Monday Cup O’Chiefs

From River Falls, Wisconsin

Len Dawson was trying to see if he could get into the kid’s bank account, the one that increased not long ago by $28 million guaranteed dollars and the potential for $63 million over six years.

“Now that you have signed a contract,” Dawson asked Matt Cassel on Sunday, “what would you pay to wear number 16″

During his time with the New England Patriots, including his 15 starts last season, Cassel wore the No. 16. The number is retired with the Chiefs because Dawson wore it during his Hall of Fame career.

“Give me a number,” Cassel said with a smile. “That 16 jersey is special. It is in retirement for a reason. You have obviously done such great things in your career so I’m not touching that jersey. There is too much that goes along with it. Big, big shoes to fill if you wear that.”

Whether he wears it or not, the big, big shoes are still there that Cassel must fill. He may be wearing No. 7, but Chiefs fans aren’t expecting him to be the next Joe Germaine, John Huarte, Ron Jaworksi, Mike Nott, Casey Printers or Ted White – all quarterbacks who wore the No. 7 during undistinguished careers in a Chiefs uniform.

They want him to be a new version of No. 16. They want somebody to come in and finally replace Len Dawson.

“The kid’s got a shot,” Dawson said on Sunday. “He’s got a lot of things going for him. But it really all comes down to what happens once they get on the field. There are still a lot of questions.”

Scott Pioli and Todd Haley obviously don’t have a lot of questions, or they would not have signed Cassel to a six-year $63 million deal, that includes $40.5 million in the first three seasons. The decision on the contract at this time was a statement by the team: this is our guy.

Cassel handles media questions quite well, even when they come from Hall of Fame quarterbacks. But on Sunday he unsuccessfully tried to convince the media horde that the contract doesn’t bring any extra pressure to him.

“The pressure is put on you each and every week that you play this game,” Cassel said. “Every week you have different pressures that come with what team you are going to play and what defense. The contract is not the pressure; it is the weekly preparation and getting your team ready to win ball games.”

He will soon learn more about being in the role of “the man” and the quarterback with the high-dollar, highly-public contract; a deal that is the biggest in team history. Those who follow the red and gold have a small bank of patience for quarterbacks who do not get the job done. Some had no patience for Dawson when he was leading the franchise to championships.

“The position is held to different standards,” Dawson said. “That’s why most guys don’t want to be quarterbacks. They think they do, but they don’t want the extra stuff that comes from having the ball in your hands.

“You can’t fight it, you can’t beat it; you just try to go about your business.”

Cassel’s already gotten a taste of that as the public and media have questioned whether his step forward last year had to do with his talent, or the fact he was playing with the New England Patriots with Randy Moss, Wes Welker and the head coach with three Super Bowl titles this decade, Bill Belichick.

“It is one of those situations where, you can ask any quarterback around the league who has had success like Kurt Warner, where you can say, ‘if you take away Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are you going to have as much success?’” said Cassel. “I am confident in my ability. The other thing that is really interesting is when people say you’re a system guy.

“Well, last year when we were struggling early on it was Matt Cassel’s fault and then I started to play better and things started to turn around and the season started to really pickup from my performance standpoint, then he became a system guy. It is just interesting how the perception changes from one day to the next. That is what you have to deal with when you are a QB.”

There were Chiefs fans some 40 years ago who were tired of Dawson and used to speculate that he was somehow related to Hank Stram, his son-in-law or something of that nature. They couldn’t understand why the head coach kept going with that scrawny old guy who seldom threw deep and stayed with high percentage passes.

“The ball is in the quarterbacks hands more often than anybody else on the field, except for the center,” said Dawson. “The camera, the fans they follow the ball, so they are going to see so much of what happens with the quarterback. There’s nowhere to hide.

“He’s (Cassel) come a long way, but there’s so much more ahead for him.”

JACKSON REMAINS UNSIGNED AND OUT OF CAMP

No visible progress on the contract front with No. 1 draft choice Tyson Jackson and the Chiefs.

