Talking Shop: WC, Coryell, Earhardt-Perkins

Just random thoughts on schemes...

When the game of football first begin to take roots in America...it was a large (several dozen people), essentially in a scrum, trying to advance an object.  Pop Warner came along and gave the game rules. Shortly after the turn of the century the passing game gave the game breath.  But the biggest influence on the game was the weather.

Professional football early was largely based out of the north eastern United States.  With the colder climate the NFL was known for it's power offenses and defenses...even today we still have trends.  The AFL was situated in a different climate with teams from Texas and California.  Based on this premise...you see the birth of many of the different schemes used today in the NFL.

Sid Gilman is credited with creating the West Coast offense...his assistants were Chuck Noll, Al Davis, Dick Vermiel, Don Coryell.  These men defined an era...and ushered in many of the innovations we still in use today.  These early AFL teams can be credited with bringing the vertical passing attack to the NFL.

The West Coast system as known today came about as a bit of an accident.  Bill Walsh took over as offensive coordinator for the expansion Cincinnati Bengals.  Bill Walsh had a QB that couldn't execute the offenses used by other Coryell teams...that's when the birth of the modern day West Coast offense happened.

In it's plainest terms...a coach trying to figure out how to run an efficient passing game with a limited arm struck gold.  Walsh spread the field...used more receivers in routes...got the ball out early so the QB didn't have to rely on strength.  The QB didn't have to be talented in order to be efficient.

The original West Coast schemes from Gilman resemble what San Diego (Don Coryell/Norv Turner), Oakland (Al Davis), Steelers (Chuck Noll) were vertical passing schemes that depended on the QB and WR's attacking vertically.  Al Davis was heavy handed in this approach...but all have been defined by power running and vertical passing.

The Coryell and the Eahardt-Perkins appear to be the same...both emphasize the run, Coryell is far more aggressive in it's passing principles.  Earhardt-Perkins in a nutshell is smash mouth football...and relies on individual match-ups over scheme.  The offense was run by the Giants of the 80's, the Patriot's under Bill Belichik early, and recently with the Chiefs.

The object is to run and have a QB that can score the ball and complete 3rd downs.  The game plan in general is conservative and doesn't require the QB to make a lot of throws.  QB's have thrived in this system (Tom Brady), but by and large the system isn't conducive for QB's to put up volume stats.  Situational football, ability to make right adjustment at line, and ability to take care of ball is paramount.  A lot of systems depend on OC to make calls, when this works...the QB makes most of calls.  Find the mismatch at the line of scrimmage.

The issues that this offense poses for a passer...the offense needs run personnel. Teams carry fullbacks and tight ends which restricts the field and the options for the QB when they have to pass.  It's a talent driven offense that depends on 1 on 1's rather than the scheme to get them open.  The issue the Chiefs have is their inability to win 1 on 1's.

Anatomy of a Rebuild...how the Chiefs got here

This post isn't meant to be a historical reference of the past...not an indictment of anyone...rather a post about what the Chiefs really are.  It's to explain the root of the reasons why I am in favor of Pioli, and why I think firing him is a mistake.  Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy...

The lifeblood of any team is the NFL draft...Green Bay showcased that on their Super Bowl run when they had to go deep into their roster.  The Chiefs missed in that department for over a decade and we still fill the effects today.  If we hit on Junior Siavii or Ryan Sims...do we draft Glenn Dorsey or do we draft Joe Flacco?  Missing on picks doesn't hurt just that year...the high ones linger for years.  In the Chiefs case and at the rate they miss...we are still feeling the effects.

That wasn't always the case...from 88-93 HOF Derrick Thomas was added...Neil Smith, Tim Grunhard, Dave Szott, Dale Carter and Will Shields that laid most of the success that many of us remember as "Marty Ball".  The issue isn't the talent acquisition early in CP's tenure...the issue became after that initial influx.

What followed in regards to the draft after that period was the catalyst to many of the issues over the last several years.  1st round picks of Greg Hill, Trezelle Jenkins, and Victor Riley came in a span of 5 years.  Players like John Tait and Donnie Edwards left town.  TG was a prize pick and will go down in the annals of history....but for every TG there are a dozen Vanovers, Beisels, Dante Hall's and Gary Still's.

When the shelf life of the 88-93 draft classes were coming to an end...the team was full of special teams players.  Although TG, Donnie Edwards, John Tait had promise...there were simply to many Mike Cloud and Rashaan Shehee picks.  The appropriate thing at that time would have been to rebuild the roster.  Instead by 2001 we continued to drive a rudderless ship.

By the time 2001 rolled along it had been about 8 years since the Chiefs added significant talent through the draft (outside aforementioned TG and the specialist).  Dick Vermiel was not brought to KC for a rebuilding effort...something that the Chiefs needed.  CP was going on his 2nd decade, and Vermiel was near the end of his career.  So they went for it and the ineptitude continued.

The Chiefs added veterans in Trent Green, Priest Holmes, and Willie Roaf.  Offensively they set the NFL on fire with one of the most prolific offenses.  But Derrick Thomas passed...Neil Smith was gone...Dale Carter, James Hasty, Donnie Edwards all seen there time come to an end and there was nobody else.

The Chiefs attempted to address it in FA...Ty Law, Surtain, Kendrell Bell...big time free agents were brought in to help the defense.  In the draft the Chiefs selected Ryan Sims, Junior Siavii, Snoop Minnis, Slyvester Morris, Eddie Freeman, Larry Johnson, Kris Wilson (secret weapon).  While the Chiefs were lighting up the scoreboard under Vermiel we were becoming an older team...and a team that was failing to replinish the stock.

When Herm was hired he inherited that aging offense and that lack of youth.  The rebuild didn't happen over night...Herm, CP, and Hunt didn't get together and think it up.  The rebuild was 15 years in the making...15 years of ineptitude in the draft led to that.  Herm proved vital during that period.  Drafts of Bowe, Hali, Albert, Charles, Flowers, Carr gave this team an infusion of talent they hadn't had in years.

That's essentially the situation Pioli inherited...2 rookie cornerbacks, a pass rusher coming off of 2 sacks, a linebacker that couldn't put it together, a 3rd round running back few were clamoring about.  Pioli inherited no veterans of note that could still play.  He inherited 15 years of ineptitude.  Guys like Sims, Slyvester Morris, Junior Siavii, Eric Downing, John Tait should have been the veterans in 2009...instead that responsibility fell on Larry Johnson.

That's why we ended up with Cassel and Vrabel...the leader at the time was spitting on women in strip clubs.  Leadership was necessary, change was necessary, and in that moment the moves that were made were the right ones.  Haley established the groundwork that changed the laid back culture that existed.  Today we hold those moves against Pioli...but would you do it any different?

Today I hear a lot about firings...but nobody has a solution...the reality is this isn't an easy fix.  We aren't the Steelers who went from Lloyd to Kevin Greene to Joey Porter to James Harrison to Lamar Woodley.  The results you see from the Steelers today has everything to do with how they operated in the past.  What you see is consistency...a consistency that you don't get by firing.

People are quick to say, "Harbaugh won in year 1"...so did Barry Switzer and Bill Callahan went to a Super Bowl.  Harbaugh won with good players...3 starters for the 05' draft...2 from 06'...3 from 07'.  The Chiefs only have 4 drafted players on the roster drafted prior to 07' and one is the punter.  Teams can win with that much youth but a lot has to go right...unfortunately a lot has went wrong recently in KC.

Parting Shot

This history is why I can't call for Pioli's head.  I can't want a man fired that has acquired more talent via the draft in KC in nearly 20 years.  It hasn't been pretty but change for the sake of change is not the appropriate measure.  This team was a train wreck waiting to happen and talent wise we are recovering albeit slowly.

I see the games and hate what I am seeing...but the same players who pundits claimed to be the best in the AFC West isn't a lie.  There is a collection of talent in KC, a young sustainable roster.  A roster that still has room to grow.  I can't want him fired because of that.

The issue with Haley...sorry to tell you...Haley fell off the damn rails.  If the culture is so terrible why is everyone seeming to get along this year?  Why is Weis returning to a place where employees hate to be?  It was Haley with the beef with Weis...Haley screaming at people on the sideline...Haley making claims about bugs...consider the source.

This season is awful...and I wish someone could be held accountable.  The irony is I don't believe a firing is best for this franchise.  Firing Carl didn't wish the issues away and neither will firing Pioli.  If you believe he can't evaluate talent (which I don't) then so be it...fire him.  But this travesty isn't on the GM's hands completely.

Cassel won 10-11 games...two different coordinators figured how to make it work.  What happened this year can be laid at the feet of the coaches.  Romeo didn't forget how to coach (getting blown out like he always has sprinkled with a WTF performance here and there).  With this much sample size it's safe to say he's not cut out for the HC spot.

This team is laying the groundwork in terms of having sustainable success.  Obvious pieces are missing but the question is who completes the puzzle.  I post a lot of favorable things on Pioli...wanted to spell out exactly why I do that.  Don't fire him for what happened this year...because making moves based on one year put us here.

The teams that sustain success are what the Chiefs want to be.  It shouldn't be about this year, much more is on the line.

Top 5 QB's NFL Draft

It's early and could change...first installment on the position the Chiefs should draft #1. Thoughts on the upcoming QB class and where I rank them.

