Do We Have The Core in Place? (defensive addition)
by MNchiefsfan on Jun 25, 2011 12:00 PM CDT
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PrintAhh another week without the CBA being finished. Yay! That means no real new issues to discuss! And here I was afraid I'd have an easy time thinking of something worthwhile to write about. Dodged that bullet (wipes brow).
I've been thinking about our core players since writing this piece about our salary cap situation. In case you missed it and don't feel like making the effort right now, it basically states we have more than enough money to re-sign our key FA's without putting us over the cap (and now that I've said in one sentence what it took me 1,881 words to say several weeks ago, I'm a little depressed. Let's move on).
The open-ended question at the end of that story was this: does Scott Pioli feel we have the core in place to win a Super Bowl? I didn't address the question due to time and space constraints (again, I'd already banged out 1,881 words. I'm assuming none of you were thinking, "aww crap, this was way too short!"), so I'm going to delve into that today. Specifically, our defense.
Since I didn't want to make it seem as though this is all based off my own opinion (which, by the way, it is. Sue me), I went back and looked at the defenses of the last five Super Bowl winners to see what they were made of. Why the last five, you ask? Isn't that number a little arbitrary, you ask? Well, let me answer your question with a question... Why is it that when I spent two hours with my son teaching him how to properly field a ground ball (I actually sold my soul by the time it was said and done. I'm not proud of it, it just happened), he tells everyone he "just learned by watching the other kids"? What's up with no credit given to Dad? You answer my question, I'll answer yours. In the meantime, let's talk about what I found.
Without exception, every single defense on the last five Super Bowl winners had a distinct strength. A trait that set them apart from other teams. Not all those defenses were great, but they were at least solid and had one viable strength they leaned on to get to and win the Super Bowl. In that sense, they were kind of like Hulk Hogan. He wasn't really any good as a wrestler (slow, stiff, couldn't sell anyone's moves), but the "Hulking Up" schtick was so great it overshadowed his shortcomings.
That would describe the Saints defense and Colts defense in their respective Super Bowl years. They weren't great defenses, but they got the job done. The Saints got it done with a knack for creating turnovers at the right time and the ability to pressure the QB, and Colts had great overall speed on their defense that limited what other teams could do on turf in a stadium.
The Packers, Steelers, and Giants are all a slightly different story. These were legitimately great defenses. But again, they each had a distinctive strength that set them apart. In a not-so-wild coincidence, that strength was rushing the passer. In today's increasingly QB-dominated league, it seems the team that can apply pressure generally wins the day.
Another trait I found on those defenses is that none if them possessed a glaring weakness that couldn't be overcome through either defensive scheming or a superstar player hiding the weakness. An example of this would be Colts and their porous run defense, which was overcome by the return of Bob Sanders (a superstar in run support when healthy).
So now that we've delved into past SB-winning defenses (barely, but still), let's look at what our Chiefs bring to the table. Is this a team that can win us a Super Bowl?
Now, I could do a player by player breakdown, but let's face the facts: everyone who reads this knows our players well enough to not need a snapshot handed to them. Also, I don't want to. So instead, let's look at the two traits I discussed with other SB winning defenses: a defining strength and glaring weaknesses
Defining Strength-
None. Crap, didn't think we'd fall short this quickly, did you? The sad truth of the matter is that as of right now, the Kansas City Chiefs defensive unit does not have a single elite strength. We're not bad against both the pass (17th in the league) and the run (14th), but nothing too special in either case. We do an all right job getting after the quarterback (11th in the league in sacks), but again, we're hardly elite. To put it bluntly, we're consistently average.
I've felt for a while now that we need to develop a defensive identity. We need something that stands out about us. Not just one player like Tamba Hali, but an overall strength to the defense that sets us apart. My personal choice would be pass-rushing. Like I stated earlier, teams that do well in the playoffs are teams that can get the opposing QB on the ground multiple times. But more on that in a moment. We need to get to the more uncomfortable part of the discussion...
Glaring Weaknesses
I've talked about some of this stuff here and here, but it's time to rehash for the sale of this story. Like many of you, I'm kind of a homer. Sure, I try to apply reason and logic and stats to all my opinions, but at the end of the day I try to paint every Chief in a positive light. So when I look at our defense I don't see any glaring weaknesses, because I see the glass half full with every player.
