Chiefs New GM Dorsey brings energy, enthusiasm to first training camp with Chiefs - Page 10

**mdchiefsfan** · 07-20-2013, 10:18 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/19...nthusiasm.html

July 19
BY VAHE GREGORIAN
The Kansas City Star

The sheer, sincere energy radiates, almost enough to make you flinch or squint, as John Dorsey walks in the room and introduces himself.

As the new Chiefs general manager prepared to embark Friday for an inspection of the operation at Missouri Western, where the team begins training camp with a trickle Monday and in earnest on Friday, it was hard not to get reeled in by his boyish enthusiasm.

He spoke of the franchise being a “crown jewel” once it’s awakened and vowed he “will not rest” until then. He talked of an organization that is “symmetrically aligned” and of the good people he is working with — “You can feel that around here ” — in the aftermath of a reign of error that he isn’t interested in addressing.

“I don’t live in the past; I live in the present and look forward to the future,” Dorsey said. “I’ll learn from the past, but I won’t live in it. I am who I am.”

And who he is couldn’t contain his anticipation of the home opener against Dallas on Sept. 15.

“Here’s what I can’t wait to hear,” he says, before bellowing out a somewhat disturbing, impossible-to-describe roaring sound. “These fans are unbelievable. I mean, I just want to hear them cranked up.”

Toward that end, here’s what he says fans should look for in the first year of the new regime of Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid.

“Everybody should expect a team that will be very competitive, that will represent the brand of the Kansas City Chiefs and what it stands for,” he said. “You’re going to see a bunch of guys that are excited and competitive and are going to compete their (tails) off for the AFC West — and rightfully so.

“That’s what you should be doing. That’s why you’re in the business.

“And you’re going to see a group of guys who are going to come together like a big family,” he adds, meshing the fingers of both hands together, “and the closeness in the locker room can buy you (victories).

“We’re all in this together; everybody’s on the same page.”

If that proves true in the long haul, it will an achievement in itself after the splintering within under predecessor Scott Pioli.

But by way of example, Dorsey points first to Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and president Mark Donovan, speaking of each with admiration and later illustrating the flow chart by finding four Styrofoam plates and arranging them with Hunt represented at the top and Donovan, Reid and himself on the same line.

“The structure that Clark has set up, it works, it really does,” he said, adding that they have worked to create a “belief system” together. “Listen, not one guy has all the answers, but collectively, if you can take everybody together, the fist is much more powerful than (a finger).”

He added, “I know my strengths and weaknesses, but I’ll find the solution. Does that make sense? Just give me a little time and some patience, and I’ll use every resource available and I’ll find the solution.”

While Dorsey stressed the essentials of cooperation and communication throughout the organization, top to bottom, the dynamic that will be most evident and likely most vital to the franchise’s future after years of futility will be the one between Reid and him.

The duo became close during their time together in Green Bay, where Reid was an assistant from 1992-98 before his 14-year run as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles ended with a 4-12 campaign a year ago.

“Andy and I talk three times a day, even on vacation; we’re like two brothers,” he says, pulling out his cell phone to show a picture of his 2-year-old, “Baby Jack,” eating watermelon that he recently texted Reid. “That’s what we share; that’s part of the friendship, and that’s we do.

“We communicate. In the positions were in, and this includes Clark and Mark as well, we’re in constant communication. Constant communication makes effective organizations, and that’s the way it is.”

For a more tangible illustration of how that plays out, Dorsey retraced the steps of how they went about going after quarterback Alex Smith from the 49ers.

“The coaches did their evaluation, overall assessment of the team. We (in personnel) did our overall assessment of the team,” said Dorsey, who had spent most of the last two decades making his mark with the Packers in that capacity. “That way everybody gets a separate, objective opinion. Then Andy and I sat and talked, and it was interesting because we both were spot-on … about our needs.

“So then I assessed all of the quarterback pool there was, in the NFL and in college. I assessed it, then I ranked them, I broke them down. And it wasn’t even close. Alex Smith was the only option.”

The division of labor, Dorsey said, also should benefit Reid.

“I think it’s huge. His plate was full when he was in Philly, now; I mean, really full,” he said. “And the way that Clark has structured it, my job is to bring the chess pieces to the game and say, ‘There you go, big boy, let’s go play.’ ”

With a smile, he added that Reid is a “pretty good offensive schemer” — who will have more time for that again — among his other attributes.

“He is a gentleman; he is a leader. Andy’s really good at molding young men,” he said. “You know why? Because he is honest, he’s truthful. Guys believe in him. He’s going to tell it like it is, good or bad.”

His own upbeat aura notwithstanding, Dorsey has that in him, too.

He knows he’s in a honeymoon phase, of course, and he might prefer to undersell and overdeliver.

