Chiefs Chiefs' Dorsey made few missteps in building a playoff team

JimNasium · 01-08-2017, 08:25 AM

Hopefully this isn't a Q. There's nothing really new within, just confirmation of what already know.

Chiefs' Dorsey made few missteps in building a playoff team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A year ago, in the days after the Chiefs were eliminated from the postseason by the New England Patriots, general manager John Dorsey was faced with a series of decisions that would shape whether Kansas City would be a contender the following season.

He hardly made a misstep.

Dorsey shelled out big money to solidify the most precarious positions, highlighted by the decision to franchise safety Eric Berry at a cost of more than $10 million. Then he went bargain hunting to fortify spots elsewhere, and wisely addressed the rest of his needs through the draft.

The result is not only a 12-4 record, the team's first AFC West championship since 2010 and a first-round playoff bye, but the belief among many that Kansas City is a Super Bowl threat.

"In this day and age, you have to have an influx of young players. That's just the way the (salary) cap works," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "You've got to draft well and those guys have to play. We've done that. Dorsey has done that. We've had production from those guys. It's a tribute to him."

Reid likes to say the margin between winning and losing in the NFL is razor-thin, and that extends to the kind of decisions that Dorsey made during the offseason:

— With the future of Jamaal Charles in question after reconstructive knee surgery, the Chiefs needed to solidify the running back spot. But rather than give Matt Forte a $12 million, three-year deal like the Jets, or Chris Ivory a $32 million, five-year deal like the Saints, Dorsey wrote a pair of $3.6 million, two-year checks to keep Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West on the roster.

Forte gained 813 yards in 14 games. Ivory managed 439 yards in 11 games. But Ware and West combined to go for 1,214 yards at a fraction of the cost, and the fact there is two of them helped with depth.

— Pass rusher Justin Houston's slow recovery from knee surgery knee injury meant the Chiefs needed to add linebackers. But instead of blowing the budget on free agents such as Bruce Irvin, Dorsey kept veterans Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali with $21 million, three-year deals.

With their leadership assured, Dorsey proceeded to sign role players such as Frank Zombo (three years, $3.6 million) and Ramik Wilson (two years, $1.14 million) that have not only played at a high level but filled in admirably when Johnson went down with his own season-ending knee injury.

— Naturally, the biggest decisions Dorsey had to make involved the biggest money, and franchising Berry, signing left tackle Eric Fisher and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz to big contracts, and giving a $46 million, five-year deal to tight end Travis Kelce have paid off.

Berry has picked off four passes and returned two for touchdowns, along with a 99-yard pick that he returned for a two-point conversion in the closing seconds to beat Atlanta.

Fisher ($48 million, four years) and Schwartz ($33 million, five years) have provided bookends to an offensive line that starts three others still on their rookie contracts.

Kelce caught 85 passes for 1,125 yards, earning his second straight Pro Bowl nomination.

— After forfeiting a draft pick for offseason tampering, Dorsey traded back in the draft to gain more selections. He wound up with a Pro Bowl returner in Tyreek Hill in the fifth round, a new starting defensive tackle in Chris Jones, and five more players that have contributed this season. Hill dropped in the draft after he was kicked out of Oklahoma State for pleading guilty to domestic abuse, and Dorsey said the team only drafted him after extensive interviews with coaches, friends and the prosecutor in the case.

All of which explains why Reid, in a jubilant locker room following a division-clinching win over San Diego on Sunday, was quick to acknowledge the work Dorsey has done.

"I don't want to leave him out of this. These were guys that he brought in," Reid said. "We're down to a few of the ones that were left here that were good players and then he's brought in guys. That's the NFL. He's done a nice job of bringing in players that we can coach. So let's not forget that part."

Dorsey, a longtime Packers personnel executive, had many opportunities to take front office jobs before arriving in Kansas City four years ago. But it was the chance to work alongside Reid at one of the league's most tradition-rich organizations that finally lured him away.

Now, Dorsey and Reid have the Chiefs back in the playoffs and awaiting their divisional opponent.

"When they joined us four years ago, we had high hopes," Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said. "Certainly, they have lived up to all those expectations. This season has been so much fun up to this point. I look forward to seeing how it progresses as we enter the playoffs."

Rasputin · 01-08-2017, 08:34 AM

We keep working on this offensive line and we end up getting a quarterback from the draft and another year of AS he should be in good shape to start a hell of a career here. That be great. Wishful thinking Chiefs draft a quarterbackOTF but that be great if Dorsey would pull the trigger.

