let history be your guide

Let the fun begin!

Mere moments after Pro Football Talk reported that the Chiefs have offered Peyton Manning a contract offer, our “good friend” Ol’ Pete King of Sports Illustrated reported as “fact” that there was no contract offer. 

Mere moments after that, Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star equated the Chiefs landing Peyton Manning with believing in Santa Claus.

And mere moments after that, the Star’s editorial writer Yael Abouhalkah (a man who, in the interest of full disclosure, I agree with 95% of the time) wrote that the “Cheap Chiefs” will “never” make Peyton an offer, at least a legitimate one.

Here’s the thing, Ol’ Pete, Adam, and Yael.  A wise man once wrote that “those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”, or something like that.

Guys?  Chiefs fans?  Look at the history of this franchise, at least since Jack Steadman was booted from being involved in the day-to-day operations back in 1988.

The Chiefs might be “cheap” (they aren’t, but that’s another post for another day).  The Chiefs might have whiffed spectacularly at the QB position in the draft (agreed), in free agency (sorta agree) and via trade (strongly disagree).  But there’s one thing they have ALWAYS done, whether Carl or Pioli was calling the shots, and it is this:

The Chiefs have ALWAYS gone after the best quarterback on the market when the need for an upgrade exists.

You think I’m joking?  Let’s do this step by step.

1988: yes, we’re going back to the “Dark Ages”, the Jim Schaff / Jack Steadman years of debacle after failure after outright disaster.  With Todd Blackledge dumped for draft picks*, and Bill Kenney at the end of the line, what did the Chiefs do?

They traded for Steve DeBerg, the best quarterback available**.

(*: Chiefs acquired a fourth rounder in the 1988 draft for Blackledge.  To the surprise of no one, they drafted a worthless wide receiver from Ole Miss named JR Ambrose.  On the other hand, the Chiefs traded a backup safety named Mark Robinson, and two 1988 picks (fourth round, G John Brunin, Tennessee; eighth round, RB Anthony Simpson, East Carolina) for DeBerg … AND traded the number three pick (S Bennie Blades, Miami) and number twenty nine pick (LB Chris Spielman, Ohio State) to move up one spot to draft … Neil Smith, DE, Nebraska.  Just like Carl’s final draft really helped built the foundation for the Chiefs going forward … so did Jim Schaff’s final effort.)

(**: no matter how poorly you thought the 1980s Chiefs were run, and keep in mind, we fired our head coach AFTER our first playoff appearance in fifteen years because of a player mutiny keyed by our place kicker … how about your Tampa Bay Bucs!  Who traded NOT ONLY Steve DeBerg (solid pro, multi-time Pro Bowler) BUT ALSO Steve Young (Hall of Famer) in back-to-back seasons to make room for Vinny Testaverde!  Combine those brain farts with Bo Jackson taking one look at Tampa and opting to ride a bus in the minor leagues instead, and yeah, let’s just say, as bad as things were in KC, it was rainbows, sunshine, and lollipops compared to the situation in Tampa.)

1992: After four years of DeBerg (ok, 3 ½, I know DeBerg and Kenney basically split the 1988 season), the Chiefs decided to go in a different direction, believing (correctly) that DeBerg had taken them as far as he could (the divisional round).  There was one decent free agent on the market via the old Plan B system: Dave Kreig, a multiple time Pro Bowler for the divisional rival Seahawks.

The Chiefs signed him, went 10-6, and were shut out in the wildcard round at San Diego*.  Which led to the realization that Dave Kreig wasn’t the answer either.  So …

(*: occurred on my 16^th birthday.  One can legitimately argue, in hindsight, it was the most fortuitous loss in franchise history, as it caused Marty to clean house on offense.)

1993: the Chiefs aggressively pursued the best quarterback available, a man coming off of not one, but essentially TWO years of not playing: Joe Montana.  It cost us a first round pick and a worthless backup cornerback*, but the Chiefs paid the price.

(*: the Montana trade specifics: Chiefs sent S David Whitmore and a 1993 first rounder (Number 18 overall, reshipped to Arizona, who drafted T Ernest Dye, South Carolina), for Montana and the 49ers 1994 third rounder (Number 92 overall, used to draft WR Lake Dawson, Notre Dame).  That’s one HELLUVA fleecing by one Carl D. Peterson!)

1994: knowing Montana had at most one year left in him, the Chiefs pursued the best option for them that was available: Montana’s old backup in San Francisco, Steve Bono*.

(*: Chiefs gave up a fourth rounder in 1995 (resent to Philly, used to draft QB Dave Barr, Cal).  I’m telling you, Carl was ON FIRE from 1993-1997 in the draft.)

1996: after an epic collapse (losing 4 of 5) to miss the playoffs for the first time in seven years, the Chiefs concluded that Steve Bono wasn’t the answer … and had no faith in Rick “Dick” Gannon either.  So what did they do? 

They signed the biggest name on the free agent market, Elvis Grbac, to a massive free agent contract.  Once again, when faced with having to upgrade the quarterback position, the Chiefs aggressively pursued the best option available.

2001: after a decent five year run with Grbac at the helm, and with Dick Gannon having moved on to the raiders, the “Day of Reckoning” with the salary cap had finally arrived, and the Chiefs were forced to cut Elvis Grbac.

The replacement?  Was the best quarterback available, Trent Green.  It cost us a first round pick (12^th overall, used to draft DE Damione Lewis, Miami).  Once again, when the Chiefs had to upgrade the quarterback position, they aggressively pursued the best option available.

2006: with the retirement of Dick Vermeil, and the nearing retirement of Trent Green, the Chiefs smartly decided to upgrade their options at the backup quarterback position.  They (stupidly) wasted a high draft pick on Alabama QB Brodie Croyle*, and (smartly) signed the best backup quarterback available, Patriots backup Damon Huard.  Huard would double-handedly (along with Larry Johnson’s career year) save the Chiefs season, and milk a wildcard berth out of a team with five win talent everywhere other than QB and RB.

(*: in the interest of full disclosure, NOBODY was a bigger fan of drafting Croyle than I was.  And NOBODY was more fired up for Croyle taking over as the starter in 2007.  So I can occasionally be wrong.  But when I’m right, like the DJ / Aaron Rodgers debate in 2005?  I’m en fuego.)

2009: with Trent Green having retired, Damon Huard ineffective save for one amazing eight game stretch in 2006, and Brodie Croyle anything but effective, the Chiefs once again had a gigantic hole under center.

And ONCE AGAIN, the Chiefs aggressively pursued the best quarterback available, acquiring Matt Cassel (and Mike Vrabel) for a second round pick BEFORE free agency began.  Let that sink in – for the EIGHTH time in 20 years, the Chiefs aggressively moved to upgrade the quarterback position by grabbing the best available player at the position.  (The Pats used the pick to draft Patrick Chung, S, Oregon).

And now?  I ask you, Chiefs fans, based on HISTORY, based on tangible evidence and fact, why do you doubt the Chiefs are all in to upgrade the position? 

You can argue with the results of the actions the Chiefs have taken (although overall, most have been winning moves, albeit short of the ultimate prize), but you CANNOT argue with the fact that the Chiefs have been, if not THE most aggressive team in football, then amongst the most aggressive teams in football, when it comes to upgrading the quarterback position.

Facts don’t lie.  For twenty plus years, when the Chiefs have had a glaring hole under center, they have moved swiftly and aggressively to plug it, and have paid the price necessary to plug it.  Why do so many Chiefs fans and media pundits who cover this team daily, doubt that we’ll fail to do that in 2012?

If you want to ignore the Carl Peterson years as the “past” and “not reflective of the current regime”, fine.  Then riddle me this, Batman: when Scott Pioli came to down in 2009, what was his FIRST major personnel move?  (Trading for the best QB available).

And last fall, when the Chiefs playoff hopes were fading fast because of Cassel’s injury and Palko’s incompetence, and a former Pro Bowl quarterback hit the market six weeks before the postseason began, who signed him?  (Scott Pioli and the Chiefs).

Twice in the Pioli years, when the need has been glaring and obvious under center, the Chiefs went out and got the best fix available.  Why do you doubt they’d fail to at least TRY and do that now?

Those who fail to learn from the past, are doomed to repeat it.  So keep doubting the Chiefs pursing an upgrade at QB if you want, Chiefs fans.  Be pessimistic, be negative, be Debbie Doubters.

 Me?  I look at the past, the history of this franchise, and I feel very confident in closing this post by saying the following.  IF Matt Cassel is starting under center come September 9^th, it won’t be because the Chiefs didn’t go all out in an attempt to upgrade the position.

(editors note: all relevant trade facts courtesy of Pro Sports Transactions.  Sorry I forgot to include that on the first publish.  I hate plagerism of all kinds, and apologize profusely to the good folks at PST for forgetting to include a link to their site when citing their data earlier.)

2011 chiefs in (p)review part cinco: the offseason moves

In case you missed the earlier posts:

Part One: The Highs and Lows of 2011
Part Two: The Grades for 2011
Part Three: The Dream 2012 Schedule
Part Four: The (New) Coaching Staff?

And now, the final installment (for now) of the 2011 Chiefs Season in (P)review! (kazoo voice) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I should probably note up front, a few of my ideal moves, ain't gonna happen. (Much like Bill Callahan as offensive coordinator -- that went out the window earlier today when the Cowboys hired him as offensive line / assistant head coach.) But read through the ten pages, my ideas make (some) sense, and would result in a much stronger team entering 2012 than we closed (or entered) 2011 with ...

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

Yesterday, the Chiefs hired their head coach. But the bottom line is that the head coach doesn't matter worth a hill of beans if he doesn't have talented players to preside over.

The good news for Chiefs fans, is that the core of this team is pretty solid. Hell, it was solid enough to overcome season ending injuries to five of the eight most valuable, important players on the roster, and be a missed field goal away from winning the division. Brandon Siler, Eric Berry, Tony Moeaki, Jamaal Charles, and Matt Cassel all missed at least half the season. You get those five guys back out on the field? The Chiefs find a way to get to win number eight and host a playoff game.

But just getting those five guys back isn't enough. There are definite areas the Chiefs need to upgrade (I'm looking at you, right tackle), and areas they definintely need to improve their depth at (hello, safety position). So let's go position by position. See what the Chiefs currently have, and what (if any) changes we can expect or hope to see at said position.

* Quarterback.
Current Depth Chart: Cassel, Orton, Palko, Stanzi.
Likely to Return: Cassel.
Free Agent(s): Orton.
Unlikely to Return: Palko.

Thoughts: I've talked myself into year four of the Matt Cassel experiment, simply because what alternative is there? Trading for Luck or Griffin is too costly. That, and there's value in the later rounds this year at the position that makes sitting a justified move. To say nothing of the fact that the QB at the collegiate level I like the most, is still a year away from declaring for the draft (Aaron Murray at Georgia).

Free agency? Sweet Jesus, have you SEEN the free agent crop at quarterback? If (like me) you believe the Saints will lock up Drew Brees before March 4th, and if (like me) you believe there's no way Peyton Manning hits the market, this is your depth chart of availability:

* Matt Flynn. Uum, no thanks? We've been down the "backup to a superstar turns in a quality game or three in relief of said superstar, so let's sign him!" road before. (See Grbac, Elvis).