“I just wish the fans would taper down,” he said, smiling but maybe not quite joking. “I know they’re excited, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. It can’t happen overnight.”

That may most aptly be summed up by the fact that 53 of the 90 names on the Chiefs’ training camp roster are new.

“I’m just throwing this number out there flippantly, but the average shifting is probably 20,” Dorsey said. “But when you’re 2-14, you better do something.”

But even if he does consider himself a realist, even if he acknowledges “you never know what you have” until you see it, Dorsey is thrilled to be in the thick of the transition on the eve of his first Chiefs camp.

“It’s a new season,” he said. “I want to see this team (and) who they really are.”

And no matter who it is and how far it has to go, he adds, “When we wake up in the morning, that’s why we’re here, to not only make ourselves better but make our community better. Let’s do something special today.”

O.city · 07-21-2013, 02:44 PM

We want to win now, they went and made moves to win now. Agree with them or not, thats what the moves speak to.

I don't have a single problem with what they did or didn't do this offseason. What I do/will have a problem with is them making these moves, not having a good year (making the playoffs), and coming out and saying it was a "transition" year etc. I don't think you make the moves they did and get that type leeway when/if things go wrong.

O.city · 07-21-2013, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Matt Moore + Geno Smith/Robert Woods/Kevin Minter + a second round pick next year + 5 million in cap space

Or

Alex Smith

?

Alex Smith.

**Mav** · 07-21-2013, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Matt Moore + Geno Smith/Robert Woods/Kevin Minter + a second round pick next year + 5 million in cap space

Or

Alex Smith

?

Well, that's an easy one to answer isn't it.

The Chiefs front office made that choice for you.

**Mav** · 07-21-2013, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

We want to win now, they went and made moves to win now. Agree with them or not, thats what the moves speak to.

I don't have a single problem with what they did or didn't do this offseason. What I do/will have a problem with is them making these moves, not having a good year (making the playoffs), and coming out and saying it was a "transition" year etc. I don't think you make the moves they did and get that type leeway when/if things go wrong.

This is a completely rational thought process. I truly believe the Chiefs are win this year mode, and I don't think that means 8-8 and whoo hooo. I think they are thinking playoffs period.

**BossChief** · 07-21-2013, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Whats the deal man? We are having a civilized conversation and you come in here with this.

What's wrng with this post?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Alex Smith = Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan = borderline elite

So, Alex Smith is borderline elite in Danes book.

That has nothing to do with Geno, EJ, Tyler or Glennon...that has to do with trying to rationalize a bad move our chosen team has made, once again.

If they deemed that this quarterback class was trash, fine.

Doesn't mean you give a borderline first and second round picks for a marginal upgrade to Cassel or even going out and signing a guy like Matt Moore.

Not too many of us would have been pissed if we did that and kept those picks.

We are talking about how the QB position was handled this offseason, aren't we?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Yeah, that's what I said.

And if Matt Ryan's going to the Hall of Fame, I guess they might as well prepare the Andy Dalton bust as well.

Matt Moore wasn't an option, as he re-signed with Miami as a backup. Kind of like Kyle Orton in 2012.

Are you referring to Clay, SDH and yourself? Do you realize that the "us" you're referring to equals about .001% of the Chiefs fan base?

without giving up picks, I'd take Matt Moore or Kyle Orton over trading a borderline first rounder and an additional second rounder.

I'm not speaking for anyone but myself.

O.city · 07-21-2013, 02:51 PM

If they don't finish with a winning record and push for the playoffs, it was a disaster.

RunKC · 07-21-2013, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I would argue that Manning is an elite game manager.

But to clarify, those that I define as game managers are those that strugglev when plays break down.

Aaron Rodgers is the best in the game when plays break down, so no, Rodgers is not defined as a game manager.

Either him or Big Ben IMO.

I think Russell Wilson is damn good at that too. He needs to show me that this year though.

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-21-2013, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

If they don't finish with a winning record and push for the playoffs, it was a disaster.

Considering this team went 7-9 without Berry, Charles and Moeaki, along with starting schlubs like Cassel, Palko and Orton, with quite possibly the worst head coach in Chiefs franchise history, I'm guessing that Reid, Dorsey and Hunt feel that the playoffs are within their reach with their 2013 moves.

It's calculated risk and hopefully it pays off.

RunKC · 07-21-2013, 02:58 PM

I think that unless we get decimated with injuries, this team will definitely be in the playoff race in December.

**BossChief** · 07-21-2013, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Considering this team went 7-9 without Berry, Charles and Moeaki, along with starting schlubs like Cassel, Palko and Orton, with quite possibly the worst head coach in Chiefs franchise history, I'm guessing that Reid, Dorsey and Hunt feel that the playoffs are within their reach with their 2013 moves.

It's calculated risk and hopefully it pays off.

Absolutely.

