How far away are the Chiefs from being elite?

by GOKC1024 on Feb 20, 2012 3:38 PM CST

First off, allow me to introduce myself. I am GOKC1024 and this is my first post on Arrowhead Pride, otherwise known as my favorite website. I spent my entire childhood in Kansas City and am now 17 and living in Florida,(though i enjoy K.C. more, its hot down here, the bbq sucks, and theres too many Dolphin fans,yuckkk). But enough about me, let's talk Chiefs......

It seems like I'm in the minority on this one, but i like the Routt signing. He's a speedy S.O.B. who could really make an impact on this revitalized defense. He's not Brandon Carr but letting him go really hurts the Raiders, and that makes me one happy camper :) It will be dissapointing to see Carr leave if that is indeed what happens, but at least we have a decent replacement.

In my opinion, aside from a big run stuffing nose tackle, our defense is set (feel free to correct me in the comments). It was apparent last year that the real problems lie on the offensive side of the ball. Granted having Jamaal Charles back makes a BIG difference (the man's like god with a faster 40 time) but still, our O was pretty bad. I attribute most of that to injuries and poor play from the offensive line. Casey Wiegmann is nothing short of a great guy, and I am proud to call him a Chief, but his time is done. Letting Barry Richardson play one more snap in the NFL should be a crime punishable by death. In my opinion, most of this can be fixed through the draft. David DeCastro is a fine player and by the amount of Mock Drafts that have us taking him you would think he said it himself. While i feel offensive lineman is definitely the biggest need, if Scott Pioli decided to draft Trent Richardson I would have to change my shorts. Him and Charles coming out of the backfield would be unstoppable. However, since the chances of that happening are slim, and im sure this is all nothing you havent heard before, Ill move on.

Last year, with 4 very important starters missing, a senior first year offensive coordinator about as unpredictable as the sun going down every night, and the great Tyler Palko, who looked like he was actually right handed but just didnt know it, the Chiefs, won 4 games in a row, beat the unbeatable Packers, and were one good kick short of winning the division for the second year in a row. They did finish 7 and 9, but is that really all that bad? i seem to remember a certain team with that very same record upsetting the defending super bowl champs in the playoffs and pulling off arguably the greatest rushing play of all time. Things last season werent perfect, but they weren't that bad either. According to our draft spot, we were still better than 1/3 of the teams out there even with all those setbacks. Yes, we did suffer several blowouts, but I blame most of that on Todd Haley's brilliant game planning. The team just wasn't ready.

And so, for several reasons, the main one being that I can't think of anything else to type due to lack of sleep, I leave you with this. How far away are the Chiefs from being a very good team?

P.S. Happy Presidents Day!!!

P.S.S. Please try to come up with a better answer than " One Matt Cassel Trade Away". Its not going to happen as long as Pioli's here.

Thank You

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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I'm with you. I like the signing.

It seems like I’m in the minority on this one, but i like the Routt signing.

https://twitter.com/#!/super8kc

by super8 on Feb 20, 2012 3:52 PM CST reply actions

I like it also.

by chad unit on Feb 20, 2012 7:22 PM CST up reply actions

Elite? Um...yeah, well ok.

Welcome to AP. I hope you still feel this way after about week 8.

"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"
" I believe you have to be a glass half full person in this league, you really do."--Todd Haley

by Aiken_Drum on Feb 20, 2012 3:57 PM CST reply actions

We are a long, long way from being an elite team.

Elite teams go to Super Bowls, we haven’t won a playoff game since 93.

Elite teams are always looking to get better, under Pioli it doesn’t seem to be that important.

Winning one of the worst divisions in the league isn’t very impressive either, and it certainly isn’t “elite”.

by F250 on Feb 20, 2012 4:21 PM CST up reply actions

I didn't say we were there yet

just a little more optimistic than most right now. Gotta have something to dream about, otherwise its not really woth watching.

by GOKC1024 on Feb 20, 2012 4:26 PM CST up reply actions

Which is cool, you are more than entitled to your view.......