* Alex Smith. The whole point of utilizing free agency is to IMPROVE the position. Alex Smith is not an improvement over Matt Cassel. And for the record, neither is

* Kyle Orton. If the Chiefs opt for Orton over Cassel, I might cancel my tickets. I am fully aware Kyle Orton went 2-1 under center. I also attended two of those three games, and watched the third one. The offense got WORSE every week, going from 5 scoring drives, to 3, to 1 in the finale. In addition, Orton was a turnover machine against the raiders, directly helping cost the Chiefs the division. Orton is NOT an upgrade on Cassel. Not even close.

* Jason Campbell. I have to admit, this one intrigues me ... but I'd still rather have Cassel.

* Chad Henne. Uuh, no. Ditto to Donovan McNabb, Vince Young, David Garrard, Rex Grossman, and Brady Quinn, all unrestricted free agents.

Help at the position, an upgrade at the position, isn't coming via free agency.

But it can come via the draft. What frustrates me with all the Luck vs Griffin talk, and Barkley and Landry Jones before that ... is that there's another ready-to-start-now prospect in this draft, who unlike Andrew Luck, has won meaningful games at the collegiate level, and who unlike Robert Griffin III, has won a BCS bowl game -- twice.

That guy ... is Kellen Moore of Boise State. Here's the relevant stats on the guy:

* 50-3 as a starter (NCAA all time record holder for most wins).
* 2008, led Boise to a 12-0 regular season, including a win at Oregon. Boise finished ranked #9. Only loss was to #19 TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl.
* 2009, led Boise to a 13-0 season, capped by a win over #3 TCU in the Fiesta Bowl. Boise also beat Oregon again along the way to finishing ranked #4.
* 2010, led Boise to a 12-1 season, which included wins over ACC champion Virginia Tech, WAC champion Utah, and demolishing a 9 win Oregon State team, en route to finishing with the #10 ranking. Only defeat was at #19 Nevada in overtime.
* 2011, led Boise to a 12-1 season, including a road win at SEC East champion Georgia. Only defeat was by one point to #24 TCU.

Let that sink in -- 50-3 as a starter, and the three losses, were twice by one point to TCU, and by a field goal in overtime to a ranked conference foe. What does that also say? For all this bullshit about Boise being in a smaller / minor conference ... EVERY time Kellen Moore faced a BCS team, he BEAT them. All on the road, save for Oregon at home in 2009. He won at Georgia, at Oregon, at Oregon State, on a neutral field against Virginia Tech, Utah, Arizona State. The kid is a winner.

* You say "well great Stevo, he's a "winner", whatever that means, but is he any good?" Is he any good? Are you kidding me?

* 2008: 281 / 405, 3,486 yards, 25 TD / 10 INT, 157.1 rating.
* 2009: 277 / 431, 3,536 yards, 39 TD / 3 INT, 161.7 rating.
* 2010: 273 / 383, 3,845 yards, 35 TD / 6 INT, 182.6 rating.
* 2011: 326 / 439, 3,800 yards, 43 TD / 9 INT, 175.2 rating.

He got better every season he was under center ... and yet, he also was consistent. Look at the stats. He consistently completed 65 plus percent, had a tremendous TD to INT ratio, and average throwing for 275 yards / game throughout his career. Uum, if we're looking to UPGRADE the quarterback position (and Scott Pioli had better be looking to do that), why wouldn't you give this kid a look?

Kiper projects him as a fourth rounder, possibly sliding into round five. I would absolutely use the 11th pick of the 4th round on Kellen Moore, and if I had to, I'd use the 11th pick of the 3rd round on him.

Ideal Depth Chart for 2012: Cassel, Moore (draft), Stanzi or some other clipboard holder.

* Running Back.
Current Depth Chart: T Jones, Charles, Battle, McCluster; McClain (FB).
Likely to Return: Charles, McCluster, Battle.
Free Agent(s): T Jones, McClain.
Unlikely to Return: T Jones.

Thoughts: If Charles is healthy, this is a position of strength for the Chiefs. Jackie Battle isn't making a Pro Bowl anytime soon, but he's proven this season that he can deliver in a crunch. DMC isn't going to rush for 115 yards anytime soon, but he's a solid change of pace back that is epically dangerous when he gets in open space.

I would resign Le'Ron McClain if the price is right. I liked the leadership he brought to the team last year, and he's no worse than Thomas Jones is at gaining a 3rd or 4th and short.

I would not, under any circumstance or situation, or for any price, bring back Thomas Jones. Every time he touches the ball, the Chiefs are worse off because of it. TJ was a solid signing last year. He'd be a horrendous decision in 2012.

As for upgrading the position via free agency, there's a number of talented backs out there, including:

* Ray Rice, Ravens.
* Matt Forte, Bears.
* Ryan Grant, Packers.
* Peyton Hillis, Browns.
* Mike Tolbert, Chargers.
* Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks.
* Cedric Benson, Bengals.
* Arian Foster, Texans (restricted).

If I was running the Chiefs, knowing I have to spend at least $20-$22 million MORE in 2012 than I did in 2011 simply to comply with the new CBA spending rules ... I'd take a page out of Carl Peterson's playbook from ten years ago, when he took a chance on an injured running back coming off a brutal knee injury, believing the guy would come back ready to prove himself. Carl signed Priest Holmes in the 2001 offseason when nobody else would even sniff at the guy. I'd say that worked out pretty well. If I was Scott Pioli, I'd be targeting Matt Forte. The knee injury he suffered (ironically, against the Chiefs) should drive his price down. He's already got a chip on his shoulder over the Bears refusal to resign him before or during the 2011 season. Offer him a 3 year deal with a decent signing bonus, and see what happens. Can you imagine a backfield with Charles, DMC, and Forte? (stevo drooling with anticipation ...)

Ideal Depth Chart for 2012: Charles, Forte (free agent), Battle, DMC; McClain (FB).

* Wide Receiver.
Current Depth Chart: D Bowe, Breaston, Baldwin, Copper, Urban, Horne.
Likely to Return: Breaston, Baldwin, Copper.
Free Agent(s): D Bowe, Urban, Horne.
Unlikely to Return: none?

Thoughts: I am fine with Dwayne Bowe returning if the price is right. I would NOT use the franchise tag on Bowe. That's too much for a receiver that consistently screws up on the field. If he wants to return for a market-value extension, great. If not? The crop of receivers in free agency and the draft is more than deep enough to at least tread water at the position.

Some free agents to look at would include:

* Reggie Wayne, Colts.
* Wes Welker, Patriots.
* Vincent Jackson, Chargers.
* DeSean Jackson, Eagles.
* Marques Colston, Saints.
* Brandon Lloyd, Rams.
* Stevie Johnson, Bills.
* Mario Manningham, Giants.
* Mike Wallace, Steelers (restricted).

Some college players to kick the tires of would include:

* Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State.
* Michael Floyd, Notre Dame.
* Kendall Wright, Baylor.
* Nick Toon, Wisconsin.

And the most intriguing player at the position, given that like Matt Forte at running back, he's coming off of injury that should deflate his value:

* Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma.

I'd love to see the Chiefs draft Broyles on day three. I'd also love to see us pursue Marques Colston, who not only is a deep threat, he's the short receiving threat / guaranteed catch we haven't had at the position since Kevin Lockett was here. To be fair, we didn't need the "3rd and 6, gets 7 every time" guy at wide receiver, because we had it for years at tight end in Tony Gonzalez. Now? We need the sure-handed catch guy who gets the extra six inches to keep the drive alive. Dwayne Bowe, despite all his talent, is not that guy. Jon Baldwin is not that guy. Steve Breaston might be ... but why force a square peg into a round hole if you don't have to? Draft Broyles, sign Colston, and keep Copper and Urban around for special teams play and depth at the position.

Ideal Depth Chart in 2012: Baldwin, Colston (free agent), Breaston, Broyles (draft), Copper, Urban.

* Tight End.
Current Depth Chart: Moeaki, Pope, O'Connell, Becht.
Free Agent(s): Becht (likely to retire).
Unlikely to Return: O'Connell, Becht.

Thoughts: a depth chart of Moeaki, Pope, and guy there for his blocking skills works for me. There's only two free agents at tight end I'd even consider making a play for, JerMichael Finley (Packers), and Visanthe Shiancoe (Vikings). Neither really fills a need though -- Moeaki is supremely talented, albeit injury-bit ... and Pope has proven he can more than handle the position when Moeaki goes down.

I'd bring back Moeaki and Pope, try to sign a veteran for power formations (Bo Scaife from the Bengals perhaps?), and basically leave this position alone for 2012. It worked in 2011. No need to screw with what ain't broke.

Ideal Depth Chart for 2012: Moeaki, Pope, veteran backup for depth.

* Offensive Line.
Current Depth Chart:
Tackle: Albert, Mims (left); Richardson, Maneri (right).
Guard: Lilja (left); Asomoah (right).
Center: Weigmann, Hudson (also backs up guard).
Free Agent(s): Weigmann, Richardson.
Unlikely to Return: Weigmann, Maneri, Richardson.

Thoughts: Casey Weigmann is likely to retire, and Rodney Hudson is more than ready to step into the starting center role. The Chiefs are also set at guard for at least one more season, with Ryan Lilja still likely having two productive years left, and Jon Asomoah rapidly developing into a top ten guard. And whichever side Branden Albert mans the tackle slot on, is set for the next decade. (I personally prefer him at right tackle, especially if we draft, develop, and eventually start Kellen Moore, since Moore is a lefty ... but good luck finding a competent blind-side guard in the free agent market. Like competent starting quarterbacks, they rarely if ever reach free agency because they're so difficult to find).

Which leaves three huge holes to fill. We need a backup guard, since we no longer have one. Ideally the backup guard can also back up Hudson at center, saving a roster spot. We need a backup tackle, as Mims is a project and Maneri is worthless.

And ... uum ... well, how to put this delicately.

The single biggest glaring hole on the team is at right tackle. If Barry Richardson is starting come September 10th, Scott Pioli has flunked his offseason.

Richardson is a competent quality backup. Unfortunately, he's starting as things currently stand, and as they stood all season long. Arrowhead Pride had a link a little over a month ago that just really says it all. There are 76 qualifying tackles in the NFL this year (meaning they played at least one game at the tackle position). Ol' Barry ranks 75th against the pass. 75th out of 76. But, you say, that's just against the pass, and his strength is run blocking, right? Right?

Ol' Barry ranks 76th (out of 76) against the run.

He can't pass protect. He can't run block. He's called for an ungodly amount of penalties. We're barely a year removed from him throwing down with his head coach on the sidelines. Yes, Chiefs fans, THIS is priority one in the offseason, finding someone who ranks at least 74th in a major offensive line category to replace Ol' Barry.

Before I get to potential draft picks, here are the free agent tackles I'd be kicking the tires of:

* Demetrius Bell, Bills. Probably the best tackle available, and has started on both sides.
* khalif barnes, raiders. Anytime you can improve yourself and weaken a divisional rival, it's a move worth considering.
* Mark LeVoir, Ravens. Ravens have serious cap issues, and he might be able to walk as a result.

Not much of a crowd, huh? It honestly wouldn't shock me if the Chiefs took a chance on a reclaimation project, like Cardinals T Levi Brown (former first round pick), or Robert Turner of the Jets (horrendous year). But no matter what, I will be really shocked if Barry Richardson is starting on September 10th. Shocked and infuriated.

As for drafting an offensive lineman ... I know some people think that because it's your area of highest priority, that it's ok to devote a top 12 pick to a lineman. I say, hell no! Unless you are willing to risk your entire career on that lineman developing into a 10 time Pro Bowler and a first ballot Hall of Famer, and if you're wrong on that belief, like I said, you've just risked your entire career, unless you feel that strongly about a lineman? You NEVER use a first round pick on a lineman. It's not worth the tradeoff. With your first selection (which for most teams is in the first round ... but for the raiders this year? It's round six. Ah oakland, the gift that never quits giving!), you HAVE to select a skill position player. You have to.

Offensive line is the one position you absolutely are guaranteed to find quality at on day two and (especially) day three. Don't believe me? Here's a look at some of the best linemen the Chiefs have employed recently, and how we acquired them:

* Willie Roaf: acquired for a fourth round pick.
* Will Shields: drafted in the third round.
* Casey Weigmann: acquired in free agency.
* Ryan Lilja: acquired in free agency.
* Tim Grunhard: drafted in the second round.
* Dave Szott: drafted in the seventh round.

The only three first round linemen the Chiefs have drafted that have amounted to anything? John Tait (who bolted in free agency after his fourth year), John Alt (solid 10 year career that included a couple Pro Bowls), and Branden Albert.

Are ANY of those three players worth the 11th pick in the draft?

(Nope).

Ideal Depth Chart for 2012:
Tackle: Albert (left), Bell (right) (free agent); veteran backup for depth.
Guard: Lilja (left), Asomoah (right); promising rookie for depth (Lilja is the next to go).
Center: Hudson, veteran backup for depth.

* Kicking Specialists:
Place Kicker: Ryan Succup.
Punter: Dusty Colquitt.
Long Snapper: Thomas Gafford.
Returners: Javier Arenas, DMC.
Free Agent(s): none.
Unlikely to Return: none.

Thoughts: why fix what ain't broke? I'd expect to see all five specialists return in their roles in 2012.

* Defensive Line.
Current Depth Chart:
End: Dorsey (right), Jackson (left); Gilberry, Bailey, Gordon.
Tackle: Gregg; Powe.
Free Agent(s): Gregg, Gilberry.
Unlikely to Return: Gregg.

Thoughts: If left tackle is priority one, then nose tackle has to be priority two. Kelly Gregg simply did not get the job done this year, and has to be upgraded in 2012. Thankfully, the tackle I wanted the Chiefs to sign last year? Had a very disappointing season with New Orleans this fall, and is a free agent once again, and that is Abraeyo Franklin. A sensible multi-year offer should get the job done.

I'd also seek to upgrade the left defensive end position. Yes, Tyson Jackson got better as the year got along ... but he STILL isn't worth the 3rd overall pick in the draft three years later. If the Chiefs think Jackson will continue to improve, then keep him, but there's nothing wrong with upgrading the spot. If you're looking for a quick one or two year upgrade that won't damage your cap long-term, and will tremendously improve your pass rush in the short term, look at DE John Abraham of the Falcons.

Other free agents to consider:

* Robert Mathis, DE, Colts. (Likely to be resigned).
* Jason Jones, DT, Titans. (Virtual lock to be resigned).
* Cliff Avril, DE, Lions.
* Abomi Okoye, DT, Bears. (If only to have an Okoye on the roster again).

Ideal Depth Chart in 2012:
End: Dorsey (right), Abraham (left) (free agent); Bailey, Gordon, veteran backup for depth.
Tackle: Franklin (free agent); Powe, promising rookie for depth.

* Linebacker.
Current Depth Chart:
Outside: Houston (left), Hali (right); Studebaker, Sheffield.
Inside: Belcher (left), DJ (right); Siler, Williams, Greenwood.
Free Agent(s): Belcher (restricted); Greenwood (exclusive rights).
Unlikely to Return: Williams.

Thoughts: I think the Chiefs are set at all four starting positions for at least the next five years, barring injury ... or Justin Houston testing positive for weed again. DJ and Hali are Pro Bowlers on an annual basis. Justin Houston is going to be a really good one, and Jovan Belcher really impressed me this year. I expect the Chiefs to match any offer to Belcher, and they'll no doubt tender Cory Greenwood to retain him. Which means really, all you're looking for is depth to replace the worthless corpse of Demorrio Williams.

(Editors note: forgot to mention, don't underestimate how huge the return of Brandon Siler will be. If he makes it all the way back into the starting role, that's FOUR potential Pro Bowlers at linebacker. The last time a team fielded four all-pros at LB? Jim Mora's early 1990s Saints that were routinely the league's best defense -- Pat Swilling, Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills, and Vaughn Johnson.)

Because of that, if you want to go the free agent route, I'm fine with that ... but I'd really be looking to the draft. A lot can shake out between now and April 26th, but I am really impressed with Dont'a Hightower of Alabama. That kid is a freaking beast. Sportsline.com has him rated 26th overall, so he might be a reach at 11 ... but if you can trade down and pick up an extra pick or two for your considerations, and then pick Hightower in the 20-22 range? Definitely worth attempting to do.

(This is exactly what the Chiefs did last year, trading down six spots with Cleveland, and picking up a 3rd rounder, the 70th overall pick, for their troubles. That pick? Turned into Justin Houston. Come on history, don't be scared to repeat yourself!!!)

If you're looking at a day three, fifth / sixth round pick, I like Emmanuel Acho of Texas. Reminds me a lot of another UT linebacker from earlier this decade, some dude named Derrick Johnson.

If you go outside 'backer, Courtney Upshaw of Alabama, another solid idea. (That, or I just was so overwhelmed watching the Bama defense last night, that I'm overrating all of them as a result). Zack Brown of UNC should be there at the top of round two, ditto Lavonte David of Nebraska.

Ideal Depth Chart in 2012:
Outside: Houston (left), Hali (right); Studebaker, Sheffield.
Inside: Siler / Belcher (left), DJ (right); Belcher / Siler, Hightower (draft), Greenwood.

I can't stress this enough -- you can NEVER have enough depth at linebacker. If they can pass cover, they make up for holes in your secondary. If they can blitz? They make up for holes on your D-Line. And if you have 6-7 competent quality players all capable of starting? They'll only push each other to greater accomplishments than you imagined possible.

(Or at least give you valuable trading chips to fill the holes in your roster as training camp winds down next August ...)

* Cornerback.
Depth Chart: Flowers (left), Carr (right); Daniels, Arenas, Brown.
Free Agent(s): Carr.
Unlikely to Return: Brown, Carr (if cost goes too high).

Thoughts: the more I think about it, the more I think that Brandon Carr is going to be the most difficult decision of Scott Pioli's offseason. On the one hand, he's a solid starting corner, and those aren't all that easy to find in this league. On the other hand, how much of that is because he has a future Pro Bowler on the other side of the field? In other words, is he like Antonio Cromartie, who benefits from Darrelle Revis taking up half the field? Or is Brandon Carr a legitimate stand-alone corner? If you think he's a product of the support around him, then let some other team give him the 6 year, $70 million contract he's going to get. If you think he's every bit as good as Brandon Flowers, then overpay the man and focus on other areas.

If it was my call? I'd swallow hard and overpay, knowing full well I might have just bought myself the second coming of Eric Warfield. Because if Carr's ceiling is a Warfield-type career? I can live with that. There are positions in this league you have to overpay for talent at, and cornerback is high up on that list. And besides, a ceiling of Eric Warfield beats the hell out of a Carlton Gray or "Stevo's Most Hated Chiefs Player Ever", bill bartee, ceiling. (With billy bartee, if the floor and the ceiling are both six feet under the ground, does that count as a ceiling?)

The Chiefs also need to upgrade the depth at this position. Jalil Brown is a nice guy. He's a terrible corner. Arenas is acceptable as a nickel / dime package corner, but if he's on the field for more than about 15% of the snaps, you're in trouble. And Travis Daniels can't stay healthy. Depth is a major issue here.

Sadly, the best cornerback in college isn't eligible for the draft ... but his teammate, Morris Claiborne (LSU), is. (Ranked 4th overall on Sportsline). This is a really deep class for corners thankfully -- 17 earn day one or two grades on Sportsline, which is an extremely high number for a position this important. (It'd be like 9 quarterbacks earning day one or two grades. It never happens.)

One corner I'd say the hell away from is Janoris Jenkins, formerly of Florida, currently of North Alabama. When the "King of Sleaze", Urban Meyer, a man who had 31 separate felony arrests occur on his watch at Florida, when that guy, who routinely looks the other way and is the embodiment of the phrase "lack of institutional control", when THAT guy deems you too toxic, and kicks you off his team? Red flag! Red flag!

If you want to look the veteran route, there's not much out there. Maybe offer an incentive laden deal to Marcus Trufant (Seahawks) or Rashean Mathis (Jaguars). Seriously, Brandon Carr is the second best corner on the market (behind Brent Grimes (Falcons)). That ought to tell you how tough it is to find one acceptable long-term option at the position, let alone two like the Chiefs currently have.

Ideal Depth Chart for 2012: Carr (left), Flowers (right); Arenas, Daniels, promising rookie for depth.

* Safety.
Current Depth Chart: Lewis (strong), Berry (free); McGraw, Washington, Langford, Piscatelli.
Free Agent(s): McGraw.
Unlikely to Return: Langford, McGraw, Piscatelli (please Jesus. Please.)

Thoughts: My God, is this position a nuclear holocaust. Berry played four snaps all year. Piscatelli looked competent for about two snaps all year. McGraw has lost it, Langford never had it, and Lewis played out of position most of the year at strong safety. How the hell the Chiefs didn't get torched for 45 points and 500 yards every game, I have absolutely no idea.

I mean, look at that depth chart without Eric Berry. Christ, I could complete 21/40 for 250 and a couple touchdowns against this riff-raff. I can only think of one team all season that decided to chuck it all over the field on us, and that was the Lions in week 2. (They won 48-3 in a game that wasn't even that close).

This unit needs serious upgrading, both with veteran talent and some youth. On the free agent wire, I'd make a serious run at tyvon branch of the raiders. Another "strengthen yourself at your rivals' expense" signing.

As far as looking to the draft, uuh, well ... as deep as the cornerback pool is? The safety pool is that shallow. Not a single safety earned a first round grade on Sportsline*, and only two earned a second round grade. Yikes. So I'd probably bring in another veteran for depth at a cost-friendly contract, and wait until next year to find a youngster in the draft.

(*: I went with Sportsline for my collegiate rankings because ESPN Insider is piss poor so far in its coverage. Kiper goes 32 deep overall; McShay doesn't even have a first round mock posted yet, let alone a positional breakdown. AND I PAY ESPN FOR THAT! Sportsline charges me $0.00 for a tremendously easy to use database breakdown not just by position, but by SIDE OF THE LINE the position is on. F*ck you ESPN Insider.)

Ideal Depth Chart for 2012: Berry (free), Branch (strong) (free agent); Lewis, Washington, veteran backup for depth.

So ... if you followed me this far, in summary, what I want to see the Chiefs do this offseason:

Free Agency:
Sign Matt Forte, RB, Bears.
Sign Marques Colston, WR, Saints.
Sign Demetrius Bell, LT, Bills, or Khalif Barnes, RT, raiders.
Sign Abrayeo Franklin, NT, Saints.
Sign Tyvon Branch, SS, raiders.

