Edwards promises offensive changes for Chiefs - Page 11

Oz_Chief · 01-07-2007, 10:59 PM

...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."

Extra Point · 01-08-2007, 10:52 AM

Hello Damon Huard, goodbye Trent Green. Green was just a season away from riding the Washington pine, a heartbeat away from going in for Brunell.

Why is it we did so well when the playbook was simplified?

Why didn't we play-fake on first down, the first play of the game, when Indy was expecting us to run? Dungy over Edwards, as usual!

Next time, buy dinner, Herm!

Hammock Parties · 01-08-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamTheIrish

the same porous OLine.

You are nuts if you think they aren't going to put forth a serious effort to upgrade the OL this offseason.

**DeezNutz** · 01-08-2007, 10:55 AM

I posted this in another thread, but I think it went under the radar: Does anyone know what the cap hit would be for saying good-bye to Green? Is it so nasty that this isn't even a realistic possibility with Carl looming in the background demanding his money's worth?

BIG_DADDY · 01-08-2007, 10:58 AM

The only change from Herm I want to see is him staying the **** away from the offense.

WilliamTheIrish · 01-08-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

You are nuts if you think they aren't going to put forth a serious effort to upgrade the OL this offseason.

When you say upgrade, I want you to dream big and tell me who the Chiefs would go after.

let's get it out here and then we'll see how 'nuts' I am when the season rolls around.

Brock · 01-08-2007, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamTheIrish

When you say upgrade, I want you to dream big and tell me who the Chiefs would go after.

let's get it out here and then we'll see how 'nuts' I am when the season rolls around.

It appears the most notable player available in free agency is the Cardinals' Leonard Davis, so I don't see a lot of avenues to immediate improvement.

Calcountry · 01-08-2007, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie007

I say we have Trent Retire. Make him Offensive Coordinator. Trent really couldn't do anything he wanted to do on offense. He made all of those plays when he was hurt and not a one of them used. Bring up Brodie, and let him chuck it.

ottawa_chiefs_fan · 01-08-2007, 11:11 AM

Everytime they played up the Herm, Dungy, Lovie relationship on the telecast Saturday all I could think about was the inevitable fact that in close three-person male relationships, two of them are ALWAYS talking about what a dunce the third one is.....I can imagine the conversation and giggles between Dungy and Lovie after this one! I am sure they treat Herm like the drooling cousin chained to a post in the attic.

C-Mac · 01-08-2007, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txhawk

As far as Solari goes, I'm not his biggest proponent. But in his defense, how can an OC feel comfortable calling pass plays downfield when the WR's can't get separation. The perfect pass is not a way to base your offense passing. Let Tony G go, use his money to get some WR help. Kennison is a borderline number two. Parker shouldn't see the field, and it's time Dante moves on. Use Bennett as KR/PR.

I'm still upset that he didnt call for more quick throw short crossing route passes, they work almost all of the time. When he finally did with Indy they scored a TD. Then next possesion, the crossing routes were open again but now Green decides to throw deep for int. Perhaps there is some truth to the type of offense your capable of and you have to de-program someone like Green. I have no problem with any offense that catters well to the skills of the players thus enabling the moving of the chains and scoring points.

Mr. Laz · 01-08-2007, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

In this case, you DO change the offense and keep the offensive coordinator.

Why?

Because Mike Solari was never allowed to call HIS offense. This was HERM'S offense all along.

but Herm says the offense is getting even more Marty-ballish

so the offense that solari did learn under vermeil/saunders is going away even more.

How is exactly did you make the leap to "Herm now is gonna let Solari do what he wants"?

Brock · 01-08-2007, 11:18 AM

I think most teams would fire an OC after a playoff game like that one. The Chiefs will probably give him a raise.

patteeu · 01-08-2007, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

Here's my only problem - what variation of the Coryell system used big receivers? It seems like we have the personnel now to switch to the west coast w/power running (ala Seahawks and Packers), but we're stuck with an offensive coordinator that's never run that system and a quarterback who knows Coryell. What now?

Solari was coaching for San Francisco from 92-96 and for Kansas City from 97 until now. I think that both San Francisco and pre-Vermeil Kansas City ran the West Coast offense.

htismaqe · 01-08-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

but Herm says the offense is getting even more Marty-ballish

so the offense that solari did learn under vermeil/saunders is going away even more.

How is exactly did you make the leap to "Herm now is gonna let Solari do what he wants"?

After a playoff game like that, I think it's possible Carl sticks his nose into the situation. We've seen it before...

Hammock Parties · 01-08-2007, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patteeu

Solari was coaching for San Francisco from 92-96 and for Kansas City from 97 until now. I think that both San Francisco and pre-Vermeil Kansas City ran the West Coast offense.

That's encouraging. I guess we'll be looking at some sort of hybrid perhaps.

Mr. Laz · 01-08-2007, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

After a playoff game like that, I think it's possible Carl sticks his nose into the situation. We've seen it before...

it's possible ... but i have still yet to seen any indication from Herman that the change that's going to be made is let Solari do more of what he wants ... more importantly what he knows.

so next year our offensive coordinator is gonna be basically creating a new offensive system and teaching a new offensive system at the same time.

Herm admitted that Solari was only JUST learning the passing game THIS year.

So tell me how good is the passing part of the offense gonna be?

when Solari is such a n00b about it AND is gonna be learning and teaching a new passing game after only 1 year of passing OC experience.

you don't do this ... you don't take this kind of risk

if you want a new offensive system then you go out and hire an offensive coordinator who is an expert in that offensive system.

01-07-2007, 10:59 PM
Oz_Chief Starter Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: USA Casino cash: $-2044899	Edwards promises offensive changes for Chiefs ...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."
Posts: 416

01-08-2007, 10:52 AM	#151
Extra Point MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Prairie Village, KS Casino cash: $10004900	Hello Damon Huard, goodbye Trent Green. Green was just a season away from riding the Washington pine, a heartbeat away from going in for Brunell. Why is it we did so well when the playbook was simplified? Why didn't we play-fake on first down, the first play of the game, when Indy was expecting us to run? Dungy over Edwards, as usual! Next time, buy dinner, Herm! __________________ "Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." --Satchel Paige
Posts: 7,845

01-08-2007, 10:58 AM	#154
BIG_DADDY THE RED MENACE Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Texas Casino cash: $2558410	The only change from Herm I want to see is him staying the **** away from the offense. __________________ The diabolical genius of Marxism-Socialism is that it provides the emotional and intellectual road map for autocrats to persuade millions of people to support their own enslavement to government. ~Mark Levin April 15, 2019
Posts: 32,522

01-08-2007, 11:11 AM	#158
ottawa_chiefs_fan Starter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Casino cash: $9311312	Everytime they played up the Herm, Dungy, Lovie relationship on the telecast Saturday all I could think about was the inevitable fact that in close three-person male relationships, two of them are ALWAYS talking about what a dunce the third one is.....I can imagine the conversation and giggles between Dungy and Lovie after this one! I am sure they treat Herm like the drooling cousin chained to a post in the attic.
Posts: 950

01-08-2007, 11:18 AM	#161
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	I think most teams would fire an OC after a playoff game like that one. The Chiefs will probably give him a raise.
Posts: 47,314

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