Just in case this thread takes a bizzare turn back toward talk of football and Beisel (from yesterday's Topeka Cap-Jor):

Dean: Beisel could have plugged the leaks

By Rick Dean
The Capital-Journal
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Let's lift our morning cup of pick-me-up today to a guy who finally caught the break he deserved.

One can't help but feel good for Kansas State product Monty Beisel after he agreed to a two-year contract with the New England Patriots, champions in three of the last four Super Bowls.

If only we could feel that good about the team Beisel left behind, the linebacker-lacking Kansas City Chiefs.

In a classic one-step-forward, two-steps-back maneuver, the Chiefs' leaky defense may be in worse shape today than it was before the significant free-agent acquisition of Kendrell Bell, the impact middle linebacker who (if healthy) could patch a major hole in the KC middle.

But now, suddenly, there are two other holes with geyser potential to Bell's right and left. And with Beisel's departure, Kansas City lost its most capable plumber.
Breaking at the same time as news of Beisel's leaving is word that strong-side linebacker Scott Fujita has an ankle injury that could make his availability questionable.

Fujita, who just signed a one-year deal for the restricted free agent minimum of $656,000, underwent an arthroscopic procedure Friday to determine whether he would need more significant surgery on the ailing ankle that limited his mobility much of last season.

Keep in mind, too, that KC will open the season without Shawn Barber, the accomplished weak-side linebacker who missed eight games last year after tearing his ACL. His recovery took on water when a second operation was required. Barber won't be available until early in the season, at best.

The Chiefs might have handled these leaks better with Beisel aboard. Remember, he played all three linebacking positions in three seasons after the Chiefs gave up on making him an undersized NFL defensive end, the position he played at K-State.

It would be nice to report that Beisel was a jack of all trades at all three positions. In truth, he never really mastered any. The never-ending shifting left him quietly frustrated as he fought through the mental mush of learning new responsibilities.

We consequently never really saw -- apology in advance -- the full Monty in Kansas City.

That's why we're happy today that Beisel will get to focus on one position with New England. The Patriots face the unhappy prospect of playing without Teddy Bruschi, their splendid inside linebacker whose football future is in jeopardy after experiencing stroke-like symptoms. Beisel will get every chance to compete for Bruschi's spot if Bruschi can't play.

It's a better deal than he had in Kansas City -- which, we understand, was ready to match or even top New England's financial offer. With the Chiefs, however, Beisel knew he would always be a utility guy, a spot starter awaiting the return of Barber or Fujita. He deserved better, and now he's getting it.

Just when the Chiefs need a utility man more than ever.

Yeah, he came here and immediately said that Chief fans lack loyalty, etc. and then when I laid into him, he tried to play if off like he was the victim.

It's actually pretty funny, considering that I've been on this board for 5 years, and in those 5 years we've had FOUR losing seasons. But, yeah, we lack loyalty. :rolleyes:

As for Beisel, we can agree to disagree. I think the reason Beisel played 4 different positions is because he wasn't good enough to nail one down. That being said, New England plays a 3-4, which Beisel is much better suited for.

You're just a meany!!!!! ROFL

yeppers ... that's it

it would of been a mistake for Beisel to return to the chiefs ... even for more money. He needed to find a team that would give him a real chance.

Yep.

Even moreso, he need to go to a team that plays a defense that fits his abilities. I think he'll play well in a 3-4.

yep... he made a wise decision IMO

a good team, with good coaches that has a need and system that fits him.


his decision is similiar to Priest Holmes' decision to come to kansas city.



(and no, for the brain dead ... i'm not saying Beisel is as good as holmes... just that the decision making was similiar)

Without reading through the whole thread, I think this was a good move for Beisel and is bad for the Chiefs. Whatever criticisms one might have of Beisel should be offset by the fact that he's a very active and all-out player. I thought he outperformed most of our linebacking corps despite being moved between positions constantly, and he was getting better every game. He's one of those pickups that is the reason why the Patriots have been successful in recent years.