1-Mike Glennon

Glennon goes to the top because of his versatility...he has the range to fit in a vertical scheme and the mechanics to fit in a controlled passing scheme. 

A quality I like with Glennon's game is his release point on his throws.  Does a great job of manipulating speeds and angles...making him a very versatile passer in the intermediate game.  

Issues I see with Glennon is he doesn't stay planted, and plays with a high center of gravity.  Currently Glennon has good range but he can improve on it if he can generate more force from his lower body.  

2-Matt Barkley

I put Barkley here not primarily based on his technique.  Barkley is very polished QB in terms of his footwork.  Does a great job establishing base and transferring power quickly in his lower body.

Barkley's drops and ability to get rid of the ball will lend itself well to West Coast systems that require timing.  In the intermediate game Barkley can generate enough velocity to fit the ball in windows at the next level.

Issue with Barkley is arm strength.  Barkley transfers a lot of power in lower body on throws in the intermediate game, but breaks mechanics for deeper passes.  He relies on trajectory and generates less force with the lower body.  Barkley is a much different QB if he can't establish that base.

3-Tyler Wilson

Wilson has the best arm talent in this draft class.  While I see Barkley thriving in the intermediate game I see Wilson in a scheme that attacks deeper quadrants.  He has the range to make defenses adjust, a rare quality in this draft.

Wilson has the natural arm to make throws without great footwork...when he is able to set he can get more velocity behind a ball better than any QB in this class.  Wilson plants and twist which accounts for the power but effects his accuracy.

Issues with Wilson is his corkscrew motion...his hips open before the ball is released effecting his accuracy.  Doesn't step in and drive throws consistently rather he rotates his base which effects accuracy.  I wouldn't want to depend on him in a ball control passing scheme but see him as an ideal fit in a vertical scheme.

4-Logan Thomas

Thomas is 1b in terms of arm strength in this draft class.  Displays an incredible touch at the top of his release.  Generates most of his power from his motion and at his size gets great extension on his release.  Also Thomas brings the ability to game-plan for his ability to run which is an added bonus.

The issue with Thomas is talent wise he could be the best in this class when you consider everything.  I feel he will get drafted much higher than his production.  Out of the top-5 he is the least ready to start from day one.  But he's worth a gamble given his natural ability.

Thomas has to work on his timing...everything with Thomas is slow and this timing issue will hurt him in the NFL.  He has to work on his drops, his plants, and his transfer.  Thomas' arm motion is very good but he has to get more out of his lower body to make consistent throws in the NFL.

5-Geno Smith

Smith is at 5 on my list...although I think he is better today than 3 of the 4 QB's...I don't think his ceiling is as high.  Credit Smith because his technique is what puts him on the list.  Along with Barkley he is one of the more efficient passers in the game using good footwork to get rid of ball quickly and with power.

I see Smith excelling in a system that relies on the QB's ability to quickly read and get rid of the ball.  I don't see him as a fit in schemes that rely on power and vertical passing.  Smith's calling card is speed and there are few QB's that can get the ball out quicker than Smith.

Issue with Smith is the natural arm talent which shows when teams are able to move him off his spot...the arm simply isn't special.  Smith has good speed...but if he is moved more times than not he is reduced to simply a runner...doesn't keep eyes locked down field consistently.  Smith is a fastball thrower and does well at manipulating speeds, but question his versatility as a passer outside of being a fastball thrower.

Revisionist History: Pioli and The Cassel Deal

It's December of 2012 and Chiefs GM Scott Pioli finds his job on the line...and that shouldn't be the case.  I want to go into detail as to why his job is on the line...things like wins, coaches, and the QB.  Today I want to hit on the dynamic between Pioli and Cassel...from his familiarity...to the deal...and the options at that time.

Let's go back to 2009.  Chiefs fans sat through another Croyle trip to the IR and a Tyler Thigpen finish to end the year.  As a fan I was good with Matt Cassel...he had to be better than Huard/Croyle/Thigpen and might rival Trent Green.  He just finished a solid season with New England and figured he could come close to that production in KC.

The Quarterbacks were between Croyle (who really wasn't an option), Mark Sanchez (you see how that is working out), Josh Freeman (3 wins in 09', 10 wins in 10', 4 wins 2011 and a fired coach...already there), or Matt Cassel.  An argument could be made whatever choice he made he will be in this position.  Ryan seat is about as hot as Pioli's, as well as the career as starter of Sanchez and Cassel.  Dominik appears to have survived in year 4 with a 6-9 record.

Point is we are tying Pioli to this decision when we don't factor that close to any decision at that position would have led to this.  Cassel at the time made sense so I can't sit here and change my mind on it 4 years later anymore than Pioli...that's why I don't hold Pioli to this decision.  Given the options his decision at the QB made perfect sense...even in hindsight.

The problem with Cassel is the commitment.  Cassel got a 6 year 60 million dollar deal...in reality it was around 4 years 40 million.  NFL contracts are generally based on the guaranteed portion which Cassel is out of.  The issue is the Chiefs were in a position to get out of that deal earlier and cut bait.

Look at Cassel's deal as a car deal.  Replace the 6 years 60 million with 6 years 60 thousand.  The day you buy a car you can get out of it that day...but it will end up costing you.  There's a point where your payments is equal to the blue book and you can get out of it without eating money.  In general NFL contracts are no different.  Unfortunately on a deal that size it took 4 years for the Chiefs to reach "blue book" (get out of it without eating money).

That's where cheap comes in...giving a bum in Cassel 60 million is not cheap...identifying he is garbage and riding that deal out is cheap.  That's where my criticism is...not in getting Cassel rather holding on to him for 4 years.  Pioli needed to admit that mistake and move on...they needed to eat that deal and move on.  

Cassel is often used as a point why Pioli should have been fired.  Pioli should be fired for bringing Cassel in...the issue was keeping Cassel around.  People say they don't trust Pioli to draft a QB, but that can't be because of Cassel...because any choice at that spot in 09' had a good chance of landing him in a similar spot.  

Mental Health

I sat in a dark room with only a handle of whiskey, pistol, and my thoughts for 3 days.  With every shot of whiskey and minute that passed, those thoughts became much darker...more dangerous.  In a matter of 3 days...3 days after I was joking and having a good time with a group of friends...3 days after I hugged and kissed my girl good-bye on a trip to work...I convinced myself that life was no longer worth living.

I never been one to put much stock in life...raised by a minister...my belief has always been that this body is temporary and the soul goes on.  It was that belief that had prevented me from killing myself...I had no qualms with the body dying...but I couldn't risk killing my soul.  I went in the Marines to fight, and accepted the risk of death...death at the time wasn't something I feared.  

That's not normal...when you begin to not value life and entertain a demise by your own hand...life reflects that.  My friends, family never seen that side of me...I was good at masking it.  They never seen me go through a gallon of whiskey a day...they just saw a happy go lucky guy.  For a while I was able to keep up the facade...able to go out and be the life of the party...but inside there was no party.

It took years of "rock bottoms" and some very dark places for me to get help.  Admitting that I needed help meant in a way that I was "crazy".  Looking back the "crazy" thing would have been not getting help.  As for the "help"...it doesn't change someone...the help gave me understanding and tools where I could help myself by understanding myself.

There is a stigma that has to be changed that associates people with mental health problems as pariahs.  When our nose runs...we pop a pill and get a tissue.  When we twist an ankle...we pop a asprin, get some ice, and elevate it.  Mental health should be looked at no different.  If someone is hitting the bottle too much...talking to a shrink and figuring out why one drinks too much shouldn't be a negative...that should be the preferred course.

More than likely the issues with Belcher were temporary ones where he chose a final solution.  But this post isn't about Belcher...it's about your friends, family, co-workers...and for some ourselves.  We have to remove the stigma of mental health...a screw loose doesn't stop a car...but it may need a tune up.  

I'm clinically depressed...me being tough and not getting help nearly led to me killing myself.  Chemically my brain doesn't produce enough serotonin...without enough serotonin my brain becomes chemically unbalanced...that unbalance leads to depression.  For years I treated my depression with a bottle (a depressant)...that is insanity.  I can't be "tough" enough to ever change the chemicals in my brain...in a nutshell I need chemical help to balance my moods.  

The tragic situation at Arrowhead has led me to post this, but this isn't about football.  Getting help has changed my life and I encourage anyone that deals with some issues to get help.  Getting help doesn't make one weak...I'll argue it makes one stronger.  Help is out there.

Chiefs: Quarterbacks and The Coaching

Quarterbacking:

When looking at a QB I strip away the Heisman's, MVP's, Super Bowl's...and just look at how they throw a ball.  Natural talent like Peyton Manning is scattered throughout the NFL.  There is nothing special about how he throws a football from point A to B...a lot of better balls came out of Jamarcus Russell's arm.

If you just watched Peyton Manning it's is not a pretty site.  But there isn't a more efficient player on the move than Peyton Manning.  The big key with Manning is he can get to his drops quicker than any player in the NFL even at his size.  Meaning he has the ability to throw before a defense can diagnose it's a pass.

Sometimes something as simple as that can turn a rather above average QB into a great one.  The elite QB's in the NFL aren't the elite talents in Rodgers, Brady, Brees, Manning...rather they are the most efficient passers in the NFL.  All 4 QB's are versatile enough passers to run the style of offense they run, not based on natural talent rather touch/timing.

