Grbac Tooting His Own Horn Again

[The Bad Guy]

In an AP article on Trent Dilfer, Elvis Grbac decided to chime in, and explain what he will bring to the Ravens. As usual, he decided to pat himself on the back.

[QUOTE]``It's time that a quarterback comes in here and provides leadership, a go-to guy, a vertical passing game,'' Grbac said upon signing. ``This is a great team. I can make it better.''[/QUOTE]

I don't know how you make a Super Bowl winner better, but leave it to Pelvis to make a claim like this. I would love to see a celebrity deathmatch involving Dilfer and Smelvis.

Here is the link to the story
[url]http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news/ap/20010623/ap-dilferswait.html[/url]

[QUOTE]Super Bowl winner Dilfer ponders next job
By DAVID GINSBURG
AP Sports Writer
June 23, 2001


BALTIMORE (AP) -- For all his glittering resume, Trent Dilfer can't find a job he wants.

He won the Super Bowl and was 11-1 as a starter last year, but the Baltimore Ravens didn't want him back and other teams haven't shown much interest.

His plan is to wait until training camps begin in August for a chance to compete for a job as a starter and to dispel the notion he won with the Ravens solely because of the team's record-setting defense.

Six weeks after Dilfer led Baltimore to the championship, the Ravens thanked him for his workmanlike performance and turned over the offense to free agent Elvis Grbac, who ranked third in the NFL in passing yardage and fourth in touchdown passes with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Although Grbac was impressive, the Chiefs finished 7-9 and third in the AFC West. Yet Grbac and his prolific right arm received a five-year, $30 million contract from the Ravens on March 8, and Dilfer was shown the door.

Grbac slammed it shut.

``It's time that a quarterback comes in here and provides leadership, a go-to guy, a vertical passing game,'' Grbac said upon signing. ``This is a great team. I can make it better.''

Dilfer handled his ouster from Baltimore in much the same fashion he treated his ouster from Tampa Bay after the 1999 season: with class. He attended the Ravens' ring ceremony on June 9 and hugged almost everyone in sight.

``It's the great culmination of a wonderful year,'' he told reporters. ``The ring will eventually rot away. I'm proud of it, but the relationships I've made with these guys are far greater than the ring.''

The feeling is mutual.

``I'll remember Trent now and I'll remember him 20 years from now. We've been through a lot,'' Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister said. ``While you don't develop a close, intimate relationship with everybody, you do develop a type of bond.''

Dilfer doesn't play for the Ravens anymore, but this is what he does have: $25 million in career NFL earnings, a Super Bowl ring and fond memories of his compelling season of vindication and triumph.

That he does not yet have work is partly his choice.

Dilfer recently rejected contract offers from the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts because he was not interested in being the dutiful backup to a franchise quarterback such as Brett Favre or Peyton Manning.

A year ago, Dilfer took a chance by signing a one-year contract with the Ravens to play behind Tony Banks, who had been handed the starting job and a four-year deal after a successful 1999 season.

Dilfer didn't leave the sideline during the opening seven weeks. Then, after taking over for an ineffective Banks in late October, he began a journey that took him from the pinnacle of his profession back to the unemployment line.

After losing his first start, Dilfer guiding Baltimore to 11 straight wins, a run that ended with a 34-7 rout of the New York Giants in the Super Bowl in Tampa, where he began his NFL career in 1994.

He went from Tampa to Disney World, where so many Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks had gone before him. But Dilfer is unlike all the rest -- he is the only quarterback to win a Super Bowl and be deprived of the chance to do it again.

Dilfer wasn't spectacular, but he was efficient, and that was enough on a team that had one of the best defenses in NFL history. His 76.6 quarterback rating during the regular season was mediocre, as were his Super Bowl numbers: 12-for-23, 153 yards, one touchdown.

Nonetheless, the Ravens won when he was the quarterback.

``There's a huge amount of gratitude for Trent Dilfer,'' Baltimore coach Brian Billick said.

But Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens' vice president of player personnel, said he signed Grbac because Baltimore did not want to once again rely upon its defense to win. Grbac, he said, would turn a cautious offense into the attacking, prolific unit that Billick envisioned when he took over in 1999.

Dilfer has chosen not to talk about his situation, according to his agent, Michael Sullivan, who also refused to be quoted.

In this era of free agency, players come and go. Dilfer isn't the first player from a Super Bowl winner who was forced to move on; he just happens to be the first quarterback.