…..and to your opinions. I’m just sharing, venting some of mine. ;)

by F250 on Feb 20, 2012 4:37 PM CST up reply actions

let's wait a couple weeks before we throw Pioli under the bus on this one

under Pioli it doesn’t seem to be that important

if Carr demanded too much money or wanted to try out FA then you can’t blame Pioli. As of now, the move doesn’t seem right and is on the bonehead side of things. Besides, what will we say if Carr goes to another team and sucks it up while Routt puts up better numbers? This thing can go either way

by superpioli on Feb 20, 2012 6:05 PM CST up reply actions

Well said

I can respect that :)

by GOKC1024 on Feb 21, 2012 2:16 PM CST up reply actions

Welcome to AP (Arrowhead Pride)

I’m with you. Whats the point in watching them if you have nothing to look forward to. Well, to answer you’re question, we are on the right track. You are correct with solidifying the O line first. Once we do that, we have our base. Now to do it, I think we need to bring in David DeCastro to have the best interrior line in the NFL, replace Casey with Hudson, and finally, bring in Demitrus Bell for competition with Barry. If they can’t get it done, work on it next offseason. Now, we have a solid offensive line. We will easily solidify the run game with this new O line and maybe a power back in FA or late draft. Resign Bowe and we are a quarterback away now. So, on to defense. You’re right. Great defense we just need a solid run stuffer. Paul Soliai anyone? We have 62 million dollars to spend so give him some and give the some to Brandon Carr so Routt can be a nickel back. Wow, hell of an offseason there. So now next year all we have to do is get a Franchise QB. Trade up to the #1 overall and take Barkley. So, how long until we are elite? 2 years. IMO

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Feb 20, 2012 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

they changed the 63 million to spend to 37 million to spend including what we carried over.

by chad unit on Feb 20, 2012 7:26 PM CST up reply actions

well why would they do that?

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Feb 20, 2012 7:34 PM CST up reply actions

you know the rich, if they spend it they will no longer be rich so they just keep it.

by chad unit on Feb 20, 2012 7:55 PM CST up reply actions

I would love Soliai for this team

I really think with a couple more smart additions and some more growth we could have a defense of Baltimore proportions. The O- line can be easily fixed, and then all we need is a qb, but, the only problem I see is, what exactly would we have to give up to be in a position to get a good franchise QB. That is definitely what we need. We havent had one since Dawson. Cassel isn’t it, Green had alot of help, Montana didn’t give a rats ass about the Chiefs, he just didn’t wanna retire yet, and everyone else sucked.

by GOKC1024 on Feb 21, 2012 2:15 PM CST up reply actions

Well good question

IMO, next offseason, we are set at every position except QB, that is if we follow what I said earlier and don’t let some major players go. That said, if we only have 1 need wouldn’t you give up everything you have to fill that need?

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Feb 21, 2012 4:15 PM CST up reply actions

This is true yes,

But if we had to give up a big chunk of our offensive firepower, like Bowe or Charles for instance, than the QB would not make as big of an impact and, while it would definitely be great having a worthy qb, were right back to having a big need, just not as big. Just my thoughts.

by GOKC1024 on Feb 21, 2012 7:44 PM CST up reply actions

You said you are 17 years old...

nowhere near old enough to be as negative as the rest of us when it comes to this team. Good post though, and I’ll agree that signing Routt was an ok decision, just want to see what we do with Carr/Bowe before I start yelling out loud how amazing Pioli is.

Faithless is he who says farewell when the road darkens...

by 5280ChiefsFan on Feb 21, 2012 1:51 AM CST up reply actions

Not really crazy about Pioli myself

I want somebody good to be signed to the team, not some washed up New England cast off, whether its a player or a coach. However, as you said, I’m young and optimistic, and don’t think it will be very long before this team is known as a consistent winner.

by GOKC1024 on Feb 21, 2012 2:09 PM CST up reply actions

Our D is on its way to being elite, think of how nice we would have been if,

houston played the whole way he did at the end, he will be stepping it up even more next year, berry coming back, tyson improving, bailey stepping up more, i think we are easily a guy stepping up at NT away from elite on D. next year.

by chad unit on Feb 20, 2012 7:25 PM CST up reply actions

Elite...uh...how about "division winning"?

