Chiefs Teicher: Pioli wants Chiefs’ signings to send a message to the team... - Page 5

DaWolf · 03-22-2010, 11:09 PM

Pioli wants Chiefs’ signings to send a message to the team

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/03/22...#ixzz0iyPMGsJP

By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

ORLANDO, Fla. | Job No. 1 for Scott Pioli remains to change the losing culture that inevitably permeates an organization after it wins 10 games in three seasons, as the Chiefs have done.

The best way to continue that process, he decided, was to rock everybody’s world. Pioli, the Chiefs’ general manager, appears to have accomplished that with the team’s first free-agent signing.

Thomas Jones, a veteran running back who rushed for more than 1,400 yards last season, plays the same position as Jamaal Charles, who finished last season in a spectacular manner and was chosen the team’s most valuable player.

The message, Pioli said at the NFL meetings, was not aimed at Charles so much as everyone. That message: No matter what you’ve accomplished, don’t get too comfortable.

“I can’t tell you whether Jamaal will play more or Thomas Jones will play more,” Pioli said. “The roles will figure themselves out. The best players will play. The players will sort that out themselves. We’re trying to do this at every position. Look at the offensive line now. There are a number of players there that can start.

“Everyone is competing for jobs. That’s how teams get better.”

Pioli spent nine seasons as personnel director for the Patriots before he joined the Chiefs last year. Together with coach Bill Belichick, Pioli was charged with changing a similar culture in New England.

He told a story about New England signing a free agent to compete with an established starter in one of his first seasons with the Patriots. The incumbent publicly complained about the lack of respect his employers were showing.

“It uncovered a reality of the culture there that was very unhealthy,” Pioli said. “That was something we weren’t going to tolerate.”

Pioli said he has no concrete examples of Chiefs players feeling the same sense of entitlement but has no doubt it’s there.

“In the last 14 months, it’s been palpable,” Pioli said. “You can sense certain people seem or appear to have a degree of entitlement. The reality is that none of us are entitled to anything. We have to go out and prove ourselves every day in our jobs, all of us.”

Charles rushed for almost 1,000 yards over last season’s final eight games after taking over as the featured back from Larry Johnson. His 259 rushing yards in the final game against Denver set a franchise record.

The Chiefs wanted to find someone to help share the workload with Charles but came away with more than that in Jones. He was released by the Jets because he was due a large roster bonus.

New York wanted to re-sign Jones, but the Chiefs pried him away.

“We can’t always dictate the timing of a signing,” Pioli said. “He had just been released. This was the meeting point of need and opportunity. The player wanted to be here. We wanted him. We felt it was an upgrade. We said from the beginning we’re always going to try to create competition within our organization. This was not a statement about any other player.

“He’s still a very good player. He’s a very competitive, smart, tough player. He fits exactly what we’re looking for.”

The Chiefs face a similar situation with the free-agent signing of veteran center Casey Wiegmann, who previously played for the Chiefs from 2001 through 2007.

That move affects incumbent center Rudy Niswanger, who for the first time since he became a starter faces serious competition for his starting spot.
“Don’t make it out to be some sort of ominous sign that means this player is on the way out,” Pioli said. “Here’s what it means for Rudy: It means there’s going to be stiff competition for his position just like every other player has. We’re trying to get better.

“That competition will sort itself out. We’re trying to put the five best offensive linemen that fit out on the field. Other than that, we’re not going to be boxed into anything.”

Wiegmann played two seasons for Denver after leaving the Chiefs. The Broncos released him after last season’s end in part because they believed at 285 pounds he had trouble standing his ground against increasingly large defensive tackles.

But Pioli said the Chiefs saw the situation differently.

“He played well last season,” Pioli said. “He was effective. We went back and watched games specifically against some of the bigger players and the bigger nose tackles and Casey played well. He’s a very smart, crafty football player and still a solid starter in the National Football League.”

Including guard Ryan Lilja, the Chiefs now have four players with extensive starting experience for the three inside spots on their offensive line.

Lilja and Brian Waters figure to start at guard, leaving Wiegmann and Niswanger to compete at center.

In addition to Jones, Wiegmann and Lilja, the Chiefs signed wide receiver Jerheme Urban and defensive tackle Shaun Smith and re-signed two of their own free agents, linebacker Mike Vrabel and wide receiver Chris Chambers.

In keeping with the pattern Pioli set with the Patriots and last year with the Chiefs, none will make big money. Lilja gets $7.5 million over three years, Jones $5 million over two.

Chambers ($1.9 million) and Vrabel ($1.6 million) will get make less than $2 million in base salary this year. Wiegmann ($855,000) can climb to about $2 million with incentives if he winds up as the starter.

Urban and Smith will each make $630,000.