Sounds nice right? Well, yeah, but it's also naive and shortsighted. The bottom line is if we didn't have a couple of glaring weaknesses we would've been a better defense last year. Because we've got more than enough talent on that defense to be great. So what were those weaknesses?
Well, as much as I love him and as much as it pains me to say it, at times Big Ron Edwards was a glaring weakness for us. Now don't hang me just yet. I love Big Ron, and he was forced (yet again) to take WAY too many snaps for a guy his size and age. He did pretty well for the situation he found himself in. But let's face it, he was overwhelmed late in the year as the snaps wore him down. Barring a scheme change to a 4-3 there is NO WAY to hide a tired NT who is getting handled by one offensive lineman all too often.
Our other glaring weaknesses last year were at SOLB and SILB in that order. Mike Vrabel has provided us with all the leadership and happy feelings and all that stuff. That's wonderful, thank you Mr. Vrabel. But anyone who I could beat in a foot race and applies no pressure to the quarterback does not belong in the NFL as a starter. I mean c'mon, Vrabel's slower than LeBron James is to take blame for a loss (ba-dum chh!)
SILB is currently manned by Jovan Belcher, and seeing as we didn't take anyone in the draft to replace him we can assume (at least for now) that Todd Haley and Romeo Crennel have confidence in him. And hey, he's come a long ways for a small school UDRFA. Kudos. But until he can learn to fill the right gap consistently and cover ANYTHING, we'll be forced to sub him out on 3rd downs and he will be at best a minor liability on the earlier downs. Everyone remembers how John McGraw got burned by Todd Heap against the Ravens, but the reality is we shouldn't have to sub in a safety on 3rd downs. We ought to have an ILB capable of at least holding his own in coverage.
Bottom Line
So currently, we don't have a definitive strength AND we have a couple of (at least potential) glaring weaknesses on our defense. No wait! Don't light yourself on fire yet! Stay with me here... we've got a shot at this.
I believe Pioli may view defense in a way that is somewhat similar to mine (hey, we've all got dreams). And I think you see us addressing both issues in our latest draft. Justin Houston (and perhaps Allen Bailey) are Pioli's way of saying, "our strength as a team is going to be rushing the Bejesus out of the quarterback". Jerrell Powe is his way of saying, "We need to get ourselves another Big Boy up there to help out". And the Jovan Belcher issue? Well, there's always prayer, right?
Like I said, at the end of the day, I'm a homer. But when I look at our defense up and down, I see a core that is either in place or one player away. Of course, I could be wrong.
(Crap, I just said in 3 sentences what I'd wasted 1500 words on... I really need to work on brevity)
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I agree that Jovan Belcher is an improving liability...
Yet to add to the thoughts of Scott Pioli… maybe he thinks our front 3 needs to be our greatest asset. Be it the starters to those that sub in and out during the game. These front 3 being the consistently best in the league and best to open up gaps for our linebackers to exploit. So maybe with Jovan Belcher’s progression, and hopefully Jerrell Powe giving Ron Edwards (or another starting NT) a break we can see that chink in our armor repaired.
Great writeup…
Go Chiefs!!!!
Thanks
And that may very well be what he wants. It’s never a bad idea to start on the line.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
He appears to be looking for some BASIC 2-gap line play.
I think Powe is a lunchbucket pick. I’m just not sure he’ll be ready to come right in and take a significant number of snaps in his rookie campaign. But the techniques Crennel seems to preach might be right up Powe’s alley. He was doing ‘most everything we’d want from a NT, when he was a junior. He’ll be better-conditioned as a fulltime pro, and there’ll be somebody pretty darn good to pick up the slack when he needs a break. I think the job descriptions up front are being defined in such a way that it’ll be easier for KC to have a better-than-average rotation. And I agree that this kind of thing might do more for ILB than any ILB selection they might’ve made, to this point in Pioli’s tenure.
would of ≠ would've
Happily this would not be enough for a fanpost :)
In case you missed it and don’t feel like making the effort right now, it basically states we have more than enough money to re-sign our key FA’s without putting us over the cap (and now that I’ve said in one sentence what it took me 1,881 words to say several weeks ago, I’m a little depressed.
Maybe a picture and a poll!
Good call, if I threw those on there it'd be set
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
I think you nailed it
Our secondary can become a signature strength, obviously 2010 was two 3rd year guys and a trio of rookies, we are well on the way to a Full House MN.
