FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chiefs' Offseason Guide: Kicker/Linebacker http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/29/chiefs-offseason-guide-kicker-linebacker/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/29/chiefs-offseason-guide-kicker-linebacker/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/29/chiefs-offseason-guide-kicker-linebacker/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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The next two issues I'll explore in the Chiefs' offseason gameplan is what they will do with their kicker and linebacker situation.

Kicker:
This time last year, I was excited about Lawrence Tynes returning to the Chiefs. He overcame major adversity in 2005 and finished with a very strong season. In 2006, he wasn't bad, but he was wildly inconsistent. Still, the Chiefs have to be absolutely fed up with this inconsistency. Arguably, his lax approach to kicking a chip shot field goal in the playoffs against Indianapolis is believed by many to have been the turning point of the game.

Quite simply, there is no excuse for missing a chip shot field goal in a dome, especially in the playoffs. Tynes is known to have constant lapses in concentration, which is why he has struggled very often at times at making extra points. It also doesn't help that Tynes has a weak leg for kicking off.

What will the Chiefs do?
Expect the Chiefs to bring in some competition this offseason. I think the Chiefs will have to find a huge steal for them to consider cutting Tynes, but don't think that Tynes' job is even remotely safe.

Linebacker:
Okay, so I have also heard from many that linebacker is a high priority position for the Chiefs. I don't buy it. The Chiefs are just fine at linebacker. Sure, Kendrell Bell is a little overpaid, but I also don't believe he's nearly as bad as people think he is.

 

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]]> donnie edwardsDonnieEdwardskansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefskawika mitchellKawikaMitchellkendrell bellKendrellBellkeyaran foxKeyaranFoxkickerlawrence tynesLawrenceTyneslinebacker Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-29T20:14:00 00:00 Chiefs' Offseason Guide: Defensive Line http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/29/chiefs-offseason-primer-defensive-line/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/29/chiefs-offseason-primer-defensive-line/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/29/chiefs-offseason-primer-defensive-line/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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The next position that I'll evaluate is the defensive line.

Defensive End:
The Chiefs were pleasantly surprised by the production of their defensive ends. Jared Allen was terrific as usual and Tamba Hali, in my estimation, had every right to be Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The issue is what the Chiefs will do in Jared Allen's 4-game absence, as he finally serves time for his DUI. Right now, the Chiefs have Jimmy Wilkerson and Eric Hicks as his backup, but both of those options are a pretty big step down.

The Chiefs might...
Use a higher pick than expected on a defensive end. The Chiefs will almost certainly re-sign Jared Allen. You almost wonder if Carl Peterson will use his first round pick as leverage for contract negotiations with Allen (just as, in many peoples' minds, Peterson did when he drafted Larry Johnson with Priest Holmes in contract negotiations.) More than likely, the Chiefs will bite the bullet, sign Allen to a long-term deal, and settle for Wilkerson to start, unless some new blood comes in. I would venture to guess that Hicks will be cut (regardless of cap consequence) and the Chiefs will either bring in some new blood, or use an early second day pick to compete for the starting role in Allen's absence. Nothing earth-shattering.


 

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]]> amobi okoyeAmobiOkoyedefensive enddefensive linedefensive tackleDefensiveEndDefensiveLineDefensiveTackleeric hicksEricHicksjames reedJamesReedjared allenJaredAllenjimmy wilkersonJimmyWilkersonkansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefsron edwardsRonEdwardstamba haliTambaHaliwarren sappWarrenSapp Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-29T08:21:00 00:00 Chiefs' Offseason Guide: Tight End/Punter/Halfback/Fullback http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/27/chiefs-offseason-primer-tight-end-punter-halfback-fullback/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/27/chiefs-offseason-primer-tight-end-punter-halfback-fullback/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/27/chiefs-offseason-primer-tight-end-punter-halfback-fullback/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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In the coming weeks, I plan to start talking about what the Chiefs will likely do this offseason to help themselves at each position. This first blog will reference the easiest positions for the Chiefs to resolve.

Punter:
No mystery here. Dustin Colquitt stays.

Tight End / Fullback:
The Chiefs already took care of business by signing Tony Gonzalez to a long-term deal. They will also return a healthy Ronnie Cruz to the roster, but there's no guarantee that he'll start. Ronnie Cruz turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. He was only an adequate blocker and very average on all other dimensions.

