Whitlock: Saunders is a legend in the media's mind - Page 2

tk13 · 01-22-2006, 02:13 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/13682142.htm

Saunders is a legend in the media’s mind
JASON WHITLOCK
Kansas City Star

Breaking news: Al Saunders did not invent the game of football.

This news, I’m sure, will shock many of my media brethren here in Kansas City, particularly those who earn a living hosting radio shows.

Saunders, however, did perfect the art of making insecure media members feel like they’re the next Howard Cosell. Saunders scored more points with members of the media than the Chiefs did on the football field during Saunders’ tenure as offensive coordinator.

Saunders returned every phone call, made love to every microphone put in his face, swapped locker-room hugs with Karen Kornacki, acted interested in Jack Harry’s ticket- and parking-prices rants, shared conspiracy theories with the New Don Fortune, counseled The Freak Renshaw during a meltdown, memorized the name of Neal St. Davey B. Franz and offered me dieting tips.

Saunders worked the media. And judging by the drastic overreaction to his departure, he accomplished his goal. He convinced members of the media that the Chiefs absolutely cannot play football without him.

Unfortunately for Saunders, he’s having a much harder time convincing NFL general managers and owners that he’s God’s gift to football.

There’s a reason that there were 10 NFL head-coaching jobs available, and Raiders owner Al Davis was the only man to pretend to be significantly interested in Saunders. The reason has nothing to do with Saunders’ age (59) or his rocky relationship with Carl Peterson.

Around the league, Saunders is known as a climber, a self-promoter, a snake. The labels have stuck with him since his days as head coach in San Diego, where reporters there contend Saunders used insecure media puppets to back-stab Don Coryell to get the Chargers job.

So I’m not surprised that Saunders is on his way to our nation’s capital to lead Joe Gibbs’ offense while sources claim that Peterson promised Saunders the head-coaching position here. Oh, and what a twist, Saunders, a reporter’s best friend, is shockingly unavailable for comment.

Yeah, when I learned that Saunders was inside Arrowhead Stadium on Friday, I made a special trip to Arrowhead to question him about Peterson’s alleged promise. I left a message on Saunders’ voice mail. I haven’t heard from him.

Not only did I want to know about Peterson’s promise, but I wanted to hear Saunders explain why nearly a third of the NFL’s teams took a look at his stellar resume and hired 30-year-old kids. Now, keep in mind, I’m someone who believed — until this messy departure from KC — Saunders was worthy of getting a second crack as a head coach.

But this messy departure says a lot about Saunders. Consider that the St. Louis Rams didn’t even grant Saunders an interview for their vacant head-coaching position. The Rams, despite pleas from Dick Vermeil, first pursued defensive-minded Gregg Williams and then changed course and hired Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan.

The evil and allegedly reneging Carl Peterson does not run the Rams franchise. He has no pull in St. Louis. John Shaw, the president of the Rams, knows Al Saunders quite well. Saunders worked in St. Louis with Vermeil and Mike Martz. Saunders couldn’t get an interview. That’s telling.

While Saunders has no problem connecting with star-struck members of the media, his connections with football folks aren’t nearly as strong.

A week ago, long before there was a strong hint that Mike Solari would replace Saunders as offensive coordinator, a low-level member of the Chiefs family and a Saunders fan told me a revealing story.

During training camp, Vermeil singled out an assistant coach to speak to the team each night. The assistants were rather competitive about the speeches. They put a great deal of thought into connecting with the team.

My details may be a little sketchy, but the overall point is accurate. Saunders talked with the team about growing up with an illness (polio) that could be helped by daily swimming. Saunders said his dad took a job at a location that had a swimming pool so that Al could swim every day. Al said he swam every day to save his own life, and that’s how he wanted the team to approach the season.

The person who told me this story said he was very touched by Al’s story and was surprised when he found players chuckling about Saunders’ story when the meeting broke up.

“They thought it was made up or exaggerated,” he told me.

When it was Solari’s day to speak, he showed a movie clip — I believe from Clint Eastwood — of a bunch of guys taking turns pounding a huge rock with sledgehammers. Solari said that’s how he wanted the team to approach the season.