He’s now missed three practices and a conditioning test. Since 2003, the latest date that a first-round draft choice signed with the Chiefs was August 5, 2007 when WR Dwayne Bowe showed up in River Falls.

Late Sunday evening there were 11 first-round picks that remained unsigned, as two agreed to deals: WR Percy Harvin in Minnesota and RB Donald Brown with Indianapolis.

CHIEFS HAVE FOUR INTERNS WITH THEM IN RIVER FALLS

There are four coaching interns on the practice fields for the Chiefs in the first days of training camp:

Anthony Pleasant – A former DE/OLB who played 14 seasons in the NFL with the Browns, Ravens, Falcons, Jets, 49ers and Patriots, where he won a pair of Super Bowl rings. He appeared in 202 games with 58 career sacks.

Richie Anderson (right) – A former NFL fullback who made the 2001 Pro Bowl while playing with the New York Jets. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys. He retired after 12 seasons in the NFL with 318 carries for 1,274 yards and four touchdowns. Anderson also caught 397 passes for 3,149 yards and 14 TDs.

Jamar Cain – is a member of the coaching staff at Cal Poly where he handles the defensive line. He spent the previous three seasons working on Terry Allen’s staff at Missouri State.

Chip Taylor – is a member of the coaching staff at Valparaiso where he handles the defensive backs. He did a training camp internship last summer with the Arizona Cardinals.

SIGNINGS, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE

  • BENGALS – resigned CB Jamar Fletcher.
  • COLTS – signed first-round draft choice RB Donald Brown.
  • PATRIOTS – signed OLB Rob Ninkovich and DB Jamar Love; released OLB Vincent Redd
  • SEAHAWKS – signed CB Travis Fisher (Lions).
  • TITANS – placed WR Kenny Britt on the PUP List.
  • VIKINGS – signed first-round draft choice WR Percy Harvin

SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on August 3, 1951 in Columbia, Mississippi was RB Eddie Payton. The brother of the great Walter Payton, he joined the Chiefs for the 1978 season, appearing in 14 games as a returner. Payton had 32 punt returns for an 11.4-yard average and 30 kick returns for a 25.8-yard average. He played five NFL seasons.

Born on August 3, 1970 in Miami was DE Darren Mickell. He was selected with a second-round pick in the 1992 NFL Supplemental Draft out of Florida. Mickell played four years with the Chiefs (1992-95), appearing in 45 games with 19 starts and had 13 sacks. He finished his career playing for the Saints, Chargers and Raiders.


47 Responses to “Monday Cup O’Chiefs”

  • August 3, 2009  - Rin Tin Tin says:

    Real Rin ® daddy-o sez

    MONDAY - Day 4 of “The Fugitive” starring the man in hiding Ty (rhymes with ‘watch his season as it go bye’ and as “Lt. “I’m Just Like Carl P” Gerard continues with todays’s episode - “Catch A Falling Star”.”

    - - - - -

    Forget the #16 jersey Mutt…#7 is just your size (i.e., not even half as good.) However, as Steve Pelluer’s career KC was also destined to be short lasting but 3 years ‘that’ number might have been more apropos…

    - - - - -


  • August 3, 2009  - Rin Tin Tin says:

    But then Jan would have to kick you…

    daddy-o, ’search’ & ‘check’ affirming…


  • August 3, 2009  - Chiefs News from the Overnight 8/3 says:

    [...] Monday Cup O’Chiefs From Bob Gretz [...]


  • August 3, 2009  - Chiefs News from the Overnight 8/3 « wire2 says:

    [...] Monday Cup O’Chiefs From Bob Gretz [...]


  • August 3, 2009  - Scott D says:

    If Montana didn’t have the guts to ask for that jersey, Cassel shouldn’t even think about it. I like his humility. I hope I’ll like his QB skills.


  • August 3, 2009  - Scott D says:

    Also, could the problem with Jackson be that even though he was taken third in the draft, he was only evaluated as a later round pick? Do they get paid according to ability or stricktly to position chosen?


  • August 3, 2009  - Josh says:

    I’ve heard reports that Jackson’s camp is saying the Chiefs are waiting for Curry to be signed before they make a final offer.

