Vrabel Credits Coaches, Continuity For Re-Signing With Chiefs

by Joel Thorman on Mar 5, 2010 8:00 AM CST in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Season

After the final whistle in the Kansas City Chiefs blowout victory week 17 victory over the Denver Broncos, I suspected it was the final time LB Mike Vrabel would appear in a Chiefs uniform.

Why would a 34 year old linebacker stay with a four-win team, I thought. Turns out, Vrabel likes to finish what he started.

In an interview with Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star, Vrabel talked about a couple of the reasons Kansas City made sense for him.

"When you look at everything, with (defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel) coming in and the guys we have and after playing with these guys for a year, I didn’t want to go anywhere else and shop around and go somewhere else and have to move my family.

"Now the most important thing is to win some football games."

Vrabel said he didn't want to get into the unknown that is free agency. He also spoke optimistically of the Chiefs' play to end the 2009 season.

Vrabel missed two games last season with a knee injury but that's not affecting him now -- he just passed the Chiefs physical.

Vrabel's return is important for another reason -- his veteran presence helped young outside linebacker Andy Studebaker progress nicely in 2009. Studebaker, who made a few big plays in limited snaps, credited Vrabel with his ability to quickly move into the starting role.

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Vrabel

is definitely an asset to the team as a mentor. I wonder how he would look playing ILB some since he’s probably lost a step?

by Hail2DaChiefs on Mar 5, 2010 8:05 AM CST reply actions

cool

I like this guy. One more nail in the coffin of the Haley hater crowd.

You sometimes learn something everyday.

"We couldn't beat the Chiefs, but we damn near killed their horse."
-- Madden

by kabrink on Mar 5, 2010 8:05 AM CST reply actions

Agreed

"I’d go to battle with him every day of the week." Todd Haley on Matt Cassel

This statement is why I am on the Cassel train, drinkin the Kool-Aid!

by KC4Life on Mar 5, 2010 12:39 PM CST up reply actions

I'm really happy about this

One, I think it says something about how this team is responding to the new way things are being done around here. If a guy like Mike Vrabel is on board that tells me that we’re doing things the right way. Second, I think its huge that Romeo is going to have a guy that he knows and trusts out on the field. I know he may not be what he was physically but I don’t think you can say enough about how this guy can help our D (and not just the LBs).

Feeling "The Love" and "Drinking the Kool AId"

by KCporkchop on Mar 5, 2010 8:07 AM CST reply actions

Happy Vrabes is back aboard!

by skunk420 on Mar 5, 2010 8:08 AM CST reply actions

I, too, am very pleased that Vrabel is back on board.

His stability, attitude, and consistent play (although no longer spectacular) is a steadying influence on a young team that is learning every game.

by G.L. on Mar 5, 2010 8:24 AM CST reply actions

This is all fine and great

But the Chiefs need more than 2 sacks out of whoever is playing LOLB.. Mentoring is great, leadership is great, but production wins football games..

by Warpaint69 on Mar 5, 2010 8:29 AM CST reply actions

for sure

and our shiny new NT is going to make that happen

You sometimes learn something everyday.

"We couldn't beat the Chiefs, but we damn near killed their horse."
-- Madden

by kabrink on Mar 5, 2010 8:38 AM CST up reply actions

And whose that going to be?

If your relying on a rookie NT your going to be disappointed..

by Warpaint69 on Mar 5, 2010 8:40 AM CST up reply actions

I trust Pioli and company

to find something that is better than Edwards. Still kicking the tires and looking under the hood.

You sometimes learn something everyday.

"We couldn't beat the Chiefs, but we damn near killed their horse."
-- Madden

by kabrink on Mar 5, 2010 8:44 AM CST up reply actions

Better than Edwards..

Thats not going to take much.. Finding a guy that can play at a high level required to make a 3-4 defense fire on all cylinders, thats the tough part.

by Warpaint69 on Mar 5, 2010 8:48 AM CST up reply actions

agreed

You sometimes learn something everyday.

"We couldn't beat the Chiefs, but we damn near killed their horse."
-- Madden

by kabrink on Mar 5, 2010 8:51 AM CST up reply actions

I agree,

but hopefully Dorsey and Jackson step their game up, taking some of the pressure off of the rookie NT.

Don't blame me, I voted for content of character.

by paratrooper on Mar 5, 2010 8:59 AM CST up reply actions

VW

by badassz1987 on Mar 5, 2010 8:46 AM CST up reply actions

Who know, Studebaker may start.

Mike Vrabel would be a good insurance policy as a back up.

by G.L. on Mar 5, 2010 9:24 AM CST up reply actions

We need more guys like this

He is staying also because he knows Weis will get him some touchdown passes.

by HowSweetItIs on Mar 5, 2010 8:45 AM CST reply actions

good move

* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* Pioli will make at least one trade in the offseason, and 2 trades during the draft
* I'd prefer "lightning and lightning" as opposed to "lightning and thunder" when it comes to RBs
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters
* keep Albert at LT, upgrade the positions that NEED upgrading.C, RG, NT, S, LB

by stagdsp on Mar 5, 2010 9:40 AM CST via mobile reply actions

Good good good

I was hoping this would happen. Even if it is just for one year, at least it is a position we don’t have to address this year.

Predictions:

1) Fans will feel just scads better from mid-to-end of the 2010 season.
2) During the 2021 season, Ryan Succop will become the Chiefs’ all-time leading scorer with 1469 points.

by Dove40 on Mar 5, 2010 11:44 AM CST reply actions