Im re"d this post because
The subject matter, and the silly humor which I found myself chuckling at several times. Our D was average last year in all phases. Not bad, not all that good, but being average in both gives us points for balance. I think the pass D goes up with more pressure. I say rush Hali and
Houston whenever we can get away with it. I think in the zone 34 Romeo plays, pass rush is crucial just like in the cover 2. hope we start Houston from the first game.
Pick 21: OLB Justin Houston
Pick 30: C Rodney Hudson
Pick 86: NT Kenrick Ellis. (Ellis in the 3rd = Taylor in the 1st + 1st round pick).
Problems solved. Please forget about Phil Taylor.
IMO, the key to making zone work is pressure off the 4-man rush,
whether you’re in 3-4 or 4-3. I’m really hoping that Houston will give them Hali-type pressure with Hali on the field at the same time. I’d love to see them set up the 4- (and 3-) man rush with a blitz-rich play selection. Dictate offensive tempo with H-2, and then zone up, right when the offense is desperate to beat your blitzes with quick passes. A lot of good QBs can be goaded into throwing too soon against the 3- and 4-man rush, because you got inside his head and set his internal clock with the initial pressure.
would of ≠ would've
Chiefs Colored Glasses Mode
Maybe I’m way too optimistic, but I felt like the defense was fine last year (as in certainly far from abysmal) and will be even better next year. The drafting was clever and we’ve got two excellent safeties going into their 2nd year. Chiefs secondary should be outstanding.
The D will only improve in my opinion....
its all there, maybe NT is the one spot that scares some, but I think the core pieces are indeed in place. But I also really like guys like Belcher. I have faith in our corners, our safeties…our LB’s…so overall it all comes down to NT for the 3-4, but we will have some awesome nickel and dime packages
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
A lot rides on Houston
Taking that SOLB job and running with it
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
He could make 'em something special. But I think the overall team ball is good enough they can bring him along
at his own pace. I really want to see more disruption from SOLB, even at the cost of some of the damage control Vrabel and Studebaker are good at doing. They make more “invisible” plays, just by being in position and forcing the QB/HB to change his mind and look somewhere else to make some hay. But I want the SOLB to take it to the QB. Put the question to the HB 3 yards THEIR side of the line, whether he makes the tackle or not, the HB loses time and your teammates can mop up to advantage.
would of ≠ would've
I completely agree
That’s not something Studebaker has shown the ability to do, although he’s a good athlete.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
And I agree on our nickel and dime packages
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
I was underwhelmed by Belcher
but I have high hopes for Cory Reamer being a beast.
Then if our OLBs (Houston, Studebaker, Sheffield) pan out and we find the guy at NT (Powe or someone else) our defense is looking pretty elite on paper at least.
by bamachief5558 on Jun 25, 2011 1:40 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
belcher was asked to do too much. he will be better this year imo. As we have the players to run sets without him
he wont be forced to cover as often one would hope
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
Greenwood would be better on the weak side.
Belcher made a huge jump last year so I’m excited to see if he improves again. I’m also interested to see if Micah Johnson can be play solid at SILB. A three-way battle between Studebaker, Sheffiekf, and Houston will be great for the SOLB and should allow for interesting sub packages.
Yes. The current roster gives Crennel some interesting options.
He can sit most/all of the starting d-line, now, and still field a pretty good-sized front 5. Bailey is the wild-card, to me. He might be super-versatile, or he might be a near miss at a lot of things. Did he max out his frame in college, or is there room to grow? If he plays at 290+, how mobile will he be? I think they’re really hoping he can develop as a 5-tech, even though the pass-rusher role is the shortest path to getting him snaps.
would of ≠ would've
Bailey kind of intrigues me..
I think he has project written all over him but I believe Pioli, Haley, and co. had a specific vision and a plan for him when they drafted him.
by bamachief5558 on Jun 26, 2011 3:57 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm just not sure he's not a LB who's packed on an ungodly amount of muscle.
Seems like his hips are pretty narrow for a lineman. So as much as I’d love him to get some regular DE time, I keep coming back to this suspicion that his ideal weight is closer to 260 than 300. But what does that 36.5" vertical at 285 mean? Does it mean he’ll be an explosive lineman, or is it another indication that he’ll make a better LB at the next level? At the same point in HIS career, Tamba Hali was trying to convince everybody he could play 4-3 DE. But maybe the most obvious thing happens: He stays in that 280-285 range, and is a situational interior pass rusher, period. Don’t change a thing, and get from him exactly what he’s best at.
would of ≠ would've
An interior rush LB would be a big help
as long as he can drop into short zone coverage so we can try to mask our intentions.
by Chiefs4Life on Jun 26, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
In my mind up to this point he is developmental depth behind Wallace Gilberry.
