Whitlock: Dump this team and plan for next year - Page 4

Coach · 11-11-2007, 10:57 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/col...357011-p2.html

Dump this team and plan for next year

By the end of the third quarter, Larry Johnson had seen enough.

With the Chiefs down two scores, Damon Huard woozily sitting on the bench, coming to grips with the end of his starting career, and Priest Holmes impressively shaking off two years of rust, Kansas City’s highest-paid player limped out the front door of Arrowhead Stadium to his $450,000 Maybach 62 and chauffer.

By the end of the third, you knew all you needed to know about these Chiefs. They’re going nowhere, and it’s time to make some very difficult decisions.

The AFC West standings might define the Chiefs as a first-place team, but Kansas City’s 4-5 record, stuck-in-neutral offense and impossible-to-watch-and-stomach, 27-11 loss to the injury-riddled-and-mediocre Broncos told an uncomfortable truth.

The Chiefs are rancid, and the only way to clean the stench is to make all decisions with next year in mind.

We know what happens when you back into the playoffs with a shoddy offensive line, washed-up quarterback and unimaginative, in-over-his-head offensive coordinator. You get eviscerated by a legitimate playoff squad. You fail to pick up a first down until late in the third quarter. You play offense so bad that Chris Berman can’t help but crack jokes when he shows the highlights on ESPN.

No one wants to see a KC-Indy sequel.

So it’s time to move on. Time to play the young guys, not just at quarterback.

Huard is done. I like him. He’s taken a beating playing behind a line that is just as ineffective blocking the run as it is in pass protection. Huard hasn’t complained. He’s absorbed the licks and tried to be more than what he is — a backup quarterback.

It’s now time to see whether Brodie Croyle is more than a backup. Now is the proper time. The pressure is off. Johnson is down for the season. Everyone, especially the veteran players, can accept that the Chiefs are not a real playoff team.

For the record, I don’t like Croyle’s footwork. He doesn’t step into his throws, and the ball sails on him. He threw an interception on Sunday for this exact reason. It’s an error that’s fixable, but it’s also an error that can cost you games and ruin a career.

It’s also clear that offensive coordinator Mike Solari is an outstanding offensive-line coach. He’s not a play-caller. He’s been elevated to his point of incompetence. Next year Solari should be reinstated as line coach and work on re-establishing that unit as a force. The center, right guard and right tackle all must be replaced.

On Sunday, Solari blew the game. The Broncos own the league’s worst run defense. Priest Holmes, to my surprise and probably the surprise of the coaching staff, looked damn good. He looked fresh. He looked shifty. He looked ready to carry the load and help the Chiefs win an ugly game.

Solari failed to take advantage. He chose odd times to throw the ball, especially opening the second half of a tight game with four straight passing plays, which resulted in a Huard interception and fumble.

When the game was over, I wanted to blame Holmes. I erroneously thought the Chiefs built a more aggressive game plan because Solari and Herm Edwards were unsure what Holmes could do in live action over an extended period. It’s hard for a coach to build a game plan around a guy who joined the team in late July, skipped the preseason and talks in circles.

I was wrong. After talking with several offensive players, I was assured the Chiefs built a Holmes-heavy game plan, and Solari failed to execute it. Holmes bounced outside for 11 yards in the first quarter, and Solari seemed to run Holmes inside too often the rest of the game.

I don’t remember any screen plays for Holmes. Solari didn’t make a concerted effort to get Holmes in space, let him use his vision and quicker-than-expected feet. Holmes’ numbers weren’t overwhelming (65 yards in 20 carries), but had Solari called the right plays at the right time, Holmes should’ve had about 24 carries for 85 yards and three or four receptions for an additional 40 yards.

There were moments in Sunday’s game when I had to remind myself to temper my outlook on Holmes’ play because Denver’s front seven is atrocious. But I am positive about one thing: even at age 34, Holmes is 10 times the back Johnson is in the passing game.

Holmes had little trouble and enthusiastically picked up Denver’s blitzes.

“I talked with Priest for about an hour this week, just about what the offensive line was seeing and trying to do,” guard Brian Waters told me. “He’s done a really good job of trying to understand what we’re doing.”

Ah, I’m off on a tangent talking about an old running back when the Chiefs’ entire focus needs to be on getting younger.

To reach Jason Whitlock, call 816-234-4869 or send e-mail to jwhitlock@kcstar.com. For previous columns, go to KansasCity.com.

FAX · 11-12-2007, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia

How can he not remember any screens? I remember 2 very specifically - maybe a third.

That is kind of silly on Whitlock's part, Mr. Phobia. I remember one and I didn't even watch the game.

FAX

**Dylan** · 11-12-2007, 01:09 AM

Quote:

"Kansas City’s highest-paid player limped out the front door of Arrowhead Stadium to his $450,000 Maybach 62 and chauffer."

Does Jason Whitlock mean a "chauffeur" one who drives an automobile? I'm never sure what's going on in his head. The next thing that comes to mind is maybe he is talking about a furnace.

Someone please tell me if it's published in tomorrow's newspaper as "chauffer." Every writer needs a copy editor. lol

nitey nite! stayed up too late.

blueballs · 11-12-2007, 01:10 AM

yak yak yak LJ is a cancer
yak yak yak I'm so controversal
yak yak yak BBQ

**Dylan** · 11-12-2007, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

That is kind of silly on Whitlock's part, Mr. Phobia. I remember one and I didn't even watch the game.

FAX

I wonder why McClatchy is losing money.

Sometimes Whitlock's articles leave you with a sense of walking in on the middle of a movie.

I don't mean to be critical -- but I just couldn't go on reading after I read about the small furnace in LJ's car.

Too funny.

Micjones · 11-12-2007, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach

Let's compare Croyle's 2nd year, with his footwork problems, to Damon Huards 11 year, with that as well.

Really, no difference. Only difference is Croyle has ample time to correct it. Huard does not.

Ample time? Well that depends.
He is only a Third Round pick.
We don't owe him a three year commitment.

7-game trial.
If he plays well... He buys himself a full-season in 2008.
If not... We move on.

I thought he played well today for the most part so...
I'm anxious to see more.

(D-Bowe dropped a PERFECTLY THROWN TD PASS today)

Croyle deserves some credit.
The interception was bad, but I think there was miscommunication between he and Gonzalez.

I'd like to see how he responds to being named the starter uneqivocally by the HC. Next week poses a great challenge.

Depending on what happens with Freeney...
The Colts present some interesting challenges for the young gun.

Pushead2 · 11-12-2007, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Depending on what happens with Freeney...
The Colts present some interesting challenges for the young gun.

you mean Huard? we all know we're going to see him named as the starter.

Micjones · 11-12-2007, 02:07 AM

I think the coaching staff has every reason to make the switch at this point.

Hammock Parties · 11-12-2007, 02:09 AM

I think I changed my mind. Maybe Solari IS a problem. The Chiefs ran three straight times inside the 10-yard line today. To not even try a play-action pass in that situation is inexcusable.

**Bob Dole** · 11-12-2007, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOATSE

Solari can't win quite honestly. He runs the ball, he gets criticised. The throws it, he gets criticised.

Find a ****ing OL.

Bob Dole is pretty sure that if he can sit on his couch in Texas and successfully call out the next play Solari is going to call at about an 80% success rate, the opposing defenses (who, incidentally, get paid to study tendencies all week) are doing even better. Did anyone happen to notice how frequently Denver seemed to have the perfect defense for the play called before our guys even broke the huddle?

Sure, the O-line is a weakness. But they are what they are at this point in the season. Playcalling should be fluid and agile and adjustable--and doing it well is an art.

Solari is a 4 year-old with a burnt ochre crayon.

