Replacing Gonzalez proving to be a chore in K.C.

[Quesadilla Joe]

http://www.profootballweekly.com/200...-a-chore-in-kc

Replacing Gonzalez proving to be a chore in K.C.
Posted July 11, 2009 @ 6:50 p.m.
By Michael Blunda

Nobody in the Chiefs' organization thought it would be easy to replace departed TE Tony Gonzalez, a 10-time Pro Bowler and surefire Hall of Famer, but they probably didn’t think it would be this difficult, either. In one of the more surprising developments of the team’s recent minicamp, head coach Todd Haley declared the competition for the starting tight end job wide open, dispelling the widely believed thought that the spot belonged to Brad Cottam. From what we hear, Cottam, a 2008 third-round pick by the Chiefs and the favorite to capture the job, struggled mightily during offseason workouts, frequently dropping catchable passes. His failure to seize the opportunity has opened the door for others — like veterans Sean Ryan and Tony Curtis and seventh-round rookie Jake O’Connell — to enter the mix for starting duties. Although the Chiefs aren’t expected to utilize their tight ends as receivers very often, the offense would be lacking without a skilled pass catcher at that spot. Thus far, Cottam has “dropped the ball.”

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by RustShack

Bowe, Bradley, and Engram can be a pretty deadly trio. Hell DVD as a fourth option isn't bad at all either.

As pass heavy as this offense will be, too much depth is just about enough.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by billay

What do ya mean? I've said this before this is the best WR core the Chiefs have had in sometime. Bowe is a beast, Bradley can stretch the field, and Engram is money on 3rd down. If the Chiefs can get any production from LJ & Charles this will be a good offense.

Mark Bradley hasn't been able to stay on the field.
He's easily this team's 2nd best pass-catcher after Bowe.
If he goes down... You have either Darling, Webb, or a 36-year old Engram vying for the starting job. Darling and Webb are major underchievers. Who knows whether or not Engram can be counted on.

Without a good #2 Bowe's gonna see a lot of double teams.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by RustShack

Bowe, Bradley, and Engram can be a pretty deadly trio. Hell DVD as a fourth option isn't bad at all either.

IF Bradley can stay healthy. I think history has proven that to be unlikely.

[Pioli Zombie]

Ok ya'll know I'm a Pioli butt boy. But to even insinuate this a good receiver corp right now would be delusional. there will be other moves. The TG trade was not about 2009. It was about the long term. It won't be pretty this year. Look for defensive improvement and hope for a 5-11 record and be patient.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by Micjones

IF Bradley can stay healthy. I think history has proven that to be unlikely.

Right, but we DO have a system that places a premium on physical conditioning so we might not have seen the best of him yet.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by Pioli Zombie

Ok ya'll know I'm a Pioli butt boy. But to even insinuate this a good receiver corp right now would be delusional. there will be other moves. The TG trade was not about 2009. It was about the long term. It won't be pretty this year. Look for defensive improvement and hope for a 5-11 record and be patient.
Posted via Mobile Device

I'm willing to be patient.
What I'm wondering though is why you'd stunt the growth of ascending players like Bowe and Cassel who need another reliable target to take the pressure off of both of them and contribute to their maturation? If there were NO options available to help improve the corps you might have an argument.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by Raised On Riots

Right, but we DO have a system that places a premium on physical conditioning so we might not have seen the best of him yet.

I think being in better physical condition will help, but it's not as though he began his career in Kansas City. Furthermore, it's not like the injury bug just got his address last season. He's always struggled to stay healthy.

[RustShack]

Originally Posted by Micjones

I'm willing to be patient.
What I'm wondering though is why you'd stunt the growth of ascending players like Bowe and Cassel who need another reliable target to take the pressure off of both of them and contribute to their maturation? If there were NO options available to help improve the corps you might have an argument.

Maybe Haley would rather Cassel get used to the system instead of stunting his growth and running the old system that utilizes the TE.

[RustShack]

Engram is our new Gonzalez, he just plays at a position Haley wants to use instead of TE.

[Halfcan]

Losing Tony G will be huge for the Chiefs-pretty dumb move on their part.

[chiefzilla1501]

I don't understand the move.

You spent a 2nd round pick on a QB. You should do everything in your power to surround him with as many weapons as possible so he can succeed.

If Cassel doesn't light it up in the first few weeks, I can tell you what will happen. The fans will turn on him, will boo him off the field, and will scream for Thigpen to start. I wish it weren't true, but it's the sad reality.

And trading away your #1 target and not doing much to shore up the o-line doesn't help Cassel.

[Jethopper]

The best player at his position ever will be hard to replace?

[splatbass]

Originally Posted by RustShack

If we wanted a great receiver at TE we wouldn't have traded him. Gonzalez replacement will come from the WR position.

Yup. TE isn't an important position in Haley's offense. They obviously didn't want to spend that kind of money on one.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by Micjones

I think being in better physical condition will help, but it's not as though he began his career in Kansas City. Furthermore, it's not like the injury bug just got his address last season. He's always struggled to stay healthy.

Where was he at before KC? Didn't he come from OSU?

[Mecca]

That's fine in theory we just don't have those receivers at the moment.