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Sunday, September 28, 2008

Erik: "Give Croyle a chance and some options"

This is my response to Ben's previous blog post about how the Chiefs need to be "fixed."

The Chiefs do need help at quarterback, there is no doubt about it. But the Chiefs need help around the quarterback too. No quarterback is going to excel with a sub-par offensive line and no deep threat. So, here is what I would do if I got to sit in Carl Peterson’s chair this off-season.

#1 – Don’t give up on Brodie Croyle. Yeah, I know noboby will probably agree with this but there's a not a better option out there. He has talent and is getting better, but he’s definitely injury-prone. With that in mind, the Chiefs need to trade for or take a quarterback in the draft to be the back-up. This shouldn’t be a Damon Huard back-up. It needs to be a guy who can eventually take over if Croyle doesn’t improve with more help around him. It’s not like there is a sure-fire stud out there in the draft. Stafford might develop into the number one pick by the time the draft rolls around, but he’s not there yet.

Furthermore, the free agency class doesn't have the answer at quarterback like Ben pointed out. As for Alex Smith, the 49'ers won't cut him unless there is something seriously wrong with him mentally or physically. They have too much money invested in Smith to give him away ... especially when they are not tearing it up with O'sullivan.

As far as trade options go, Leinart and Anderson aren't going to cut it. Leinart won't be moved by the Cardinals. They know Warner isn't the long-term solution. Leinart will start sometime this year and will start next year. Anderson had one good year ... he has to show a lot more than that for me to want to deal for him. He is struggling this year and he would basically be stepping into an offense with the same weapons he has now in Cleveland.

#2 – Get some help for Croyle. Sign Jordan Gross to solidify the right tackle spot. Gross and Albert should help to form a fine offensive line in front of Croyle. I don't mind Ben's idea of adding a receiver like Houshmandzadeh or Williams (I'd prefer Williams), but why would a receiver like that want to come to Kansas City? We don't throw the ball a lot and we don't a quarterback that would lure a free agent wideout who will have plenty of options.

#3 – Help the offense in the draft. The defense is young and has a lot of potential. They need another linebacker, some help at safety and a pass-rush specialist, but the offense needs the injection of youth that the defense has recently received. Don’t change the plan and try to fix the offense with a bunch of free agents.

Here’s my thoughts on what the Chiefs could do in the draft

First Round – Michael Crabtree – WR – Texas Tech – Bowe is a good, big receiver but he doesn’t stretch the field and he drops too many footballs. On the other side of the field the Chiefs’ have Devard Darling who was easily tracked down on what should have been a game-tying touchdown against New England this year. Crabtree isn’t a 4.3 guy, but he has more speed than Bowe and Darling and will only continue to get better as he is still new to the position of wide receiver (high school QB).

Other options: Matt Stafford, Rey Maualuga, James Lauranitis, Michael Oher and Jeremy Maclin (I'm trying not be a homer by not picking him)

Second Round – Duke Robinson – OG – Oklahoma – Robinson is a large fellow at 6’4" 330 and has very quick feet. Robinson and Albert would give the Chiefs’ offensive-line two cornerstones to build around.

Other options: Taylor Mays, William Moore, Nic Harris, Percy Harvin, George Selvie

Third Round – Chase Daniel – QB – Missouri – Yeah, here's the homer pick ... He’s not big enough and doesn’t have Matt Stafford arm strength, but all the guy does is win. He will live in the film room and has NFL-caliber arm strength. I like Daniel to back-up Croyle and maybe take his spot down the line. Reminds many of another too small QB from Texas, Drew Brees.

Other options: Brian Orakpo, Phil Loadholt, Kevin Ellison, Hunter Cantwell

In the fourth through seventh rounds, the Chiefs need to add depth to their linebacking core, find help at safety if they don’t draft it in the first three rounds and find a dependable kicker (Woffert, Swank).

This general idea would give the Chiefs an offense of:

LT - Albert

LG - Waters

C - Niswanger

RG - Jones

RT - Gross

QB - Croyle, Daniel

RB - LJ, Charles

FB - Cox

WR - Bowe

WR - Crabtree

TE - Gonzalez

Third WR - Franklin

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Solving the Quarterback Crisis or What I Would Do If I Were the GM of the Kansas City Chiefs

Step One: Admit you have a problem.

Shocking revelation: Tyler Thigpen (he started last week...!!!!) and Brodie Croyle (he's hurt... again) are not going to be the future at the starting quarterback position for a myriad of reasons. We will avoid going into details, but I guarantee you Croyle and Thigpen are not the answers.

Step Two: Locate the Solutions.

There are three ways the Chiefs can acquire a QB this offseason: Free Agency, Trade or the Draft. Here are my "best availables" in those three catagories:

Free Agency: None. Unless, of course, you feel Charlie Batch, Matt Cassel, Kyle Boller or Rex Grossman are the answers to the Chiefs long-term quarterback problem. Although, Grossman did go to a Superbowl... **thick sarcasm**

BUT, there is another possibility. It is reported that Alex Smith could be released at the end of this season.