So what now? What the Chiefs do at the fullback position will ultimately determine what they will do at tight end. As of now, Kris Wilson is serving as the starting fullback. He is not a true blocker, but he proved to be a solid receiving option when he was switched into the role of H-back. The question is, are the Chiefs willing to continually sacrifice terrific blocking for a threat like Kris Wilson to serve as an H-back? I think they will. I think Wilson will only get better as a blocker, and he should figure better into a simplified gameplan. Then again, it would not surprised me if the Chiefs used a late round pick on a fullback prospect.

The Chiefs might also want to start looking for a run blocking tight end specialist. Jason Dunn is getting older and more beat up every year.

 

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]]> Dee BrownDeeBrownDustin ColquittDustinColquittfullbackH-backJason DunnJasonDunnkansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefskris wilsonKrisWilsonKyle TurleyKyleTurleyLJMichael BennettMichaelBennettPenn StatePennStateronnie cruzRonnieCruztight endTightEndtony gonzalezTony HuntTonyGonzalezTonyHunt Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-27T14:30:00 00:00 Chiefs' 2007 Cap Space: $7 million, Some Gum, and a Paper Clip http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/26/chiefs-2007-cap-space-7-million-some-gum-and-a-paper-clip/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/26/chiefs-2007-cap-space-7-million-some-gum-and-a-paper-clip/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/26/chiefs-2007-cap-space-7-million-some-gum-and-a-paper-clip/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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So the question that every Chiefs' fan is dying to hear right now is, how much money do the Chiefs have to spend this offseason?

Pete Yasinskas of the Charlotte Observer has gotten a head start on the guessing game. He projects the Chiefs to be at about $7 million above the cap, which would rank them 27th in the league.

This is where Chiefs' fans immediately reach for the panic button. Relax. These numbers mean pretty much nothing. There is really no way to project how much money the Chiefs or any team will have available to spend until the free agency officially launches.

 

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]]> carl petersonCarlPetersonkansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefssalary capSalaryCap Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-26T10:27:00 00:00 Chiefs' Final Wrap-up http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/25/chiefs-final-wrap-up/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/25/chiefs-final-wrap-up/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/25/chiefs-final-wrap-up/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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I spent so much of my time over the past few weeks wrapping up the Chiefs' 2006 season. It's about time that I put the final nail in that coffin. Here is my overview of the good, the bad, and the ugly for the Chiefs last season.

Offensive player of the year:
Larry Johnson. Raise your hand if you're surprised by that choice.

Defensive player of the year:
Tamba Hali. You know what pisses me off about the sports media? They have become so obsessed with fantasy football that they are now blindly choosing award winners by paper statistical achievements. Tamba Hali should have been neck-and-neck with Demeco Ryans for Defensive Rookie of the Year; instead, Hali did not even crack the top 4 in the voting. I absolutely cannot believe there are voters out there who actually think Mark Anderson was a better defensive end than Tamba Hali. First, Hali lines up to two career backup defensive tackles; Anderson lines up with Tommie Harris and Tank Johnson, one of the most lethal tandems in the NFL. Anderson is a pure pass rusher; Hali is an every-down lineman. Anderson's outstanding 12 sacks were only marginally better than Hali's very good 8.5 sacks, but Hali's 58 tackles far surpass Anderson's 28. Tamba, you deserved better than that.

Biggest disappointment
The big uglies up front becoming... just ugly. Jordan Black was better than expected, but he was still lousy. The problem is, the rest of the offensive line was just as bad.

 

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]]> awardsbernard pollardBernardPollardblocked puntBlockedPuntdamon huardDamonHuarddefensive rookie of the yearDefensiveRookieOfTheYeardemeco ryansDemecoRyansDROYjarrad pageJarradPagejordan blackJordanBlackkansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefsLarry johnsonLarryJohnsonmark andersonMarkAndersontamba haliTambaHali Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-25T08:15:00 00:00 Ryan Sims Traded to Broncos for a Box of Cheez-its? http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/24/ryan-sims-traded-to-broncos-for-a-box-of-cheez-its/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/24/ryan-sims-traded-to-broncos-for-a-box-of-cheez-its/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/24/ryan-sims-traded-to-broncos-for-a-box-of-cheez-its/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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The Kansas City Chiefs are rumored to be in negotiations for a deal that would send Ryan Sims to the Denver Broncos for a box of Cheez-its.