Marcellus · 01-08-2017, 08:36 AM

I just saw on NFLN that Thompson's days in GB are numbered and Dorsey is the likely top candidate to replace him.

Clark better get an extension in the works ASAP.

**Bob Dole** · 01-08-2017, 08:37 AM

..."filled in admirably when Johnson went down with his own season-ending knee injury."

How do you screw up something that basic?

Chief Roundup · 01-08-2017, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dole

..."filled in admirably when Johnson went down with his own season-ending knee injury."

How do you screw up something that basic?

I noticed that too. The writer should be ashamed.

**cabletech94** · 01-08-2017, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dole

..."filled in admirably when Johnson went down with his own season-ending knee injury."

How do you screw up something that basic?

yeah, thats a pretty obvious goof. i went to the link its-self, and got a whole bunch of blocked out print. and ive never read anything from this dave s. probably an honest rookie mistake, but nonetheless......

decent read, thanks JimNasium. (minus the error)

MTG#10 · 01-08-2017, 08:57 AM

Too bad he's likely gone in a few weeks

Rasputin · 01-08-2017, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTG#10

Too bad he's likely gone in a few weeks

Dorsey is not going anywhere.

chinaski · 01-08-2017, 10:08 AM

Dorsey's wife is from Kansas City, that's part of the reason he was attracted here to begin with. I don't think he is going anywhere.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 01-08-2017, 01:03 PM

Chris Ballard is not a proven entity, and anyone who believes he could step right in and fill Dorsey's spot is a damned fool.

Clark better pay this man anything he asks.

**Easy 6** · 01-08-2017, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dagnabit

Chris Ballard is not a proven entity, and anyone who believes he could step right in and fill Dorsey's spot is a damned fool.

Clark better pay this man anything he asks.

Yeah, the people saying that were blowing my mind, sure, MAYBE Ballard could step right in and be as good or better... but until he actually proves that to be true, he is a downgrade

Period

NJChiefsFan · 01-08-2017, 07:15 PM

Zombo and Wilson have played at a high level? That might be twisting things just a little to keep the narrative smooth here.

Mr. Laz · 01-08-2017, 07:27 PM

extending Charles was a pretty big mistake

30+ RBs are just not a good investment

We should have added Dwight Freeney or something at the beginning of the year.

Of course missed MLB and CB a little but it's not what i would call a huge miss. It just got worse with the injury situation. It's still a miss because MLB and CB was a predictable problem.

Mr_Tomahawk · 01-08-2017, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chinaski

Dorsey's wife is from Kansas City, that's part of the reason he was attracted here to begin with. I don't think he is going anywhere.

This.