    Kudos to Cassel for his ability to work the media. He’s no Grienke (sarcasm), but he’ll do.


  • August 3, 2009  - SG says:

    “Do they get paid according to ability or stricktly to position chosen?”

    The players’ agents will say it’s their ability that got them slotted to be the particular position chosen in the draft.


  • August 3, 2009  - Jim Lloyd+ says:

    The need for Curry and Jackson to be in camp and for a team to throw money at them to get them there , is NO where close to someone like Jamarcus Russell , that was critical and a big mistake .
    Jackson can catch up , with his size speed and ability , he will .
    As far making friend’s , he will—-look at Larry , he took a while !


  • August 3, 2009  - SG says:

    “…#7 is just your size (i.e., not even half as good.)”

    Ok smart guy, most level-headed folks in this room will say that Cassel has a long way to go to even achieve Trent Green status in this team’s lore much less the all-powerful Dawson. So, what performance would it take for Cassel to earn your respect? I assume you have more sense than to say “I don’t care if they win 12 Lombardi trophies…nobody’s better than Arbanas, Lenny Dawson…and Herm’s the man - search and check affirming…” daddy-o.


  • August 3, 2009  - gorillafan says:

    I would guess that Jackson got offered more than what he was expecting before the draft. However, since he was taken third, Im sure his agent is being greedy and trying to get him those dollars of a legitimate 3rd pick.


  • August 3, 2009  - arrowhead1978 says:

    They get paid by the pick they were chosen, if the second guy makes this much, then the third guy is going to get slightly less. I dont see the chiefs getting the third choice overall on the cheap because he wasn’t supposed to go that high. It could be Pioli’s first screw up on this draft…


  • August 3, 2009  - Rin Tin Tin says:

    Real Rin ® daddy-o He, gettin’ UNDER that oh so thin skin of SG…heh heh heh, tee hee

    In answer to your plea on bended knee:

    Yes SG, Rin don’t care if they win 12 Lombardi trophies - nobody’s better than Arbanas, Lenny Dawson & Herm’s the man; Abbott & Costello aka ’search’ & ‘check’ affirming…

    Cue Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons of SG’s discontent - “He’s got Rin, under his skin…”


  • August 3, 2009  - Josh says:

    Rin,

    I think most prefer Sinatra’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”.

    Just throwing that out there.


  • August 3, 2009  - Scott says:

    It’s not really up to Jackson whether or not to sign. It’s up to his agent…and that brings a load of politics and BS into it. All the more reason to have some sort of rookie contract system in place. That would end all this “signing” drama every year…and get these guys to camp on time, so they can get to work. It’s time to start paying these first year players what they’re worth (which is usually not much)…and not for what position they were drafted. It’s gotten WAY out of hand. Half these guys won’t be anything other than average players in the NFL…and yet they’ll make more in a “signing bonus” than the rest of us put together will make in our lifetimes. Just because they were “standout” college players. They should have to play for “X” amount their first year and THEN be evaluated on talent level. If they can prove they can compete on the Pro level…THEN throw the money at them.


  • August 3, 2009  - Rin Tin Tin says:

    Real Rin ® daddy-o sez, response to
    arrowhead1978 -

    “They get paid by the pick they were chosen”

    - yes, only…what if - hypothetically - a team drafting #1 decided to exercise its prerogative to pass and waited until another team(s) picked before they turned in their selection card.

    What if the Vikings HAD beaten the Chiefs to the draft podium with their card, Ryan Sims actually going to MINN, KC then picking at MINN’s former #7 slot. Would that pick (OT Bryant McKinnie as it turned out) have his agent respond - “he was actually a #6, regardless of the machinations.”

    The team would say we picked player X in round #1 at D - that’s what he’s worth. Agent says “oh no, you had the first pick and even though you passed player X is in fact worth the top $ money in this entire draft.”

    Such are the games people (agents, teams, players et al) play.

