Surprise!! Rufus knocks free agency (again)

[shaneo69]

DAWES: THIS YEAR'S FREE AGENT DU JOUR
Jan 27, 2005, 1:46:52 AM by Media Watch by Rufus Dawes

The tired voices of past criticism are using another off-season to postulate another Chiefs predicament. Oddly, learning nothing from the immediate past, they are beginning again to advance another generation of tired prognostications. Bob Gretz calls this time of year the “Silly Season” and, indeed, it is. As I sit here in my room in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, I’ve been reading the latest remedy for what ails the Chiefs. From what I understand from the folks back home, names are being tossed around by anybody who’s been able to talk himself onto a radio shout-fest or needs to fill a space in the local newspaper.

Gretz goes on to list some of the familiar player names that have been put out there for the Chiefs to pursue. More column inches have been spent on the notion that unrestricted free agency is a ruse than on any that this writer has contributed to this site. You can search the archives and you’ll find a fairly convincing case that building through free agency doesn’t work. Yes, there are exceptions from time to time but to contend that by signing one or more your season can be turned around it pure nonsense.

One local columnist has never met a marquee free agent name that he didn’t like. Jeff George, Hugh Douglas (he, of “give him the money, Lamar” fame) and Troy Vincent are recent names that come to mind. His latest free-agent du jour, Patriots corner Ty Law, is perhaps his silliest. Should the Chiefs seek out Law if there is a mutual interest? Absolutely. But the cost could be prohibitive considering the player’s age and physical condition. (see more in Gretz) It’s more likely that the Patriots won’t even put up much of a fuss. That’s the Patriots way, and the Steelers way and the Eagles way. Everybody is expendable in their eyes and they quickly part company with starters, all-pros, and such and move to backups. It seems to have worked well, don’t you think?

Consider, if you will, the Patriots who on this year’s trip to the Super Bowl started someone named Randall Gay (undrafted rookie free agent) at left corner and someone named Asante Samuel from that NCAA powerhouse Central Florida at right corner. They finished the season as a top-ten defense and held the explosive Indianapolis Colts offense to no touchdowns in their playoff win. The Pats ranked second in the NFL in points surrendered without last year’s starting corners Ty Law and Tyrone Poole.

So, to run around claiming once again to “give (Law) the money” is to have learned nothing, even if you don’t consider that over the past season the rules affecting cornerback play have changed so significantly as to make the idea of a shut-down corner obsolete.

Champ Bailey’s acquisition by the Denver Broncos last offseason did not improve the team’s defense. The Denver defense was better statistically against the pass in 2003 with Kelly Herndon and Lenny Walls as starters than it was with Bailey as its key cover guy. Denver was a wild card team without him and it was a wild card team with him. Maybe Ty Law would improve the Chiefs defense – it wouldn’t take much – but to throw money at him and sit back and think you’ve cured all of the team’s ills is to have learned nothing about a game you’re charged to provide insight on.

Insight is a term that doesn’t get much traction these days, least of all among some columnists, who prefer to fashion themselves more as entertainers. Good journalism is about linking fact with opinion. Good journalism is about fine analysis and making distinctions and about making a case. Because too many columnists believe they can say whatever they want without having to prove it, we are left with a journalism whose narrative and analytical failings have become ever more glairing. When will they learn and when will we?

[HC_Chief]

The 'no SB' bit isn't as bad as NO PLAYOFF WINS IN OVER A DECADE.

CP has been phenominal at making money, but a miserable failure at building a SB contender (and some people wonder why there's an opinion out there that all the Chiefs care about is making money... gee, wonder why??). We've come close ONCE in his 16 year tenure... and it took a combination of the best D in the league with HoF QB Joe Montana and HoF RB Marcus Allen to get us there. And then, we got obliterated. Since then it's been either a first round exit, including at home playoff losses, or no playoffs at all.

[Clint in Wichita]

The only great players acquired by the chiefs during the current 8 year skid (last year being an abberation) were had through free agency, and were all on offense.

The Chiefs' window of opportunity on offense is very small, if not closed already.

Tell me again Dawes, you fu_khead, why Chiefs fans should be more interested in the Senior Bowl (rookies) than defensive free agents?

The Chiefs need to grow some balls and go for it. If it doesn't work out, nobody dies...but at least they can say they did everything possible to win the SB.

[nmt1]

Originally Posted by Otter

I have no illusion of power with the Chiefs.

You didn't answer my question however, let me try to re-word: Judging by your stance on the organization, how many more years do you feel Peterson should have to complete his goal of a Super Bowl before stepping aside and admiting failure?

If it bothers you so much to form an opinion concerning the Chiefs pretend he is President of the US or...CEO of a corportate stock that you hold...when do you cast your vote for someone else or sell the stock?

Your opinion holds roughly the same amount of input value in all three situations.

I think Peterson should have as much more time as he and the owner, Lamar Hunt or Clark Hunt, agree on. If that means he's out today, fine with me. If that means he's out in 35 years, also fine with me.

