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."

[Halfcan]

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

Wouldn't that be considered an adjustment? Herm doesn't do adjustments. He just stands there on the sideline looking like he doesn't know where he is.

Yep the deer in the headlights pic was classic.

[2112]

Originally Posted by Zouk

You're big on style points I see.

Herm had your team a kick away from the AFC title game, but you're happier with a 21 point Wild Card loss as long as you get a lot of flashy pre-snap motion and disguised blitzes designed to make the coaches look like geniuses.

(Don't even mention that your talent was much better then, because in 2004 Pennington was playing in the playoffs with a torn rotator cuff, and Herm was starting Mark Brown and Reggie Tongue on D)

It'll all come down to who's playing deep in January the next few years - Mangini or Herm. That's all that will decide who's better - not how they talk in press conferences, not who calls more passes - just who wins. We'll see.

I would trade you a 1st day draft pick for Westhoff though - that's the guy we really need.

Are you my ****ing stalker??

The more you post..the more clueless you look..the Jets would be at least 7-9 with hermy, probably worse..you need to watch more Jet games and get over your stats..you were probably waving your Herm POM-POMS on saturday..right??

[BigRock]

Originally Posted by Oz_Chief

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.

I love how Teicher created a QB issue out of thin air. Good God, the KC media is a joke.

[2112]

Originally Posted by Zouk

You're big on style points I see.

Herm had your team a kick away from the AFC title game, but you're happier with a 21 point Wild Card loss as long as you get a lot of flashy pre-snap motion and disguised blitzes designed to make the coaches look like geniuses.

(Don't even mention that your talent was much better then, because in 2004 Pennington was playing in the playoffs with a torn rotator cuff, and Herm was starting Mark Brown and Reggie Tongue on D)

It'll all come down to who's playing deep in January the next few years - Mangini or Herm. That's all that will decide who's better - not how they talk in press conferences, not who calls more passes - just who wins. We'll see.

I would trade you a 1st day draft pick for Westhoff though - that's the guy we really need.

A kick away??we had 2 td's from an int and punt return against the steelers..we scored 17 points..sound familiar??we should have blown them out..like the patriots did..

[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

[milkman]

Originally Posted by bill parcells

..you were probably waving your Herm POM-POMS on saturday..right??

You should know better.

Herm POM-POMS never get off the ground.

[RedThat]

Originally Posted by Coach

how about changing the General Manager?

I like that idea.

[Zouk]

Originally Posted by bill parcells

A kick away??we had 2 td's from an int and punt return against the steelers..we scored 17 points..sound familiar??we should have blown them out..like the patriots did..

Sorry man, don't mean to stalk. I just get sensitive when I see Jets fans try to turn Chiefs fans off Herm.

I'll give it a rest for a while. Season's over.

[Chiefs Pantalones]

OMG, this guy is an idiot!

He is a terrible coach, he reminds me of Gun when he was head coach. He really has no vision for this team, there is no identity. He said the system would change even with the same coordinator? How is that possible? Solari only knows the Coryell system. Does he want this team to have any identity at all? He's a playstation head coach. Anybody can run put on a head set and run the ball 50 times a game. I do that with LJ and it does me good, but the problem is Hermy, this is real life.

I'm sorry, but the guy sounds like he doesn't have a clue.

[2112]

Originally Posted by Zouk

Sorry man, don't mean to stalk. I just get sensitive when I see Jets fans try to turn Chiefs fans off Herm.

I'll give it a rest for a while. Season's over.

thank you!!

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Zouk

Sorry man, don't mean to stalk. I just get sensitive when I see Jets fans try to turn Chiefs fans off Herm.

I'll give it a rest for a while. Season's over.

He doesn't have to try, Herman ****ing Edwards can manage that all by his lonesome, thank you.

[CoMoChief]

Originally Posted by penguinz

The guy plays like he is still hearing bells ringing in his head and you want to use plays he wrote up just 2 weeks after the concussion?

Trent knows this offense better than anyone on this team, including coaches. Why he was never allowed to change plays at the line like Manning I have not the wildest clue.

He needs to become an offensive coordinator IMO. I dont think it will happen though because I bet the guy has a TV deal for NFL network or something like that when he hangs them up.

[Chiefs Pantalones]

And he even said he's never really wanted to be a head coach. Why the **** would someone wanna hire a guy like that?

[Halfcan]

Originally Posted by Zouk

Sorry man, don't mean to stalk. I just get sensitive when I see Jets fans try to turn Chiefs fans off Herm.

I'll give it a rest for a while. Season's over.

Yep Chiefs fans hate Herm because of Bill. Damm Bill your Mojo is powerful.

[Skip Towne]

Originally Posted by Zouk

Sorry man, don't mean to stalk. I just get sensitive when I see Jets fans try to turn Chiefs fans off Herm.

I'll give it a rest for a while. Season's over.

He didn't turn us off Herm. We got to see Herm's act for ourselves. At the time, the Colts had 22 first downs and we had none. What did Herm do about it? Nothing. Ya want him back?