Get a QB (Manning, Orton), RT (Reiff? Adams?), RG (Grubbs, Glenn), depth at RB (Bush, Tolbert, BJGE), NT (Soliai, Poe, Pouha), depth at LB (Tulloch), TE (Fleener, Finley, Dreesen, Tamme, Carlson), sign or tag and trade Carr now that we have Routt, sign Bowe, and I think we’re well on our way. That is a LOT of pieces to put into place, though….

by AnkenyChiefsFan on Feb 20, 2012 4:07 PM CST reply actions

Elite

Does not mean perfect. Elite is simply better than all consistently. There will always be flaws to elite teams. The difference with those teams is that the play of teammates cover up the flaws of another. The “elite” Patriots have had weak defences that the offence overcame. Indy had Peyton turn a bunch of WRs into household names.

Big Gulps EH????? All right.....Welp....See Ya Later!

by XtaC69Chief on Feb 20, 2012 4:13 PM CST up reply actions

Why do we need a RG?

We already have an elite one.

by NigerianNightmare on Feb 20, 2012 4:51 PM CST up reply actions

Oops...

for some reason, I was assuming that Asamoah would be moving to LG to shore up Cassel/Orton’s blind side.

And while we are on the subject…what if we suddenly switch to Stanzi? He’s a lefty, correct? Which would mean RT and RG would become more important, so would we flip-flop the line?

by AnkenyChiefsFan on Feb 21, 2012 3:32 PM CST up reply actions

Oooooo

interesting

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Feb 21, 2012 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

How far away are the Chiefs from being elite? That's easy.

They’re exactly one franchise QB away.

"[Jamaal Charles] probably fights crime in his spare time while inhaling carbon emissions, exhaling oxygen, and crapping oil. That’s how awesome he is. Not just good for the Chiefs, but America."
- MNchiefsfan

by MtHammer on Feb 20, 2012 4:10 PM CST reply actions

I sure agree here. I like the Routt move but still have to wait and see what else happens.

A big concern, is that management will try to sign several of these players just to help Cassel and then try to stick with him. If that happens, there should be a revolt somewhere.

by jcox31mc on Feb 20, 2012 4:53 PM CST up reply actions

Casselvania

by Steve_Chiefs on Feb 21, 2012 3:17 PM CST up reply actions

You've got a point.

Maybe I’m just trying to be optimistic due to the fact that I cant admit my team sucks.haha. Its a long shot, yes, but I have hope.

by GOKC1024 on Feb 20, 2012 4:12 PM CST reply actions

7-9 coming off a playoff year does not mean suck

Big Gulps EH????? All right.....Welp....See Ya Later!

by XtaC69Chief on Feb 20, 2012 4:15 PM CST up reply actions

I know. I'm the one who wrote the post.

Just having some fun. i have little doubt the Chiefs will be very good next year. We’ll see what happens:)

by GOKC1024 on Feb 20, 2012 4:18 PM CST up reply actions

What makes you think we won't be good next year?

We beat the undefeated Green Bay Packers without Jamaal, Tony Mo, Eric Berry or Matt Cassel. The defense is basically elite already and we already have an elite receiving core and RB, all we need is an O-lineman or two and a decent QB (Orton will do) and were fine for years to come.

by NigerianNightmare on Feb 20, 2012 4:54 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

He said

“I have little doubt the Chiefs will be very good next year.”

He’s saying we WILL be good.

by AnkenyChiefsFan on Feb 21, 2012 3:33 PM CST up reply actions

yessir

by GOKC1024 on Feb 21, 2012 4:09 PM CST up reply actions

just mediocrity

by tomachop on Feb 21, 2012 1:55 AM CST up reply actions

Define Elite!