Re-sign Brandon Carr, CB.
Re-sign Jovan Belcher, LB.
Re-sign Cory Greenwood, LB.
Re-sign Jerheme Urban, WR.
Re-sign Le'Ron McClain, FB.

Do NOT re-sign Kyle Orton, QB.
Do NOT re-sign Dwayne Bowe, WR.
Do NOT re-sign Barry Richardson, LT.
Do NOT re-sign Jon McGraw, SS.
Do NOT re-sign Demorrio Williams, ILB.

Oh, and
DO! NOT! RE! SIGN! sabby! piscatelli! (please Jesus. Please!)

Draft:
Trade down in round one, into the mid 20s, and pick up a third rounder.
Draft Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama, in round one.
Draft the best guard / center on the board in round two.
Draft Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma, in round three.
Draft best cornerback on the board with round three pick acquired via tradedown.
Draft Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State, in round four.
Draft best guard / center on the board in round five.
Draft corner or safety in round six.
Draft another corner or safety in round six (Orton compensatory pick).
Draft best player available in round seven.
Draft best player available in round seven (compensation for Jarrad Page).

Thoughts, opinions, hate mail? Hit me up in the comments, on email at teamtito15@yahoo.com, or on twitter @teamtito15. Although I'm still not good at this Twitter thing, so if I don't respond, don't be offended. I'm 35 now, the world flies by much faster than it used to for this now nearly officially old dude ...

2011 chiefs in (p)review part quatro: the coaching staff

As anyone who’s ever met me, or read this site, is well aware … I don’t tend to hold back. If I feel strongly about something, I lay it out there, regardless of the damage it might cause. Sometimes, that's a good thing. Sometimes, it incites people to storm out of the house after hearing something they don't want to hear. What can I say, it's a "gift".

So allow me to admit up front … that I am completely and totally confused as to how to believe about the hiring of Romeo Crennel as the 12th head coach in franchise history.

On the one hand, promoting from within rarely works. As the Star’s Randy Covitz noted a few weeks ago, since the merger, RAC is now the 62nd head coach promoted from within. Only 5 of the previous 61 have led the team that hired them to a Super Bowl victory – some dude named Don McCafferty with the 1970 Baltimore Colts (I’m guessing Johnny U had much more to do with that win than whoever the hell Don McCafferty was), John Madden with the 1976 raiders, Tom Flores with the 1980 and 1983 raiders, Bill Parcells with the 1986 and 1990 Giants, and George Seifert with the 1989 and 1994 49ers. While the odds are against this move resulting in the Chiefs being the last team to win a game in any given season … if you hit on the hire, you REALLY hit on the hire.

On the other hand, since the expansion of the postseason from five to six teams in 1990, there have been 17 in-house promotions … and while none of them has won the Lombardi Trophy for their franchise, 4 of them have at least played for it (99 Titans (Fisher), 01 Rams (Martz), 02 raiders (Callahan), 09 Colts (Caldwell)). And in three of those cases, it was an in-house hire on an already relatively successful team simply maintaining the course, a move that hiring Crennel channels.

On the one hand, Romeo Crennel was a spectacular failure in Cleveland in his only prior head coaching stint, winning 6, 4, 10, and then 4 games before being shown the door after his fourth year on the job.

On the other hand, the Browns have had two winning seasons since returning to the NFL in 1999 – the 2002 wildcard team that went 9-7 … and Crennel’s 2007 team that went 10-6, missing the playoffs on tiebreakers. And Crennel won 10 games with Derek Anderson under center, William Green as the featured back, and Mohammad Massaquoi as the primary receiving threat. To coach a team that limited on offense to 10 wins and the cusp of a playoff berth, indicates someone knows what they’re doing.

On the one hand, hiring Crennel and only guaranteeing him three years (and realistically, knowing he’s in it for four at the most), means the Chiefs will be right back in this spot after 2015 at the latest, and at that point will be hiring their 6th head coach in 16 years. You want to ensure your franchise is mediocre at best? Keep changing the head coach. If you look at the 10 most successful franchises since 2000, you’ll notice that they all tend to be stable on the sidelines:

* Patriots: Belichick since 2000.
* Steelers: Cowher to 2006 (retired); Tomlin 2007 onward.
* Ravens: Billick to 2007 (fired); Harbaugh 2008 onward.
* Colts: Dungy 2002-2008 (retired); Caldwell 2009 onward (for now).
* Giants: Fassel to 2003 (fired); Coughlin 2004 onward.
* Eagles: Reid since 1999.
* Packers: Sherman to 2005 (fired); McCarthy 2006 onward.
* Seahawks: Holmgren to 2008 (retired); Mora 2009 (fired); Carroll 2010 onward.
* Panthers: Fox to 2010 (fired); Rivera 2011 onward.
* Bears: Jauron to 2004 (fired); Smith 2005 onward.

Those ten teams represent 30 of the last 42 conference championship game berths. And if you want to include a team that “got it together” in the latter half of the 2000s and put the Saints in there (who’ve only had two coaches as well, Haslett to 2005 and Payton 2006 onward), as well as include an annual playoff contender that also has only had two coaches in that stretch, the Titans (Fisher to 2010, Munchek 2011 on), its 33 of 42 ... and twice Fisher lost at home in his first playoff game as the top overall seed. The numbers don’t lie – if you constantly are changing coaches every 2-3 years, you will NEVER attain success in the NFL.

On the other hand … isn’t this kind of a continuity kind of hire? RAC is who the players wanted. It’s clearly who the GM wanted. The owner obviously is OK with it. With Romeo in charge, the defense won’t change much, and the offense might finally get designated to someone with permission to completely oversee it, since the head coach won’t be constantly interfering.

Again, on the one hand, because of the three year contract and likely four year commitment, who we hire at one (or both) of the major coordinator positions is vitally important, because that person(s) represents your favorite(s) for the gig in 2016 if things go according to plan.

But on the other hand, isn’t that OK? I’m probably the only Chiefs fan alive who loves Herm Edwards … but even I wonder if things might have been better if Al Saunders, the logical replacement for Dick Vermeil, was given a crack at the head gig. What’s wrong with hiring your next two head coaches with this move, Crennel and his logical successor? Isn’t that what smart teams do, put a solid contingency plan into place and then stick to it?

At the end of the day, I’m totally torn on this hire. From a fan perspective, I hate it. We should have done better. Competent GM, solid talent base, down division, passionate fan base, owner who stays the hell out of the way -- if Romeo Crennel is the best this job can attract, then we are in far worse shape than I believe the Chiefs to be. (And I don’t think we’re in bad shape whatsoever; if anything, provided our key contributors come back to at least 90%ish of what they were, this is your 2011 AFC West prohibitive favorite.)

On the other hand, “settling” for Romeo Crennel isn’t a bad move. The last two head coaches the Browns fired that got a second chance in this league? Worked out pretty well for their next team. I don’t think the Patriots are upset whatsoever at giving Bill Belichick (technically) a third chance. (In case you forgot, Belichick “coached” the Jets for 38 hours after Parcells stepped down in early 2000, before deciding New England was a better job.)

And are Chiefs fans upset at giving Marty Schottenheimer the head job not even three weeks after the Browns (stupidly) overreacted to a wildcard loss and fired him? I know I’m not – without Carl and Marty, this team would be playing in Charlotte or Baltimore or (cringe) St. Louis right now.

Also, coaches who have the locker room’s unwavering support, tend to do well for a year or two, sometimes into year three. And go figure, Scott Pioli only signed Romeo to a three year contract. That’s smart thinking.

My biggest nagging issue with the hire isn’t Romeo himself. It’s with the man who hired him, Scott Pioli. If this is a move for continuity, to hold together the locker room, to signal to the players that “hey, ok, I get it, I blew it last time” and give them their guy? I’m fine with it, I truly am.

If this is a hire, however, that was made out of fear of failure? It is not going to end well. As Jack Dawson put it in “Titanic”: “when you’ve got nothing? You’ve got nothing to lose”. Scott Pioli had NOTHING to lose by this hire. If it works? He keeps his job long-term. If it bombs? He’s following Romeo out the door. Which is why I question why this move was made.

If you have nothing … you have nothing to lose. Was Pioli scared to take a risk after the Haley experiment failed? Was he scared to take a shot on an up-and-coming assistant for a second time? I mean, and boy does this pain me, broncos owner patrick j. bowlen, the “classless jackass” himself, wasn’t scared to double down on the “hot” assistant of the day 16 years ago. He hired Wade Phillips in 1993. Phillips was fired after 1994. bowlen decided to pursue THE hot coaching prospect at that time, the 49ers offensive coordinator. Some dude named … mike shanahan. Ask denver fans if they’re upset about “taking a chance” on another team’s hot assistant.

Ask Packers fans if they’re upset a decade later that Ted Thompson hired another 49ers offensive coordinator, Mike McCarthy, to replace Mike Sherman. Ask Saints fans if they’re upset that Mickey Loomis took a chance on Cowboys offensive coordinator Sean Payton. Or Cardinals fans about Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whizenhunt. Or hell – Steelers fans about Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin. This is what has me upset more than anything, and has me questioning the hire, is that I fully believe Scott Pioli is so scared of failing in this pick, that he opted for the safe play.

To put this into gambling terms, this is the equivalent of having a hard 11 against an ace … and choosing to just hit, rather than double down. No, it’s not a mistake. Yes, it can work. Yes, it might be the “smart” play. And yes, if you double that 11 and get anything other than a 8, 9, 10 or a face, you’re probably in deep trouble.

But you know what? 8, 9, 10, J, K, Q is nearly half the deck. You’ve got about a 44% chance of pulling a card that at worst gets you a draw. And basically a 25% shot of drawing a card that ensures you can’t lose, and that the dealer has to have an epic draw to push against. The Chiefs today hit their 11 against an ace. It might work. But it’s not the move I would have made.

So, the question now becomes, with Romeo on board, who fills the next three key coaching slots. Offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special teams coach.

We know at least two of the three will change – Romeo has been promoted from DC, there’s no way Bill Muir returns as OC, and the jury’s out on Steve Hoffman as ST guru.

As you might expect, I have my opinions on each job. What you might not expect … is who I support for at least one of the positions. First up …

Special Teams: Steve Hoffman has done a credible, decent job in his three years on the job. The coverage units aren’t as good as they should be, but for God’s sake, you cannot question his job with the kicking specialists. Dusty C might be the third best punter in the division … and the third best punter in the league. When you’ve got Mike Scifres and shane lechler ahead of you, it’s tough to break through. (To say nothing of arguably the worst punter in the division being the 4th best punter in the league, in Dusty C’s brother britton in denver.) And good Lord, you take a kid 256th in the draft, give him the job on Opening Day … and he winds up setting the franchise record for most consecutive made field goals in his second season? That’s some tremendous coaching.

Yes, the return units need some work, but they were rock solid in 2009 and 2010 when Hoffman had training camp and a full offseason to work through the issues. I would RETAIN Steve Hoffman as special teams coach for another season, and I would probably extend his contract to last at least as long as mine if I was Romeo Crennel.

