Rand: It's Time to get the Defense Right... - Page 2

shaneo69 · 01-11-2005, 08:58 PM

Here’s how the Chiefs look now and how they need to look next season:

ROSTER

The Chiefs finished the season with 16 players on the active roster who will be 30 or older at the start of next season. For a team that started last season hoping to make a Super Bowl run, a veteran-dominated roster made sense. But a team that needs to improve dramatically needs players who can improve dramatically, and up-and-coming players best fill that bill.

The Chiefs won’t be dramatically but veterans who didn’t contribute much in 2004 likely will be gone. Veteran offensive stars like quarterback Trent Green and linemen Will Shields and Willie Roaf aren’t going to crumble overnight because of old age.

And it’s not as if the Chiefs are without young talent. Running back Larry Johnson and defensive end Jared Allen had big seasons. The Chiefs also saw some good things from wide receiver Samie Parker, tackle Jordan Black, linebacker, Kawika Mitchell and defensive backs Willie Pile and Benny Sapp. Promising tight end Kris Wilson, whose rookie season was ruined by injury, will finally get a chance to show his stuff.

COACHING STAFF

With Dick Vermeil and nearly his entire staff coming back, continuity will not be a problem. Offensive coordinator Al Saunders continues to oversee the high-scoring attack he was expected to bring from St. Louis. Gunther Cunningham is a proven talent as a defensive coordinator, if you give him enough talent. Vermeil and president Carl Peterson overrated their defensive talent before last season but it’s hard to imagine them doing that again.

THE APPROACH

The Chiefs obviously need better balance. They ranked first in total offense and 31st in total defense. They scored a whopping 483 points and yielded a whopping 435. You don’t have to look beyond those numbers to understand why they had a losing record.

The Chiefs wound up hurting on defense because they figured Cunningham’s return plus the play of 2003 free agents Vonnie Holliday, Shawn Barber and Dexter McCleon would make a bad defense respectable. Instead, the defense got even worse and none of those three players made a good case for having a role in 2005.

The Chiefs need to set the bar higher for defensive improvement because it’s hard to hard to fix every leak. If they strive for excellence, they’ll do well to achieve respectability. If the Chiefs strive for respectability, as they did last year, they’ll wind up with much less.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Making defense a priority in the draft and free agency is a no-brainer. Establishing priorities is a little trickier because no defensive area can be left alone.

The top priority is a right cornerback, opposite Eric Warfield. The Chiefs have given their own players enough of an audition to know that spot must be filled from outside.

The Chiefs need at least one, and preferably two, more linebackers. If Scott Fujita, on the strong side, is their third-best linebacker, they’re in good shape. If he’s their best, they’re in trouble. The Chiefs need a sure-tackling middle linebacker and a quick weak-side linebacker with coverage and pass-rushing skills.

There’s always the chance Mitchell could take a big step forward next year and Barber or Mike Maslowski could bounce back from injuries. But the Chiefs can’t afford to bank on any of that happening. Too much optimism burned them last year.

The Chiefs got a pleasant surprise when Allen developed into a big-time pass rusher. The addition of a strong, run-stopping tackle would also give the defense a boost.

Now here’s where the Chiefs’ picture gets cloudy. What do they make of the disappointing play of safeties Greg Wesley and Jerome Woods? This was supposed to be an area of strength and instead became iffy.

Can Wesley, just 27 next season, bounce back. Can Woods, who’ll be 32, show he hasn’t lost a step? And if the Chiefs’ determine they need help here, can they really afford to make changes given all their other defensive needs?

Offensively, the Chiefs could use a young wide receiver. Eddie Kennison, 32, and Johnnie Morton, 33, had good seasons but the Chiefs can’t count on Parker alone for young legs at the position. Dante Hall has young legs but they won’t be fresh enough for consistently good kick returns if he’s overused as a receiver.

The Chiefs’ needs are easy to identify, but much tougher to fill. How many they can fill will determine if the Chiefs are one of those teams we’re still watching next January.

teedubya · 01-12-2005, 02:27 AM

wow. I like the Jets now.

Deberg_1990 · 01-12-2005, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali Chi3fs

wow. I like the Jets now.

Obviously we lost a good talent evaulator in Terry Bradway.

**jAZ** · 01-12-2005, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaneo69

The Chiefs also saw some good things from ... linebacker, Kawika Mitchell

They did?

Wallcrawler · 01-12-2005, 03:56 AM

The Chiefs front office just needs to bite the bullet and perform a massive housecleaning. These guys here, ABSOLUTELY have to go.

