Pioli says Chiefs can turn around after 0-2 start

[ShowtimeSBMVP]

Pioli says Chiefs can turn around after 0-2 start
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star




Like seemingly much of Kansas City, general manager Scott Pioli is more than a little stunned by the Chiefs’ 0-2 start.

But Pioli said Tuesday that his confidence in the Chiefs is not shaken and he remains convinced the Chiefs can still make something of their season.

“If any one of us knew what the answer was, we wouldn’t be sitting where we’re sitting right now,” Pioli said. “But I also don’t think it’s the end of the world. We have 14 games left. We’re certainly digging a hole but it’s not something we can’t get out of. Everyone within the organization is disappointed in the results so far. We’re all surprised because I don’t think any one of us went into the season thinking we would be 0-2. I don’t think any of us anticipated that.

“(He expects the Chiefs) to improve, get better and start winning some games in whatever order that is. Those are my expectations, but I want to be clear those are mine and our expectations. I think those are the players’ expectations, the coaching staff, the fan base. Our expectations at the beginning of this year were that we were going to be winning games. Right now, we haven’t done that. (But) we’re two games into a 16-game season.”

The Chiefs are one of six 0-2 teams in the NFL, but they weren’t close to winning either game. Their scoring differential of minus-34 points is second-worst in the league behind only Tennessee.

As the general manager, Pioli built the roster. Asked whether he was guilty of overestimating the abilities of some of the Chiefs’ players, Pioli said, “We think the roster is good enough. I think it is. Now it comes down to executing. We improved this team through free agency and did quite a bit of spending to improve this team whether it was contract extensions or the signing of other players. Time will tell if it was enough. I think it was.”

Regarding their spending, figures supplied by the NFL Players Association showed the Chiefs to have more than $26 million in available room under the league’s salary cap. Pioli said he didn’t regret not using more of that available cap space when the Chiefs built their roster.

“I think there are things we did do that helped this football team,” Pioli said. “I also know for a fact that this year alone we’re spending over $141 million in cash this year. That’s more than $20 million over the cap.

“It’s been proven time and time again that there’s not a direct correlation between spending cap dollars and winning. There’s not.”

Pioli said the Chiefs would need to allocate some of their available 2012 salary cap space toward the 2013 cap. He didn’t provide 2013 cap figures, but his comments indicate the Chiefs might otherwise be snug against the cap next season.

“We had better have cap room this year to roll over for next year to make sure we’re (in good shape),” Pioli said. “(Using available salary cap space) is not a year-by-year, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants thing.

Pioli during the offseason also hired Romeo Crennel as head coach, promoting him from defensive coordinator. Crennel finished last season as the interim coach. The Chiefs went 2-1 in those games and fell just short of making the playoffs and completing a dramatic turnaround.

Crennel remains the defensive coordinator this season as well. But the poor play of the Chiefs’ defense is a big reason for the 0-2 start. They have allowed 75 points, which is tied for worst in the league.

Asked whether Crennel was the right coach to direct the Chiefs out of their hole, Pioli said, “Absolutely he is. I think he’s doing a good job. I really do.”

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/09/18...#storylink=cpy

[FAX]

I'm really curious to see how we perform against the Saints.

By now, they're probably a tad frustrated and a little angry and a lot hungry and are viewing the Chiefs as a nice, ripe slab of red meat ... with a side of taters and a heapin' helpin' of satisfaction.

I don't expect a win ... that's far too unrealistic ... but it's going to take one hell of a turn-around for us to even appear competitive against that team on the road under these conditions. Will we show improvement? Or, will we flutter about like a lengthy Philippine labia in a stiff ocean breeze? This is a true test of Crennel's skill as a motivator, schemer, and overseer. Given the circumstances, you couldn't ask for a better challenge.

FAX

[Black Bob]

Originally Posted by FAX

How do you feel about the 2-3-6 defensive scheme, Mr. BlackBob?

FAX

I hate it and it's not working. It wastes Berry's talent by basically making him a LB, we can't stop the run with 2 down linemen and the Bills exploited that, and we have been lined up in that formation on every TD we have given up but one.

I feel that RAC has outsmarted himself with this one. Please make it stop Romeo!

