Growing Momentum for Chiefs Keeping Four Quarterbacks

by Joel Thorman on Sep 5, 2009 10:47 AM CDT in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp

Over the past nine months since Scott Pioli was hired, we've learned that he's usually more prepared than we realize. In fact, he made one promise the day he was hired. It wasn't a Super Bowl guarantee like he was a part of so many times in New England, or even a playoff guarantee or even a wins per season guarantee.

He promised that no one else in the NFL would outwork him.

Judging by what I've heard from folks in and around One Arrowhead Drive, that's a true statement. If you watched the Chiefs game last Thursday, then you saw Pioli being interviewed on the sidelines and said he's keeping an eye on not only the players the Chiefs will have to release, but also the 600 some odd players the rest of the NFL will release.

He's prepared for anything. And that's why there are more and more opinions coming out that the Chiefs will start the regular season with four quarterbacks on the roster.

Why?

1) Matt Cassel may not be ready to play or completely healthy by week one leaving only two quarterbacks against last year's No. 2 overall defense

2) His possible replacement, Brodie Croyle, has a track record of injury

3) A scenario in which Cassel doesn't play, Croyle gets hurt and one quarterback remains is far too possible (and, to some, likely)

If Pioli's thought process is similar to the scenarios above, then it's very, very possible the Chiefs don't cut any of their four quarterbacks at 5:00 PM CST today. In fact, Bill Williamson of ESPN.com has a feeling the Chiefs will be keeping all four.

While anything can happen in the next day, I’m getting the feeling Kansas City is leaning toward keeping four quarterbacks when they make their 53-man roster Saturday.

I know just a few hours ago I deemed it unlikely but the more I read and the more I think about it, four makes sense.

If that's the case, which it very well could be, then the Chiefs would probably be releasing one of the quarterbacks once Cassel returns to full health within a couple of weeks.

So, for those expecting the third quarterback debate to die today, don't get your hopes up. We may be having this same conversation next week.

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The weird situation we're in with our QBs

like you said Joel, makes me think that the Chiefs will keep four QBs.

It’s Thigpen’s trade value that will keep him around.

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by Chris Thorman on Sep 5, 2009 10:51 AM CDT reply actions

that's what I'm thinking

* "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 5, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

What kind of trade value do you think Thigpen has now Chris?

Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...

Get your Arrowhead Pride Wolf Pack T-shirt now!

by oldchiefsfan on Sep 5, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't think it's trade value.

I think it’s the O-Line that’s conspiring to get our #3 and/or #4 QB on the field.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Sep 5, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions

The question becomes, if they keep 4 what position looses a body?

The OL is a man short of the average. Is it possible they don’t pick up another OL? 8 OL and 4 QB’s would work out with the numbers, but the depth on an already questionable line would take a hit.

by mushin on Sep 5, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions

LB TE or RB?

maybe they go with 8 LB instead of 9 or 10
or 3 RB instead of 4 or 5

OR, I’m assuming they will keep 3 TE, with O’connell being one of them.
if he’s still not ready to go, maybe the drop him onto the PS until the QB situation is solved?

by stagdsp on Sep 5, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Good point. It could spell the end of Savage

I can’t see them letting Battle get away if for his size only. Savage could be in trouble if they keep 4 RB’s. I love the guy. He never quits and outperforms his scouting reports evertime he gets an opportunity to appear in a game as a RB. But in a numbers game, he will most likely be the odd man out.

by mushin on Sep 5, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Outperforms in fumbles, too?

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Sep 5, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Did I hear Pioloi right when he said that he drove to STL?

If so, I love that guy. He wanted more time to evaluate players at home, so he drove. I know…more than likely he was driven. But, still.

Carl would have never done that.

by 3GChief on Sep 5, 2009 11:03 AM CDT reply actions

yes, he drove to STL

Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...

Get your Arrowhead Pride Wolf Pack T-shirt now!

by oldchiefsfan on Sep 5, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions

New to the board, but if I may be allowed

Great board guys…

Unfortunately with our OL which is beyond stench, we will have to keep 4 QBs. Until we can get the right combo on the OL which can provide our QBs a minimum of 4 seconds to at least get their feet set to throw, (i.e. so they don’t have to worry about happy feet), and with Brodie’s injury history, Thigpen’s broken ribs in addition to Matt’s injury.. We have no choice but to keep 4.

Glad to see expressway McIntosh was released. Never did like that guy really.

Despite the painful preseason we’ve had to watch so far, I still see some improvement. Especially on defense.

This team is finally headed in the right direction unlike the rudderless and clueless, losing is acceptable approach from the last three years of the Worm.

by KCRowdy on Sep 5, 2009 11:18 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

High five

And so, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, striving to put right what once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap, will be the leap home.

by craig in calgary on Sep 5, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions

Welcome Rowdy!

Glad to have you aboard.

I agree with you, to an extent, on the keeping 4 QBs. I think we keep four until Cassel is deemed completely healthy, which may be week one or it may be week four.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Sep 5, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions

welcome kcrowdy

Welcome and good insight

FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.

by sexassassin on Sep 5, 2009 12:03 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Welcome Rowdy

I like the way you think

"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...

by Chief_Elmo on Sep 5, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree

and after week 1, the possibilities for trade scenarios will increase

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Sep 5, 2009 11:58 AM CDT reply actions

I think we will cut a TE

Because they have worked out the LS at TE and we know that Vrabel can play TE. So it is very possible they only carry 2 TE, and the other two can fill in if they need too, so it would just like having 3 TE on the team.

Herm is gone things are better with that one move!!

by bringbacktheglory on Sep 5, 2009 12:32 PM CDT reply actions

I think you are right about the position of TE

But I think they may put O’Connell on the PUP list to start the year just to clear the roster space for a few weeks until Cassel is ready. Haley has a man crush on O’Connell for playing through a lot of injury in camp. I think they’ll want to keep him around. After all, they traded a 7th to pick him and I don’t think they’ve been disappointed.

Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.

by Zodeman on Sep 5, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions