Whitlock- It’s OK to question Pioli and the Chiefs

[C-Mac]

It’s OK to question Pioli and the Chiefs

Wednesday afternoon, on my drive on I-70 to watch the Tigers and the Sooners tangle, I passed the time listening to sports-talk radio.

I find one of our local stations unlisten-Neal-able, so you can assume which station and which show entertained me along the highway. And you can guess which host nearly made me drive off the highway.

The New Don Fortune expressed his disinterest in needing access and information from our New Carl Peterson, Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli. The New Don and his trusty sidekick, Mad Jack Harry, spent several minutes telling their listeners that we should trust Pioli implicitly and not waste emotion or energy worrying whether Pioli reveals himself, his plans or his players to the media.

Having worked in sports-talk radio, I’m aware the discipline requires a dramatic and healthy loosening of journalistic standards. But basic common sense and backbone are allowed and occasionally encouraged when hosting a radio show.

Supporting the new regime does not equate to rejecting the primary (and redeeming) role of the media.

It’s our job to acquire information and pass it along to you. Based on what we’ve seen from the Bill Belichick era in New England and our first two months with Pioli, gathering pertinent and enlightening information about the Chiefs is going to be rather difficult.

The Patriots, under Belichick and Pioli, reached the conclusion that too much media access disrupts locker-room chemistry and undermines the voice of the head coach. In New England, Belichick has turned the Boston media into an easy-to-play foil for his players.

He’s brainwashed his players into believing the media are evil, incompetent and stirrers of chaos. Obviously, we are not perfect. A collection of human beings cannot be flawless. There are instances when individual moments of incompetence make the media appear wicked or solely interested in controversy.

But overall, we attempt to be a watchdog of those with power. When we fail to play that role, generally speaking, terrible things happen. The Iraq War is a worst-case scenario. We trusted our president implicitly, led the cheers when we declared war on Iraq and declined to demand answers to difficult questions. Hundreds of billions of dollars later, and with our economy in collapse, we now blame poor, minority homeowners for the fall of our society.

I apologize. I digress.

Let me give you a worst-case scenario in the sports world.

If, in an attempt to duplicate New England’s three-Super Bowls dynasty, we neglect our journalistic, democracy-ensuring duty to challenge Pioli, there’s a far better chance that he replicates Carl Peterson’s Kansas City era than Belichick’s New England one.

Unchallenged leaders are dictators and quickly turn unethical.

For years, Kevin Kietzman and Jack Harry whined on radio that Peterson, in attempts to have them fired, harassed their former television bosses. Kietzman and Harry complained about Peterson’s heavy-handed tactics with players, their agents and their families.

Peterson acquired his nickname, King Carl, the old-fashioned way. We rolled over and gave him a kingdom. When he ushered in an era of winning after years of mediocrity, he treated the media as though his decisions and actions were above question. He became complacent and stale.

Scott Pioli is a human being. He’s capable of making the same mistakes as you, I or King Carl.

Sometimes people misidentify why they’re successful. Belichick and Pioli think the New England locker room is special partly because Belichick and the players have made the local media irrelevant. Belichick and Pioli believe in CIA-like secrets.

I’m sure there’s some value in all of it. But football isn’t all that hard to figure out. Find yourself a tough, talented quarterback who is willing to stand in the pocket and deliver the football under pressure, pray that he doesn’t get injured, and you’ll win a lot of games.

The Sixburgh Steelers won four titles with Terry Bradshaw and two with Ben Roethlisberger. They’ve had three different young coaches lead them to those six titles. John Elway took the Broncos to five Super Bowls and won two. Kurt Warner has played in three Super Bowls. Brett Favre played in two. Peyton Manning and Donovan McNabb win a lot of football games. Did I mention Joe Montana, Troy Aikman and Tom Brady?

In his first big decision as general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, Scott Pioli traded the 34th pick in the draft for Matt Cassel, a backup in college and in the pros. Because New England slapped Cassel with the franchise tag, Clark Hunt is going to pay Cassel a lot of money in 2009 or give him a big-ticket, long-term contract.

Everyone pretty much agrees the move makes sense for the Chiefs. Pioli still needs to publicly explain it, and it’s our job to seek a detailed explanation. We shouldn’t accept a brief statement on a press release.

It is fun and fashionable to beat up on the media. In our arrogance, we have refused to adequately police, examine and reshape ourselves. We’re paying a heavy price for our failure. We’re losing credibility.

It’s in your best interest to demand better from us. Don’t be fooled into believing we should go away or act as a propaganda machine for some newly-elected, popular-in-comparison-to-Peterson (or Bush) leader.

[SenselessChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

But they won't be appeased, that's the problem.

We didn't trade a 2nd-round pick for just anybody. We traded a 2nd-round pick for the guy that our new GM has been evaluating for FOUR YEARS. They're not going to be happy with Cassel being a game manager.

Besides, we didn't JUST spend a 2nd-round pick. We also acquired a QB, which most likely precludes us drafting a QB at #3. In terms of TEAM value, we didn't give up the #3 and that's good.

But in terms of the fans WANTING a QB, we DID trade that #3 for Cassel, unless of course we do the unthinkable and draft one anyway.



The only way the Chiefs duplicate the 90's with just a little more playoff success is if Cassel pans out. Therefore, this point is moot.



You honestly mean to tell me that if Thigpen wins the starting job over Cassel, the fans aren't going to riot? What? If you're suggesting a hypothetical where Thigpen winning the job is overshadowed by us winning a Super Bowl WITH THIGPEN AS THE STARTER, please dispense with the hypotheticals from here on out. They only work when they're at least partially based in reality.



You're entitled to think that. 30 years of listening to the fans bitch says I'm right.



No, the team isn't. But Pioli and his reputation are.

The point that I am suprised isn't brought up more is that Cassel thrived in the spread offense last year and in the shotgun formation. The Cards played much of the same offense, and the Chiefs were similar with Thigpen.

I am really surprised that Mecca's head didn't explode with as much as he trashes Thigpen.

I think the biggest difference with Pioli and CP is that Pioli won't be afraid of making a move in fear of saving face with the fans. IF Cassel fails, he will be cut and the Chiefs will make a move. How long did the Chiefs stick with Grbac when it was clear he was not as good as the Chiefs expected?

I think so long as Pioli always appears to be moving the team in the right direction and trying to build the right way, as opposed to trying to sign stop gap players and making last gasp attempts at winning a championship, the average fan will know better than to compare him to CP.

[FringeNC]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

I know what you're saying.

It was the stark reality of reading it that made me throw up in my mouth.

Yeah, like the move or hate it, Pioli IS taking a BIG risk here, especially for his reputation. If Cassel signs a huge deal, then really sucks, Pioli's credibility is out the window.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

I think the biggest difference with Pioli and CP is that Pioli won't be afraid of making a move in fear of saving face with the fans. IF Cassel fails, he will be cut and the Chiefs will make a move.

That's not going to keep the fanbase from calling for his head.

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

I think so long as Pioli always appears to be moving the team in the right direction and trying to build the right way, as opposed to trying to sign stop gap players and making last gasp attempts at winning a championship, the average fan will know better than to compare him to CP.

It's just not going to go down that way. All I've heard from the call-in shows the past week is how this was the "safe" move, the "sure" move, the move that gives us "the best chance to win now". The average fan is going to be VERY disappointed if Cassel doesn't pan out because they've already set their expectations too high.

Hindsight is 20/20. Marcus Allen wasn't a "stop gap" move when he was acquired. He was a "stop gap"only after he failed to win a Super Bowl. Whether or not Pioli's moves are considered building blocks or band aids will depend on whether or not he WINS. If Pioli doesn't win, the Cassel move, along with every other move he makes, will be compared to Peterson.

[SenselessChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

That's not going to keep the fanbase from calling for his head.



It's just not going to go down that way. All I've heard from the call-in shows the past week is how this was the "safe" move, the "sure" move, the move that gives us "the best chance to win now". The average fan is going to be VERY disappointed if Cassel doesn't pan out because they've already set their expectations too high.

Hindsight is 20/20. Marcus Allen wasn't a "stop gap" move when he was acquired. He was a "stop gap"only after he failed to win a Super Bowl. Whether or not Pioli's moves are considered building blocks or band aids will depend on whether or not he WINS. If Pioli doesn't win, the Cassel move, along with every other move he makes, will be compared to Peterson.

IF Pioli doesn't win... fine, agreed. But, not the Cassel move specifically.

[SenselessChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

That's not going to keep the fanbase from calling for his head.



It's just not going to go down that way. All I've heard from the call-in shows the past week is how this was the "safe" move, the "sure" move, the move that gives us "the best chance to win now". The average fan is going to be VERY disappointed if Cassel doesn't pan out because they've already set their expectations too high.

Hindsight is 20/20. Marcus Allen wasn't a "stop gap" move when he was acquired. He was a "stop gap"only after he failed to win a Super Bowl. Whether or not Pioli's moves are considered building blocks or band aids will depend on whether or not he WINS. If Pioli doesn't win, the Cassel move, along with every other move he makes, will be compared to Peterson.

Oh, and if you listed to the fans that call in, they say that it is the best chance to win now....... not win it all...... just be more competetive. And, it is a combination of getting Cassel and being able to use the #3 pick on another impact player.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

IF Pioli doesn't win... fine, agreed. But, not the Cassel move specifically.

The two are invariably linked.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Oh, and if you listed to the fans that call in, they say that it is the best chance to win now....... not win it all...... just be more competetive. And, it is a combination of getting Cassel and being able to use the #3 pick on another impact player.

The fans fully expect Cassel to come in here and be a top-half QB right away. Despite the fact that we still have the #3 pick, that pick will almost certainly not be a QB and a large portion of the fanbase wants a star QB more than anything else.

The trade on the surface looks great because of what we gave up and also what we didn't have to give up. But if he doesn't produce, it won't matter what we gave up. Cassel, and Pioli, will get the heat for it.

[Fish]

Originally Posted by billay

Explain instead of acting like a child

It was talked to death in this thread.....

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=202284

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by KC Fish

It was talked to death in this thread.....

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=202284

Good call. Let's talk about this upcoming weekend's Chiefs vs. Chargers game.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

The fans fully expect Cassel to come in here and be a top-half QB right away. Despite the fact that we still have the #3 pick, that pick will almost certainly not be a QB and a large portion of the fanbase wants a star QB more than anything else.

The trade on the surface looks great because of what we gave up and also what we didn't have to give up. But if he doesn't produce, it won't matter what we gave up. Cassel, and Pioli, will get the heat for it.

I love the way people are buying that Vrabel was the only NE guy tied ti the Cassel deal. Pioli's a pretty crafty guy, but come on; this is about as transparent as it gets.

[Coach]

Is it okay to question Whitlock's articles as well?

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Darth CarlSatan

I love the way people are buying that Vrabel was the only NE guy tied ti the Cassel deal. Pioli's a pretty crafty guy, but come on; this is about as transparent as it gets.

What do you mean? Sorry, having a stoner moment here.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

What do you mean? Sorry, having a stoner moment here.

I'm saying this "bargain" wasn't had for Vrabel and the pick alone. Oh they can work the paperwork however they please, but two more NE cap-relief acquisitions right behind Vrabel?

Come on man; wake up.

[FAX]

When faced with a crucial personnel decision, a good GM is going to choose the "known" over the "unknown" 99 times out of 100. Well, maybe 97 times. Or 96. But, you get the idea.

The problem that Chiefs fans have (and the knuckleheads who wish to compare Pioli to Carl) is that Carl Peterson's "knowns" sucked. They sucked worse than other teams' "knowns" and they sucked worse than other teams' "unknowns". The facts speak for themselves; with precious few exceptions, the Chiefs have been woefully pitiable at selecting talent both in the draft and FA. On top of that, they have proven to be absolutely horrible at developing talent once they've acquired it.

I don't blame Pioli for going with the "known", but to compare the Cassel acquisition to Carl Peterson's endorsement of Grbak, or Bono, or Downfield Damon, is absurd. Pioli kicks Peterson's ass in every conceivable category (with the possible exception of the Sheer Incompetence Competition).

I guess it's going to take Chiefs fans and the media more time than I initially realized to come to grips with the fact that we aren't the same organization any longer.

FAX

[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by FAX

When faced with a crucial personnel decision, a good GM is going to choose the "known" over the "unknown" 99 times out of 100. Well, maybe 97 times. Or 96. But, you get the idea.

The problem that Chiefs fans have (and the knuckleheads who wish to compare Pioli to Carl) is that Carl Peterson's "knowns" sucked. They sucked worse than other teams' "knowns" and they sucked worse than other teams' "unknowns". The facts speak for themselves; with precious few exceptions, the Chiefs have been woefully pitiable at selecting talent both in the draft and FA. On top of that, they have proven to be absolutely horrible at developing talent once they've acquired it.

I don't blame Pioli for going with the "known", but to compare the Cassel acquisition to Carl Peterson's endorsement of Grbak, or Bono, or Downfield Damon, is absurd. Pioli kicks Peterson's ass in every conceivable category (with the possible exception of the Sheer Incompetence Competition).

I guess it's going to take Chiefs fans and the media more time than I initially realized to come to grips with the fact that we aren't the same organization any longer.

FAX

You have to agree, however, that it's not difficult to see the parallels in this particular situation.

Team in position to draft a talent QB early in the draft, and the GM elects to go with a known commodity. It's remarkable, frankly, how long this organization has gone without drafting a QB in round 1. Remarkable.

Now, Pioli brings the jewelry, and this means an awful lot. An awful lot, but still...