ChiefsPlanet - Chiefs Pro Football Weekly - Pioli knows staying atop division won't be easy

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Pro Football Weekly - Pioli knows staying atop division won't be easy (https://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=241153)

Pro Football Weekly - Pioli knows staying atop division won't be easy

http://www.profootballweekly.com/201...n-wont-be-easy

Nice to hear that our GM thinks our season wasn't good enough despite the cries of "it's the second year of the rebuild!"

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The Chiefs just completed a campaign in which they went 10-6 and won the AFC West. Coming off a 4-12 record and last-place finish in 2009, that's an accomplishment few thought within reach. It's a perfect example of the unpredictable nature of the NFL, and it's something GM Scott Pioli is fully aware of. That's why he's not taking anything for granted in 2011.

"One season doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the next season, because there's going to be this whole offseason," Pioli told PFW in an exclusive interview. "This season was what it was unto itself. It doesn't necessarily mean anything in next year's 16 games."

For Kansas City to remain atop the division, it not only has to upgrade the roster at a few critical spots, but it also must make sure that key free agents don't leave town. Based on last season's performance, that process likely starts with OLB Tamba Hali.

While Pioli wouldn't discuss specifics in regards to his offseason plans, we hear that Hali, who is set to hit free agency, is first in line for an extension. The fierce pass rusher led the AFC in sacks last season with 14½, adding four forced fumbles. However, we're also told that the two sides aren't remotely close in contract negotiations, which could lead to Hali being slapped with the franchise tag — something that wouldn't please the linebacker's camp.

Another name we're hearing will be re-signed is CB Brandon Carr, who is coming off a terrific campaign. Carr's 26 passes defended ranked him in the league's top five in 2010, and the third-year player also picked off a pass. About to become a restricted free agent, he will be back in Kansas City.

But these aren't the only major dilemmas facing Pioli. He'll also need to decide what to do with aging starters whose contracts are expiring, such as DT Ron Edwards, OLB Mike Vrabel and C Casey Wiegmann. It's going to be a busy time for the GM as he attempts to take the franchise to the next level.

"How far away we are (from being Super Bowl contenders), I don't necessarily look at things through that prism," Pioli said. "Here's what we know: We improved this year, and even with our improvement, it wasn't good enough. So what we know is we need to continue to get better."

U n Me, Scott! 'The Whole Thing'

Defensively, I've been told that OLB, NT and ILB are priorities.

That should come as no surprise, but it at least confirms what many think need to be addressed.

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Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud (Post 7402497)

Defensively, I've been told that OLB, NT and ILB are priorities.

That should come as no surprise, but it at least confirms what many think need to be addressed.

Some would argue that OT is a primary concern.

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Originally Posted by jd1020 (Post 7402506)

Some would argue that OT is a primary concern.

Only idiots.

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Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud (Post 7402497)

Defensively, I've been told that OLB, NT and ILB are priorities.

That should come as no surprise, but it at least confirms what many think need to be addressed.

It's interesting that ILB is included, though.

The thumper position must be really important in Crennel's defense.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020 (Post 7402506)

Some would argue that OT is a primary concern.

God dammit! Don't start that shit in here!

Its like throwing rocks during recess.

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Originally Posted by jd1020 (Post 7402506)

Some would argue that OT is a primary concern.

And those people should be castrated with a butter knife

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Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud (Post 7402526)

And those people should be castrated with a butter knife

ROFL

Warm or cold

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Originally Posted by MotherLover (Post 7402530)

ROFL

Warm or cold

both

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Originally Posted by ClayWhit (Post 7402511)

It's interesting that ILB is included, though.

The thumper position must be really important in Crennel's defense.

While Belcher certainly improved in 2010, there's no doubt that this team needs to become stronger and tougher up the middle.

On both sides of the ball.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud (Post 7402497)

Defensively, I've been told that OLB, NT and ILB are priorities.

That should come as no surprise, but it at least confirms what many think need to be addressed.

I'd be happy as hell if our first three draft picks fell in that order. I'd be even happier if we could land a FA or two to help the offense (WR, RT).

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Originally Posted by Bowser (Post 7402607)

I'd be happy as hell if our first three draft picks fell in that order. I'd be even happier if we could land a FA or two to help the offense (WR, RT).

It's a damn shame that if Pioli hadn't had his head stuck up his ass in 2009, the Chiefs could have had Clay Matthews opposite Hali and in 2010, Sean Lee or Daryl Washington or Brandon Spikes next to DJ (not to mention Koa Misi in 2010).

Drag.

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Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud (Post 7402614)

I guess we could go hire king carl would u like that

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Originally Posted by haydenchiefs101 (Post 7402615)

I guess we could go hire king carl would u like that

Shut the **** up.

You're an annoying little douche. No wonder you're so deep in the red.

And for the record, I'll take Carl's first two drafts over Pioli's ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.

At least Carl didn't **** up the #4 overall selection.

Ahem.