Chiefs vets buying into rebuilding plan

[DaneMcCloud]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...fri&id=3583640

Chiefs vets buying into rebuilding plan

ESPN.com


Kansas City Chiefs guard Brian Waters knows how to find the positives in a difficult situation. That's why he's so focused on the upside of the current rebuilding process surrounding his team.

Even though the Chiefs are young and unproven in many areas, Waters already sees the benefits of so much inexperience. "The energy around here is much better now," he said Thursday after practice. "We haven't had that over the last couple years because we had a lot of veterans who were focused on their own agendas. Now we have a bunch of young guys who are all focused on getting better because they know they could be gone. It's making a difference."

Though Waters sounds like he's putting a nice spin on a process that usually isn't much fun at the start, he is sending a message that the Chiefs sorely need at this stage of their development. After all, attitude is everything when it comes to rebuilding and the Chiefs are proving they have that in their favor. Their veterans believe in the plan. Their young players are attacking everything at full speed. And in time, the hope is that all this faith and fervor leads to something more tangible than excessive optimism.

In fact, it wouldn't be surprising if the Chiefs earned their first victory on Sunday when they meet the Oakland Raiders at home. The Chiefs clearly gained some confidence in their 17-10 loss to New England last Sunday, even if that outcome was influenced heavily by the season-ending knee injury Patriots quarterback Tom Brady sustained in the first quarter. As Waters noted, the Chiefs played physical in that contest and they limited their turnovers against a well-coached, veteran team. "That game," Waters said, "gave us an idea of how good we could be."

The problem, of course, is that the contest also reminded the Chiefs of how far they need to go in their rebuilding process. The four drops by second-year wide receiver Dwayne Bowe were Exhibit A on that front, including a whiff on a potential touchdown pass that could've tied the game in the final minute. The defense couldn't fluster Patriots backup quarterback Matt Cassel and the shoulder injury that sidelined Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle also was cause for concern. The last thing Chiefs coach Herm Edwards needed to see was another malady for a struggling quarterback who already has a history of being injury-prone.

That being said, these are the things that come with starting over. Edwards expected to deal with plenty of growing pains when he sold general manager Carl Peterson and owner Clark Hunt on rebuilding and now Edwards already has seen plenty. The key for the Chiefs is recognizing that all of this year's ugliness has an undeniable value: It will help them grow into a team that understands how to deal with adversity. "The older guys can see that the younger guys have what it takes to be a good football players," Edwards said. "They just have to learn how to do it."

Edwards emphasized that one essential component of his plan is the veterans who are still on this year's roster. It's clear that young players like Bowe, rookie defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and rookie left tackle Branden Albert are the future, but it's been just as critical that older stars like Waters, running back Larry Johnson and tight end Tony Gonzalez buy into the process. So far, that's been the case. "When you decide to do something like this, you need to make sure the holdovers are the right guys," Edwards said. "We've got a bunch of young guys and rookies so there's a lot of teaching going on during practice that doesn't involve the coaches."

The obvious question is how quickly the Chiefs can take what they learn this season and apply it. It's fair to say they aren't going to win more than the four games they won last season. There are simply too many positions with uncertainties, including the one Croyle currently plays. But the best way to evaluate the Chiefs this year isn't by wins and losses. It's by how quickly they rebound from their mistakes and how they compete when the games aren't going their way.

Those simple attitude adjustments are ultimately what will keep them from becoming a team like the Raiders, another organization that is relying on a host of young players to succeed. For Oakland -- a team that was embarrassed by Denver in a season-opening 41-14 loss on Monday night -- it's becoming apparent that the constant chaos that surrounds an Al Davis-led franchise may once again poison any hope that team has of being relevant. That fact alone should also give the Chiefs confidence this week. As bad as things might get this year, they can at least know that they're all operating on the same page.

In fact, eight-year veteran defensive end Alfonso Boone said that playing for the Chiefs reminds him of what it was like to play for Chicago when Lovie Smith took over as the Bears' coach in 2004. The Bears also had questions at several positions and a long history of mediocrity back then. But the mindset was to have a collection of largely unknown youngsters play fast and furious, even if that approach led to mistakes. Two years later, the Bears represented the NFC in a Super Bowl loss to Indianapolis.

The Chiefs obviously would be ecstatic if their success came that quickly. The odds are it won't. But for now they can find some reasons to be positive about the future. The most apparent one -- at least from this vantage point -- is that they clearly believe in the path they've chosen.

____________________________________________________________

This article illustrates exactly why Herm won't be fired in 2009 or 2010: Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy built their teams with youth and had great success in their third years. Herm will be given at least until 2010 to complete this rebuilding process.

[ChiefsCountry]

I could see 6 wins basically bc I see some teams totally tanking at the end of the season aka Miami and Cincinnati.

[KcMizzou]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

They're on a 10 win losing streak.

I think the Chiefs will be lucky to win three games, barring injury (which already occurred at the QB position).

They may only win one.

I think you're predictions are a bit low.

The Chiefs chose to start rebuilding the foundation first. Albert and Dorsey are great for the offensive and defensive lines. I really think that's a wise move.

Yeah, it's not flashy... but I believe that's where you should start.

They're building a foundation here. If Brodie flamed out... well, that sucks... but it's not a huge deal. We'll get a QB later.

I don't think playing the Pats close was a fluke. And say what you will about Brady being out... but the rest of that team aint bad either.

The fact is, we're playing a lot of kids... and those kids came to play. To me, in one game... it seemed like they did well for themselves against one ot the best teams in the league.

I'm very encouraged.