I like the signing today of Routt. Keeping Carr would be nice, but not at the money that it is reported that he is wanting.

bRich not in Red and Gold starting next year, we will be good enough to get to the playoffs. Healthy at that time- who knows, with Orton under center- deep.

by Bassbustin on Feb 20, 2012 4:15 PM CST reply actions

To me, Elite

just means a consistent winner, a team that instead of asking for respect and admiration, demands and earns it through performance on the field. A team that is a threat to take home the Lombardi trophy every year.

by GOKC1024 on Feb 20, 2012 4:20 PM CST reply actions

In that case we're about a Matt Cassel trade away

sorry, couldn’t help myself. We’re a far cry from elite. Elite to me is PIT, NE, GB, and NO. Although we’re not elite, I do think we’re getting away from being mediocre to becoming a good/solid team with a lot of upside to become a great team. The QB play is the biggest reason why we won’t become legitimately “elite.”

I like the direction we’re going though. Today’s signing only helped solidify that opinion. Very exciting. Can’t wait to see what happens in the upcoming months.

Dx3: Draft David DeCastro

by shotty on Feb 20, 2012 4:33 PM CST up reply actions

I think pitt is on the way down, I dont count them as elite anymore?

by chad unit on Feb 20, 2012 7:28 PM CST up reply actions

Thats what I was thinking

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Feb 20, 2012 7:34 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed.

They’re getting old. I’m not that impressed with Tomlin, either.

by Jaywalk3r on Feb 20, 2012 8:34 PM CST up reply actions

I also think Baltimore is on the way down with them

Old defense. It won’t be too long until Ed Reed and Ray Lewis retire, plus they are just naturally declining. Mediocre offense. IMO mediocre QB and WR’s. Look for the Bengals to be the Division winner in the near future, and an actual competition for the wildcard between other teams. Hell, if the Browns play their cards right this offseason they might actually be ready for playoff contention.

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Feb 21, 2012 4:23 PM CST up reply actions

I guess I'm looking at the last 6 years

and the teams that seem to stand out….

Dx3: Draft David DeCastro

by shotty on Feb 21, 2012 6:37 PM CST up reply actions

I agree with the rest on Pitt...

And I think NE will start dropping off in the next few years. Brady is what, 36? His production will start going down. Please…I hope…GOD I hate the Patriots….

by AnkenyChiefsFan on Feb 21, 2012 3:35 PM CST up reply actions

This is where I would hope we can all agree!

Without our blocked field goal, or 2, we would have won the division- again this year. We are getting close and flying under the radar with our Defense being as strong as it is and will be with Berry back, Kool-aid drinker I admit- but we will be strong.

by Bassbustin on Feb 20, 2012 4:40 PM CST up reply actions

1 QB, 1 NT, 1 RT, and one more year.

To be Super bowl contenders we also need a LB and some depth. All this could be addressed in FA and the draft. We need the year because it usually takes the better part of the returning year to recovery from an ACL injury. The plus side is most of our injuries happened early in last years season. We are SOOOOOO close. Personally I see us picking an mir round QB this year nad if that doesn’t pan out address it next year in a Draft with an higher number of good QB’s.

GO CHIEFS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Routerunner on Feb 20, 2012 4:43 PM CST reply actions

GOKC, welcome to AP ... you write VERY well for one so young, I'm impressed!

seems we’ve had a few others who have also just joined AP in the last few days who seem to write with a style similar to yours … interesting, very interesting (angelic smile)

Twisted Lord of AP Color Commentary (H/T - Loco)
Winner: 2009 Nostradamus of Arrowhead Pride Award
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!

by upamtn on Feb 20, 2012 4:49 PM CST reply actions

Whats going on Ups?

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Feb 20, 2012 5:05 PM CST up reply actions

heard we just signed Stanford Routt ...

