Chiefs Pioli looks for specific qualities in free agents - Page 4

ChiefRon · 03-26-2009, 11:11 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...y/1106898.html

Pioli looks for specific qualities in free agents

By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

DANA POINT, Calif. | The Chiefs had enough salary-cap room to buy small countries and certainly had need of many skilled players when the free-agency signing period began last month.

General manager Scott Pioli said he was never tempted to solve their many problems by making a big strike in free-agency.

“Here’s a rule I learned from my mother and father when I was a kid: Just because you have money in your pocket doesn’t mean you have to spend it,” Pioli said Wednesday at the conclusion of the NFL’s annual meetings. “Whether you have a lot or a little, always spend it wisely.”

The Chiefs spent some Wednesday when they agreed to terms of a two-year, $3.5 million contract with veteran offensive lineman Mike Goff. The 33-year-old Goff is an 11-year veteran, having spent the first six seasons of his career with Cincinnati and the last five with San Diego.

A durable player, Goff has started all 16 games for the last six seasons. His signing does not appear to be insurance in case the Chiefs trade guard Brian Waters, who for now is their starter at left guard.

Goff could wind up starting at either center, where he could beat out incumbent Rudy Niswanger, or right guard, where last year’s starter Adrian Jones is unsigned.

Goff could be the Chiefs’ only starter from this year’s group of unrestricted free-agent signings, which now numbers five. Pioli said free-agency for the Chiefs might look different from year to year depending on circumstances.

“Don’t ever expect a certain outcome because it always will depend on the opportunity,” said Pioli, who joined the Chiefs in January after nine seasons as the personnel director for New England. “People tried to believe the Patriots would never draft a linebacker. Last year, Jarod Mayo was drafted in the first round. People tried to believe the Patriots would never spend big money on top free-agent players. Rosevelt Colvin was paid pretty good money. Adalius Thomas was paid pretty good money.

“Now, we paid a lot of our own free agents. People forget that a lot of times, but that’s an element of free-agency, an important element. We re-signed Ty Warren. We re-signed Richard Seymour. We re-signed Tom Brady. We re-signed Dan Koppen.

“So every year will be different. Every day will be different. As we go through free-agency, teams sign players or roster bonuses come due for certain players and free-agency changes.”

The Chiefs also traded with the Patriots for two probable starters, quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel. While their free-agent group might include no eventual starters other than Goff, the Chiefs signed all of them with a specific role in mind.

Veteran wide receiver Bobby Engram will be the slot receiver when the Chiefs go to a three- or four-receiver formation and a resource for the Chiefs’ many young players.

“He’s an experienced receiver who’s played well in this league,” Pioli said. “He has tremendous makeup and tremendous character and will be a good veteran presence not only on the team but at his specific position. He runs great routes and is a very dependable person. So he’ll be productive not only as a player, but as a teacher and mentor and what we’re trying to do as a team.”

Wide receiver Terrance Copper, linebacker Monty Beisel and cornerback Travis Daniels will be reserves. But Copper is the fastest of Chiefs receivers and could give them a deep threat they’ve lacked at receiver.

Beisel, who played for the Patriots during part of Pioli’s time in New England, could wind up playing in special situations like goal-line and short-yardage. The Chiefs expect all three to upgrade their woeful play on special teams.

Pioli said they also share a quality that is essential for all players acquired by the Chiefs: They enjoy not only playing football, but working at it, too.

That’s something Pioli said he will be looking for when the Chiefs hold their first minicamp April 17-19 and practice later in the spring.

“One of the things I’ll be doing is evaluating not just football skills but details,” Pioli said. “Football needs to be one of the most important things in their lives.”

A day after coach Todd Haley used Cassel as an example of what the Chiefs were looking for in that regard, Pioli agreed, citing Cassel’s big year last season after replacing the injured Tom Brady.

“One of the most impressive things about Matt to me is that he essentially didn’t take a snap, hadn’t really had to prepare for a game or play for over seven years, but when the opportunity came, he was ready,” said Pioli, who along with coach Bill Belichick selected Cassel in the seventh round of the 2005 draft even though he had been a backup and played sparingly in college at USC.

“To me, his mental and emotional endurance are classic examples of everything we try to teach in football.”

htismaqe · 03-26-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

What, do you not watch the games or something?

Pollard is out there every week missing tackles.

