Why the Chiefs are 4 players away from the playoffs

by TonylovesKC on Sep 20, 2009 11:36 PM CDT Comment 53 comments

Let's face it. Our team is erratic. Brilliant on some plays, unorganized and unintelligent on others. The Chiefs find ways to lose games, not win them. For example Monty Beisel not downing a kick that clearly should have been downed inside the 5 yard line. These are the plays that are going to kill the teams morale especially heading into Philly. However the bad, the kansas city Chiefs are only 4 players away from getting over the hump in my opinion. I'll list the players/positions we need in order of importance.

4. Safety- Mike Brown may be a great player now, towards the end of his career, but he is inconsistent and didn't fly around as much as the first game he played. We are leaning way too much on our secondary, when they aren't as great as we think. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm tired of the "Oh they're young and learning" line. It's been 4 years since Page was drafted.

3. Linebacker- Corey Mays fills the void temporarily for a missing pass rush. If we're going to swtich to a 3-4, we have to have linebackers. Derrick Johnson isn't living up to his potential at all, Vrabel is possibly only here for this year, and Tamba hasn't really done much but get stuck on blocks. We need linebackers that can come in and play NOW.

2. Offfensive Tackle- Our right side is shaky, but strengthening. One solid Right Tackle could make this offense explode. Ndukwe is a good sub for a right tackle, but is a natural Right Guard, and would succeed at that position. Goff is overrated and terrible. If Cassel had time, he could pick defenses apart Trent Green style, except we'd have a defense to go with it.

1. Wide Receiver- We did a decent job of bringing in the 1st class players from the trash can this year. Sean Ryan can't block, and he hasn't really been visible. D Bowe is getting covered every play, and still making plays. The whole gameplan is Bowe now, and teams know it. The bright spot of today's game was Bobby Wade, but the Chiefs are going to need more than just 2 people to throw to. If we get a solid number 2 receiver and a tight end who can hold is own, then we will shine.

Tell me your opinion. I feel if we had these positions upgraded, we would be a team sitting at 2-0, and surprising people.

Poll

Which position upgrade would benefit us most?

RT

131 votes

WR/TE

28 votes

Safety

8 votes

Linebacker

39 votes

206 votes | Poll has closed

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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safety.

I’d say safety. We just need help with coverage. Need a good coverage safety to fill the void. Seems like Cassel got plenty of time today throwing. Maybe our line is shaping up. Give the linebackers time. We need a decent tight end. Our wide outs are fine.

by Chiefsfan85 on Sep 20, 2009 11:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I said Tackle but for a different reason.

We currently have no true backup or replacement at either tackle spot and no one for our young LT to get help from if he needs it. I think the lines coming along in general and is improving week to week as expected once they start to gel but the lack of a ready replacement is worrisome to me.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Sep 20, 2009 11:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Every position could be upgraded

But I don’t think this is getting us anywhere
to paraphrase We are what we have and wishing on a different 22 ain’t realistic.
Haley will have to get the ones we have to get the job done. Just my thought

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 20, 2009 11:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Offensive line...LG through RT

by butchcassidy on Sep 20, 2009 11:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah

I was holding my breath when Waters was laying on the ground

Air Cassel - approved for takeoff

by kabrink on Sep 21, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree steve, but

I’m not wishing for a different 22, I’m wishing for a decent upgrade at 4 positions. The other positions are good enough to get us close to a victory, these 4 players can seal the deal. Do you agree?

by TonylovesKC on Sep 20, 2009 11:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Next year

I want some Steak this year with the Meat and Potatoes in the cupboard.
If I was forced to I would say I want a RT on Monday.
Ndukwe was beat for a sack and I saw a lot of him riding pass rushers right around the back of the pocket vs Oakland. Ndukwe to RG and New Guy at RT

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 21, 2009 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree.

Another reason I voted a Tackle is because of the positions listed thats the only position where theres actually pretty good players avaiable still. Its not like ray lewis 2.0 or larry fitzgerald 2.0 are sitting at home waiting for a contract.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Sep 21, 2009 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But I would want it to be the last O-line adjustment for awhile to see what we have.

We have shuffled the RT constantly when the RG might actually be the problem.
Changing to many variables and you never find the true answer.

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 21, 2009 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you have a news blog here in KC?

