Mitch Holthus on Des Moines radio daily during camp...updates here - Page 4

htismaqe · 07:28 AM

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.

-------------------------------

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.

-------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------

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.

-------------------------------
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).

-------------------------------
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.

-------------------------------
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.

-------------------------------
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.

-------------------------------
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.

-------------------------------
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.

-------------------------------
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.

-------------------------------
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.

-------------------------------
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".

Coach · 08-02-2005, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Not teams that have 20 coaches in the final year of their contracts.

Holthus said the air around the FO is that a change needs to be made. At this point, he said even if Vermeil did want to come back, it might not happen.

Hmm... not exactly the way I like to start off with. Unless it's the thought that Clark Hunt will be overtaking the franchise sooner than they're letting on. IIRC, Clark isn't too fond towards Carl, is he or is he not?

Either way, I was listening to the radio on the way to drop my sister off to work, and I didn't get the station, but they mentioned that Vermeil is pissed off. It turns out Freddie didnt go to KC to have his leg scoped. He went somewhere else for a 2nd opinion. He was supposed to get scoped today from what the radio said.

Just throwing in what I heard.

htismaqe · 08-02-2005, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach

Hmm... not exactly the way I like to start off with. Unless it's the thought that Clark Hunt will be overtaking the franchise sooner than they're letting on. IIRC, Clark isn't too fond towards Carl, is he or is he not?

Either way, I was listening to the radio on the way to drop my sister off to work, and I didn't get the station, but they mentioned that Vermeil is pissed off. It turns out Freddie didnt go to KC to have his leg scoped. He went somewhere else for a 2nd opinion. He was supposed to get scoped today from what the radio said.

Just throwing in what I heard.

Freddie went to get a 2nd opinion instead of getting it scoped. 2nd opinion recommended getting the scope anyway, which is now scheduled for tomorrow. It set him back 2 days, which is why Vermeil is pissed.

**BigRedChief** · 08-02-2005, 08:12 AM

If we go 1-3 we are realistically done for the year. Not toast but dang close.

**HemiEd** · 08-02-2005, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach

What? If he said that, he's senile. There are quite a few teams in the NFL that has came back from a 1-3 defict to make it to the playoffs.

Exactly, and our schedule gets a little more friendly after the "first quarter."
Kirk Ferentz'? Sounds like some Iowa homerism to me. I want Al Saunders!

DTLB58 · 08-02-2005, 08:17 AM

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

Too bad though, I don't think Ferentz is gonna listen to any whispering any time soon. It sounds like he LOVES his situation at Iowa right now.

I was talking to my son last night about Vermeil's replacement and my top 3 in no particular order were:

1. Kirk Ferentz

2. Jon Gruden
3. Herm Edwards

Coach · 08-02-2005, 08:17 AM

Welp, I guess we'll just simply say what the Cubs fans say it best.

"Wait until next year"

htismaqe · 08-02-2005, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Exactly, and our schedule gets a little more friendly after the "first quarter."
Kirk Ferentz'? Sounds like some Iowa homerism to me. I want Al Saunders!

Mitch is VERY fond of "localizing". He's sponsoring the 1-A Earlham Cardinals football team for September. I think he just likes to show he knows a little something about the cities/areas he's being interviewed in. So you very well could be right...

As for the schedule, I don't care how many teams start 1-3 and make the playoffs.

This season isn't about the playoffs, it's about the Super Bowl. Know how many 1-3 teams have gone on to the Super Bowl? EXACTLY.

keg in kc · 08-02-2005, 08:22 AM

I think this first four game thing is overblown. First of all, I don't see why we shouldn't win 2-3 of the first 4, but even if we don't, looking at the rest of the schedule, I still see us finishing with 10 or 11 wins. If we start hot, I see 12 wins. Normal injury caveat, of course.

**HemiEd** · 08-02-2005, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTLB58

Vermeil's replacement and my top 3 in no particular order were:

1. Kirk Ferentz

2. Jon Gruden
3. Herm Edwards

Coach · 08-02-2005, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Freddie went to get a 2nd opinion instead of getting it scoped. 2nd opinion recommended getting the scope anyway, which is now scheduled for tomorrow. It set him back 2 days, which is why Vermeil is pissed.

Ah, well I can understand why Vermeil is pissed about that. Basically Freddie is just throwing away his chances.

Eh, I'm not too worried about Freddie. If he contributes, along with his mouth stapled shut, I won't complain. But then, if he misses more time, then might as well cut him, since we already have solid, yet unexperienced, WR corps.

