Arrowhead Pride

Cottam is a Beast

PVChiefsfan — Sat, 17 May 2008 04:12:24 -0000

I knew the guy was huge, and I knew he could run block, but the freak ran a 4.68 second 40 yd.dash at the combine!

Check it out - here

Are you kidding me? That's probably almost as fast as LJ is now, and Cottam weighs what, like 280? Ridiculous...I think this kid will be great.

They also have his vertical leap, but I don't think you ever get to see the number (but I think you can hear a guy say something about "eleven" ! )

(and did you notice the ticker on the video that had brandon flowers as Mayock's number 7 overall player?)

Its almost here guys!

Lanier63 — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:02:38 -0000

2008 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Dates Set

May 16, 2008, 2:07:17 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Friday that dates have been set for the club’s training camp at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. The Chiefs have called UW-River Falls their training camp home since ‘91 and will return to Western Wisconsin for the 18th consecutive year in 2008.

The Chiefs will depart for River Falls on Thursday, July 24th with the first day of practice scheduled for Friday, July 25th. Kansas City will hold a joint practice session with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, July 31st at UW-River Falls. Family Fun Night is scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd. The Chiefs will open their 2008 preseason schedule with a contest at Chicago on Thursday, August 7th. The club is currently scheduled tol break camp and return to Kansas City on Friday, August 15th.

Kansas City continues its 2008 preseason schedule when the club hosts Arizona on Saturday, August 16th, a match-up that serves as the Chiefs Charity Game. The Chiefs will travel to Miami for a contest against the Dolphins on Saturday, August 23rd. Kansas City closes out the preseason schedule with a Governor’s Cup match-up vs. St. Louis on Thursday, August 28th.

More information on specific practice times, dates and policies for training camp will be announced at a later date. All dates and times are subject to change.

Top 32 Prospects for 2009

Direckshun — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:52:17 -0000

This team is far from built, folks. Here is Scout.com's projected first rounders in 2009. Tell me who you like.

NOTE: There are still a few players that could enter into this mix over the next day or so as the early entrants are finalized. This could quickly change.
1. Tim Tebow, QB Florida (Jr.)
Think Alex Smith with talent. Tebow seems like the type who'll want to stay for all four years, but 2009 projects to be among the worst quarterback drafts in a long, long time making the bulldozing lefty a hot prospect. He has the size, the passing accuracy, the mobility, and the makeup to become a franchise-shaper.

2. Tyson Jackson, DE LSU
Call this a bit of an out-on-a-limb projection considering Jackson probably would've been a second rounder if he came out early. At 6-5 and 290 pounds, he's an end who's built like a tackle, but he has to come up with a better year to grow into an elite of the elite pick. No, he's not a speed rusher, but JaMarcus Russell wasn't a Vince Young-like runner, either. In other words, sometimes, the freak of nature specimen aspect overshadows everything else.

3. Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB Ohio State (Jr.)
With size, breakaway speed, and toughness between the tackles, Beanie is a do-it-all back who can be a 25-carry NFL franchise builder. With the talent coming back on the Buckeye line, only injuries will keep Wells from being deep in the hunt for the Heisman.

4. Rey Maualuga, LB USC
In a strange way, Maualuga might have been the top linebacker taken in the 2008 draft, but he might have been the least ready of all the top prospects. He can move, he can hit, and, well, he can really, really hit. He's a top inside defender to potentially build a defense around.

5. James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State
There's no doubt he would've been a top 15, maybe top ten pick had he come out early. It'll be interesting to see if there's a little bit of a backlash considering how much great press he's received over the last few years, or if he'll turn into A.J. Hawk as far as national respect. He can put up big numbers, but he has to be better against the pass and not make so many plays ten yards down the field against the run.

6. Andre Smith, OT Alabama (Jr.)
He was almost everyone's No. 1 high school recruit in 2006 and he proved to be up to the hype. 6-5, 350-pound tackles who can move and can handle speed rushers are extremely rare.

7. Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State
He likely would've been the first corner taken in the 2008 draft with a combination of safety size and blazing speed. Better against big or fast receivers, he has to prove in his senior year that he can lock down against the small, quick types. Tackling isn't an issue.

8. Michael Oher, OT Ole Miss
He declared himself eligible for the 2008 NFL draft after being projected as a mid-first to early second round choice, and he almost certainly would've gone in the top 20. By returning, he'll solidify himself as one of the top picks and possibly the first offensive lineman taken if he can improve on his all-around technique. He's good now, but he could use the seasoning even with 34 games of starting experience.

9. George Selvie, DE South Florida (Jr.)
The pass rushing terror has to bulk up a bit, be more consistent, and be even bigger in the big games. He has to use this year to prove he can dominate no matter who's blocking him and no matter what the situation is. He can't disappear as often as he did at times late in 2007.

10. Greg Hardy, DE Ole Miss (Jr.)
An unstoppable pass rushing machine who ripped apart Alabama and came up with two sacks against LSU, but off-the-field issues kept him out of a key game against Auburn. He still needs polish on his technique and he still needs to show he can be the main man with the spotlight on, but the former basketball player has the tools to be a terror at the next level.