“We gotta pound that rock.”

The players repeated Solari’s theme throughout the season. In this instance, Solari connected and Saunders didn’t.

Solari is quiet. He’s one of the most respected coaches in the league, but he totally avoids the spotlight. He pounds the rock year round and leads the strongest aspect of the Chiefs franchise — the offensive line. No disrespect to Saunders, but the play of the Big Willies — Willie, Will, Waters, Wiegmann and Welbourn — has been far more impressive and effective than KC’s play-calling or game planning.

Furthermore, Herman Edwards would be foolish if he failed to adjust Saunders’ record-setting, playoff-winless offense. You have to adjust for Larry Johnson’s talents. You have to adjust so that your all-world tight end, Tony Gonzalez, is a bigger threat in the red zone. You have to adjust because Trent Green will be 36 next season.

I hope Saunders enjoys success in Washington. Gregg Williams, Gibbs’ heir apparent, should watch his back. Washington owner Dan Snyder falls in love easily, and you can bet Saunders will tell Snyder everything he wants to hear.

As for things here, call me when the Chiefs players express outrage about Saunders’ departure. Edwards would’ve been stupid to retain Saunders as offensive coordinator. You don’t keep a guy on the assistant-coaching staff who openly believes he should be the head coach unless the players love him the way the Chicago Bears loved Buddy Ryan.

Those of us in the media don’t suit up. Our love of Saunders is irrelevant.

KC Jones · 01-22-2006, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaWolf

I think Priest might come back in a reduced role. He was there when he backed up Jamal Lewis and the Ravens rode them both to a Super Bowl. I think Priest can help this team AND reduce the wear and tear on LJ. I think a big reason LJ was so effective the last 9 games or so was because he was fresh. If he takes that kind of pounding from day 1 I don't see him being as effective near the end of the season. But LJ needs to be the starter and touch it 25+ times a game from day 1...

I hope Priest does come back. He's one of the best short yardage backs to ever play the game. He's absolute gold in the red zone.

FringeNC · 01-22-2006, 07:22 AM

This article is almost as negative about Al Saunders as the Rich Cimini article was about Herman Edwards.

We'll find out how competent Al Saunders is. Washington had a very average offense this year. How good will they be next year? Despite Whitlock's claim that GMs don't like Saunders, I predict he will have many offers at a HC job if Washington is in the top 5 in offense. We'll see on both counts.

I just find it ironic that Whitlock loves Herman Edwards, and then calls Al Saunders a bullshit artist.

siberian khatru · 01-22-2006, 07:25 AM

Some of that may be over the top. But you really have to wonder why Al hasn't gotten a sniff of a HC job. There's gotta be something going on there, and I just don't believe it's only about age or that the Neanderthal league can't appreciate a "cerebral Renaissance man" like Al.

I'm glad Jason addressed the issue head on. And JoPo should be embarrassed by that crapola love note to Al he wrote last week.

Rogcop_3121 · 01-22-2006, 07:57 AM

If Priest can come back, the injury isn't career ending I don't see him riding the pine. He will want sufficient playing time or else send him to someone that will utilize his talents. I like them both but that seems to be the rule when a player gets injured and the backup is a producer the old starter never gets the starting job back. Joe Montana to Steve Young? Larry is very talented but what a slap in the face to Priest irregardless of the fact he was hurt.

Mecca · 01-22-2006, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogcop_3121

If Priest can come back, the injury isn't career ending I don't see him riding the pine. He will want sufficient playing time or else send him to someone that will utilize his talents. I like them both but that seems to be the rule when a player gets injured and the backup is a producer the old starter never gets the starting job back. Joe Montana to Steve Young? Larry is very talented but what a slap in the face to Priest irregardless of the fact he was hurt.

Larry Johnson is better than Priest Holmes is now, it's not a slap in the face it's reality. Holmes isn't durable enough to make it through a season as a starter anymore.