If you go out to the yard and toss a football from 10 yards, 20 yards, and 30 yards each throw would be different.  The mechanics of those throws will be slightly different.  The amount of force will be different as well.  Scouting a QB is simply identifying how a QB accounts for it with ability and mechanics.

When pressed I often say that Joe Flacco is my favorite QB in the NFL.  Flacco can go the furthest downfield without breaking his mechanics.  From 30-40 yards Flacco can still manipulate good touch on the football...personally that control at that distance is something I appreciate over any other passer.  Every QB breaks mechanics to launch a ball.  It's typically where that break happens is what determines functional arm strength to me.

Stanzi:

I don't love the natural talent but I love the technique.  His balance/arm efficiency/functional strength/release point all in my opinion are near elite.  Stanzi has the tools to be one of the more efficient passers in the league.  The issue with Stanzi goes back to that "break" in mechanics when passing.

Stanzi's mind as a QB doesn't match his skill set.  Stanzi plays a power style with a efficient skill set.  For me I still love the prospect but at this point his style of play will never allow him to tap into what he can actually excel in.  As much as I love Stanzi as an intermediate passer, he is too aggressive and often break excellent mechanics in favor of more aggressive reads.  

If anyone ask me who I wanted to start for the Chiefs it was Ricky Stanzi.  I wasn't certain he was a better QB than Cassel or Quinn, but I was certain he was a more talented passer.  Ultimately the amount of "passes" a QB has determines the versatility of the passing game.  A team can have Jerry Rice but if the Quarterback can't beat a cover 3 then it doesn't matter...this team is capped on the amount of routes they can call due to the QB.

Daboll/Cassel:

In the preseason I stressed that Cassel looked better because of the passes he was throwing.  Stanzi utilized a completely different set of reads.  Stanzi's reads had a higher degree of difficulty.  To me every completion or attempt isn't equal.  How a QB missed the post on a cover 3 is a lot more intriguing than the QB hitting a slant vs. cover 2.

That's the key issue of the season, the reason for the collapse.  Daboll and Crennel picked the wrong QB's to run this offense.  They picked the guys that were attempting and hitting the easy reads in the preseason over the guy that was missing on the more aggressive reads.  It's basic...if you're playbook has a bunch of deep routes, then get the QB that throws those routes.

What's happening is simple.  Because we can't threaten deep teams just bracket underneath.  It's a simple adjustment that the Chiefs don't have the ability to get teams out of.  In my opinion Quinn nor Cassel have that ability.  But that shouldn't be what is derailing this team.  Long ago Daboll had to figure his player out.

Daboll was applauding Cassel with hitting Baldwin on a fade vs. cover 1...hitting the TE on a skinny post vs. cover 2.  Essentially every team has taken those routes away from this offense.  It comes as no shock that we aren't having success passing.  The timing is not there because Cassel wasn't forced to work on the timing throughout preseason.  Felt nervous that we had a coaching staff that lacked vision.

This offenses talents is suited for movement.  Albert, Asomoah, Lilja, Allen, Charles, Moeaki are all suited to play in space...with a few of them being among the more athletic players at their positions in the NFL.  Players that are suited to play horizontal are being forced to play vertically.  Most are making the transition but our Cassel/Quinn don't have the ability to.

What has changed schematically in Kansas City is simple.  We went from a team that ran on the perimeter to a team that runs in the interior.  We went from a team that threw a bunch of screens, hooks, hitches, slants to one that uses more vertical routes.  For the most part every facet is transitioning to the changes outside of the Quarterback.

Final Thought

Stanzi utilizes the reads that this offense is designed to use.  Theoretically those vertical routes are supposed to threaten the safety.  Mathematically the threat of the pass should account for an additional defender.  Depending on the range of the passing game determines the depth of the secondary.  Currently the passing game can't remove a defender in the run game.

Because of the lack of the vertical passing attack defenders are flooded in the intermediate zone...hence why so many deflections are being intercepted.  The threat of a vertical passing game removes Chargers safety Eric Weddle and the pick on the deflection doesn't happen.  Currently because of Quarterback talent this offense is unable to force that adjustment making our intermediate reads a lower percentage.

Daboll has to understand that...instead of waiting for an adjustment from defenses that won't come.  He is going to have to adjust if these are his options at QB.  I still believe Cassel can serve a purpose, but he can't run this offense.  Daboll has to figure out a way to make his QB better or he will handcuff this team to a bad marriage of natural talent and scheme.

Change has to happen...if Daboll doesn't change he has to go...if Cassel doesn't change then the scheme has to...if the scheme doesn't change then the QB has to.  The status quo is flawed and is getting in this teams way.

Chiefs: Being Good At The Wrong Thing?

At a football camp this summer I heard..."you have to decide what you want to be good at".  For the Chiefs they have shown the ability to be a very good base 3-4 run defense.  This particular aspect has been one of the few positives the last 3 years.  The unfortunate position this scheme is finding on a week to week basis is...there are not enough offensive schemes to justify the 3-4 as a base defense in Kansas City.

The thing is...when you pick a base defense...you draft for it...you scheme for it...you take repetitions for it.  Over the past two seasons come Sundays are "sub" is used about as often as our "base".  For me that poses GM Scott Pioli's biggest challenge as he develops the roster.  Essentially he has to draft for two different schemes.

The question I deal with in terms of this defense is...how relevant is the defensive philosophy in today's game?  I'm a fan of Tyson Jackson, and Glenn Dorsey...I rarely question their talent or ability.  The question I deal with in regards to these two players along with Javon Belcher is a question of relevancy.  Both Dorsey and Jackson are elite run defenders, but what they do is becoming less relevant vs. the style of play they see week to week.

If Pioli's vision was to have an elite run unit I believe he has accomplished that.  Problem I see with this...the run unit can't be elite on the sideline, and it is far from elite when defending the pass.  Make no mistake...Pioli built an elite defense.  Though I'm afraid he built one with so many one dimensional (albeit good dimension) players this defense lacks the versatility in personnel to be elite in other areas.

The execution by Pioli in building this team has been very good, it's the vision of what he is building that may be the issue.  A team that goes to OTA's, training camp, and preseason in a base they can't use week to week has a bigger issue than a bad season record.  Something like that is temporary, the vision isn't temporary.  That's the fear...the vision of Pioli is rooted in an scheme that is rendered obsolete for half the season.

The best days are yet to come for this defense because the I believe the best is yet to come for guys like Poe, Powe, Berry, Lewis, Houston, and Bailey.  They are essentially part of a "sub" unit that plays nearly as much as the base defense.  Time will tell if Romeo can pull these two scheme's off, or he can eventually field a 3-4 with more versatility.

Stick to the script Pioli

There are systems that are often synonymous with the great franchises in NFL history.  The San Francisco 49ers won Super Bowls with great players, but in my mind great system/coaching as well.  I want to have the consistency other dynasties maintained in their dominance.  Many players changed, but the system remains...the system that comprises of scheme/organization philosophy/coaches.

When the Chiefs opened the season 1-4 that wasn't something I wanted.  The response to the start has by some circled around the idea of firing Romeo and Pioli.  In the big scheme of things I could care less to the start in 2012.  To me...this has and should never be made about winning or losing 5 games in 2012.

With or without a QB this team is not in the position to be a consistent playoff calibre team.  That's what I want from them, and I think we are getting there.  Getting there takes Houston/Poe/Powe/Berry etc...to get us there.  This team isn't going to get there by spending money on every free agent with a pulse.  This team will get there with the play/development of the young guys.

As I watched this team start 1-4 to open the year, I begin looking at the future...over a dozen players in key spots in their first 3 years.  Hali in his 3rd year registered 3 sacks on the year...if 3 years was too early on him, I believe it to be too early for the rest of the players.  If I looked out there and didn't see the youth improving, then I would want Pioli fired.  But I do not see that, I see a rapidly developing roster...an improved roster.

The worst thing Hunt could do is get in the way of that development.  Changing coaches only gives us more of what we've had in the recent history of the Chiefs...a history I no longer want.  To me it's a history that is changing with Pioli at the helm.  The frustration is real and justified...but I think the general idea of a firing as something positive is off based.

I always watch a game live now with twitter.  Watching it live I always miss the things I want to see with this team.  A defender collapsing a side vs. the run excites me as much as a WR catching a 20 yard pass.  Asomoah's ability to reach 2nd level is something I rewind time after time.  By the 5th game of the year everything besides QB play and secondary play has been the best I've seen in KC in years.

The elephant in the room is we are loosing games because of the Quarterback.  A Quarterback in Matt Cassel that has played his worst football of his career this year.  At this point he's a failure that is costing us games in year 4.  But we can't confuse business with belief in a guy.  Cassel was a bad business transaction, a transaction that partly ended one coaches career...but a transaction Pioli should survive.

Not absolving Pioli's mistakes...but my perspective in general...give me the guy who has gone through some things.  No man alive can ignore the mistake that was Matt Cassel.  Sounds funny, but there is no man alive that I feel is in a better position to draft the next QB.  For Pioli it's his job...it's could wind up being his legacy.  No person has more riding on this pick...no person has more at stake.

Personally I feel Pioli has been a good talent evaluator...I question his priorities, but I rarely question the talent.  I will never be a fan of drafting two specialist in the 2nd round when position players are needed.  But I like Arenas/McCluster as talents coming out.  I still remain in the same boat on Baldwin...ridiculous talent but no real fit.  The knock for me isn't with his ability to pick talent, it's in his priorities in acquiring talent.