The President of the US is a different situation. Some would argue otherwise but I believe the President is elected by the people. I vote for whomever's politics I agree with.
As far as stocks go, I try to be obejective as possible. I don't use my emotions as an investment guide. Regardless, the Chiefs don't affect my bank account so it's a moot point in my mind.

[nmt1]

Originally Posted by HC_Chief

The 'no SB' bit isn't as bad as NO PLAYOFF WINS IN OVER A DECADE.

CP has been phenominal at making money, but a miserable failure at building a SB contender (and some people wonder why there's an opinion out there that all the Chiefs care about is making money... gee, wonder why??). We've come close ONCE in his 16 year tenure... and it took a combination of the best D in the league with HoF QB Joe Montana and HoF RB Marcus Allen to get us there. And then, we got obliterated. Since then it's been either a first round exit, including at home playoff losses, or no playoffs at all.

I agree with you. Not winning the Superbowl is not the sole indicator of an NFL team's success. It helps though.

CP has been a money maker, no doubt, and it's no coincidence that back in the Montana/Marcus Allen days, we had the most balanced team we've had since the late 60's/early 70's. It's all about balance. Peterson hasn't been able to achieve it since those days. IMO, some of that, if not most of it should be blamed on the desires of the coaching staff.
Believe me. I'm very disappointed that the Chiefs didn't live up to their potential this past season. I guess we all deal with it differently.

[Manila-Chief]

Originally Posted by nmt1

This is a question for you: Is it OK to not win the Superbowl and not make the playoffs as long as you don't go on vacation during the first week of free agency?

Point...He did try to upgrade the defense, you just don't agree with the strategy. The Chiefs signed several free agents. They happened to be former Chiefs. Did it work out for them this past season? No. The Chiefs also fired their defensive coordinator, hired a new one, picked up Dalton, and drafted several defensive players.

30 other teams besides the Chiefs will have "lost a season of opportunity."

Where did I say it's okay to not win a S.B? I'd at least like for them to try. Going on vacation was an illustration of his do nothing attitude and his not even trying. You may remember that late in the F.A. season he made a feeble attempt to sign a couple of players.

What's your point? Is it okay with you for Kingless to just sit on his hands and do nothing?

Kingless signed our own D FA's ... thrill, thrill! You lose that argument. That point says he doesn't have the ability to evaluate talent. And, his mouth pieces can proclaim his glory all they want but he failed. Plain and simple.

You want to argue with 7-9 record? Kingless runs the show. It is his responsibility to make a best effort try at improving the team. Last year we need lots of help on D. Based on the 2004 record he failed.

[Otter]

Originally Posted by nmt1

I think Peterson should have as much more time as he and the owner, Lamar Hunt or Clark Hunt, agree on. If that means he's out today, fine with me. If that means he's out in 35 years, also fine with me.

The President of the US is a different situation. Some would argue otherwise but I believe the President is elected by the people. I vote for whomever's politics I agree with.
As far as stocks go, I try to be obejective as possible. I don't use my emotions as an investment guide. Regardless, the Chiefs don't affect my bank account so it's a moot point in my mind.

Alright, I've been down this road before. I find it hard to believe somthing that you follow with "great interest" that you've formed no opinions on what's wrong with the situation.

Good for you, you have no input but to discect other peoples for mistakes.

And I think most everyone will agree with the fact that there is indeed somthing wrong with a team that hasn't won a "playoff game in over a decade."

Keep in mind, fans come here to bitch and blowoff steam. It may not be Dr. Spock like in that's in fact, logic and emotionless like your contribution, it's thereputic however and well deserved for any fan that's been around to share in the dissapointments.

[Chiefnj]

I think Rufus should spend more time watching the prospects in Mobile rather than writing a column about the stupidity of those who want big name free agents.

Hey Rufus, if the Chiefs were able to draft and develop talent like the Patriots, Eagles and Steeler (the three teams that you reference) there wouldn't be such a public demand for numerous free agents. The Pats are able to have undrafted free agents come in and start because they can adequately develop and coach the kids; the Chiefs can't. If you can't draft and develop your own talent, you have to rely on free agency. Resigning your own crappy free agents who helped the team finish at the bottom of the league the last few years is even more absurd than calling for the Chiefs to pursue Law.

To rely on the same players who brought you the 32 defense is to have learned nothing.

[Manila-Chief]

Originally Posted by Clint in Wichita

The only great players acquired by the chiefs during the current 8 year skid (last year being an abberation) were had through free agency, and were all on offense.

The Chiefs' window of opportunity on offense is very small, if not closed already.

Tell me again Dawes, you fu_khead, why Chiefs fans should be more interested in the Senior Bowl (rookies) than defensive free agents?

The Chiefs need to grow some balls and go for it. If it doesn't work out, nobody dies...but at least they can say they did everything possible to win the SB.

Well said Clint. If Kingless had signed some top notch D guys and they failed at least we would know he tried. I don't understand 6 mil under the cap when we need so much help??? That is the evidence that he wants profits not play-off wins!!!