Sources close to the deal reported that the Chiefs were looking to replace Sims for something worth the same value. The Chiefs would eat up (literally) about $4 in cap space for the box of Cheez-its, though they are in current talks with the league to have that cap hit drop to $2 because the box was purchased during a 2 for $4 sale.

Not all Kansas City natives are happy about the deal. Al Johnstone, a frequent shopper of the local Price Chopper, commented that the Chiefs have been raiding the local grocery stores of late. "All I wanted was a box of Cheez-its," Johnston said. "I saw Trent Green take the last box on the shelf. Trent tossed the box to a guy that looked like Samie Parker, but Samie dropped the box. I should have picked it up off the ground while I had the chance."

A player on the team reported that Cheez-its have created a positive atmosphere in the clubhouse. The team even had a few laughs at the expense of their notoriously predictable playcalling. Reportedly, Will Shields asked Herm Edwards to pass the box over to him, to which Herm cluelessly responded: "Pass the box? Shouldn't we run the ball two times first?"

Sources were unable to confirm the flavor of the Cheez-its.

 

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]]> herm edwardsHermEdwardskansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefsryan simsRyanSimstrent greenTrentGreen Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-24T08:05:00 00:00 Chiefs to Run New Offense? http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/22/chiefs-to-run-new-offense/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/22/chiefs-to-run-new-offense/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/22/chiefs-to-run-new-offense/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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This is a continuation of a 2-part series regarding what the Chiefs must do next season to fix their woes on offense. Click here to read Part I.

Whether you like Herm Edwards or not; whether you like Herm's offensive philosophy or not, we have to recognize that the offense needs to change. Even if Dick Vermeil were still head coach, the Chiefs would still need to undergo a massive facelift. Will Shields and Casey Wiegmann have gone from terrific to average due to age. Jordan Black is certainly no Willie Roaf, and Kevin Sampson and Chris Terry are no John Tait. Ronnie Cruz is no Tony Richardson. And Trent Green... just isn't Trent Green anymore.

The writing should have been on the wall the minute we saw Herm's drafting and roster decisions on offense. The Chiefs went with Jeff Webb in the draft, a tall, big receiver--by all indications, a terrible fit for Saunders' Coryell offense. As the 5th receiver, the Chiefs went with another big guy: Chris Hannon, a 6'3", 205 lb. receiver. Lightning fast receiver Craphonso Thorpe was cut for being a "crappy" fit to Herm's new offense. Vermeil favorite Chris Horn was also not brought back into Kansas City.

 

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]]> brodie croyleBrodieCroylecasey wiegmannCaseyWiegmannchraphonso thorpeChraphonsoThorpechris hannonchris hornChrisHannonChrisHorndick vermeilDickVermeilherm edwardsHermEdwardsjohn taitJohnTaitjordan blackJordanBlackkansas city chiefs offenseKansasCityChiefsOffensekevin sampsonKevinSampsonronnie cruzRonnieCruztony richardsonTonyRichardsontrent greenTrentGreenwill shieldsWillShields Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-22T18:00:00 00:00 The Chiefs Offense Needs to Change.... TODAY! http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/21/the-chiefs-offense-needs-to-change-today/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/21/the-chiefs-offense-needs-to-change-today/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/21/the-chiefs-offense-needs-to-change-today/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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I have been one of Herm Edwards' biggest supporters. This has been no secret. Here's the main reason why: I don't approve of Herm's offensive gameplanning. I also agree that he is too stubborn at time. I also believe that he inherited a limping team and he took them far deeper than expected. Folks, I know we want to compare the Chiefs' offense to the explosive aerial offense that Vermeil and Saunders featured. We have to face facts that this ship has sailed. Joe Posnanski wrote an article in the Kansas City Star that speaks to this same issue. If you haven't read it, I implore you to read it now. I sat in my chair nodding my head at every single point Posnanski made in this article.