While Pioli was with the Patriots, rarely did New England distort its salary structure for free agents. The Patriots were willing to pay big money to their own players they wanted to retain.

“I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied with what we’ve done but I’m encouraged that we’ve done some things to make our football team better,” Pioli said. “When I say better, I feel we’re better in the locker room and I feel that we’re better on the field.”

Chiefaholic · 03-23-2010, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

In case you missed it...there is no salary cap.

I realize that, smartass... But, there just MIGHT be in a couple years when the two sides come to an agreement. It doesn't matter who we draft, Cassel will start the season. If he plays like last year, then Clausen could start by mid-season. Then the Chiefs would either cut or restructure Cassell's contract before he's due his roster bonus.

RedThat · 03-23-2010, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

I think you're seeing the difference between a tough as hell offense and a tough as hell defense. Nothing more.

That offensive line could pretty much do what it wanted to, when it wanted to. It was a True Fan's wet dream.

Those offensive lines were sick. Ive never seen such crisp blocking in my life. Every time the Chiefs touched the ball on offense, the lineman were monsters, they either drove guys off balance or to the ground a lot of times. It was a thing of beauty. I miss that.

**DeezNutz** · 03-23-2010, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

I think there's a disconnect here that's probably my fault for not being clear enough. When I talk about "toughness", I'm not talking about a physical attribute. I'm talking about a psychological one. Toughness as in willpower, as in an ability to overcome adversity. And I think that's something the Chiefs have been missing for the decade plus that I've watched them. I see it in the way they carry themselves on the field and on the sideline. I think it's reflected to a degree in the way the fans have this "what's next?" attitude. What bad draft pick are they going to make? How are they going to blow this game? That "here we go again" look they get late in games when, inevitably, everything falls apart. How we're always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Because since the late 90s, the other shoe does always drop. Because the team lacks....something. Not just talent. Some of it's knowing how to win. Some of it's swagger. Maybe "toughness" is a bad word, but it's the one I've always used.

Don't disagree with this.

RedThat · 03-23-2010, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

I think there's a disconnect here that's probably my fault for not being clear enough. When I talk about "toughness", I'm not talking about a physical attribute. I'm talking about a psychological one. Toughness as in willpower, as in an ability to overcome adversity. And I think that's something the Chiefs have been missing for the decade plus that I've watched them. I see it in the way they carry themselves on the field and on the sideline. I think it's reflected to a degree in the way the fans have this "what's next?" attitude. What bad draft pick are they going to make? How are they going to blow this game? That "here we go again" look they get late in games when, inevitably, everything falls apart. How we're always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Because since the late 90s, the other shoe does always drop. Because the team lacks....something. Not just talent. Some of it's knowing how to win. Some of it's swagger. Maybe "toughness" is a bad word, but it's the one I've always used.

I agree. What they lack psychologically is "killer instinct."

They don't play with enough of an edge or attitude I should say.
At least I haven't seen that from them? They're missing attitude dude.

The type of attitude Im referring to is playing with that mean streak that every Sunday when you go out there it's war, you're prepared to kill guys, crush any opposition that enters your path. Playing with that edge to the point where teams are afraid of you. I'd like to see them have that mentality. It sure worked well for the Steelers in 70's. And if Pittsburgh is the franchise this team is modelling around then I hope they go with that approach, it blends in perfectly with the violent nature of the sport.

*They need to draft some mean suckers. Particularily on defense. Mean, tough, nasty sob's that resemble the mean joe greene's of the world, or the Jack Lamberts and Jack Hams types. Im dreaming, but it's sure as good to do that.

Molitoth · 03-23-2010, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedThat

I agree. What they lack psychologically is "killer instinct."

They don't play with enough of an edge or attitude I should say.
At least I haven't seen that from them? They're missing attitude dude.

The type of attitude Im referring to is playing with that mean streak that every Sunday when you go out there it's war, you're prepared to kill guys, crush any opposition that enters your path. Playing with that edge to the point where teams are afraid of you. I'd like to see them have that mentality. Go with that approach, it blends in perfectly with the violent nature of the sport.

In other words, players are just happy to get a paycheck. It's the teams who want more than that who end up winning super bowls.

RedThat · 03-23-2010, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molitoth

In other words, players are just happy to get a paycheck. It's the teams who want more than that who end up winning super bowls.

A lot of the players we have don't have the mentality to be great. All about attitude. Were missing guys with the right attitude that could change this losing culture and take us to another level.

Chiefaholic · 03-23-2010, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedThat

I agree. What they lack psychologically is "killer instinct."

They don't play with enough of an edge or attitude I should say.
At least I haven't seen that from them? They're missing attitude dude.