11. C.J. Spiller, RB Clemson (Jr.)
With James Davis out of the picture, the Tiger running game will be all about the one-time super-recruit who has shown flashes of greatness over his first two seasons. While he's not huge, he has great pop and breakaway speed once he gets through the line.

12. Ciron Black, OT LSU (Jr.)
Black got a little bit of all-star recognition in 2007, but he should be on everyone's radar going into 2008. He made a name for himself as a freshman protecting JaMarcus Russell, and now he's ready to shoot up the draft charts with his size and feet.

13. Brian Cushing, LB USC
Injuries kept him from having a huge 2007, but with his all-around game and his potential to be effective in any scheme at any outside position, he'll be a lock to be a top 30 pick. He won't have the "wow" factor of Rey Maulaluga or James Laurinaitis, but the NFL scouts will love him.

14. Taylor Mays, S USC (Jr.)
At 6-4 and 225 pounds, Mays hits like a linebacker and is as fast as any Trojan. He's been a playmaker from day one, especially against the run, and now he has to show he can do a bit more when the ball is in the air to solidify a spot in the top 20.

15. Duke Robinson, OG Oklahoma
A big, pounding run blocker who has helped make the OU running game go as much as the star backs plowing behind him. Consistency is a bit of an issue and pass protection will definitely be worked on in his senior year. His run blocking alone should make him one of the first linemen taken.

16. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Maryland (Jr.)
Fast, fast, fast. At 6-2 and likely to be a solid 210 by 2009 draft time, and with the best wheels in the draft, or at least in the top five overall, he'll have all the measurables to go along with the polish from another year.

17. Greg Middleton, DE Indiana (Jr.)
The nation's sack leader with 16, getting to the quarterback isn't a problem. At 270 pounds, his size makes him a dangerous all-around defender who can play in a 3-4 or a 4-3.

18. Myron Rolle, S Florida State (Jr.)
This might be way too low. The prototype of an NFL safety, he's one of the nation's most intimidating hitters with great size and strength. He needs to make a few more plays with the ball in the air and has to be more of a difference maker, but all the tools are there.

19. Percy Harvin, WR Florida (Jr.)
He might not be a pure wide receiver at an NFL level, but he's an elite playmaker no matter how he gets the ball in his hands. No, he's not going to be a No. 1 target for anyone, but he'll be a fun toy for some creative offensive coordinator to play with.

20. Marcus Freeman, LB Ohio State
He overcame an knee injury early in his career to be a top tackler next to James Laurinaitis. At 245 pounds, he has the size to play inside, but he's an outside defender at the next level with the speed and quickness to get into the backfield on a regular basis.

21. Alex Boone, OT Ohio State
Boone could've been gone after this year and would've been a top 50 pick, and now he's almost certain to go in the first round. The 6-8, 325-pound star of the line has the feet to stay with the speed defenders and the size to dominate in the ground game.

22. Sean Lee, LB Penn State
The next in line after Paul Pozluszny and Dan Connor, Lee might be more versatile than Connor and more athletic then Poz. He's a natural outside defender who should see more time in the middle this year, but he'll probably move back out at the next level.

23. Herman Johnson, G LSU
As long as the weight is kept in check, and he's around 330 to 340 and doesn't balloon back up to around 370, he'll be among the first linemen taken. A crushing run blocker, he has surprising athleticism for a player of his size.

24. Cornelius Ingram, TE Florida
Is he a big wide receiver or a small tight end? That was enough of a question to reverse and earlier decision and come back for his senior year. If he can bulk up a bit and if he can continue to grow as a receiver, after catching 34 passes for 508 yards and seven scores, he'll be a dangerous weapon.

25. Phil Loadholt, OT Oklahoma
On sheer size, Loadholt will warrant late-first round consideration. If he times well and shows good agility at the Combines, he could move into the top 15.

26. Mike Mickens, CB Cincinnati
The raw speed makes him an intriguing prospect, but size might be a problem at 6-0 and around 165 pounds. Even with his slight frame, he's a tough tackler who's not afraid to throw his body around.

27. Travis Beckum, TE Wisconsin
There's no questioning his route running ability, his speed, or his receiving skills, but he needed to come back to hit the weights, get bigger, and become a better blocker on the line.

28. Vontae Davis, CB Illinois (Jr.)
The rare blow-him-up hitting corner, Davis hits like a ton of bricks, and while his coverage skills still need improving, he has the athleticism to go along with the tackling ability to grow into an intriguing pick.

29. Sen'Derrick Marks, DT Auburn (Jr.)
While he's not a huge run stuffer, he's an ultra-athletic interior pass rusher who should be the best of a projected lousy lot of defensive tackles. This might end up being way, way too low if he turns into the star of the Tiger front line like he's supposed to.

30. Alex Mack, C California
Centers don't exactly fly off the board in the first 50 picks, but Mack should be the exception. He's quick on the move, tough against the best of tackles in pass protection, and a fantastic leader, he has it all. With his size and strength, he could play any position on the line with a little bit of work.