Johnnie Morton has never played up to the contract that he was given. The guy is making damn near the yearly salary that Tony Gonzalez is making. Tony G- 102 catches, 1200+ yards. Johnnie Morton, 55 catches and a load of plays that he just flat ass blew or quit on. Morton is washed up, and needs to go.

Eric Hicks had ONE decent season waay back before Gun was let go, he had 14 sacks in 13 games, and he hasnt done jack since then. Looks like he was a one year wonder, and its time for someone else to get a shot at it. Jared allen came in and in his first season, not even playing every game blew away everyone else on the team in terms of sacks. Hicks didnt even come close.

William Bartee- Heh. No explanation needed.

Jerome Woods. 32 years old, obviously lost a step and plagued by injuries of late. Its time for Jerome Woods to go, and bring in someone who can shore up the free safety position. I like Woods, I think he has a lot of heart and character, but he doesnt have the skill anymore.

Ryan Sims- Holy God what a bust. 15 tackles on the entire season. Get rid of this lazy bastard and give someone else a shot. They certainly couldnt do any worse than ALMOST a one tackle per game average.

Kawika Mitchell- Ive never seen anyone get blocked more than this guy. Its like he seeks out someone to block him, and makes a beeline toward him to take himself out of the play. Get lost Mitchell.

Vonnie Holliday- Huge Contract, very little payoff on the field. His huge roster bonus due this year is reason enough to cut him loose. Jared Allen took his job from him, and never looked back.

Mike Maslowski- Never was the fastest, and now the bum knee. He's not getting any younger. As with woods, I love the guy, but he just doesnt have what it takes to get this defense to the next level.

There are others who could probably get the axe and I wouldnt mind, but all of the above really need to be let go.

Gaz · 01-12-2005, 06:49 AM

Vermeil [and Peterson?] will be gone in 2006. Time enough then for a “massive housecleaning." This off-season should [and most certainly will] be about upgrading the Defense in a hurry.

In free agency, we need a starting CB & MLB. This will NOT be cheap.
In the draft, we need OLB & DE.

Gone are:
Battle
Bartee
Woods
Maslowski [sorry, man]
Holliday
Morton
Blaylock [because someone is going to give him some money]

xoxo~
Gaz
Hopes to see some D next season.

NewChief · 01-12-2005, 07:34 AM

Secondary:

Of course we have to get a new corner. That's a given. As for our weakness at safety, I wonder if those problems might be fixed with a new secondary coach. Guinta sucks.

Of course, we've seen what kind of panacea a mere coaching change is without the personnel changes to reinforce it. That being said, I'm not sure that new personnel with the same old position coach will help either.

Chief Faithful · 01-12-2005, 07:57 AM

CP, fix the secondary!

I would like to see a real MLB also, but fix the secondary.

Another DE would make a positive difference, but fix the secondary.

Morton needs to be replaced, BUT FIX THE SECONDARY!!!

milkman · 01-12-2005, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Faithful

CP, fix the secondary!

I would like to see a real MLB also, but fix the secondary.

Another DE would make a positive difference, but fix the secondary.

Morton needs to be replaced, BUT FIX THE SECONDARY!!!

Yeah, he does need to fix the secondary, hopefully with a good FA, but there isn't an area on the D that doesn't need fixing.

LBs are bad to average.
We need 2 new starters, at the least.

DL is average, at best.
We need better production up the middle, and a new starter to replace Hicks.

FIX THE D.

**RNR** · 01-12-2005, 08:26 AM

I think like many others the way to fix a defense is the front 7. With the way the NFL is handcuffing the DBs there is no reason to waste huge dollars at those positions. Generate a pass rush, pressure the QB into making a mistake or get the sack. It will only get worse for DBs in the future as the NFL wants NBA type scores.

Red Dawg · 01-12-2005, 08:30 AM

It's not possible to fix all of it in one season. We could sign a CB, MLB and DE/pass rusher in one off season. Hit the draft for duture stars all on defense in ther first 3 rounds.

I would go DE, CB, OLB with the first 3 picks but maybe not in that order.

Gaz · 01-12-2005, 08:47 AM

SECONDARY:
We need a CB. A good, solid starter. Forget this “shutdown corner” crap. He does not exist. Champ Bailey was kind enough to provide clear, lucid [and funny] illustrations of that this season. The term “shutdown corner” is false in the modern NFL. Still, our CBs are SO bad that we need an upgrade, even in the modern NFL. CB in FA. I would also consider drafting a young CB in the 2nd or 3rd Round [only if there is not a spongeworthy DE & OLB].

