Teicher: Law has a foot in KC's door - Page 2

keg in kc · 03-16-2005, 02:29 AM

Law has a foot in KC's door

Chiefs remain cautious because of star's injury

By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star
Posted on Wed, Mar. 16, 2005

From the moment he was met at Kansas City International Airport by Dick Vermeil, Ty Law tried to gauge whether he could be happy playing cornerback for the Chiefs.

Shortly before departing town Tuesday, Law declared his best estimate to be an unqualified “yes.”

“Just the reading I got from being here, this is definitely an organization I can see myself playing for,” Law said while meeting with the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. “I definitely think (the Chiefs) have the necessary ingredients.

“One of the things I experienced today was the family-type atmosphere. It's not fake. Sometimes you hear some things, and it's like, ‘You can't be serious, man.' But coach Vermeil is the most genuine coach I've seen. He cares about you as a person.

“He picked me up at the airport in his personal car. The conversation we had on the way back, you can tell if it's real. I definitely thought it was real. If it wasn't real, he should get an Oscar.”

Vermeil likewise was impressed by Law, a four-time Pro Bowler. But Vermeil echoed statements from president/general manager Carl Peterson that the Chiefs would wait to see how Law's surgically repaired foot was mending before they would proceed with a contract offer.

Law wore a protective walking boot on his left foot.

“He has to keep progressing medically,” Vermeil said. “He says he's going to be out of the boot in two weeks. As you noticed, he has a bounce to his step. It's not bothering him at all. That's all positive.”

The Chiefs had three other free-agent guests at Arrowhead Stadium Tuesday: defensive end Carlos Hall and running back Robert Holcombe of Tennessee, and Philadelphia linebacker Keith Adams.

The Chiefs are planning visits, perhaps as soon as this week, with at least four other players, including Baltimore wide receiver Kevin Johnson. The Chiefs once tried to trade for Johnson when he played for Cleveland.

Law said he was headed for Miami to continue a rehab program that includes running in a pool and riding an exercise bike.

“I feel,” he said, “like Lance Armstrong right now.”

Law had surgery in January to repair a fracture. He said the protective boot will come off for good by the end of March, which would enable him to accelerate the pace of rehabilitation.

“Starting next month, I'll take it up a notch: Stairmaster, things like that,” Law said. “Then, the next month, I may get to do some straight-ahead running. In June, I'll be cutting. My goal is to be ready by training camp in July, but I'll definitely be ready by the season. I'm shooting for training camp.”

Though Law indicated he was pleased with his visit to Kansas City, he also said he wouldn't necessarily wait for the Chiefs to make a contract offer. He already met with the Steelers and said he would probably take trips to the New York Jets and Indianapolis.

“If it's a perfect fit and it's the right match, something will get done,” he said. “If it's not, you have to move on. They have to get ready to play a football game, and … I've got to hopefully get settled into a new team and find a new home so I get can get prepared to focus and concentrate. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be.

“I'm looking for the right situation. That's, first and foremost, somebody that's going to accept you as the player that you are. I don't want to go to a team or a defense that doesn't fit my style of play. It's all about the right situation: physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, everything.

“I'm just going to teams that I'm interested in and not just everybody that's calling. I want to win. There are a lot of teams that called that I'm not interested in. (Jets) coach Herman Edwards and (Colts) coach Tony Dungy, they want to bring me in. We'll just go from there. The most important thing for me is to try to get a feel for places and get healthy and just be ready to play football.”

Hall is the most intriguing of Tuesday's other visitors. Not only could he challenge Jared Allen to be a starter at right defensive end if he joined the Chiefs, but he's also a restricted free agent.

The Titans would have the right to match any offer sheet he signs. The Chiefs would give the Titans a seventh-round draft pick if they declined to match.

Hall was a starter for two of his three NFL seasons. He had eight sacks as a rookie in 2002 but fell to three the following season and 2½ last year. Chiefs defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham coached for the Titans during his first two seasons.

