Edwards promises offensive changes for Chiefs

[Oz_Chief]

...but Solari stays.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercu...s/16406684.htm

By Adam Teicher

McClatchy Newspapers

(MCT)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - One day after a pathetic performance bounced his team from the playoffs, Herm Edwards promised offensive changes for the Chiefs in 2007.

Edwards said he couldn't be specific about many of the changes because they are still to be decided. But he indicated they would probably include a different scheme_and maybe a new starting quarterback.

They won't include a new coordinator. Edwards said Mike Solari would continue in that job no matter what type of offense the Chiefs use.

Edwards also said defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham and the rest of his assistant coaches would be welcome to return next season.

Edwards has contemplated changes through the course of a bumpy offensive season. Saturday's 23-8 loss to the Colts in a first-round playoff game in Indianapolis helped drive home the point.

The Chiefs had 126 yards and failed to get a first down until their eighth possession.

"We didn't handle their speed real well," Edwards said.

"We have to take a hard look at ourselves. You have to be realistic and ask yourself if we're really capable of (successfully running their current system). I want to make sure of one thing: Whatever type of system we run, young players have to be able to play. They can't wait a year or two to get on the field. I don't want to be in a situation where young guys who have some talent can't play because the system is too complex.

"There are some things we do very well. There are things we can do even better. That's what I'm talking about here: How do we do these things better? It's not a laundry list of things. These are just things that allow us to get the football to the right players."

Edwards said the Chiefs would keep their power running game centered on Larry Johnson and a play-action passing game. But they will simplify by cutting back on the number of plays and their complexities.

Those changes would be aimed toward making things easier for younger players. Edwards wouldn't identify those players he would like to play more next season, but he may have been talking about rookie wide receivers Jeff Webb and Chris Hannon and perhaps even rookie quarterback Brodie Croyle.

"I just know it has to be player-friendly," Edwards said. "It has to be something that young players at all positions can play. I want to give the quarterback even more ability to change some things at the line of scrimmage. I want him to have the ability to get to anything we have right now.

Edwards wouldn't address the issue of whether Trent Green would return as the starting quarterback. Green's play dropped off significantly this season after he missed eight games because of a concussion.

"That's not even something we're discussing right now," Edwards said. "There are a whole lot of other things we have to do as far as the program before we start worrying about player situations. That's second on the agenda."

But his refusal to back Green, who will turn 37 next summer, speaks loudly. The conservative Edwards believes in ball control above all. Green committed three turnovers in the final regular-season game against Jacksonville and three more in the loss to the Colts.

He had no such hesitation about supporting Solari, a career offensive-line coach until promoted to coordinator by Edwards this season.

"I told Mike today that he did a good job for his first year," Edwards said. "That's a tough seat he's sitting in. A lot of the things that happened to us - losing some players, losing the quarterback_affected him. He had never called an offensive play. That's hard. He will be so much better next year. It won't even be close.

"Mike's the guy. He's going to be a heck of an offensive coordinator. Next year will be a lot different for him. I was so much better my second year as a head coach. He'll gain more confidence. He knows me better now. Mike had to learn the passing game. You don't learn that in a year unless you're a coordinator. He was an offensive-line coach. That's something he had to go through."

Edwards also said he was pleased with how he and Cunningham worked together.

"We think a whole lot alike as far as the things we want to get done," he said. "I know people think he's blitz-crazy, but he's really not. He's got to do what the players allow him to do."

[Gravedigger]

Originally Posted by Coach

How about changing the Head Coach? Or how about changing the General Manager?

That's crazy talk!!!

[DaWolf]

Originally Posted by Coach

Hey Coach Dumbass Edwards, the scheme is not the goddamn problem, the players already know it and set RECORDS WITH IT. Use your goddamn head, if you have one!

Only a f**king moron could take over this team, watch the offense flop, then blame the SYSTEM for it. I mean... the offensive system has always been a problem right?