**Easy 6** · 11-12-2007, 07:54 AM

Whatever next years plan may be, it MUST include bringing in a Bonafide & Papered QB Coach.

There clearly isnt anyone on the staff capable of helping Brodie raise his game.

Left to their own devices, Solari & Curl will DESTROY him.

**the Talking Can** · 11-12-2007, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott free

Whatever next years plan may be, it MUST include bringing in a Bonafide & Papered QB Coach.

There clearly isnt anyone on the staff capable of helping Brodie raise his game.

Left to their own devices, Solari & Curl will DESTROY him.

wisdom

Reerun_KC · 11-12-2007, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Ample time? Well that depends.
He is only a Third Round pick.
We don't owe him a three year commitment.

7-game trial.
If he plays well... He buys himself a full-season in 2008.
If not... We move on.

I thought he played well today for the most part so...
I'm anxious to see more.

(D-Bowe dropped a PERFECTLY THROWN TD PASS today)

Croyle deserves some credit.
The interception was bad, but I think there was miscommunication between he and Gonzalez.

I'd like to see how he responds to being named the starter uneqivocally by the HC. Next week poses a great challenge.

Depending on what happens with Freeney...
The Colts present some interesting challenges for the young gun.

Horrid wasted our season, plain and simple. He is an 11 year backup and we don't owe him a three year commitment yet we started that shit bag and thought he was going to lead us tot he super bowl....

We owe Croyle a deep apology if anything...

Calcountry · 11-12-2007, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PastorMikH

8-8 could win the AFCW. (Shoot, 7-9 might for that matter). With this D, if Croyle can get some time with the starters in game situations to get on the same page they could do some damage in the playoffs

I'm afraid that Croyle getting time with these starters is going to get him killed.

Calcountry · 11-12-2007, 08:42 AM

Seriously. Do you think Croyle is looking forward to our tackles dealing with Dwight Freeney?

Mecca · 11-12-2007, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bunnytrdr

Seriously. Do you think Croyle is looking forward to our tackles dealing with Dwight Freeney?

Freeney got hurt last night....

Either way it's a solid point, Croyle has a not so nice injury history to go with it.