The reason I have been so defensive of Herm Edwards is that he was forced to run an offense last year that he was not comfortable with. The media and the fans are largely to blame for that. There were so many people that insisted that Herm not change the offense. Herm Edwards has never been comfortable with a vertical passing game. He wants to feature a ball-control offense, and you can't accomplish that if you're gaining 20 yards on first down or your quarterback gets sacked on first down forcing a 2nd down and 20. Before we accuse Herm Edwards of being a doofus on offense, let's give him a chance to get his own players and his own offensive scheme first, shall we? I don't support Herm's offensive gameplan, but I'm willing to wait one more season to see what he can do when he's given license to run his own offense with his own scheme with his own coaches and players.

More importantly, Vermeil and Saunders' offense revolved around the offensive line. News flash: those dominant years are over. Willie Roaf: gone. Will Shields: rapid decline. Casey Wiegmann: declining. Whoever is at right tackle: ineffective. The Chiefs can't go vertical because their offensive line isn't good enough to protect that long. Even Dick Vermeil couldn't have gotten much effectiveness out of this unit.

 

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]]> al saundersAlSaunderscasey wiegmannCaseyWiegmanndick vermeilDickVermeilherm edwardsHermEdwardskansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefsoffenseoffensive lineOffensiveLineterry sheaTerrySheatrent greenTrentGreenwide receiverWideReceiverwillie roafWillieRoaf Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-21T00:45:00 00:00 Who's to Blame for Chiefs' Playoff Loss: Herm Edwards / Mike Solari Edition http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/17/whos-to-blame-for-chiefs-playoff-loss-herm-edwards-mike-sol/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/17/whos-to-blame-for-chiefs-playoff-loss-herm-edwards-mike-sol/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/17/whos-to-blame-for-chiefs-playoff-loss-herm-edwards-mike-sol/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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The Chiefs' offensive players were inept, as I mentioned in part II of this series. However, there's a lot of reason to also blame the Chiefs' unimaginative offensive playcalling for the Chiefs' offensive struggles.

Even a 2-year-old can predict the Chiefs' offensive strategy:
-Run
-Run
-Pass
And it goes on like this....

One can't help but wonder how much more effective the Chiefs' offense would have been if they had spread the Colts' defense out with a few surprise first or second down passes. It is very difficult to run plays effectively when the defense knows exactly what you are going to do.



 

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]]> herm edwardsHermEdwardskansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefsmike solariMikeSolariplayoffstrent greenTrentGreen Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-17T08:03:00 00:00 Chiefs' Players and Fans Could Learn a Lot From Playoff Teams http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/16/chiefs-players-and-fans-could-learn-a-lot-from-playoff-teams/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/16/chiefs-players-and-fans-could-learn-a-lot-from-playoff-teams/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/16/chiefs-players-and-fans-could-learn-a-lot-from-playoff-teams/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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It was a frustrating weekend, to say the least, to watch the second round of the playoffs yet again without our beloved Chiefs on the field. Then again, that fate seems about as certain as death and taxes.

So what did we really learn this weekend from the most recent playoff games?
  • The Colts are a lot better than the fans gave them credit for being. Like the Colts or hate them, they handled Baltimore as much as they handled the Chiefs. There was one major difference: the Colts played the Chiefs at home, where they were virtually unbeatable during the regular season; the Colts played the Ravens on the road
  • The Seahawks' fans have it right. Matt Hasselback also struggled through much of the second half of the season. He had some struggles early against Chicago this weekend as well. Like the Chiefs, the Seahwaks' receivers were dropping catchable balls. The difference? The Seahawks' fans booed the receivers, not the quarterback
  • Marty Schottenheimer lost a game he had every business winning. Hopefully, the Marty curse is exclusive to San Diego and does not apply to teams he has left his fingerprints on, like Kansas City.
  • While we're on the subject of Schottenheimer, the Chargers basically dominated the Patriots and still found a way to lose. Paging Herm Edwards: if Marty can open up his offense and ditch Marty-ball, so can you.
  • Fans can change their tune overnight when their quarterback performs well under pressure. Rex Grossman was terrific this weekend. I still can't help but wonder how Green would have done if his receivers showed up on Sunday
  • The Saints have two very good running backs. One of their backs is a bruiser; the other is a slasher with the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. The Chiefs are no different. LJ is a Deuce McCallister type player, only a heck of a lot faster; Bennett is a Reggie Bush type player, a quick slasher with terrific receiving skills. The Chiefs should watch a lot of tape of the Saints to see how they can better utilize their split back
  • #1 - Nate Kaeding is still overrated. He has lost Marty two playoff games by not nailing a game-winning kick. I realize that Kaeding's miss was from long-distance, but he wasn't even close. The Patriots and Colts showed exactly why kicking has become a much more important part of the game. The Chiefs have to think long and hard about whether Tynes can be that guy, because he sure didn't look that way in 2006.
The Chiefs have a lot of growing up to do this offseason, and what better way than to watch those who know how to win?