Woods appears to be done. Time for a young gun to take over. Bring on Harts. No FA or draft action at Safety.

DL:
We have not had sustained interior pressure from our DL. That is a serious problem. However, with draft picks invested in Sims and Siavii, we simply cannot afford to spend more money at that position. No draft or FA action at DT.

I do not believe that Hicks will be cut [despite angry yapping from the mob], but I would like to see the potential for an upgrade. To that end, I would like to see a DE in the draft. DE is a position that can come in and contribute immediately. Sure, he will share time with Hicks and Allen, but will have a chance to seize a starting role. DE or OLB is where I would spend my 1st Rounder.

LB:
Despite the anguished howls for the mythical “shutdown corner,” here is the real weakness in the Chiefs Defense. Fujita appeared lost on several occasions. Mitchell appeared lost on most occasions. We need a starting MLB & OLB. There are no worthy MLBs in the draft, so OLB is the draft option. We will have to get our starting MLB in FA.

OFFENSE:
We can draft some OL replacements in the last half of the draft. That is it for you Offense Homers. No draft for you!!!

xoxo~
Gaz
Sees this as doable [since it is “do or die” time for Vermeil].

Gaz · 01-12-2005, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedNeckRaider

I think like many others the way to fix a defense is the front 7. With the way the NFL is handcuffing the DBs there is no reason to waste huge dollars at those positions. Generate a pass rush, pressure the QB into making a mistake or get the sack. It will only get worse for DBs in the future as the NFL wants NBA type scores.

Yep.

xoxo~
Gaz
Wonders when the NFL will just outlaw CBs altogether.

**Lzen** · 01-12-2005, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Diddy

That's what they said after robinson left.

Here's my idea:

hicks-bye
sims-one more year then bye
holliday bye

with the exception of fujita, no starting lb needs to keep his job

Bartee bye
mccleon bye
battle bye
woods bye

I would replace 1 maybe 2 dl,2 lb and 3 dbs.
If nothing else that would light a fire under the other half of the teams ass.

That's pretty good. Although, I think Hicks would make a very good backup. Not sure what is his salary so that could also play into it. Sims may improve with some more talent in that front 7 but who knows. And Mitchell may get a lot better. Remember, Gun said it took Tennessee's linebackers 2 or 3 years to get good in that system. However, I wouldn't be against bringing someone in (either via draft or FA) to challenge for the MLB position.

NewChief · 01-12-2005, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaz

Yep.

xoxo~
Gaz
Wonders when the NFL will just outlaw CBs altogether.

I'm a complete offensive homer, but I've got to agree that it's getting ridiculous. I couldn't believe how many game-changing pass interference and defensive holding calls were made in the playoff games this first week. It was disgusting. Not to mention that many of the calls were completely arbitrary.

I'm beginning to agree with that Hunter S. Thompson article that was written after the Chiefs vs. Tenn. game where he talked about their being three teams on the field: the Chiefs, the Titans, and the Zebras.

**DaKCMan AP** · 01-12-2005, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaz

There are no worthy MLBs in the draft, so OLB is the draft option. We will have to get our starting MLB in FA.

I agree with almost everything you said, but not this. Channing Crowder is definately a worthy MLB in the draft who can come in and start immediately.