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 21, 2009 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

O-Line

Is the weakest link.

by GetRight on Sep 20, 2009 11:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I wish...

we would have a decent free agency next offseason. The last three offseasons hasn’t brought in one marquis player. The offensive could be fixed, but it would take a lot of money. If we can someone like Tyson Clabo (RT, Atlanta) and Lutui (RG, Arizona) our right side would be fixed. Then we could draft the current Alabama left tackle, Johnson, in the 2nd round and move him to LG. People think this is stupid, but I say put Waters at C. He is short, stout, and could recognize and communicate protection schemes. Our line could look like this:

LT Albert, Johnson, Clabo
LG Johnson, Alleman
C Waters, Alleman
RG Lutui, Nudukwe (good competition)
RT Clabo, Brown, O’Callaghan

That is a good offensive line with pretty good depth in my opinion.

by I_Bleed_Red. on Sep 21, 2009 2:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Waters could shift to Center and extend his career a few years to the benefit of the Chiefs.

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 21, 2009 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What I see maybe happening....

Is we get a good speed rush LB in the draft and put him on the right side…Move Tamba to the left because Vrabel will not stick around, you know he won’t…DJ has been playing great, you are high…

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by woodman212 on Sep 21, 2009 12:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

DJ had his named called once

In the first 2 games and was demoted to 2nd string.

YOU are high.

by TonylovesKC on Sep 21, 2009 12:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Im sorry....

I was unaware that 4 tackles, 1 pass defensed, 1 sack and 1 interception returned for 70 yards = “had his name called once”

Do you even watch the games? When he is put out there by the coaches he is playing solid. Why isn’t he out there more? Who the heck knows. The coaches showed with their handling of Bowe that they will put out the players they like more over the players with more skill and playmaking ability.

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by woodman212 on Sep 21, 2009 12:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you woodman

Ive been wondering why he hasnt been playing when he has been in there he seems to be a playmaker to me

by tomahawk44 on Sep 21, 2009 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's face it

This team is more than 4 players away…
1. WR
2. C
3. RG
4. RT
5. TE
6. ILB
7. OLB
8. S

You could even make an argument that we need an additional LB and perhaps a true NT. We are fooling ourselves with this “About to turn the corner” talk.
The Chiefs are a bad team and we are probably not looking at a playoff run til 2011 season.

by sandpro on Sep 21, 2009 1:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope you're wrong

but it sure looked like it today

by reedeasy on Sep 21, 2009 1:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

one change

I think Ndukwe would be solid at RG if we found a new RT. I would replace RG on the list with a KR/PR guy.

The Good: Moved the ball some, stopped the run
The Bad: penalties and not getting a FG before halftime
The Ugly: losing to J. Russel who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from five yards away

by KCporkchop on Sep 21, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+100

KR/PR is the biggest need on the team, in my opinion.

Win the field position battle, and some of those long offensive drives can end in TDs more often.

This team will need to make big plays in order to win… and a KR/PR TD is just the kind of lift they need

* "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

by stagdsp on Sep 21, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Our Team

O-Line Ndukwe for example yes he road players around the pocket what did Roaf used to do. what do most tackles do to prevent a hard outside rush push them right on out Ndukwe played great with the exeption of one play. Goff and Niswanger both showed they can play and the Left side dominated.
LBs showed weakness in depth that is why DJ is comming off the bench we have to because we don’t have enough LBs to start our best guys and compete fo 60 min. Beisel made major mistakes every time he was on the field. Studebaker and Belcher are good on ST now but would be better suited for a year on the practice squad. We need two LBs.

by kcchiefstd on Sep 21, 2009 8:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

left side dominated?

Yes they are the strength of our line, but both Albert and Waters were beat several times yesterday. I would call our left side “good” not “great” and the C-RG-RT “below average” not “terrible” like some are saying.

The Good: Moved the ball some, stopped the run
The Bad: penalties and not getting a FG before halftime
The Ugly: losing to J. Russel who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from five yards away

by KCporkchop on Sep 21, 2009 8:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with you

I don’t think the line “dominated”… but they sure as hell didn’t get dominated.

Ndukwe played a solid game, as did the whole line, with the exception of the penalties.

They have a chance to be a very solid OL… not the best, not the worst

by stagdsp on Sep 21, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the Chiefs play like this all season

you can expect a lot more guys to lose their jobs then just 4. I still think it will get better this year, but if it doesn’t I wouldn’t be at all surprised if come next year only about 10 players from Herm’s team last year were still on the roster.

LJ, Charles, Albert, Bowe, Tyler, Dorsey, Flowers, Carr, Colquitt

I’d like to add Waters, DJ, Mo Legg, and Page to the list, but I don’t think any of them are locks under our new management. If you stop and think about it, its crazy to think just how bad things were that we can almost scrap the entire team from last year.