As a fan I don't want what we have had recently...from Marty, to Gun, to Dick, to Herm, to Haley.  I want something similar to Pittsburgh...from Knoll, to Cowher, to Tomlin.  I don't want this to be a mediocre team that catches lightning in the bottle every 3-4 years.  I want consistency and believe Pioli/Crennel is building sustainable, something that will make us consistent threats.  That type of team takes time...it takes draft classes, those classes developing under a system.  Pulling the plug on Pioli only gives this franchise what it always had.

It sounds bad right now, but Pioli gives us the best chance to build a winner.  To build something we haven't been accustomed to in this city for years.  Sadly for us, it takes time to build it like that...but it is building.  The term progress was used by this organization, and there is progress.  So many areas on this team is better than it has been for years.  Unfortunately we're 1-4, but in my eyes...it won't be if we stick with the script.

Daboll...we are getting good at something

My biggest criticism of Todd Haley was that the Chiefs had no offensive identity.  From game to game...half to half...I never knew what I was going to see from the Chiefs offense.  One game it would be power running, the next would be screen passes and draws.  The thing I like about Daboll is this team is getting good at something offensively.

Through 5 games one of my biggest concerns was the development of the offensive line.  Part of that anxiety was relieved in the Arizona preseason game, only to return in the following weeks.  But as week 5 has past, this offensive line unit has gelled.  Personally the best unit the Chiefs have fielded in years...both in talent and execution as of late.

Subtle things like that is important when building a team, and make no mistake...this team is still building.  With Daboll although not pretty but it's consistent.  That consistency in my opinion held this offense back with Todd Haley.  Sure Charles made plays...Cassel and Bowe connected for big numbers...but in my eyes it was random.  To me it never appeared to compliment, never was very consistent.

What's happening now is ugly offensively, but there are positives within the mayhem.  In the past players have excelled with this team offensively.  For the first time in a long time I see a unit excelling together.  Unfortunately the Quarterback is and should be the story, but a largely unspoken one is the development of every facet of the run game.

As a fan I take pride in the fact that the Chiefs offense lined up toe to toe with the Ravens and punched them in the mouth.  That doesn't happen a year ago.  For that I give credit to Daboll.  I may not agree with the game plan all the time but he's building something that is sustainable.

Cassel is temporary while I believe that Daboll and Crennel are going to be around a lot longer.  Personally I rather Daboll develop the line play, no need to fix a Quarterback on his last legs.  Improve the pieces that the next Quarterback is going to come to rely on.  Cassel is all but gone, this running game is going to be around for a long time.

When I see this team a part of me gets it.  Daboll doesn't do it in the prettiest form, but the ground work he's laying is something that will benefit this team no matter the signal caller.  Obviously this isn't the only perspective to look at him with.  But it's a positive one with not that many positives on a bleak year.

Opinion: Cheers were never for Cassel

Eric Winston laid into Chiefs fans in regards to cheering for a Matt Cassel injury.  On twitter I wanted to defend it, and in parts defend myself.  I hate injuries...I went through surgeries and rehabilitations.  I know the damage and time it takes to come back from an injury, wouldn't want that for anyone.

The emotion that I felt when the injury occurred was feeling bad that I was feeling good about a new Quarterback.  Yeah I feel bad for anyone that gets hurt, but for me that moment was nothing about Cassel.  Any bad feelings for Cassel was trumped with the idea of a new QB.  After I didn't see anything brutal on the hit, Cassel was not part of my thoughts.

I think the disconnect with many conversations on Twitter I'm having is what was booed.  I'm pretty sure only a few of us know what the injury is.  No fan booed Matt Cassel laid out on a stretcher.  We watched a hit we seen Matt Cassel get up from routinely.  We saw him walk off of the field.  Unfortunate but until we know...I don't even know what I'm supposed to feel bad about yet.

I say the Chiefs fans cheered change.  In that game it was Matt Cassel as the reason for much of our issues.  Overall it's been a 4 year mistake that hasn't been corrected.  For football reasons fans had evidence to be unsatisfied with the results at the Quarterback position.  That reaction was due to the fact a change was made.  That isn't on the fans, or on Winston...Pioli should have never made this situation possible.

Matt Cassel costing us games in his 4th year is no longer Matt Cassel's fault.  It's pretty pronounced who Cassel is as a Quarterback.  Yet he continues to be the unchallenged starter.  Fans every offseason have talked about replacements, hell the organization has.  We can pretend but few want this Quarterback, and to no fault of his own he's trotted out there as our signal caller.

This moment was more than just cheering an injury.  For a few perhaps they go to games to watch injuries happen.  But I can't follow that logic.  This fan base has never cheered injury, and if that's your take I have to call it short-sighted.  This was about change, change this organization won't pull the trigger on.

It's unfortunate that the change most wanted came because of an injury.  Make no mistake, that change could have happened at a water cooler on Monday and there would be excitement.  Go to the comments prior to this on twitter, and a lot of people have talked about change for a very long time.  Every day people want to fire someone in this organization, few were tweeting for bad health.

To me the Cassel injury was a perfect storm at a bad time.  The Fans, Winston, Cassel should have never been in position for that moment.  That moment should have happened in the offseason or during the week.  The staffs inability to pull the trigger in a way made this moment happen.

For me the timing was terrible, but that emotion was connected and pointed at something entirely different.  This fan base has seen a lot of bad Quarterbacks get injured, but never reacted like this.  This uncommon reaction was led by the uncommon events unique to us.  Our QB history, our inability to identify a signal caller, our faith in Cassel as an organization, our inability to change.  In that moment the Chiefs hand was forced, and the injury was a wrong place wrong time.  This fan base doesn't do that.

That was a fan base that was sending a message, and it wasn't to Cassel.  That message was one of the few ways the Chiefs can communicate and be heard.  To me that message was directed at Hunt, at Pioli, at Crennel, at the players.  That was one of the few times the fan base could be heard on what they thought of Pioli's "Decision" on Cassel, rather than what they thought of Cassel.

Rankings and Quarterbacks

I've always been hesitant at ranking Quarterbacks.  In the NFL the ranking at the top has revolved around Brees/Manning/Brady/Rodgers.  To me those 4 are a blend of technique/ability while fitting in a scheme that complimented them.  A lot of what separates these 4 are not only ability but outside factors like scheme/coaches/organization.

The thing these 4 Quarterbacks have in common is they all played on controlled-passing offenses.  This offense has many labels...in a nutshell all of the offenses are timed-intermediate passing offenses.  All 4 have good physical ability, but there is better physical ability on other NFL rosters.  Although all 4 are different in their technique, all have efficient motions that lend itself well with the offenses they play in.

That's an example of why I am so hesitant to give rankings.  If you were to ask me who I thought was the best Quarterback (factoring age/potential) in the NFL was...my answer would be Joe Flacco.  Flacco will never match the numbers of the four mentioned above, because his offense isn't conducive for those numbers.  My preference is a running team, and in my opinion Flacco has the best skill set in the NFL to compliment that.

Although I feel Brady and co. are at the top of their games.  I like the power arms and power running.  I'll always side with the big arm that can execute in that style of offense.  That's where my ranking wouldn't match most other rankings.  To me the offense a Quarterback plays in or translates to, effect the way I rank.

In baseball Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux played the same position, but were as different as can be.  One was about power in Jackson (similar to Flacco, Stafford, BigBen) while the other in Maddux was about control (similar to Rodgers, Brees, Manning).  All have elements of control and power, while all make every throw in the route tree.  But all of them have pronounced skills.

Rankings for me when it's close, comes down to a matter of preference.  I can't argue with Brees and co. or Flacco anymore than I could Johnson or Maddux.  I believe a vertical passing game requires a higher degree of difficulty than the horizontal game.  I think finding a QB that can execute a vertical game is rarer to find than one that can operate a horizontal one.  But that's my preference.

Pioli's good in my book...for now

Prior to the season and still today...I feel the Kansas City Chiefs still have one of the better rosters in the NFL.  Though I didn't predict a 1-3 record through 4 games, watching the games my opinion on this team hasn't changed.  That opinion in a nutshell...Pioli has built a good roster...Crennel trains defensive players well and schematically among the best...and the team is collectively the best roster we've had in years.

The way I grade Pioli is in April after free agency and the draft.  I think he did very well acquiring talent in free agency.  I didn't like the draft but I got it...for the most part these 2012 draft picks are the future.  What I have is a difference in opinion on how the draft should've been approached.  I felt that drafting guys with the ability to contribute was important, not stockpiling guys for contributions after this year.

The only fireable offense for Pioli is his handling of 2009.  I don't even hold that sentiment.  The problem that I had was Hunt and Pioli dragging their feet on Herm, the coaching search, Chan Gailey, (eventually) Haley, (by all accounts) Cassel.  I am still not sure what happened...every indication hints to Pioli not being prepared for this position from Day 1.  2009 for the Chiefs was a wasted season, the choice is do you move past it?

Since 2010 I haven't agreed with the draft strategy but for the most part the players I understood.  Eric Berry removed the images of Miles Austin getting famous at the expense of Mike Brown.  Arenas and McCluster all but removed the memories that were Bobby Wade as our returner.  Houston made Vrabel a distant memory, while Baldwin/(free agent)Breaston did the same to rent-a-player Chris Chambers.  The moves since 2010 have made us a better team.

