
What was failed to be mentioned
Dorsey ended up working out and Jackson so far has been less than impressive. Maybe we should look at Magee replacing Jackson. Seriously. After Jackson’s 7 tackle “breakout” game vs Jacksonville he has only recorded 1 tackle, 1 assisted tackle, and 1 pass defended in two games. One against the Raiders and the other against the less than impressive Steelers line. Magee progressed as this year has gone on where as Jackson really hasn’t, minus the Jacksonville game. I’m surprised you didn’t mention Gilberry either. He’s been a stud for us this year coming in on passing downs.
I don't want no Yo-Yos
by CaptainPoopDeck on Nov 25, 2009 12:27 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Lets remember we're talking about the most highly paid Chiefs player on the team
Minus the Jacksonville game he would only have 7 tackles on the year. For all the downs he plays that’s incredible.
I often find myself focusing in on him every few plays. He simply gets no push, is ALWAYS the last off the line, and when he does make a tackle it seems more the result of him falling on someone or someone running into him.
I seriously wonder what the other plays think of him like Gilberry who is probably making nothing compared to him, is far less physically gifted, and yet hes showing up and making plays. He can’t be the most popular player in the locker room…
I don't want no Yo-Yos
by CaptainPoopDeck on Nov 25, 2009 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
AMEN.
"You've only got 10 fingers to stick in the dike. Is there a breaking point that pushes you over the edge?...Where's the limit?"
-Marty Schottenheimer
by go_saleaumua on Nov 25, 2009 1:00 PM CST up reply actions
I hear you, Captain.
But look at it this way, he came from an SEC 4-3 defense to a) the NFL and b) an NFL 3-4 defense at that. I’m not giving up on Jackson yet because good defensive linemen take time to develop. Dorsey’s a perfect example.
"You've only got 10 fingers to stick in the dike. Is there a breaking point that pushes you over the edge?...Where's the limit?"
-Marty Schottenheimer
by go_saleaumua on Nov 25, 2009 1:00 PM CST up reply actions
Nice read!
I wonder, though, how it is already on the recommended fanpost area when it has only been up for two hours and doesnt even appear in the recent fanpost region? It makes me think there is a conspiracy about…oh well, paranoid delusions aside…I voted for 2 years left because there are just so many holes left on offense that there is no way Pioli will be able to address everything over the course of one offseason, unless, of course all the youngsters develop much faster than expected and we have a stellar draft class. A possibility to be lights out next year, but I would settle for continued, steady improvement.
by chiefsandcigars on Nov 25, 2009 12:49 PM CST reply actions
It doesn't matter how long it has been up
it matters how many recs it receives. If it gets a lot of recs it then moves up to the rec’d area and vanishes from the recent area.
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by Patrick Allen on Nov 25, 2009 1:31 PM CST up reply actions
The more i watch our season unfold the more i like the way it looks for this reason only. Pioli’s first year at NE, they went 5-11, had a massive rotation of starters, they actually set the record for most different starters in a season that year or the year after, can’t remember. But we have a legit shot at going the same 5-11, with the same huge rotation of players. They’re offense was 25th and their D finished 17th.
Great Post Paddy! Rec'd!
I like the way that you’re thinking. I think our defense has made huge strides since last year. We still have problems, but we were so horribly bad last year.
Here are a couple of things to think about in regard to your post…
First off, regarding DJ — I’m not entirely convinced that he’s a big part of our defense’s future. He played, arguably, his biggest role in our defense this past weekend. What I saw from him (others saw this too and its been commented on in other posts) when I watch the replay last night, was he was often out of position (i.e., the TD pass to Mendenhall) and when he was in position, he often whiffed on the tackle. Personally, Demo & Belcher were much more reliable options for ILB. If DJ keeps playing like he did last Sunday, I doubt that he plays for the Chiefs next year…
Second, we may have an up-and-coming NT on our practice squad. At least, I think he’s still on there — Marlon Favorite? He definitely has the size. I also like the fact that Favorite, Dorsey & Jackson all played together at LSU. I’m very anxious to see what he has to offer and if he can fit our future needs…
"Every day is an evaluation and if you’re not out there how can we depend on you? If you’re out there and you don’t know what to do, how can we depend on you?" Accountability -- Haley-style...