You are correct on Senior Bowl players ... very seldom do they play on a D.V. team. So, F.A. are our best bet for improvement.

[nmt1]

Originally Posted by Manila-Chief

Where did I say it's okay to not win a S.B? I'd at least like for them to try. Going on vacation was an illustration of his do nothing attitude and his not even trying. You may remember that late in the F.A. season he made a feeble attempt to sign a couple of players.

What's your point? Is it okay with you for Kingless to just sit on his hands and do nothing?

Kingless signed our own D FA's ... thrill, thrill! You lose that argument. That point says he doesn't have the ability to evaluate talent. And, his mouth pieces can proclaim his glory all they want but he failed. Plain and simple.

You want to argue with 7-9 record? Kingless runs the show. It is his responsibility to make a best effort try at improving the team. Last year we need lots of help on D. Based on the 2004 record he failed.

I won't comment on Carl's attitude toward improving the team because I don't pretend to know what it is, I don't know all the circumstances behind last years offseason activity, and I don't think his actions during last years free agency period are good indicators of it, just my opinion.
Honestly, whether or not Carl sits on his hands is his business, though I don't think he did. For whatever reason, the front office and coaching staff chose to employ the strategy they employed with regard to last offseason and hindsight tells us the strategy wasn't successfull for this past season.
I've never tried to say that 7-9 was or is a good record. They signed the free agents that happened to be former Chiefs because of the reasons they've stated many times. Of course, we can now say that didn't work for this past season. No arguement to lose there.
My point is that just because you disagree with the strategy doesn't automatically make it wrong. Also, I'm sorry you get so frustrated with "Carl's mouthpieces" but they have opinions too. They just happen to put them on KCChiefs.com.
I guess one chooses what one wants to believe. You believe the "more factual" stuff on Chiefsplanet and I'll believe someone like Vermiel who actually works for the Chiefs.

[Dave Lane]

Originally Posted by nmt1

Standing pat by trading for Trent Green and signing Priest Holmes or standing pat by signing Holiday, Barber, and McLeon?

Last year.

Dave

[gblowfish]

"Rufus' stuck inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again...."
(wheezing on harmonica)
-Rufus doing his best Bob Dylan impersonation.-

[gblowfish]

I was just thinking...maybe we ought to extend an invitation to Rufus to join the CP? I'd like to know the frequency, volume and texture of his poops, who his favorite porn star is, if he washes his legs in the shower, if he's pierced his nips, what the worst pain was he's ever endured, you know, that kind of typical CP stuff.

[nmt1]

Originally Posted by Otter

Alright, I've been down this road before. I find it hard to believe somthing that you follow with "great interest" that you've formed no opinions on what's wrong with the situation.

Good for you, you have no input but to discect other peoples for mistakes.

And I think most everyone will agree with the fact that there is indeed somthing wrong with a team that hasn't won a "playoff game in over a decade."

Keep in mind, fans come here to bitch and blowoff steam. It may not be Dr. Spock like in that's in fact, logic and emotionless like your contribution, it's thereputic however and well deserved for any fan that's been around to share in the dissapointments.

Yeah, we've been down this road before all right. I have opinions on the what the Chiefs should do this offseason but I'm not sure that there's neccessarily something wrong with the team in the sense your speaking of.
There is something wrong with the defense. Not enough talent, first year in a new scheme for most players, injuries, etc, all contributed to the past season's disappointment. The offense didn't play up to par in some areas like turnovers and red zone performance. I think we have a depth problem similar to most teams in the NFL.
For the defense we need secondary help, we need LB help, we need a monster in the middle on the line, and we need to figure out how to recover some of those fumbles. For the offense I'd like to have a QB to replace Green eventually, we need a superstar WR, offensive line depth particularly at left tackle is a question, and we definitly need to hold onto the ball better.
For special teams, we need to get Dante going again though I think Dante's best years might be behind him. I hope I'm dead wrong about that.
IMO, it'd be nice to address all of that this offseason but the reality is that we won't be able to. I'm hoping we can pick up a few guys in free agency and in the draft that can help on defense immediately. I'm not confident that will happen, in fact I think it won't. We might get one or two guys via free agency who'll help but I don't count on the draft for anything immediately.
The scouting staff hasn't done the best job at finding talent in the draft which is troublesome. Maybe some scouts should be replaced or do a better job, I don't know.
Those are some of my opinions on the offseason situation but they are just that, opinions. They're not groundbreaking. They're not likely to have any effect on what the Chiefs do this offseason. I will tell you this though, whatever they do or don't do, it won't ruin even one minute of my life. I don't harbor any illusions that I could do better than them nor do I believe I have even the slightest bit of control over it.
Just my opinions.

[Brock]

The Chiefs actually took this guy to the Senior Bowl? Good God, no wonder they've been so futile recently.

[Terribilis]

Wasnt Corey Dillon a free-agent aquisition?