Whitlock: Chiefs Need Change

**DeezNutz** · 12-10-2006, 08:45 PM

J shows restraint b/c of Lamar's health, which suggests that his condition might be particularly grave now. But Gonzo's statement is a little surprising, as is JW's slap at Law (only b/c of his previous man crush). Proceed with the following: First good column in a long time...Hate to say I agree with (insert fat joke)...blah, blah, blah.

Ravens show why Chiefs need to make some changes
By Jason Whitlock

McClatchy Newspapers

(MCT)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - When it was over, after Kansas City football fans had been treated to three hours of undeniable proof of the Chiefs' playoff unworthiness, Brian Waters sat at his locker stall and preached that the season isn't over.

Waters is a warrior and a terrific leader, so his pronouncements didn't ring hollow.

But words cannot erase what we witnessed on Sunday. A real playoff team, the Baltimore Ravens, invaded Arrowhead Stadium, undressed the Chiefs and ended a decade-long December streak.

The Ravens abused KC's offensive line and Trent Green, torched the Chiefs' zone pass defense and ended Kansas City's December home winning streak with relative ease.

Ravens 20, Chiefs 10.

The Chiefs hadn't lost inside Arrowhead Stadium in December since 1996. Significant? Absolutely. The loss signifies that it's time for the Chiefs to go a different direction in terms of player personnel and, quite possibly, the people acquiring the personnel.

The Chiefs, the franchise that owned this city in the 1990s, have grown terribly stale.

We've seen this same act for 10 straight years. The Chiefs, 7-6, are always just good enough to make us believe that they might be able to sneak into the playoffs. Eight times out of 10 - and I mean this literally - the Chiefs aren't good enough to back into the playoffs, and they're certainly no threat to win a Super Bowl.

You're tired of it. I'm tired of it. And, when the players are being bone honest, they're tired, too.

"I wouldn't be bitter if they let me go," perennial Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez told me when the locker room cleared out.

Gonzalez is headed for a contract showdown with the Chiefs. He's analyzed the roster, considered KC's inability to take the next step, looked at all the young ascending players who need to get paid - Larry Johnson, Kawika Mitchell, Jared Allen - and reached the conclusion that this could be a volatile offseason in Kansas City.

Gonzalez stressed that he'd like to remain in KC.

"But right now, to me, winning is more important (than staying in KC)," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez sounded the way Marty Schottenheimer sounded at the end of his 10-year run in Kansas City. For a decade, Gonzalez has given the Chiefs everything, and he's been rewarded with two one-and-done playoff seasons and eight years of false hope.

He sounded like a confident professional open to the idea of trying it somewhere else before his skills decline. Gonzalez's good friend, Shannon Sharpe, left Denver after 10 years and won another Super Bowl in Baltimore.

You can't blame Gonzalez for pondering the thought of playing in New Orleans, Seattle or Denver.

The Chiefs have a lot of holes to fill, and it's going to take plenty of cap space to fill those holes. The Chiefs need two defensive tackles, a young corner to replace Ty FLaw (and Ty, I still think you're a Hall of Famer; you just let me down this year), another linebacker, a No. 1 receiver, a right tackle, a fullback and, maybe, a new starting quarterback.

Hey, that's no shot at Trent Green, who had an awful game on Sunday. It's a statement about Green's age and where the Chiefs are headed. Herm Edwards believes Brodie Croyle is Kansas City's quarterback of the future (2008).

If that's the case, you can get a one-year, veteran quarterback cheaper than Green. Or maybe some other team - Carolina, Washington - would give up something of value for Green in a trade.

My point is the Chiefs should be open to every possibility this offseason. They don't need one or two pieces to contend. They need an injection of new blood and energy.

Today I'm not going to call for Carl Peterson to step down. Given Lamar Hunt's health situation and what the Hunt family is dealing with at this time, it's an inappropriate time to make those sorts of demands.

And maybe Carl just needs to surrender his general-manager duties. Maybe he still has value as a president and CEO. Also, I'd like to hear from Carl about why this organization has grown stale since Schottenheimer bolted.

Not even Peterson can deny that it's time for major changes in Kansas City.