[Reerun_KC]

Originally Posted by KCJohnny

7-9 with a strong finish.

How do you type when your from Carl all day...

You remind me of me in the early 90's when I was drinking Martha and Carl's Kool-aid with the best of them...

Keep fighting the "true fan" fight....

[jidar]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

I think you're predictions are a bit low.

The Chiefs chose to start rebuilding the foundation first. Albert and Dorsey are great for the offensive and defensive lines. I really think that's a wise move.

Yeah, it's not flashy... but I believe that's where you should start.

They're building a foundation here. If Brodie flamed out... well, that sucks... but it's not a huge deal. We'll get a QB later.

I don't think playing the Pats close was a fluke. And say what you will about Brady being out... but the rest of that team aint bad either.

The fact is, we're playing a lot of kids... and those kids came to play. To me, in one game... it seemed like they did well for themselves against one ot the best teams in the league.

I'm very encouraged.

I agree with this voice of reason.

[Mecca]

I wish they'd fire everyone.

[beach tribe]

Originally Posted by AutumnWind

You were a big Law supporter too.

42-14 BWAAAHAAAA!!

Funny how you come here, and talk shit after getting TROUNCED by the Donks.

You're team is not only a joke, but they have absolutely no future. You're cap money is spent for the next half decade on guys like Javon Walker. A total washout player with no desire to play, and no leg to play on even if he wanted to.

AT LEAST we have some sort of hope. We have ayoung roster, and planty of space to add the pieces we need. You're team is ****ed. For a LOOOONG time.
Can't wait to stomp you're ass Sunday bitch.

[crazycoffey]

Originally Posted by Mecca

I wish they'd fire everyone.

I wish we could fire you....

[KCJohnny]

Originally Posted by beach tribe

42-14 BWAAAHAAAA!!

Funny how you come here, and talk shit after getting TROUNCED by the Donks.

You're team is not only a joke, but they have absolutely no future. You're cap money is spent for the next half decade on guys like Javon Walker. A total washout player with no desire to play, and no leg to play on even if he wanted to.

AT LEAST we have some sort of hope. We have ayoung roster, and planty of space to add the pieces we need. You're team is ****ed. For a LOOOONG time.
Can't wait to stomp you're ass Sunday bitch.

How do you really feel, Mr. Beach Tribe?

[Warrior5]

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

I think you're predictions are a bit low. The Chiefs chose to start rebuilding the foundation first. Albert and Dorsey are great for the offensive and defensive lines. I really think that's a wise move.

Yeah, it's not flashy... but I believe that's where you should start.

They're building a foundation here. If Brodie flamed out... well, that sucks... but it's not a huge deal. We'll get a QB later.

I don't think playing the Pats close was a fluke. And say what you will about Brady being out... but the rest of that team aint bad either.

The fact is, we're playing a lot of kids... and those kids came to play. To me, in one game... it seemed like they did well for themselves against one ot the best teams in the league.

I'm very encouraged.

I too agree with this. I think 5-8 wins are possible.

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by Warrior5

I too agree with this. I think 5-8 wins are possible.

Not without a QB. The rest of the team may play well, like last Sunday, but at some point a team needs a QB to make those 2-4 big plays a game that win ball games.

The Chiefs are headed in the right direction with the youth movement, but until they get a franchise QB and dump Carl and Herm, they are not going to win anything.

[KCJohnny]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Not without a QB. The rest of the team may play well, like last Sunday, but at some point a team needs a QB to make those 2-4 big plays a game that win ball games.

The Chiefs are headed in the right direction with the youth movement, but until they get a franchise QB and dump Carl and Herm, they are not going to win anything.

Damon Huard. He can lead us to the playoffs if not to the SB. Ever heard the Earl Morrall story? You should.

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by KCJohnny

Damon Huard. He can lead us to the playoffs if not to the SB. Ever heard the Earl Morrall story? You should.

Perhaps...i seriously doubt it this year though.

[KCJohnny]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Perhaps...i seriously doubt it this year though.

I am not forecasting it - just saying that a young team with lots of talent and a crusty old vet QB can go far - look no further than the 2007 Packers. We have more weapons than the Pack had. And perhaps a better D and a coaching staff with 3 coaches with HCing exp.

[KCJohnny]

On April 25, 1972, Earl Morrall was claimed on waivers for $100 by the Miami Dolphins, reuniting him with his former Colt head coach, Don Shula, who said, "I happen to have a good memory. I remember what Earl did for me in 1968."
Shula's words proved prophetic when history repeated itself: Morrall replaced the injured Bob Griese for the Dolphins during the team's October 15 win over the San Diego Chargers. The victory gave Miami a 5-0 record, with Morrall building on that win to lead the team to the first undefeated regular season in the NFL since 1942 and only undefeated season ever. (quarterback in 12 out of 17 games) After notching a win in the team's first playoff game against the Cleveland Browns, Morrall struggled against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game, leading to the return of Griese. However, Morrall's efforts did not go unnoticed when he was named American Football Conference Player of the Year also in 1972, along with the inaugural NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.

Morrall was the starting QB for the perfect 17-0 Dolphins. Griese played in the SB but attmpted just 7 passes. Morrall was 36 years old at the time.

[Reerun_KC]

Originally Posted by KCJohnny

I am not forecasting it - just saying that a young team with lots of talent and a crusty old vet QB can go far - look no further than the 2007 Packers. We have more weapons than the Pack had. And perhaps a better D and a coaching staff with 3 coaches with HCing exp.

Now your comparing Huard to Farve?

KCJohnny, you might need to seek help... Seriously, I am starting to worry about you....