GRETZ: Understand the Future

**Tribal Warfare** · 01-11-2008, 09:13 AM

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2008/01...nd_the_future/

GRETZ: Understand the Future
Jan 11, 2008, 8:24:20 AM by Bob Gretz - FAQ

If you are a fan of the red and gold, then there’s plenty to ponder as you sit and watch the quadruple-header of NFL action in the playoffs this weekend…

For instance, could the Chiefs be playing on this weekend a year from now?

Absolutely. It happens every year in the NFL.

Over the last five seasons, on average half of the teams that made the post-season last year did not make the playoffs the next season. This year it was six teams. The previous two years it was seven teams that did not return. There were five new faces in 2004 and the 2003 playoffs had eight new faces.

In this decade, the number is again six changes per season, or half the field.

This year the Chiefs, New York Jets, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Chicago did not make the post-season after being part of the playoffs in 2006. The Ravens, Eagles, Saints and Bears all won division titles last season. This year they finished fourth, fourth, third and fourth in their divisions.

Those clubs were replaced by teams like Tampa Bay; just last year the Buccaneers finished the season 4-12. And by Washington; the Redskins were 5-11 in the 2006 season.

This season, Green Bay made the playoffs with a 13-3 record. Last season they were 8-8 and the season before, they finished 4-12. In two years they went from four victories to 13 and the playoffs. Tennessee made the playoffs this year with a 10-6 record. Last season they were 8-8 and the season before, they finished 4-12. In two years they went from four victories to 10 and the playoffs.

Both Green Bay and Tennessee did it by building their roster through the NFL Draft, which is the direction the Chiefs plan to take in 2008.

So, it’s not impossible that the Chiefs could make a jump into the playoffs next year.

Is it likely? Now that’s the better question.

Understand this about what the Chiefs – especially Herm Edwards – are trying to build at Arrowhead. They want a team that makes the playoffs every year and more importantly, they want a team that has the chance to win in January. The Chiefs most recent visits to the playoffs in 2003 and 2006 were simply as participants. They didn’t have a chance to actually contend for the championships because both of those teams were badly flawed. In ‘03 it was a weak defense that doomed their chances; last year it was a weak offense.

To reach the level of talent and production that would make them a real contender for a title may take more than the 2008 off-season can provide this franchise. The offense and special teams must improve dramatically and the defense must continue its growth.

For all that to happen in the next 12 months is a reach. To get this job done right, to build this team not as just a team that plays in January, but wins in January will need more than a one-year turnaround.

What they don’t want is a flash in the pan season, then a fall back to the middle of the pack. Take New Orleans; the Saints were 3-13 in 2005, then went 10-6 and played in the NFC Championship Game in 2006. This year, they fell to 7-9.

The Chiefs do not want to be Tampa Bay. The Bucs were 5-11 in 2004, then went 11-5 the next season. They fell back to 4-12 in 2006 and then this year won the NFC South with a 9-7 record. That’s a roller coaster to stay away from.

Here’s the statistic that gnaws at the folks at Arrowhead: of the league’s 32 teams, 25 have won games in the playoffs during this decade. Two of the seven teams that have not are Cleveland and Houston, expansion teams that began play in 1999 and 2002. The Browns have gone to the playoffs but have not won.

Of the other five teams, the longest drought without a post-season victory belongs to Cincinnati, as the Bengals haven’t won since January of 1991. It was January 1992 when Detroit won its last game in the playoffs, January 1994 for the Chiefs, January 1997 for the Dallas Cowboys and January 1999 for the Arizona Cardinals.

Getting back to the playoffs isn’t the goal. Winning in January is the prize.

**HemiEd** · 01-11-2008, 09:19 AM

Its all good, please renew your season tickets.

**Bwana** · 01-11-2008, 09:22 AM

Dear Gretz: I don't give a crap if the Chiefs make it to the playoffs if they can't win a playoff game. In order to do that, the have to totally rebuild, not try to stuff a few band-aids in key positions to fill the seats of Arrowhead.

Otter · 01-11-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bwana

Dear Gretz: I don't give a crap if the Chiefs make it to the playoffs if they can't win a playoff game. In order to do that, the have to totally rebuild, not try to stuff a few band-aids in key positions to fill the seats of Arrowhead.

Dear Greg,

Much like hitting on 20 when the dealer is showing a 5, it can happen, it's just not very probable.

Don't forget to get your tickets early and pick up some Chiefs Gear for the kids!!!

Thanks Buddy,

Carl

***

If you never seen the movie Slapshot get it right away. It's a facsimile of this team and it's good for a couple laughs.

Chiefnj2 · 01-11-2008, 09:31 AM

Building through the draft and developing young players is a great idea. Too bad the team didn't make a full fledge effort to do that the past two years. Excuse us if we aren't quite sold on Herm's drafts and development at this point.