Happy wife...happy life.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

01-08-2017, 08:25 AM
JimNasium Voodoo Chile Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: At the crossroad Casino cash: $2643902	Chiefs' Dorsey made few missteps in building a playoff team Hopefully this isn't a Q. There's nothing really new within, just confirmation of what already know. Chiefs' Dorsey made few missteps in building a playoff team KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A year ago, in the days after the Chiefs were eliminated from the postseason by the New England Patriots, general manager John Dorsey was faced with a series of decisions that would shape whether Kansas City would be a contender the following season. He hardly made a misstep. Dorsey shelled out big money to solidify the most precarious positions, highlighted by the decision to franchise safety Eric Berry at a cost of more than $10 million. Then he went bargain hunting to fortify spots elsewhere, and wisely addressed the rest of his needs through the draft. The result is not only a 12-4 record, the team's first AFC West championship since 2010 and a first-round playoff bye, but the belief among many that Kansas City is a Super Bowl threat. "In this day and age, you have to have an influx of young players. That's just the way the (salary) cap works," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "You've got to draft well and those guys have to play. We've done that. Dorsey has done that. We've had production from those guys. It's a tribute to him." Reid likes to say the margin between winning and losing in the NFL is razor-thin, and that extends to the kind of decisions that Dorsey made during the offseason: — With the future of Jamaal Charles in question after reconstructive knee surgery, the Chiefs needed to solidify the running back spot. But rather than give Matt Forte a $12 million, three-year deal like the Jets, or Chris Ivory a $32 million, five-year deal like the Saints, Dorsey wrote a pair of $3.6 million, two-year checks to keep Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West on the roster. Forte gained 813 yards in 14 games. Ivory managed 439 yards in 11 games. But Ware and West combined to go for 1,214 yards at a fraction of the cost, and the fact there is two of them helped with depth. — Pass rusher Justin Houston's slow recovery from knee surgery knee injury meant the Chiefs needed to add linebackers. But instead of blowing the budget on free agents such as Bruce Irvin, Dorsey kept veterans Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali with $21 million, three-year deals. With their leadership assured, Dorsey proceeded to sign role players such as Frank Zombo (three years, $3.6 million) and Ramik Wilson (two years, $1.14 million) that have not only played at a high level but filled in admirably when Johnson went down with his own season-ending knee injury. — Naturally, the biggest decisions Dorsey had to make involved the biggest money, and franchising Berry, signing left tackle Eric Fisher and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz to big contracts, and giving a $46 million, five-year deal to tight end Travis Kelce have paid off. Berry has picked off four passes and returned two for touchdowns, along with a 99-yard pick that he returned for a two-point conversion in the closing seconds to beat Atlanta. Fisher ($48 million, four years) and Schwartz ($33 million, five years) have provided bookends to an offensive line that starts three others still on their rookie contracts. Kelce caught 85 passes for 1,125 yards, earning his second straight Pro Bowl nomination. — After forfeiting a draft pick for offseason tampering, Dorsey traded back in the draft to gain more selections. He wound up with a Pro Bowl returner in Tyreek Hill in the fifth round, a new starting defensive tackle in Chris Jones, and five more players that have contributed this season. Hill dropped in the draft after he was kicked out of Oklahoma State for pleading guilty to domestic abuse, and Dorsey said the team only drafted him after extensive interviews with coaches, friends and the prosecutor in the case. All of which explains why Reid, in a jubilant locker room following a division-clinching win over San Diego on Sunday, was quick to acknowledge the work Dorsey has done. "I don't want to leave him out of this. These were guys that he brought in," Reid said. "We're down to a few of the ones that were left here that were good players and then he's brought in guys. That's the NFL. He's done a nice job of bringing in players that we can coach. So let's not forget that part." Dorsey, a longtime Packers personnel executive, had many opportunities to take front office jobs before arriving in Kansas City four years ago. But it was the chance to work alongside Reid at one of the league's most tradition-rich organizations that finally lured him away. Now, Dorsey and Reid have the Chiefs back in the playoffs and awaiting their divisional opponent. "When they joined us four years ago, we had high hopes," Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said. "Certainly, they have lived up to all those expectations. This season has been so much fun up to this point. I look forward to seeing how it progresses as we enter the playoffs."
Posts: 6,897

01-08-2017, 08:34 AM	#2
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $3255421	We keep working on this offensive line and we end up getting a quarterback from the draft and another year of AS he should be in good shape to start a hell of a career here. That be great. Wishful thinking Chiefs draft a quarterbackOTF but that be great if Dorsey would pull the trigger.
Posts: 54,979

01-08-2017, 08:36 AM	#3
Marcellus Diablo Negro Join Date: Sep 2003 Casino cash: $2832662	I just saw on NFLN that Thompson's days in GB are numbered and Dorsey is the likely top candidate to replace him. Clark better get an extension in the works ASAP.
Posts: 69,466

01-08-2017, 08:37 AM	#4
Bob Dole King Shit of **** Mountain Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Texarkana, Texas Casino cash: $2324497	..."filled in admirably when Johnson went down with his own season-ending knee injury." How do you screw up something that basic?
Posts: 48,654

01-08-2017, 08:57 AM	#7
MTG#10 Mammoth penis Join Date: May 2006 Location: Springfield Casino cash: $7424386	Too bad he's likely gone in a few weeks
Posts: 11,432

01-08-2017, 10:08 AM	#9
chinaski Veteran Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: He/Him Casino cash: $8739922	Dorsey's wife is from Kansas City, that's part of the reason he was attracted here to begin with. I don't think he is going anywhere.
Posts: 2,226

01-08-2017, 01:03 PM	#10
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	Chris Ballard is not a proven entity, and anyone who believes he could step right in and fill Dorsey's spot is a damned fool. Clark better pay this man anything he asks.
Posts: 77,135

01-08-2017, 07:15 PM	#12
NJChiefsFan I've Made a Huge Mistake Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NJ Casino cash: $5750423	Zombo and Wilson have played at a high level? That might be twisting things just a little to keep the narrative smooth here.
Posts: 12,235

01-08-2017, 07:27 PM	#13
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	extending Charles was a pretty big mistake 30+ RBs are just not a good investment We should have added Dwight Freeney or something at the beginning of the year. Of course missed MLB and CB a little but it's not what i would call a huge miss. It just got worse with the injury situation. It's still a miss because MLB and CB was a predictable problem. __________________
Posts: 95,626