He certainly appears to be a unique athlete, time will tell.
by bamachief5558 on Jun 26, 2011 5:16 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Wreck'd for the excellent Hulk Hogan reference...
I’ll be back with more later…
meh...
by Chief-blinders-on on Jun 25, 2011 3:31 PM CDT reply actions
Nice writing!
I too felt we were avg on D last year and the stats bear that out. Not sucking was a relief to me. There were some awesome plays and there some aw s*** plays too. All in all it averaged out to avg. Maybe year two with RAC will move us up a notch. I agree, pressure, pressure, pressure. And oh yeah, keep ‘em from running. Most any game you watch if the QB is running for his life the game plan for the O changes greatly. Quick drops or going more heavily biased to the run. It’s hard to throw downfield if the QB is running like a wet cat at the dog pound all day! All too many times last year I saw QB’s changing their face book status, tying their shoes, or just plain having too much time in the pocket. I’d find myself doing a mental counting of the time elapsing while they were sitting there unmolested looking for someone to get open. Given enough time someone will get open. Calling the actual holds on Tamba would be nice too! But that’s another story.
You Play to Win the game!!!
Ha!
All too many times last year I saw QB’s changing their face book status
Good stuff :)
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
by MNchiefsfan on Jun 26, 2011 12:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I think we have the "fragile" core in place...
2011 is the first year I think we could make a legitimate Superbowl run. Not Patriots 07 Superbowl run but a Cardinals “wing and a prayer” Superbowl run.
We have the “fragile” core in place…I think it will take some free agency and one more good draft to “solidify” the chiefs core…let me break it down for you…..
Free agency
A. Franklin…….a frickin must…Powe trains behind Franklin for a few years
Ryan Harris….a good start….finally! a RT that can run block AND defend the pass
Sidney Rice…semi-luxury….Baldwin gets trained up and we get 2 field stretchers
2012 Free Agency
swap Bowe for Fitz…burn a 3rd rounder to sweeten the deal
2012 Draft
1st…Burfict or Te’O….if I cant have the next Ray Lewis…I want the next Junior Seau
2nd-7th….RT…RB…S…QB….and then whatever the hell the scouts and coaches want
ok….then….then…..we are solid…..IF we get that….I wont bitch about any position of need anymore hahah….well mostly.
Team Berry
Team BalHudson...i guess..now
Just say NO
2012 Free Agency
swap Bowe for Fitz…burn a 3rd rounder to sweeten the deal
Fitz would be a Free agent less he signs a new deal this year
by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 25, 2011 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I dont know....
Do you think Fitz would make it to pure free agency?
I have to think that a ton of teams will try make some kinda “move” during or after the 2011 season before free agency stars IF Fitz is giving real indications he wants to move. Come on…its Fitz.
But if we could get him for a straight up 60 – 80 million….over say 5-6 years….Im game.
Team Berry
Team BalHudson...i guess..now
by MasterBlaster7 on Jun 26, 2011 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions
That would be quite the set of moves
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
by MNchiefsfan on Jun 26, 2011 12:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Very nice Job MN
I was surprised that you didn’t mention the fact that last year at this time, all the talk was about RAC just getting us to average. I think we made it. If you combine your stat categories for our defense you are looking at a very middle of the road defense. That’s part players and part crafty old DC scheming and making the best use of the tools he has. I would agree with you about the core—to an extent. I like your words on needing our defense to be defined in some way. That will only happen when the personel clicks in some way. We have the folks to make that happen but SOMEBODY on that unit has got to step up and give us an identity. We need that to build to the next level that would include opposing offenses thinking to themselves, “Man, we gotta play the Chiefs next week, that is gonna be a tough game.” I hope it’s Eric Berry, but I really don’t care as long as it gets done. Grood observations all around. Thanks for the article. :)
"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"
with the current players it almost has to be Berry
Vocal Leadership is lacking, I would prefer it to be the 3 down SILB we don’t have yet
by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 25, 2011 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wow, should've read what you said before I posted
I rec you since I copied you, good sir.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
by MNchiefsfan on Jun 26, 2011 12:38 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm completely with you on Berry
That’s why I’d like to see Vrabel retire, and McGraw as well to be honest. It seems as though he still defers to them (well, mostly McGraw since Vrabel’s been busy) when it comes to team leadership out of respect. I love that he’s a good, respectful guy. But I want to see a guy with his take charge mentality rallying the defense around him on a 3rd and 1 in the 4th with Arrowhead in a frenzy and screaming RAWKC-style, “WE ARE NOT LOSING THIS GAME!!!! THEY ARE NOT GETTING THIS YARD!!!!! THIS IS WHERE WE MAN UP BOYS!!!!!!”