For goodness sakes, look at the damn roster.

NO Willie Roaf
A 37 year old QB
A 34 year old No 1 receiver
A 36 year old guard
A revolving RT position
A 33 year old center
NO TRich
NO Priest Holmes

This is not the same damned team that broke records and kept missing the playoffs. They are older, slower, broken. This #$%^ing system is built on SPEED. We don't have speed anymore. We started losing it last year, the cracks were showing, and this year we totally lost it.

What, did the system look so damned good in 2001 when Al Saunders and Vermeil took over and we went 6-10 with Snoop Minnis catching the ball?

ANY offensive system will look good as long as you have the players with the ability to EXECUTE the system. When the QB is getting killed, is turning the ball over, when we can't block, when the receivers aren't outrunning opponents anymore, it doesn't fit. Use a system that will fit the players and will win ballgames. And get better players, get younger players who can keep up.

What, the Steelers and Pats have been winning the last few Lombardis with a record setting offense?

What I am sick of is pansy ass players who go out and get hit in the mouth by the other team and fold. This offense has been as SOFT as our defense has been, and that's why we have ZERO postseason wins since 1993. We need a damn offense which goes out there and pushes the other team around and a defense that does the same. This team needs to get rid of all the damned wusses playing on it and get some football players who will go out there and lay some wood and win some important games on the *&^%ing road...

[2112]

Originally Posted by el borracho

What does "ride the pine" mean?

Sitting on the bench

[007]

Originally Posted by Demonpenz

changes to the offense? Like what? Passing the ball?

Getting a first down would be a productive start.

[007]

Originally Posted by Halfcan

Herm is quickly becoming the most hated Coach in Chiefs history. I can't wait til we get rid of this fugnut.

Make me long for John Mackovic.

[007]

Originally Posted by Halfcan

His press conferences give me a headache. I hated him with the Jets-the day we traded for him my friend called up and was laughing. I thought he was joking. Unfortunately the joke was on the loyal Chiefs fans. We have ZERO hope for next year.

Hope? What the hell is that?

Oh, yeah... Something we lost years ago.

[007]

Originally Posted by Carlota69

I can't believe a word this jerknut is saying. Herm said in his first press conference when he was hired, that he wasn't going to change the offense. Ah, i dont know about you, but it looks alot different to me, and the players back that up.

So now I'm supposed to believe he's going to make positive changes?

I'm sure Herm is a good guy and all, but **** him.

Here's to another frustrating season of Chiefs football

I like hearing the players like LJ and Gonzo revolting on him. They won't listen to the fans to maybe they will listen to their own players.

I know, too much to hope for. Er wait... Hope?

[el borracho]

Originally Posted by DaWolf

What I am sick of is pansy ass players who go out and get hit in the mouth by the other team and fold. This offense has been as SOFT as our defense has been, and that's why we have ZERO postseason wins since 1993. We need a damn offense which goes out there and pushes the other team around and a defense that does the same. This team needs to get rid of all the damned wusses playing on it and get some football players who will go out there and lay some wood and win some important games on the *&^%ing road...

We need a couple of Dale Carters on this team. Big talent, big attitude. I hope we get a couple of mean tackles this offseason.

[RedThat]

Originally Posted by el borracho

What does "ride the pine" mean?

It means being a follower.

Not leading by example. Following and relying on how to build a team according to what your head coach knows and specializes in, and not taking charge like a leader, and knowing how to step up and do it yourself. I honestly believe that is what Carl Peterson does. Thats why he needs to go imo. People can blame Herm this and that, but it's all useless imo.
He is not the real core of the problem in this organization.

I just want to prove my point about Peterson.

Look at a few of our coaches over the last 10 years:

Marty...great defensive mind, brought a great defense here...But was absolutely lackluster in knowledge when it came to the offensive side of the ball. As a result, we had a great defense, and a terrible offense.

Vermeil...same thing..except vice versa.

