|
11-12-2012, 07:57 AM | |
In Search of a Life
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Northern Kansas
Casino cash: $1584349
|
Mellinger: Change Hasn't Helped Chiefs
Change hasn’t helped Chiefs
By SAM MELLINGER The Kansas City Star PITTSBURGH -- The Chiefs’ nationally televised night of reckoning is exactly 11 months in the making. Last Dec. 12, Scott Pioli sat in front of reporters and television cameras and the eyes of fans across the Midwest to say he had fired Todd Haley. The only coach Pioli had ever hired was now out the door, and with him was supposed to follow the drama and tension that built up between the two men. Pioli was effectively blaming Haley for the Chiefs’ problems. He thought a change would bring calm, cohesion, success. “This decision was going to be made at some point,” Pioli said then. Those in Chiefs management talked constantly about consistency. They still do. The relationship between Haley and Pioli had turned toxic, and the general manager essentially pulled rank on the head coach. The Chiefs needed to move on. Much as it’s hard to remember now, the NFL consensus was that they would. And quickly. The Chiefs were 5-8 then, with four of their six most important players suffering season-ending injuries. This was before the Chiefs became a national punchline, back when lifelong football men thought this coaching vacancy was a great opening. Just a year removed from a division championship, a roster full of young and developing stars — including the ones coming off surgeries — promised that the next coach would inherit a better team than Haley left behind. “Our goal is to build a team that can consistently compete for championships and one that our fans can be proud of,” owner Clark Hunt said back then. It all seemed so plausible. The Chiefs’ future still looked bright. A rehab here, a draft pick there, sprinkle in a free agent or two and, voila, the Chiefs were on their way. So what the holy heck happened? The problems Pioli declined to talk for this column, and it’s important to recognize that everything from here on down is a big wad of hindsight. Maybe you always thought of Matt Cassel as a bad starting quarterback, but nobody predicted he would have more turnovers than 28 entire teams entering this past weekend’s games. Maybe you thought the Chiefs wouldn’t live up to being a trendy pick in the AFC West, but nobody predicted they’d be in the discussion of worst teams in recent league history. So it’s best to keep in mind that the view of what the Chiefs did or did not do back then is altered by the prism of today’s embarrassing reality, and that nobody saw this coming. Still, a careful examination of the personnel and coaching moves Pioli’s Chiefs have made can help us understand how a team goes from promising to pathetic with such striking speed. Combined with insight from football minds outside the Chiefs organization, a triumvirate of failure emerges: Crennel isn’t up to the task and the Chiefs made a critical error at quarterback, and Pioli’s drafts and other acquisitions are inadequate to make up for it. The coaching The Chiefs have not scored a touchdown on an opening possession in any of Crennel’s 11 games in charge, and have been outscored a combined 133-29 in the first and third quarters this season. Second-guessing coaches is one of the easiest things to do in football, but even ignoring occasionally sloppy game management and sketchy fourth-down decisions, Crennel has shown precious little consistency. Jamaal Charles got 39 touches against the Saints, but only eight against the Raiders. Crennel explained Charles’ overuse against New Orleans as an all-out effort to win the game, and the underuse against Oakland as Peyton Hillis doing well and the Raiders being too good against the run. But Hillis actually had fewer carries than Charles, and the next week Oakland gave up 251 yards rushing and four touchdowns to Tampa Bay rookie Doug Martin. The Raiders entered the weekend ranked 22nd against the run. Crennel admitted a mistake by firing himself as defensive coordinator last week, but he never should’ve held both jobs in the first place, considering his own personal experience in Cleveland, the Chiefs’ struggles when Haley tried to double as offensive coordinator, and the NFL’s long history of head coaches struggling when trying to call defensive plays. But here’s a scary fact: As Crennel decides to spend more time with the offense, his defense is giving up more yards per play than the 2007 Patriots, who set the league’s all-time scoring record. It’s also a rotten look that Crennel justifies his two biggest moves as head coach — switching quarterbacks four weeks ago and giving up the DC duties last week — as messages delivered. And it’s still hard to forget that before signing Brady Quinn, Crennel didn’t bother to ask for input from offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who had more recent and direct experience with the journeyman backup. The quarterback(s) The quarterback problem is obvious, and has been dissected since Pioli tied himself to Cassel four years ago. Still, it’s worth remembering that Pioli publicly stated that his top priorities included improving the quarterback competition for this season. Instead, he lessened it. Even after Clark Hunt told the world the Chiefs would pursue Peyton Manning, the team couldn’t even get a visit from the former Colts star. Then they let Kyle Orton go to Dallas for a less competitive situation and a contract the Chiefs could’ve easily bettered, and