StcChief · 01-11-2008, 09:33 AM

Gretz, whatever you and Carl are smokin'

send some over

pikesome · 01-11-2008, 09:36 AM

Are Gretz articles Planet bulletin board material? Because every time I read them I get more and more irritated with him and the damn team.

FloridaMan88 · 01-11-2008, 09:46 AM

Gretz breast-feeds the entire Wargarbage Illustrated staff

stonedstooge · 01-11-2008, 09:49 AM

Oh Lord here we go again. The false hope that Carl and Herm are going to get us in the playoffs every year and we are going to contend in those playoffs every year. Clark. You got Peterson's balls pinched with a pair of vice grips? Go ahead and yank them off. Or Carl give it up. Be a man. Your goon writers aren't going to change anyones mind of the reality that this team is headed nowhere under its current leadership. All these other teams are interviewing replacement coaches and doing something. All that comes from Chiefs management is "Trust us" we have a secret plan that Einstein Edwards and I designed and we will again return to mediocracy maybe even by next year. Is Gretz going to be writing this crap all Spring? I'm sure when it gets to FA and draft time we will be hearing the same crap about it being a wonderful pick that will put us over the top and make us contenders. What a bunch of bull.

**Bob Dole** · 01-11-2008, 09:52 AM

One Arrowhead Drive: The proud sponsor of "Maybe next year!" Since 1971.

Frazod · 01-11-2008, 09:54 AM

And sometimes teams that sucked during the previous season will continue to suck during the following season, especially if they are horribly managed and coached, BLOB.

Chief Chief · 01-11-2008, 09:55 AM

I totally expected this type of article to come out which basically says there are other teams out there that are more playoff-deficient than the Chiefs. It happens every year we don't win the Super Bowl.

pikesome · 01-11-2008, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dole

One Arrowhead Drive: The proud sponsor of "Maybe next year!" Since 1971.

They're not even offering us "maybe next year" really. More like "When Carl's 5 year plan is complete, we'll be l33t". Douches.

siberian khatru · 01-11-2008, 10:05 AM

Quote:

The Chiefs do not want to be Tampa Bay. The Bucs were 5-11 in 2004, then went 11-5 the next season. They fell back to 4-12 in 2006 and then this year won the NFC South with a 9-7 record. That’s a roller coaster to stay away from.

Yeah, we wouldn't want to ride a roller-coaster right after winning a Super Bowl. Let's be consistently mediocre, rather than actually win something once.

Tell you what, Carl. You win a Super Bowl next year, and you can have a 5-year contract extension and ride the roller-coaster the entire time, and I won't bitch.

Eleazar · 01-11-2008, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCChiefsfan88

Gretz breast-feeds the entire Wargarbage Illustrated staff

01-11-2008, 09:13 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3077187	GRETZ: Understand the Future http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2008/01...nd_the_future/ GRETZ: Understand the Future Jan 11, 2008, 8:24:20 AM by Bob Gretz - FAQ If you are a fan of the red and gold, then there’s plenty to ponder as you sit and watch the quadruple-header of NFL action in the playoffs this weekend… For instance, could the Chiefs be playing on this weekend a year from now? Absolutely. It happens every year in the NFL. Over the last five seasons, on average half of the teams that made the post-season last year did not make the playoffs the next season. This year it was six teams. The previous two years it was seven teams that did not return. There were five new faces in 2004 and the 2003 playoffs had eight new faces. In this decade, the number is again six changes per season, or half the field. This year the Chiefs, New York Jets, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Chicago did not make the post-season after being part of the playoffs in 2006. The Ravens, Eagles, Saints and Bears all won division titles last season. This year they finished fourth, fourth, third and fourth in their divisions. Those clubs were replaced by teams like Tampa Bay; just last year the Buccaneers finished the season 4-12. And by Washington; the Redskins were 5-11 in the 2006 season. This season, Green Bay made the playoffs with a 13-3 record. Last season they were 8-8 and the season before, they finished 4-12. In two years they went from four victories to 13 and the playoffs. Tennessee made the playoffs this year with a 10-6 record. Last season they were 8-8 and the season before, they finished 4-12. In two years they went from four victories to 10 and the playoffs. Both Green Bay and Tennessee did it by building their roster through the NFL Draft, which is the direction the Chiefs plan to take in 2008. So, it’s not impossible that the Chiefs could make a jump into the playoffs next year. Is it likely? Now that’s the better question. Understand this about what the Chiefs – especially Herm Edwards – are trying to build at Arrowhead. They want a team that makes the playoffs every year and more importantly, they want a team that has the chance to win in January. The Chiefs most recent visits to the playoffs in 2003 and 2006 were simply as participants. They didn’t have a chance to actually contend for the championships because both of those teams were badly flawed. In ‘03 it was a weak defense that doomed their chances; last year it was a weak offense. To reach the level of talent and production that would make them a real contender for a title may take more than the 2008 off-season can provide this franchise. The offense and special teams must improve dramatically and the defense must continue its growth. For all that to happen in the next 12 months is a reach. To get this job done right, to build this team not as just a team that plays in January, but wins in January will need more than a one-year turnaround. What they don’t want is a flash in the pan season, then a fall back to the middle of the pack. Take New Orleans; the Saints were 3-13 in 2005, then went 10-6 and played in the NFC Championship Game in 2006. This year, they fell to 7-9. The Chiefs do not want to be Tampa Bay. The Bucs were 5-11 in 2004, then went 11-5 the next season. They fell back to 4-12 in 2006 and then this year won the NFC South with a 9-7 record. That’s a roller coaster to stay away from. Here’s the statistic that gnaws at the folks at Arrowhead: of the league’s 32 teams, 25 have won games in the playoffs during this decade. Two of the seven teams that have not are Cleveland and Houston, expansion teams that began play in 1999 and 2002. The Browns have gone to the playoffs but have not won. Of the other five teams, the longest drought without a post-season victory belongs to Cincinnati, as the Bengals haven’t won since January of 1991. It was January 1992 when Detroit won its last game in the playoffs, January 1994 for the Chiefs, January 1997 for the Dallas Cowboys and January 1999 for the Arizona Cardinals. Getting back to the playoffs isn’t the goal. Winning in January is the prize.
Posts: 43,463