Pollard was late to many many plays because it wasn't his side of the field but Page couldn't get there in time.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-26-2009, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

DaJuan Morgan will take Pollard's starting job. You watch.

By the end of the year you'll fall on your hands and knees begging for forgiveness. "Forgive me, Claythan!" you'll scream. And I'll look down and whisper....no.

N***a' PLEASE!

****in' DaJaun Morgan!

htismaqe · 03-26-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

The Chiefs single him up on Antonio Gates ALL THE TIME, and he shuts him down, and you want to tell me can't cover.

That's great.

For a LINEBACKER.

He's supposed to be a free safety. Unfortunately, he fails at that.

**RealSNR** · 03-26-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

DaJuan Morgan will take Pollard's starting job. You watch.

By the end of the year you'll fall on your hands and knees begging for forgiveness. "Forgive me, Claythan!" you'll scream. And I'll look down and whisper....no.

There's another player who has proved jack shit. I wouldn't be so confident in this. He could improve dramatically, or he could continue to suck balls.

Hog's Gone Fishin · 03-26-2009, 01:10 PM

I'd say we better draft a running back because Lj's attitude will no longer fit.

ModSocks · 03-26-2009, 01:18 PM

Lol @ Page can cover. That's pretty funny. Yes, Page has good range. But range does not = the ability to cover. And I agree that Pollard probably will never be a pro-bowler, but i think he could be pretty solid. At least Pollard gives you something to hope for. Page looks like a back up or special teamer.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-26-2009, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

I'd say we better draft a running back because Lj's attitude will no longer fit.

Can't get either now, but a year or two? Hell yes:

RB Darren Evans -- He had the best season a freshman running back has ever had at Tech, capping it off with a record-breaking 153-yard, one TD performance in the Orange Bowl. He's known for bowling defenders over, and he has a nose for the endzone (11 TDs in 2008). The Hokies will likely use him in a two-RB set, along with impressive redshirt freshman Ryan Williams, but he should still get the bulk of the carries.

I hate when the You Tuber's use teh ghey music:

By all indications, Williams is even MORE of a bad ass. I caught one of the mid September games where they let him come in for a quarter or so, and he can read the line, find holes when the play breaks down, and get positive yardage. Tough as **** too.

L.A. Chieffan · 03-26-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth CarlSatan

N***a' PLEASE!

****in' DaJaun Morgan!

whats so ridiculous about that?

Hammock Parties · 03-26-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

That's great.

For a LINEBACKER.

He's supposed to be a free safety. Unfortunately, he fails at that.

You're moving the goalposts.

ANYONE that can match up one-on-one with Gates and shut him down is a good player. REGARDLESS of position.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-26-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

whats so ridiculous about that?

The day Morgan takes Pollard's job, is the day I follow Mecca down the "Rape Myself With A Toilet Brush" trail.

Hammock Parties · 03-26-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

At least Pollard gives you something to hope for. Page looks like a back up or special teamer.

Garbage. Pollard gives no one anything to hope for. Between the two, Page makes more plays. There's no question. No question at all.

L.A. Chieffan · 03-26-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth CarlSatan

The day Morgan takes Pollard's job, is the day I follow Mecca down the "Rape Myself With A Toilet Brush" trail.

pollard was a 2nd round pick and morgan was a 3rd. the idea that morgan could take over for pollard considing pollards performance thus far is not that far out of the realm. so get that brush ready...

Archie Bunker · 03-26-2009, 01:44 PM

They both make me yearn for Shaunard Harts

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-26-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

Garbage. Pollard gives no one anything to hope for. Between the two, Page makes more plays. There's no question. No question at all.

Garbage. DeMorrio Williams had more impact in one game against Denver than Page has had all year.

"Chiseled in to stone by the hand of Zeus, and passed on directly to you; the football enthusiast".

Hammock Parties · 03-26-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth CarlSatan

Garbage. DeMorrio Williams had more impact in one game against Denver than Page has had all year.

You're talking out your ass. That's all there is to it.