01-11-2005, 08:58 PM
shaneo69 Smug Weasel Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Bleachers at Busch Casino cash: $10004900	Rand: It's Time to get the Defense Right... Here’s how the Chiefs look now and how they need to look next season: ROSTER The Chiefs finished the season with 16 players on the active roster who will be 30 or older at the start of next season. For a team that started last season hoping to make a Super Bowl run, a veteran-dominated roster made sense. But a team that needs to improve dramatically needs players who can improve dramatically, and up-and-coming players best fill that bill. The Chiefs won’t be dramatically but veterans who didn’t contribute much in 2004 likely will be gone. Veteran offensive stars like quarterback Trent Green and linemen Will Shields and Willie Roaf aren’t going to crumble overnight because of old age. And it’s not as if the Chiefs are without young talent. Running back Larry Johnson and defensive end Jared Allen had big seasons. The Chiefs also saw some good things from wide receiver Samie Parker, tackle Jordan Black, linebacker, Kawika Mitchell and defensive backs Willie Pile and Benny Sapp. Promising tight end Kris Wilson, whose rookie season was ruined by injury, will finally get a chance to show his stuff. COACHING STAFF With Dick Vermeil and nearly his entire staff coming back, continuity will not be a problem. Offensive coordinator Al Saunders continues to oversee the high-scoring attack he was expected to bring from St. Louis. Gunther Cunningham is a proven talent as a defensive coordinator, if you give him enough talent. Vermeil and president Carl Peterson overrated their defensive talent before last season but it’s hard to imagine them doing that again. THE APPROACH The Chiefs obviously need better balance. They ranked first in total offense and 31st in total defense. They scored a whopping 483 points and yielded a whopping 435. You don’t have to look beyond those numbers to understand why they had a losing record. The Chiefs wound up hurting on defense because they figured Cunningham’s return plus the play of 2003 free agents Vonnie Holliday, Shawn Barber and Dexter McCleon would make a bad defense respectable. Instead, the defense got even worse and none of those three players made a good case for having a role in 2005. The Chiefs need to set the bar higher for defensive improvement because it’s hard to hard to fix every leak. If they strive for excellence, they’ll do well to achieve respectability. If the Chiefs strive for respectability, as they did last year, they’ll wind up with much less. WHAT COMES NEXT? Making defense a priority in the draft and free agency is a no-brainer. Establishing priorities is a little trickier because no defensive area can be left alone. The top priority is a right cornerback, opposite Eric Warfield. The Chiefs have given their own players enough of an audition to know that spot must be filled from outside. The Chiefs need at least one, and preferably two, more linebackers. If Scott Fujita, on the strong side, is their third-best linebacker, they’re in good shape. If he’s their best, they’re in trouble. The Chiefs need a sure-tackling middle linebacker and a quick weak-side linebacker with coverage and pass-rushing skills. There’s always the chance Mitchell could take a big step forward next year and Barber or Mike Maslowski could bounce back from injuries. But the Chiefs can’t afford to bank on any of that happening. Too much optimism burned them last year. The Chiefs got a pleasant surprise when Allen developed into a big-time pass rusher. The addition of a strong, run-stopping tackle would also give the defense a boost. Now here’s where the Chiefs’ picture gets cloudy. What do they make of the disappointing play of safeties Greg Wesley and Jerome Woods? This was supposed to be an area of strength and instead became iffy. Can Wesley, just 27 next season, bounce back. Can Woods, who’ll be 32, show he hasn’t lost a step? And if the Chiefs’ determine they need help here, can they really afford to make changes given all their other defensive needs? Offensively, the Chiefs could use a young wide receiver. Eddie Kennison, 32, and Johnnie Morton, 33, had good seasons but the Chiefs can’t count on Parker alone for young legs at the position. Dante Hall has young legs but they won’t be fresh enough for consistently good kick returns if he’s overused as a receiver. The Chiefs’ needs are easy to identify, but much tougher to fill. How many they can fill will determine if the Chiefs are one of those teams we’re still watching next January.
Posts: 4,910

01-12-2005, 02:27 AM	#16
teedubya Most Valuable Poster Join Date: Oct 2003 Casino cash: $9490002	wow. I like the Jets now.
Posts: 36,650

01-12-2005, 03:56 AM	#19
Wallcrawler How tall is this thing? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ground 0 for enema of US. Casino cash: $4252912	The Chiefs front office just needs to bite the bullet and perform a massive housecleaning. These guys here, ABSOLUTELY have to go. Johnnie Morton has never played up to the contract that he was given. The guy is making damn near the yearly salary that Tony Gonzalez is making. Tony G- 102 catches, 1200+ yards. Johnnie Morton, 55 catches and a load of plays that he just flat ass blew or quit on. Morton is washed up, and needs to go. Eric Hicks had ONE decent season waay back before Gun was let go, he had 14 sacks in 13 games, and he hasnt done jack since then. Looks like he was a one year wonder, and its time for someone else to get a shot at it. Jared allen came in and in his first season, not even playing every game blew away everyone else on the team in terms of sacks. Hicks didnt even come close. William Bartee- Heh. No explanation needed. Jerome Woods. 32 years old, obviously lost a step and plagued by injuries of late. Its time for Jerome Woods to go, and bring in someone who can shore up the free safety position. I like Woods, I think he has a lot of heart and character, but he doesnt have the skill anymore. Ryan Sims- Holy God what a bust. 15 tackles on the entire season. Get rid of this lazy bastard and give someone else a shot. They certainly couldnt do any worse than ALMOST a one tackle per game average. Kawika Mitchell- Ive never seen anyone get blocked more than this guy. Its like he seeks out someone to block him, and makes a beeline toward him to take himself out of the play. Get lost Mitchell. Vonnie Holliday- Huge Contract, very little payoff on the field. His huge roster bonus due this year is reason enough to cut him loose. Jared Allen took his job from him, and never looked back. Mike Maslowski- Never was the fastest, and now the bum knee. He's not getting any younger. As with woods, I love the guy, but he just doesnt have what it takes to get this defense to the next level. There are others who could probably get the axe and I wouldnt mind, but all of the above really need to be let go. __________________ She did not open her eyes this morning. I don't know what else to say.
Posts: 6,931

