Chiefs Babb: Chiefs trim some veterans from roster - Page 4

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-05-2009, 09:59 PM

Chiefs trim some veterans from roster
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

The overhaul of the Chiefs’ defense has had its share of casualties, but Saturday’s roster cuts took another step toward reshaping the team.

Fourth-year safety Bernard Pollard and veteran linebacker Zach Thomas were the headliners of Saturday’s mandatory roster purge, as the Chiefs released 13 players and placed offensive lineman Colin Brown, a former Missouri player, on injured reserve.

The Chiefs also waived wide receiver Ashley Lelie, who was signed during training camp and was considered a potential speed threat for an offense that was stagnant through four preseason games, all losses.

The moves came a day after the Chiefs purged their corps of offensive linemen, letting go of veteran tackles Damion McIntosh and Herb Taylor. They released two other linemen Friday and another, guard Darryl Harris, on Saturday. With Brown’s move to injured reserve, one of the team’s weakest position groups is now down to eight players — the expected starters plus three reserves.

Coach Todd Haley has said the Chiefs would scour the waiver wire throughout the preseason, hoping to add talented players to a roster that became noticeably devoid of them. The offense scored two touchdowns in four games, and the quarterbacks frequently had to scramble to avoid constant pressure.

Haley wasn’t available to reporters Saturday.

The Chiefs kept their four quarterbacks, and they’ll move forward with plenty of passers but few reliable blockers to keep those quarterbacks healthy. Matt Cassel has a leg injury that kept him out of Thursday’s preseason finale at St. Louis, and the team hasn’t said whether he’ll be healthy in time for the regular-season opener next Sunday at Baltimore.

Health seemed to stand between Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker, and a 14th NFL season. He suffered an undisclosed injury early in training camp and missed all but five practice days. Thomas was expected to provide a veteran presence the team missed last year when it began a youth movement that has reshaped the roster but hasn’t led to many wins. During this year’s offseason practices, Thomas was seen as a mentor to young and veteran defenders, and linebacker Derrick Johnson said last month that Thomas’ leadership was valuable enough to warrant the veteran a roster spot, even if he couldn’t play.

“Everybody looks to Zach on everything,” Johnson said during training camp. “Zach is very much needed on this team.”

Age and health might have hurt Thomas’ chances, but those reasons didn’t apply to Pollard’s release. Pollard, a 24-year-old strong safety, was often the target of criticism for poor tackling and lackluster fundamentals, and the Chiefs signed veteran Mike Brown to push Pollard to improve on his weaknesses.

“Mike is a great player,” Pollard said after the Chiefs’ first preseason game. “Obviously, he’s played for nine years and been to the Pro Bowl. He’s a great guy and a great player.

“We’re going to compete against each other for the rest of the year. It’s not just going to be a one-time competition. We’re going to compete all the time and we’re going to try to bring the best out of each other.”

Pollard appeared to respond, spending almost all his time with the first-team defense during training camp and the preseason. Still, the Chiefs were reportedly trying this week to trade him.

Pollard’s release was an additional step by the Chiefs’ leadership to distance the team from the past. Pollard was a second-round pick in 2006, and he started 31 games in three seasons. With Pollard’s release, the Chiefs will begin the 2009 season with just 14 of the 26 draft picks taken during former coach Herm Edwards’ three years. Running back Kolby Smith, a fifth-round pick in 2007, was placed on injured reserve Friday.

If the released players clear waivers, they could be added to the Chiefs’ practice squad.

Quarterbacks (4): Matt Cassel, Brodie Croyle, Matt Gutierrez, Tyler Thigpen

Running back (5): Jackie Battle, Jamaal Charles, Mike Cox, Larry Johnson, Dantrell Savage

Wide receiver (5): Dwayne Bowe, Mark Bradley, Terrance Copper, Bobby Engram, Quinten Lawrence

Offensive line (8): Branden Albert, Andy Alleman, Mike Goff, Ikechuku Ndukwe, Rudy Niswanger, Barry Richardson, Wade Smith, Brian Waters

Tight end (3): Brad Cottam, Jake O’Connell, Sean Ryan

Defensive line (6): Glenn Dorsey, Ron Edwards, Wallace Gilberry, Tyson Jackson, Alex Magee, Tank Tyler,

Linebacker (10): Monty Beisel, Jovan Belcher, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Turk McBride, Corey Mays, Andy Studebaker, Mike Vrabel, Pierre Walters, Demorrio Williams

Defensive back (9): Mike Brown, Brandon Carr, Ricardo Colclough, Brandon Flowers, Maurice Leggett, Jon McGraw, DaJuan Morgan, Jarrad Page, Donald Washington

Specialists (3): Dustin Colquitt, Thomas Gafford, Ryan Succop

Dottefan · 09-06-2009, 07:10 AM

So........yeah, we are ****ed.

