They're tremendously better now, specifically from a talent standpoint, then they were the year before. You have to win games to get to the playoffs.

I don't think he has a choice.

Besides, I don't believe he's a "me first" kind of player.

He's a consummate professional. I'm sure you're right -- he's not thrilled -- but he'll do his job. Count on it.

I myself would doubt that....but i've been wrong before...it seems obvious why they're bringing him in to me.

That's not an unreasonable concern, normally, but it just isn't the kind of player that Vrabel is. Trust the Pats fans on this one- once you've watched him for a while, you'll get why this isn't something that you needed to be worried about.

Dont count the ole guy out yet ... NE won lots of games with old-smart-proven players ....

I personally don't view Vrabel as a game changer. But what defensive player on this squad is? We have to change the ATTITUDE of this defense. If Vrabel can help do that, he's worth it.

Ah yes, now I remember, Belichick inherited this team when Parcells "retired".

I'm glad you feel good about this move for the Chiefs, because I sure as hell don't.

I'm going to try to keep a level head, and try to reserve judgement until I see the team that's assembled in August.

But with a ton of needs and a ton of salary cap space, and this is the move we make when folks like Brown and Scott and other impact players are visiting / signing other teams, I just have to scratch my head.

And that little bit of doubt I had when we hired Pioli (hmm, I hope his success had something to do with Pioli's judgement and not him being a yes man to Belichick) just grew a little...

He will. Part of the reason why a lot of Pats fans are pissed about losing him is that, even if he has lost a step, he pretty much is the "attitude" guy on defense.

errr....sort of, but you seem to be a bit off on the timeline. Parcells "retired" from the Jets. It was Parcells leaving after the SB run in 1996, then 3 years of Pete Carroll, and then Belichick coming in.

I understand the underlying concept, I just disagree vehemently with paying a premium (draft pick) for it. Perhaps I under-value vet leadership but, realistically, Vrabel will not be here if/when the Chiefs are winners again and neither will most of the players on the 2009 team. This is obviously not as stupid as trading our #12 for Green when we could have had him for nothing in free-agency the following year but it is stupid.

By the way, do you remember the justification for acquiring Green one year earlier?- so he could teach the youngsters and help install the system. Guess what! Green's presence didn't help Snoop Minnis or C. Thomas turn into anything they weren't already- crappy players.

p.s. I'm still wondering what Vrabel is going to enforce.

Fair enough, just don't judge the whole system too quickly. The Pats actually got 3 games worse in Belichick's first year (8-8 to 5-11) because he had to purge all the overpriced veterans, malcontents, and guys who didn't fit the system. Once you've done that, it still takes some time to build a nucleus of talent that buys into the system.

I'm sure your phone will be ringing of the hook tomorow morning...Scott calling....asking your advice??

Thanks Amnorix, always appreciate your input!

I couldn't remember exactly. I don't pay a lot of attention to the Jets or Patriots and never have. I hate both those teams.

No offense.