I agree on your DJ assesment
I don't want no Yo-Yos
by CaptainPoopDeck on Nov 25, 2009 12:59 PM CST up reply actions
I agree Elmo...
I’ve been saying that on DJ for several years now. It always seems to be feast or famine with him, and that won’t last in Haley’s locker room. I keep seeing that we’re going to be in the market for a Karlos Dansby next year, and he plays the same position in AZ’s 3-4 as Johnson’s supposed to play here.
PS: By “keep seeing,” I mean that Mike Lombardi’s football rag (The National Football Post) trots it out in the rumor mill every now and then. Hard to trust an ex-Raider exec, even if he hates the Raiders now, but his Pioli/Belichick connections must work, b/c his is the only site that seems to have any accurate KC rumors.
"You've only got 10 fingers to stick in the dike. Is there a breaking point that pushes you over the edge?...Where's the limit?"
-Marty Schottenheimer
by go_saleaumua on Nov 25, 2009 1:05 PM CST up reply actions
I think the D is starting to gel
But I think they lack some personel to turn the corner. That means that the coaches have made this team better and gotten them to the point where all that is needed now is a couple of players.
Bewsaf
i agree with every thing but
dj minus his knee to big bens noggin and his nullified sack showed exactly why he hasnt lived up to expectations i just watched the game again on nfl replay and he was completely
clean twice and whiffed the sacks, on mike browns jersey sack he completely whiffed big ben while brown had ahold of him, nfl replay even broke the mendenhall td reception down
and it happened becouse d.j. used very poor technique , hes getting significantly more playing time recently and yet williams,belcher,mays all are way outplaying him
patty
i have not got my e mail for the w 12 power ramking what do u want me to do
okay i have cereal palsy arhrtis and chronic fatiue as well i have a grea life loveing folks some days are better that other days i got a make a wish in 2001 saw my favorive team the broncos was the trip of the lifetime i wish everyone couild gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that ok but i bleed organ and bule
It really all depends on who is our D coach next season IMO
if we get another d coach next season (which we should) then we’ll be looking at a season again to figure it out most likely. So it will be a couple years before we are a well above average D. Or I could be completely wrong. I just can’t say really.
Man, I hope this is accurate...
Think how far we have come this season though, really….
From Philly to Pitt….completely different team…
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I dont know about that...
did you see tha Oakland gtame the week before…we played well last week but could just as easily play like shit again this week….I hope the win gave us some big time confidence and it continues.
Yea...inconsistency can happen...
But the lows aren’t as low and the highs have been higher…After that game noone would have ever imagines we would have won against the Steelers…Even if it was an ugly game by them.
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I'll disagree slightly with you on Tank Tyler
At the Nose Tackle position the staff was able to develop Tank and Edwards into being at least serviceable. They knew, however, that neither of them was the long term answer at NT and in a season that was unlikely to take them to the playoffs they wisely traded the lineman with the most value (Tank) and kept the cagy veteran to be a place holder until they can find a suitable Nose to lead their defense.
While Tank’s youth gave him higher trade value, if he’d been up to the task of playing NT more than 4-3 DT, he’d’ve stayed. KC would more likely prefer to have kept a starting NT, which they could scarcely hope to obtain with – what? – a 5th-round pick? I think it more probable that Edwards was simply more of a NT than Tyler, and as well as Tyler was playing as a gap-shooting DT, there’s been a much better team concept within which their 3-4 LBs could prosper since Tyler departed.
What has me jacked is the building concensus that Magee has earned his minutes, which I hoped and pretty much expected. And last week they showed they can give a lot of different looks easier than offenses can account for them. Just looks like a generally high football IQ all of a sudden on the d-line, not that I didn’t like some of the highlight-reel stuff Tank was showing in spots.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
Very well written article!
I agree with most of your analysis. However, I feel that we’ve developed a few very good LB backups, not starters. While they show upside, they certainly struggle to stick their guys in coverage and get to the quarterback consistently. Studybaker and Hali may be keepers, but Mays, Vrabel, and Johnson struggle to mark their man due to lack of speed. Last week, Johnson had many tackles, but the tackles came from passes. That means he was most likely tackling the guy he was supposed to cover, meaning he left the guy open enough to make the catch.
I’d love 2 new LB’s, 1 new safety, and a great nose tackle. We need to cover the middle of the field better and get to the quarterback more often. Hopefully these additions will help.