``Trent's a great guy, a humble guy and very astute. I like him a lot,'' Ravens defensive back James Trapp said. ``But Brian Billick and Ozzie Newsome, they're in charge and I trust them to bring more talent in here. So now we've got Elvis, and I'm with Elvis.''[/QUOTE]

[DaWolf]

Had to jump in here:

[quote]Logical, please explain to me how EG cost us a #12 pick. Lets leave aside whose fault it was for his departure. And lets forget for now whether it's a good or bad thing. EG left. We had a void at QB. Nowhere was it written that said void had to be filled in a horribly overpriced trade with the Rams. Other trades could've been made. Vet FA's could've been signed. Rookies could've been drafted and played. Collins could've played.[/quote]

True, but then we'd definitely be looking at a very bleak season. Beyond Rob Johnson, there was no one on the free agent market that was worthwile. And consider this: you go into the season with a crap QB, and your offensive players numbers are going to suffer. Now consider, we would like a happy Tony Gonzalez to want to sign with us. Next year we want a happy Derrick Alexander to renegoriate his high cap number. If they have crappy numbers and a crappy record with no hope on the horizon, then it is quite possible that not adequately filling the QB hole could have cost us more in the long run.

[quote]DV wanted Green from day 1. CP caved into the Rams and gave up the best pick we've had in a decade strictly because of DV's infatuation with Green. If you resent losing that pick, the line goes straight to DV. [/quote]

Now, it's true that Vermiel likes Green a lot. But if Green was his No 1 priority from day 1, why did they offer Elvis that huge contract? Green was his No 1 priority AFTER Elvis backstabbed us, because that QB position needed to be filled by someone capapble. Did CP cave in? I suppose if you consider any trade regarding the No 1 pick caving in. He could have not caved in and we'd be talking about the 3 way battle between Bubby, Collins, and Dilfer and which QB wasn't overthrowing recievers more in practice.

[quote]I also never said he should've gotten a league leading contract. Something in the upper middle half would be totally appropriate. That's what his number indicate. CP, from what the Star reported, offered far less.[/quote]

Whatever it was, according to Jim Steiner,Grbac's agent, it was a better contract than the one he sined wth BMore...

[Logical]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by ck_IN [/i]
Logical, please explain to me how EG cost us a #12 pick. Lets leave aside whose fault it was for his departure. And lets forget for now whether it's a good or bad thing. EG left. We had a void at QB. Nowhere was it written that said void had to be filled in a horribly overpriced trade with the Rams. Other trades could've been made. Vet FA's could've been signed. Rookies could've been drafted and played. Collins could've played.

DV wanted Green from day 1. CP caved into the Rams and gave up the best pick we've had in a decade strictly because of DV's infatuation with Green. If you resent losing that pick, the line goes straight to DV.[/QUOTE]

[B]Chuck I disagree with the idea that the people suggested could have run the intended offense. I do not believe that even Brad Johnson could have run this offense. I would say that the only person available besides Green or Grbac that could have would have possibly been Beurlein, but with his large numbers of injuries, his age, and his questionable shoulder status from a long history of abuse I think back-up was the most he should be. Grbac and Green both could run this offense physically, I question whether Grbac could have handled it mentally but the Chiefs were willing to let him try. As far as rookies and Collins, no way in heck, a rookie would have been eaten up by such a complex offense and Collins could not beat out Moon for gosh sakes. Even if you loved Brees taking him at 12 would have been ridiculous, he was at best a very low first rounder, heck remember he went in the second round. For these reasons I feel that once Grbac abandoned ship the Chiefs were pretty much forced to go after Green (thus a first rounder) [/B]

That is where I got my statement. By the way I was neither a big supporter and definitely not a detractor for Grbac. Each offseason I said he deserved another year to prove himself. I thought he was better in 2000 but not as much as some on the BBs. He still made plenty of bad decisions and his leadership was still a huge gap from where it needed to be, but he was equivalent to a really good second year QB last year mentally and of course physically he was top notch. I was expecting him back and was surprised when he left.

Apologize if this is a duplicate post the server said no connection was achieved the last time I attempted to post.

[ck_IN]

Logical, thanks your explaination. I can see where you're coming from even if I do disagree. Personally I think we'd been better served by signing Beurline and drafting a QB. Perhaps Beurline couldn't run this O to it full extent, but then again will our WR's/TE's/Oline be able to do so this year anyway?

This will be a transition year as the players learn the new O so essentially it's a throw away year record wise. This means that Beurline could fill in while Shea earns his money with the rookie. Next offseason if we so desired we could reopen the Green talks. He'd be in his final contract year and the Rams would be much more flexible in their demands. This means instead of a #12 pick we probably could've gotten him for a 2nd or 3rd rounder. The offensive players would be ready for him at that point and the #12 pick from this year, hopefully, would bolster our defense which I view as our weakest link.

IMHO. ;)

ck,

I didn't see any immediate defensive help available at #12.

- NONE of the CBs in this year's draft were really ready to start. In fact, how many 1st round CBs have started over the last few years? Woodson, Bailey, Springs...most of them play backup like Charlton, O'Neal, Edwards, etc...

- The greatest of the D-linemen were gone. St. Louis took Lewis with the #12 pick. I would have been sorely disappointed with him...

Look at it this way, if we kept that #12 we most likely would have taken a RB. We got a RB and Trent Green. It really isn't that bad of a deal...