31. Darry Beckwith, LB LSU
A star recruit a few years ago, Beckwith played up to expectations proving he could play inside or out. With 230-pound size and versatility, he should fit in with just about any scheme.

32. Brandon Spikes, LB Florida (Jr.)
This might be way too low as he has top 15 potential if he has a big junior year. At 6-3 and 241 pounds, he has good size, sideline-to-sideline range, and excellent strength with the physical ability of a defensive end.

Herm Edwards on the cutting edge of NFL Offense?????

ChiefDJ — Thu, 15 May 2008 22:47:20 -0000

Article from NFL.com. Here is a snippet of the article

Will bigger be better?

As we continue to see defenses get faster and more athletic to handle all the matchup problems offenses throw at them, perhaps it is time for offenses to try a different tact. The trend is to use 230-pound middle linebackers who can get to the deep middle, 250-pound defensive ends who are best known as pass rushers, safeties with corner skills who are a bit undersized from the old-school 6-foot-2, 225-pounder, in-the-box strong safeties, weakside backers who are converted safeties, and extra defensive back packages based on down and distance. The defenses did what they had to do -- build units based on speed.

Marc Serota / Getty Images

Don't be surprised to see new Dolphins boss Bill Parcells mold his team's offense into a jumbo unit that can bully undersized defenses.

I get the feeling that a few offensive coordinators are starting to see a new opportunity emerging from these defensive tactics.

It was suggested to me that a few teams may be considering an old-fashioned offensive mentality that might be more from the Vince Lombardi school than the spread offense of 2007. It just might be time to send two big in-line tight end types out on to the field with a big old-fashioned fullback and a power runner. It might just be time to punch these quick defenses right in the nose with some smash-mouth power football.

One coach told me his team's divisional opponents dictate this switch -- tighten the line splits down so quick defensive linemen can't penetrate a gap, and roll a short-yardage philosophy out in the middle of the field.

It's still in the formative stages, but here's the plan as I understand it: Force the undersized weak linebacker to play on the line of scrimmage; make the hybrid safety play in the box, make the undersized pass rusher play over the offensive tackle with a tight end able to block down on him and send a fullback, who is bigger than the middle linebacker, right at him. It might not be exciting football but it would be a very interesting way to attack speed defenses.

Later in the article Kirwan talks about the potential of the Miami Dolphins as an example of a team that could benefit from doing this, mainly because Bill Parcells is an old school guy and a celebrity.

But does it not sound like the writer was sitting at a bar with Herm Edwards and Chan Gailey and listening to them talk about what the Chiefs offense was going to be like from now on? I mean, Herm has been preaching the power running offense since he got here and finally has an Offensive Coordinator in Chan Gailey (I think Chan is Herms soulmate) that is smart enough to make it work.

I mean, look at that last paragraph and think about Herm on the Red Zone show with Soren Petro from a few weeks ago where he was talking about how

Devard Darling's background

pleaseblock — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:28:31 -0000

I just read that Devaughn Darling, Devard Darling's twin brother (and teammate at Florida State University), passed away in 2001 due to complications from sickle cell anemia. You can read more about this at the following links:

http://www.asonefoundation.org/

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/pac10/2002-07-30-focus-darling_x.htm

After Devaughn passed away, Devard transferred to Washington State. This entire experience must have been pretty tough for him. Although I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, this experience may have provided him with additional inner fortitude. Of course all of this transcends football and I am a little embarrased to focus on the football component. Nonetheless, this information may be relevant for forecasting what type of player he may become. (My apologies if this story was already discussed on this site.)

New Rule Limiting Roster Size Hurts Kansas City Chiefs

primetime 07 — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:20:26 -0000

The elimination of NFL Europe resulted in a rule change limiting the amount of players that can be invited to training camp.

NFL Europe provided roster exemptions for teams during training camp. These exemptions would allow teams to carry rosters with 90+ players to training camp. This extra roster space allowed teams to carry multiple kickers, punters and even long snappers.

For a team like the Kansas City Chiefs with a lot of holes to fill, this training camp roster reduction will hurt.

The talent pool that will be affected the most by this is undrafted free agents. Teams sign anywhere from 5 to 25 UDFAs in hopes that they'll find a diamond in the rough. Players like Priest Holmes of Tyron Brackenridge may have never been given the opportunity to compete for a spot if the team were to have to cut certain positions on the training camp roster.

The NFL's new numbers game limits the talent pool available to teams, thus downgrading the level of overall talent in the league. Why doesn't the NFL want to give teams a better chance at putting the best possible product on the field?

These UDFAs generally go from team to team, providing depth but also providing fresh bodies during practice. If a team now has to carry one less wide receiver, then that's valuable rest time taken away from a veteran during camp. And withdrawing down time for veterans during camp can only increase injuries.

And the cycle continues. A few more bumps and bruises to the veterans will necessitate more depth as the season goes on. But, in certain situations, (because of this rule) that depth simply isn't there.