“He's a young, enthusiastic player,” Vermeil said. “He has a tremendous motor. He would be a great addition to our roster, but that all takes time and I imagine (Tennessee) would match. We certainly have an interest, and if he's going to leave Tennessee, he might as well come here.”

Holcombe is the first offensive free agent to visit with the Chiefs. Holcombe played for Vermeil and Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders with the Rams before he moved on to Tennessee.

The Chiefs like Holcombe for his versatility and ability to serve as a reserve for Tony Richardson at fullback and Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson at halfback.

“He's smart enough to handle both positions, and he's good on special teams,” Vermeil said. “It would be great to add him to our football team if we could.”

Adams was mainly a special-teams player with the Cowboys and Eagles but started for Philadelphia in last season's NFC championship game and Super Bowl.

“We might lose Monty Beisel,” Vermeil said. “So we bring a guy like this in. He's an ascending player and is already outstanding on special teams.”

Johnson heads the list of prospective visitors. He has been a prolific receiver for most of his NFL career. Until last year, he caught at least 57 passes in each of his previous five NFL seasons.

He caught 84 passes for 1,097 yards and nine touchdowns in 2001 with Cleveland. Last year, he had only 35 catches and one touchdown, but was still the Ravens' top receiver.

The Chiefs were planning to meet with two developmental wide receivers, Alex Bannister of Seattle and Darrell Hill of Tennessee. Both players are fast, but neither has done much in his NFL career.

Bannister has nine catches in his four NFL seasons, Hill none in his three.

Defensive lineman Jay Williams should also be paying a visit this week. Williams is a 10-year veteran with St. Louis, Carolina and Miami. He also played for Vermeil with the Rams.

DaWolf · 03-16-2005, 05:11 AM

I'm not sold on Allen yet. He better be working hard this offseason, because it's not inconcievable that he could also drop off from 9 sacks to something like 2 sacks. Competition to push these guys would be good.

Kevin Johnson is an intruiging name. We need to do something this offseason to bolster our WR corps...

old_geezer · 03-16-2005, 06:47 AM

Hall is the most intriguing of Tuesday's other visitors. Not only could he challenge Jared Allen to be a starter at right defensive end if he joined the Chiefs, but he's also a restricted free agent.

I listened to Dick for brains Vermeil's interview on the radio yesterday. He specifically stated that if Hall was brought in - it would be to split time with Jarod Allen. That worthless piece of crap Hicks must give great head.

Hammock Parties · 03-16-2005, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_geezer

Hall is the most intriguing of Tuesday's other visitors. Not only could he challenge Jared Allen to be a starter at right defensive end if he joined the Chiefs, but he's also a restricted free agent.

I listened to Dick for brains Vermeil's interview on the radio yesterday. He specifically stated that if Hall was brought in - it would be to split time with Jarod Allen. That worthless piece of crap Hicks must give great head.

There's nothing wrong with that. One player can't play 100% of the snaps at RDE.

old_geezer · 03-16-2005, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gochiefs

There's nothing wrong with that. One player can't play 100% of the snaps at RDE.

It's not the idea of giving Allen competetion as much as it is Hicks getting a free ride from this coaching staff year after year after year.

milkman · 03-16-2005, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gochiefs

Jared Allen's going to be the every down defensive end this year. He did a good job of it last year after Holliday's injury, too.

Gary Stills doesn't even get on the field every passing down...he's a gimmick.

A gimmick?
What's the gimmick?

A pass rush specialist that can't get to the QB?

If ever there's a guy that needs to be released, Stills is it.

And WTF is wrong with the Chiefs brintrust?

Let's bring in a guy that can compete with the only D-Lineman that actually earned his job last year.

What a stupid bunch of Dickweeds these people are.

**** 'em all.

milkman · 03-16-2005, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_geezer

It's not the idea of giving Allen competetion as much as it is Hicks getting a free ride from this coaching staff year after year after year.

Exactly!