[Packfan]

Grbac wants a free ticket to the super bowl. He probably thinks if Trent Dilfer can get a ring why cant he? He was a total rebuilding effort away from a ring in KC. As far as Green being the better "team" player, Green is just happy to start. Of course he is going to do and say all the right things. And as far as Grbac "srewing us of the 12th pick.." Wrong. Peterson has to be responsible for that. For starters, you should ALWAYS be developing a QB to replace the starter. Warren Moon and Todd Collins???? Good God!! Also, there was absolutely no need to panic and give away an NFL lottery pick for a guy who hasnt proven anything and has been a free agent twice in the last five years. Chances are good that he would have become a free agent again. The fear of losing and the fans abandoning the team is so severe in Kansas City that Peterson bent over and took a hard one from the Rams for a career backup QB. Its a horrible trade he made. I am tired of seeing GM after GM cornhole Carl Peterson.

[TEX]

Packfan,
Sometimes I agree with what you say - even though most of it stems from your total hatred for the job King Carl has done. Some of it is turns out to be justified. However, in the Green case, it's only your biased opinion that the trade was bad. What happens if Green turns out to be awesome? Then what? All the Chiefs traded away was the 12th pick. The 12th pick is NO GUARANTEE of anything. Especially with Carl doing the choosing...right? The Chiefs had a better idea of what they were getting with Green then they did with the 12 pick. Plus, as it turns out, they needed a QB and there was NO QB in the draft worth the 12th pick. Now I agree that Peterson is partly to blame for terrible QB situation that the Chiefs found themselves in after the season. IMHO, he NEVER should have signed Smelvis in the first place. Plus, he certainly should not have kept him over Gannon and shoud have already been grooming a QBOTF. But IF Green turns out to be the player that I think he is, the King will look very good for making the move. ;)

[KS Smitty]

If Elvis doesn't toot his own horn who will?:p

[DanT]

Grbac is such a freakin' idiot. I'm glad I won't have to worry about that dumbass's comments anymore. His choice of words is about as smart as his choice of receivers in a two-minute offense.

He's going to end up making it that much harder for the Ravens to repeat because his teammates are going to realize that the performance upgrade he offers overs Dilfer isn't nearly worth the downgrade in class and poise.

[Packfan]

KC Fan TX,

I agree with most of your post. If Green turns into an all-pro and leads the Chiefs to a playoff victory, nobody (including me) can complain about the trade. I look at it as trading the 12th pick for a guy who could have been had for free. Yea, I know most people think that somebody would have traded for Green. I dont. I think Carl could have offered a 3rd round pick, and eventually the Rams would have traded him. Everybody has their QB. It was a decision based on panic, IMO.

The Chiefs have so many holes. The typical Peterson style QB is one who is very average, comes for free, and is a journeyman. Green fits that mold although Peterson paid dearly for him. Why not sign Buerline to a one year deal, draft a running back or defensive end, and wait for Green to get cut??? And if he doesnt get cut, sign the next best thing. Remember, Vinny, Randall, Elvis, Buerline, Chandler, Ferotte, Gannon, Flutie, ect have all been free at one time or another.

You dont pay the 12th pick in the draft for someone you could get for free.

[TEX]

Packfan,
For what it's worth, I wanted the Chiefs to sign Steve Buerline and draft McCallister. As it turns out, that scenario was very possible. Had it been me, I would have signed both Dilfer and Buerline and drafted McCallister. But, I still think Green is better than both. Is Green + Holmes better than Dilfer/Buerline + McCallister?..We'll have to wait and see.:confused:

TX,

I agree that Green is better than both, and combine that with this:

Haslett has stated he hasn't been very happy with Deuce's performance so far. He's having alot of trouble adjusting to the pace of practice...

[Rausch]

I don't think McCalister could be half the distraction or selfish player that Williams is. I have yet to hear any amount of positive info on this young man about work or preparation yet....


I think we'll see that we missed a great player by not taking Deuce....Hopefully Green can make this a moot point...:mad:

[donkhater]

While I'm not so sure if Green is the right QB to get us to the promised land, I'd bet anything that Green was not going to be released by St. Louis. They already paid his roster bonus for this season and even St. Louis's GM knows that you don't cut a good QB. He has value either to your team or as trade bait. The #12 for him? Yeah, a little steep. Duece would've looked awful nice in a KC uniform.

[Fat Elvis]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by donkhater [/i]
[B]While I'm not so sure if Green is the right QB to get us to the promised land, I'd bet anything that Green was not going to be released by St. Louis. They already paid his roster bonus for this season and even St. Louis's GM knows that you don't cut a good QB. He has value either to your team or as trade bait. The #12 for him? Yeah, a little steep. Duece would've looked awful nice in a KC uniform. [/B][/QUOTE]

Don't look at it as though we gave up a #12 for Green...look at it as though we gave up a #12 to get rid of Grbac.....:D