JuicesFlowing · 09-06-2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raised On Riots

I'm SAYIN'!

It doesn't really sink-in until it's staring you right in the face. And if Cassel goes out again, just fire up the circus music through the Arrowhead sound system and start drinking heavily.

I can't believe this season has the potential to be worse than last year. How the **** did that happen?

TEX · 09-06-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuicesFlowing

I can't believe this season has the potential to be worse than last year. How the **** did that happen?

Because Haley forgot to get his "22 guys off the street" to win more than 2 games. Seriously, with all the changes, and the failure to address the O-Line in the offseason, it is what it is...YIKES!

Norman Einstein · 09-06-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raised On Riots

The bet is total, end of season yards including rushing. Loser leaves the Planet.

Forever.

What? You have some inside deal going with NASA?

milkman · 09-06-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTTCS_WLR

What? You have some inside deal going with NASA?

Oh Jesus!

chiefzilla1501 · 09-06-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raised On Riots

Wow. You really ARE ****ing reeruned, aren't you? But since you seem to like the idea of making me "look like a dick ****", why don't you man-up and jump on board the Cassel/Sanchez bet, and we'll see who's got football knowledge, and who's just a mouthy little ****.

Whadda ya' say, dipshit? You wanna' roll with the big time, or do wanna' continue to sit around with one thumb in your mouth and the other up your ass?

You're a ****ing punk, and I'll be MORE than happy to punk you too.

I like Cassel, but I wouldn't take that bet. I think the better bet is what's the over/under on Cassel making it through the season without getting injured.

LaChapelle · 09-06-2009, 08:29 AM

The thread title leads me to belive Babb is smitten with the cheerleaders.

**SAUTO** · 09-06-2009, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

i can't think of a poster who has been owned as badly over a single player as raised on cum was with pollard...

i'm still laughing out loud...i laughed in my sleep it was so ****ing funny to see the piece shit get cut....

me too, i was walking around the store earler and a buddy asked me about pollard, i laughed so ****ing hard thinking about the PWNage of ROR

Hootie · 09-06-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

me too, i was walking around the store earler and a buddy asked me about pollard, i laughed so ****ing hard thinking about the PWNage of ROR

and he's so thickheaded he won't even admit it/laugh at himself about it...

what a douche

**SAUTO** · 09-06-2009, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Got Grbac

and he's so thickheaded he won't even admit it/laugh at himself about it...

what a douche

yep, it's just "join the bet mother****er"

the bet was/is about cassel vs sanchez. what the **** does that have to do with him constantly slurping pollards man juice? i thought someone was on to something about him being clay.

Hootie · 09-06-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

yep, it's just "join the bet mother****er"

the bet was/is about cassel vs sanchez. what the **** does that have to do with him constantly slurping pollards man juice? i thought someone was on to something about him being clay.

and I don't even know what that bet means or what it has to do with me...

over the whole Sanchez/Cassel debate I've been in support of both...so why would I join any bet?

Norman Einstein · 09-06-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Oh Jesus!

No, but I know him.

Titty Meat · 09-06-2009, 12:35 PM

Babb wrote an article about how Zach Thomas was a great leader.

milkman · 09-06-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTTCS_WLR

No, but I know him.

That's good, dumbass.

Start praying that he gives you a ****ing brain.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 09-06-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Got Grbac

and he's so thickheaded he won't even admit it/laugh at himself about it...

what a douche

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

me too, i was walking around the store earler and a buddy asked me about pollard, i laughed so ****ing hard thinking about the PWNage of ROR

It just warms my heart to see two special needs idiots attempt to engage in a "big boy" conversation.

Keep workin' at it little fellers!