**DeezNutz** · 12-10-2006, 08:51 PM

I understand where Tony G's coming from; JW is talking to him moments after a near season-ending loss. Of course he's pissed, but the comment, however, is a little too close to sounding like quiting on his teammates for my tastes. It's similar to how the media folks blasted Tiki Barber for announcing his retirement mid-season.

stevieray · 12-10-2006, 08:53 PM

would anyone blame him for leaving?

I know I couldn't do it.

**DeezNutz** · 12-10-2006, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieray

would anyone blame him for leaving?

I know I couldn't do it.

Considering that he doesn't make his home in KC, I guess not. But wouldn't it be refreshing for a big-name athlete to feel some sense of loyalty and obligation to a community? Maybe I'm just too old school, but if I see Tony G. in a Donks uniform, I'll puke all over my shoes.

My quick answer to your question: yes, f--- 'em.

BigRock · 12-10-2006, 09:08 PM

It's a pretty sad statement that there's more of a sense of optimism surrounding the Royals right now than there is around the Chiefs. At least the Royals have new blood on top and appear to be making some changes. Take note, Carl.

Speaking of the Royals, though, there's a glaring example on that team of why Tony Gonzalez shouldn't feel the slightest bit of loyalty to KC. Do you really think he wants to end up like Mike Sweeney? Stick around in KC and get dumped on a few years after he signs his last big contract?

ChiefsCountry · 12-10-2006, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRock

It's a pretty sad statement that there's more of a sense of optimism surrounding the Royals right now than there is around the Chiefs. At least the Royals have new blood on top and appear to be making some changes. Take note, Carl.

Speaking of the Royals, though, there's a glaring example on that team of why Tony Gonzalez shouldn't feel the slightest bit of loyalty to KC. Do you really think he wants to end up like Mike Sweeney? Stick around in KC and get dumped on a few years after he signs his last big contract?

Ironcially does this seem like late 1988? Royals the king pin of town, Chiefs been in the dumbs since the early 70's hire the brash young highly regarded GM who decides to do things his way.

Simplex3 · 12-10-2006, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRock

It's a pretty sad statement that there's more of a sense of optimism surrounding the Royals right now than there is around the Chiefs. At least the Royals have new blood on top and appear to be making some changes. Take note, Carl.

This is simple. The Royals finally took a look at their futility and hired one of the best young GMs in the game. If the Chiefs would do that in the off-season they'd be the toast of the town again.

leviw · 12-10-2006, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRock

It's a pretty sad statement that there's more of a sense of optimism surrounding the Royals right now than there is around the Chiefs. At least the Royals have new blood on top and appear to be making some changes. Take note, Carl.

Speaking of the Royals, though, there's a glaring example on that team of why Tony Gonzalez shouldn't feel the slightest bit of loyalty to KC. Do you really think he wants to end up like Mike Sweeney? Stick around in KC and get dumped on a few years after he signs his last big contract?

Wow, there are some awful comparisons in there, BigRock. First, you are comparing football to baseball. Secondly, Gonzalez has already signed one extension in KC and has produced every year. Sweeney has signed one and hasn't done shit since.

I would hate to see TG in any color by Chiefs' red, but like any aging vet, he wants to taste the Super Bowl. Realistically, the Chiefs future in that area doesn't look to hot, right now. Of course, money speaks louder than anything else.

siberian khatru · 12-10-2006, 08:55 PM

Quote:

And maybe Carl just needs to surrender his general-manager duties. Maybe he still has value as a president and CEO.

A lot of us have been saying this for years.

Quote:

Not even Peterson can deny that it's time for major changes in Kansas City.

Wanna bet?

ChiefsCountry · 12-10-2006, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Today I'm not going to call for Carl Peterson to step down. Given Lamar Hunt's health situation and what the Hunt family is dealing with at this time, it's an inappropriate time to make those sorts of demands.

And maybe Carl just needs to surrender his general-manager duties. Maybe he still has value as a president and CEO. Also, I'd like to hear from Carl about why this organization has grown stale since Schottenheimer bolted.

Not even Peterson can deny that it's time for major changes in Kansas City.