This is causing certain coaches to change the way they conduct practices. Limiting the talent pool doesn't make sense from any stand point.

Barry Richardson

dkugler838 — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:14:35 -0000

Ok so with all the talk about Branden Albert, I wanted to chime in and say some things about B Rich (yes I went there). Early on in the 2008 draft season I had my eye on Richardson for reasons I cannot describe. I think it was because I saw him on a few mock drafts being taken as high as Round 2 and remember hearing the name so I looked at him a bit. We all know his stats (6'7", 330, mobile, light feet, etc) and we know he has had focus issues (once asked during the middle of a game why the team couldn't see a movie the night before) and the lack of a killer instinct, but I am wondering if there were other reasons why he fell to us in Round 6.

Preseason first-team All-American according to Playboy (2007); preseason first-team All-American by Lindy's and Athlon...#4 offensive tackle in the nation by Lindy's and #45 player overall...#3 player regardless of position in the ACC by Lindy's...preseason third-team All-American by Street & Smith...preseason first-team All-ACC by Street & Smith...preseason All-America candidate, and candidate for the Lombardi and Outland Trophies in 2007...listed on the 2007 Football Writers Association preseason All-America checklist......Held future #1 overall pick Mario Williams without a sack in '05...Classic case of a prospect who "Looks like Tarzan, Plays Like Jane"...Has all the physical tools you look for but is an underachiever...Could be a steal if some coach can get him to be more nasty but it's difficult to change a guys demeanor and personality.

With all of this known (project and all) - wouldn't the though of a big contract, Chan Gailey's run oriented offense, and a player's coach in Herm fire this guy up enough to be a great NFL tackle? What are your thoughts?

An Absolute Shame

Lanier63 — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:51:16 -0000

Pro Athletes as role models? I don't think so, those days are long gone. Gone are the days of Johnny Unitus and Bart Starr, Bronko Nagurski and Ray Nitschke, Otto Graham and Paul Hornung and yes Willie Lanier.

I write this because of what I saw this this morning. Every morning I look at the ESPN.com site just to glance at stories that might be of interest to me, especially any new news on the Chiefs. What I saw this morning probably isn't different from any morning the past few years, I just paid more attention I guess. Four of the nine top headlines dealt with Football and crime. What an absolute shame for Children everywhere to have to deal with this on a sports website.

Let me explain that last comment. I believe all children should be raised in a worldly fashion meaning they should know what is going on in the world, especially the City and neighborhood they are growing up in. But the one place they should be able to get a break is on a sports page. A place where they can just be kids and dream one day of possibly becoming the next superstar athlete one day. A place many of us probably had asperations at one time also. A place, to borrow the phrase, of Baseball and Apple pie. A place where dreams are made of.

I apologize for bringing this up, but sometimes you just have to have a place to vent about things.

ESPNEWS Headlines

Training Camp

TheBigGlenndorsement — Mon, 12 May 2008 01:34:39 -0000

I don't know about you guys but we are in a really dry part of the off season and nothing is going down. Its really unsatisfying check all my usual websites everyday to find nothing. Im considering going to training camp but it depends when it is. Has anyone ever been and could you tell me what its like? Does anyone know when it is yet? If anyone finds out when training camp is will you let me know. I'd appreciate it.

Moving Pollard

twall — Sun, 11 May 2008 18:36:12 -0000

What about moving Bernard Pollard to the OLB position in 09. Donnie Edwards is getting old, and Napolean Harris wasn't very productive last season. I think for 09, we move Derrik Johnson to the Middle Linebacker position, Demario, Williams, take over Donie Edwards spot, and then move Pollard to the OLB position.

Pollard as been a bit of a disappointment for me. He tears it up on special teams, having three blocked punts, in his two seasons, but I don't think he can play at the Saftey Position at this level. He is one of the biggest safties in the NFL, and he his a very hard hitter, so why not move him into the linebacking unit.

I think Dejaun Morgan will start over Pollard, in the last few games of he season. He is a very athletic saftey, and some say that he was the second best safety in the draft. We can't leave out Pig Brown, he was probablly an early round pick before his injury. He had great awarness for the ball, and he was a very smart player, don't be surprised if he gets some playing time.

That's just my thought for Pollard in the future.

Koren Robinson(WR) in KC?

chiefsfan1384 — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:21:14 -0000

There are reports that Kansas City is interested in Koren Robinson who was recently cut by the Green Bay Packers today. Robinson was the 9th overall pick in the 2001 draft. His numbers have dropped considerably since his 2002 season when he had 78 receptions for 1240 yards. Last year he had 21 rec for 241 yards in 9 games.

What do you guys think? Should we aggressively go after him? The Raiders are also interested as well according to reports.

Tyron Brackenridge in surgery after bar fight

ChiefDJ — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:50:18 -0000

Was listening to 610AM this afternoon and they said that CB Tyron Brackenridge was having surgery on his jaw today after getting into an altercation at a nightclub called "Envy".