Defensive Coordinator: the Chiefs have two rock solid options in-house if they choose to promote from within, in former OU head coach and Saints DC Gary Gibbs (currently our LB’s coach), and secondary coach Emmitt Thomas (was DC for Philly 1995-1998, Packers in 1999, Vikings in 2000-2001, and Falcons from 2002-2009. Playoff berths in those 15 seasons? 6. Not too shabby). The rumor mill has been going crazy that Romeo and Pioli are hot after Jaguars interim head coach and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, a move I don’t oppose at all.

There’s also the option of Romeo remaining as DC in addition to his head coaching duties (which I strongly oppose), and my belief that the interview last week with Jack Del Rio was to see if he and Romeo could co-exist on that side of the ball (with Del Rio as a possible head-coach-in-waiting).

None of those are the answer.

The defensive staff is rock solid, and really doesn’t need any major replacements. There’s no Tim Krumrie “how the hell does THIS dude have a job?!?!” obvious need to fire’s on this staff anymore.

I believe the answer is with a coach who believes in the 3-4, who (I think this is correct) has a contract about to expire, has solid head-coaching credentials in case he’s the head-coach-in-waiting (this dude went 3-4 with the Bills in 2009 as interim head coach; they were 1-8 when they hired him) … and he’s got his team once again still alive in the divisional round of the postseason.

To get him, if I’m wrong about him being a free agent coach, we’d have to offer him an assistant head coach position, and possibly trade a late round draft pick … but if you believe in this guy like I do, it’s worth the cost.

The guy I’d pursue … is Giants DC Perry Fewell.

If you watched the last few weeks, he’s put on a CLINIC of how to coach defense in this league. He made the Jets look hapless, the Cowboys look hopeless, and the Falcons offense managed zero points in a playoff game in which they won the time of possession and yardage statistics. His background is with the secondary, which is perfect, since Emmitt Thomas is at most 2 years away from retirement. You leave Gary Gibbs alone to keep improving the linebacking corps, leave Thomas in place in the secondary (the job he did this year was nothing short of a miracle), and if you want to replace Anthony Pleasant on the DL, fine … but please, don’t call Tim Krumrie, that’s all I ask.

Plus, Fewell is a perfect HCIW (head coach in waiting, for the acronym challenged). He has experience running a team. He got a 1-8 Bills team to basically play .500 ball for him. I love this prospective hire, even if it a little surprising.

(For the record, my guess is Gary Gibbs is promoted to DC, which I’m perfectly fine with. He’s a competent quality coach who won’t screw things up. You need those throughout your staff.)

But if Fewell is out of left field … well, I’m not sure there’s a field to describe what I think we should hire as …

Offensive Coordinator: let me state up front, this will never happen. But its my post, its my site, I’m typing up who I want as our offensive coordinator. (Slash offensive line coach. What? If Bill Muir can “pull off” the double duty, I KNOW this guy can.)

And I’m not going to run through a list of potentials like I just did on the defensive side of the ball. There’s one man I want overseeing our offensive gameplan and offensive line next year. It’s the same guy I wanted us to hire in 2009 when Haley arrived, 2010 when Weis arrived, and last year when Muir ascended to the job. He’s one of the brightest offensive minds the League has seen in the last twenty years. He’s also a horrendous head coach who will NEVER get another shot at running his own team, which is ideal, believe it or not! The Chiefs will be hiring their 5th offensive coordinator in 4 years. We need stability at the position, someone who isn’t an up-and-coming coaching prospect, but someone who’ll be in the chair for 4, 5, 6 years, and not bolt for the next great thing. We need another Al Saunders, another Paul Hackett.

Or in this case, a man affectionately known on this site as “Sur” William Callahan.

Bill Callahan, currently the Jets offensive line coach, formerly the head coach of the oakland raiders and Nebraska Cornhuskers.

There are a lot of qualified assistants out there waiting for their big break. Callahan already got his – in 2002 with the raiders, when he managed to not screw things up, and got the remnants of the team Jon Gruden built to the Super Bowl. And when the floor collapsed in 2003, he packed up and went to Nebraska … where he promptly took said floor collapse, and made sure the foundation, plumbing, and wiring were all sub-code as well.

But his lack of success as a head coach, doesn’t hide his tremendous upside as an offensive coordinator. The issues with his Huskers teams were NEVER the offense. It was the defense. As OC? Doesn’t have to worry one damned bit about the defense. As Gruden’s OC in oakland, all they did was completely redefine the West Coast Offense as it existed, turning Dick Gannon into a NFL MVP despite his inability to throw a ball 11 yards down the field. As his own playcaller in Lincoln, he completely overhauled the Huskers offense, attaining a level of success so amazingly incredible that when Dr. Tom cleaned house and brought in Bo Pelini to right the ship? Pelini kept the entire offensive staff in place. Bo Pelini might be mentally unstable, but he’s not stupid. You don’t screw with what works. And Bill Callahan’s offensive system works.

To get Callahan, all we’d have to do is offer him the job. He’s currently the Jets offensive line coach (although if Brian Schottenheimer is not retained, Callahan is the favorite for the Jets’ OC job). Make the offer. Get Callahan in here. The guy has found a way to help top ten offenses with Rich Gannon, Marques Tuaisosopu, and Mark Sanchez under center. He actually lost two games at Nebraska despite topping 50 points. The guy is a horrendous head coach.

But he’s the best available offensive coordinator on the market. Go get him Chiefs. Go get him!

Coming (hopefully) tomorrow, part five: free agency and (possibly) the draft. If you resign yourself to Cassel (or Orton) being under center next September 10th, then the primary focus for one or the other has to be offensive tackle. And since I believe spending a first round pick on an offensive lineman is just about the stupidest thing a franchise can do, that means Clark Hunt needs to open the checkbook in free agency. Thankfully, the new CBA requires him to do that, to a healthy multi-million dollar tune this offseason, just to get the Chiefs within sight of the 95% floor threshold …

2011 chiefs in (p)review part tres: the dream 2012 schedule

In case you missed part one …
In case you missed part two …

And now … part three.

* The 2012 Schedule, Stevo-style:

We know the opponents and the venues, so let’s knock this out, my dream 2012 schedule. Should note up front, the Royals are home August 18th and the entire first week of September (for preseason scheduling purposes, and again, focus on the fact that this is MY dream schedule, hint hint), as well as September 16th (Sunday), 23rd (Sunday), and October 1st (Monday), so the odds are the Chiefs open at home, then hit the road for two straight, barring a Monday nighter in there.

Also, given how the NFL now schedules week 17 (all divisional games), and given that we faced oakland, then denver, the last two years, I would bet the family farm my family doesn’t own on us playing the Chargers to close the season, and that is reflected in this dream schedule.

So here you go, how I hope our schedule looks when it’s released in early March:

Preseason:

Week 1: at Browns, Friday August 10th, 7pm (local KCTV).
Week 2: vs Bears, Saturday August 18th, 7:30pm (local KCTV).
Week 3: vs Vikings, Saturday August 25th, 7:30pm (local KCTV).
Week 4: at Rams, Thursday August 30th, 7pm (local KCTV).

Reason / Rationale: I tried to pick teams that we generally schedule in the preseason. Seems like we usually face the Vikings and Browns, and we always face the Rams (except when playing them in the regular season) in the “Governor’s Cup” game. (Or, as Don Criqui put it, the “Governor’s Cup Trophy”. Oy.) For the other game, I scheduled the Bears, at home, on Saturday the 18th … because as luck would have it, the Royals host the White Sox that day! If it’s my dream schedule, I will ALWAYS have a double header day in there for August, because (a) anytime you can have not one, but TWO!, tailgates in the same day, it’s a winner in my book, and (b) that’s the only shot in hell you have of getting me to show up for a preseason game, instead of blowing it off for a float trip. Sorry. Give me a reason to show up beyond “glorified scrimmage” and I’ll do it. Because not even eating $80 / ticket can get me to show up at this point.

Regular Season:

Week 1: Sunday, September 9th, vs Bengals, noon, CBS. Interesting opener between a potentially up and coming Bengals team, and a rebounding Chiefs team.

Week 2: Sunday September 16th, at Browns, noon, CBS. Springboard to a potential meaningful season, like two years ago in this exact spot? Very winnable roadie early on.

Week 3: Sunday September 23rd, at raiders, 3:15pm, CBS. Chiefs have won 8 of 9 by the Bay, the only loss being in overtime two years ago.

Week 4: Sunday September 30th, vs Panthers, noon, FOX. I can’t wait to see Cam Newton play in person. Here’s to hoping he does as poorly as Mike Vick did in his Arrowhead debut (4 Turnovers, a 56-10 defeat). Chiefs are set up to open 3-1, ideally 4-0, heading into a prime time matchup against …

Week 5: Monday October 8th, vs Falcons, 7:30pm, ESPN. Tony G’s return to Arrowhead. I’ll be booing him as loudly as my vocal chords will allow. I’m guessing I’ll be in the minority.

Week 6: Sunday October 14th, at broncos, 3:15pm, CBS. Should be fun, if only for the “Stevo hates this team so much he cannot rationally watch this game” factor.

Week 7: bye. Set up so that the pessimist says 3-3, the realist says 4-2, and the optimist says 5-1, entering 2012’s gauntlet of games, beginning with …

Week 8: Sunday October 28th, vs Ravens, 3:15pm, CBS. The Ravens have won their last two at Arrowhead, outscoring the Chiefs 50-17 in the process. And to be fair? Neither game was competitive in any way, shape or form after halftime. Tough, tough way to close October. Hence scheduling it after the bye week.

Week 9: Sunday November 4th, at Steelers, 3:15pm, CBS. The Chiefs haven’t won in Pittsburgh since 1986. I would not expect that streak to end in 2012. Last time the Chiefs visited Pittsburgh (week 6 2006), kcchiefs.com described it as the Steelers “using (the Chiefs) as their own personal urinal”. I’d expect another “port-a-potty come 3pm on gameday” experience in this one.

Week 10: Sunday November 11th, at Saints, noon, FOX. Hate that the whiny NFC East squads got hacked and forced schedule changes for all teams against the AFC / NFC West … because we should be hosting the Saints, if the last two year’s past schedules had held.

Week 11: Sunday November 18th, vs raiders, noon, CBS*. raiders have won their last 5 at Arrowhead, and figure to be better in 2012 than they were in any of those previous five years.

Week 12: Thursday, November 22nd, vs broncos, 7pm, NFLN. Its my dream schedule, and until the day I die, I want a repeat of Thanksgiving Night 2006. Chiefs and donkeys should play at least once in prime time every year. Ideally at Arrowhead on Thanksgiving night.

Week 13: Sunday December 2nd, at Chargers, 3:15pm, CBS*. Beginning of a very doable stretch run for the Chiefs. I set us up against San Diego twice in the last five weeks, just because it seems like we usually get some divisional opponent 2 out of 4, 2 out of 5, why not the Chargers this time.

Week 14: Sunday December 9th, vs Colts, noon, CBS*. Manning? Luck? Does it matter? We almost never beat these guys, no matter where we play them.

Week 15: Sunday December 16th, at Bucs, noon, FOX*. Wohoo! A trip to the beaches of Florida in December! Sign me up!

Week 16: Sunday December 23rd, at Bills, noon, CBS*. A very winnable roadie late in the season.