The issue that I have with Pioli is why does he continue to let an awful 2009 off-season haunt this team in 2012?  Cassel shortcomings were never really an issue until now.  Until now this team had a lot of issues and Cassel was just one of them.  To me Pioli can't move this team forward until he moves on from that 2009 off-season entirely.

Saying that...I can't call for the mans head.  I watched Jimmy Raye send Bam Morris/Greg Hill on dives for what seemed like an entire game.  I watched Eric Warfield and Dexter McCleon get roasted week after week by opposing offenses.  I seen the Trezelle Jenkins picked by CP in the first along with Ryan Sims.  I love the Chiefs alumni but this team hasn't gotten bad overnight, and we still haven't won a playoff game going on two decades.  Trust me we can do a lot worse than Pioli.

This isn't meant to defend Pioli, but it's meant to provide both sides of the coin.  Yes, Scott Pioli has made mistakes.  But since 2009 none of his mistakes are close to fireable offenses.  In 2013 with one pick at the QB position, nearly all of his mistakes are erased.  Given the make-up of the roster I'm willing to see if he is ready to move on.  Until then, I won't back down from the idea that Pioli is the right GM for this job in Kansas City.

Chiefs: Brady Quinn Mechanics

The conversation for the Chiefs is the Quarterback.  I'll preface everything by saying this isn't about the angle of Brady Quinn getting playing time.  With Quinn being in the conversation in Kansas City.  Thought I would provide my thoughts on him as a player.

Footwork is always thrown around when talking about sports.  In basketball Ray Allen is regarded as one of the premier shooters.  His "stroke" often gets praised as the sweetest in the game.  What makes Ray Allen is his incredible base and ability to generate power to his shot as a shooter.  Because of this Ray Allen doesn't need as much range in the upper body to compensate for power.  So much force is generated by lower body all Ray Allen has to do is compensate for accuracy.

This principle is no different when evaluating any sport.  How a player physically accounts for power and accuracy is often paramount in Quarterback play.  Peyton Manning looks awful dropping and throwing.  The quirk with Manning is establishing a base quickly.  For a big guy he takes short strides, making him appear clumsy.

What Manning does is move in a way that his feet are always in position to deliver the ball.  Because the way Manning establish his base, he can account for a lot of power.  Peyton Manning doesn't have a lot of "arm talent".  Like a great shooter in basketball, Manning establishes a great base where he generates power.  The accuracy is the byproduct.  Similar to Ray Allen...so much force is generated in balance from lower body...upper body can compensate more for accuracy.

I reference those two players mechanics to contrast how Brady Quinn accounts for power.  Unlike the two mentioned above, Quinn rarely establishes a base.  Quinn is a strong kid and can generate plenty of force, but without balance that force hinders accuracy.  With Quinn the mechanic is a simple fix.  Essentially the flawed mechanic is in how he generates power.

With Manning/Allen their bodies move in unison.  When the feet begin to generate force the arm is moving right along with it.  With Quinn it's more sequential.  When the feet begin to generate force, the hips follows, then the shoulder and arm.  The quirk that bothers me follows.

While the body is transferring force the arm is in motion.  With Quinn the arm starts with the feet, but the arm moves backwards.  Unlike Manning/Allen who have little to no negative motion.  With Manning his arm is moving up and over the top.  With Quinn it's moving back then forward effecting his release point.

Quinn's arm rarely gets extended, by the time the momentum is there to make the pass...Quinn has little time moving arm forward.  While at camp the trajectory of his passes were all the same.  Because of the release point/extension/reduced forward motion Quinn is very limited in the types of passes he can make.

In baseball there is the pitcher that throws 90mph fast ball but has little versatility with other throws.  In a nutshell that is Brady Quinn.  His "fastball" isn't good enough to overcome his lack of versatility as a passer.  Quinn has little control of the ball because of his flawed mechanic.

Quinn has been on 6 teams in 3 years...there are reasons a 1st round pick is being let go.  When I say Quinn shouldn't start, it's not because he's the back-up.  It's because he has more limitations passing the ball than Matt Cassel.  To me it's as simple as that.

Coaching Matt Cassel

When I was at training camp one thing I wanted to see with the Quarterbacks was specific.  For Cassel I wanted to see him throwing vertically.  I felt with the wide receivers we had, that it was necessary for Cassel to make his mistakes with the new scheme there.  Problem was I became frustrated watching him.

He would target our slots in the flats v. man, and hit the TE up the seam/post v. Cover 2.  His play had me frustrated because this year was about growth for Matt Cassel.  But during camp he threw mostly the same routes he always had success with.  The same slant he beat Vikings/Indy cover 2, he beat at practice.  Most of the routes v. certain coverages were throws that he had always had success with.

At rare points did we work the packages and throws that Cassel has always struggled with.  The timing and touch to throw a 9 route vs. man/cover 2 never got the needed reps.  The offense Daboll runs requires the ability to throw vertical.  So far most of the problems Cassel is having are due to him and the coaching staff taking the time and preparations to familiarize themselves with it.

The problem with being a successful running team, is that defenses will adjust to that.  It takes numbers in football to run.  Teams that describe themselves as running teams have to adjust their personnel accordingly.  They are likely, as is the case in Kansas City to carry more TE's/FB's/RB's than teams that considering themselves passing teams.

By having more TE's/Backs they face adjustments for opposing defenses.  The defense typically adds a linebacker or defensive lineman.  These numbers in the run game effects the passing game, how it applies to Kansas City...

The Chiefs by bringing more numbers (defenders) in the box...the openings in the passing game become vertical.  With the middle of the field covered by alignment, the natural passing lanes are in favor of the split ends.  Which is in contrast to spread/horizontal passing schemes which spreads defenders across the field opening up the middle.  Giving a West Coast system easier/more reads in passing game.

The traditional successful running teams like the Steelers, and Ravens have prototypes for their system. Schematically the big arm is needed more so than the more mechanical QB's in Rodgers/Brees/Peyton who depend on quickness and options.  True running teams are going to be limited in their options in the passing game.

With the running teams that bring defenders up, having a big arm to back them up compliments a strong running team.  That defense in theory should have to worry about run fills and getting beat vertically.  Currently the Chiefs don't do that to defenses, because Cassel doesn't do that to defenses.

Cassel having a big arm would be great, but he doesn't need one.  Kurt Warner built a Hall of Fame career simply by having great timing on his throws.  The thing that separates Kyle Orton from Matt Cassel is timing.  Timing partly attributed to playing at Purdue, but Orton threw receivers open...Cassel mostly throws to open receivers.

What made me frustrated as I left camp was the praise Daboll was putting on Cassel.  Right then I saw a coach that was satisfied with a Quarterback that wasn't growing as a passer.  The mistakes that are happening right now are a byproduct of that moment and moments like them.

We have an owner, GM, coaches that are satisfied with this flawed passer not growing.  It's good that they want him to play better.  But show it!  Make Cassel throw the flag under the safety and over the corner every fricken time until he commands that throw.  Make Cassel throw a post inside the free safety on cover 3 until he commands it.

Matt Cassel can drive a throw, he can throw for touch...but he isn't a passer.  Steve Young once said the difference between him and Mike Vick was thousands of reps at BYU.  Cassel needs to get back every rep that he lost at USC.  We can't four years in have Cassel learning on the job.

Chiefs Cornerback Breakdown

So far through the regular season injuries and bad fits have plagued us.  Wanted to give a breakdown on what these players do and why all of them playing together are important to the Cornerback position.

Brandon Flowers:

Flowers plays generally the most important position in the secondary.  Most Quarterbacks are right handed.  Naturally throwing to the right is an easier pass.  That read is automatically in vision of the QB on every drop due to position.  It's very hard to hide what a defense is doing from this position.

Brandon Flowers is unique...it's not power and speed that make him good.  Flowers has great vision and footwork.  There are few wide receivers that Flowers can't match step for step.  There are few Quarterbacks that can fool him on play-action or a pump fake.  Flowers isn't the greatest athlete nor does he have phenomenal range.  He's an intelligent player that is a good athlete with superior technique.

Flowers mirrors a lot of the talent on this Chiefs roster.  I would classify Dorsey, Hali, Jackson as elite technicians more so than elite talents.  Because of Flowers technique he is able to provide Romeo with schematic versatility.  Has the vision and instincts to thrive in Cover 2 & 3.  Has the footwork to be in position for intermediate passing game.

Stanford Routt:

While Flowers plays the most important position, Routt plays one that factors in offenses ability to make big plays.  With Brandon Carr teams rarely made plays on the backside.  Unlike Flowers position at left conerback, the Quarterbacks back is generally turned (right handed Quarterbacks).  Outside of shotgun formations Routt man he is covering is typically the last read.

Also unlike Flowers, Routt doesn't have the vision to offer much as an off-corner back (covers 2 &3).  Routt is stiff and doesn't have the footwork to break quickly.  His reads do not appear to process plays quickly (not processing plays like screens prior to being caught by wide receiver).

Routt has the ability to match speed.  He doesn't have the ability to cover a lot of routes like Flowers in diverse coverages.  Routt does have the ability to press at the line of scrimmage (something Flowers doesn't do as well).  This ability allows Routt to stick with later developing routes that often happen from the backside wide receiver.