Reportedly he was with several other Kansas City Chiefs players when they began being harrassed by another group. Brackenridge was punched in the face, causing unknown injuries to his jaw. The story so far is that the Chiefs players were essentially jumped by the other group and were doing nothing wrong.

No arrests have been made and the police have said they have no intention of arresting any Chiefs players at this time. Will post more as I find it.

As Herm (and my mom) always says "Nothing good ever happens after midnight.".

Mark my words: Brian Johnston is going to be a steal.

PVChiefsfan — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:24:56 -0000

Since most "experts" graded our 2008 draft very well precisely BECAUSE we went for value over need, I thought it was interesting that Scott Wright, gave us an A-, mostly because we largely ignored need, especially in the third round...It is a good article, and this paragraph caught my eye -

"In the weeks leading up to the draft I touted Gardner-Webb defensive end Brian Johnston as one of the most underrated players in the draft and said on many occasions that he could turn out to be the next Jared Allen. Well low and behold look who goes and picks him in the seventh round but the Kansas City Chiefs. I absolutely love the Johnston pick for Kansas City and in my mind he was a late 3rd or early 4th round value. The guy was dominant at his level, has good size, worked out well and performed well in the Hula Bowl. What more do you want??? Mark my words: Brian Johnston is going to be a steal."

Thoughts on our third round picks? Personally, the third round might have been my favorite, as it showed that the Chiefs are definitely attempting to build a team that will be competitive long-term.

Who will be the Chiefs Best Pass Rusher?

chiefsfanforlife — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:18:47 -0000

Alright, So who is going to be our sack leader next year? What are your predictions for each player? Here's a little breakdown for you

Everyone is raving about Glen Dorsey, And I'm definitely not saying that he will not be a premier DT for Chiefs. However, how many sacks do DT's actually get? The leading DT sack leader last year was Arizona's Darnell Dockett with 9 sacks, behind 13 DE's! The leading rookie DT was Amobi Akoye with 5.5.

Just in case you were wondering, Ron edwars had 3 sacks. And Tank... let's not go there.

Okay, so we know that DT's normally don't register too high with the sack totals, that's not what their main goal is. They are supposed to get double-teamed and free up the DE's right? Let's look at our DE's last year.

Tamba Hali had 8 last year. However, there were two factors which no longer exist. First, he had foot injuries which should be fully healed during the offseason. Second, and this is more important, Jared Allen is not getting double-teamed anymore. Well, sure, maybe in Minnesota, but not here. Don't be suprised if Tamba starts getting four hands grabbing at his jersey instead of two. In the end, with another year of experience and no more injuries, even with the double-team he still might have a better season than last year.

Alright, our problem area. Actually, this might not be too bad, especially if we rotate fresh bodies regularly. However, Wilkerson had .5 sacks, Turk and Boone had 1 sack each. Of course they were only playing usually when Hali or Allen needed a breather and they mostly put in on running situations, so hopefully they will combine for more than 2.5 sacks next year.

Our LB's (Edwards, Johnson, and Harris) combined for 8 sacks last year. I love DJ and I think he is our best pass rushing LB, but for some reason Gunther doesn't think so highly of him. Maybe I'm wrong, but in this senior highlight reel I see alot of blitzing

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PQCiEhbwxwo

Then again, I also like Demorrio Williams, especially after watching this,

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6VMiCgoyed0

Who is our best pass rusher? How many sacks will he have? How many sacks will our team have? I guess we will find out next year.

3-4? does it fit the chiefs?

kcisbetterthanstlateverything — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:02:38 -0000

From the FanPosts. We'll replace the morning update with this. Enjoy. -Chris

so, looking at the chiefs defensive roster, a few things jump out at me. we have gotten some help on the interior DL w/ dorsey. we have become weak at end losing jared allen. we added athleticism and pass-rushing ability (ask nebraska fans, don't consult nfl stats) with the addition of demorrio williams at LB. and we have replaced ty law w/ a youthful multi-coverage first-round talent CB in flowers. so what does this personnel lend itself to? the 3-4. hear me out.

DL:

Hali: Always considered more than a pass rusher. But teams routinely ran at him in 2007. Hopefully his foot injury was a fluke and he can return to rookie form or better in 2008. If he doesn't, it will be a terrible season for the chiefs. He also may have always been a 3-4 end in making.

Dorsey: Consensus best pick in the draft. He has been most compared to Warren Sapp (Herm was an assistant on that defensive staff). Let's hope everyone is right and this guy can immediately dominate opposing lines. In many schemes this guy is the cornerstone, and this can't be more true in the cover 2. I'll get to the 3-4 in a second.

Boone/Edwards/etc.: These guys are role players that are bottom-feeders in the NFL DL rotation. Sure, they will succeed, but none of these guys can contribute to the pass rush w/o killing run-stopping, or the other way around. I hate this DE situation for a 4-3...and this is why we need a shift.

Conclusion: We have the talent at linebacker and in the secondary to change schemes.