 

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]]> Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-16T07:07:00 00:00 Tony Gonzalez to Retire as a Chief http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/13/tony-gonzalez-to-retire-as-a-chief/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/13/tony-gonzalez-to-retire-as-a-chief/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/13/tony-gonzalez-to-retire-as-a-chief/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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The Chiefs didn't waste any time.

Anyone here think that Tony Gonzalez was going to shop around, get flooded with competitive offers, possibly hold out until he got the contract he wanted? Anyone else think the Chiefs were going to slap the Franchise tag on him?
Nope. Instead, the Chiefs signed Tony Gonzalez to a 5-year extension, all but assuring he'll retire as a Chief.

While a few salary figures have been thrown out, I'm not going to get into a guessing game. I've learned that the salary that the papers report normally does not represent what the player actually earns. I'll hold judgment on this signing's cap ramifications until there is more information out there on the structuring of his deal.

It's a terrific start for the Chiefs' offseason. I once said that Tony Gonzalez is the best tight end in football and I still stand behind it. While Antonio Gates and Todd Heap dominate in the passing game, Gonzalez can dominate as both a receiver and a blocker. More importantly, he's succeeded on a high level with virtually no help his entire career. I can't help but wonder how he could've done with an average receiver, let alone an outstanding one. Instead, he gets double- and triple-teamed on virtually every play. The only reason the Chiefs' marginal receivers have ever had any success at all is because Gonzalez draws so much attention away from them. If you need any further proof of this, pay attention to games where Gonzalez is shut down on single coverage (it's rare, but it's happened). The Chiefs' receiver just *poof* disappear. Gonzalez has also become a very underrated blocker, and this is why I contend he is the best tight end in football. He is a key outside run blocker for LJ and he has unselfishly given up receptions to help his offensive line in pass protection. It's just a shame that Gonzalez has to serve as an offensive lineman simply because Jordan Black can't do his job.

This is a terrific signing and I couldn't be happier that Gonzalez will retire as a Chief. Nothing would have been worse than seeing Gonzo in anything but red and gold. He is an outstanding football player, arguably the greatest tight end of all time, and an enormous asset to the Kansas City community. Welcome back, Tony!

 

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]]> kansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefssigntony gonzalezTonyGonzalez Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-13T07:25:00 00:00 Who's to Blame For Chiefs' Playoff Loss? Part II: Offensive Talent http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/12/whos-to-blame-for-chiefs-playoff-loss-part-ii-offensive-tale/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/12/whos-to-blame-for-chiefs-playoff-loss-part-ii-offensive-tale/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/12/whos-to-blame-for-chiefs-playoff-loss-part-ii-offensive-tale/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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This is Part II of a multi-part series examining the Chiefs' failures on Saturday against the Colts. We previously discussed the media's role in the Chiefs' loss.

Eddie Kennison, Samie Parker, and Jordan Black owe Trent Green a Rolex. It seems that the fans and media are so intent on blaming Green for Saturday's loss to the Colts that they are completely ignoring the three players that were easily the biggest goats of Saturday's football game. It was not about Trent Green. It was not about Damon Huard. Plain and simple: Trent Green was kept from doing his job because his teammates didn't do theirs.

I know everyone wants to blame the quarterback for the Chiefs' offensive failures on Saturday. The Chiefs didn't get a first down in an entire half of play. Of course, that's pathetic. Of course, the first person to blame for these problems is the quarterback. But you have to look past pure numbers and look at the facts behind the figures. What I saw was not poor play by the quarterback; rather, I witnessed what might have been the absolute worst performance by a wide receiver corps in NFL playoff history. On the rare occasion that the Chiefs chose to pass in the first half, Green threw the ball in the right spot and the receivers dropped it. I'm not talking about tough passes that were dropped; I'm talking about easy catches that, as Madden would probably say, doinked off his receivers.