Brandon Carr was a more dynamic athlete.  He wasn't as fast as Routt, but he had better footwork and could offer more schematically to Romeo.  At this point all I see him as is a press corner.  Doesn't play the ball at all, and while on the WR downfield, rarely shows ability to make play on ball.  Very much an asset in limiting teams ability to beat us with speed.

Jalil Brown:

Jalil Brown physically has more in common with Brandon Carr than either Routt or Flowers.  Similar to Carr, cornerback Jalil Brown has the physical ability to play any coverage well.  Flowers is an elite zone coverage cornerback, but lacks the raw physical ability to match up well as a pure press guy.  Routt offers little as an off-corner back, while having the size and foot speed to press.  With Jalil Brown he offers more versatility.

Jalil Brown has a blend of speed, size, power, hips, and footwork that no other player offers.  During preseason he showed the ability to press, and ability to make plays on the ball down field.  Throughout the preseason Brown improved rapidly in my opinion.

Losing Brown was a blow.  Outside of Flowers he is our best cover corner.  The Chiefs have been hurt by their inability to matchup in the defensive sub.  This is a problem that will persist throughout the season and Sunday v. Drew Brees.  Brown isn't ready to be a #1 CB, but physically has everything to give Romeo more coverages to work with.

Cornerback Breakdown:

When all 3 players are healthy and on the field, Romeo has more options.  Replacing Reeves with Flowers gives Romeo the ability to mix coverages...with Reeves and his inability to play man Romeo didn't have many coverage options to work with.  Flowers gift is he makes that side of the field an elite zone coverage side with ability to combo some effective man coverage (especially on non-intermediate routes).

With more ability by individuals in coverage Romeo has more effective packages.  Potentially this combo will be playing their first game together.  Against Brees it may be a tall order, but these 3 offer this secondary a lot of looks.

We haven't seen the best of this secondary, and because of that we haven't seen the best from this defense.  For this early part of the season, the injuries have exploited this units depth.  But few teams are prepared to start their 4th CB on the first game.

Chiefs: Belcher take

There are numbers in football that as fans we attach "value" to.  Numbers like TD's, Interceptions, Sacks is the currency that drives popularity and monetary value.  Generally as fans we attach little value to the Offensive Lineman that can seal, drive, pull, and pass block.  On a given play, in order for it to be successful more things have to happen that doesn't get recognized than the end result of a tackle, sack, INT.

When we see an I-Formation we pretty much assume on a run play one guy is blocking and one guy is running the ball.  Every time that fullback is in the game, more times than not he will key a linebacker.  Same thing applies to the TE's in the run game.  Both positions require a player that can contribute as run blockers.

Belcher role is a response to those scenarios.  In our system the player lining up at the Mike linebacker is reading the blocks from players at the position of FB/TE.  When you hear, "keep DJ clean"...this is a small sample of what that means.  That role essentially keeps the Will clean to make plays.

Belcher is consistent with making the right reads/force in the run game.  He makes contact quickly and doesn't lose much ground, creating an alley for fills at DJ's position.  In the 3-4 that's how many teams construct their roster.  In Pitt Mike LB Larry Foote serves that purpose for the athletic Will Lawrence Timmons.  Similar to the FB role to a RB, the Mike/Will relationship calls one guy doing the dirty work to keep the playmaking linebacker free.

For the past two years both DET/BUF in 2011, and ATL/BUF were able to remove the Mike position from field in favor of a defensive back.  Without the 3-4 and Belcher's role Derrick Johnson produced his lowest tackle numbers in 2011.  In the sub blocks are able to get to Derrick Johnson v. the run.  Without the blocks in the 3-4, DJ is a Pro Bowler.  While in the sub he has been exposed in the early part of year for two straight seasons.

Belcher gets knocked for what he's not physically, but I look at him like a FB.  Yeah, you can always improve...but using what resource?  Like the FB the priority is to have a skill and do a job that will largely go unnoticed.  Having a playmaker at either the FB/Mike would be nice, but the value with that role in this scheme is for a skill that doesn't require a playmaker.

I believe the Chiefs have an elite 3-4 run defense.  It's not because of their talent, rather their ability to execute.  Making the right reads, the right fills, and playing in unison is what makes the Chiefs 3-4 run defenses one of the better units.  In my opinion Belcher is one of the reasons for that success.  In this defense (like the FB on offense) it's not his job to be the playmaker.

Opinion: Cassel

The Chiefs signed Matt Cassel to a 6 year 63 million dollar deal.  The short story about that number is...Cassel got a 3 year 42 million dollar deal, with 3 years team option for for 20 million.  The Chiefs can get out of the contract with Cassel anytime they want.

The Chiefs have Cassel on a year to year deal now.  The value with Matt Cassel is...he is a worst case scenario.  The Chiefs aren't married to him financially.  If he serves no purpose going forward then cut him and have minimal financial penalties for doing so.

At this point I wouldn't panic about the QB.  Cassel is buying time, IMO.  Chiefs have 3 years to identify a QB or develop one.  In Kansas City things shouldn't/don't turn around quick.  I'm not in favor of rushing to replace Cassel.  I'm in favor of them using the time they have on Cassel's deal to identify the right one.

Chiefs v. Falcons preview

We have finally arrived to the regular season.  I will be doing a weekly preview and re-cap all year for Chiefs season to give my perspective on the upcoming matchup.  Below is my first installment.

Overview:

Many believe the Falcons are ahead of the Chiefs coming off of their second consecutive playoff appearance.  Offensively I believe that to be true.  Matt Ryan has the perfect compliment of skill players for what he does.  He's an accurate passer that throws very catchable passes.  He has a Montana-esque ability to throw WR open with great placement.  The Chiefs are facing one of the most efficient passing teams in the NFL.  A team that has the ability to win games both with their running and their passing games.

For the Chiefs offense they come into the matchup with a clear advantage on offense v. Atlanta's defense.  Atlanta has struggled with pass rush and watching through preseason they don't appear to have many answers.  The Falcons were statistically sound v. the run last year but that could be a by-product of scheduling.  The Falcons also watched their leading tackler Curtis Lofton bolt this past offseason.

This game in my opinion will come down to which teams manages their situations better.  What defense is able to get the opposing offense off the field on 3rd and down and red zone defense.  The edge goes to Atlanta, while their defense has struggled vs. the pass their offense is built to win close games and manage situations.

Below are some factors heading into next week that I believe will prove critical in the matchup.

Coaching:

Both Kansas City and Atlanta enter the season with new coordinators.  For KC much won't change.  Daboll who has been a good running game coordinator inherits one of the best running teams in the NFL.  New OC Dirk Koetter inherits a team that is in line with what he did in Jacksonville, power running and intermediate passing.

The wildcard I see comes with the arrival of Mike Nolan.  Outside of his tenure as head coach of the 49ers, Nolan's defenses have always been solid.  Nolan recently known as a 3-4 coach will run a 4-3 in Atlanta.  In Atlanta I see a few question marks in their front 7.  Last year the Falcons had a solid rush defense led by recently departed Curtis Lofton.

Matchups:

Stanford Routt v. Julio Jones

Routt has the physical ability to match the foot speed of Julio Jones.  The issue is Routt isn't very good at turning down field giving the advantage to Julio Jones on 50/50 balls.  The problem Routt will have on Jones is he is always one play away from taking it to the house.  Routt must limit Jones damage and not allow the big play.

From the preseason I think Routt is up for the challenge.  But it is important that pressure gets to the QB because it's asking too much for Routt to cover a late developing post or routes similar.  I think Routt is solid defending the sideline routes but struggles against routes that have multiple moves.  Timing will be critical with this matchup, pass rush has to set a clock.

John Abraham v. Albert/Winston.

For Atlanta it is critical for Abraham to disrupt the timing of the Chiefs passing game.  Mike Nolan will send pressure but it will be Abraham's job to have success vs. Albert/Winston.  Abraham won't need to register a sack to have success, but with no other legit pass rusher (save Edwards/Witherspoon) it will be his job to win the matchups.

Albert is an elite pass blocker while Winston is solid in this department.  For Chiefs it would be a tough chore to leave Winston by himself against Abraham but should be fine when Albert is isolated on Abraham.  Other than Abraham the Falcons don't pose many pass rush threats.  If Chiefs tackles can keep Abraham under wraps, it should allow Chiefs passing game freedom.

Dunta Robinson v. Dexter McCluster

The wide receiver that Matt Cassel has been most comfortable with is Dexter McCluster in the slot.  Atlanta provides an intriguing matchup with Robinson.  With the addition of Asante Samuel longtime started Robinson is moved to the slot.  Still a productive player with 9 pass defensed and 2 int's...Robinson has always been a productive tackler and flashed ability to get to QB early in career.

Robinson is a veteran that will probably have the advantage against Dexter in the slot.  Dexter doesn't do a lot out of the slot from a route tree perspective.  Robinson as a vet should pick up on what Dexter does and should be able to match up with it.  With Nolan as coordinator I could see Robinson being a factor in the blitz game as well.

Michael Turner v. Chiefs NT

This matchup may decide the game.  Atlanta under Mike Mularkey were a power running team with most of their runs coming in the box.  Nearly 230 of the 300 carries Mike Turner had last year came in the box.   Koetter called similar plays with most of his runs in the power game while in Jacksonville.  Last year nearly 270 of MJD's 330 carries came in the box.