decided against seriously pursuing even underwhelming options like Jason Campbell or Chad Henne, who’ve at least experienced a modicum of NFL success. So while it’s true that only a liar would tell you he thought Cassel would be this bad, it’s also true that a year after being exposed with Tyler Palko as the backup when Cassel was hurt, Pioli essentially made the same mistake — after vowing to fix it. The drafts The last piece is just as important. Four years into the job, Pioli still hasn’t assembled enough components to make up for the shortcomings of the quarterback and head coach. A small bit of this is bad luck — Hillis’ high ankle sprain and Kevin Boss’ concussion, for instance — but more of it is in miscalculations, such as how Stanford Routt would handle a major switch in scheme and too many empty draft picks. Reasonable minds can disagree on the exact number, but four years of drafts have produced only about four above-average players: Jon Asamoah, Eric Berry, Justin Houston and Kendrick Lewis. Just as damning is that the further back you go — presumably, the more accurate the assessments can be — the worse the drafts look. All that’s left of Pioli’s first draft is No. 3 overall pick Tyson Jackson and kicker Ryan Succop. Over that same time, division rivals have picked up as many or more impact players, including stars like Von Miller in Denver. The Broncos have been especially better in trades and free agency. Pioli has been able to find placeholders in Kelly Gregg and Casey Wiegmann, but there have also been too many misses — signing Routt and letting Brian Waters go, to name just two. The reality No team could overcome the amount (and timing) of turnovers the Chiefs have had this season. But bad luck can only account for some of it, and as long as the Chiefs remain in denial about that, the longer they’ll go before getting better. For instance, it’s fair to say that a turnover here or there, and the Chiefs might have a better record. They outplayed the Ravens, for instance, and deserved to win that game. But whether by ego or delusion, any time spent cursing those ifs is time spent ignoring the simple truth that they’ve been so thoroughly bad that they’ve trailed by at least 17 points in all but one game. It’s denial, and it’s impossible to justify. Even when they don’t turn it over, the Chiefs averaged fewer yards per play than all but five teams entering this week’s games. They obviously can’t catch the 0-16 Lions of 2008 as the objective worst team in NFL history, but by certain advanced metrics, they are building a case as the most uncompetitive team since the merger. In other words, the players and coaches Pioli thought could make the post-Haley Chiefs one of the NFL’s better teams this season instead will tonight present a historical failure to their old coach and the nation’s largest weekly television audience. The memories The painful but undeniable truth for Pioli and Crennel is that the reasoning used to fire Haley 11 months ago is only stronger to do the same to them now. The same problems they cited with Haley are still here, only worse. Hunt, back then: “It is clear to me we are not making enough progress.” Pioli, back then: “It was an accumulation of information and thoughts, and we finally got down to talking about where things were and thought this was the best decision in order to create more consistency and progress.” Considering that the Chiefs were less than a season removed from a division title at the time and that their window to win with this core group diminishes the older guys like Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson get, the team has neither time nor a credible call for patience on its side. Hunt effectively doubled down with Pioli 11 months ago, and at the time it was a reasonable move. Most around the league thought the Chiefs could be competitive, and quickly, with the right men in place. Less than a year later, the team is very obviously still lacking the right men. Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/11...#storylink=cpy -------------------------------------------------------------------------- That a'boy Sam! Keep the pressure on! |
Posts: 21,615
|
11-12-2012, 09:01 AM | #16 |
First Overall
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: kcmo
Casino cash: $10007271
|
and OBTW- "Romeo's Defense" was Haley's credit too, so let's just forget about all that "it was Haley's INCREDIBLE COORDS!!!!! that won the division!!!!!" bullshit.
__________________
The Greatest |
Posts: 10,580
|
11-12-2012, 09:06 AM | #17 |
Admitted Planet Junky
Join Date: Oct 2000
Casino cash: $2041627
|
Yeah Haley wasn't the problem. I have always thought he was trying to make a point to Pioli with the Palko situation. And that is what got him fired. Either way it should of been something that Pioli learned from. What Pioli did was got into a shell even moreso with the promotion Crennel. Then went to make our QB situation even worse. Basicly giving Crennel no option but Cassel.
__________________
Fanaticism is nowhere. There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism. |
Posts: 19,209
|
11-12-2012, 09:09 AM | #18 |
Tip of the hat LIV Champs
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: ks
Casino cash: $3465421
|
Yes, if only Haley was given the guy he wanted at QB. I think a HC has the right to pick and chose his starting QB and has the biggest input on players as he is the one coaching them up. You got to believe in the players as much as the players have to believe in the coach.