I anticipate the same thing will happen to Herm..great defense, terrible offense

*people blame coaches. I praise the coaches for building GREAT defenses, and offenses here. I say blame the GM for being so incompetent and failing to provide them with assistance in areas, sides of the ball where they incredibly lacked knowledge. Call me crazy, but, I honestly believe that is what goes on in this organization. No wonder were so frickn mediocre. Its frustrating.

[RedThat]

Originally Posted by Gravedigger

That's crazy talk!!!

A new GM isn't crazy talk. In fact, it's getting to the point where it's becoming a reality.

[Bob Dole]

Those changes would be aimed toward making things easier for younger players. Edwards wouldn't identify those players he would like to play more next season, but he may have been talking about rookie wide receivers Jeff Webb and Chris Hannon and perhaps even rookie quarterback Brodie Croyle.

"I just know it has to be player-friendly," Edwards said. "It has to be something that young players at all positions can play. I want to give the quarterback even more ability to change some things at the line of scrimmage. I want him to have the ability to get to anything we have right now.

Those two paragraphs illustrate Herm's brilliance.

Instead of giving an experienced QB who could recite the playbook in his sleep the option to audible this season, let's go with an inexperienced QB and give him more flexibility next year.

Nobody will expect it. Pure brilliance!

[the Talking Can]

"Edwards said the Chiefs would keep their power running game centered on Larry Johnson and a play-action passing game. But they will simplify by cutting back on the number of plays and their complexities."

we only run 4 plays....how in the hell do you simplify that?

and why didn't we play action pass the Colts? you wait till we lose to decide this?

we're going back to Hackett ball....just watch

[siberian khatru]

It's going to be fun to see how they dumb down an already dumb offense.

[the Talking Can]

this is mind blowing

our run up the butt and punt offense is too complicated???

[EM31]

Hi everyone. Post#1 and I know you have heard from plenty disgruntled Jets fans before or ones who "just want to help you out" so I will try not to be too predictable here.

First of all I will self identify as a Jets fan who was in the anti-Herm camp. Fundemantally dishonest snake oil salesman and shameless self promoter about sums it up. Oh, and someone who makes a virtue out of being a likeable dope. Only after he has gutted your team long enough the whole "likeable" thing gets to be a bit questionable.

Anyway, as to the discussion in this thread. Herm is up to his old tricks again I see. If you start from the understanding that NOTHING is ever Herm's fault then you will also appreciate the need for Herm to find scapegoats (plausible or otherwise). So now it is your OC who gets thrown under the bus in large part for doing what Herm ordered him to do. We saw the same thing twice!! First with Teddy Cottrell and then with Paul Hackett. (yes THAT Paul Hackett. A belated thanks to Chiefs fans who came over to our boards and tried to give us a heads up on Hackett).

Anyway, The OC gets blamed, "Changes will be made" but not a firing. And that part is important. Not a firing. This has the effect of deflecting blame away from Herm (today), forcing the OC in a position where he feels grateful to Herm for "saving his job" and finally it gives Herm another year with this guy and a plausible excuse if the same mess happens next year. After all, if the crap hits the fan then Herm was just being too loyal to his guys right? Any improvements on the other hand are because Herm came in and "took charge". And you know he will call a press conference and allude ever so subtly to the Herm-changes that worked.

It is a brilliant strategy.

Anyhow, congrats on having Larry Johnson and I mean that. You could have four of five top 5 picks in the next decade and not find another one like him. I hope the workload does not abbreviate his career. I would take Gonzalez in a heartbeat. He seems to have something left.

With Herm for better or for worse the palyoffs this year, however improbable at 9-7 mean that he is now at four playoffs out of six years (one of six without extreme luck). Four playoffs in six years looks good on paper and Paul Hackett knows what that can mean to the longevity of your career. I think 4-of-6 by itself added AT LEAST one more year to his tenure with the Chiefs and probably added another HC gig to his career after the Chiefs as well.

Good luck.