RedThat · 08-02-2005, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Mitch is VERY fond of "localizing". He's sponsoring the 1-A Earlham Cardinals football team for September. I think he just likes to show he knows a little something about the cities/areas he's being interviewed in. So you very well could be right...

As for the schedule, I don't care how many teams start 1-3 and make the playoffs.

This season isn't about the playoffs, it's about the Super Bowl. Know how many 1-3 teams have gone on to the Super Bowl? EXACTLY.

Only 1. The New England Patriots

**HemiEd** · 08-02-2005, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Mitch is VERY fond of "localizing". He's sponsoring the 1-A Earlham Cardinals football team for September. I think he just likes to show he knows a little something about the cities/areas he's being interviewed in. So you very well could be right...

As for the schedule, I don't care how many teams start 1-3 and make the playoffs.

This season isn't about the playoffs, it's about the Super Bowl. Know how many 1-3 teams have gone on to the Super Bowl? EXACTLY.

Well then we could probably be the first.

I agree we are set up for making a Super Bowl run this year, probably better than any in many, many years.
Personally, I enjoy each game week in and week out. If we end up 11-5 after starting 0-4, why would we not have tremendous momentum going into the playoffs?

**petegz28** · 08-02-2005, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

"Cry about last year"?

WTF are you talking about?

All Holthus said is that this team absolutely CANNOT afford to start off slow. He didn't even MENTION last year.

"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."

Your words or his (Mitch's)?

RedThat · 08-02-2005, 08:32 AM

I like Kirk Ferentz for a couple of reasons. He is a simple, fundamental type of coach. His teams are highly emphasized on building inside the trenches. If we had Kirk Ferentz here, I would expect good lines on both sides of the ball. That is where it all starts imo.

Coogs · 08-02-2005, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

I think this first four game thing is overblown. First of all, I don't see why we shouldn't win 2-3 of the first 4, but even if we don't, looking at the rest of the schedule, I still see us finishing with 10 or 11 wins. If we start hot, I see 12 wins. Normal injury caveat, of course.

I agree! I think a charged up team and crowd will be enough to take down the Jets in week 1. I also think if we are improved to the heights I think we are going to be on defense, we should split at the worst on the road two games... at worst. And Philly at Arrowhead... just feels like the type of game where the Chiefs always plays well against the best from the NFC.

08-01-2005, 07:23 AM
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $8099900	Holthus on Des Moines radio...only caught part of it... 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. ------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------- 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). ------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------- 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. ------------------------------- 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". Last edited by htismaqe; 08-18-2005 at 07:28 AM..
Posts: 104,421

08-02-2005, 08:12 AM	#48
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-801038 VARSITY	If we go 1-3 we are realistically done for the year. Not toast but dang close. __________________ Mahomes is not a game manager. Release the Kraken.
Posts: 81,349

08-02-2005, 08:17 AM	#50
DTLB58 DT CARD COLLECTOR Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: ManCave Casino cash: $10005837	He also said that Kirk Ferentz' name has been whispered around Arrowhead. Too bad though, I don't think Ferentz is gonna listen to any whispering any time soon. It sounds like he LOVES his situation at Iowa right now. I was talking to my son last night about Vermeil's replacement and my top 3 in no particular order were: 1. Kirk Ferentz 2. Jon Gruden 3. Herm Edwards __________________ 667 Different DT cards and counting
Posts: 7,574

08-02-2005, 08:17 AM	#51
Coach Champs! Join Date: Mar 2004 Casino cash: $3708476	Welp, I guess we'll just simply say what the Cubs fans say it best. "Wait until next year" __________________ Super Bowl IV, LIV, LVII & LVIII Champions 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, & 2025 AFC Champions 1985 & 2015 Major League Baseball World Series Champions 1980, 1985, 2014, & 2015 Major League Baseball American League Champions 2015 American League Central Division Champs
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08-02-2005, 08:22 AM	#53
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	I think this first four game thing is overblown. First of all, I don't see why we shouldn't win 2-3 of the first 4, but even if we don't, looking at the rest of the schedule, I still see us finishing with 10 or 11 wins. If we start hot, I see 12 wins. Normal injury caveat, of course.
Posts: 58,682

08-02-2005, 08:32 AM	#59
RedThat Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Earth Casino cash: $10004900	I like Kirk Ferentz for a couple of reasons. He is a simple, fundamental type of coach. His teams are highly emphasized on building inside the trenches. If we had Kirk Ferentz here, I would expect good lines on both sides of the ball. That is where it all starts imo.
Posts: 6,666