Chiefs Friday Gretz:What the Chiefs Didn't Get Done

mikey23545 · 06-19-2009, 06:16 AM

http://www.bobgretz.com/

There was a lot that got done with the Chiefs during the last six months.

But then, there was a lot to do.

And the new regime of Scott Pioli/Todd Haley has not solved all the problems, plugged all the holes or gotten every questioned answered.

There are some things that didn’t get done. Here’s the top five.

GETTING BRIAN WATERS ON BOARD

There’s no question that Waters is one of the team’s best players. Now, that may be damning him with faint praise given the team is 6-26 over the last two years, but other than Larry Johnson, he’s the only returning Chiefs player who has sniffed the Pro Bowl.

Most people consider Waters one of the team’s leaders. Now again, that’s a tainted label given the fact the team has performed so poorly in recent years. The media likes to label Waters a leader, but that’s because the guard is always approachable and always willing to talk. If he’s as much a leader as everyone thinks, then he needs to start doing a better job of leading.

No matter what happened between Waters and Haley in their now famous hallway conversation back in February, that situation should be history. It appears it is not from Waters perspective. His only appearance was for the mandatory mini-camp, when missing would have lead to a fine. He showed up and was out of shape compared to his teammates. There was still pout in his demeanor.

It’s going to be very interesting to see what type of shape Waters is when he arrives in Wisconsin. It’s going to take him a lot of work over the next six weeks to get his conditioning to the level that Haley is looking for from his players.

That Waters decided to make himself an outsider during this off-season is a disappointment. Thankfully for the Chiefs, there was Mike Goff. He’s a year older and has played two more seasons in the league than Waters, but Goff was at every single off-season practice. Haley said the team honored Goff in one of their final meetings for his efforts during the last three months.

Goff has played in seven games in the playoffs over the last four years with the Chargers, who won three of those seven. In the same time frame, Waters played in one post-season game and did not get a victory.

If there was something for Goff to accomplish with this team during the last three months, there was certainly something for Waters to get done in this off-season.

GETTING MIKE VRABEL ON BOARD

Pioli/Haley believe in actions, not words. So forget Vrabel’s words during his brief appearance with the team, specifically his comments that he was happy to be with the Chiefs.

Go by Vrabel’s actions and his absence from all the non-mandatory work with the team says he’s not thrilled by his change of address. That has to be a disappointment, especially for Pioli. Getting Vrabel at this point of his career isn’t so much about production in the defense. It’s about him bringing the Patriots Way to the club. Vrabel was one of the poster boys for the way Belichick built those Super Bowl teams.

He’s smart, he’s durable, he’s versatile and he’s a leader, or was. Certainly, he can still bring those features to the Chiefs. But the fact it hasn’t happened during this off-season is a hole in the Chiefs picture.

NO PASS RUSHERS ADDED

When a team sets a new NFL record for pass rushing futility, it would figure that would be an area where a lot of attention, bodies and money would land in the off-season.

That hasn’t been the case with the ‘09 Chiefs. There have been veteran pass rushers available and they did not land in Kansas City. The most recent example is DE/OLB Greg Ellis, released by Dallas who signed with Oakland.

It appears that Pioli/Haley believe a change in scheme will bring more pressure on the quarterback. If what was seen in mini-camp and OTA sessions is how the Chiefs are going to rush the passer, then they are going to rely heavily on the blitz.

Defenses that live by the blitz will eventually die by the blitz. The Chiefs need somebody to step up their game and get the quarterback on the ground.

NO PUNT/KICKOFF RETURNER IDENTIFIED

Haley makes it very plain that special teams are going to be important to him and the ‘09 Chiefs. But as the summer vacation started, they don’t appear to be any closer to identifying a solid return man than they were when Haley and the staff first walked into the building.

In the public portions of practices, very little was done in the area of punt or kick returns. The one time they did work on catching punts, rookie Quentin Lawrence struggled to hold onto the football. Haley will stress ball security on special teams and he’s not going to give a fumbler a second chance.