    “It could be Pioli’s first screw up”

    - the first of many, Rin’s conviction (you’ll never catch me coppers!!!)

    heh heh heh


  • August 3, 2009  - Rin Tin Tin says:

    Josh (gesundheit)

    Rin loves Sinatra, but as for that particular song Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons beat old blue eyes like a drum…

    daddy-o


  • August 3, 2009  - Josh says:

    haha…even in the world of music you’re delusional, Rin, old boy!

    No one beats the Chairman.


  • August 3, 2009  - Rin Tin Tin says:

    Real Rin ® daddy-o sez -

    That be ’subjective’ as you well know, Rin’s oh so faithful ’subject’, Josh…

    As such, Nat King Cole & Tony Bennett are both better my opine…then Francis Albert, closely followed by the likes of Mssrs. Sammy Davis Jr., Jerry Vale & Jack Jones.

    Then all the rest - ’search’ & ‘check’ affirming…


  • August 3, 2009  - Rin Tin Tin says:

    Even Dean Martin… but not “The Velvet Fog”, Mel Torme or Vic Damone nor e’en Al Martino.

    All fine, all well & good - but Nat & Tony rule.

    daddy-o


  • August 3, 2009  - Josh says:

    I will give you Dean-O and the “Unforgettable” Nat…but Tony Bennett, aka The World’s Biggest Hack? Surely you jest!


  • August 3, 2009  - Rin Tin Tin says:

    When has Rin ever said anything in ‘jest’? Shirley ‘you’ do, & no I will not stop calling you Shirley.

    daddy-o


  • August 3, 2009  - Josh says:

    Haha. Well, as you say, it’s subjective, and there’s certainly no accounting for taste…I just know that I’ve had farts with more musical intonation than Tony Bennett.


  • August 3, 2009  - Jim Lloyd+ says:

    How many of you guy’s have been retired for over 10 year’s and have trouble finding something to do.
    110% right on the money Scott , but there still has to be left room for the fire to build in college , that extra lift and grind to achieve the dream that’s been kept alive and growing .
    The bar IS high , but if can go to those far reach’s and —you only have one shot — catch it , YES !!
    This also put’s A player in the short’s that come’s from a small college and does good .


  • August 3, 2009  - Josh says:

    I am just glad football is back, again, finally!

    JB


  • August 3, 2009  - Scott says:

    I agree Jim. I’m not talking about paying them minimum wage, though.

    But to give some of these guys 20, 30, 40 million in “guaranteed” money…before they’ve ever taken a snap in the NFL is freakin’ crazy. And each year has to outdo the last.

    Hell…I just wish MY boss would pay me up front, for what I MIGHT do this year!


  • August 3, 2009  - Harold C. says:

    I wonder how many players don’t play their best and fall out of the NFL early because they already have their big payday right off the bat and thus take it a bit easier than they would have if they actually had to work harder in the NFL to get a big payday.


  • August 3, 2009  - alex k says:

    Love the intern idea, and the fact Anderson is one of them, I love it.

    I just cant get over the impact Haley has on this team. Reminds me of parcells

    Too bad Succop 3/4 in practice today, I know its just practice but I wish he would not miss so that they can hold spots for players

    Love how Belcher is showing up


  • August 3, 2009  - Rin Tin Tin says:

    Josh said

    “I just know that I’ve had farts with more musical intonation than Tony Bennett.”

    - might want to get your ears checked, as well your alimentary canal, Watson…

    Again, ’subjective’; why not “light one up” for Chiefs fandom and let them be the… uh, judge (it’s times like these Rin is happy he is NOT a part of that modern day rabble.)

    The good news? If you are correct in your musical opine, you can be star in today’s music world; as with the old days, old Chiefs etc., music too is a cesspool this modern age - free-style (as your tack be) or the usual…

    Real Rin ® daddy-o sez sew, so naturally ’search’ & ‘check’ affirm…


  • August 3, 2009  - Josh says:

    Haha. Nice, Rin.

    I’ll agree, I will take Ella over Britney any day of the week.


