A Different View Of The Chiefs Draft

We always welcome input from readers. Sometimes those posts catch our attention and they turn up here on the site. Here are the thoughts of Douglas Wymore. Enjoy.

Maybe the best way to analyze the Chief’s draft is look from the top down, instead of the bottom up, which is the more traditional method of building a team.

I think that is what Todd Haley wanted, and he got his way.

The traditional NFL model provides a hierarchy for draft picks that puts a premium on QB, LT, DE, CB, etc. Teams say that they build from the inside out, depending upon talent available. Good teams have traditionally found players through the draft, free agency, trades, and UFA’s.

The success of the last few Super Bowl winners and changes in the passing game show that there may be ways to accelerate the run to the championship, and a dominating play-making safety may be as necessary as a pass rushing defensive end. …Read More!

The Price Is Right

Santonio Holmes … for a 5^th-round pick? No, that didn’t sound fair.

Not for the guy that showed enough to be considered the obvious heir to Hines Ward in Pittsburgh; and neither for the man that performed a spectacular display of athletic ability — worthy of MVP honors — at the end of Super Bowl XLIII.

And yet … it is right.

Thanks to a move aimed to put a band-aid on the Steelers’ reputation as the banner franchise in the League, the team from Pennsylvania consolidated the balance of power even further in the Eastern side of the gridiron world by “giving away” the talented wide receiver to the New York Jets. The transaction virtually ensures that the Aerial Ones will represent a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming 2010 campaign and it surely sends the Men of Steel into the tailspin of having to deal with a cavity that until Monday, was completely fulfilled.

But more importantly, it reinforces one of the more important lessons that all of us (myself included, of course) should be abiding on a consistent basis: accountability for our actions. …Read More!

A Case For Sean Weatherspoon

We always like to hear from our readers and sometimes they even send comments we think everyone would like to read. That’s what Matt Verderame did and what follows are his thoughts on the player the Chiefs should grab with the fifth choice. If you can put together your thoughts as well as Matt, feel free to send them to info@bobgretz.com. No guarantees of being published, but don’t let that stop you should the muse tickle you.

Many draft experts talk about the value pick. Taking the best player available vs. a team’s biggest need is commonly discussed with the NFL draft. Also, there’s where a team picks (especially early on) dictates who they take. I think all that is overrated.

Every team in the NFL does scouting years in advance preparing for certain players in each draft. Most of the time these players coming out are assigned a value by men such as Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, and everyone goes along with it. With all due respect to these men who put months upon months of work into their craft, they aren’t NFL scouts. They also don’t follow every team as close as their respective fans because there just isn’t enough time in the day, so they aren’t as acutely aware of every team’s needs.

Many people are saying the Chiefs will draft OT Bryan Bulaga or S Eric Berry because that’s what “value” says. I propose a question: say after the Chiefs workout of LB Sean Weatherspoon they feel he is the best player in the draft at a position of need. If they feel he has more upside than say Rolando McClain, but McClain may be a safer, more fan friendly pick, what is Mr. Pioli to do? …Read More!

Warning Signs

With April Fools’ patiently lurking on the horizon, last week’s report that the Eagles were actually listening to trade offers for Donovan McNabb really appeared to be a season-themed joke. Armed with the perception that the 6-time Pro Bowler seemed well past the point of having to fear for his job security in the city of Brotherly Love, I gotta confess that such story initially rubbed me the wrong way.

Indeed, as a bad prank.

But once I learned that one of the teams interested in his availability was none other than the Oakland representative (and I have to give the benefit of the doubt on this matter to Jason LaCanfora and Adam Schefter simply because of their ties with the League-operated Network), the gag suddenly stopped being funny and started getting serious — mainly for one reason.

It sure made sense.

The start of the new League year (symbolized by the beginning of the free agency-period) brought along several changes in the AFC West. The release of RB LaDainian Tomlison marked the end of an era in San Diego; the signings of NT Jamal Williams, DE Jarvis Green, and DT/DE Justin Bannan can do nothing but fortify the already-skilled defensive unit of the Denver Broncos; and the acquisitions of RB Thomas Jones and OG Ryan Lilja emphatically placed the Kansas City Chiefs at the top of the off-season evaluation charts, for no better explanation that almost nobody expected the Chiefs to be able to entice these very consummated players into a situation where the expectations still reign supreme over the results accomplished.