The Good: Moved the ball some, stopped the run
The Bad: penalties and not getting a FG before halftime
The Ugly: losing to J. Russel who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from five yards away

by KCporkchop on Sep 21, 2009 8:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

WRs just need to give them time

Production like we had against OAK just fine to me although would like to of had Bradley make a couple plays.
LJ and Charles both have to produce. Or they are gone.
Page DJ and Leggett are here to stay.
O-Line we will draft a couple but ares played excellent against the Raiders.

by kcchiefstd on Sep 21, 2009 8:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

TE

Now are weakest link on Offense

by kcchiefstd on Sep 21, 2009 8:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wrong on Brown

You didn’t see Brown all over the field because he didn’t have to be because our D shut down their pathetic excise for a QB…untill we needed them to.

The defensive line played well and stopped the run so you didn’t see Mike Brown flying up to make the takles. When running backs get takled before the safety can get to them it is a good thing. There is a reason Pollard was our leader in tackles last year…it was because teams were running by everyone else in front of him.

The Chiefs bumbled themselves out of a victory yesterday but the defensive line did a good job shutting down a powerful running game and a decent offensive line. If they continue to take steps forward on the D Line this is a very good sign.

There are some positive signs that can be taken from this game. Cassel moved the offense. It didn’t lead to many points but after last weeks terrible offensive showing it was encouraging. Cassel showed the ability to make plays and extend drives instead of just throwing the ball into the dirt like Croyle. He also showed he is human and he made some mistakes but for my money, he showed be belongs in the starting role. he is clearly, without any shaddow of a doubt, the best QB on this team.

Bobby Wade came in on a short week and made himself a solid #2 WR for our offense. He bailed Cassel out on a number of occasions and showed solid routes and sure hands. Now he needs to show he can show up for us on a consistant basis.

The d line played well, shutting down the run as well as getting in Russel’s face on a number of occasions. It was a step forward for them, Raiders or no Raiders. They will probably take steps back as well but Tank showed up for the 2nd week in a row and Dorsey showed signs of getting it.

And Brandon Flowers is back and made an impact right away.

The Chiefs dominated the game and allowed mistakes and miscues to blow their hard work. Last week they were dominated and nearly one by taking advantage of miscues and mistakes by the opposition.

I don’t know when, but eventually this should all click and this team will win soem games. They are a team on the rise in my opinion. They just aren’t there yet.

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Sep 21, 2009 10:13 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs

nearly won*

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Sep 21, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

very well said, PA... Wrecked

by stagdsp on Sep 21, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

rec Paddy

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 21, 2009 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with everything but

Wade being a solid #2 for this team. When your #1 WR is a big phisical type you need your #2 to be able to stretch the field. Is Wade more reliable then Bradley? He looked like he might be, but he would be a better fit as the #3 in the slot, IMO.

The Good: Moved the ball some, stopped the run
The Bad: penalties and not getting a FG before halftime
The Ugly: losing to J. Russel who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from five yards away

by KCporkchop on Sep 21, 2009 10:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

should of been a reply to PA's, sorry

The Good: Moved the ball some, stopped the run
The Bad: penalties and not getting a FG before halftime
The Ugly: losing to J. Russel who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from five yards away

by KCporkchop on Sep 21, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree I think

Wade established him as a solid #2 for that game which is more of what I was getting at.

I know Bradley is in Haley’s doghouse but it looks like we would be better off with Bowe, Wade and Bradley on the field at the same time instead of Engram.

D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.

by Patrick Allen on Sep 21, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup

I also would of liked to throw Lelie out there a couple times per game just to run some deep routes. Even if you didn’t throw it to him it would open up the middle a little and give guys like Wade more room to run after the catch.

The Good: Moved the ball some, stopped the run
The Bad: penalties and not getting a FG before halftime
The Ugly: losing to J. Russel who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from five yards away

by KCporkchop on Sep 21, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

With Lawrence's speed

I don’t know why they haven’t been using him in the role that you just mentioned. Flat out burn it up the sidelines, throw the ball deep where maybe he can get to it but far enough where no one else could. Would definitely give the defenses something else to think about!

by ttownmikey on Sep 21, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lelie is gone, cut, not the guy Pork chop :)

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 21, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bradley

was he not on the field very much, or did he just never get open?

I couldn’t tell… but he is a decent “deep threat”… and I like that trio Bowe, Bradley, Wade.

I’m not sure where Engram and Copper fit in…. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are still cut at some point.