01-11-2008, 09:19 AM	#2
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $-589436	Its all good, please renew your season tickets.
Posts: 34,922

01-11-2008, 09:22 AM	#3
Bwana It's Five O'Clock Somewhere Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Billings, Montana Casino cash: $2135750532	Dear Gretz: I don't give a crap if the Chiefs make it to the playoffs if they can't win a playoff game. In order to do that, the have to totally rebuild, not try to stuff a few band-aids in key positions to fill the seats of Arrowhead. __________________ Adventure is dangerous....but monotony can kill you.
Posts: 70,504

01-11-2008, 09:31 AM	#5
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $6654388	Building through the draft and developing young players is a great idea. Too bad the team didn't make a full fledge effort to do that the past two years. Excuse us if we aren't quite sold on Herm's drafts and development at this point. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,541

01-11-2008, 09:33 AM	#6
StcChief Playing for #1 Draft Pick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Just West of Lambs land Casino cash: $10004900	Gretz, whatever you and Carl are smokin' send some over
Posts: 25,901

01-11-2008, 09:36 AM	#7
pikesome PEW PEW Join Date: May 2005 Casino cash: $10004900	Are Gretz articles Planet bulletin board material? Because every time I read them I get more and more irritated with him and the damn team. __________________ 4. Performance enhancing drugs: A) are my ticket to the Hall of Fame. B) would be better if they tasted like fruit and were shaped like various Flintstones characters. C) are not for me, because I find that cocaine aids my performance much more effectively. D) apparently worked for Rodney Harrison.
Posts: 5,191

01-11-2008, 09:46 AM	#8
FloridaMan88 Mahomes: We Are All Witnesses Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Miami, FL Casino cash: $-827094	Gretz breast-feeds the entire Wargarbage Illustrated staff
Posts: 50,398

01-11-2008, 09:49 AM	#9
stonedstooge Arf! Arf! Arf! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Casino cash: $3794173	Gretz Oh Lord here we go again. The false hope that Carl and Herm are going to get us in the playoffs every year and we are going to contend in those playoffs every year. Clark. You got Peterson's balls pinched with a pair of vice grips? Go ahead and yank them off. Or Carl give it up. Be a man. Your goon writers aren't going to change anyones mind of the reality that this team is headed nowhere under its current leadership. All these other teams are interviewing replacement coaches and doing something. All that comes from Chiefs management is "Trust us" we have a secret plan that Einstein Edwards and I designed and we will again return to mediocracy maybe even by next year. Is Gretz going to be writing this crap all Spring? I'm sure when it gets to FA and draft time we will be hearing the same crap about it being a wonderful pick that will put us over the top and make us contenders. What a bunch of bull.
Posts: 25,289

01-11-2008, 09:52 AM	#10
Bob Dole King Shit of **** Mountain Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Texarkana, Texas Casino cash: $-1414563	One Arrowhead Drive: The proud sponsor of "Maybe next year!" Since 1971.
Posts: 51,641

01-11-2008, 09:54 AM	#11
Frazod Did you hear what I said? Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $-866615	And sometimes teams that sucked during the previous season will continue to suck during the following season, especially if they are horribly managed and coached, BLOB.
Posts: 121,808

01-11-2008, 09:55 AM	#12
Chief Chief Veteran Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City MO Casino cash: $10004900	I totally expected this type of article to come out which basically says there are other teams out there that are more playoff-deficient than the Chiefs. It happens every year we don't win the Super Bowl.
Posts: 3,072