Week 17: Sunday December 30th, vs Chargers, noon, CBS*. I can absolutely see a 9-6 Chiefs team hosting a 10-5 Chargers team with the division on the line, and this getting flexed into prime time.

(*: subject to flex scheduling).

A very workable schedule. Preseason, who cares, so long as (a) the Double Header Day is in there, and (b) you don’t face a regular season opponent.

The first four weeks, the “first quarter”, as former coach so (correctly) described it? All winnable. The second quarter? Tougher. The third quarter? The toughest of all? The fourth quarter? Hopefully (cake walk) to the finish line. Just like a typical college semester. Or a typical college career, if you view it as a four year experience.

I firmly believe this is a 10 win team as its currently constructed, if healthy. And 10 wins will not only win the AFC West, it might get you a bye if the uprising juggernaut the AFC North is starts bashing its heads against each other. With some convenient upgrades and smart (offensive) coaching hires, this is a 11, 12 win team that can get a bye, and have a shot at greatness … even with Matt Cassel under center.

Coming tomorrow (hopefully): part four at least, who I’d let go in free agency / roster purges, and who I’d pursue in free agency / roster purges. Coming at some point after that: part five, my ideal coaching staff (possibly) and draft targets (definitely). Here’s a hint. Said draft target, likely to be available on day three, rhymes with “Mellon Kore”. And you can pretty much replace the M and the K with each other, and figure out who I want under center in 2013 if the Brees Dream falls through …

2011 chiefs in review part dos: individual grades

In case you failed to read part one …

(late 80s nbc announcer dude voice) “and now, part two of Hunter …” I mean, “and now, part two of the Stevo Chiefs Season in Review” …

Individual Grades, Offense:

* LT Branden Albert: B. I think he’s better on the right side, but he’s a perfectly acceptable blind side tackle. Again, I think he’s better on the right side, and I think he’s a perfectly acceptable blind side tackle. Please, please, please, remember this when I get to the “whatever you do on day two or (possibly) early day three of the draft, please, DRAFT THIS GUY!” segment of this series of posts (I’m guessing it’ll be fourth).

* LG Ryan Lilja: B. No stupid penalties, and Cassel getting hurt wasn’t the line’s fault, so other than for one glaring exception, these guys are getting passing grades. Plus Lilja’s done what he was hired to do: allowed us to transition spots on the line. Waters out, Asomoah in. Next year, Weigmann out, Hudson in. And also hopefully, Richardson out, something less than a turd burgler in*.

(*: you’re welcome, Dick Vermeil fans. Other than his “I’ve got a perfect record up there, 0 and 4” comment about playing in denver, that’s my favorite Vermeil quote ever, calling Terdell Sands a “turd burglar”. Oh I miss you sometimes coach. Not very often. But sometimes.)

* C Casey Weigmann: A. If this is it, he’s had one helluva career anchoring (in the beginning) one of the NFL’s greatest offensive lines ever, and by the end, a perfectly mediocre crew. Thanks for the memories champ.

* RG Jon Asomoah: A. I know some Chiefs fans are still irked at Brian Waters getting cut, then making a Pro Bowl, and that’s fine … but don’t ignore the job that Asomoah did, or the fact that over the next ten years, we’re going to see Asomoah in a lot more Pro Bowls than Waters will appear in. This kid has a bright, bright future in front of him.

* RT Barry Richardson: F. If it was possible to give a grade worse than F, I would. Although maybe F is appropriate, since he’s the biggest f*ck up of a tackle this team has employed since … uuh … Trezelle Jenkins? Right tackle has to be an offseason priority. If Barry Richardson is the best you can do? Then in the words of Mr. Holland, “your best is not good enough”. Earns his F for multiple holding calls, false starts, and of course for failing to block richard seymour not once, but twice, on field goal attempts against oakland.

* C Rodney Hudson: B+. Can also play guard. Likely starting center next fall. I’d still have rather had Ryan Mallett with the 50th pick last spring instead of Hudson, but I’m not going to dwell on that – Hudson has talent and potential, and if your second round pick turns into a ten year starter at center, you’ve done really well.

* WR Steve Breaston: B+. Provided a decent second / third option, took some heat off of Bowe and Baldwin, and generally caught everything thrown in his direction. Had a huge third down conversion in overtime against the Chargers to keep the game winning drive alive as well.

* WR Jonathan Baldwin: C. Everything before week 7 earned him an F. Everything after week 7 earned him an A, so I’m splitting the difference. Had a huge touchdown against the Chargers, and no major on-field issues. (Off the field? Another story. Hence the F before he saw the field.)

* WR Dwayne Bowe: D. Too many high profile drops (his drop against oakland cost us a playoff berth), he’s just not worth the money he’s going to command. The Chiefs would be far better off letting Bowe walk, franchise Carr, and pursue Reggie Wayne in free agency.

* WR Jerheme Urban: B-. Primarily a special teamer. No major gaffes. You can do worse for a fourth receiver than Urban. (See Samie Parker.)

* RB Jamaal Charles: Incomplete. Had a bad first game, but the Chiefs were driving (primarily due to his running) to take the lead early on at Detroit when he blew out his knee. If Charles can return to even 90% of what he was in 2010 next season, the Chiefs are your favorites to win the AFC West no matter what unqualified dolt we line up under center.

* RB Jackie Battle: A+. Gave everything he had, and that was asked of him. Probably the only starting running back in the league that also plays special teams. If he doesn’t return next season, I wish him nothing but the best.

* RB Thomas Jones: F. My God, where do you begin? He broke our first round pick’s hand in a stupid locker room fight. He failed to pick up 3rd and 1 at an alarming rate. If Jones is back next season, someone in the front office has failed.

* FB Le’Ron McClain: B-. Other than me, possibly “The Voice of Reason”, and maybe a mentally deranged person under care at Two Rivers over there on Raytown Road, nobody else believed this team could rally from 0-3 to being in playoff contention entering week 16 … save for Le’Ron McClain, whose Twitter account became must-read for Chiefs fans. I’m fine with him returning for a second season next year. We can do worse (See Mike Cox).

* QB Matt Cassel: B+. Wait, what?!?! Let me answer the “what the f*ck?!?! Last year he wins a division, makes a Pro Bowl, throws 27 TDs (with only 7 INTs and no lost fumbles), and you give him a D, and this year, he’s 4-4 (on the way to 4-5) when he leaves with a broken hand … and you not only give him your LEAST Valuable Player (Offense) award, you give him TWO full grades higher this year?!?!”question I know you are inevitably asking.

First, the LVP award was a group effort, the entire Chiefs QB corps failed in a pathetically epic way this fall. Second, look at the Chiefs after Cassel left. They failed to score more than 19 points in ANY game. (And somehow went 3-4. Amazing.) That tells me that at least Cassel was doing something right. Third, look at his coordinator (his 5th in 4 years, for what its worth). Would you trust Bill Muir to walk the dog to the curb to take a leak? Because I sure as hell wouldn’t. Fourth, look at what he (didn’t) have on the field – his running back, his first round pick, and a competent right tackle that didn’t have him dodging defenders on the 4th step of a 5 step drop.

Blaming Matt Cassel for this season makes little to no sense. The bottom line is that save for one amazing brain fart (the INT at San Diego … and people forget, he rallied us from down 17 to be in position to tie or win), that Cassel did a perfectly acceptable job under center. Do I want him as our long term starter? No. Do I believe he is capable of taking a team to the Super Bowl? Well, crazier things have happened, but hell no.

Would I bring Cassel back as the starter in 2012, with “draft this guy NOW!” waiting in the wings when Cassel’s contract expires after 2013? (Provided my dream “Drew Brees says yes!” scenario falls flat on its collective ass, as I anticipate it will?) Yes. Yes I would.

* QB Tyler Palko: F. In Palko’s defense, his starts were at New England (has home field advantage until the Super Bowl), vs Pittsburgh (top wild card, second best record in conference), at Chicago (was 7-3 until Cutler and Forte got hurt) and at the Jets (at the time, a shoo-in for the playoffs.) To which I say, so? Palko played so awful in all four games, that it’s a credit to the rest of the roster that we managed to win one, and nearly beat the Steelers. If Tyler Palko is on a NFL roster come Opening Day 2012, I would check the GM of that team for mental competence.

* QB Ricky Stanzi: F. If you can’t get on the field ahead of Tyler Palko … and you can’t blame the coaching change for that – Romeo refused to play him either even though the finale yesterday was meaningless – then you suck something awful. Which is why I hated this draft pick last spring, and hate him on the roster even more entering January. In the words of Gregg and I’d old doormat: “Go Away”.

* QB Kyle Orton: D. Wait, what? Yes, a D. What, pray tell, did Orton do? The offense got WORSE every week with him at the helm – 5 scoring possessions vs Packers (who, by the way, finished with the 32nd ranked defense in the league, and we only managed 19 points against them, cracked! Anyone who think the Packers are winning it all, again, 32 Defense. How well did that work out here in 2003 with a MORE prolific offense?), 3 scoring possessions against oakland, and 1 against denver. Orton accounted for three touchdowns – Battle’s run against Green Bay, Bowe’s catch against oakland, and McCluster’s run at denver yesterday. So basically Orton threw one touchdown in three weeks. Wow. Color me unimpressed.

(Cue every denver fan reading this nodding in agreement. Ditto any Bears fans. And Purdue fans. And wherever the hell Orton went to high school, junior high, and played his Pee Wee league ball at.)

Furthermore, if you’re going to blame special teams for failing to win this sh*tty division, you at least have to lay some blame on Orton as well, for his “what the hell is this jackass thinking?!?!” throw in the 2nd quarter against oakland, when he threw into triple coverage in the end zone with no Chief in sight to kill a scoring drive that would have won the game.

There’s a reason why denver cut this guy. There’s a reason why the Bears said “sure!” to taking Jay Cutler over this guy. And we’ve seen it. Simply put, he can’t score. Now, maybe I should sympathize with the guy, since I too have that problem in the sexual arena, but for f*ck’s sake, I’m not making millions of dollars a year to quarterback a football team. If I have to choose between Orton or Cassel, I’m taking Cassel every time. And I’m doubling down on that bet to boot. Even if its as dumb as doubling down on a soft 3 against a 2. (Which I do 90% of the time. And 100% when I’m playing with the house’s money. Sometime, I need to post my theory on the five types of blackjack players that exist. Because I know unlike most of my theories, I’m dead on accurate on that one. And in case I ever fail to post but explain it verbally, I’m conservative / aggressive. Trust me, the theory makes sense when laid out in words.)

Individual Grades, Defense:

* DE Tyson Jackson: D. Cut him. It’s over. This experiment failed. Yes, he got “better” as the year went along, if by “better” you mean he didn’t sh*t his pants in the defensive huddle. Routinely got abused on the line. Amon Gordon is a better option, if you want to “experiment” with the d-line.

* DT Kelly Gregg: F. An abysmal failure. Although to be fair, the guy he replaced (Ron Edwards) didn’t play a down this season, so maybe I should revise this grade. OK, fine. D-. This is the fourth most important upgrade of the offseason (behind (in order) offensive coordinator, right tackle, and 3rd cornerback).

* DE Glenn Dorsey: B-. A solid run stopper. Cannot pressure the passer to save his life. That’s not a good combination for a top five pick four years into his career. Pioli’s got a tough decision to make with Dorsey, who quite honestly, should not be on the field on third down.

* DT Amon Gordon: A+. What a steal! I believe in crediting people when they excel (and ripping them when they fail), so take a bow, Scott Pioli. This might be the free agent find of the decade, and if the Chiefs steal that honor two decades in a row (Priest Holmes last decade, or Brian Waters, take your pick), that’s a good thing. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with more playing time if he replaces Gregg as the starter.

* DE Allen Bailey: C. No major screw-ups, no major contributions. Mediocrity earns a mediocre grade.

* DE Wallace Gilberry: B-. A competent backup defensive end. We can do worse (See Tyson Jackson).

* OLB Justin Houston: B. Like Rodney Hudson, I’d have preferred we spent this draft pick on Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett last spring … but like Rodney Hudson, if we get a 10 year starter who’ll make a couple Pro Bowls out of the pick, I can’t complain that much. Still, until and unless the Chiefs address the gigantic "elephant in the room” that is our quarterback disaster, this team is at best a 10-6 wildcard round loser. Houston had a solid rookie season, and should be a long-term starter here going forward. Provided, of course, he doesn’t flunk yet another drug test for enjoying the wacky tobaccy even more than I do.

* ILB Jovan Belcher: C-. Chiefs can upgrade at this position, but they certainly can do worse. (See “cut” glen cadrez.) Belcher didn’t have a ton of huge plays this year, but played competent run defense, picked off a pass, and didn’t disgrace the position (unlike “cut” glen cadrez.)

* ILB Brandon Siler: incomplete.  And HERE is the Chiefs upgrade to the position.  Of all the season-ending injuries we suffered, this one might have hurt the worst of all.  Can't wait to see this guy back on the field in August.

* ILB Derrick Johnson: A. Finally made it to Hawaii with a deserving Pro Bowl nod. With Houston, DJ, and Hali, we’ve got a solid start on a rock-star linebacking corps.

* OLB Tamba Hali: A+. If the national media gave a damn about this team (or, more specifically, if we gave them a reason to give a damn), they’d be verbally fellating Tamba Hali as the next great young ‘backer in this league. What he’s accomplished the last two years against a double team on nearly every play (since nobody else in the front seven, save for Justin Houston, can generate a pass rush), is nothing short of amazing.

* OLB Andy Studebaker: F. Total regression season. Would be stunned to see him return in 2012.

* ILB Demorrio Williams: F. Totally normal season for him. Will be apoplectic if he returns in 2012.

* OLB Cameron Sheffield: C+. There’s some talent there, but good luck getting playing time in front of Hali and Houston.

* CB Brandon Flowers: A-. Awful start to the season, but from the second half in San Diego in week three onward, was a Pro Bowl caliber cornerback, and multiple national media outlets felt he should have been in the Pro Bowl. He will be before its all said and done later this month, and he’s earned it.

* CB Brandon Carr: A-. Would be an A+ except for the meltdown against oakland, when he got burned twice, both times setting up crucial points for the raiders in the game that ultimately cost the Chiefs a return trip to the playoffs. Resigning Carr long-term should be priority two for the Chiefs this offseason (after the coaching hire), and if necessary, he should be franchised.

* CB Javier Arenas: B. Solid special teamer, mediocre corner. You can do worse than Arenas (see Mark “Mighty Mouse” McMillian.)

* CB Travis Daniels: F. Gotta be honest – I didn’t realize he was still on the roster. I figured he’d already been cut for incompetence.

* S Eric Berry: incomplete. Chiefs fans, if you need a reason to hope, it is this: as good as this defense was? Its best player was on the field for three snaps this year, two after he’d already blown out his knee.

* S Jon McGraw: C-. Shouldn’t be a full time starter, and he knows it as well as anyone, but had no choice due to injury. Performed adequately. I am fine with him returning in a backup role that he’s perfectly suited to play (as in 2010).

* S Kendrick Lewis: B+. Love this kid, love his future, and good Lord, a starting secondary of Flowers / Carr / Berry / Lewis might be the best in the league.

* S Sabby Piscatelli: F. (stevo refusing to waste the space to discuss this worthless piece of sh*t’s season).

* P Dusty Colquitt: A. The Chiefs have the third best punter in the division … and the third best punter in the entire league. The AFC West is loaded with rock-star punters – lechler in oakland, Scifres in San Diego, and Dusty C’s little brother in denver. Makes it imperative that we replace Steve Hoffman with a Pete Rodriguez-type special teams coach to maximize what we have.

* PK Ryan Succup: C. For the record, I’m fine with the contract extension, and congrats on tying the franchise record for most consecutively made field goals. Having said that, two blocked kicks against oakland, a costly miss against San Diego in week 3 – if just ONE of those three kicks goes in, I’m not typing this post for another week.

Individual Grades, Coaches and Front Office:

* Head Coach Todd Haley: C-. The training camp gamble backfired, his devotion to Tyler Palko was baffling at best … but give him this – this team didn’t quit on him at 0-2, down 17 at the half in San Diego. They nearly beat the Chargers, won four straight, and somehow upset the Bears in Chicago before the floor finally gave against the Jets. I would not have fired Haley, for what its worth. His positives outweigh his negatives in my eyes. But I understand the move. I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors, and thank him for putting this franchise back on the map last season with our first division championship in 8 years.

* Head Coach Romeo Crennel: D+. Note – this is my grade for him as head coach, not defensive coordinator, which will appear in a few more paragraphs. There will be those who question this grade. Certainly upsetting Green Bay was sweet, and anytime you can beat those f*ckers in blue and orange in their place, it’s a good thing. Having said that … let’s consider three things:

1. The offense, again, got WORSE every week under Romeo. 19 to 13 to 7. The odds of going 2-1 when that’s your offense, are not good. And yet …
2. Explain the oakland loss. Defend it. That was all coaching, specifically a lack of it. This team should be hosting Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon. The entire game against oakland save for one drive is a clinic in how not to coach. And …
3. What did you see in the last three weeks to convince you Romeo isn’t, you know, Romeo? Penalties everywhere. Wasted timeouts. Pointless challenges. Chaos on offense. Retarded game plans. Crappy special teams. Complete lack of attention to detail.

If Romeo is the hire, I can stomach it, because if you can beat two playoff teams in three weeks as an interim head coach? You earn a passing grade. (Albeit barely). But hiring him is a huge mistake. Ask Dallas how hiring Wade Phillips went. Because hiring Romeo? Is hiring Wade. Its bringing Herm back. It’s going to end badly for all parties involved, especially those of us who consider ourselves to be die hard fans of this franchise.

* Offensive Coordinator Bill Muir: D-. I can’t flunk him because every time you were ready to pull out your Rage Against the Machine voice and scream “f*ck it cut the cord!”, he’d put together an offensive drive that left you thinking “well, maybe he isn’t snoring up there in the booth”. But Muir’s offense failed to top 19 points the last 9 games of the season, and managed to top 20 only twice all year (at Indy and hosting San Diego – you can’t count oakland, the defense was 14 of our 28 in that one). If Bill Muir is calling plays next year, I’m going to submit my name to the “need a new liver” registry just to be safe.

(Update: Muir is allegedly retiring later this week. Praise Jesus!)

* Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel: B+. Yes, the last three weeks have been a defensive masterpiece. Especially against Green Bay. Having said that, we lost our opener by 34, game 2 by 45, lost three more by 27 plus, were down 17 at both Indy and San Diego, and suffered epic meltdowns at key moments in the game against denver (the eric decker TD) and oakland (the first play of overtime). If you want to credit Romeo for the last three weeks, please do so (although I am not one of you.) But if you want to credit him for the last three weeks, then by God, hold him accountable for the insanity of the first fourteen.

(Note: in hindsight, B+ was probably too generous. Yes, Romeo got no help from the offense, but the Chiefs lost exactly three competitive games this year (out of six) – at San Diego (when we trailed 17-0 at the half), vs Steelers (within a score the whole way), and vs oakland (when neither team ever lead by more than 7). The other six? To Buffalo by 34, Detroit by 48, Miami (winless at the time) by 28, denver by 7 (misleading – garbage time TD cut it to 7 with :06 left, and Palko threw said garbage time TD after badly, badly, BADLY pissing away the clock in the minute preceding the TD), at Patriots (by 28), at Jets (by 27). In hindsight? B+ is too generous.)

* GM Scott Pioli: B-. The roster he assembled, if healthy, would have won the division, and we would have clinched it by week 15. If healthy. The problem is that there was no depth to speak of. Having Tyler Palko as your backup QB is a fireable offense, and everyone knew that in August, let alone once it showed itself to be a fireable offense in November.

Still, there is no doubt the 2011 Chiefs are better than the 2008 team he inherited, and figure to only get better going forward. The key for Pioli is going to be the quarterback decision. If he cannot find a long-term solution to the position, either in the draft, free agency, or by having Matt Cassel turn into what I don’t believe he is, then Pioli will be gone no later than January 2014. And deservedly so. Five years is more than enough time to figure the position out.

* Owner Clark Hunt: B. Many around here want to blast Hunt for allegedly not “spending money”. What, pray tell, would you have spent it on? Worthless veterans who would have meant the difference between what, a 9-7 team getting its ass kicked on national television on Sunday, instead of a 7-9 team that has plenty of spots available for young, up and coming talent this offseason? I’ll give Hunt this, three fold: (a) you can’t judge the payroll by the cap (Chiefs are 31st in cap room, 14th in actual salaries spent for the 2011 season), (b) the Hunt family paid every cent in cost overruns on the Truman Sports Complex remodel … and note, I didn’t say “Arrowhead remodel”, I said “Sports Complex”, and (c) again, what would you have had Clark Hunt whiz away 50, 60 million on? The talent wasn’t there this offseason!

If failing to p*ss away 50 to 60 million on mediocre talent makes you a “bad owner”? Then this league needs more “bad owners”, if only to avoid another pointless five month lockout. Hunt has resigned every major young player who was about to hit free agency up until now (DJ, Hali, Charles, Flowers, overpaid badly for Cassel). If either Carr or Bowe walks, well … as long as its Bowe, that’s probably not a bad thing long-term. But if both walk? Then call him cheap. Until then, I’m fine with him as an owner. Lock up your good young talent. Preserve cap flexibility to make a splash in free agency and / or the trade market when you’re on the verge of a breakthrough. This is what smart, well run teams do, and it is EXACTLY what the Chiefs have done. Anyone who can’t see that, apparently thinks a 9-7 playoff berth is a ceiling worth preserving. And we can do better than that, Chiefs fans (see Peterson, Carl …)

2011 chiefs in review part uno: the best and the worst

Whereas the previous post is my favorite post I type each year, uuh, well … this one is always my least favorite to write. Because typing, composing, (somewhat) proofing, and (ultimately) posting this piece? Means the bracelet is no longer on the wrist, and the Chiefs season is over.

At least it ended on a somewhat high note, as the Chiefs won a really god-awful game at fake mile high on Sunday. So, here you go, my look back at the 2011 season, and somewhat of a look forward to 2012, split into multiple parts. Because nobody wants to read a 30 page post.