__________________
A Brave Man Once Requested Me To Answer Questions That Are Key 'Is It To Be Or Not To Be' And I Replied Oh Why Ask Me |
Posts: 54,963
|
11-12-2012, 09:15 AM | #19 | |
Space Cadet and Aczabel
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Kanab, UT, USA
Casino cash: $9333275
VARSITY
|
Quote:
__________________
Thanks, Trump for the civics lesson. We are learning so much about RICO, espionage, sedition, impeachment, the 25th Amendment, order of succession, nepotism, separation of powers, 1st Amendment, obstruction of justice, the emoluments clause, conflicts of interest, collusion, sanctions, oligarchs, money laundering and so much more. |
|
Posts: 40,584
|
11-12-2012, 09:17 AM | #20 |
Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Winston Salem, NC
Casino cash: $8412075
|
Yep
|
Posts: 568
|
11-12-2012, 09:19 AM | #21 |
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2009
Casino cash: $10005147
|
Haley won 8 games with a team that Romeo cant win 2 with..... and Haley had 3 starters out by week 2. Think about that...
|
Posts: 847
|
11-12-2012, 09:19 AM | #22 |
First Overall
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: kcmo
Casino cash: $10007271
|
Derrick Johnson went from being all pro and got his 1st class ticket to Hawaii PB last season, this season he's been seriously bad to the point it has been just laughable and game announcers ridiculed him for running himself out of play after play.
__________________
The Greatest |
Posts: 10,580
|
11-12-2012, 09:30 AM | #23 |
Politically Incorrect
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Casino cash: $2751110
|
Ditto
__________________
"The only difference between sex for free and sex for money is that sex for free costs you a WHOLE LOT more!" ~Redd Foxx~ "The men who drafted Patrick Mahomes" |
Posts: 50,521
|
11-12-2012, 09:31 AM | #24 |
Praise Him
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: none ya
Casino cash: $5895486
|
have to say.....WRONG
__________________
No Jesus No Peace Know Jesus Know Peace Ephesians 2:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. |
Posts: 12,179
|
11-12-2012, 09:44 AM | #25 |
Happy, Happy, Happy!!!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Casino cash: $10004935
|
The Chiefs aren't going anywhere until Scott Pioli is fired... it is as simple as that. New coaches and personnel changes will come naturally after that. NOTHING will get fixed until Pioli is back in the Northeast and completely as far as possibly away from Arrowhead!
|
Posts: 2,283
|
11-12-2012, 09:47 AM | #26 |
Supporter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ozarks
Casino cash: $3260564
|
The difference is discipline and accountability. This team has none now, period. Hell, the HC doesn't even know what happened, so how can anyone be accountable?
|
Posts: 33,425
|
11-12-2012, 09:52 AM | #27 |
Out Gunning CP's Fandom Police
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Laguna Beach, CA
Casino cash: $2343127
|
**** them all! We saw THIS TEAM throughout preseason. The signs were there. Sure, it was preseason, BUT they were getting dominated in every way - espeiclly on all the one-on-one's. Also the HC, OC (even the GM) had NEVER experienced success in their current rolls. Crennel has a HISTORY OF FAIL as a HC, Draboll has a HISTORY of FAIL as an OC (And also while serving as OC in Cleveland with Crennel). Why that tandum was allowed a second chance to FAIL TOGETHER in KC is the reesult of a GM who has a HISTORY of mnaking POOR BIG DECISIONS. Throw in a terrible QB, bad personnel moves, drafts and THIS is what you get. The signs were all there. Do the GM and coaches REALLY know more than knowledgeable fans? In most situations - absolutely, BUT NOT these IDIOTS.
__________________
"The CHIEFS, HAVE THEIR DYNASTY!" |
Posts: 34,689
|
11-12-2012, 10:03 AM | #28 |
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NEMO
Casino cash: $10014823
|
Everytime I see Pioli with my Chiefs colors on I feel violated.
|
Posts: 945
|
11-12-2012, 10:14 AM | #29 | |
Tip of the hat LIV Champs
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: ks
Casino cash: $3465421
|
Quote:
__________________
A Brave Man Once Requested Me To Answer Questions That Are Key 'Is It To Be Or Not To Be' And I Replied Oh Why Ask Me |
|
Posts: 54,963
|
11-12-2012, 10:14 AM | #30 |
Out Gunning CP's Fandom Police
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Laguna Beach, CA
Casino cash: $2343127
|
Exactly. Hynt sticking with Pioli is worse than Pioli sticking with Cassel. It's so obvious what's wrong with the organization.
__________________
"The CHIEFS, HAVE THEIR DYNASTY!" |
Posts: 34,689
|
|
|