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

[mdchiefsfan]

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.”

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by splatbass

I disagree completely. And so do Dorsey and Reid, the only ones who really count.

Absolutely. People can't wrap their minds around the concept that Reid is looking at the available options saying: I need a QB with X skills necessary to the things I want to be able to do in MY scheme. Alex Smith was the QB Reid and Dorsey thought would best compliment and implement THEIR scheme in KC. They aren't running Wendler's offense, they aren't running 'Lil Chiefy's offense--they are running their offense. They know what they want in a QB. If they believe he is the best man for the job, I'm not going to worry about it. They have their vision for what they want to do; if you do a little connecting the dots you can begin to surmise the type of offense they intend to implement. I wasn't happy with the ASmith signing at first, but when you look at the bigger picture, I think this will be an offense that really, really surprises people. Smith isn't a big home run hitter, but with his efficiency, this should wind up being a very difficult offense to defend.

[Hammock Parties]

Alex Smith isn't efficient, though.

He's bad on third down.

You kinda need to be GOOD on third down to be an efficient QB, no?

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

Alex Smith isn't efficient, though.

He's bad on third down.

You kinda need to be GOOD on third down to be an efficient QB, no?

At 8 yards/attempt and a 70% completion rate, you don't have a whole lot of 3rd downs.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

At 8 yards/attempt and a 70% completion rate, you don't have a whole lot of 3rd downs.

And you still don't score as many points as you could.

Alex Smith offenses have topped out at 21/22 PPG thus far.

He needs to improve his performance on third down.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

People are severely underestimating the losses of Leach, and Boldin on the Ravens.

And the Steelers defense is old and decrepid. Ill put no stock in them until I see other wise much like some people on here will not believe the Chiefs are better until they prove it. The Steelers were a bad team last year, and did not do near enough to get better to keep up with the Bengals, or the Ravens. 8-8 would be a really good season for the Steelers.

Good QBs find a way to win games. The Bengals are likely to be the most consistent against average teams to win the conference, but the Ravens and Steelers are by far and away the most dangerous in the playoff hunt. The Bengals will never be more than a 1-playoff win team.

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

And you still don't score as many points as you could.

Alex Smith offenses have topped out at 21/22 PPG thus far.

He needs to improve his performance on third down.

76.4% of the 49ers first downs were gotten on either 1st or 2nd down. You don't get much more efficient than that. The 49ers got 38 more first downs than their opponents--and their opponents got 34 of their first downs from 49er defensive penalties.

Did it ever occur to you that maybe a large number of the 3rd downs that weren't converted were not his fault? He doesn't call the plays. He doesn't control whether or not someone else on his team gets a penalty. He can't pull a Grbac and both throw and catch the ball.

Alex Smith can put points on the board when needed. People have pointed this out to you over and over, but you refuse to accept that.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

The 49ers got 38 more first downs than their opponents

This is the exact kind of misinformation that Alex Smith defenders love to spread.

Of course the 49ers had more first downs than their opponents. The 49ers had a great defense.

An objective person would realize that the 49ers were ranked 23rd in first downs in 2011, and 30th in passing first downs. That's pathetic, and we need more.

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

This is the exact kind of misinformation that Alex Smith defenders love to spread.

Of course the 49ers had more first downs than their opponents. The 49ers had a great defense.

An objective person would realize that the 49ers were ranked 23rd in first downs in 2011, and 30th in passing first downs. That's pathetic, and we need more.

Horse shit.

Over the course of their offensive plays last year, the 49ers were the 5th most efficient team in the NFL.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamoff

[Mav]

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

Horse shit.

Over the course of their offensive plays last year, the 49ers were the 5th most efficient team in the NFL.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamoff

Really Elvis. What it boils down to is this. Whatever stat you spit at him, he is going to twist it, into a negative. Alex Smith was the highest rated qb in the league the last two years on first down. Last season, the 3rd down percentage, didn't go up drastically from Alex, to Kaep. These are all stats, that I have shown him. And, you will hear this from his mouth. "THEY HAD A GREAT DEFENSE." I have no idea how that relates. He has no idea what kind of defense the Chiefs have, but he continues to say that Alex Smith isn't bringing that defense with him. Shrugs......He wears a helmet, lives in his moms basement, and gets coloring books for Christmas. At a certain point, I do, I feel sorry for such a dumb guy.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

Horse shit.

Don't care about last year. Colin Kaepernick was involved.

49ers didn't gain a lot of first downs in 2011.

Near the bottom of the league.

Culprit: shitty QB named Alex.

Deal with it.

[Mav]

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

Don't care about last year. Colin Kaepernick was involved.

49ers didn't gain a lot of first downs in 2011.

Near the bottom of the league.

Culprit: shitty QB named Alex.

Deal with it.

Lol. Actually, you have to deal with it. He is your qb. But its cute how you don't mention something from 2011. Like who his wide receiver options were.........

Oh, and before you say you don't care. Obviously the 49ers did, they have been revamping it every year. It was absolutely god awful in 2011. That you cant deny, even though you want to. Braylon Edwards is out of the league. Tedd Ginn is a RETURN specialist and that is all for the Panthers, Josh Morgan, Alex Smiths NUMBER TWO RECEIVER THAT YEAR, is the 4th receiver in Washington. The truth hurts doesn't it shit head?

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

The truth hurts doesn't it shit head?

Yes.

It hurts bad.

Every day I wake up and I'm reminded my favorite team is being led by Alex ****ing Smith.

That destroys my soul.

[Mav]

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

Yes.

It hurts bad.

Every day I wake up and I'm reminded my favorite team is being led by Alex ****ing Smith.

That destroys my soul.

Shrugs. I could say that a 10-6 record, and a playoff appearance would soothe that, but not you. You are a super bowl or bust guy right now. Shrugs, I don't know what to tell you. There was no qb you guys could of gotten this year that gave you a better opportunity at that, than the one you got. Shrugs. Now, you could be me, and your team has a qb older than alex smith, running his team. You want weeden? He likes to throw the deep ball.