03-26-2009, 11:11 AM
ChiefRon Starter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Memphis, TN Casino cash: $10004900	Pioli looks for specific qualities in free agents http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...y/1106898.html Pioli looks for specific qualities in free agents By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star DANA POINT, Calif. \| The Chiefs had enough salary-cap room to buy small countries and certainly had need of many skilled players when the free-agency signing period began last month. General manager Scott Pioli said he was never tempted to solve their many problems by making a big strike in free-agency. “Here’s a rule I learned from my mother and father when I was a kid: Just because you have money in your pocket doesn’t mean you have to spend it,” Pioli said Wednesday at the conclusion of the NFL’s annual meetings. “Whether you have a lot or a little, always spend it wisely.” The Chiefs spent some Wednesday when they agreed to terms of a two-year, $3.5 million contract with veteran offensive lineman Mike Goff. The 33-year-old Goff is an 11-year veteran, having spent the first six seasons of his career with Cincinnati and the last five with San Diego. A durable player, Goff has started all 16 games for the last six seasons. His signing does not appear to be insurance in case the Chiefs trade guard Brian Waters, who for now is their starter at left guard. Goff could wind up starting at either center, where he could beat out incumbent Rudy Niswanger, or right guard, where last year’s starter Adrian Jones is unsigned. Goff could be the Chiefs’ only starter from this year’s group of unrestricted free-agent signings, which now numbers five. Pioli said free-agency for the Chiefs might look different from year to year depending on circumstances. “Don’t ever expect a certain outcome because it always will depend on the opportunity,” said Pioli, who joined the Chiefs in January after nine seasons as the personnel director for New England. “People tried to believe the Patriots would never draft a linebacker. Last year, Jarod Mayo was drafted in the first round. People tried to believe the Patriots would never spend big money on top free-agent players. Rosevelt Colvin was paid pretty good money. Adalius Thomas was paid pretty good money. “Now, we paid a lot of our own free agents. People forget that a lot of times, but that’s an element of free-agency, an important element. We re-signed Ty Warren. We re-signed Richard Seymour. We re-signed Tom Brady. We re-signed Dan Koppen. “So every year will be different. Every day will be different. As we go through free-agency, teams sign players or roster bonuses come due for certain players and free-agency changes.” The Chiefs also traded with the Patriots for two probable starters, quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel. While their free-agent group might include no eventual starters other than Goff, the Chiefs signed all of them with a specific role in mind. Veteran wide receiver Bobby Engram will be the slot receiver when the Chiefs go to a three- or four-receiver formation and a resource for the Chiefs’ many young players. “He’s an experienced receiver who’s played well in this league,” Pioli said. “He has tremendous makeup and tremendous character and will be a good veteran presence not only on the team but at his specific position. He runs great routes and is a very dependable person. So he’ll be productive not only as a player, but as a teacher and mentor and what we’re trying to do as a team.” Wide receiver Terrance Copper, linebacker Monty Beisel and cornerback Travis Daniels will be reserves. But Copper is the fastest of Chiefs receivers and could give them a deep threat they’ve lacked at receiver. Beisel, who played for the Patriots during part of Pioli’s time in New England, could wind up playing in special situations like goal-line and short-yardage. The Chiefs expect all three to upgrade their woeful play on special teams. Pioli said they also share a quality that is essential for all players acquired by the Chiefs: They enjoy not only playing football, but working at it, too. That’s something Pioli said he will be looking for when the Chiefs hold their first minicamp April 17-19 and practice later in the spring. “One of the things I’ll be doing is evaluating not just football skills but details,” Pioli said. “Football needs to be one of the most important things in their lives.” A day after coach Todd Haley used Cassel as an example of what the Chiefs were looking for in that regard, Pioli agreed, citing Cassel’s big year last season after replacing the injured Tom Brady. “One of the most impressive things about Matt to me is that he essentially didn’t take a snap, hadn’t really had to prepare for a game or play for over seven years, but when the opportunity came, he was ready,” said Pioli, who along with coach Bill Belichick selected Cassel in the seventh round of the 2005 draft even though he had been a backup and played sparingly in college at USC. “To me, his mental and emotional endurance are classic examples of everything we try to teach in football.”
Posts: 924

03-26-2009, 01:10 PM	#50
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1520477	I'd say we better draft a running back because Lj's attitude will no longer fit.
Posts: 40,379

03-26-2009, 01:18 PM	#51
ModSocks Needs more middle fingers Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego Casino cash: $4124563	Lol @ Page can cover. That's pretty funny. Yes, Page has good range. But range does not = the ability to cover. And I agree that Pollard probably will never be a pro-bowler, but i think he could be pretty solid. At least Pollard gives you something to hope for. Page looks like a back up or special teamer.
Posts: 64,504

03-26-2009, 01:44 PM	#58
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $1828978	They both make me yearn for Shaunard Harts
Posts: 6,194