They went all in with this offseason with pocket 9s.

Let's hope they hit trips.

O.city · 07-21-2013, 03:00 PM

Considering the AFC is actually pretty weak overall, they need to not only push for the playoffs but make them IMO for this to be a successful year.

If they fall just short, it won't be a huge disaster, but it won't be considered a "good" season.

And I really don't want to hear about this "they were 2-14 last year" BS either. If they really felt that they were that bad and it was going to take a while to build it back, they went about it the wrong way.

O.city · 07-21-2013, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Absolutely.

They went all in with this offseason with pocket 9s.

Let's hope they hit trips.

Maybe they're playing blackjack?

**BigMeatballDave** · 07-21-2013, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Considering this team went 7-9 without Berry, Charles and Moeaki, along with starting schlubs like Cassel, Palko and Orton, with quite possibly the worst head coach in Chiefs franchise history, I'm guessing that Reid, Dorsey and Hunt feel that the playoffs are within their reach with their 2013 moves.

It's calculated risk and hopefully it pays off.

Crennel is much worse than Haley.

You just said, in this post, he did more with less than Crennel.

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-21-2013, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

I'll gladly take near-elite. I'll gladly take a guy with the potential to become near-elite.

And that's the thing - while people defending Alex Smith to the death continue to claim there are only 4-5 elite QB's, they conveniently do not mention that there are many more guys that are near-elite or have the talent to become elite/near-elite.

Love him or hate him, Jaws was spot on with his assessment of AS as the 20th best starting QB in the league. And that's not good enough.

The only definitive statement that I've made about Alex Smith is that he is not Matt Cassel.

There is absolutely no doubt that he has had more than a fair share of struggles over the course of his career. No doubt. But he hasn't complained, he hasn't been a whiner and he's worked very hard to become a better player.

Offensively speaking, he's in the best position of career in terms of skill position personnel and coaching. For all this bluster about Harbaugh, who is a very solid head coach, Greg Roman is no where the same category as Childress and Reid. His ridiculous and uncreative play calling on the final drive of the Super Bowl, which led to a 49ers loss, is proof that the guy has a lot to learn.

The bottom line for me is that I'm not going to say that Smith "sucks" or is incapable of leading a team to playoff wins and a Superbowl until I've seen him in this offense playing with Bowe, Charles, Avery and Fasano.

If he sucks ass, I'll be among the first in line to call him out. But I'd prefer to give them all the benefit of the doubt before declaring this a disaster.

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-21-2013, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFanDave

Crennel is much worse than Haley.

You just said, in this post, he did more with less than Crennel.

I understand it was a broad statement.

But the facts are that the Chiefs won two out of three with Crennel, who later proved himself to be the worst coach in franchise history.