01-22-2006, 08:04 AM

I don't remember where I read it, might have been EPSN.com, but LJ is saying that Edwards told him he's the starting back/#1 guy already. That could head off a salary/contract dispute.

**the Talking Can** · 01-22-2006, 08:07 AM

so this is the parting gift for being the best OC in th league for 4 years...cool..

Rogcop_3121 · 01-22-2006, 08:18 AM

You are probably right that Holmes is injury prone now. Larry is just as good, just runs the ball a different style than Priest. In the red zone Priest is a master, Larry runs over people, sometimes needs to be more patient and wait for the hole to open up. It just seems a little early for Herm to announce his starter at rb. Larry has proven his worth in my eyes despite Vermeils ignorant comment that he needs"to take the diapers off." Larry is young and will be a producer for us.

FringeNC · 01-22-2006, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

Some of that may be over the top. But you really have to wonder why Al hasn't gotten a sniff of a HC job. There's gotta be something going on there, and I just don't believe it's only about age or that the Neanderthal league can't appreciate a "cerebral Renaissance man" like Al.

I'm glad Jason addressed the issue head on. And JoPo should be embarrassed by that crapola love note to Al he wrote last week.

It is interesting why Al Saunders isn't getting good offers. I find it hard to believe it's because of his personality. Even if he is a disingenuous asshole, does this make him that different from a lot of coaches?

I have to be believe the rumor around the league is that he is not responsible for the offense. That it's Vermeil or Solari or the players....but then again, Snyder is throwing money at him to be OC, so who knows.

Hammock Parties · 01-22-2006, 08:58 AM

Pretty much spot on.

Al is a fine offensive coordinator, but he's overrated as hell. When Willie Roaf went down, Al didn't look so good.

jspchief · 01-22-2006, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

so this is the parting gift for being the best OC in th league for 4 years...cool..

Try a little less melodrama in your morning coffee.

**Bob Dole** · 01-22-2006, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogcop_3121

You are probably right that Holmes is injury prone now. Larry is just as good, just runs the ball a different style than Priest. In the red zone Priest is a master, Larry runs over people, sometimes needs to be more patient and wait for the hole to open up. It just seems a little early for Herm to announce his starter at rb. Larry has proven his worth in my eyes despite Vermeils ignorant comment that he needs"to take the diapers off." Larry is young and will be a producer for us.

Holmes is "probably" injury prone? Not much doubt left in Bob Dole's mind...

LJ got a lot more patient as the season wore on. The only mistake Edwards made was telling him so early and giving LJ some contract renegotiation leverage so soon...

C-Mac · 01-22-2006, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopaint

Pretty much spot on.

Al is a fine offensive coordinator, but he's overrated as hell. When Willie Roaf went down, Al didn't look so good.

Al is a great coordinator but he is too head strong for his own good sometimes as your point brings out. Al must have the right talent in the right places for his style of offense to suceed, other wise it appears it takes him too long to figure out new angles of approach.

Rogcop_3121 · 01-22-2006, 09:56 AM

LJ is capable of being the starter, no doubt. When was Larry's contract reworked?

Extra Point · 01-22-2006, 10:05 AM

I don't blame AS for not returning JW's calls. He's done here, he's read how ecstatic JW is over HE's hire. JW must not have followed AS's dieting tips, evidently;he'd rather sit on his fat ass and bitch about someone than praise him.

JW is back in his element.