I don’t see that mentality in Hali, DJ, Flowers, Carr, or Dorsey. In other words, none of our best defenders. It kind of has to be him.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
by MNchiefsfan on Jun 26, 2011 12:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Never express it in terms of what you don't want to happen.
We WILL win this game.
We WILL STUFF THEM ON 3RD-AND-1.
would of ≠ would've
Saying what you're NOT going to allow places an image of the wrong outcome in your mind's eye.
Never tell a guy not to fumble. Always tell him to hold on to the ball.
would of ≠ would've
I have a feeling that the Chiefs will be above average in three areas next season.
Rushing the passer.
When you have a blitz package featuring Tamba Hali on the Left Tackle with Glenn Dorsey. Justin Houston and a hopefully improved and healthy Tyson Jackson on the RT and TE. Javier Arenas and Derrick Johnson shooting the gap behind Jerrell Powe who is eating a double team up the middle. As well as Eric Berry, Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr back deep with a roaming Allen Bailey lined up MLB. It might look pretty scary for offenses.
Against the deep ball
With an improved pass rush and arguably the best secondary in the NFL, the Chiefs are not going to get beat deep often. Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr are both going to be even better if the NT play improves and that is scary.
Defending the Run
If the Chiefs can get average NT play from Jerrell Powe and improved production from Tyson Jackson. Well then God Bless America, because Glenn Dorsey, Eric Berry, Derrick Johnson, and Kendrick Lewis will make it very hard for any NFL team to run on the Chiefs.
The problem will be
The Chiefs defending those little outs, slant patterns, and quick crossing routes with our CB’s in soft zone coverage all of the time. In order to stop this the Chiefs need a faster LB in the middle of the field (sorry Belcher/Mays.) Because the backers are always a step late to hit the receivers before they catch the ball.
That was why I really wanted them to draft Martez Wilson. If the Chiefs can shore up these problems, along with defending the screen pass better. Then they will be in good shape to become the most balanced team in the NFL.
I have zero doubt that Romeo Crennel recognizes this in the film room (remember it was his first season here.) I am confident that he has a plan on how to correct this issue and others. This defense will be much better.
meh...
by Chief-blinders-on on Jun 25, 2011 5:11 PM CDT reply actions
Defending the little outs, slants and quick crossers might be more about initiating contact at the line.
than about an extra step at ILB (which is always good, mind you).
I think it’s a little early to be having average/journeyman-level play from the rookie NT. He might be ready to come right in and do the job, but I think it’s more likely that the 5th-rounder takes a while to catch on, assuming he DOES catch on. I’m very hopeful, and there are RAC points in his favor, but still way too early to count that egg as a chicken.
But if they nab Aubrayo Franklin, that interior line stock goes up right away.
would of ≠ would've
Initiating contact at the line?
I agree with you, but I doubt they are going to stop playing that soft zone coverage Hmills. It will be a problem if they don’t fix it. I think we can agree on that.
As far as Jerrell Powe (sixth rounder) goes, I was playing out the situation as if we don’t get Franklin in FA. Because. it hasn’t happened yet.
He will take some time, but if you look at last season. Javier Arenas, Eric Berry, and Kendrick Lewis all played well early. Which is unusual.
meh...
by Chief-blinders-on on Jun 26, 2011 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Great stuff MN
I know there are a few that are in the same boat as I am but I really believe that Micah Johnson could be able to push Belcher for the starting job when he’s healthy. I liked him out of Kentucky and I think he’ll make a name for himself soon.
I’ve made it very clear that there is one player out there that could take this defense to a whole new level and his name rhymes with Kahmayo Shrankfin. He automatically makes the guys on either side much better as he consistently takes on double teams. That opens up lanes for DJ and Belcher, not to mention Hali and Houston. The trickle down effect that a superior nose tackle has on a defense has been explained many times over by Kalo and Mills. Powe is the same mold of player and it’d be a perfect situation for him to learn from a guy like Shrankfin.