  • August 3, 2009  - Jim Lloyd+ says:

    Harold—–Apx. 10 years ago I read a report that stated how much influence you let your family inter into your income , will effect your chances for sucess .
    You see this a lot in sport’s and it’s even worse when a guy get’s signing money and mother’s express their fear’s of the result’s of injuries.
    Compare golf to football for the two extreem’s .
    This is wy I think 2 thing’s should change —Agent’s not be part of signing bonus and that money put into untouchable trust’s for after age 40.


  • August 3, 2009  - SG says:

    “I just wish MY boss would pay me up front, for what I MIGHT do this year!”

    They call those payments the boss makes…liability insurance premiums.

    “The kid’s got a shot,”

    That’s the word…a shot. He has to produce at a Pro Bowl level to pass up Trent Green and he has to win a playoff game to surpass Mr. Montana…then he has to win Lamar Hunt trophy to even be compared.

    I think there’s a few years of discussing how he can play at a level equal with what Trent Green did before we need to broaden the comparisons.


  • August 3, 2009  - Jim Lloyd+ says:

    Oh–twenty year’s of Bond’s @ 3.32 –that’s a low rate- would mature into something a guy could set plan’s for and really make this time worth it.


  • August 3, 2009  - Rin Tin Tin says:

    Real Rin ® daddy-o sez to alex k

    Psst, hey al…yet another not so good report on your man-crush Lawrence (and now, appears his bad habits are starting to wear off on others, to wit regards SP TEAMS (where QT’s slim & none frame as well hopes lie) -

    “Some players needed the drill explained more than once. Rookie wide receiver Quinten Lawrence and rookie linebacker Corey Smith recquired a little extra attention.”

    Uh oh…

    - - - - -

    And on offense your wunderkind; “Rookie receiver Quinten Lawrence jumped offside, and a coach hollered, “Get him out of there!”

    Nice; practice squad here Q come…

    - - - - -

    Otherwise, the usual - more fun with Krum on the d-line, more evidence that Croyle be better than Mutt or Thigpen, appears.

    Rolling to the left “The quarterbacks met on field 2 to throw balls at the target screen. Croyle went 1-5 from the left. Tyler Thigpen went 0-5, and Matt Cassel went 0-3.

    Ingle Martin was able to hit the lower of the three targets, allowing him to go 1-5 from the left.”

    You mean Ingle did better than the $63 million dollar man Mutt?

    Yes, that’s what it means.

    - - - - -

    Rolling to the right “Things were a little more positive looking when the quarterbacks moved to rolling to the right. Croyle hit the middle target twice, going 2-4. Thigpen continued to struggle from the right, going 0-4. Martin was able to hit both the upper and lower targets, finishing 2-3 from the right side. Cassel hit the middle target once, ending with a 1-5 record on the right.”

    TOTALS: Martin 3 for 8 / Croyle 3 for 9 / Cassell 1 for 8 / Thigpen 0 for 9 - stop hanging around with Mutt, Tyler… he’s rubbing off on you.

    - - - - -

    Conclusion: give up Mutt/turn in the Wonderbra, you don’t need it; you’re gonna be a big bust.

    - - - - -

    Time Monday, 1:02 p.m. CST - Day 4 “The Fugitive”… and to borrow from nee paraphrase from another classic episode “Twilight Zone” - “NO TY - NO TY AT ALL!”


  • August 4, 2009  - CK says:

    WHY IN THE HELL DOES ANYONE RESPOND TO RINT?????

    I propose that everyone boycott the comments here until Bob bans his hermie arse.

    Doesn’t everyone realize rint tint toot is hermie?????????????


  • August 4, 2009  - truthfull T says:

    shaddup


  • August 4, 2009  - Larry says:

    8(


  • August 4, 2009  - Larry says:

    =)


  • August 4, 2009  - Larry says:


  • August 4, 2009  - Larry says:

    XD


  • August 4, 2009  - Larry says:


  • August 4, 2009  - Larry says:

    :S


  • August 4, 2009  - Larry says:

    :0


  • August 4, 2009  - Larry says:

    D:


  • August 4, 2009  - Larry says:

    I like to abuse myself with both hands.


  • August 4, 2009  - Rin Tin Tin says:


  • August 4, 2009  - Larry says:

    I’m a little fairy.


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