01-12-2005, 06:49 AM	#20
Gaz Defense Homer Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Rancho Gaz Casino cash: $10010793	Defense Homers rejoice...your time is at hand... Vermeil [and Peterson?] will be gone in 2006. Time enough then for a “massive housecleaning." This off-season should [and most certainly will] be about upgrading the Defense in a hurry. In free agency, we need a starting CB & MLB. This will NOT be cheap. In the draft, we need OLB & DE. Gone are: Battle Bartee Woods Maslowski [sorry, man] Holliday Morton Blaylock [because someone is going to give him some money] xoxo~ Gaz Hopes to see some D next season.
Posts: 5,911

01-12-2005, 07:34 AM	#21
NewChief In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Fayetteville, AR Casino cash: $9730204	Secondary: Of course we have to get a new corner. That's a given. As for our weakness at safety, I wonder if those problems might be fixed with a new secondary coach. Guinta sucks. Of course, we've seen what kind of panacea a mere coaching change is without the personnel changes to reinforce it. That being said, I'm not sure that new personnel with the same old position coach will help either. __________________ In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. - H. L. Mencken
Posts: 21,758

01-12-2005, 07:57 AM	#22
Chief Faithful Predicting Chiefs Victory Join Date: Sep 2001 Casino cash: $9966500	CP, fix the secondary! I would like to see a real MLB also, but fix the secondary. Another DE would make a positive difference, but fix the secondary. Morton needs to be replaced, BUT FIX THE SECONDARY!!!
Posts: 4,315

01-12-2005, 08:26 AM	#24
RNR America is great assholes~ Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: In some people's mind~ Casino cash: $10027990	I think like many others the way to fix a defense is the front 7. With the way the NFL is handcuffing the DBs there is no reason to waste huge dollars at those positions. Generate a pass rush, pressure the QB into making a mistake or get the sack. It will only get worse for DBs in the future as the NFL wants NBA type scores. __________________ The Trump campaign and Black Lives Matter movement are perfect for each other. Both sides filled with easily led and angry nitwits convinced they are victims~
Posts: 31,085

01-12-2005, 08:30 AM	#25
Red Dawg Going home eventually Join Date: Dec 2002 Casino cash: $4772858	It's not possible to fix all of it in one season. We could sign a CB, MLB and DE/pass rusher in one off season. Hit the draft for duture stars all on defense in ther first 3 rounds. I would go DE, CB, OLB with the first 3 picks but maybe not in that order. __________________ If you're not first you're last!
Posts: 30,406

01-12-2005, 08:47 AM	#26
Gaz Defense Homer Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Rancho Gaz Casino cash: $10010793	I would like to expand on milkman's comments... SECONDARY: We need a CB. A good, solid starter. Forget this “shutdown corner” crap. He does not exist. Champ Bailey was kind enough to provide clear, lucid [and funny] illustrations of that this season. The term “shutdown corner” is false in the modern NFL. Still, our CBs are SO bad that we need an upgrade, even in the modern NFL. CB in FA. I would also consider drafting a young CB in the 2nd or 3rd Round [only if there is not a spongeworthy DE & OLB]. Woods appears to be done. Time for a young gun to take over. Bring on Harts. No FA or draft action at Safety. DL: We have not had sustained interior pressure from our DL. That is a serious problem. However, with draft picks invested in Sims and Siavii, we simply cannot afford to spend more money at that position. No draft or FA action at DT. I do not believe that Hicks will be cut [despite angry yapping from the mob], but I would like to see the potential for an upgrade. To that end, I would like to see a DE in the draft. DE is a position that can come in and contribute immediately. Sure, he will share time with Hicks and Allen, but will have a chance to seize a starting role. DE or OLB is where I would spend my 1st Rounder. LB: Despite the anguished howls for the mythical “shutdown corner,” here is the real weakness in the Chiefs Defense. Fujita appeared lost on several occasions. Mitchell appeared lost on most occasions. We need a starting MLB & OLB. There are no worthy MLBs in the draft, so OLB is the draft option. We will have to get our starting MLB in FA. OFFENSE: We can draft some OL replacements in the last half of the draft. That is it for you Offense Homers. No draft for you!!! xoxo~ Gaz Sees this as doable [since it is “do or die” time for Vermeil].
Posts: 5,911