Talks are that Jaquizz Rodgers will have a bigger role, he has the ability to use the sidelines.  But the bulk of the work is going to still go to Turner.  To defend Turner the Chiefs must be able to get good play from the NT position.  Also with Harry Douglas the Falcons have the ability to get our sub-package on the field.  That is matchup vs. Chiefs sub that is in Atlanta's favor.

If Chiefs can't stop Turner with the front 7 then that will trigger single coverage where Matt Ryan and those WR become dangerous.  In order to limit the option for the passing game it is important that we get good play from our run defense.

Tony Gonzalez vs. Houston/Belcher/Berry

In the past Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson has got the bulk of his coverage vs. running backs.  I don't expect that to change.  With Tony Gonzalez the Falcons have a mismatch no matter who the Chiefs put on him.  The positive is Gonzalez is a possession type so he won't offer much in YAC, but he can be critical with keeping the chains moving and that offense on the field.

Chiefs have to us multiple looks to take the read away from Matt Ryan.  In Chiefs games vs. San Diego and their All-Pro TE Antonio Gates the Chiefs used bracket coverage.  Chiefs used McGraw underneath and Lewis often over the top.  I expect Romeo to try and give different looks on Gonzalez to disrupt the read for Matt Ryan.

Keys to the game:

1-Chiefs must tackle.

Sounds simple but a lot of the damage done by Atlanta's Roddy White and Julio Jones comes from YAC yardage.  Roddy White has been a catch machine registering 100 catches the past two years.  The ball will find him and it's up to the Chiefs secondary to limit what he does after the catch.  Julio Jones is an even more dangerous threat.  He had a 17 yard average last year and is expected to be even more involved this year.  I envision both WR making catches, but Chiefs can't allow them to be more than possession WR.

2-Chiefs must defend 1st down.

The Chiefs have shown the ability to let a game get away early.  The Falcons pose a legit threat to open the game explosively.  The Falcons are the most effective on first down and in the first quarter of games.  11 of Matt Ryan's passing touchdowns came on 1st down, as well as in the 1st quarter.  Play-action has been something the Chiefs have struggled with in the pre-season.

The Falcons aren't nearly as efficient as the game goes along, perhaps due to the wear and tear that the power running game puts on their personnel.  Mike Mularkey was more creative with his calls last year something that Koetter hasn't been.  Koetter has been more conservative on 1st down electing to run during his years in Jacksonville.  Obviously Koetter had MJD and no Matt Ryan in Jacksonville so that could change...but something to keep an eye on.

3-Chiefs need to stay away from 1-on-1's.

Matt Ryan doesn't have a cannon, his calling card is touch and accuracy.  As long as the Chiefs have ability to stay over their WR's with safety help that limits Ryan's options.  Ryan is great at throwing to space but doesn't make a living in tight windows.  With those WR Chiefs have to take the over the top look away from Ryan.

If Chiefs are unable to stop Turner then that will pose a problem.  That will bring safety help up and create another look for Ryan and those WR's.  Simply keeping a safety over the top will go a long way in limiting that offenses range.

Picks-ATL 19, KC 14.

Chiefs: Decide who you want to be

I overheard a conversation between my friend and his father in regards to strategy.  My friend had just landed his first high school head coaching job.  His father held the similar position for 30 years at a small school in central Kansas.  My friend's father said, "you have to decide what you want to be good at".

That sticks with me as I look forward to the Kansas City Chiefs season.  Have the Chiefs decided what they want to be good at?  Three years in Scott Pioli's tenure, and I'm not certain I can answer that question.

Under Haley the offense would start a game (San Diego for example) utilizing the misdirection, screen, draw, and slant.  Only to in the 2nd half use the power running game and vertical passing.  To me I think a lot of that gets fixed simply with the hiring of Romeo Crennel.

The Chiefs don't need to play Green Bay's game.  The Chiefs need to figure out who they are.  I think they are closer to that objective.  They are closer because Pioli went back to his roots.  Not his roots with the Brady, Welker, Moss led Patriots...but his roots that won those 3 Super Bowl rings.

The root starts with Ron Earhardt, who coordinated under Parcell's and won a SB with a backup QB.  Almost two decades later Belichik who coached under the same tree won the Super Bowl with his backup in Tom Brady.  Don't believe the hype that Quarterbacks win championships.  Every championship won under the Parcell's tree was Perkins-Earhardt football, it was ground and pound.

Pioli's vision is not rooted in Todd Haley's principals, nor is it rooted in Josh McDaniels.  It's rooted in Perkins-Earhardt football, it's rooted in the same style of Parcell's Giants.  It's simple football.  The Chiefs aren't going to open the playbook.  The theory in a nutshell is get a few plays and run them well.

When Pioli chose Daboll he decided he wanted to be good at something, that he wanted an identity.  With Daboll he chose a guy that he was familiar with.  Picked a guy that new "The Patriot Way", before Josh McDaniels opened it up.

It's no secret what we are going to do.  Chiefs were a top rushing offense with Jamaal, and Daboll has coordinated top ranking rushing units in the past.  We are going to run Jamaal to the outside, and use Hillis in the power game.  Based on history this is going to be the plan, and based on history it hasn't been a bad plan.

What makes me look forward to the season is this team will be good at something.  They will figure out who they are offensively and stick with it.  As a Kansas Citian I'm used to it.  Lived through Marty and Vermeil...if I had a choice I would choose Marty.  I would choose that dominant defense and running game, much like we are now.

Kansas City has never been the Peyton Manning's of the world.  Yeah we flirted with Montana but he was never ours.  We can't choose our teams, at this point you are who you are.  In Kansas City we are dominant defense and the running game.  It always been that way.

Brings me back to that conversation..."you have to decide who you want to be good at".

Some Chiefs Camp Day 2 Observations

Part of my day at camp...Day 2 for the Chiefs.

Practice kicked off with the Field Goal team.

Nothing much to take away outside of the fake.  Roll out right...intermediate drag and cross, with a backside post working the end zone.

For the next part of practice I checked out the defensive drills.

I checked out the ILB position group.  At half speed and no pads, didn't really walk away with much.  The drill they ran was a watered down version of the Oklahoma drill.  ILB's came down hill, engaged blocker, disengaged to runner...seemed they knew the proper technique...but with no pads.

Position Groupings.

Mike-Belcher, Siler, Campbell...Will-DJ, Greenwood, Leon Williams, and Heyman

Eventually got bored and walked over to where the D-line was practicing.

Romeo and Pleasant were over there and they worked all of the linemen together initially.  They were working a two gap drill similar to linebackers where they slow-played pressure and disengaged.  Then the D-line broke up into positions.

Position Groupings.

LE-Jackson, Gordon, Ropati Pitoitua...RE-Dorsey, Poe, Bailey, Bair...NT-Toribio, Powe.

Instant observation...Pitoitua, Jerome Long, Ethan Johnson had a hard time through the drills...think they are a ways behind the rest of the group.

Notes on the D-line.

Powe displayed great leverage and I think he is coming along quickly...may be a factor in the rotation.

Dorsey is by far the most polished from a technical standpoint...hands, leverage, and footwork were great.

Dontari Poe-not displaying great leverage...bends at waste and doesn't drive through hips...still showed great upper body strength.  But he's legit, just behind on the technique...after watching him I wouldn't be concerned.

Gordon/Toribio-both are similar...great upper body power, neither have the best feet or leverage...but stout enough.

The next drill the d-line ran was a recognition one.

They had two offensive linemen in front of them and had to read and react to their steps...appeared that most were making the correct reads so that is certainly a positive.

Chiefs Position Battles: Mims vs. Stephenson

Backup Left Tackle-David Mims vs. Donald Stephenson

David Mims
Height-6'8"
Weight-335
Age-24
College-Virginia Union (Undrafted 2010)

Overview:
His size jumps out on paper and his range jumps out in pass protection. Even at his size Mims showed the range to protect against a speed rush. Still raw but already can do the hardest thing for Left Tackles to do.

Side Note:

When Gaither was released the transaction Chiefs made was to bring Mims on 53 man roster.  Could be Chiefs were protecting Mims in that transaction and Gaither was just collateral damage.

Donald Stephenson
Height-6'6"
Weight-312
Age-23
College-Oklahoma (3rd Round 2011)

Overview:

I see him as an athlete playing LT more than a LT. Extremely athletic but plays without leverage, and technique is non-existent. Questionable power (19 bench reps at combine). He compensates lack of power by using momentum, which requires speed, which gets him off balanced and kills his technique.

My Guess:

Mims wins the back-up job (role he ended with last year), and Stephenson develops. Wouldn't shock me if Stephenson changes positions, he's a versatile enough athlete.

Tamba Hali - Background and Analysis

Background on Hali

Played 2006 & 2007 in a 4-3 at the left defensive end position.  Hali registered 15 1/2 sacks his first 2 years from that position.  In 2008 Hali became the Chiefs leading pass rusher (Jared Allen trade).  Hali didn't get and worse...the circumstances changed.  Team got younger and the production slipped to just 3 sacks.  (2008 Chiefs set NFL record for lowest sack total for a season)

In 2009 the Chiefs changed defenses, and Hali was moved from the 4-3 DE position to the 3-4 OLB.  Since the Chiefs have changed defenses...Hali has accounted for 35 sacks. Credit goes to Hali, but more goes into it.

Analysis

Hali game is based on momentum.  Meaning he is an in-line player...he is dynamic when playing in a straight line.  That ability translates well to the role of pass rusher...a role that ask a player to go the quickest route to point A to B.  Physically his skill matches a role that is valuable in the NFL, and Hali is suited to be among the NFL elite.