We already know what the secondary is going to look like.
Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.
-Abraham Lincoln
That secondary...
I just don’t see why Pioli wouldn’t have contracts ready to offer to both Carr and Flowers right now, before either of them gets even more hype. See how much “wow this guy is underrated” hype Carr has been getting lately? The more that goes on, the higher his price tag gets.
Sign them both during the season ala DJ and JC. It got us a better deal with them, and likely would with our ace corners as well.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
by MNchiefsfan on Jun 26, 2011 12:43 AM CDT up reply actions
I think that would be an unbelievable, fantastic signing.
If we didn’t have to go 10 mil a year or something absolutely asinine like that.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
by MNchiefsfan on Jun 26, 2011 12:41 AM CDT up reply actions
All I know is,
this guy scares the sh*t out of me and he’s not even wearing pads yet.
"What we need is......more cowbell." - C. Walken
He definitely looks the part...
Let’s teach him how to cover and have him play IlB. What a beast.
Assuming Tyson Jackson plays up to his draft status, we resign Shaun Smith and Jerrell Powe delivers early and often…
meh...
by Chief-blinders-on on Jun 25, 2011 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions
If THAT THING doesnt motivate T. Jax....nothing will.
Team Berry
Team BalHudson...i guess..now
by MasterBlaster7 on Jun 26, 2011 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks ChiefM
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
by MNchiefsfan on Jun 26, 2011 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Slow night tonight MN...
This really was a great story.
meh...
by Chief-blinders-on on Jun 25, 2011 11:46 PM CDT reply actions
Thanks chief
I liked yours too, I’ll get a comment in there soon.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
by MNchiefsfan on Jun 26, 2011 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks, MN.
The nice thing about across-the-board average is that you stand a good chance of making improvements that make you a stand-out in numerous categories the next go-round. This isn’t an all-around-average defense that’s on its way down. It’s a defense that’s basically worked its way into the top HALF of the league, and their youthful makeup overall says they’re on the ascent. They’re not looking for a guy to turn crap into mediocre. They’re looking for guys, plural, to go from good to very good.
would of ≠ would've
vurry good point
continued improvement in these young guys is what is exciting and probably the most likely advancement of the team this year, if only because the improvement is spread across so many bodies versus the few additions we can make. I see the team improvement this year coming in this order of likelihood.
1. overall fundamental, incremental improvement across the team, particularly in all the younger guys. But most especially in last year’s draft class, Tyson Jackson, Matt Cassel, Barry Richardson, and Brandon Carr.
2. immediate impact from Jonathan Baldwin and any FA WR.
3. better pass rush from linebacker corps which requires some impact from Sheffield and this year’s draft class
4. stronger D-line play due to some impact from this year’s draft class
We’ll also have another year in this offense so that things can be more automatic at the player level. But, as to OC, I’m unsure what to think. I think that Haley can call plays as well or better than Weis. I just don’t know enough about Muir to have a good feeling about how much innovation he’ll be able to provide in game planning and play design.
CHIEFS DYNASTY – we’re kind of a big deal
number 4
should say “stronger D-line and O-line play…”. Other than Baldwin, I don’t think we’ll see as much obvious impact from this year’s draft class as we saw from last year’s. However, I’m hopeful that we can see some helpful impact from Hudson and Powe but suspect it’ll be in spots.
CHIEFS DYNASTY – we’re kind of a big deal
All true
And we did go from bad to average in just one season. So perhaps now we just as quickly go from average to good, and from good to great.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
Aubrayo Franklin
Looking at the draft and what is plainly missing on this team, I can’t help but think we’ll be looking to at least compete for him once free-agency starts. Jerrell Powe is a project and somewhat of a long shot at that and we just don’t have a real 3-4 NT right now. He’d have to want to be here enough that we don’t have to rope him in with an over-the-top offer. But I’d think that it would be silly for us to not at least throw our hat in and test the waters.
by hornetchiefsfan on Jun 26, 2011 10:30 AM CDT reply actions
this CBA chit better work itself out in July...I really NEED to know how this FA is gona pan out
Team Berry
Team BalHudson...i guess..now
The thing that bothers me is that the assumptions you make are predicated on last seasons results. And without much thought about the strength of the schedule that they played. There were only a couple of teams that had a defence in the top half of the league. And we were soundly trounced by all three teams in our division. So I would suggest that if you are going to post that we are only a couple of players away from a super bowl defence is wishful thinking. And to be honest, the offence may be even further from a super bowl team. i see an offensive line that has age, size and depth problems. I see Charles as a great runner, but only if used in a way that limits his carries between the tackles. I see a receiver who had a great year last year, but still dropped too many balls. I see our secondary back who can’t be depended to make the tough yards in 3rd and short. I see a TE who could be a star if he didn’t have to stay in to protect too many snaps. I see a QB that doesn’t operate well under pressure and is not very accurate over about 20 yards. Now I know that goes against most of what the posters here believe, but that is what i see.