And yet, it won’t stop there. …Read More!

A Final Word About Overtime Changes

I’m all for tasting different flavors. I really am.

Having said that, I still can’t digest what I had to swallow a week ago.

Last Tuesday, the NFL owners approved a series of changes in the regulations of playoff overtime that will unquestionably alter one of the legendary facets of the sport. A factor that cannot be found in the NFL rulebook nor its complementary guidelines, and that nonetheless, it is one of the most representative components for the unprecedented popularity of the game.

The thrill of uncertainty, that is.

Based on the argument of fairness (and seasoned with some spicy numbers), the owners decided to tweak the previous set of rules established for the eventual extra-periods of post-season play, by determining different scenarios to end those additional sessions. Without a doubt, the reminiscence of the ’10 NFC Championship Game between the Saints and the Vikings (where the Saints drove down the field in their first OT possession to set up the winning score) lingered heavily in the minds of the owners while they pondered this decision, and that decidedly propelled them to modify the past conditions.

And yet, I’m not sold on the new arrangements — and probably never will. Why? I’ll let the following do the explaining. …Read More!

Seven Step Drop: A Chiefs Off-Season Wish List

As a fan, I don’t ask for much. I just wanna see some signs.

And now, I’m starting to get a hold of them.

With the acquisition of RB Thomas Jones (left), the Chiefs settled an old score. Almost nobody remembers that back in the ’03 off-season (and before they selected Larry Johnson in that year’s Draft), the Kansas City decision-makers were genuinely interested in obtaining the one-time injury-prone Jones — then a member of the Arizona Cardinals — as an insurance policy/occasional reliever for Priest Holmes, after the latter suffered a season-ending injury at the end of the ’02 campaign (here’s the proof). It took seven years and three more teams in-between, but Jones will be finally dressed in red, white and gold to perform those same supporting duties in Kansas City; this time in favor of one Jamaal Charles.

The signing was indeed welcomed with open arms because it enhances the talent level of the ballclub; it surely makes up for some necessary depth along the running back position.

Much to everybody’s surprise — as destiny is truly an unpredictable force — the Chiefs could go 2-for-2 in gridiron amends by inking the recently-released OG Ryan Lilja to a contract. The local product was lost to Indianapolis prior to the ’04 season (after he was signed as an undrafted free agent) due to a roster gamble that went terribly sour. Time proved that leaving Lilja up for grabs was the wrong way to go, once we watched him become a fixture in the Colts’ O-Line all the way through his Indy tenure. Needless to say, a potential reunion could help to get rid of one off-season ghost that has now haunted the franchise for almost six years, and said scenario could provide some closure to this topic. But then again, that’s just wishful thinking.

As you could have figured out by now, I love the intangible sides of these tales. Why? Mainly because they help to conform the mythology within the game — and to me, that aspect cannot remain overlooked. However (and speaking in a realistic sense), neither one of such moves would be useful if they weren’t backed up by a pragmatic approach. There must be logic behind any of these proceedings in order to justify their execution. They have to embody a reaction to a specific stimulus; and simply put, they oughta respond to the fulfillment of a need. Exactly what the off-season is all about. …Read More!

Defining Moments

In the world of sports, few things have said so much with so little like the title “Miracle Mets“.

At least in my eyes, it always amazed me how that short an expression could contain a boatload of information. Baseball at its finest, Hall of Famers, a great ballclub, a scrappy one, an unexpected result, an extraordinary turnaround, controversy, and even subsequent rule changes (it’s true) are all condensed in two words that describe a unique story that has attained legendary status. That left me thinking a similar event could spawn a comparable result.

Therefore, on Sunday night, I found myself immersed in a self-inflicted quandary. As soon as the New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees took the last snap of Super Bowl XLIV with the intention of consummating the remarkable upset over Indianapolis Colts, I felt the need of conceiving a resounding headline of my own that could portray the newly-crowned Louisiana representatives. I couldn’t help it. The opportunity demanded so. Before the game clock synchronized its three zeros, I realized that I was witnessing the conclusion of yet another special happening (yes, getting the best of Peyton Manning at his apex was integrated in that idea) and I wanted to beat everybody to the punch. …Read More!