This part makes sense actually especially with Lamar's health. I agree with the gm part, promote Bill Kuharich to gm. He did a pretty good job with the Saints, even though they did the stupid thing by trading everyone for Ricky Williams. I think that was Dikta and Tom Benson's doing though.

Deberg_1990 · 12-10-2006, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

maybe, a new starting quarterback.

Hey, that's no shot at Trent Green, who had an awful game on Sunday. It's a statement about Green's age and where the Chiefs are headed. Herm Edwards believes Brodie Croyle is Kansas City's quarterback of the future (2008).

If that's the case, you can get a one-year, veteran quarterback cheaper than Green. Or maybe some other team - Carolina, Washington - would give up something of value for Green in a trade.

Thats interesting...i was thinking pretty much the same things just an hour or so ago.....

Its probably time for Green to move on as well. Get a new offense installed here.

Wile_E_Coyote · 12-10-2006, 08:58 PM

What Peterson has to do is juggle enough change to keep the fan base. But not to much to lose the one major thing he has brought to KC, the fan base.

He's gotten away with it for a long time. If they rebuild, will they still come?

Simplex3 · 12-10-2006, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wile_E_Coyote

What Peterson has to do is juggle enough change to keep the fan base. But not to much to lose the one major thing he has brought to KC, the fan base.

He's gotten away with it for a long time. If they rebuild, will they still come?

Note to the Chiefs:

You show me that you're willing to admit your mistakes, drop the aging weight, and put some exciting and promising young players on the field and I'll do something I haven't done in over 5 years:

Buy a ticket.

Wile_E_Coyote · 12-10-2006, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplex3

Note to the Chiefs:

You show me that you're willing to admit your mistakes, drop the aging weight, and put some exciting and promising young players on the field and I'll do something I haven't done in over 5 years:

Buy a ticket.

just over 79,000 more to go

**Iowanian** · 12-10-2006, 08:58 PM

The unfortunate thing is, the Chiefs won't have any leverage to get anything out of Gonzalez....Its too bad he wasn't under contract and tradeable....so he doesn't end up in Denver.

Whitlock's column could be cliff notes of the past 2 weeks of Chiefsplanet.