My assumptions are based on watching the NFL for most of my life.
As well as relentlessly studying the Chiefs trying to figure out my own way to see them become successful.
I don’t claim to be an expert, and I don’t try to change people minds of what they believe. However I do like to share my opinions and thoughts on the Chiefs, and if it rubs off in a positive way, then so be it, if not, then oh well. I think that I present my opinions well, and I try to make sure that I have my facts straight. What else could you ask for?
Of course talking about having the potential for a dynasty is wishful thinking. Though I don’t think it is that far fetched, and I tried to show you why. The Chiefs had bad games last season, I know that. I didn’t turn my head away from the action when things were not going well. However the reason they lost those games were very correctable, and I see the Chiefs working on fixing those things.
The line is getting old in two spots, and I see two young talented players ready to step in and fill those holes.
I see Jamaal Charles as a back that almost broke the record of one of the greatest runners in the history of the game, and the Chiefs management as a coaching staff that is trying to keep his legs fresh for a lengthy career.
I see the problems on third down being helped by a healthy Dexter McCluster and 6’4" 225lb Jonathan Baldwin that will potentially open up some room. Especially, on third downs for people other then Thomas Jones to make a play. After all Charlie Weis won’t be calling the plays, so they may find a different method on third and short. That said, if Todd Haley still feels Thomas Jones can handle it, then he will get carries in those situations. I will be fine with that because Thomas Jones is a great football player that is capable of making those plays some times.
I see a tight end who was already a phenomenal blocker as a rookie and I would be happy to have him stay in and protect because he is great at it. Plus if they do call his name, he has the ability to do this.
I see a QB that will be going in to his fourth year of playing full time football since high school, and in his third year of play went to Pro Bowl in the NFL. That same QB is going to have some great weapons to work with this season. as well as a new dedicated QB coach to work with in Jim Zorn.
I see reasons for hope on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Such as having three players on the team that are in the Top 5 of players at their positions in the league in Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry and Tamba Hali.
Jim there is a lot of reason for hope. Whether you will or not is up to you, but I am hopeful and it works for me. Thanks for the feedback.
meh...
by Chief-blinders-on on Jun 26, 2011 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I know
You also saw a 4-12 team at this time last year, and said we had maybe a couple players worth keeping. So I take any prediction you make, combine it with the prediction of the biggest homer here, and average the two out for my opinion :)
We’re an average defense, and a young defense that went from horrible to average in the span of one year. We’ve got PB level players at ILB, OLB, SS, and both CB positions, as well as solid play from one DE spot and an excellent nickel pass rusher. So to think that we’re a couple of players away from being at a SB level is hardly wishful thinking.
If we had NO Pro Bowl level players, THEN it’d be wishful thinking :)
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
I see Jim has valid points
could go either way in 2011
by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 26, 2011 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions
He does to an extent
except the wishful thinking part. That’s crap :)
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
by MNchiefsfan on Jun 27, 2011 12:42 AM CDT up reply actions
sure, but this isnt about one year...if we miss the playoffs this year, honestly we arent any worse off, this is a team that will contend for a long while, we just are getting to that point
its not like we have some team full of over 30 vets….instead our team is stacked with under 26 talent
so his points are valid for a single season, if indeed they dont perform, which if you look at the improvement in one year, and look at another draft class, one has to wonder if its possible to indeed do more than just compete with those top teams this year. Also, all teams will be struggling with a lack of time to prepare, and we still have some of the most talent in the nfl. charles will still get his ypc, berry will still be berry, etc
and the fact we have all this money to spend, all these young players, new arrowhead, scott pioli, a kick butt coaching staff, a top notch front office, etc etc etc. Its not even being a homer to look at it that way since its simply a fact. the chiefs are on the rise, it just may take a little longer than some may like due to this seasons schedule, oh well. I can live with it because I know we will get exciting football…the chiefs are finally a lot of fun to watch
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
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