Here is part one: the highs and lows of the season that was ... as well as the smartest "gamble" the Chiefs could possibly make this offseason.  Hint: it involves a phone call at 12:01am on March 4th that would reveal once and for all what we have in Matt Cassel, since there's not a shot in hell in the phone call would result in a new quarterback.  And no, that phone call should not be placed to the 317 area code ...

* Best Game: (tie) Chiefs 19, Packers 14 week 15; Chiefs 23, Chargers 20 (OT), week 8. The first might be the second biggest upset in the NFL this season (sorry, but the Saints getting tuned in St Louis ranks higher on my “how did that happen?!?!”-o-meter). The second was the culmination of one incredible month of comebacks, incredible finishes, and for one shining moment, gave hope to the Chiefs Kingdom that 2011 was salvageable.

* Worst Game: raiders 16, Chiefs 13 (OT), week 16. Yes, we lost five games by at least 27 points. Yes, we got tebowed out of the building against denver. But this one is the reason why the Chiefs aren’t playing at 3:30 on Sunday, and the broncos are.

* Favorite Play: The Phumble, vs Chargers week 8. Sometimes, this game delivers a magical moment when you least expect it. Phyllis Rivers fumbling a center exchange for the first time in his career, after the Chargers had seemingly just clinched victory, is one of those moments. Honorable mention to D Bowe’s circus act touchdown catch at Indy week 5, and Kendrick Lewis’ sideline touchdown return at oakland week 7.

* Least Favorite Play: timmy tebow to eric decker, 6 minutes to go, vs denver week 11. denver leading 10-7, the Chiefs have forced third down, and 56 yards later, on a perfect bomb down the sideline, the broncos had sealed victory at Arrowhead for the second time in three years. Dishonorable mention to the opening play of overtime vs raiders week 16, the palmer to darrius heyward-bey bomb that set the raiders up in field goal range.

* Favorite Ongoing Storyline: the emergence of Jackie Battle. No, he’s not a bona fide starter in this league, but given the mess the kid’s personal life is (search the Star for Mellinger’s story on Battle’s mom’s fight with end-stages Alzheimer’s disease), it’s nice to see the little guy succeed.

* Least Favorite Ongoing Storyline: that Romeo Crennel pretty much has sealed the head coaching job. I think this is a colossal mistake. I pray I’m wrong.

* Most Valuable Chief, Offense: RB Jackie Battle. The offense went straight down the crapper even before losing Tony Moeaki, Jamaal Charles, and Matt Cassel for the season, but at least Battle stepped up and provided some semblance of a running game.

* Most Valuable Chief, Defense: CB Brandon Carr. Resigning Carr to a long-term deal had damned well better be Priority Number Two at One Arrowhead Drive right now, behind the coaching hire. And both better get accomplished before free agency begins on March 4th.

* Least Valuable Chief, Offense: QB Matt Cassel. What an absolute waste of a season. And I would have said that before he broke his hand against denver in week 11 and was lost for the season. Dishonorable mention to both of his replacements (Tyler Palko and Kyle Orton), as well as backup Ricky Stanzi, who apparently sucks so bad that he can’t get onto the field after Tyler Palko sh*ts his pants in the huddle. Oh boy Chiefs fans, do we have a GAPING hole to fill under center. (That’s what she said! (rimshot!))

* Least Valuable Chief, Defense: S Sabby Piscatelli. If I try to rationally dissect his season, this paragraph will basically be nothing but creative variable uses of the word “f*ck”. Since I still gotta give him a grade later on, let’s save it for that paragraph, ok? (Plus, it gives you a reason to keep reading. I’m a sneaky bastard like that.)

* Most Improved Chief, Offense: RB Jackie Battle. From preseason star(ter) and special teams backup, to being a competent second option at the running back position. Helluva season for the little kid that could.

* Most Improved Chief, Defense: DT Amon Gordon. Did this guy come out of nowhere or what? And man did he deliver when he was on the field. Helluva bargain bin pickup by GM Scott Pioli this past offseason.

* Best Tailgate: gotta go with the Packers game (week 15), because the fish fry was awesome, the turnout was great, and the Chiefs got the win. But honestly? Uum …

* Worst Tailgate: none. Even my sick game, against the Steelers (week 12), when I was so ravaged by the flu that I could barely emerge from the car for 10 minutes at a time to say hello to people when they arrived? Even that was bearable weather with good friends having a good time. Which reminds me …

* Best Thing To Occur Not On the Field This Season: the weather. How could you beat this? Have we EVER had a season for football like this? Keeping in mind that I avoid preseason games as much as humanly possible (aka “unless it’s a Double Header Day or I have nothing better to do, I ain’t showing up”), you had “shirts optional!” weather for Buffalo, Minnesota, and San Diego (at least for tailgating), “shorts ok!” temps for denver, Green Bay, and oakland, and the Steelers, for being a night game in late November, was perfectly acceptable (save for my 103 degree fever and inability to stop puking, but that ain’t the weather’s fault … at least that night’s weather, anyways.) As for the one game I didn’t cover in that stretch …

* Second Worst Thing To Occur Not On the Field This Season: getting delayed for two hours at Fort Lauderdale, ultimately missing the Dolphins game. Although even this I can’t get too upset about – anytime you can spend a late fall / early winter weekend on a beach in Florida, you have to do it. Especially when it’s a family wedding, and the words “open bar” are a given, not a “God, I hope that’s the case” scenario.

* Second Best Thing To Occur Not On the Field This Season: cheaper tickets! Thank you Clark Hunt and family for lowering my cost next year by $40. I’ve been paying my way into that stadium since 1999, and I have never seen the cost go down. So this is a happy surprise, to put it mildly. A better home schedule (no real duds on there next year – the 3 divisional games, 2 AFC North playoff teams, an Indy team figuring to rebound, plus Cam Newton and Tony G making his (probable) final appearance at Arrowhead as a player), and you LOWER the cost to show up? Sign me up please!

* Worst Thing To Occur Not On the Field This Season: the passing of my seatmate Greg Mitchell. There are people in life you are truly blessed to have met and known. He was definitely one of them.

And because I don’t want to end on a downer …

* My Offseason Top Dream / Wet Dream / “You Want To Sell Tickets? Make the Phone Call Clark!” Fantasy of an Offseason …

Let me state, before I get to part two (the individual grades of each meaningful contributor to the “Fine 53”) that I am perfectly fine with Matt Cassel returning as our starter next year. I know this comes as a shock to most people who know me (and once I post the grades, please – have a stiff drink and / or joint in hand, you’ll need it when I get to Cassel and, more specifically, Orton, given my feelings for at least one of those two gentlemen), but the Chiefs can’t afford to mortgage the next two drafts to move up to the one or two spot and grab Luck or Griffin. It’s not worth it. Sorry. I know, we need a franchise quarterback, and Cassel isn’t one. I get it. I AGREE WITH YOU! So in the words of Carl Peterson, “shut the f*ck up and sit the f*ck down”, and allow me to make my plea.

Because even if he rejects the overtures of the franchise (and he would) … you want to prove you can “cowboy up”, Mr. Hunt? Mr. Pioli? Whoever the next coach is (I’m guessing Mr. Crennel)?

You want to show to a 2.3 million plus metropolitan area that you mean business, that you recognize the growing threat next door to you for the sports entertainment dollars in this town, and just like Carl Peterson 18 years ago ensured the Royals were finished in his tenure as a viable franchise, you want to keep them dead, buried, and hopeless in terms of grabbing the local media spotlight?

Throw 7 years, $145 million at …

Saints free agent quarterback to be Drew Brees.

Is it a horrendous contract offer? Absolutely. The only way you make an insane offer like that -- $20 plus million PER YEAR, over 7 years, for a 30 something year old quarterback, is if “you’re in it to win it”, as Randy Jackson will start saying in about two weeks on “American Idol”.

The ONLY way you make an offer that insane, is if the only thing you care about is winning a championship.

There is not one rational reason to believe Drew Brees will leave New Orleans. There is not one rational reason to believe that Clark Hunt would go over his spend-thrift GM and offer the deal of a lifetime to a quarterback very familiar with this division, who has one Super Bowl ring on his finger, might have a second by the time free agency rolls around, and is your current single-season passing leader.

Other than this.

“You’re in it … to win it”.

Even if Brees rejected the offer (and I believe he would), you could still go to your fanbase and say “you know what, we tried. We recognize the weakness at our quarterback slot as it currently exists. We realize it’s holding us back. So we literally made the largest dollar-per-season in NFL history to fix the problem. And we got shot down. So Matt, uum, we’re behind you buddy!”

And if Matt Cassel, in that spot, reacts as I did in a (somewhat) similar spot eight years ago* … he’ll come out en fuego next fall, and make you think “wow, maybe we can win with this guy”. Because if you can’t get motivated by a below mediocre boss hiring your job out from under you … then your name isn’t Stevo.

(*: the difference being, when my job was "hired out from under me", I got a raise and a promotion.  Uum, thanks?)

And you don’t have the fire, the passion, the hatred, that I did for ten months afterwards, when an incompetent boss I had thought he’d be creative and move me to a different area of my department when I worked at Transamerica, literally telling me on Friday the new guy started Monday, and “oh yeah, you’re training him, then starting your new job in two weeks”.

To say that move p*ssed off the “locker room” (aka my co-workers), so to speak, was an understatement.

To say it p*ssed me off, is a grouse understatement of Zues proportions.

Within four months, I had my old job back, as “the prodigy” of Leif (the single worst person I have ever worked with in my life, and that’s saying something, and no, I’m not editing his name, that cunt can rot in hell, and I’m not editing calling that cunt a, uuh, cunt either) was fired for (pick one) incompetence / inability to show up for work / lying on his time card / being stoned at work / leaving work early / lying about his wife being sick to explain said leaving work, being stoned, and failing to meet minimum standards / or the convenient "all of the above"*.

(*: sadly, not one word in that previous paragraph is incorrect in any way, shape or form.  Other than I left out the fact that he sexually harassed at least two female employees.  I think all of that, plus sexual harassment, qualifies Leif as a cunt.  (cue every person who worked with him not only nodding in agreement, but clapping in knowing recognition of that fact).  Although to be fair, because I strive for that -- being stoned at work wasn't really a fireable offense in that job ...)

Not even six months after Josh was poop canned, Leif was finally shown the door. The lesson? I’m a very patient, laid back person … until you f*ck with me. Then, it’s on like people sitting on “The Couch” hitting a bong.

If Matt Cassel has any intestinal fortitude in him, seeing a 7 year, $145 million offer to Drew Brees emerge? Would enrage him. Would motivate him to do what he didn’t do last offseason – prepare like the upcoming season is the ONLY thing in life that mattered.

(aka “out to screw his bosses and anyone who stands in his way”. And if he had that attitude? You know damned well the roster would have his back, and then some.)

And if he didn’t have that in him, if he shrugged it off? Then you’d know to cut the cord, immediately, if you were the Chiefs front office. Because if you can’t get enraged at a team attempting to upgrade from you, without even telling you they’re planning to do so, then you have no pride in the work you do.

I had my pride, and ensured both the prodigy and the dolt that hired him were drawing unemployment within a year of their attempted replacement of me. If Matt Cassel has pride in his job, he’d take a Drew Brees contract offer as a slap in the face, and a swift kick to the ass to get said ass in gear.

And if Drew Brees actually said “you know what, why not? I accept?”

Then who gives a sh*t what Matt Cassel would think at that point …