**ChiefGator** · 03-16-2005, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SideWinder

A gimmick?
What's the gimmick?

A pass rush specialist that can't get to the QB?

Chiefnj · 03-16-2005, 08:28 AM

I understand that a Holcomb or Hall aren't going to demand a lot of money, but I can't for the life of me fathom why the Chiefs aren't bringing in any other corners.

Chan93lx50 · 03-16-2005, 08:30 AM

Since everybody else is bitching about the other FA possibilities, I think picking up Johnson would be a good addition.

I am sure his stats fell apart due to playing on the Ravens Pass offense, hell he still led the team in receptions.

Pick him up and we don't have to worry about drafting a WR and we can go balls to the walls D

**morphius** · 03-16-2005, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali Chi3fs

pick one up in lower rounds of draft, or cuts... dont need to waste FA dollahs on an RB... it dont make sense.

What if the asking price is low? There don't seem to be a ton of people offering him a big signing bonus or anything. Plus we NEED a backup to T Rich, we don't have anyone back there who can block half as well.

nmt1 · 03-16-2005, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcan

As for runningbacks... The roster MINIMUM is five, and we have four right now... Holmes, Johnson, Richardson, and Easy. I imagine they want somebody to take Easy's job since he's a liability at either position. Somebody that could play both HB and FB and be a great special teams guy would be HUGE!

We don't really have four. Easy is an unrestricted free agent because we didn't tender him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali Chi3fs

pick one up in lower rounds of draft, or cuts... dont need to waste FA dollahs on an RB... it dont make sense.

Holcombe would be a good pickup because he's a known commodity whereas someone we would draft in the later rounds might not be ready to contribute in any phase of the game. Holcombe would be listed as the 2nd fullback and the draftee (yes we will draft a running back) will be listed as the 3rd halfback.

Coogs · 03-16-2005, 08:46 AM

This probably won't be popular, but after reading this, my gut feeling is Ty Law is going to be fine and I hope we get him. He sounds like a very level headed person and one who could be the true leader this defense needs.

InChiefsHeaven · 03-16-2005, 08:49 AM

Uh, so what is everyone's take on Law's injury and his ability to get back on the field by Training Camp in July? I wanna believe the guy, but is it too risky? We will kick our selves in the ass if we let him go and he has a pro-bowl season somewhere else, but is that a reason to take a chance on him?

I don't know. I feel better about him after reading this article.

milkman · 03-16-2005, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InChiefsHell

Uh, so what is everyone's take on Law's injury and his ability to get back on the field by Training Camp in July? I wanna believe the guy, but is it too risky? We will kick our selves in the ass if we let him go and he has a pro-bowl season somewhere else, but is that a reason to take a chance on him?

I don't know. I feel better about him after reading this article.

I'd be surprised if he's ready by TC, but think he could be ready by the start of the season.

If he hasn't signed somewhere by the draft, then reevaluate his progress.

If it looks like he can be ready, sign him if possible.
If not, make the trade for Surtain.

**penguinz** · 03-16-2005, 08:56 AM

He will be ready for TC. No one thought TO would be able to play in the SB and he did.