12-10-2006, 08:45 PM	Topic Starter
DeezNutz PermaBanned Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Jouissance Casino cash: $10011570	Whitlock: Chiefs Need Change J shows restraint b/c of Lamar's health, which suggests that his condition might be particularly grave now. But Gonzo's statement is a little surprising, as is JW's slap at Law (only b/c of his previous man crush). Proceed with the following: First good column in a long time...Hate to say I agree with (insert fat joke)...blah, blah, blah. Ravens show why Chiefs need to make some changes By Jason Whitlock McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) KANSAS CITY, Mo. - When it was over, after Kansas City football fans had been treated to three hours of undeniable proof of the Chiefs' playoff unworthiness, Brian Waters sat at his locker stall and preached that the season isn't over. Waters is a warrior and a terrific leader, so his pronouncements didn't ring hollow. But words cannot erase what we witnessed on Sunday. A real playoff team, the Baltimore Ravens, invaded Arrowhead Stadium, undressed the Chiefs and ended a decade-long December streak. The Ravens abused KC's offensive line and Trent Green, torched the Chiefs' zone pass defense and ended Kansas City's December home winning streak with relative ease. Ravens 20, Chiefs 10. The Chiefs hadn't lost inside Arrowhead Stadium in December since 1996. Significant? Absolutely. The loss signifies that it's time for the Chiefs to go a different direction in terms of player personnel and, quite possibly, the people acquiring the personnel. The Chiefs, the franchise that owned this city in the 1990s, have grown terribly stale. We've seen this same act for 10 straight years. The Chiefs, 7-6, are always just good enough to make us believe that they might be able to sneak into the playoffs. Eight times out of 10 - and I mean this literally - the Chiefs aren't good enough to back into the playoffs, and they're certainly no threat to win a Super Bowl. You're tired of it. I'm tired of it. And, when the players are being bone honest, they're tired, too. "I wouldn't be bitter if they let me go," perennial Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez told me when the locker room cleared out. Gonzalez is headed for a contract showdown with the Chiefs. He's analyzed the roster, considered KC's inability to take the next step, looked at all the young ascending players who need to get paid - Larry Johnson, Kawika Mitchell, Jared Allen - and reached the conclusion that this could be a volatile offseason in Kansas City. Gonzalez stressed that he'd like to remain in KC. "But right now, to me, winning is more important (than staying in KC)," Gonzalez said. Gonzalez sounded the way Marty Schottenheimer sounded at the end of his 10-year run in Kansas City. For a decade, Gonzalez has given the Chiefs everything, and he's been rewarded with two one-and-done playoff seasons and eight years of false hope. He sounded like a confident professional open to the idea of trying it somewhere else before his skills decline. Gonzalez's good friend, Shannon Sharpe, left Denver after 10 years and won another Super Bowl in Baltimore. You can't blame Gonzalez for pondering the thought of playing in New Orleans, Seattle or Denver. The Chiefs have a lot of holes to fill, and it's going to take plenty of cap space to fill those holes. The Chiefs need two defensive tackles, a young corner to replace Ty FLaw (and Ty, I still think you're a Hall of Famer; you just let me down this year), another linebacker, a No. 1 receiver, a right tackle, a fullback and, maybe, a new starting quarterback. Hey, that's no shot at Trent Green, who had an awful game on Sunday. It's a statement about Green's age and where the Chiefs are headed. Herm Edwards believes Brodie Croyle is Kansas City's quarterback of the future (2008). If that's the case, you can get a one-year, veteran quarterback cheaper than Green. Or maybe some other team - Carolina, Washington - would give up something of value for Green in a trade. My point is the Chiefs should be open to every possibility this offseason. They don't need one or two pieces to contend. They need an injection of new blood and energy. Today I'm not going to call for Carl Peterson to step down. Given Lamar Hunt's health situation and what the Hunt family is dealing with at this time, it's an inappropriate time to make those sorts of demands. And maybe Carl just needs to surrender his general-manager duties. Maybe he still has value as a president and CEO. Also, I'd like to hear from Carl about why this organization has grown stale since Schottenheimer bolted. Not even Peterson can deny that it's time for major changes in Kansas City.
Posts: 47,521

12-10-2006, 08:51 PM	#2
DeezNutz PermaBanned Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Jouissance Casino cash: $10011570	I understand where Tony G's coming from; JW is talking to him moments after a near season-ending loss. Of course he's pissed, but the comment, however, is a little too close to sounding like quiting on his teammates for my tastes. It's similar to how the media folks blasted Tiki Barber for announcing his retirement mid-season.
Posts: 47,521

12-10-2006, 08:53 PM	#3
stevieray best in the biz Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Under Pressure Casino cash: $2305273	would anyone blame him for leaving? I know I couldn't do it.
Posts: 71,360

12-10-2006, 09:08 PM	#5
BigRock Pritay Pritay Pritay Good Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The State of Euphoria Casino cash: $3185412	It's a pretty sad statement that there's more of a sense of optimism surrounding the Royals right now than there is around the Chiefs. At least the Royals have new blood on top and appear to be making some changes. Take note, Carl. Speaking of the Royals, though, there's a glaring example on that team of why Tony Gonzalez shouldn't feel the slightest bit of loyalty to KC. Do you really think he wants to end up like Mike Sweeney? Stick around in KC and get dumped on a few years after he signs his last big contract?
Posts: 6,788

12-10-2006, 08:58 PM	#12
Wile_E_Coyote avatar down for remodel Join Date: Jul 2001 Casino cash: $10004900	What Peterson has to do is juggle enough change to keep the fan base. But not to much to lose the one major thing he has brought to KC, the fan base. He's gotten away with it for a long time. If they rebuild, will they still come?
Posts: 6,009

12-10-2006, 08:58 PM	#15
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	The unfortunate thing is, the Chiefs won't have any leverage to get anything out of Gonzalez....Its too bad he wasn't under contract and tradeable....so he doesn't end up in Denver. Whitlock's column could be cliff notes of the past 2 weeks of Chiefsplanet.
Posts: 61,556