Are we close to being respectable? I’d say so. To be able to observe holes in the defense requires the majority of the team to be keepers, so we’re closer than I thought the Chiefs would be at the beginning of the season.
I’d love for Pioli to be more active this offseason. I think it’s okay to overpay 1 or 2 guys on a team, so long as you don’t go all Daniel Snyder and overpay 11 guys then have 42 scrubs.
A pair of safeties and one LB?
I think if you’re worrying about your LB playing like a safety, you’re missing the point. Just my opinion.
I like the young LBs just fine, and expect them to continue developing a team concept that will work very well for them, especially after KC adds a NT. As far as team concept goes, DJ appears to be a weak link, especially considering how long he’s been in the league.
Would I like to see more speed from the LB corps? Always. I just don’t believe in reaching for it; whereas, I might be tempted to reach for speed at WR or DB on the 1st day of the draft.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
agreed...
IF the Chiefs get a TOP safety (Berry, Allen) to go along with Page (assuming he’s back)
Keep Morgan at SS, and/or draft one…
I think they could be in better shape at ILB than most people think… DJ might surprise you and stick around next season, and I don’t mind that rotation a bit… Belcher/Mays, Williams/DJ… sure, you COULD take an upgrade, but you don’t HAVE to have one. That being said, IF there isn’t a better option in the 1st round (Berry, Okung) I wouldn’t be opposed to plugging in R. McClain!
I am starting to think that 3 players on defense would make all the difference…
Ballhawk at FS, Passrusher at OLB, Beast at NT
Plug those 3 into the existing defense, and you’ve really got something. The rest is gravy.
* "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
Setting the table for LB pass rusher is much higher priority than just getting a premiere pass rusher.
Refresh me on McClain. I keep thinking he’s a RB (and I get hives from 1st-round RBs), but maybe I’m just thinking of the Raven.
But back to the subject line, I prefer a team concept on pass rush, so to improve the pressure, I’d be more likely to target another dominant DB, which lets you blitz a lot more, and give less away to the opposing offense by your pre-snap formation. This is the sort of thing that’s harder to see or measure than an obvious great pass-rusher. Also harder to game plan against.
OUCH! They’re talkin’ about SD on NFLN, with Shaun Phillips. Some BRUTAL hits on Cassel.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
I'm expecting the LB's to play like LB's
They should be covering the middle of the field and are doing a horrible job on screens, rb dump passes, and TE coverage. This is their responsibility, and they’re not cutting it right now. I’m curious if you feel the same about our LB’s after our game last week. DJ isn’t getting any better. And you don’t just magically become a wonderful coverage LB. Our guys will become, at best, mediocre coverage lb’s. It’s our weakness. SD exposed us on Sunday. We don’t have a single LB that can keep up with an althletic Tight End.
by 1kmilesfromkc on Nov 30, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions
Well he has 66 tackles
and is averaging 6.6 tackles a game. He is on pace for 105 tackles which would be a career year for him. And he is coming out on passing downs…so I think he is playing pretty damn well.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Nov 27, 2009 11:28 AM CST up reply actions
yep... and the most important thing is
he’s playing under control and not making big mistakes.
Obviously, he’s doing exactly what the coaches want him to do… which is key
* "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
Yup. And the more comfortable he is with the team concept, the faster he can play, too.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
Run Defense.
Despite the ass whoopin, we held the Chargers to about 70 yards rushing. I think that is the area I am most enthused about. It seems to be the big pass plays that continue to kill us. I do agree we are a young defense, need to build consistency, and fill about 3 or 4 holes, in the offseason, and I think we will be a very respectable defense next season. I think we will continue to stuff the run better, which is a start, and now mainly have to work on short slants turning into 80 yard td’s. It will be addressed. Unlike some, I still have alot of confidence in Pioli and Haley, and think they have actually got a fairly untalented and young team to play better than expected, in alot of areas, and have developed a young corps group to build off of.
agreed, well stated
I think the defense is turning the corner… it’s just a long corner :)
* "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
I think the most interesting thing about the defense... And very telling...
Will be if Tamba continues to get sacks, and if because of that we start playing more man on the wideouts, and start bumping them at the line.
You really can’t play bump and run when the defensive backs have to defend for days. But if we start getting more pressure, than that will allow us to be much more aggressive in all aspects.
The Original member of the Ndamukong Suh bandwagon
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