03-16-2005, 02:29 AM
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	Teicher: Law has a foot in KC's door Law has a foot in KC's door Chiefs remain cautious because of star's injury By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Posted on Wed, Mar. 16, 2005 From the moment he was met at Kansas City International Airport by Dick Vermeil, Ty Law tried to gauge whether he could be happy playing cornerback for the Chiefs. Shortly before departing town Tuesday, Law declared his best estimate to be an unqualified “yes.” “Just the reading I got from being here, this is definitely an organization I can see myself playing for,” Law said while meeting with the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. “I definitely think (the Chiefs) have the necessary ingredients. “One of the things I experienced today was the family-type atmosphere. It's not fake. Sometimes you hear some things, and it's like, ‘You can't be serious, man.' But coach Vermeil is the most genuine coach I've seen. He cares about you as a person. “He picked me up at the airport in his personal car. The conversation we had on the way back, you can tell if it's real. I definitely thought it was real. If it wasn't real, he should get an Oscar.” Vermeil likewise was impressed by Law, a four-time Pro Bowler. But Vermeil echoed statements from president/general manager Carl Peterson that the Chiefs would wait to see how Law's surgically repaired foot was mending before they would proceed with a contract offer. Law wore a protective walking boot on his left foot. “He has to keep progressing medically,” Vermeil said. “He says he's going to be out of the boot in two weeks. As you noticed, he has a bounce to his step. It's not bothering him at all. That's all positive.” The Chiefs had three other free-agent guests at Arrowhead Stadium Tuesday: defensive end Carlos Hall and running back Robert Holcombe of Tennessee, and Philadelphia linebacker Keith Adams. The Chiefs are planning visits, perhaps as soon as this week, with at least four other players, including Baltimore wide receiver Kevin Johnson. The Chiefs once tried to trade for Johnson when he played for Cleveland. Law said he was headed for Miami to continue a rehab program that includes running in a pool and riding an exercise bike. “I feel,” he said, “like Lance Armstrong right now.” Law had surgery in January to repair a fracture. He said the protective boot will come off for good by the end of March, which would enable him to accelerate the pace of rehabilitation. “Starting next month, I'll take it up a notch: Stairmaster, things like that,” Law said. “Then, the next month, I may get to do some straight-ahead running. In June, I'll be cutting. My goal is to be ready by training camp in July, but I'll definitely be ready by the season. I'm shooting for training camp.” Though Law indicated he was pleased with his visit to Kansas City, he also said he wouldn't necessarily wait for the Chiefs to make a contract offer. He already met with the Steelers and said he would probably take trips to the New York Jets and Indianapolis. “If it's a perfect fit and it's the right match, something will get done,” he said. “If it's not, you have to move on. They have to get ready to play a football game, and … I've got to hopefully get settled into a new team and find a new home so I get can get prepared to focus and concentrate. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. “I'm looking for the right situation. That's, first and foremost, somebody that's going to accept you as the player that you are. I don't want to go to a team or a defense that doesn't fit my style of play. It's all about the right situation: physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, everything. “I'm just going to teams that I'm interested in and not just everybody that's calling. I want to win. There are a lot of teams that called that I'm not interested in. (Jets) coach Herman Edwards and (Colts) coach Tony Dungy, they want to bring me in. We'll just go from there. The most important thing for me is to try to get a feel for places and get healthy and just be ready to play football.” Hall is the most intriguing of Tuesday's other visitors. Not only could he challenge Jared Allen to be a starter at right defensive end if he joined the Chiefs, but he's also a restricted free agent. The Titans would have the right to match any offer sheet he signs. The Chiefs would give the Titans a seventh-round draft pick if they declined to match. Hall was a starter for two of his three NFL seasons. He had eight sacks as a rookie in 2002 but fell to three the following season and 2½ last year. Chiefs defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham coached for the Titans during his first two seasons. “He's a young, enthusiastic player,” Vermeil said. “He has a tremendous motor. He would be a great addition to our roster, but that all takes time and I imagine (Tennessee) would match. We certainly have an interest, and if he's going to leave Tennessee, he might as well come here.” Holcombe is the first offensive free agent to visit with the Chiefs. Holcombe played for Vermeil and Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders with the Rams before he moved on to Tennessee. The Chiefs like Holcombe for his versatility and ability to serve as a reserve for Tony Richardson at fullback and Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson at halfback. “He's smart enough to handle both positions, and he's good on special teams,” Vermeil said. “It would be great to add him to our football team if we could.” Adams was mainly a special-teams player with the Cowboys and Eagles but started for Philadelphia in last season's NFC championship game and Super Bowl. “We might lose Monty Beisel,” Vermeil said. “So we bring a guy like this in. He's an ascending player and is already outstanding on special teams.” Johnson heads the list of prospective visitors. He has been a prolific receiver for most of his NFL career. Until last year, he caught at least 57 passes in each of his previous five NFL seasons. He caught 84 passes for 1,097 yards and nine touchdowns in 2001 with Cleveland. Last year, he had only 35 catches and one touchdown, but was still the Ravens' top receiver. The Chiefs were planning to meet with two developmental wide receivers, Alex Bannister of Seattle and Darrell Hill of Tennessee. Both players are fast, but neither has done much in his NFL career. Bannister has nine catches in his four NFL seasons, Hill none in his three. Defensive lineman Jay Williams should also be paying a visit this week. Williams is a 10-year veteran with St. Louis, Carolina and Miami. He also played for Vermeil with the Rams.
Posts: 58,682