01-22-2006, 02:13 AM
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1952500	Whitlock: Saunders is a legend in the media's mind http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/13682142.htm Saunders is a legend in the media’s mind JASON WHITLOCK Kansas City Star Breaking news: Al Saunders did not invent the game of football. This news, I’m sure, will shock many of my media brethren here in Kansas City, particularly those who earn a living hosting radio shows. Saunders, however, did perfect the art of making insecure media members feel like they’re the next Howard Cosell. Saunders scored more points with members of the media than the Chiefs did on the football field during Saunders’ tenure as offensive coordinator. Saunders returned every phone call, made love to every microphone put in his face, swapped locker-room hugs with Karen Kornacki, acted interested in Jack Harry’s ticket- and parking-prices rants, shared conspiracy theories with the New Don Fortune, counseled The Freak Renshaw during a meltdown, memorized the name of Neal St. Davey B. Franz and offered me dieting tips. Saunders worked the media. And judging by the drastic overreaction to his departure, he accomplished his goal. He convinced members of the media that the Chiefs absolutely cannot play football without him. Unfortunately for Saunders, he’s having a much harder time convincing NFL general managers and owners that he’s God’s gift to football. There’s a reason that there were 10 NFL head-coaching jobs available, and Raiders owner Al Davis was the only man to pretend to be significantly interested in Saunders. The reason has nothing to do with Saunders’ age (59) or his rocky relationship with Carl Peterson. Around the league, Saunders is known as a climber, a self-promoter, a snake. The labels have stuck with him since his days as head coach in San Diego, where reporters there contend Saunders used insecure media puppets to back-stab Don Coryell to get the Chargers job. So I’m not surprised that Saunders is on his way to our nation’s capital to lead Joe Gibbs’ offense while sources claim that Peterson promised Saunders the head-coaching position here. Oh, and what a twist, Saunders, a reporter’s best friend, is shockingly unavailable for comment. Yeah, when I learned that Saunders was inside Arrowhead Stadium on Friday, I made a special trip to Arrowhead to question him about Peterson’s alleged promise. I left a message on Saunders’ voice mail. I haven’t heard from him. Not only did I want to know about Peterson’s promise, but I wanted to hear Saunders explain why nearly a third of the NFL’s teams took a look at his stellar resume and hired 30-year-old kids. Now, keep in mind, I’m someone who believed — until this messy departure from KC — Saunders was worthy of getting a second crack as a head coach. But this messy departure says a lot about Saunders. Consider that the St. Louis Rams didn’t even grant Saunders an interview for their vacant head-coaching position. The Rams, despite pleas from Dick Vermeil, first pursued defensive-minded Gregg Williams and then changed course and hired Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. The evil and allegedly reneging Carl Peterson does not run the Rams franchise. He has no pull in St. Louis. John Shaw, the president of the Rams, knows Al Saunders quite well. Saunders worked in St. Louis with Vermeil and Mike Martz. Saunders couldn’t get an interview. That’s telling. While Saunders has no problem connecting with star-struck members of the media, his connections with football folks aren’t nearly as strong. A week ago, long before there was a strong hint that Mike Solari would replace Saunders as offensive coordinator, a low-level member of the Chiefs family and a Saunders fan told me a revealing story. During training camp, Vermeil singled out an assistant coach to speak to the team each night. The assistants were rather competitive about the speeches. They put a great deal of thought into connecting with the team. My details may be a little sketchy, but the overall point is accurate. Saunders talked with the team about growing up with an illness (polio) that could be helped by daily swimming. Saunders said his dad took a job at a location that had a swimming pool so that Al could swim every day. Al said he swam every day to save his own life, and that’s how he wanted the team to approach the season. The person who told me this story said he was very touched by Al’s story and was surprised when he found players chuckling about Saunders’ story when the meeting broke up. “They thought it was made up or exaggerated,” he told me. When it was Solari’s day to speak, he showed a movie clip — I believe from Clint Eastwood — of a bunch of guys taking turns pounding a huge rock with sledgehammers. Solari said that’s how he wanted the team to approach the season. “We gotta pound that rock.” The players repeated Solari’s theme throughout the season. In this instance, Solari connected and Saunders didn’t. Solari is quiet. He’s one of the most respected coaches in the league, but he totally avoids the spotlight. He pounds the rock year round and leads the strongest aspect of the Chiefs franchise — the offensive line. No disrespect to Saunders, but the play of the Big Willies — Willie, Will, Waters, Wiegmann and Welbourn — has been far more impressive and effective than KC’s play-calling or game planning. Furthermore, Herman Edwards would be foolish if he failed to adjust Saunders’ record-setting, playoff-winless offense. You have to adjust for Larry Johnson’s talents. You have to adjust so that your all-world tight end, Tony Gonzalez, is a bigger threat in the red zone. You have to adjust because Trent Green will be 36 next season. I hope Saunders enjoys success in Washington. Gregg Williams, Gibbs’ heir apparent, should watch his back. Washington owner Dan Snyder falls in love easily, and you can bet Saunders will tell Snyder everything he wants to hear. As for things here, call me when the Chiefs players express outrage about Saunders’ departure. Edwards would’ve been stupid to retain Saunders as offensive coordinator. You don’t keep a guy on the assistant-coaching staff who openly believes he should be the head coach unless the players love him the way the Chicago Bears loved Buddy Ryan. Those of us in the media don’t suit up. Our love of Saunders is irrelevant.
Posts: 54,957