What are you supposed to do when you run 8 first-half pass plays and half of them go for drops? Is it the quarterback's fault if half of his third down passes went into his receivers' hands or between their numbers, then were dropped? Is it the quarterback's fault if, on two 3rd down pass plays in the first half, the linemen completely failed on him (Jordan Black let Freeney come in untouched for one third down sack, and Brian Waters was so far back after another snap that Green tripped over his feet). Even his interception in the second half should be blamed on atrocious blocking by the offensive line that got their quarterback clobbered in mid-throw.

 

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]]> damon huardDamonHuarddante hallDanteHalleddie kennisonEddieKennisonherm edwardsHermEdwardsindianapolis coltsIndianapolisColtskansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefsplayoffssamie parkerSamieParkertrent greenTrentGreen Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-12T00:15:00 00:00 Who's to Blame for Chiefs' Playoff Loss? Part 1: The Media http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/09/whos-to-blame-for-chiefs-playoff-loss-part-1-the-media/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/09/whos-to-blame-for-chiefs-playoff-loss-part-1-the-media/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/09/whos-to-blame-for-chiefs-playoff-loss-part-1-the-media/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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This is part 1 of what I hope will be a weeklong series about what went wrong in the Chiefs' embarassing loss to the Colts.

My first target for blame is the media, simply because of its relevancy after the BCS Championship game. I was sitting at a Buckeye bar with a bunch of friends watching the Gators absolutely pummel the Buckeyes. I'm not a Buckeye fan, nor do I dislike them. With college football, I just like to watch a good football game. Still, it was a very nice pick-me-up to see other fans suffer as much as I suffered after watching my Chiefs lose just as embarassingly to the Colts.

The BCS Championship game was like the Colts vs. Chiefs game in so many ways. First of all, the blue team beat the red team in a very high-stakes game. Secondly, and more interestingly, the Gators went into the game as the team that didn't belong. Instead of the nation celebrating Florida's berth in the championship game, it seemed as if the media was more interested in reasons why Florida didn't belong there than why they might have belonged. All the media attention seemed to surround Troy Smith, Florida's terrific defense, Jim Tressel's sweater vest, and the Ohio State Buckeyes' dominating defense. It's almost a surprise the Buckeyes weren't handed the BCS championship trophy without even playing in the game.

 

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]]> BCS Championship GameBcsChampionshipGameFlorida GatorsFloridaGatorsindianapolis coltsIndianapolisColtskansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefsNFL playoffsNflPlayoffsOhio State BuckeyesOhioStateBuckeyesTroy SmithTroySmith Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-09T22:18:00 00:00 Dear Carl Peterson: Kansas City is Pissed http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/09/dear-carl-peterson-kansas-city-is-pissed/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/09/dear-carl-peterson-kansas-city-is-pissed/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/09/dear-carl-peterson-kansas-city-is-pissed/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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I wanted to respond to a particular reader question that I thought was pretty terrific:
"Jon: What we in KC are feeling towards the Chiefs is the result of year after year after year of bad choices, bad coaching, bad players and bad teams. There are four elements that comprise an NFL team 1) ownership 2) General Manager 3) Coaches 4) Players" - Nasty M
Mike, I think everyone is responsible for the problems in Kansas City. Let me first say that I like Carl Peterson. I think he is a very good General Manager. Although many claim that he is only concerned with filling seats, anybody who has ever met the man knows that the man really wants the Chiefs to win.

That being said, Carl Peterson is also flawed and the worst part is, there is nobody above him to correct those flaws. Peterson's biggest flaw for sure is that he is loyal to a fault. That seeps from the top down, from Clark Hunt to Herm Edwards. The Chiefs hold onto players longer than they should and, more importantly, don't get rid of key coaches and front office guys that clearly deserve the boot. The most obvious example is how long the Chiefs held onto Lynn Stiles in their front office. He was the big cheese in the draft room and largely responsible for a lot of the Chiefs' first-day draft goof-ups. He was known to be a dinosaur in the drafting game, relying on words of advice rather than actual scouting tape. Still, it took years for him to be kicked out of Peterson's "cigar club." Is it any coincidence that in 2005, the Chiefs' first year without Stiles as the lead draft guy, the Chiefs enjoyed one of their most successful drafts in recent memory?