First-year guy Rodney Wright has also been back returning kicks and punts, but his experience in that area comes from Arena Football over the last five years. RBs Jamaal Charles and Dantrell Savage handled some kickoffs last year as rookies; in fact Savage had the team’s longest kick return at 59 yards.

Again, there were returners available in free agency, but the Chiefs kept their hands in their pockets. The job is wide open.

NO OFFENSIVE WEAPONS ADDED

The plus/minus scale for the Chiefs offensively did not balance out in this off-season. On the minus side is TE Tony Gonzalez, traded to Atlanta and taking with him about 20 percent of the passing game over the last few years. On the plus side would be 36-year old, 14-year receiver Bobby Engram. He’s a possession/slot receiver at the end of his career.

Whether it was at tight end, wide receiver, or in the backfield, the Chiefs needed to add another weapon for Cassel to work with. It didn’t happen and that could have season-long consequences.

As proven and consistent NFL receivers, the Chiefs offense has WRs Engram and Dwayne Bowe. That’s it. WR Mark Bradley has shown flashes, but he’s not consistent and is often injured. WR Devard Darling seems to have the skills, but has never been given the opportunities. WRs Jeff Webb and Terrance Copper are journeymen types.

Cassel is going to need top notch protection because there are not many receivers available who can create plays with their speed, quickness or moves.

**Skip Towne** · 06-19-2009, 06:25 AM

Print'em?

rad · 06-19-2009, 06:31 AM

I would count Cassel among the offensive weapons added, however questionable his effectiveness.

Added:

Cassel

Engram

Goff

Subtracted:

Gonzalez

Shox · 06-19-2009, 07:39 AM

I would consider LJ another weapon added on offense. He has been worthless the past couple of seasons. New coaching and GM has wiped his slate clean and it appears he could return to the LJ of a few years ago. If our Oline can just open a few holes for him he could have a strong season.

InChiefsHeaven · 06-19-2009, 07:44 AM

wow, a very un-homerish and seemingly honest article from Gretz...

Deberg_1990 · 06-19-2009, 08:02 AM

Goff> Waters

keg in kc · 06-19-2009, 08:23 AM

I'd care more about Waters if he wasn't a guard swiftly approaching the end of his career.

talastan · 06-19-2009, 08:44 AM

Gretz: "Hey, Waters! 22 players b****!!! Quit being a pussy and show up in shape!"

**Buehler445** · 06-19-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InChiefsHell

wow, a very un-homerish and seemingly honest article from Gretz...

Yes. Gretz has provided the most valuable information this offseason. Other than transactions and major news, Tiecher, Whitlock, et. al. Have done nothing of value. I never thought I'd say this but I appreciate what gretz is doing.
Posted via Mobile Device

keg in kc · 06-19-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Yes. Gretz has provided the most valuable information this offseason. Other than transactions and major news, Tiecher, Whitlock, et. al. Have done nothing of value. I never thought I'd say this but I appreciate what gretz is doing.
Posted via Mobile Device

Easier to work when the collar's off.

**DaFace** · 06-19-2009, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Yes. Gretz has provided the most valuable information this offseason. Other than transactions and major news, Tiecher, Whitlock, et. al. Have done nothing of value. I never thought I'd say this but I appreciate what gretz is doing.
Posted via Mobile Device

I do have to wonder if Gretz feels more freedom with his own blog than he had when all his articles were just posted on KCChiefs.com. It seems like he is more objective and less of a homer. He still misses every once in a while, but he's been providing the best information about OTA's hands down.

Chiefnj2 · 06-19-2009, 09:14 AM

"Goff has played in seven games in the playoffs over the last four years with the Chargers, who won three of those seven. In the same time frame, Waters played in one post-season game and did not get a victory."

If Waters didn't suck ass he would have carried the Chiefs on his back to three playoff victories the last 4 years. Everyone knows a really good guard can overcome Herm Edwards and a horrible defense. If Goff was with the Chiefs all those years Croyle would be a pro bowler.

**Skip Towne** · 06-19-2009, 09:15 AM

That C.E. Wendler has been right on top of the "breaking" news.

Deberg_1990 · 06-19-2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

"Goff has played in seven games in the playoffs over the last four years with the Chargers, who won three of those seven. In the same time frame, Waters played in one post-season game and did not get a victory."