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by BossChief

Menzie went down in preseason not before and the pickings at corner were very slim outside of Drayton Florence.

It is what it is.

Joselio Hansen should have been worked out.

[Sorter]

BlackBob, I thought we only ran a 3-3-5?


Additionally, the 2-3-6 is a great package if you have 3 competent safeties and can get a pass rush from your 2 down lineman and your 2 OLBs.

If Lewis, Menzie, and Bailey were healthy, then this D would look a lot better IMO.

Poe would need to pick his play up, but having Bailey instead of what we have now would help. Granted, this defense would still be ****ed overall because they're on the field the entire ****ing game.

[Setsuna]

Originally Posted by Sorter

BlackBob, I thought we only ran a 3-3-5?


Additionally, the 2-3-6 is a great package if you have 3 competent safeties and can get a pass rush from your 2 down lineman and your 2 OLBs.

If Lewis, Menzie, and Bailey were healthy, then this D would look a lot better IMO.

Poe would need to pick his play up, but having Bailey instead of what we have now would help. Granted, this defense would still be ****ed overall because they're on the field the entire ****ing game.

Just stop. No one wants to see your little bitchfest again. We all know BB is a tard.

[Sorter]

Alright, alright.



Off-topic, but Sets have you heard anything about Fred Taylor's kid? Is he a senior this year?

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by Fruit Ninja

Cassel was the original sin.

So true, it doesnt matter that his completion % or ypg are up... he cant 'lift' his teammates, their utter lack of visible enthusiasm last week proves it beyond doubt... i'm still not over just how forlorn they looked, they walked onto that field with O faith in their leader.

[Hammock Parties]

His completion percentage is down, buddy.

Believe it.

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

His completion percentage is down, buddy.

Believe it.

I thought i'd seen where he was somewhere in the 60's (holy crap!) against atl, oh well, we still lost & he still sucks.

[Sorter]

I'm worried that this is going to be like last year. Somehow, we end up starting Quinn/Stanzi and they produce in a similar fashion to Orton. The team believes in them, our D plays better, and we end up drafting around 12th-19th, thus removing ourselves from a legitimate QB. Knowing our luck, all of the pass-rushers will be gone and we'll be left with a 5-tech to replace Dorsey.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Sorter

I'm worried that this is going to be like last year. Somehow, we end up starting Quinn/Stanzi and they produce in a similar fashion to Orton. The team believes in them, our D plays better, and we end up drafting around 12th-19th, thus removing ourselves from a legitimate QB. Knowing our luck, all of the pass-rushers will be gone and we'll be left with a 5-tech to replace Dorsey.

STOP!!!

[whoman69]

Originally Posted by FAX

I'm really curious to see how we perform against the Saints.

By now, they're probably a tad frustrated and a little angry and a lot hungry and are viewing the Chiefs as a nice, ripe slab of red meat ... with a side of taters and a heapin' helpin' of satisfaction.

I don't expect a win ... that's far too unrealistic ... but it's going to take one hell of a turn-around for us to even appear competitive against that team on the road under these conditions. Will we show improvement? Or, will we flutter about like a lengthy Philippine labia in a stiff ocean breeze? This is a true test of Crennel's skill as a motivator, schemer, and overseer. Given the circumstances, you couldn't ask for a better challenge.

FAX

There are no moral victories in the NFL. That we don't look like shit is not showing improvement.

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

STOP!!!

It's hard man. I'll get better at, I swear! It is just that was so excited for Suck 4 Luck that I don't know if I can handle it again.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by scott free

I thought i'd seen where he was somewhere in the 60's (holy crap!) against atl, oh well, we still lost & he still sucks.

58 percent and 1:1 TD-INT ratio.

And that's with garbage time boosters.

He's a gutless TERD

[KC_Lee]

Originally Posted by Sorter

I'm worried that this is going to be like last year. Somehow, we end up starting Quinn/Stanzi and they produce in a similar fashion to Orton. The team believes in them, our D plays better, and we end up drafting around 12th-19th, thus removing ourselves from a legitimate QB. Knowing our luck, all of the pass-rushers will be gone and we'll be left with a 5-tech to replace Dorsey.

Or we trade down, pick up an extra 3rd and trade that pick and a 5th to NE for Mallet.