LB (the best position group on the team)

Edwards: The veteran leadership and expertise. He is the class of our defense and, arguably, the league. This guy can play OLB, ILB, probably DE if we needed it. But we are apparently attempting to move him back to the middle to remove Napoleon Harris, whom I'll get to in a minute. But Donnie is a great player mostly out of instinct. It doesn't take a real football expert or statistician to see his best and most productive years came as an inside linebacker in san diego's 3-4. He played this role to near perfection, and i think we may need it out of him again due to our dearth of talent on the DL. He CAN and WOULD succeed in any system we put him in.

DJ: Athleticism has never been questioned. He also is a prototype Will LB. He is not much for rushing the passer straight up, but he can be an effective blitzer and run-stopper. He is a freestyle player best-suited for a freestyle system, not a disciplined cover-2 style. The classic OLB role would work for him, but a 3-4 might work better. He might be the guy consistently in coverage, but he has proven a good run-stopper and penetrator. He also has the athleticism to make up for any pressure-lapses from the front 7 w/ his coverage. Screams Derrick Brooks to me, if we can ever muster the rest of the defensive talent.

Harris: There could never be a bigger challenge to your job than an employer hiring someone for another job and moving that person occupying that position to yours. That said, Harris did not do all that poorly last season. Problem is, he didn't do well either. Maybe there is a gray area here...mix schemes to get your best players on the field. I think Harris fits this group and would be benefited by the move. While it's true he wouldn't hold up in the Jeremiah Trotter big 3-4 ILB mold, he has the athleticism to at least make it worthwhile. Donnie Edwards will help him, and If Glen Dorsey is THE MAN, this move makes a ton of sense.

Williams: A small LB. He has outstanding speed but limited experience in pass-rushing. He was used as a coverage linebacker, something he excelled at. Our problem is that we have one of those, DJ. In college, Williams was an excellent stand-up pass rusher. This makes him an ideal transition LB for the 3-4. The only thing i'm concerned w/ him about is his size.

Surtain: Elder statesman and overpaid FA signing. He is still a good cornerback, and i think people lose sight of this. He isn't playing the position the way he did in Miami, when he was a lockdown man corner. To be fair, this has taken some of the aggressiveness out of him that made him an all-pro player. But also, he has not played up to the standards we held for him. He will at worst be a league average corner next year, but that would be a problem, b/c he is the best we have at this position.

Flowers: I love everything I've heard about him, and he tackles well from what little I've seen. He also seems to have played a lot of different coverages in college and has good ball skills. If he likes Beamer-Ball and is the video rat i hear about, he will be fine and could be a steal. If he busts, I'll be stunned.

Patterson/Brackenridge: Hope you make the roster. Herm certainly loves you. As for actual field skills, a lot remains to be seen.

Carr: This guy could be a total steal. But until we hear how he does in camps, he is still just a rookie w/ lesser-college experience. I hope he competes for a top job, but he is a total unknown here, w/ a reputation that certainly exceeds what we know of him.

Page: Pure ball hawk. This guy seems to be a playmaker, on the good and bad side. He can end games with picks or missed tackles. That said, I do think he is developing well and will be a productive safety in the league for a long time. Certainly a serviceable starter for us.

Pollard: Some work needed, but overall a good player. Pollard is ideal for a cover 2 scheme in that he could kill any receiver over the middle at any time. He is a punishing hitter (overall tackling could use work). He also could use work in overall coverage discipline, and i think this will happen. He is a raw talent, and keeping the next guy around might help. But it might not....

Wesley: I wish we would have traded him last year before/after the houston game to start the year. He is washed up in my opinion. He has been beaten on blown coverages far too many times in his career to be considered a veteran help. He does have the reputation of a hitter that Pollard already has, but having that w/o considerable success does not help. Wesley is a ball hawk, and still a good player, but i think he is a hindrance and unnecessary player in our defensive development. I have not mentioned his spotty health record either. (Not that Pollard's is better)

Other S: I don't know anything about the other guys, other than McGraw is a special teams guy who should never see the field on defense. Additional depth at safety would help.

Analysis:

Our defensive personnel leads me to think we need a 3-4/4-3/cover-2 combo scheme that is probably more detailed than most teams care to get into. We are seriously weak at DE while deep at LB. This screams 3-4. The issue is whether or not that 3-4 group could consistently stop the run. I think it could if it is mixed in with 4-3 groups that include the bigger guys, including new DE boone (HA!). It would be a challenge, but i think it could work. the secondary would be afforded new coverage opportunities with additional coverage help w/ the LB, which would enormously benefit surtain by putting him in more man situations or mixed coverages, things he excels at.

I love the idea of the 3-4, and i think we could blitz more out of it to get pressure to account for the loss of Jared Allen. I just think we are at a huge disadvantage using the 4-3 version of the cover 2 w/o any kind of DE at one spot. Even if the coverage holds steady, the lack of a pass rush leads to holes in the zone and open receivers. We are better suited for a 3-4 setup for the front 7 to get whatever pressure we can. Mixed coverages and more detail can only help. Further substitutions in and out of the 3-4/4-3 schemes can only hinder, not help, opposing offenses attempting to prepare for us.