11-11-2007, 10:57 PM
Coach Champs! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $5678476	Whitlock: Dump this team and plan for next year http://www.kansascity.com/sports/col...357011-p2.html Dump this team and plan for next year By the end of the third quarter, Larry Johnson had seen enough. With the Chiefs down two scores, Damon Huard woozily sitting on the bench, coming to grips with the end of his starting career, and Priest Holmes impressively shaking off two years of rust, Kansas City’s highest-paid player limped out the front door of Arrowhead Stadium to his $450,000 Maybach 62 and chauffer. By the end of the third, you knew all you needed to know about these Chiefs. They’re going nowhere, and it’s time to make some very difficult decisions. The AFC West standings might define the Chiefs as a first-place team, but Kansas City’s 4-5 record, stuck-in-neutral offense and impossible-to-watch-and-stomach, 27-11 loss to the injury-riddled-and-mediocre Broncos told an uncomfortable truth. The Chiefs are rancid, and the only way to clean the stench is to make all decisions with next year in mind. We know what happens when you back into the playoffs with a shoddy offensive line, washed-up quarterback and unimaginative, in-over-his-head offensive coordinator. You get eviscerated by a legitimate playoff squad. You fail to pick up a first down until late in the third quarter. You play offense so bad that Chris Berman can’t help but crack jokes when he shows the highlights on ESPN. No one wants to see a KC-Indy sequel. So it’s time to move on. Time to play the young guys, not just at quarterback. Huard is done. I like him. He’s taken a beating playing behind a line that is just as ineffective blocking the run as it is in pass protection. Huard hasn’t complained. He’s absorbed the licks and tried to be more than what he is — a backup quarterback. It’s now time to see whether Brodie Croyle is more than a backup. Now is the proper time. The pressure is off. Johnson is down for the season. Everyone, especially the veteran players, can accept that the Chiefs are not a real playoff team. For the record, I don’t like Croyle’s footwork. He doesn’t step into his throws, and the ball sails on him. He threw an interception on Sunday for this exact reason. It’s an error that’s fixable, but it’s also an error that can cost you games and ruin a career. It’s also clear that offensive coordinator Mike Solari is an outstanding offensive-line coach. He’s not a play-caller. He’s been elevated to his point of incompetence. Next year Solari should be reinstated as line coach and work on re-establishing that unit as a force. The center, right guard and right tackle all must be replaced. On Sunday, Solari blew the game. The Broncos own the league’s worst run defense. Priest Holmes, to my surprise and probably the surprise of the coaching staff, looked damn good. He looked fresh. He looked shifty. He looked ready to carry the load and help the Chiefs win an ugly game. Solari failed to take advantage. He chose odd times to throw the ball, especially opening the second half of a tight game with four straight passing plays, which resulted in a Huard interception and fumble. When the game was over, I wanted to blame Holmes. I erroneously thought the Chiefs built a more aggressive game plan because Solari and Herm Edwards were unsure what Holmes could do in live action over an extended period. It’s hard for a coach to build a game plan around a guy who joined the team in late July, skipped the preseason and talks in circles. I was wrong. After talking with several offensive players, I was assured the Chiefs built a Holmes-heavy game plan, and Solari failed to execute it. Holmes bounced outside for 11 yards in the first quarter, and Solari seemed to run Holmes inside too often the rest of the game. I don’t remember any screen plays for Holmes. Solari didn’t make a concerted effort to get Holmes in space, let him use his vision and quicker-than-expected feet. Holmes’ numbers weren’t overwhelming (65 yards in 20 carries), but had Solari called the right plays at the right time, Holmes should’ve had about 24 carries for 85 yards and three or four receptions for an additional 40 yards. There were moments in Sunday’s game when I had to remind myself to temper my outlook on Holmes’ play because Denver’s front seven is atrocious. But I am positive about one thing: even at age 34, Holmes is 10 times the back Johnson is in the passing game. Holmes had little trouble and enthusiastically picked up Denver’s blitzes. “I talked with Priest for about an hour this week, just about what the offensive line was seeing and trying to do,” guard Brian Waters told me. “He’s done a really good job of trying to understand what we’re doing.” Ah, I’m off on a tangent talking about an old running back when the Chiefs’ entire focus needs to be on getting younger. To reach Jason Whitlock, call 816-234-4869 or send e-mail to jwhitlock@kcstar.com. For previous columns, go to KansasCity.com.
Posts: 53,228

11-12-2007, 01:10 AM	#48
blueballs Banned Join Date: Feb 2006 Casino cash: $10004900	yak yak yak LJ is a cancer yak yak yak I'm so controversal yak yak yak BBQ
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11-12-2007, 02:07 AM	#52
Micjones Whose house? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $10005180	I think the coaching staff has every reason to make the switch at this point.
Posts: 15,344

11-12-2007, 02:09 AM	#53
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4180478	I think I changed my mind. Maybe Solari IS a problem. The Chiefs ran three straight times inside the 10-yard line today. To not even try a play-action pass in that situation is inexcusable. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 279,677

11-12-2007, 07:54 AM	#55
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $3197775	Whatever next years plan may be, it MUST include bringing in a Bonafide & Papered QB Coach. There clearly isnt anyone on the staff capable of helping Brodie raise his game. Left to their own devices, Solari & Curl will DESTROY him.
Posts: 92,240

11-12-2007, 08:42 AM	#59
Calcountry Shoot the tube Join Date: Oct 2003 Casino cash: $8721645	Seriously. Do you think Croyle is looking forward to our tackles dealing with Dwight Freeney? __________________
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