Good Riddance

It’s another double-header weekend for the NFL Playoffs this Saturday and Sunday. Remember back to the days when the Chiefs would be active in this round of the playoffs. Like in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 2003? Seems like a long time ago. Especially when we remember that it was 16 years ago today that the Chiefs won their last game in the playoffs. Think about that for a second … a child born on January 16, 1994 would be of age to have a driver’s license today. Incredible! Anyway, that victory over the Oilers is the subject for our man Enrique and I thought it was a good way to present the weekend.

In order to move forward, one has to confront the past – but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to adopt a belligerent stance when doing so. Sometimes, a nice remembrance is all it takes, and I’ll do my best to prove it.

For the last 16 years, I have kept the visual evidence of my biggest football recollection: the Chiefs playoff win over the then-Houston Oilers on Sunday, January 16, 1994. With time, there have been more special moments, places and players that have helped shape the history of the Kansas City franchise. But the memories of that glorious afternoon in Texas keep popping up. In hindsight, it’s only fitting; the magnitude of the stakes will do that to you.

From the nine sacks by the Chiefs’ D; to Willie Davis’ redemption; to Marcus Allen’s determination; crossing all to way to Keith Cash’s money performance, and ending with Joe Cool’s mastering of the seemingly insurmountable Buddy Ryan-led Houston defense, nothing that I’ve seen in the 20 years that I have followed the Chiefs has topped what was accomplished on that day. For the first time in 25 seasons, Kansas City earned a trip to the AFC Championship Game and that was reason enough to celebrate. …Read More!

A Parting Gift

As soon as the final whistle was blown in Denver, the Chiefs and the Broncos found each other headed to the same zip code – the off-season. To say their football calendars were filled with disappointing moments would be an understatement and both teams are aware that changes must be necessary if they want to improve. But compared with their Blue and Orange counterparts, the members of the Red and Gold already hold an advantage. In successfully completing the final leg of their schedule at Denver’s expense, the Chiefs pulled off their most important trick of the season:

They finished out their program on the highest possible note.

On Sunday, after going winless in Invesco Field in eight previous tries, the Chiefs not only defeated the Broncos they absolutely trounced them. For all the embarrassments that Kansas City had historically suffered in the Rockies due to its inability to stop the run, the team finally stood up to give the Broncos a taste of their own medicine. By exorcizing their demons, avenging the humiliating loss of a month ago and eliminating their bitter rivals from playoff contention the Arrowhead Ones hit a trifecta that will set them up for success in the near future.

That’s not an overstatement. …Read More!

Chiefs Ultimate Power Rankings Of The 2000s

(Editor’s note: Our man Enrique has outdone himself with his post on the most memorable games of the last decade for the Chiefs. Not only does he provide his thoughts on each game, but he’s linked each one to video of the game on YouTube. Just open the hyperlink on each entry and you’ll have video to watch with Enrique’s words. Happy New Year!)

Thanks to Dick Vermeil, on November 23rd, 2003 I was able to visit Arrowhead Stadium for the first time; and whatever things I heard before about the venue, were nothing compared to the actual experience of being there. From the streets to the offices, from the tailgates to the stands, and from the booths to the field, the happening went well beyond my expectations, and that truly constitutes my highlight of the decade.

Of course, it didn’t stop there. All in all, there were 203 games, pre-season, regular season and post-season. There were many wins … and there were too many losses. There were shining stars … and there were colossal busts. There were championship hopes … and there were rebuilding stops. What was the greatest feat? The Chiefs remained relevant. And that will do it … for now.

But the decade has come to an end, and as we get ready to tackle the next 10 years, we took one last look back to gather the compilation that will remind you of what was left behind only to be better prepared for the near future. Enjoy your Chiefs’ Ultimate Power Rankings Of The Decade: …Read More!

Pushed Aside

Last year I made my way through Kansas City for the Week No. 2 game between the Chiefs and the Raiders. I watched from the press box (alongside Bob) how the turmoil-filled, Lane Kiffin-led, Oakland squad punished the Chiefs’ D with 300 yards on the ground. I spent the waning seconds of the contest trying to convince myself that I had seen the worst thing of the day. Or so I thought.

Right around the time Bob was headed to the locker room I remained in the empty media area looking to gather one last panoramic glimpse of the Truman Sports Complex’s main jewel before I left, when all of a sudden, I spotted a couple of Raiders – still on the field well over 30 minutes after the final whistle – pulling some sort of Lambeau Leap with a small crowd of Oakland fans that stayed in the stands after the game. That scene alone was unusual enough to catch my attention, but when I turned around and saw Carl Peterson emerging in the luxury box next to my right, standing alone, and gazing at the whole spectacle with a distraught look on his face, I could get a clearer view of the whole picture.