If Waters didn't suck ass he would have carried the Chiefs on his back to three playoff victories the last 4 years. Everyone knows a really good guard can overcome Herm Edwards and a horrible defense. If Goff was with the Chiefs all those years Croyle would be a pro bowler.

heh. This is exactly why i wouldnt get upset if Waters moves on to another team

Because hes just a Guard.

el borracho · 06-19-2009, 09:48 AM

Preseason will tell us more but, as of this moment, it looks like we will have another top five pick in 2010.

06-19-2009, 06:16 AM
mikey23545 MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10015321	Friday Gretz:What the Chiefs Didn't Get Done http://www.bobgretz.com/ There was a lot that got done with the Chiefs during the last six months. But then, there was a lot to do. And the new regime of Scott Pioli/Todd Haley has not solved all the problems, plugged all the holes or gotten every questioned answered. There are some things that didn’t get done. Here’s the top five. GETTING BRIAN WATERS ON BOARD There’s no question that Waters is one of the team’s best players. Now, that may be damning him with faint praise given the team is 6-26 over the last two years, but other than Larry Johnson, he’s the only returning Chiefs player who has sniffed the Pro Bowl. Most people consider Waters one of the team’s leaders. Now again, that’s a tainted label given the fact the team has performed so poorly in recent years. The media likes to label Waters a leader, but that’s because the guard is always approachable and always willing to talk. If he’s as much a leader as everyone thinks, then he needs to start doing a better job of leading. No matter what happened between Waters and Haley in their now famous hallway conversation back in February, that situation should be history. It appears it is not from Waters perspective. His only appearance was for the mandatory mini-camp, when missing would have lead to a fine. He showed up and was out of shape compared to his teammates. There was still pout in his demeanor. It’s going to be very interesting to see what type of shape Waters is when he arrives in Wisconsin. It’s going to take him a lot of work over the next six weeks to get his conditioning to the level that Haley is looking for from his players. That Waters decided to make himself an outsider during this off-season is a disappointment. Thankfully for the Chiefs, there was Mike Goff. He’s a year older and has played two more seasons in the league than Waters, but Goff was at every single off-season practice. Haley said the team honored Goff in one of their final meetings for his efforts during the last three months. Goff has played in seven games in the playoffs over the last four years with the Chargers, who won three of those seven. In the same time frame, Waters played in one post-season game and did not get a victory. If there was something for Goff to accomplish with this team during the last three months, there was certainly something for Waters to get done in this off-season. GETTING MIKE VRABEL ON BOARD Pioli/Haley believe in actions, not words. So forget Vrabel’s words during his brief appearance with the team, specifically his comments that he was happy to be with the Chiefs. Go by Vrabel’s actions and his absence from all the non-mandatory work with the team says he’s not thrilled by his change of address. That has to be a disappointment, especially for Pioli. Getting Vrabel at this point of his career isn’t so much about production in the defense. It’s about him bringing the Patriots Way to the club. Vrabel was one of the poster boys for the way Belichick built those Super Bowl teams. He’s smart, he’s durable, he’s versatile and he’s a leader, or was. Certainly, he can still bring those features to the Chiefs. But the fact it hasn’t happened during this off-season is a hole in the Chiefs picture. NO PASS RUSHERS ADDED When a team sets a new NFL record for pass rushing futility, it would figure that would be an area where a lot of attention, bodies and money would land in the off-season. That hasn’t been the case with the ‘09 Chiefs. There have been veteran pass rushers available and they did not land in Kansas City. The most recent example is DE/OLB Greg Ellis, released by Dallas who signed with Oakland. It appears that Pioli/Haley believe a change in scheme will bring more pressure on the quarterback. If what was seen in mini-camp and OTA sessions is how the Chiefs are going to rush the passer, then they are going to rely heavily on the blitz. Defenses that live by the blitz will eventually die by the blitz. The Chiefs need somebody to step up their game and get the quarterback on the ground. NO PUNT/KICKOFF RETURNER IDENTIFIED Haley makes it very plain that special teams are going to be important to him and the ‘09 Chiefs. But as the summer vacation started, they don’t appear to be any closer to identifying a solid return man than they were when Haley and the staff first walked into the building. In the public portions of practices, very little was done in the area of punt or kick returns. The one time they did work on catching punts, rookie Quentin Lawrence struggled to hold onto the football. Haley will stress ball security on special teams and he’s not going to give a fumbler a second chance. First-year guy Rodney Wright has also been back returning kicks and punts, but his experience in that area comes from Arena Football over the last five years. RBs Jamaal Charles and Dantrell Savage handled some kickoffs last year as rookies; in fact Savage had the team’s longest kick return at 59 yards. Again, there were returners available in free agency, but the Chiefs kept their hands in their pockets. The job is wide open. NO OFFENSIVE WEAPONS ADDED The plus/minus scale for the Chiefs offensively did not balance out in this off-season. On the minus side is TE Tony Gonzalez, traded to Atlanta and taking with him about 20 percent of the passing game over the last few years. On the plus side would be 36-year old, 14-year receiver Bobby Engram. He’s a possession/slot receiver at the end of his career. Whether it was at tight end, wide receiver, or in the backfield, the Chiefs needed to add another weapon for Cassel to work with. It didn’t happen and that could have season-long consequences. As proven and consistent NFL receivers, the Chiefs offense has WRs Engram and Dwayne Bowe. That’s it. WR Mark Bradley has shown flashes, but he’s not consistent and is often injured. WR Devard Darling seems to have the skills, but has never been given the opportunities. WRs Jeff Webb and Terrance Copper are journeymen types. Cassel is going to need top notch protection because there are not many receivers available who can create plays with their speed, quickness or moves.
Posts: 12,314