Hali is a different player if asked to perform in space.  If Hali didn't have the skill to rush the passer, it's certainly questionable if his ability to play in space would keep him on an NFL roster.  The Chiefs roster is manned by players in Hali, Dorsey, Belcher, and Lewis that skill's translate to clearly defined roles.  Credit should be given to Romeo for identifying the roles and putting the players in position.

The 35 sack number over the course of 3 seasons can be attributed to the scheme.  Schemes are theories, and the theory for Kansas City is the 3-4 is the best defense.  For Hali the 4-3 to the 3-4 switch changed one thing...his angle from point A to B.  His role hasn't changed from his rookie year (contain)...but by changing the angle it allowed him to only amplify the things he did well.

As a DE Hali played either a 5 technique or the outside shoulder of the tackle (depending on strong side and 3 technique).  That angle alone creates an easier block for the tackle.  It requires Hali to have more power than a tackle to make plays, which he averages out equally yet has no distinct advantage.  Moving Hali to the rush angles of a 3-4 OLB has allowed him to blend his physical ability by giving him further distance for momentum (in-line speed).

At 6'2" 270 pounds Hali is not especially quick (4.87 40 at Pro Day), or not powerful for his size.  Through technique and effort he averages out to the most difficult blocking assignment in the NFL snap to snap.  His consistency is what makes him great, even when he doesn't sack the QB he applies pressure.

For those that don't watch Hali then it is hard to understand what makes him an elite pass rusher.  His technique is flawless, and his motor is non-stop.  His sacks come from attrition, there are few left tackles that are going to answer the bell every play...which is required from preventing Hali from getting a sack.  He sets a 4-5 second clock every play in the passing game for QB to get rid of ball...doesn't get the sack every time but keeps the clock set on opposing QB's.

Overall

As long as Hali is on the field he will be a disruptive force in the pass game.  He is a liability in space, and serviceable in the run game.  Not what scouts call a fluid athlete.  He is a good blend of size, power, and speed.  He is a technician and has some of the best hands in the game.  Combined with his motor, he becomes an elite rusher.

Attacking the Chiefs front 7

If I developed plays to attack the Chiefs 3-4 run defense, the following things I have to consider.

How to attack Glenn Dorsey

The chances that I would have a LT to drive Glenn Dorsey out of a gap is slim.  Wherever he's at he will command that space.  To move him I need to commit a TE or G.  For a game plan I wouldn't commit an extra block to Dorsey...I would essentially concede area to Dorsey in the run game.

I would do it because I can run around him.  Although Dorsey has great command of his space, it's a limited space.  If I was a coordinator I would make him move, and reduce his impact as a run defender.

How to attack Kelly Gregg (retired)

Thing I have to consider with Kelly Gregg is he will be disruptive.  He is going to be the hardest block that I would have to game plan for.  He's not giving up his spot...he will go down to collapse running lanes...linemen are going to have difficulty engaging because of his hand play.

I wouldn't worry about blocking Gregg.  Similar to Dorsey but to greater extent...I would make him move.  If I would run at him I could have success, but he has too many tricks that cause traffic.

How to attack Tyson Jackson

Out of the 3 lineman I would choose to develop plays with action towards him.  Dorsey, and Gregg have great command of their area...Jackson doesn't command space as well.  The difference, Jackson has more range while having balanced in most areas for his position.

I am going to have more success running at Jackson because he is an easier drive block.  He fights and has improved to the point that he only gives up as little as a yard...but the blocks are typically clean on his side of the line.  Jackson is not a liability, but I would package plays that make Gregg and Dorsey move...in that regard, I would make Jackson work.

How to attack Tamba Hali

I would try to put Hali in space.  Similar to the Baltimore Ravens playoff game...I would flood routes to his zone.  In the run game he's not going to blow up my TE...because of the scheme...Tamba will be "slow playing" outside runs.  He will maintain an edge, and has great range to move a TE with his power.

I would attempt to make Tamba move.  I can't run at him, because the TE,T won't move him off his spot.  I can attack him with speed...running through a hole inside or outside of his edge.  Tamba is not fluid, making him change direction in space...puts him in spots where he can't be effective.  If allowed to just play in-line he is the best in the NFL.

How to attack Derrick Johnson

This defense does a good job of making sure DJ is "free".  "Free" meaning Dorsey is eating the left tackle's block...Gregg is coming up with a trick to occupy a block...Jackson is accounting for a block near the line of scrimmage...Belcher manages to always find the correct blocker and engage.  Facing a 1 technique (head up on C)...and two 5 techniques (head up on T)...DJ is left facing backside G.

I know to block DJ I have to commit my 6th best blocker...my tight end.  Statistically the results of that match-up is documented...TE's can't block him.  Two ways to beat DJ...spread him out and get the 3-4 off the field.  Change the geometry and create angles to engage him with lineman in the sup package.

The other way I would attack DJ is with a superior athlete at running back.  Jahvid Best had a field day...because the sub-package puts DJ on a running back.  Belcher is ill-quipped...Houston and Hali not as advanced in pass coverage.  DJ is a great enough athlete that teams that can't win those matchup have little chance for success in run game.

How to attack Javon Belcher

I look at Belcher as a bit of an out.  I game plan to put my worst offensive lineman in positions to block him.  If he makes a play then I am willing to allow that.  I'll do whatever I can to isolate him and make him the playmaker on defense.  I would run action right at him...put a RB on him in pass protection.  I would put him in as many positions as possible.

Going at him I know that he will be in the right spot every play (albeit a step slow).  Going at him I know that he has ability and heart to fight for his spots.  He is going to be relentless, but I would take my chances.  Physically my guard on average would be able to win most one-on-ones with him.

How to attack Justin Houston

With Justin Houston I would always keep my best blocker on the right side on him.  If my best blocker isn't doing the job, then I would commit another one.  I want to neutralize his speed, by occupying him with a body.  In the front 7 he is the most explosive player, so I would devise a scheme that limited his opportunities to use his athleticism.

Justin Houston is strong and has the ability to make plays off of blocks.  Running away from him play side would only enhance his ability.  I would put power and run at him.  Opposite of Hali who I think you can use speed to get around, you can't do it with Houston.  Similar to Hali he is a bit of an in-line athlete...not to the extent of Hali...but he can get exposed in space.

In the end...I'm making Dorsey, and Hali move on their side...hoping I can beat DJ in space.  I'm running direct action everywhere else.

3 Reasons Bowe could be done in KC

Over the past few years Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe has emerged as one of the best Receivers in the NFL.  There was a stretch in 2010 where Bowe statistically put up some of the better numbers in NFL history.  Bowe's talent is undeniable and if it were up to me I would ink him long term.


Obviously it is not my team, I try my best to make sense of what the Chiefs do.  For me when I look at the factors surrounding Dwayne Bowe I am left thinking he is no longer part of the plans in Kansas City.  Below are my reasons...in no particular order.


1-Investment at WR


The Chiefs have invested heavily at the WR position the past 2 years.  They have brought in Steve Breaston, drafted WR in 1st round-2nd round (McCluster at time of draft)-4th round.  They have also added TE's in Boss and Moeaki (3rd round).


These moves individually don't replace Bowe, but collectively factor in to the value Bowe has with the team.  15 months ago Bowe was the Chiefs only option in the passing game, within a span of 15 months Chiefs added 6 players that will factor heavily in the passing game.


In my opinion it reduces the value that Bowe has for the Chiefs.


2-Pioli's position


In 2011 Pioli gave every indication that Hali would be part of the Chiefs future.  His quote:


"Tamba is a key contributor to our football team, and we have a tremendous amount of respect for him both personally and professionally," Cheifs general manager Scott Pioli said. "We want Tamba to remain a member of the Chiefs, and we will continue to work together with the hope of reaching a long-term agreement."


This year Pioli's stance on Dwayne Bowe is far less committal.  On 610's Fescoe in the Morning Pioli avoided the questions in regards to Bowe's future.  With Hali a player franchised a year earlier Pioli was up front with his intentions, but has handled Bowe questions in a completely different manner.


The following quote has been the most Pioli has said in regards to Bowe:


“We never talked with anyone about a trade for Dwayne Bowe. I didn’t. Romeo didn’t. No one who would ever have anything to do with a trade called or talked to anybody nor did we field any calls, so wherever that came from I will say unequivocally 100% untrue. We did not talk nor are we looking to talk with anyone about a trade for Dwayne.”


Can't read too much into it, but different tones in regards to both his franchised players in the past two offseasons.


3-Bowe could be too valuable


The Chiefs could have had Brandon Carr, but after signing Flowers a few months prior to a 50 million dollar deal, Carr didn't have the value to the Chiefs.  Cowboys paid him like a number 1 Corner.


The Chiefs are littered with team/cap friendly deals.  For the most part the team will get the most value out of the deals.  Winston, Charles, DJ are all signed below market value.  They recently got Tyson Jackson to slash half of his salary.  Chiefs typically get bargains.


Bowe could out price himself out of Kansas City.  He has a history of being a bit of a diva.  His 2010 season was phenomenal, he may view himself as a top 5 WR deserving of a top 5 contract.  Depending on how far apart both sides are, could be a situation where Bowe walks.


There is a ton of smoke, but if I had a bet, signs are pointing to Bowe's departure.