Chiefs Pioli looks for specific qualities in free agents - Page 7

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.”

**banyon** · 03-26-2009, 03:43 PM

I missed when we signed Engram. That's a solid #3.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-26-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

If I want any Safety to lose his job, I'd much rather see Pollard sent to the sideline.
Page makes plays.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-26-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

Thank **** for common sense.

Piss on you!

**The Franchise** · 03-26-2009, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

There's nothing mediocre about 12 passes defensed.

Ed Reed had 16 last year.

Bernard Pollard had one.

Where do you get your stats?

NFL.com says that Reed had 25 and Jarrad Page had 16.

Hammock Parties · 03-26-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pestilenceaf23

Where do you get your stats?

NFL.com says that Reed had 25 and Jarrad Page had 16.

They're including interceptions.

**The Franchise** · 03-26-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

They're including interceptions.

Stupid ****ing NFL.com.

Hammock Parties · 03-26-2009, 04:15 PM

You guys think Ed Reed is going to the HOF?

43 career interceptions and five touchdowns. And he's only 30.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-26-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

You guys think Ed Reed is going to the HOF?

43 career interceptions and five touchdowns. And he's only 30.

No, but Devard Darling sure is! To the ship!

TRR · 03-26-2009, 05:29 PM

It seems Chiefsplanet is always unhappy with one or both of KC's safeties. I remember the same thread regarding Wesley and Woods.

I think KC has a lot more to worry about than the play of their current safeties. We aren't talking future HOF players here, but they are both serviceable in my opinion.

What I want to see is both Page and Pollard in a scheme that is both consistent, and fits their ability. Put Pollard in a position to make plays in the run game, and jar the ball loose over the middle, and let Page be a playmaker in the secondary. That's what Page was allowed to do as a rookie, and KC needs to get back to that IMO.

Micjones · 03-26-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth CarlSatan

Proof's in the pudding.
He's single-handedly helped secure wins for this team.
One more than one occasion.

htismaqe · 03-26-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRR

It seems Chiefsplanet is always unhappy with one or both of KC's safeties. I remember the same thread regarding Wesley and Woods.

I think KC has a lot more to worry about than the play of their current safeties. We aren't talking future HOF players here, but they are both serviceable in my opinion.

What I want to see is both Page and Pollard in a scheme that is both consistent, and fits their ability. Put Pollard in a position to make plays in the run game, and jar the ball loose over the middle, and let Page be a playmaker in the secondary. That's what Page was allowed to do as a rookie, and KC needs to get back to that IMO.

Excellent, reasonable post. I feel ashamed now.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-26-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Proof's in the pudding.
He's single-handedly helped secure wins for this team.
One more than one occasion.

http://www.mywavv.com/Scripts/ChiefsvsBroncos2008.htm

Three touchdowns single-handidly foiled. Get to watchin'.

Hammock Parties · 03-26-2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRR

Put Pollard in a position to make plays in the run game

Why, so he can miss more tackles?

The guy was placed in a position to defend the run numerous times last year. He's a liability in the open field against ANY decent running back.

He sure does look good in Under Armor, though!

htismaqe · 03-26-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

Why, so he can miss more tackles?

The guy was placed in a position to defend the run numerous times last year. He's a liability in the open field against ANY decent running back.

He sure does look good in Under Armor, though!

Seriously, oh he of the highlight videos.

Prove it.

Hammock Parties · 03-26-2009, 07:40 PM

Unfortunately, Parker, I don't save the games. Just the highlights. And Pollard didn't have too many.

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, 03:43 PM	#91
banyon Supporter Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hermosa, SD Casino cash: $10176551	I missed when we signed Engram. That's a solid #3. __________________ “When war breaks out people say: 'It won't last, it's too stupid.' And war is certainly too stupid, but that doesn't prevent It from lasting.” ~Albert Camus, The Plague.
Posts: 44,355

03-26-2009, 04:15 PM	#97
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4640478	You guys think Ed Reed is going to the HOF? 43 career interceptions and five touchdowns. And he's only 30. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 278,105

03-26-2009, 05:29 PM	#99
TRR The Priest and I Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: CO Casino cash: $9870185	It seems Chiefsplanet is always unhappy with one or both of KC's safeties. I remember the same thread regarding Wesley and Woods. I think KC has a lot more to worry about than the play of their current safeties. We aren't talking future HOF players here, but they are both serviceable in my opinion. What I want to see is both Page and Pollard in a scheme that is both consistent, and fits their ability. Put Pollard in a position to make plays in the run game, and jar the ball loose over the middle, and let Page be a playmaker in the secondary. That's what Page was allowed to do as a rookie, and KC needs to get back to that IMO. Last edited by TRR; 03-26-2009 at 05:38 PM..
Posts: 7,261

03-26-2009, 07:40 PM	#105
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4640478	Unfortunately, Parker, I don't save the games. Just the highlights. And Pollard didn't have too many. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 278,105