Chiefs Pioli looks for specific qualities in free agents - Page 6

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.”

L.A. Chieffan · 03-26-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

DaJuan Morgan is by far the most physically talented player in that entire secondary. A lot of people had him rated as the best safety in last year's draft.

dont tell him that, now he's gonna go around pimping morgan like hes the next best thing.

htismaqe · 03-26-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

Please. All the guy does is miss tackles! How can anyone defend this clown! Who cares what he did THREE YEARS AGO in COLLEGE for crying out loud!

Until I see him fail under REAL COACHES I'm not writing him off.

He was a 2-time all Big 10 safety at a time when the conference featured the likes of Donte Whitner and Bob Sanders. I watched the guy play many, many times before he was ever drafted and he's a good safety.

As for defending this clown, take a look in the mirror. You're defending a player that would be a special-teamer on any other team...

Hammock Parties · 03-26-2009, 02:25 PM

Meanwhile Pollard IS a special teamer. ON THE CHIEFS!

htismaqe · 03-26-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

Posted by various Chiefsplanet posters after the 2006 draft, during the 2007 offseason, and during the 2008 offseason.

Fire Herm!

Posted by various Chiefsplanet posters after the 2006 draft, during the 2007 offseason, and during the 2008 offseason.

htismaqe · 03-26-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

Meanwhile Pollard IS a special teamer. ON THE CHIEFS!

Then he should work immediately to get released. Because about 80% of the guys that are declared busts in KC go on to do better somewhere else...you know, where they get REAL coaching.

Delano · 03-26-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

Posted by various Chiefsplanet posters after the 2006 draft, during the 2007 offseason, and during the 2008 offseason.

It's obvious he isn't a great fit for the cover 2. He's playing on a 4 year, 3 million dollar contract. If he is mediocre in 2009 he's gone or a special teams specialist. No big deal.

(waits for clayton to say Pollard isn't a great fit for any scheme)

'Hamas' Jenkins · 03-26-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

dont tell him that, now he's gonna go around pimping morgan like hes the next best thing.

htismaqe · 03-26-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delano

It's obvious he isn't a great fit for the cover 2. He's playing on a 4 year, 3 million dollar contract. If he is mediocre in 2009 he's gone or a special teams specialist. No big deal.

(waits for clayton to say Pollard isn't a great fit for any scheme)

Ex-freaking-zackly.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-26-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Then he should work immediately to get released. Because about 80% of the guys that are declared busts in KC go on to do better somewhere else...you know, where they get REAL coaching.

True. Very, very true.

L.A. Chieffan · 03-26-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

those are weak ass traps.

Hammock Parties · 03-26-2009, 02:30 PM

There's nothing mediocre about 12 passes defensed.

Ed Reed had 16 last year.

Bernard Pollard had one.

Delano · 03-26-2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Would have been better with the phallic tattoo.

L.A. Chieffan · 03-26-2009, 02:31 PM

i dont think we can pass judgement on our defensive players with both herm and ****her telling them what to do it's no wonder they haven't gone columbine on arrowhead

Micjones · 03-26-2009, 03:26 PM

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

Hammock Parties · 03-26-2009, 03:27 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.

Thank **** for common sense.

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, 02:25 PM	#78
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4730478	Meanwhile Pollard IS a special teamer. ON THE CHIEFS! __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,766

03-26-2009, 02:30 PM	#86
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4730478	There's nothing mediocre about 12 passes defensed. Ed Reed had 16 last year. Bernard Pollard had one. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,766

03-26-2009, 02:31 PM	#88
L.A. Chieffan PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: American Gardens Building Casino cash: $4078654	i dont think we can pass judgement on our defensive players with both herm and ****her telling them what to do it's no wonder they haven't gone columbine on arrowhead
Posts: 17,367

03-26-2009, 03:26 PM	#89
Micjones Whose house? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $10005180	If I want any Safety to lose his job, I'd much rather see Pollard sent to the sideline. Page makes plays. __________________ It's like when I'm right I'm right, when I'm wrong I could been right, so I'm still right cause I coulda been wrong.
Posts: 15,344