07-20-2013, 10:18 AM
mdchiefsfan Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Casino cash: $703904	New GM Dorsey brings energy, enthusiasm to first training camp with Chiefs http://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/19...nthusiasm.html July 19 BY VAHE GREGORIAN The Kansas City Star The sheer, sincere energy radiates, almost enough to make you flinch or squint, as John Dorsey walks in the room and introduces himself. As the new Chiefs general manager prepared to embark Friday for an inspection of the operation at Missouri Western, where the team begins training camp with a trickle Monday and in earnest on Friday, it was hard not to get reeled in by his boyish enthusiasm. He spoke of the franchise being a “crown jewel” once it’s awakened and vowed he “will not rest” until then. He talked of an organization that is “symmetrically aligned” and of the good people he is working with — “You can feel that around here ” — in the aftermath of a reign of error that he isn’t interested in addressing. “I don’t live in the past; I live in the present and look forward to the future,” Dorsey said. “I’ll learn from the past, but I won’t live in it. I am who I am.” And who he is couldn’t contain his anticipation of the home opener against Dallas on Sept. 15. “Here’s what I can’t wait to hear,” he says, before bellowing out a somewhat disturbing, impossible-to-describe roaring sound. “These fans are unbelievable. I mean, I just want to hear them cranked up.” Toward that end, here’s what he says fans should look for in the first year of the new regime of Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid. “Everybody should expect a team that will be very competitive, that will represent the brand of the Kansas City Chiefs and what it stands for,” he said. “You’re going to see a bunch of guys that are excited and competitive and are going to compete their (tails) off for the AFC West — and rightfully so. “That’s what you should be doing. That’s why you’re in the business. “And you’re going to see a group of guys who are going to come together like a big family,” he adds, meshing the fingers of both hands together, “and the closeness in the locker room can buy you (victories). “We’re all in this together; everybody’s on the same page.” If that proves true in the long haul, it will an achievement in itself after the splintering within under predecessor Scott Pioli. But by way of example, Dorsey points first to Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and president Mark Donovan, speaking of each with admiration and later illustrating the flow chart by finding four Styrofoam plates and arranging them with Hunt represented at the top and Donovan, Reid and himself on the same line. “The structure that Clark has set up, it works, it really does,” he said, adding that they have worked to create a “belief system” together. “Listen, not one guy has all the answers, but collectively, if you can take everybody together, the fist is much more powerful than (a finger).” He added, “I know my strengths and weaknesses, but I’ll find the solution. Does that make sense? Just give me a little time and some patience, and I’ll use every resource available and I’ll find the solution.” While Dorsey stressed the essentials of cooperation and communication throughout the organization, top to bottom, the dynamic that will be most evident and likely most vital to the franchise’s future after years of futility will be the one between Reid and him. The duo became close during their time together in Green Bay, where Reid was an assistant from 1992-98 before his 14-year run as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles ended with a 4-12 campaign a year ago. “Andy and I talk three times a day, even on vacation; we’re like two brothers,” he says, pulling out his cell phone to show a picture of his 2-year-old, “Baby Jack,” eating watermelon that he recently texted Reid. “That’s what we share; that’s part of the friendship, and that’s we do. “We communicate. In the positions were in, and this includes Clark and Mark as well, we’re in constant communication. Constant communication makes effective organizations, and that’s the way it is.” For a more tangible illustration of how that plays out, Dorsey retraced the steps of how they went about going after quarterback Alex Smith from the 49ers. “The coaches did their evaluation, overall assessment of the team. We (in personnel) did our overall assessment of the team,” said Dorsey, who had spent most of the last two decades making his mark with the Packers in that capacity. “That way everybody gets a separate, objective opinion. Then Andy and I sat and talked, and it was interesting because we both were spot-on … about our needs. “So then I assessed all of the quarterback pool there was, in the NFL and in college. I assessed it, then I ranked them, I broke them down. And it wasn’t even close. Alex Smith was the only option.” The division of labor, Dorsey said, also should benefit Reid. “I think it’s huge. His plate was full when he was in Philly, now; I mean, really full,” he said. “And the way that Clark has structured it, my job is to bring the chess pieces to the game and say, ‘There you go, big boy, let’s go play.’ ” With a smile, he added that Reid is a “pretty good offensive schemer” — who will have more time for that again — among his other attributes. “He is a gentleman; he is a leader. Andy’s really good at molding young men,” he said. “You know why? Because he is honest, he’s truthful. Guys believe in him. He’s going to tell it like it is, good or bad.” His own upbeat aura notwithstanding, Dorsey has that in him, too. He knows he’s in a honeymoon phase, of course, and he might prefer to undersell and overdeliver. “I just wish the fans would taper down,” he said, smiling but maybe not quite joking. “I know they’re excited, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. It can’t happen overnight.” That may most aptly be summed up by the fact that 53 of the 90 names on the Chiefs’ training camp roster are new. “I’m just throwing this number out there flippantly, but the average shifting is probably 20,” Dorsey said. “But when you’re 2-14, you better do something.” But even if he does consider himself a realist, even if he acknowledges “you never know what you have” until you see it, Dorsey is thrilled to be in the thick of the transition on the eve of his first Chiefs camp. “It’s a new season,” he said. “I want to see this team (and) who they really are.” And no matter who it is and how far it has to go, he adds, “When we wake up in the morning, that’s why we’re here, to not only make ourselves better but make our community better. Let’s do something special today.”
Posts: 10,794

07-21-2013, 02:44 PM	#136
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $-615936	We want to win now, they went and made moves to win now. Agree with them or not, thats what the moves speak to. I don't have a single problem with what they did or didn't do this offseason. What I do/will have a problem with is them making these moves, not having a good year (making the playoffs), and coming out and saying it was a "transition" year etc. I don't think you make the moves they did and get that type leeway when/if things go wrong.
Posts: 84,186

07-21-2013, 02:51 PM	#141
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $-615936	If they don't finish with a winning record and push for the playoffs, it was a disaster.
Posts: 84,186

07-21-2013, 02:58 PM	#144
RunKC Andy Reid Supporter Join Date: Apr 2012 Casino cash: $-1520389	I think that unless we get decimated with injuries, this team will definitely be in the playoff race in December. __________________ Mike Greenberg@Espngreeny I can’t fathom what it must be like to be a fan of the #Chiefs. Adopt a Chief: Jared Wiley
Posts: 52,131

07-21-2013, 03:00 PM	#146
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $-615936	Considering the AFC is actually pretty weak overall, they need to not only push for the playoffs but make them IMO for this to be a successful year. If they fall just short, it won't be a huge disaster, but it won't be considered a "good" season. And I really don't want to hear about this "they were 2-14 last year" BS either. If they really felt that they were that bad and it was going to take a while to build it back, they went about it the wrong way.
Posts: 84,186

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