Mitch Holthus on Des Moines radio daily during camp...updates here

[htismaqe]

8/18 Update posted by htismaqe
Hinted (like he hinted Monday about Tynes' arrest) that Todd Collins was in trouble. More to come later today from the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Vermeil appeared to have Tynes' back, but he was visibly upset with the kicker at other times. Still thinks competition will be brought in.

Surtain has been the star of camp. Said even though the guy is a top NFL CB, he approached camp like he was fighting for the 53rd spot on the roster. Great player and great example. Derrick Johnson is legit and has the chance to be up there with DT, Lanier, and Bell.

On the offensive side, talked alot about LJ and the o-line, and how stellar Roaf and Waters have been.

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8/16 Update posted by jspchief
Talked about Gunther on the rampage.

Morning practice, he tore Grigsby a new asshole for mistakes lining up.

Afternoon practice, he told Alphonso Hodge that he can find 100,000 people to do the job as good as he is, and that he fired the last player that played like that. Apparently Hodge talked back to him at that point, which can't be good for your lifespan.

Coaches that win a superbowl with one team have never won one with the next team.

Vermeil is frustrated with all the man hours missed. Is tired of guys sitting out for every little nick.

Some scrub from ISU quit the team.

Talked a bit about Bell, but didn't say anything that hasn't been in the other threads. Practicing in pads, but not hitting.

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8/15 Update posted by htismaqe
The news is not good boys.

The Chiefs gave up 8 plays over 15 yards. Gunther is beyond furious, Mitch said he was "beside himself". Jared Allen has been demoted, Jimmy Wilkerson is now starting.

Kevin Sampson has a toe tendon problem, out 2-3 weeks. Todd Collins has a possible fracture, out 2-3 weeks. Holcombe will be out 6 weeks.

He said Lawrence Tynes had a bad weekend "on and off the field". When asked to elaborate about the "off the field" comment, he hemmed and hawed and never did answer. Tynes must have gotten drunk too. Anyway, he said there will likely be competition brought into camp. The good news is that Tynes didn't miss a kick yesterday.

Will Shields participated in workouts and could see full practice later this week, so that's at least one good thing.
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8/12 Update posted by htismaqe
Talked about the game. Starters will play slightly more than 1 quarter, except for Priest, LJ, Green, Gonzo. They will likely play only a couple of series'. Shields won't play. Bell won't play. Dunn is out.

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8/11 Update posted by htismaqe
Not much today. Priest and Tony were "dancing like spring chickens" last night so that was good news.

Talked mostly about the defense and the need to create turnovers. Forget yards, the defense last year had only 21 takeaways (franchise record) and 85 plays of longer than 20 yards (NFL average is 55).

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8/10 Update posted by htismaqe
Talked about the WR's. Said, after Kennison, there isn't anybody that stands out. They're all the same. Talked a bit about Booth and McIntyre and their stints in NFLE. Said Freddie is still out, he tried to talk to him last night and Freddie just kinda grumbled and groaned and kept walking. Said that everybody at the position (WR) could be a 1-2 catch guy to compliment Holmes, Gonzo, and WILSON. Yes, he mentioned Wilson in the same breath as Holmes and Gonzales. Said the team will likely keep only 5 maybe 6 WR's.

He said the team is much healthier already. Both Priest and Gonzo were back last night and looking better. Not sure about LJ.

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8/9 Update posted by htismaqe
Concerned about special teams because of loss of Blaylock and Beisel. Said Boomer or Scanlon is going to have to step up. The good news is that Benny Sapp is turning into a monster on special teams.

Also concerned about reps on Friday vs. the Vikings. Gonzo is better, wasn't limping much last night, but he won't play. Dunn won't play. Priest probably won't play. Larry Johnson is now dinged up, minor, but might not play.

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8/8 Update posted by htismaqe
Very concerned about Tony's foot. He was limping pretty bad all weekend. Seemed concerned about Jason Dunn too.

Greg Wesley looks like he's out to prove that he's still a hitter. Layed a hit on Priest like you wouldn't believe. Derrick Johnson also looks like he's on a mission to let everyone know he's not afraid of contact like the draftniks said.

Talked again about Gunther unleashed, about the fights, and about the defense's passion.

Finally he said there's going to be a couple of games where the defense and LJ have to carry this team.

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8/5 Update posted by htismaqe
Was asked about Priest's concussion. Said the defense has been unleashed by Gunther, tired of being picked on. In goal line drills (when Priest got hurt) the defense stuffed them EVERY time except...

When Larry Johnson carried the ball. He was just too strong and drug people into the end zone. Easily the offensive MVP of camp so far.

Was asked about the fighting and if it was desired. Said "NO QUESTION" emphatically. Said the intensity is way up, especially on defense, and it's been missing for far too long. Vermeil has asked Gunther to go balls to the wall this year, leave it all on the field.

Said Bo is silently having a good camp and that he separates himself easily from the other WR's because he's 1) 4 inches taller and 2) a key to our ST's.

That's about all I can remember.

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8/4 Update posted by jspchief
Talking LBs mostly.

Said he doesn't think Woods or Fujita make the team, barring a string of injuries at either position.

That's about it. Short interview. Told interesting story about hot Svitek got to America.

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8/3 Update posted by htismaqe
Anyway, he did clarify or expound on a couple of his statements from previous interviews:

1) We have to get off to a good start this year. Yesterday, it was about the assistants looking for other jobs. Today it was the danger that a poor start would cause everybody -- players, coaches, and fans -- knowing that this is Vermeil's last year, to start discussing who the next coach would be instead of worrying about this season. I think from the brew-ha-ha yesterday we had on the very subject, despite the fact that the season hasn't even started, shows that he's probably right.

2) Ferentz being mentioned as a HC candidate. Bob Stoops would be in there too.

The only thing of substance that he talked about was YET ANOTHER back injury, this time to Jason Dunn.

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8/2 Update posted by htismaqe
Dexter McCleon IS the starter opposite Surtain. Not only that but Sapp is the nickel. Ambrose and Washington are both quite a bit behind. (Interestingly enough, I heard DA say the same thing on 610 about 30 minutes later).

Also, this year is not like last year. If we go 1-3 we could be done. This is Vermeil's last year and if we start out slow, the assistants could just start looking for jobs instead of focusing.

He also said that Kirk Ferentz' name has been whispered around Arrowhead.

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8/1 Update posted by htismaqe
I heard most of the part about the coaches and what's going on there:

Vermeil and Peterson have told Saunders, no excuses get Larry Johnson on the field -- Holthus editorialized a bit, said LJ looks SUPERB so far in camp

Gunther and Saunders may have it out at some point during camp. There's been a few fights. Vermeil asked Gunther to tone it down a bit last year, but this year Vermeil has let him go back to being his old self. Saunders and Gunther have the giveaways/takeaways on a huge poster in the locker room and the defense right now is +8. Gunther rubs it in every chance he gets.

That's really the big stuff I heard him say. Mitchell's injury didn't sound serious, he was confident Shields would be fine (although he did say it was a little concerning), Wiegmann looks rejuvinated, and Priest looks like a "spring chicken".

[TRR]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Lots of coordinators have done the same and gone on to be mediocre or worse head coaches. Norv Turner is a perfect example.

Yes, Al Saunders deserves to be a head coach.

No, it should not be in KC.

It's like dumping your girlfriend and then dating her sister because she reminds you of your ex.

When Vermeil steps down, we need to start FRESH.

And the same amount of coordinators go on to be successful NFL Head Coaches. Start fresh? Why would you possibly want to give up arguably the best offensive mind in the NFL? Why would you want to start fresh? You even say he deserves to be a head coach, so why not KC? Saunders will bring new dimensions to the table than Vermeil.

You make absolutely no sense.

[Chiefs Pantalones]

Originally Posted by ROYC75

Me thinks a new staff all together would serve best.... I agree with Parker, extending, or trying to extend without the HC is a wasted effort .........

Marty > Gun
DV > Martz
DV > ?

Give it up, Roy. Even a new coach and a new set of coordinators won't put Scanlon in the starting lineup.

[jspchief]

To elaborate on what Holthus said about Ferentz as the next coach, he said Ferentz or a similar type of coach.

He said the front office has recognized that the team is on the verge of a rebuilding stage where they will have a lot of young talent that will need more coaching. He said that none of KC's current coaches are very well suited to develop a young team. A younger, fundamentals oriented coach like Ferentz or similar would be better suited to build a young team.

If I thought Green had five more years in him, I would say give Saunders a shot to keep the ball rolling. But we need to start thinking about the next QB. And rather than trying to draft the next Green, it makes sense to bring in a new coach and let him get the type of QB he wants.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Trying to extend a good thing out of desperation worked SO well for us last time.

Totally different situation. Just because it was a mistake then, does not mean it would be now. The candidates are different.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Uh oh - it's already started

As well it should. It should be a topic EVERY day until our pathetic _efense improves.

[Brock]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Hiring Gunther as HC in KC was a feeble attempt to "extend" the Marty years without the essential ingredient, namely MARTY.

Hiring Al Saunders as HC here would be the same.

I don't know if that's true, but I think Saunders will almost certainly be the next head coach, especially if the team does well this year.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Gunther's record as a head coach -- 16-16.

Saunders' record as a head coach -- 17-22.

Gun and Saunders are two different people who coached two totally different teams in different decades...

What was Shanahan's record while in Oakland? What has he done in Denver? Wonder what would have been had he not gotten a second chance?

[TRR]

Originally Posted by jspchief

To elaborate on what Holthus said about Ferentz as the next coach, he said Ferentz or a similar type of coach.