The other guy I really want to see more of is QuintenLawrence… I like the end-around play for him, and think he can contribute in the open field.

by stagdsp on Sep 21, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Love that Trio

However it looks like Haley is really starting to like Lawrence and with his speed and seperation ability he will be are #2 next year and Poss as soon as next week. He will be puking at practice today though one of the wasted timeout was his fault and he did not get back in the game he went from #2 on the field to out of the game.
WR def not a weakness anymore.

by kcchiefstd on Sep 21, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hope so!

Lawrence does seem to be a pet project of Haley’s.
IF only he could master the fine art of catching punts, he’d be getting plenty of chances

by stagdsp on Sep 21, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

4 players away..?

Yes, I think the Chiefs are much closer to being a complete, winning team than most people…
It very well could be 4 players away, IMO.
My 4:
1) KR/PR… maybe it’s justin Miller… maybe it’s a 2010 draft pick… but getting a guy back there that catches it every time and takes it to the house sometimes would help a TON.

2) RT… maybe it’s Langston Walker, maybe it’s O’Callaghan… but they need to lock down that RT position and slide Ndukwe in to RG. Then, they can build more OL depth and work on long term replacements for Waters and Rudy.

3) TE… Ryan is mediocre on a good day… Cottam is invisible, and O’Connell is too raw at this point. I’m not sure who the answer is at TE… but getting a reliable receiver and blocker here would improve the running AND passing games…. and, yes, TG would be nice.

4) A dynamic, game changing maniac on Defense… Either a Safety or ILB… someone like Ray Lewis, Troy P., Ed Reed, Bob Sanders… someone that flies around the field getting everyone fired up and making huge plays…I thought there was one the draft last year in Rey Maulaluga… not sure where the next one comes from.

by stagdsp on Sep 21, 2009 12:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

#4 off i don't agree

1st time probably we need two LBs. the rest is right Justin Miller would be nice for this season however I would love to see either Branden James from Florida or Holliday from LSU come in to to play KR-PR

by kcchiefstd on Sep 21, 2009 1:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

or.. if the rumor is true...

Roscoe Parrish may be in play… he’s proven to be a good KR and PR… and wants a chance to play more WR.

sounds like it would only take a low round draft pick to get him.

by stagdsp on Sep 21, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree on Maulaluga

I really wanted him but Jackson is proving to be an excellent choice.

by kcchiefstd on Sep 21, 2009 1:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah

I think Jackson is a good choice, too.
But, when Rey Rey fell into the 2nd round, I thought the Chiefs might trade back in and get him. or, at least I was screaming that they should.

Pioli must have not heard me

by stagdsp on Sep 21, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

from PFT on Rey

LB Rey Maualuga forced two fumbles and a sack, including an awesome play where he practically decapitated Packers RB Ryan Grant.

that’s what I’m talking about

by stagdsp on Sep 21, 2009 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Woodman..

And that was the pick and the sack. Linebackers that wreak havoc are consistent and he has the ability to play better. Thats what I’m saying. Stop trying to make yourself look really wise by asking me if I watch the Chiefs. I have been a die hard since I was born, and I’m not a fairweather fan like you. I don’t care how bad we play I’m a fan til I die. Don’t ask dumb questions. If you are going to be like that then don’t read my blogs.

by TonylovesKC on Sep 21, 2009 8:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dude...

First of all…use the reply function so people can track the conversations on “your blog”…

Second…the point is that those are two impact plays in as many games…There is nobody I can think of who would not say Johnson has been an impact player when he has actually been put in the game. Are you understanding that? That he has been held out of games? Those are his stats on LIMITED PLAYING TIME….that’s better than you will find in the NFL…

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by woodman212 on Sep 21, 2009 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Woody Why are so Many that can figure out how to post illiterate on Reply and Action/Rec?

Because they Choose not too?
We don’t bite just want to understand the direction and whom the reply is to

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Sep 21, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not denying

That he had 2 good plays. But coming out of college, he has been inconsistent as hell. I’m aware that the players around him weren’t near his caliber, but he, like Bowe, started getting too comfortable and he never started playing to his full potential. That’s what I’m trying to say. He’s not playing to his potential, and he’s playing inconsistent. That’s why they’re giving him limited time because they figure if they limit him, he’ll get hungry to play, just like Bowe did. The point of me bringing this up was to say

“hey look, we need a solid linebacker because this position really isn’t as good as it should be, because we have an aging linebacker in Vrabel, a linebacker who hasn’t grasped the position in Tamba, a couple scraps like demorrio and studebaker, and a guy who hasn’t played consistent enough to be considered playing well.”

by TonylovesKC on Sep 22, 2009 1:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs