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.”

[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by RustShack

Most 3-4 OLB's have never played the position before.

Great point, but most are also athletic freaks of nature.

Hali? Yeah, not at all.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by RustShack

Most 3-4 OLB's have never played the position before. Hali at least was used as a stand up rusher at times with Penn St. I really don't think he will be great, but I think back at his normal playing weight he will be serviceable and maybe even healthy.

The difference is most ends that go to 3-4 OLB, are undersized speed rushers with great natural athletic gifts. Tamba Hali isn't that...go back and look at his draft workout numbers...

[Titty Meat]

The thing about Hali is I remember in 06' when Gunther would use the Falcon defense which looked like a 3-4 Hali did good but he wasn't asked to cover. Which is why he's not an every down 3-4 player. Williams should start and Hali should play obvious throwing downs.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by billay

The thing about Hali is I remember in 06' when Gunther would use the Falcon defense which looked like a 3-4 Hali did good but he wasn't asked to cover. Which is why he's not an every down 3-4 player. Williams should start and Hali should play obvious throwing downs.

Williams is really small to be lining up like that....I don't think he has a position.

[Hammock Parties]

Beisel would start if Hali didn't.

[RustShack]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Williams is really small to be lining up like that....I don't think he has a position.

I actually like Williams at ILB a lot even though he is a bit undersized.

[acesn8s]

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

that doesnt matter to pioli. he will be the greatest non-nt nt ever drafted by the chiefs

Are we drafting players to play a position that they have never played again?

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by RustShack

I'm curious why people don't think he can be, yet those people want Tyler to be. Magee is an inch taller and weighs about five pounds less right now with room to grow...

I haven't seen enough of him to evaluate him personally. My references were based upon what the team's doing with him. However, you really want to see 325 lbs or more on the nose in today's game. When you look at the best NTs in the game (guys like Ngata, Wilfork, Hampton and Williams), you're looking at a whole lot of beef on the hoof.

[RustShack]

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

I haven't seen enough of him to evaluate him personally. My references were based upon what the team's doing with him. However, you really want to see 325 lbs or more on the nose in today's game. When you look at the best NTs in the game (guys like Ngata, Wilfork, Hampton and Williams), you're looking at a whole lot of beef on the hoof.

Thats why I don't think he will be one this year if ever, but hes also shorter than you want your DE's too.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

Getting rid of Tg was a ****ing stupid move. Stupid I tell ya. He has had his best years as of late and would have taken a lot of pressure off Cassel.

I don't wanna second guess the decision at this point, but I am concerned about this offense without a 2nd reliable pass-catcher. If Bradley could stay healthy we'd be golden, but the odds aren't in our favor.

Who knows if Haley can make something of Webb or Darling.

I am somewhat excited about what Engram brings to this offense, but he's meant to play in the slot. We need a healthy, reliable, and productive #2. Either that's you Mark Bradley...or someone needs to be on the phone with Matt Jones or someone else still available.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by Micjones

I don't wanna second guess the decision at this point, but I am concerned about this offense without a 2nd reliable pass-catcher. If Bradley could stay healthy we'd be golden, but the odds aren't in our favor.

Who knows if Haley can make something of Webb or Darling.

I am somewhat excited about what Engram brings to this offense, but he's meant to play in the slot. We need a healthy, reliable, and productive #2. Either that's you Mark Bradley...or someone needs to be on the phone with Matt Jones or someone else still available.

I'm surprised someone hasn't signed Jones already.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by Raised On Riots

I'm surprised someone hasn't signed Jones already.

I'm more surprised that Haley's content with the pieces he has at WR.
He must be supremely confident in his ability to get the most out of them.
I'm not so sure...

I'm really hoping I'm way off here and that this is much less pressing than I believe it to be now.

We'll see once the pre-season starts...
Jones would definitely be on speed dial though.

[RustShack]

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

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by Micjones

I'm more surprised that Haley's content with the pieces he has at WR.
He must be supremely confident in his ability to get the most out of them.
I'm not so sure...

I'm really hoping I'm way off here and that this is much less pressing than I believe it to be now.

We'll see once the pre-season starts...
Jones would definitely be on speed dial though.

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.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by Micjones

I'm more surprised that Haley's content with the pieces he has at WR.
He must be supremely confident in his ability to get the most out of them.
I'm not so sure...

I'm really hoping I'm way off here and that this is much less pressing than I believe it to be now.

We'll see once the pre-season starts...
Jones would definitely be on speed dial though.

I'm thinking camp and full pads are all they're waiting on in terms of making a final decision. That said, if they can get a good price they should jump now because Jones' problems are the kind that can be fixed much easier than the others on that list.