Not against the Raiders … but mainly, not at our house. …Read More!

Out of Time

It’s not a matter of freelancing, bravery or absolute lunacy. It’s strictly a matter of feel.

Of course, only if you want it to be successful.

Week-in and week-out, there are countless in-game puzzles that a head coach must figure out in order to provide his team a healthy chance for a victory. From deciding which players will dress, to the mix of the play-calling, the man in charge gets caught up in the always demanding task of trying to install some order in the never-ending chaos that is a football game. For a beginner, the recurring highs and lows makes this assignment a difficult one. But if he’s willing to learn from the shortcomings, he will eventually attain a composure that will lead him to push the right buttons at the right moments.

And clearly, Todd Haley is not there. Yet.

As soon as Jamaal Charles was stopped at the Bills one-yard line during the first quarter of Sunday’s game, I knew the 4th-down gamble was about to be executed. And just as quickly as that first thought entered my mind, I found myself asking –make that, BEGGING– for Coach Haley to take the three points.

Why? Because I could see the outcome coming right before my eyes. …Read More!

It’s All Worth It

Since I started writing the Power Rankings column for this site, my routine goes as follows: from the moment the Chiefs wrap up their game, I take a bunker approach. I begin to gather all the information about the other contests around the league. That causes me to subtract myself from the outside world in order to deliver the piece as soon as possible — nothing can possibly distract me from such programming.

Except for days like yesterday.

What took place on Sunday is the kind of thing that happens only once with every successful change of culture, and you have to be alert in order to recognize it: Yes, the Chiefs grew right before our eyes. And it felt so good.

Of course, they didn’t win the Super Bowl, but they took one fundamental step to consider getting one. Pitted against the defending champions, the Chiefs not only won a game; they did a whole lot more than that. They showed that they can punch from the get-go; they demonstrated that they can come up with the timely turnover; they exhibited resilience in coming back from behind; they proved that there can be creativity at the doorway of danger; they displayed intensity while facing pressure; they imposed their will on the opponent; and the most important thing: they did it as a team. …Read More!

Role Models

My dad loved playing chess. Without a doubt, it was one of the most fascinating activities he ever enjoyed because he knew that in order to win, he had to try thinking like his opponent; he needed to figure out his rival’s strategy to be one step ahead and eventually come out on top.

As one might imagine, my brother and I relished being his challengers and we engaged in some good battles over the years. With time, my brother finally beat him. He was able to absorb his mindset and decipher his approach. I’ll never forget the expression on my father’s face when he did. He was beaming with pride.

At noon on Sunday, Todd Haley is going to face one more time the mindset of his father, materialized in the squad that constitutes his personal Mount Everest: the Pittsburgh Steelers. It will represent his most important instruction to date as a head coach because he’ll be fighting history.

The Steelers are the premier organization in professional football. They run a stable institution, they have a loyal and adoring fan base, and they will step onto the field of Arrowhead Stadium as the defending World Champions. No other team has hoisted six Lombardi trophies like the Men of Steal have.

Yes, the Men of Steal, you read that right. Why? Because they have unknowingly stolen the Chiefs’ soul. …Read More!

Mirror Images: L.J. And His Future

I have no problems with complaints. The ability to gripe is engraved in our nature; it’s basic, it’s necessary and it constitutes one of our most important rights.

Of course, Larry Johnson took it one step too far.

In the aftermath of the Chiefs’ disastrous loss to the Chargers this past Sunday, Johnson could not take it anymore and vented his frustrations in a freewheeling rant that could be traced to Twitter (I’ll spare you the details, ’cause you already know them). Certainly, the timing was odd. Just the week before, Johnson had delivered his best performance of the calendar; and if you take into consideration that he entered the season walking a zero-tolerance tightrope that permitted him to be a part of this team in the very first place, it made absolutely no sense for him to go-off in such an apparent careless way.

After I learned the generals of the matter, I must confess that curiosity rose up and my conspirator side proceeded to suggest that this may have been a plot to get out of Kansas City. And you know what? That could very well be a strong possibility. But not with the purpose that you think.

To me, Larry Johnson has been a very difficult player to follow. …Read More!