06-19-2009, 06:25 AM	#2
Skip Towne Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: T-Town Casino cash: $10004900	Print'em?
Posts: 69,689

06-19-2009, 07:39 AM	#4
Shox Starter Join Date: Mar 2005 Casino cash: $10005765	I would consider LJ another weapon added on offense. He has been worthless the past couple of seasons. New coaching and GM has wiped his slate clean and it appears he could return to the LJ of a few years ago. If our Oline can just open a few holes for him he could have a strong season.
Posts: 718

06-19-2009, 07:44 AM	#5
InChiefsHeaven Rockin' yer FACE OFF! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Casino cash: $3624937	wow, a very un-homerish and seemingly honest article from Gretz... __________________ We have a million reasons for failure, but not one excuse... Die Donks, DIE!! Holy Crap fellas!!! We did it!!! THREE TIMES!!!
Posts: 25,806

06-19-2009, 08:02 AM	#6
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3734454	Goff> Waters
Posts: 66,914

06-19-2009, 08:23 AM	#7
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	I'd care more about Waters if he wasn't a guard swiftly approaching the end of his career.
Posts: 58,682

06-19-2009, 08:44 AM	#8
talastan Manning, we're coming for you! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Springfield, Mo Casino cash: $10004950	Gretz: "Hey, Waters! 22 players b**!!! Quit being a pussy and show up in shape!" __________________ Can we please just draft AND DEVELOP a QB - est. since 1983 Check out my band:** Truett and the Traitors
Posts: 4,815

06-19-2009, 09:14 AM	#12
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $7823688	"Goff has played in seven games in the playoffs over the last four years with the Chargers, who won three of those seven. In the same time frame, Waters played in one post-season game and did not get a victory." If Waters didn't suck ass he would have carried the Chiefs on his back to three playoff victories the last 4 years. Everyone knows a really good guard can overcome Herm Edwards and a horrible defense. If Goff was with the Chiefs all those years Croyle would be a pro bowler. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,395

06-19-2009, 09:15 AM	#13
Skip Towne Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: T-Town Casino cash: $10004900	That C.E. Wendler has been right on top of the "breaking" news.
Posts: 69,689

06-19-2009, 09:48 AM	#15
el borracho In Pat We Trust Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Albuquerque, NM Casino cash: $6099148	Preseason will tell us more but, as of this moment, it looks like we will have another top five pick in 2010.
Posts: 11,845