The type of attitude Im referring to is playing with that mean streak that every Sunday when you go out there it's war, you're prepared to kill guys, crush any opposition that enters your path. Playing with that edge to the point where teams are afraid of you. I'd like to see them have that mentality. It sure worked well for the Steelers in 70's. And if Pittsburgh is the franchise this team is modelling around then I hope they go with that approach, it blends in perfectly with the violent nature of the sport.

*They need to draft some mean suckers. Particularily on defense. Mean, tough, nasty sob's that resemble the mean joe greene's of the world, or the Jack Lamberts and Jack Hams types. Im dreaming, but it's sure as good to do that.

Then the NFL would get flag happy and tone down the defense if they played with heart. Heaven forbid somebody's franchise player get his clock cleaned on the field with a hard hit. The NFL would lose viewers, and they'll have none of that

**BossChief** · 03-23-2010, 10:08 PM

I think our problem now isn't anything to do with Dick Vermeil.

Matter of fact, I don't think it was Dicks fault back then, either.

Dick didn't hire Gunther.

Dick didn't blow every first round pick from ever until 2006.

Carl did those things that damned us for the last 10+ years.

Carl Peterson

Im gonna go take a shot and toast to him not being here anymore.

Mecca · 03-23-2010, 10:37 PM

Well it's on Carl for giving his coaches way to much say in draft picks.

For the most part coaches need to shut up on draft day they don't scout these players.

bigbucks24 · 03-23-2010, 10:39 PM

Speaking of signing free agents, what would you guys think of Jason Taylor? He's looking for a 2 year deal worth $5M. As of yet, the Dolphins have yet to contact him (or return his advances). Could the Chiefs use a 36 year old, gonna be HOF WOLB?

Mecca · 03-23-2010, 10:42 PM

I'm pretty sure the Chiefs can use anything that gets Mike Vrabel off the field but since he's a Pioli guy, won't happen.

**DeezNutz** · 03-23-2010, 10:52 PM

****, yes, it had a tremendous amount to do with Vermeil.

But this argument is well rehearsed. Hated rookies. Carl gave his HCs way, way too much say and authority with the draft and personnel decisions, etc.

Vermeil and CP were the perfect combination to cripple the franchise.

Mecca · 03-23-2010, 10:55 PM

Hell the one time Carl decided to make the pick, Vermiel acted like someone pissed in his face.

**DeezNutz** · 03-23-2010, 10:58 PM

Perfect example for why things were a complete mess.

Coaches coach. GMs and scouts acquire talent. The whole Parcells' line about cooking and needing to select the ingredients is bullshit. Bull. Shit.

Mecca · 03-23-2010, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Perfect example for why things were a complete mess.

Coaches coach. GMs and scouts acquire talent. The whole Parcells' line about cooking and needing to select the ingredients is bullshit. Bull. Shit.

It's absolute bullshit, most coaches have no idea about players. A GM, at least a good GM is smart enough to realize he knows more about the players than the coach does and the scouts know even more..you listen to the people that know.

Meanwhile Bill Parcells goes and drafts Bobby Carpenter cause he coached his dad.