01-22-2006, 07:22 AM	#17
FringeNC MVP Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: NC Casino cash: $1766014	This article is almost as negative about Al Saunders as the Rich Cimini article was about Herman Edwards. We'll find out how competent Al Saunders is. Washington had a very average offense this year. How good will they be next year? Despite Whitlock's claim that GMs don't like Saunders, I predict he will have many offers at a HC job if Washington is in the top 5 in offense. We'll see on both counts. I just find it ironic that Whitlock loves Herman Edwards, and then calls Al Saunders a bullshit artist.
Posts: 10,172

01-22-2006, 07:25 AM	#18
siberian khatru 21st Century Schizoid Fan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Gates of Delirium Casino cash: $2514950	Some of that may be over the top. But you really have to wonder why Al hasn't gotten a sniff of a HC job. There's gotta be something going on there, and I just don't believe it's only about age or that the Neanderthal league can't appreciate a "cerebral Renaissance man" like Al. I'm glad Jason addressed the issue head on. And JoPo should be embarrassed by that crapola love note to Al he wrote last week.
Posts: 69,194

01-22-2006, 07:57 AM	#19
Rogcop_3121 Starter Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: new york Casino cash: $10004900	Two talented Backs If Priest can come back, the injury isn't career ending I don't see him riding the pine. He will want sufficient playing time or else send him to someone that will utilize his talents. I like them both but that seems to be the rule when a player gets injured and the backup is a producer the old starter never gets the starting job back. Joe Montana to Steve Young? Larry is very talented but what a slap in the face to Priest irregardless of the fact he was hurt.
Posts: 86

01-22-2006, 08:04 AM	#21
Buck Guest Casino cash: $	I don't remember where I read it, might have been EPSN.com, but LJ is saying that Edwards told him he's the starting back/#1 guy already. That could head off a salary/contract dispute.
Posts: n/a

01-22-2006, 08:07 AM	#22
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	so this is the parting gift for being the best OC in th league for 4 years...cool.. __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

01-22-2006, 08:18 AM	#23
Rogcop_3121 Starter Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: new york Casino cash: $10004900	Health Issues You are probably right that Holmes is injury prone now. Larry is just as good, just runs the ball a different style than Priest. In the red zone Priest is a master, Larry runs over people, sometimes needs to be more patient and wait for the hole to open up. It just seems a little early for Herm to announce his starter at rb. Larry has proven his worth in my eyes despite Vermeils ignorant comment that he needs"to take the diapers off." Larry is young and will be a producer for us.
Posts: 86

01-22-2006, 08:58 AM	#25
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4680478	Pretty much spot on. Al is a fine offensive coordinator, but he's overrated as hell. When Willie Roaf went down, Al didn't look so good. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,987

01-22-2006, 09:56 AM	#29
Rogcop_3121 Starter Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: new york Casino cash: $10004900	LJ is capable of being the starter, no doubt. When was Larry's contract reworked?
Posts: 86

01-22-2006, 10:05 AM	#30
Extra Point MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Prairie Village, KS Casino cash: $10004900	I don't blame AS for not returning JW's calls. He's done here, he's read how ecstatic JW is over HE's hire. JW must not have followed AS's dieting tips, evidently;he'd rather sit on his fat ass and bitch about someone than praise him. JW is back in his element. __________________ "Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." --Satchel Paige
Posts: 7,845