Teicher: Law has a foot in KC's door - Page 3

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.

whoman69 · 03-16-2005, 09:03 AM

By taking a wait and see on Law and not really looking for other CB help, Pederson is either really ballsy or really stupid. Based on past performance I would shoot for the latter.
I can't see signing a RB just to be 3rd string unless it comes at the minimum. The problem with our DEs is that almost all of them are pass rush specialists, but none can stop the run. Take a flyer.

milkman · 03-16-2005, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whoman69

By taking a wait and see on Law and not really looking for other CB help, Pederson is either really ballsy or really stupid. Based on past performance I would shoot for the latter.
I can't see signing a RB just to be 3rd string unless it comes at the minimum. The problem with our DEs is that almost all of them are pass rush specialists, but none can stop the run. Take a flyer.

Good God, you mean that Stills isn't the only pass rush specialist on the roster that can't get to the QB?

Eric Hicks is supposed to be a complete DE.
I think Jimmy Wilkerson is supposed to have developed into a complete DE.

Jared Allen is a pass rush specialist, that actually gets to the QB, but with some added bulk, could develop into a complete DE.

If they ever got a clue, they would move Browning to LDE.
I think he could be a PBer there.

I also think that Carl has no choice but to wait on Law's progress.

htismaqe · 03-16-2005, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj

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.

Because, according to the people here, there aren't any out there worth looking at.

**dirk digler** · 03-16-2005, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufusmaqe

Because, according to the people here, there aren't any out there worth looking at.

I think anyone they bring in would better than Bartee or McCLeon at this point.

Chiefnj · 03-16-2005, 09:37 AM

With the manner in which the Chiefs D has floundered the past several years, and to a degree this offseason as well, I can't help but think that Marty was the mastermind behind the assemblance of the great defenses of the early through mid 90's.

Wile_E_Coyote · 03-16-2005, 09:39 AM

If memory serves, this is the first season T-Rich hasn't gotten injured in a while. Hand & or arm injuries if I recall correctly..

**dirk digler** · 03-16-2005, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj

With the manner in which the Chiefs D has floundered the past several years, and to a degree this offseason as well, I can't help but think that Marty was the mastermind behind the assemblance of the great defenses of the early through mid 90's.

True but his offenses never put up alot of points. Back then we craved an offense to go with our D now the reverse is true.

milkman · 03-16-2005, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj

With the manner in which the Chiefs D has floundered the past several years, and to a degree this offseason as well, I can't help but think that Marty was the mastermind behind the assemblance of the great defenses of the early through mid 90's.

I wouldn't disagree with that.

If we could combine his defensive mind with DickWad's offensive mind, we would have one hell of a coach.

htismaqe · 03-16-2005, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

I think anyone they bring in would better than Bartee or McCLeon at this point.

I don't disagree.

However, you should know that you're now one of those "sheep" that has bought the "line" coming from Arrowhead. You'll be called an idiot for "settling" for mediocre.

Just letting you know what to be prepared for.

Chiefnj · 03-16-2005, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

True but his offenses never put up alot of points. Back then we craved an offense to go with our D now the reverse is true.

That really isn't true. It seems that way, but it isn't true. The Chiefs offense finished top 10 in points scored in five of Marty's 10 years with KC.

They laid huge eggs in the playoffs, sans Montana, but could often score in the regular season. They were never as bad as the Chiefs D has been the last few years.

Chiefnj · 03-16-2005, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufusmaqe

I don't disagree.

However, you should know that you're now one of those "sheep" that has bought the "line" coming from Arrowhead. You'll be called an idiot for "settling" for mediocre.

Just letting you know what to be prepared for.

Unfortunately there is no "line" coming from Arrowhead as to corners. Talk of linebackers, receivers, half-back/fullbacks and a pass rush specialist who hasn't been able to get to the QB the past two years to split time with the only up and coming promising player on the roster.

**dirk digler** · 03-16-2005, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufusmaqe

I don't disagree.

However, you should know that you're now one of those "sheep" that has bought the "line" coming from Arrowhead. You'll be called an idiot for "settling" for mediocre.

Just letting you know what to be prepared for.

Mediocre is better than suckass which both of those players are. Hell just an upgrade might save us 1 TD per game.

Now I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression I still think we need to trade for Surtain or sign Law as 1 corner but we could get a 2nd Pier guy for the other side and let him battle Warfield for the starting position.

htismaqe · 03-16-2005, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj

Unfortunately there is no "line" coming from Arrowhead as to corners. Talk of linebackers, receivers, half-back/fullbacks and a pass rush specialist who hasn't been able to get to the QB the past two years to split time with the only up and coming promising player on the roster.

I already mentioned that. Of course, that little tidbit of fact garnered zero response...

htismaqe · 03-16-2005, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

Mediocre is better than suckass which both of those players are. Hell just an upgrade might save us 1 TD per game.

Now I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression I still think we need to trade for Surtain or sign Law as 1 corner but we could get a 2nd Pier guy for the other side and let him battle Warfield for the starting position.

I agree.

**dirk digler** · 03-16-2005, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj

That really isn't true. It seems that way, but it isn't true. The Chiefs offense finished top 10 in points scored in five of Marty's 10 years with KC.

They laid huge eggs in the playoffs, sans Montana, but could often score in the regular season. They were never as bad as the Chiefs D has been the last few years.

That is true to a point our running game was awesome our passing game sucked for the most part. We were always looking for that big time WR to help us.

But what is good in the regular season doesn't mean squat come playoffs and our offenses never did anything in the playoffs minus Joe in 93.

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, 09:37 AM	#35
Chiefnj MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Willis, Harris and Davis. Casino cash: $10004900	With the manner in which the Chiefs D has floundered the past several years, and to a degree this offseason as well, I can't help but think that Marty was the mastermind behind the assemblance of the great defenses of the early through mid 90's. __________________ "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, 09:39 AM	#36
Wile_E_Coyote avatar down for remodel Join Date: Jul 2001 Casino cash: $10004900	If memory serves, this is the first season T-Rich hasn't gotten injured in a while. Hand & or arm injuries if I recall correctly..
Posts: 6,009