03-16-2005, 05:11 AM	#16
DaWolf Cry havoc... Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10007725	I'm not sold on Allen yet. He better be working hard this offseason, because it's not inconcievable that he could also drop off from 9 sacks to something like 2 sacks. Competition to push these guys would be good. Kevin Johnson is an intruiging name. We need to do something this offseason to bolster our WR corps...
Posts: 6,798

03-16-2005, 06:47 AM	#17
old_geezer bite me Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Windsor, Mo. Casino cash: $1124738	Hall is the most intriguing of Tuesday's other visitors. Not only could he challenge Jared Allen to be a starter at right defensive end if he joined the Chiefs, but he's also a restricted free agent. I listened to Dick for brains Vermeil's interview on the radio yesterday. He specifically stated that if Hall was brought in - it would be to split time with Jarod Allen. That worthless piece of crap Hicks must give great head. __________________ If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can't see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death.
Posts: 2,153

03-16-2005, 08:28 AM	#23
Chiefnj MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Willis, Harris and Davis. Casino cash: $10004900	I understand that a Holcomb or Hall aren't going to demand a lot of money, but I can't for the life of me fathom why the Chiefs aren't bringing in any other corners. __________________ "I always tell (the assistant coaches), 'Make it simple, 'cause I'm stupid,'" Edwards said. "This ain't computer football." Herm Edwards, 3-20-07 Q: Herm, back on December 25th you were asked if Trent Green was your starter going into next season and you said, ‘yeah, why wouldn’t he be?’ Have you changed your mind on that? EDWARDS: No, I have not.” (1-11-07)
Posts: 6,811

03-16-2005, 08:30 AM	#24
Chan93lx50 Veteran Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Casino cash: $10004900	Since everybody else is bitching about the other FA possibilities, I think picking up Johnson would be a good addition. I am sure his stats fell apart due to playing on the Ravens Pass offense, hell he still led the team in receptions. Pick him up and we don't have to worry about drafting a WR and we can go balls to the walls D __________________
Posts: 1,847

03-16-2005, 08:46 AM	#27
Coogs In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Northern Kansas Casino cash: $1244349	This probably won't be popular, but after reading this, my gut feeling is Ty Law is going to be fine and I hope we get him. He sounds like a very level headed person and one who could be the true leader this defense needs.
Posts: 21,644

03-16-2005, 08:49 AM	#28
InChiefsHeaven Rockin' yer FACE OFF! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Casino cash: $3544937	Uh, so what is everyone's take on Law's injury and his ability to get back on the field by Training Camp in July? I wanna believe the guy, but is it too risky? We will kick our selves in the ass if we let him go and he has a pro-bowl season somewhere else, but is that a reason to take a chance on him? I don't know. I feel better about him after reading this article. __________________ We have a million reasons for failure, but not one excuse... Die Donks, DIE!! Holy Crap fellas!!! We did it!!! THREE TIMES!!!
Posts: 25,836

03-16-2005, 08:56 AM	#30
penguinz Supporter Join Date: Mar 2003 Casino cash: $2837626	He will be ready for TC. No one thought TO would be able to play in the SB and he did. __________________
Posts: 16,447