03-22-2010, 11:09 PM
DaWolf Cry havoc... Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10007725	Teicher: Pioli wants Chiefs’ signings to send a message to the team... Pioli wants Chiefs’ signings to send a message to the team Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/03/22...#ixzz0iyPMGsJP By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star ORLANDO, Fla. \| Job No. 1 for Scott Pioli remains to change the losing culture that inevitably permeates an organization after it wins 10 games in three seasons, as the Chiefs have done. The best way to continue that process, he decided, was to rock everybody’s world. Pioli, the Chiefs’ general manager, appears to have accomplished that with the team’s first free-agent signing. Thomas Jones, a veteran running back who rushed for more than 1,400 yards last season, plays the same position as Jamaal Charles, who finished last season in a spectacular manner and was chosen the team’s most valuable player. The message, Pioli said at the NFL meetings, was not aimed at Charles so much as everyone. That message: No matter what you’ve accomplished, don’t get too comfortable. “I can’t tell you whether Jamaal will play more or Thomas Jones will play more,” Pioli said. “The roles will figure themselves out. The best players will play. The players will sort that out themselves. We’re trying to do this at every position. Look at the offensive line now. There are a number of players there that can start. “Everyone is competing for jobs. That’s how teams get better.” Pioli spent nine seasons as personnel director for the Patriots before he joined the Chiefs last year. Together with coach Bill Belichick, Pioli was charged with changing a similar culture in New England. He told a story about New England signing a free agent to compete with an established starter in one of his first seasons with the Patriots. The incumbent publicly complained about the lack of respect his employers were showing. “It uncovered a reality of the culture there that was very unhealthy,” Pioli said. “That was something we weren’t going to tolerate.” Pioli said he has no concrete examples of Chiefs players feeling the same sense of entitlement but has no doubt it’s there. “In the last 14 months, it’s been palpable,” Pioli said. “You can sense certain people seem or appear to have a degree of entitlement. The reality is that none of us are entitled to anything. We have to go out and prove ourselves every day in our jobs, all of us.” Charles rushed for almost 1,000 yards over last season’s final eight games after taking over as the featured back from Larry Johnson. His 259 rushing yards in the final game against Denver set a franchise record. The Chiefs wanted to find someone to help share the workload with Charles but came away with more than that in Jones. He was released by the Jets because he was due a large roster bonus. New York wanted to re-sign Jones, but the Chiefs pried him away. “We can’t always dictate the timing of a signing,” Pioli said. “He had just been released. This was the meeting point of need and opportunity. The player wanted to be here. We wanted him. We felt it was an upgrade. We said from the beginning we’re always going to try to create competition within our organization. This was not a statement about any other player. “He’s still a very good player. He’s a very competitive, smart, tough player. He fits exactly what we’re looking for.” The Chiefs face a similar situation with the free-agent signing of veteran center Casey Wiegmann, who previously played for the Chiefs from 2001 through 2007. That move affects incumbent center Rudy Niswanger, who for the first time since he became a starter faces serious competition for his starting spot. “Don’t make it out to be some sort of ominous sign that means this player is on the way out,” Pioli said. “Here’s what it means for Rudy: It means there’s going to be stiff competition for his position just like every other player has. We’re trying to get better. “That competition will sort itself out. We’re trying to put the five best offensive linemen that fit out on the field. Other than that, we’re not going to be boxed into anything.” Wiegmann played two seasons for Denver after leaving the Chiefs. The Broncos released him after last season’s end in part because they believed at 285 pounds he had trouble standing his ground against increasingly large defensive tackles. But Pioli said the Chiefs saw the situation differently. “He played well last season,” Pioli said. “He was effective. We went back and watched games specifically against some of the bigger players and the bigger nose tackles and Casey played well. He’s a very smart, crafty football player and still a solid starter in the National Football League.” Including guard Ryan Lilja, the Chiefs now have four players with extensive starting experience for the three inside spots on their offensive line. Lilja and Brian Waters figure to start at guard, leaving Wiegmann and Niswanger to compete at center. In addition to Jones, Wiegmann and Lilja, the Chiefs signed wide receiver Jerheme Urban and defensive tackle Shaun Smith and re-signed two of their own free agents, linebacker Mike Vrabel and wide receiver Chris Chambers. In keeping with the pattern Pioli set with the Patriots and last year with the Chiefs, none will make big money. Lilja gets $7.5 million over three years, Jones $5 million over two. Chambers ($1.9 million) and Vrabel ($1.6 million) will get make less than $2 million in base salary this year. Wiegmann ($855,000) can climb to about $2 million with incentives if he winds up as the starter. Urban and Smith will each make $630,000. While Pioli was with the Patriots, rarely did New England distort its salary structure for free agents. The Patriots were willing to pay big money to their own players they wanted to retain. “I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied with what we’ve done but I’m encouraged that we’ve done some things to make our football team better,” Pioli said. “When I say better, I feel we’re better in the locker room and I feel that we’re better on the field.”
Posts: 6,798

03-23-2010, 10:08 PM	#68
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $-1725912	I think our problem now isn't anything to do with Dick Vermeil. Matter of fact, I don't think it was Dicks fault back then, either. Dick didn't hire Gunther. Dick didn't blow every first round pick from ever until 2006. Carl did those things that damned us for the last 10+ years. Carl Peterson Im gonna go take a shot and toast to him not being here anymore. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,901

03-23-2010, 10:37 PM	#69
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-682950	Well it's on Carl for giving his coaches way to much say in draft picks. For the most part coaches need to shut up on draft day they don't scout these players.
Posts: 115,363

03-23-2010, 10:39 PM	#70
bigbucks24 Starter Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Las Vegas, NV Casino cash: $9688694	Speaking of signing free agents, what would you guys think of Jason Taylor? He's looking for a 2 year deal worth $5M. As of yet, the Dolphins have yet to contact him (or return his advances). Could the Chiefs use a 36 year old, gonna be HOF WOLB?
Posts: 590

03-23-2010, 10:42 PM	#71
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-682950	I'm pretty sure the Chiefs can use anything that gets Mike Vrabel off the field but since he's a Pioli guy, won't happen.
Posts: 115,363

03-23-2010, 10:55 PM	#73
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-682950	Hell the one time Carl decided to make the pick, Vermiel acted like someone pissed in his face.
Posts: 115,363