Thinking Chiefs
5/16/2008
NOTE: This post is 100% NFL
It's only May and I'm already pretty excited about the upcoming NFL season. The Chiefs had a terrific draft, and I think it is the initial turning of the tide for the organization. First off, Herm Edwards is committed to bringing in youth and playing them right away. His philosophy towards free agents ("helmets-for-rent") is something I think is pretty true these days. Most free agents come across from another organization and take big chunks out of a teams cap - and aren't always a lock for success.
People will quickly overlook the Chiefs this season, and maybe the next. However, think about these facts:
- They have a solid game changing receiver in Dwayne Wade
- The defensive line with the addition of Glen Dorsey should make it very difficult for teams to run.
- With the pick of Brandon Flowers, Bernard Pollard, and Jarrad Page - the secondary has youth, speed, and talent. Watch out for Flowers and Pollard because they are big time hitters.
- With a revamped offensive line and Chan Gailey the offense should have spark again. With a healthy Larry Johnson coming back, I expect the Chiefs to be much more productive on that side of the ball. Also, giving Brodie Croyle some time in the pocket will allow him to develop and the organization to actually analyze him.
Another note on Croyle - I'm a big fan of the kid. He's got a strong arm and is coming out of a big time program in the SEC (Alabama). The players (at least most of the younger ones) all seem to really like and click with him. If you remember, Chailey was the offensive coordinator of the Steelers when they had Kordel Stewart - and he made him very productive (and look at Stewart these days). I think Gailey will be able to adjust the system for Croyle. The previous coordinator (was the offensive line coach during the Vermeil era) just didn't seem to have a very good strategy and approach to running the offense. I think some of the blame for Croyle's slow start can be blamed on him. But if Croyle struggles again this year, I won't be surprised for the Chiefs to go after a big time college QB in the draft next year (Chase Daniels?).
Anyways - back to reality in May on the west coast. But it's getting much closer to giving DirectTV a call for the Sunday NFL package!
It's only May and I'm already pretty excited about the upcoming NFL season. The Chiefs had a terrific draft, and I think it is the initial turning of the tide for the organization. First off, Herm Edwards is committed to bringing in youth and playing them right away. His philosophy towards free agents ("helmets-for-rent") is something I think is pretty true these days. Most free agents come across from another organization and take big chunks out of a teams cap - and aren't always a lock for success.
People will quickly overlook the Chiefs this season, and maybe the next. However, think about these facts:
- They have a solid game changing receiver in Dwayne Wade
- The defensive line with the addition of Glen Dorsey should make it very difficult for teams to run.
- With the pick of Brandon Flowers, Bernard Pollard, and Jarrad Page - the secondary has youth, speed, and talent. Watch out for Flowers and Pollard because they are big time hitters.
- With a revamped offensive line and Chan Gailey the offense should have spark again. With a healthy Larry Johnson coming back, I expect the Chiefs to be much more productive on that side of the ball. Also, giving Brodie Croyle some time in the pocket will allow him to develop and the organization to actually analyze him.
Another note on Croyle - I'm a big fan of the kid. He's got a strong arm and is coming out of a big time program in the SEC (Alabama). The players (at least most of the younger ones) all seem to really like and click with him. If you remember, Chailey was the offensive coordinator of the Steelers when they had Kordel Stewart - and he made him very productive (and look at Stewart these days). I think Gailey will be able to adjust the system for Croyle. The previous coordinator (was the offensive line coach during the Vermeil era) just didn't seem to have a very good strategy and approach to running the offense. I think some of the blame for Croyle's slow start can be blamed on him. But if Croyle struggles again this year, I won't be surprised for the Chiefs to go after a big time college QB in the draft next year (Chase Daniels?).
Anyways - back to reality in May on the west coast. But it's getting much closer to giving DirectTV a call for the Sunday NFL package!