He said the front office has recognized that the team is on the verge of a rebuilding stage where they will have a lot of young talent that will need more coaching. He said that none of KC's current coaches are very well suited to develop a young team. A younger, fundamentals oriented coach like Ferentz or similar would be better suited to build a young team.

If I thought Green had five more years in him, I would say give Saunders a shot to keep the ball rolling. But we need to start thinking about the next QB. And rather than trying to draft the next Green, it makes sense to bring in a new coach and let him get the type of QB he wants.

It may be a Ferentz type of coach, but I don't see him leaving Iowa for awhile. He's building a great thing there, and that's where he started under Frye. I don't see Ferentz leaving for the NFL anytime in the near future.

Green has at least 3 seasons left in KC. He got his start late, and is in the best shape of his playing career. 3 seasons would be enough to give Saunders a legitimate chance at building a team through his vision. Not a lot of NFL Coaches like to develop QB's anymore with so many good vets out there in FA/via trade every offseason. Unless KC has a high draft choice, or a QB falls to them, the next QB in KC will come via FA or trade in my opinion.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Start fresh?? That's the DUMBEST idea I've heard in a long, long time. The reason teams like SF, Pittsburgh and Dallas were so successful for so long is that they didn't change their offensive system. The Chiefs finally have a great offense in place - a great system that utilizes the best of every player, whether it be offensive lineman, wide receivers, QB or running back. To completely change and bring in some college coach or another re-hashed old timer would be a waste of time. This team needs offensive continuity if it's going to continue to be successful.

They don't need another Marty Clone (Edwards, Cowher, etc.) or a West Coast offense disciple. Saunders needs to be given a minimum of 2 years as head coach. He's been in the top 5 of every offensive category since he's arrived and yes, any other coach who's ever done something close to that (whether it be on the offensive or defensive side of the ball) has become a head coach. Think Billick, Fassel, Nolan, Marvin Lewis, Dom Capers, etc. I don't want to see Saunders as a head coach anywhere else other than KC.

Dane
~Doesn't believe that interview anyway

Very well said IMO.

[ROYC75]

CP and AS don't see eye to eye on many things. Why do you think CP passed on AS the first time ?

[Thig Lyfe]

Why so pessimistic? I think that we're overcompensating for all the off-season hype over DJ and Surtain and Bell. It's okay to think that the team's going to be good this year. The first four games are a lot more managable than people realize. The Jets are at home, Oakland is overhyped, and Denver has Jake Plummer. The Eagles game doesn't even worry me, just look at the offseason they've had.

3-1 at the worst is my prediction.

[TRR]

Originally Posted by ROYC75

CP and AS don't see eye to eye on many things. Why do you think CP passed on AS the first time ?

CP fired Gun, and then rehired him. I'm not sure that statement holds a lot of stock.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

If we go 1-3 we could be done. This is Vermeil's last year and if we start out slow, the assistants could just start looking for jobs instead of focusing

if vermeil says this he's Mensa



if a fan says it they are a beer drinkin',fair weather yahoo

[Cormac]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Start fresh?? That's the DUMBEST idea I've heard in a long, long time. The reason teams like SF, Pittsburgh and Dallas were so successful for so long is that they didn't change their offensive system. The Chiefs finally have a great offense in place - a great system that utilizes the best of every player, whether it be offensive lineman, wide receivers, QB or running back. To completely change and bring in some college coach or another re-hashed old timer would be a waste of time. This team needs offensive continuity if it's going to continue to be successful.

They don't need another Marty Clone (Edwards, Cowher, etc.) or a West Coast offense disciple. Saunders needs to be given a minimum of 2 years as head coach. He's been in the top 5 of every offensive category since he's arrived and yes, any other coach who's ever done something close to that (whether it be on the offensive or defensive side of the ball) has become a head coach. Think Billick, Fassel, Nolan, Marvin Lewis, Dom Capers, etc. I don't want to see Saunders as a head coach anywhere else other than KC.

Dane
~Doesn't believe that interview anyway

I agree. The reason I wouldn't want to see us start fresh is that different coaches with different schemes want different types of players. I don't think we need 75% roster turnover in the next 3 years. And I bet that's what would happen if we started with a completely new coaching staff. We have the players, and only need to replace the (many) older ones on the offensive side of the ball. Also, I like our asst. coaches (esp on offense). Guys like Solari, Shea, Saxon etc. Fresh starts are for teams that are going nowhere. Call me a homer, but I believe we're close, and have been for 2 years. I hope we can keep this going for a couple more years.

[TRR]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Also, this year is not like last year. If we go 1-3 we could be done. This is Vermeil's last year and if we start out slow, the assistants could just start looking for jobs instead of focusing.

If that's the case than Vermeil, Saunders, Gun and the rest of them need to start looking for jobs now. What an idiotic statement.