As any coach should, a coach should not apply a system to personnel that does not fit. Rather, a coach's personnel should steer his planning and coaching, especially in terms of systems and schemes. I know Herm is a big cover-2 guy, but the front 7 has pretty little to do with this. Even alternating or rotating which linebacker goes back in coverage in the tampa-2 can only confuse defenses. Other than that, i just think what i have suggested really could work and would be innovative, not for us, but for the league. Teams need to further detail and specify what systems and schemes work for certain personnel groups....not the other way around.

Deal or No Deal?

Lanier63 — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:18:10 -0000

Well I have to admit reading all of our posts since the Draft ended, I have had an idea that keeps coming up in my mind. Last year at this time the chances of anyone even believing Jared Allen would be traded before the 2007 season were actually ridiculous, although quite possibly better than this year. With all the veterans that have been cast away, the new theme is building through the Draft and that has come to fruition.

What keeps coming up in my mind is this scenario. We have a mediocre year, with a vast majority of improvement on both sides of the ball. Which would indicate that the right pieces are in fact in place to turn the organization around for good. With another solid draft in 2009 we could very well be back in the playoffs. If Jamaal Charles turns out to be what LJ came to be to Priest Holmes, we now have a new situation to ponder. Now comes the point of the post.

Larry Johnson will be in the third year of his contract and the hit to the cap could actually be worth it to trade him for draft picks again. So the question that I raise is this one:

If Jamaal Charles turns out to be the real deal and Kolby Smith is still a trustworthy backup, would it be worth entertaining trade scenarios for LJ with other teams for more Draft picks, the way the Jared Allen situation took place?

Herm gave us the sugar, lets make some red koolaid!

swift347 — Thu, 08 May 2008 19:06:19 -0000

After the dissapointing...Let's face it, sickening season last year Herm and King Carl have given us new hope. Well atleast they gave me new hope. The draft was rediculous, as far back as I can remember (granted I am only 26) I have never seen a draft that looks this good.

"On paper" this was the best draft in all of the nfl. Now they may have not filled all of the holes, but you can't argue that this team didn't immediatly improve overnight. Herm gave us a double dose of sugar with 12 outstanding picks. Lets start making the koolaid now and get behind these kids. We may not have a superbowl team yet.... Then again look at the Giants. You just never know.

We have a reasonable schedule, by far not the best, but it's not the worst. We will be getting LJ back with a vengeance, and he has 2 good backups so we don't have to worry about 416 carries again. D-Bowe should continue to be outstanding, and we gave him some help with Will Franklin. Will could benefit greatly from the heavy coverage of Gonzalez and D-Bowe, also a healthy and pissed LJ will relieve the pressure on the rookie from MIZ....ZOU!!! So I fully expect him to exceed his 4th round expectations.

Croyle.... I don't really want to think about that right now, but I guess I should address him as well. As everyone knows, I am as far from a Croyle fan as anyone could be. However, I'll take him on his word that he has been in the gym trying to bulk up, maybe he wont be such a wuss. But I believe he won't hinder the Chiefs too much. Gailey will use him correctly, and our revamped running game, and hopefully far improved O-line will make him "look" like a superstar. If not, there is always Thigpen? Seriously? I guess so, everyone is reporting that he is good enough to compete and possibly even take the job from Croyle. I guess you could look at that a couple ways, either Brody is that bad, or Thigpen is really that good. We'll see.

Defense! Oh yeahhh. I can't say that we are reviving the old steel curtain. But losing Jared Allen (still crying about that) was probably the best addition by subtraction scenario ever. Yeah, the Wild man was a force. But he had no help in the middle. Remember Hali led the team in sacks as a rookie (dont recall #) and to quote King Carl "You may recall a man by the name of Eric Hicks" who wasn't anywhere close to a Jared Allen, but benefited drastically by the inside presence of Chester McGlockton. Hali is much than Hicks, and I would venture to say that Chester couldn't hold up Dorsey's jock strap. Our line will be able to almost eliminate the run forcing the pass. Which is right where Herm wants them. Our secondary will be able to keep up this year since Law won't be there to fall down. We have a 1st round talent CB in Brandon Flowers who is probably the most NFL ready corner in the draft, and healthy but aging Surtain. Not to mention a pretty decent trio of safeties. I say trio because I don't know what is going on with Wesley, and with so many safeties on the roster I an not sure about McGraws future either. But with the ability to predict pass so often, I pity oppositing QB's. Sorry Christian, there is a new Nigerian Nightmare. Oh yeah, I think our linebackers might be pretty good too...

All I know is I have high expectations for this team. Everyone says were not ready yet. I say nonsense. Remember the Saints? Its not impossible. I won't say superbowl, but I am drinking the koolaid. And as Herm says 'Don't let anyone put poison in your koolaid". I will say 9-7 or 10-6. Enough to make it to the playoffs, and drop in the wild card. But the next year? SUPERBOWL or Bust.