… still no word on Mike Vrabel’s retirement

by upamtn on Feb 20, 2012 5:12 PM CST up reply actions

But has Pioli extended Palko yet?

by F250 on Feb 20, 2012 5:23 PM CST up reply actions

haha

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Feb 20, 2012 5:28 PM CST up reply actions

Still think we should have ponied up and paid Carr

bastard played with a 5th rnd contact and started. Plus alot invested in him on D.Headscratcher to me

by tomachop on Feb 21, 2012 2:00 AM CST up reply actions

Routt

+5 mil cap space may be > Carr.

Personally I hope we get Carr, too, but not likely…

by AnkenyChiefsFan on Feb 21, 2012 3:37 PM CST up reply actions

Pioli was talking about the signing today

And he said he wants to bring in competition at every position. And he is still negotiating with Carr so its not too unlikely

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Feb 21, 2012 4:25 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks alot

I’ve had alot of practice and i take articles about my Chiefs very seriously. KC fans are in short supply down here. Plus I’ve been reading AP posts for a while now so I’m pretty sure I know how it works.

by GOKC1024 on Feb 20, 2012 6:25 PM CST up reply actions

Ups, this is what I was looking for.

I don’t agree with some of the points made, but he writes well and represents his argument in a logical manner. On top of that, he has more than a paragraph worth of thought, which is always commendable.

While not a great one (ala Kalo and others), this is a very solid fanpost.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Feb 21, 2012 1:19 AM CST up reply actions

Thank you

I appreciate the commendments. Glad you enjoyed it.

by GOKC1024 on Feb 21, 2012 2:06 PM CST up reply actions

I think if the Chiefs handle the offseason right (Shoring up the lines, getting depth in the draft, etc.) They can win a playoff game, but they're not quite elite in my mind.

After that, if they handle the 2013 offseason well too, I think they’re right in that race for the Super Bowl. A lot of it’s going to depend on the QB play though.

"Either you get better, or you get worse." -Marty Schottenheimer

by The Green Tomahawk on Feb 20, 2012 5:16 PM CST reply actions

One quarterback away from being elite.

by Mr.Pibbs on Feb 20, 2012 5:22 PM CST reply actions

not without an OLine

by upamtn on Feb 20, 2012 5:51 PM CST up reply actions

We have an o-line.

Albert was excellent last year, Asamoah is looking like he’s going to be a stud, and Hudson looked very good in spot duty.

If we upgrade the right tackle, we have a perfectly good line. If we upgrade right tackle and left guard, we have a potentially great line.

by MtHammer on Feb 20, 2012 6:54 PM CST up reply actions

We do not have a line

If we upgrade the right tackle, we have a perfectly good line. If we upgrade right tackle and left guard, we have a potentially great line.

Pretty sure before doing those things, it means we don’t have a line. Line first, then upgrade the QB.

by Steve_in_RI on Feb 20, 2012 7:49 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

I'm sure one will fall out of the sky just as soon as we upgrade the line.

Everyone knows it is much easier to find a franchise quarterback than offensive linemen.

by Mr.Pibbs on Feb 20, 2012 8:22 PM CST up reply actions

Ask Trent Green what a line can do

because he was so awesome everywhere else.

by Steve_in_RI on Feb 21, 2012 9:30 AM CST up reply actions

I wish to god we still had that line

as a matter of fact, i wish we had that team. Ok, maybe not the defense, but in 2003 when i was in 3rd grade living in Olathe, everyone at school was doing the worm and the tomahawk chop. The Chiefs were Super Bowl favorites. It was magic, and I want it back, and for more than just one season.
:(

by GOKC1024 on Feb 21, 2012 2:05 PM CST up reply actions

welcome to arrowhead pride fellow newbie.

