Pioli Deserves Props

[Hoover]

The NFL draft is a lot like Christmas morning. There is a lot of anticipation leading up to the big day, and when the time finally arrives to see what’s under the tree for us we can sometimes be a little disappointed.

We all remember the Christmas that we got everything we wanted. For Chiefs fans that was last year. We got a QB, WR, DBs, and LBs. Heck we even liked the more practical gifts like a Rodney Hudson. Frankly, the 2011 draft gave us a lot to play with, and we used them.

After a big year like 2011, some of you seem down. Sure we got the big present we always talk about (NT), but its’ not as cool as we thought it would be. We also ended up with some more practical gifts than we expected.

Here is how I view this draft, and to be honest I’m pretty stoked about it.

After having a draft like we did in 2011 where we seemed to hit on almost every pick, it wasn’t necessary for the Chiefs to snag additional pass rushers to sit behind guys like Hali and Houston. While we are still a little shallow when it comes to the safety position and could use some depth at center, the Chiefs are well positioned. In fact, I think the practicality of the 2012 Chiefs draft will allow them the flexibility in future drafts to aggressively seek out play makers to add to this team.

If there is one thing that I think Pioli deserves credit for, it’s rebuilding the Chiefs offensive live. While Albert was already hear when he arrived, Pioli not only filled a glaring hole at RT when he signed Eric Winston, but his last three drafts has set the Chiefs on a course to maintain a quality offensive line for years to come.

Many on this board recoiled at any suggestion that the Chiefs should use their first round pick on a lineman. After all the heated debates about the value of DeCastro, Pioli seems to agree with those who don’t want to invest first round picks on the line. Maybe instead of bitching that we didn’t have the Steelers’ draft, some of you should praise Pioli for doing exactly what you advocated for.

In the last three years, Pioli has taken four offensive linemen in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the draft. Asamoah and Hudson are now starters. Jeff Allen is going to push Ryan Lilja for a starting spot at guard, but is more likely to be seasoned for a year before finding a permanent home on the life. I know it’s sometimes hard to get excited about the offensive line, but Pioli obviously has a process that seems to be working really well.

Picking back-to-back tackles isn’t as exciting as drafting guys like Justin Houston or Javier Arenas, but it feeds a system that can produce quality linemen that allows the Chiefs not use first round picks on offensive tackles, guards, or centers. It also means that the Chiefs will not be forced to commit free agent dollars on those positions either.

We are lucky to have landed Winston this offseason. Without him there would probably be no Poe. I like how Pioli is building this team. While I continue to be frustrated about Cassel, finding a franchise QB is never easy. We have had three solid drafts under Pioli and we can already see the results. Yes we need to find a QB, but at least we are building a strong team while we continue to look for him.

[philfree]

Originally Posted by Coogs

You can also build a pretty strong case that the best players on this team are still ones that were inherited from that 2-14 team too! Charles, Albert, and Bowe on the offense... Hali, DJ, Dorsey and Flowers on the defense... Colquitt as your punter.

Aren't those guys about the only old regime players left on the team?

[OnTheWarpath15]

Originally Posted by Satanic Goat

We've been "contending for a playoff spot" almost every year the last 20 years, save Haley's first year, Herm's last two seasons, Dick's first season.

7-9 baby, we're competing!!!

If this team wins a playoff game, people are going to act like we won the ****ing Super Bowl. The bar has been set that low.

[BossChief]

For the team to win 7 games on a tough schedule, while missing it's best player from both sides of the ball...that IS competing when you're still only one game from winning the division at the end.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

If this team wins a playoff game, people are going to act like we won the ****ing Super Bowl. The bar has been set that low.

I know I'm going to enjoy it.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by BossChief

For the team to win 7 games on a tough schedule, while missing it's best player from both sides of the ball...that IS competing when you're still only one game from winning the division at the end.

I keep saying: we only won 7 games because we faced shitty QBs, not because the team was any good.

Boller
McNabb
Painter
Hanie
Tebow

And a gift against SD.

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

and you can argue that without him Hali, Dj and Dorsey wouldn't be here. You could also argue that Bowe wouldn't be the player he is. To me Albert's still up in the air.

Not sure how Pioli deserves any of the props for your arguement, and Bowe is probably on Haley.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

If this team wins a playoff game, people are going to act like we won the ****ing Super Bowl. The bar has been set that low.

If this team wins a playoff game while being comprised of mostly 25 and 26 year olds, it will be very exciting for that moment as well as the bright future of the team in general.

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by philfree

Aren't those guys about the only old regime players left on the team?

Probably.

[Titty Meat]

7 wins and drafting a tackle who had 12 tackles in 1 season is a great job?

Hey Hoover how come you didn't mention firing the coach after only 3 seasons?

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by Coogs

Not sure how Pioli deserves any of the props for your arguement, and Bowe is probably on Haley.

I'm thinking if you blame Pioli for Haley's mistakes you should probably credit him for Haley's successes.

[BossChief]

It's not a coincidence that Cassel and Cancer sound alike.

There has to be a nickname in there somewhere.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by BossChief

It's not a coincidence that Cassel and Cancer sound alike.

There has to be a nickname in there somewhere.

Hmmm, is it also a coincidence that BossChiefs sounds like Floss teeth?

[OnTheWarpath15]

Originally Posted by BossChief

If this team wins a playoff game Super Bowl while being comprised of mostly 25 and 26 year olds, it will be very exciting for that moment as well as the bright future of the team in general.

There's that bar being lowered again.

The elite teams expect to win playoff games. This fan base would throw a parade for one.

"If this team wins a playoff game..."

If Pioli is the genius some of you think he is, and this roster is as talented as some of you claim it is, we should be well past the "win a playoff game" mentality.

Instead, we've racked up 7 wins in 3 years and people would be satisfied with a ****ing playoff win.

[Hammock Parties]

Don't forget how ill prepared this team was for Cassel's injury last season.

Has that changed?

Has Pioli learned jack shit?

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

I'm thinking if you blame Pioli for Haley's mistakes you should probably credit him for Haley's successes.

I'm not following you at all. Pioli has filled in the pieces around what he inherited, but bottom line, you can make the case that the best players on this team were indeed inherited. Charles, Bowe, Hali, DJ, and Flowers. And to a bit lesser extent Albert, Dorsey, and Colquitt.