 

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]]> carl petersonCarlPetersonclark huntClarkHuntherm edwardsHermEdwardsindianapolis coltsIndianapolisColtskansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefsLynn StilesLynnStilesplayoffs Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-09T00:58:00 00:00 Settle Down, Chiefs Fans ... It'll Be Okay http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/07/settle-down-chiefs-fans-itll-be-okay/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/07/settle-down-chiefs-fans-itll-be-okay/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/07/settle-down-chiefs-fans-itll-be-okay/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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I'm remarkably calm considering that the Colts completely showed the Chiefs who the real daddy is. I think Chiefs' fans should be too.

Chiefs' fans, face reality: this was not a playoff team. They earned every right to be there, but they simply were not talented enough. The good news is that the Chiefs sent a pretty clear message to the front office: "We... Need... talent!" Last thing I wanted was to win a playoff game and give our front office the impression that we were good enough going into next year.

More importantly, let's not allow our frustration to exaggerate the problems with the Chiefs. The Chiefs showed they have a defense that can carry us to victory, but they can't do it when the offense goes three and out for an entire half.

 

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]]> herm edwardsHermEdwardsindianapolis coltsIndianapolisColtskansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefsoffensive lineOffensiveLineplayoffstrent greenTrentGreen Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-07T11:30:00 00:00 Chiefs vs. Colts: Chiefs' Defensive Preview http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/06/chiefs-vs-colts-chiefs-defensive-preview/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/06/chiefs-vs-colts-chiefs-defensive-preview/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/06/chiefs-vs-colts-chiefs-defensive-preview/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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I've just highlighted some of the things the Chiefs will need to do on offense to win the game. Now, let's switch gears. What do the Chiefs need to do on defense to stop the Colts' lethal passing attack?

When the Colts pass the ball:
Who's the key to getting this defense to play well against the Colts? Damon Huard. What? Yeah, you heard me. Damon Huard. The Chiefs have had Huard playing Peyton Manning all week in practice. And, if you'll recall, he was so good at this role that he won a game ball from Bill Belichick.

The Chiefs must get to Peyton Manning. The pass rush was pretty outstanding early against the Chiefs the last time they played. They will need to get to him if they expect to win this game. Get the happy feet going. The key to the Chiefs' success is making 1 or 2 stops. It has nothing to do with shutting Peyton Manning down. They will need to stop Peyton and stop him early which should allow the Chiefs to establish a rhythm on offense.

 

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]]> bill belichickBillBelichickdamon huardDamonHuardjoseph addaiJosephAddaikansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefspeyton manningPeytonManning Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-06T15:51:00 00:00 Chiefs vs. Colts: Chiefs' Offensive Preview http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/06/chiefs-vs-colts-chiefs-offensive-preview/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/06/chiefs-vs-colts-chiefs-offensive-preview/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/06/chiefs-vs-colts-chiefs-offensive-preview/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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So... I interviewed a 3-year-old kid. He barely knows any English, cannot read, and still has to have his Mom dress him in the morning, and even HE knows that LJ is going to carry the ball 30+ times today when the Chiefs square off against the Colts.

When the Chiefs pass the ball:
So many experts want to tell us that LJ is the key to this football game. He is not. The key for the Chiefs is their passing game and how they will help set up LJ. If the Chiefs can effectively move the football in the air, it is scary to think about how much damage LJ can inflict on a Colts' defense that isn't loading up every player in the box.

That means that the two most important Chiefs' players in today's game are going to be Jordan Black and Trent Green. I know, I know. Disconcerting, isn't it? Jordan Black has got to give Trent Green time to throw the ball and Green has got to give his offense a chance to move the ball in the air. More importantly, Trent Green has GOT to stop throwing the ball into the hands of his opponents. As I mentioned in a radio spot on "360 the Pitch", I think a sleeper in this game is going to be Eddie Kennison. He is exactly the guy that can stretch the defense out and, the less defenders paying attention to LJ the better.

Realize one thing: the most important thing the Chiefs can do to win the game is to keep Peyton Manning and the Colts' offense off the field. If Solari is smart, he will utilize a short passing attack.