Guess the Chiefs 2008 Record

Vince D — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:22:26 -0000

Here's how I see the year going down:

@New England - Loss. A win here would be fan-freaking-tastic, but I just don't see it happening.

Oakland - Win. I don't think the players they added are enough to make them a contending team this year. Plus it's the home opener.

@Atlanta - Win. I like what they did in the draft, but I just don't see it coming together for them. I think Matt Ryan will struggle as the starter this first season, but I think he'll be great someday.

Denver - Loss. I know the Chiefs typically do well at home, but I just think 2-2 sounds a lot more like the Chiefs than 3-1. I think Denver and KC will have similar W-L records this year.

@Carolina - Loss. The Panthers were an average 7-9 last year, but I like their draft this year, and this is a team that could be a contender this year. I think it will be a close game.

Bye Week

Tennessee - Win. This is a great team, don't get me wrong, but I think they are very vulnerable, and the Chiefs will be hungry for a win after the much-needed bye week.

@NYJ - Win. No way the Chiefs will let a victory slip through their fingers this time. I know Herm is probably just itching to beat these guys.

Tampa Bay - Loss. I'm not sure what to think of Tampa Bay. They're a good team, but I don't see them getting any better than they were last year... but I still think they'll beat the Chiefs, sadly.

@San Diego - Loss. I know, I want to win it too. I think the Chiefs will lose here and win against them at home. They always beat San Diego at least once.

New Orleans - Win. Only because I see them as a team similar to Carolina, and I am optimistic and think we will beat one or the other.

Buffalo Bills - Loss. I think the Bills will be in the playoffs this year.

@Oakland - Win. I just hate Oakland.

@Denver - Loss. It will be close though.

San Diego - Win. We almost always find a way to win at least once per season.

Miami - Win. I like what they did in the draft A LOT, but they are going to be young and inexperienced like us, and I think we have the edge.

@Cincinnati - Win. I don't like Cincinnati at all, and I can just see them crumbling at the end of the year.

Record: 9-7, but not in the playoffs. I think Denver will probably get a wild card and screw us out of that. But still, a respectable finish for a rebuilding team. What are your thoughts?

Chris Henry in KC.

five_star_baller2 — Thu, 08 May 2008 01:01:38 -0000

Chris Henry is looking for work and KC's looking for a 2nd WR until our guy from MU (Will Franklin) is ready and then he'd be an excellent third option. We could sign him to a contract for 2 years 4-8 million with 0-500 thousand in garuntees and bonuses based on conduct and production.

Excerpt from ESPN "Henry believes he can be a productive player for someone next season. The 6-foot-4 receiver has shown good ability as a third target in Cincinnati. During last year's eight-game suspension, the Bengals were 2-6 without Henry and 5-3 with him in the lineup. In three seasons, he recorded 88 career receptions for 1,370 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Of course, much of Henry's future will depend on the way the judicial system plays out and how it looks in the eyes of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Being allowed to visit other teams is a good first step." James Walker ESPN

Poll

Should the Chiefs take a chance on Chris Henry?

Herm on Red Zone w/ Soren Petro

ChiefDJ — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:05:55 -0000

Head Coach Herm Edwards was on the Red Zone show with Soren Petro this afternoon and I thought I would pass along some tidbits:

Why Alfonso Boone at LDE: When asked why he is planning to put Boone at LDE instead of Turk, Herm replied that Turk WOULD be playing DE alot in passing situations. But he wants Boone at DE most of the time because Boone will be much better at stuffing the run on the right side where teams rush the majority of the time. When Soren replied that then teams would be passing and Boone wouldn't be able to apply enough pressure, Herm said (paraphrasing):

"Good. We want them to pass because then we have them right where we want them. Take away the run and they're playing right into our hand because when we know they're passing, we don't have to just rush four guys. We can rush five guys. We can rush six guys. If we can take away the run, we're the ones in control."

On drafting Jamaal Charles because he was BPA: While talking about the Chiefs strategy in the draft of taking the Best Player Available Herm says: "And then when you're in the third round and Jamaal Charles is still sitting there, I said "Are you kidding me?! We gotta get that guy!".

On drafting Morgan when they have Pollard & Page: Soren asked about why the Chiefs took the Safety DaJuan Morgan when they still had Pollard and Page and whether it meant that one of their jobs were in danger. Herm replied that those players are still in good standing but they wanted to have more safeties to rotate in and keep fresh. He indicated that on known passing downs they could use three safeties on the field at the same time.

On the possibility of turning Pollard into a Linebacker: Herm indicated they had not even considered changing Pollards position, but that they have always wanted to move him down in the box for run defense more but in the past they have not had the other pieces on the defense to be able to do that alot.

Guys Herm liked in the draft but didn't get: Herm said they really liked Antoine Cason, CB from Arizona, and thought he might fall to them but he was selected by San Diego in the late 1st round. He also really liked RB Jonathan Stewart from Oregon who he said would become a "complete back".

Where Herm thinks the Chiefs will be picking in next years draft: "Oh man, maybe mid 20s, early 20s. Somewhere around there."