09-05-2009, 09:59 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2837187	Babb: Chiefs trim some veterans from roster Chiefs trim some veterans from roster By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star The overhaul of the Chiefs’ defense has had its share of casualties, but Saturday’s roster cuts took another step toward reshaping the team. Fourth-year safety Bernard Pollard and veteran linebacker Zach Thomas were the headliners of Saturday’s mandatory roster purge, as the Chiefs released 13 players and placed offensive lineman Colin Brown, a former Missouri player, on injured reserve. The Chiefs also waived wide receiver Ashley Lelie, who was signed during training camp and was considered a potential speed threat for an offense that was stagnant through four preseason games, all losses. The moves came a day after the Chiefs purged their corps of offensive linemen, letting go of veteran tackles Damion McIntosh and Herb Taylor. They released two other linemen Friday and another, guard Darryl Harris, on Saturday. With Brown’s move to injured reserve, one of the team’s weakest position groups is now down to eight players — the expected starters plus three reserves. Coach Todd Haley has said the Chiefs would scour the waiver wire throughout the preseason, hoping to add talented players to a roster that became noticeably devoid of them. The offense scored two touchdowns in four games, and the quarterbacks frequently had to scramble to avoid constant pressure. Haley wasn’t available to reporters Saturday. The Chiefs kept their four quarterbacks, and they’ll move forward with plenty of passers but few reliable blockers to keep those quarterbacks healthy. Matt Cassel has a leg injury that kept him out of Thursday’s preseason finale at St. Louis, and the team hasn’t said whether he’ll be healthy in time for the regular-season opener next Sunday at Baltimore. Health seemed to stand between Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker, and a 14th NFL season. He suffered an undisclosed injury early in training camp and missed all but five practice days. Thomas was expected to provide a veteran presence the team missed last year when it began a youth movement that has reshaped the roster but hasn’t led to many wins. During this year’s offseason practices, Thomas was seen as a mentor to young and veteran defenders, and linebacker Derrick Johnson said last month that Thomas’ leadership was valuable enough to warrant the veteran a roster spot, even if he couldn’t play. “Everybody looks to Zach on everything,” Johnson said during training camp. “Zach is very much needed on this team.” Age and health might have hurt Thomas’ chances, but those reasons didn’t apply to Pollard’s release. Pollard, a 24-year-old strong safety, was often the target of criticism for poor tackling and lackluster fundamentals, and the Chiefs signed veteran Mike Brown to push Pollard to improve on his weaknesses. “Mike is a great player,” Pollard said after the Chiefs’ first preseason game. “Obviously, he’s played for nine years and been to the Pro Bowl. He’s a great guy and a great player. “We’re going to compete against each other for the rest of the year. It’s not just going to be a one-time competition. We’re going to compete all the time and we’re going to try to bring the best out of each other.” Pollard appeared to respond, spending almost all his time with the first-team defense during training camp and the preseason. Still, the Chiefs were reportedly trying this week to trade him. Pollard’s release was an additional step by the Chiefs’ leadership to distance the team from the past. Pollard was a second-round pick in 2006, and he started 31 games in three seasons. With Pollard’s release, the Chiefs will begin the 2009 season with just 14 of the 26 draft picks taken during former coach Herm Edwards’ three years. Running back Kolby Smith, a fifth-round pick in 2007, was placed on injured reserve Friday. If the released players clear waivers, they could be added to the Chiefs’ practice squad. Quarterbacks (4): Matt Cassel, Brodie Croyle, Matt Gutierrez, Tyler Thigpen Running back (5): Jackie Battle, Jamaal Charles, Mike Cox, Larry Johnson, Dantrell Savage Wide receiver (5): Dwayne Bowe, Mark Bradley, Terrance Copper, Bobby Engram, Quinten Lawrence Offensive line (8): Branden Albert, Andy Alleman, Mike Goff, Ikechuku Ndukwe, Rudy Niswanger, Barry Richardson, Wade Smith, Brian Waters Tight end (3): Brad Cottam, Jake O’Connell, Sean Ryan Defensive line (6): Glenn Dorsey, Ron Edwards, Wallace Gilberry, Tyson Jackson, Alex Magee, Tank Tyler, Linebacker (10): Monty Beisel, Jovan Belcher, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Turk McBride, Corey Mays, Andy Studebaker, Mike Vrabel, Pierre Walters, Demorrio Williams Defensive back (9): Mike Brown, Brandon Carr, Ricardo Colclough, Brandon Flowers, Maurice Leggett, Jon McGraw, DaJuan Morgan, Jarrad Page, Donald Washington Specialists (3): Dustin Colquitt, Thomas Gafford, Ryan Succop
Posts: 43,436

09-06-2009, 07:10 AM	#46
Dottefan Banned Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: FROM KCK, LIVIN N J\O Casino cash: $10004900	So........yeah, we are ****ed.
Posts: 1,295

09-06-2009, 08:29 AM	#52
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	The thread title leads me to belive Babb is smitten with the cheerleaders.
Posts: 8,588

09-06-2009, 12:35 PM	#58
Titty Meat Inmem 2.0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: My house Casino cash: $-1032442	Babb wrote an article about how Zach Thomas was a great leader.
Posts: 78,097