 

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]]> brian watersBrianWaterschiefs offenseChiefsOffensecolts defenseColts run defenseColtsDefenseColtsRunDefenseeddie kennisonEddieKennisonjordan blackJordanBlackkansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefslarry johnsonLarryJohnsonpeyton manningPeytonManningplayoffstony gonzalezTonyGonzaleztrent greenTrentGreen Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-06T13:12:00 00:00 Huard or Green: Good Ole' Fashion QB Controversy? http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/04/huard-or-green-for-quarterback-in-2007/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/04/huard-or-green-for-quarterback-in-2007/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/04/huard-or-green-for-quarterback-in-2007/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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Phil and I have discussed the Trent Green vs. Damon Huard debate at length. Phil has generally sided toward Trent Green. I have my doubts about Green. Both for this season and next season.

It's really not worth arguing about. Trent Green is the Chiefs' man for Saturday and there's nothing that you or I or John Madden can do about it. Still, we hear interesting reports that Green will be held on a short leash. At least, that's what Herm says. I'll believe it when I see it.
Green has done little to prove that he is capable of pulling the Chiefs through the playoffs. If we can ever get the 2002 or 2003 Trent Green back, then maybe it's possible. I happen to believe that these versions of Trent Green are far better than the 2006 Damon Huard, but how much longer do I have to wait? Is that wait as worthless as waiting all night for the real Easter Bunny to show up at my door?

Granted, I will surround this discussion with a little perspective. I like Damon Huard, but I also think his accomplishment has been overrated.

 

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]]> damon huardDamonHuardherm edwardsHermEdwardskansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefsplayoffsquarterback controversyQuarterbackControversytrent greenTrentGreen Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-04T23:32:00 00:00 Are the Chiefs Invited to Cinderella's Ball? http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/02/are-the-chiefs-invited-to-cinderellas-ball/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/02/are-the-chiefs-invited-to-cinderellas-ball/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/02/are-the-chiefs-invited-to-cinderellas-ball/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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It almost seems like the Chiefs have been kissed by destiny, doesn't it? They began the season by losing their starting quarterback and leader for what many believed would be a career. They lose esteemed owner and icon Lamar Hunt before the season ends. Somehow, the Chiefs squeak into the playoffs despite being #6 on the food chain of AFC teams with a playoff hope.

And now, let's add another one:
The Chiefs square off against the Indianapolis Colts, the Grinches that embarassed the Chiefs the last two times in the Chiefs' own unbeatable backyard. It sure seems like the tides have reversed, doesn't it?
  • The Chiefs walked into the past two matchups with the upper-hand; in 2006, the Colts are the team with the stout 12-4 record.
  • The Chiefs got to play the 2003 matchup against the Colts at Arrowhead, where they are virtually unstoppable; this time, the Colts play in their own backyard where they are also unstoppable.
  • The Chiefs played in the 2003 matchup with a laughingstock run defense with holes the size of Missouri; this time, the Colts have the laughingstock defense, with run defense holes the size of Indiana.
It almost seems like the road for the Chiefs could be paved for a run that could only be created by destiny. Sure, the Colts have the upper-hand in this matchup, but maybe that's just what the Chiefs need to finally win a playoff game against them. The Chiefs sure couldn't get that job done when they were supposedly the better team.

 

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]]> cinderellaindianapolis coltsIndianapolisColtskansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefslamar huntLamarHuntplayoffsrun defenseRunDefensesuper bowlSuperBowl Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-02T21:30:00 00:00 Chiefs are Bringing Punting's Sexy Back--Yea! http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/01/chiefs-are-bringing-puntings-sexy-back-yea/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/01/chiefs-are-bringing-puntings-sexy-back-yea/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/01/chiefs-are-bringing-puntings-sexy-back-yea/#comments Jon Yoonby Jon Yoon

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If a special teams player almost breaks a record in the middle of the woods, would it make a sound? Apparently not. Dustin Colquitt tinkered with NFL history on Sunday. He almost became the first punter in the history of the game to average over 40 net punting yards. He came into the game with a 39.9 net punting average.

Who would have thought punting was important?

On the flipside of the punt, Colquitt's teammate was making a difference in a big way.

 

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]]> bernard pollardBernardPollardbrian moormanBrianMoormandustin colquittDustinColquittkansas city chiefsKansasCityChiefsnet punt averageNetPuntAveragepunterpunting Jon Yoon jon-yoon 2007-01-01T17:25:00 00:00