This place is cool for chiefs info I been here along time ago just never signed up. guess we would be in the same graduating class if arrowhead pride had one.

by chad unit on Feb 20, 2012 7:32 PM CST reply actions

Haha yep, I guess so

Do you live near K.C.?

by GOKC1024 on Feb 20, 2012 8:27 PM CST up reply actions

I too would be in the same class

Its like we’re connected

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Feb 21, 2012 4:28 PM CST up reply actions

great post

I think we just need to sign FA OL trade up in the draft and take RG3 to get what we are really missing a QB to throw to all the weapons we have when JC isn’t running the ball up and down the field although I do like the sound of Trent and JC so nasty I agree don’t see it happening and like you said I have kinda have a mind set that the chiefs already picked Decastro even tho I do not mind that pick saying he is getting rave reviews what do you think?

by kcchiefs2782 on Feb 20, 2012 10:47 PM CST via Android app reply actions

Honestly,

I would flip my lid if the Chiefs got RG3, but i think that teams like Washington, Cleveland, and Miami are already talking about how they can make sure that won’t happen. Odds are, we draft DeCastro, whos a big upgrade on the O-line but still, not RG3.

by GOKC1024 on Feb 21, 2012 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

ya I agree I think we are the best team that can afford to move up for him

we are id say better off right now then the other teams in the running for RG3 and it would hurt us the least by giving up that many draft picks it would hurt those other teams on the other hand so how even it unfolds it sure will be interesting hope to see kc make an attempt atleast for RG3

by kcchiefs2782 on Feb 21, 2012 3:08 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

Word on the street is...

If Flynn hits free agency, Miami is picking him up. Done deal. Also, say Washington or Cleveland signs Peyton Manning. Now look at the competition for RGIII

Dexter McCluster

by DrewPorter on Feb 21, 2012 4:31 PM CST up reply actions

I'm not saying it won't happen.

But, it’s a little bit early to be calling it a done deal. There were some “done deals” last free agency that never materialized.

by Jaywalk3r on Feb 21, 2012 4:49 PM CST up reply actions

that's what I'm saying the teams in the run for RG3 can really get mixed up here in the next month

by kcchiefs2782 on Feb 22, 2012 12:06 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

KC can sign all the guys they want

It isn’t going to matter if they don’t get a franchise QB

'' if you’re expecting something to look real fancy or nice, I don’t think that’s what you’re going to see here with this Chiefs team'', Todd Haley

Aint that the truth

by saints_chiefsfan1979 on Feb 20, 2012 11:13 PM CST reply actions

They can sign whatever quarterback they want.

It isn’t going to help if they don’t improve the O-line. (Improving the O-line will likely improve even Cassel’s quarterback play, though.)

by Jaywalk3r on Feb 20, 2012 11:33 PM CST up reply actions

I have to agree

with that statement. I dont care how good of an arm you have, without some decent protection, your stats will fall. And in the case of Cassel, who doesn’t have a great arm, with a good interior line, he does a pretty damn good job of faking it. 2010 showed us that.

by GOKC1024 on Feb 21, 2012 2:00 PM CST up reply actions

As long as the guy can throw

Cassel was just awful,….awful… Palko should return to the land of Noodledom

by tomachop on Feb 21, 2012 2:05 AM CST reply actions

Cassel seems to oscillate around average.

One season he’ll be a little above average, the next he’ll be a little below average, etc. With any luck, that pattern will continue if he starts in KC this year.

by Jaywalk3r on Feb 21, 2012 2:20 AM CST up reply actions

Replace #7 and a couple tackles (DT and RT) and i think were in the playoffs making a strong run baring injuries.

" The world is Yours"

by Jeremy Daniel on Feb 21, 2012 2:24 PM CST reply actions

Our defense is not that far from being elite.

I would consider being a top five defense as being elite. That means our defense will have to slide up six or seven notches to be truly elite for the coming season. Our offense is a long, long way from being elite. The offense has a few good pieces in place but can’t score any points. In order to be a “good” offense and be looking at rolling into the playoffs you should be averaging around 21 points per game. We are nowhere near that and don’t look to be anywhere near that for the foreseeable future.

"The Hammer"

by G.L. on Feb 21, 2012 2:48 PM CST reply actions