Alex Smith
6'4", 220
Former #1 Overall Draft Pick

Thoughts: Smith has the physical tools, he is just in a terrible situation. To imphasise this situation, here are three facts: Smith has had to learn four new offensive systems in his first four years in the NFL; It is widely speculated that Smith was placed on the IR for the 2008 season not because his shoulder is not healthy, but because his coach, Mike Nalen, doesn't really care for him; Brandon Lloyd is the best receiver he has ever had on his team (Lloyd doesn't even start for the Bears... think about that). Smith, in my opinion, could be a stud given the opportunity. He's smart, works hard and won't turn 25 until May of 2009. On the surface, the injury issue is concerning, but looking deeper at the subject has made me less concerned. Smith played with THREE torn ligaments in his throwing shoulder before the 49ers shut him down (Croyle won't even play with a "sprained" shoulder). His injury this year, a broken bone in his shoulder, may not be as severe as the reports and actions from the 49ers suggest, but more of a way to create a semi-peaceful separation. If he is not released, I would certainly put him on my list of guys to trade for.

Trade: Derek Anderson or Matt Leinart. I think both of these guys could be had for a reasonable price. I'll break them down individually.

Derek Anderson
6'4", 225
2007 Pro Bowl QB

Thoughts: He's had a tough start to the season and it doesn't help that his teammates are not living up to their expectations. Braylon Edwards is not healthy. Kellen Winslow is spending more time blocking and less time getting open. Jamal Lewis is averaging an LJ-esque 3.5 yards-per-carry and has yet to score a touchdown. So it is not all Derek Anderson. But there is clearly pressure to start the golden boy making millions over Anderson right now. I think Anderson is far more available than Quinn in addition to the fact that I think Quinn will not be that good anyway (but he's a hell of a lot better than Croyle or Thigpen).

I think Anderson is a perfect fit for the Chiefs. He has good size, a good arm, is decently accurate and has a ton of football left in front of him. He seems like the kind of blue collar, Rich Gannon- (minus the mobility)/Trent Green- (with more mobility) type of guy Chiefs fans would love. Granted, in his first full year last season he threw 19 picks which isn't good. But, he is only 25 and Trent Green threw 24 picks in his first full year as a starter. I think he could be had for a conditional draft pick in 2010 or a third rounder in 2009.

Matt Leinart
6'5", 225
Heisman Trophy Winner, 10th Overall Draft Choice

Thoughts: The talent is there, we've seen it. The problem is the Arizona Cardinals refuse to develop Leinart. That is the only explanation to me. Leinart has never started a full NFL season and is frequently pulled for Kurt "freaking" Warner mid-game. People have questioned his desire to play the game, but how much of it is his head or the Cardinals messing with his head? And think about who has coached this guy the last two years - Dennis Green. Think about that really hard. Of course he's screwed up. And have I mentioned he plays for a cursed franchise? I think the Cardinals have as much, if not more, to do with the lack of success Leinart has had. He could be had for a 3rd rounder in '09 and a conditional pick in 2010 in my mind.

Draft: Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, Matt Stafford, Sam Bradford, Hunter Cantwell. It should be noted that Sanchez, Tebow and Bradford all still have college eligibility remaining.

I would draft one of these guys in the first or second round even if I traded or signed Alex Smith, Derek Anderson or Matt Leinart and have them sit for two or three years before considering them as a starter (baring injury).

Step Three: Pray like hell someone pans out.

Finding a quarterback isn't exactly a exact science, but you can't win without one (see: 2008 Chiefs; 2008 Patriots; 2008 Rams). Luck is needed, which is why I would try to find two quarterbacks this offseason with at least one being from the draft.

Other Things I Would Do If I Were GM Besides Replacing Herm Edwards with Bill Cower (Subject to change):

Sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh - I bet that guy can't wait to get out of Cincinnati. He's a vertical threat who has the same kind of toughness Dwayne Bowe only with a little more speed. (Plan B - Roy Williams; Plan C - Lee Evans)

Sign Marc Colombo - I don't think the Cowboys have the salary cap space to resign him. Colombo is a large man (6'8", 320) who could dominate the right tackle position for the Chiefs for the next 5 to 7 years. (Plan B - Jordan Gross; Plan C - Mark Tauscher)

Draft James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State, in the first round - We need to solve our freaking middle linebacker problem. We absolutely SUCK there. It is the second weakest position on the team after quarterback (hey, what are the odds the two weakest positions on the team are the two most important positions on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball?).

Draft Mark Sanchez, QB, USC, in the second round - I think Sanchez will come out early and will fall to the first pick of the second round. Why? Because I want him and I took Laurinaitis in the first round.

Draft Alex Mack, C, California, in the third round - Mack is the "best center prospect in a long time" according to one really generic draft site. With that said, I've watched Cal play this season and didn't notice him at all, which I suppose isn't a bad thing.

Draft Marko Mitchell, WR, Nevada, in the fourth round - Mitchell is 6'4", 200-pounds and runs a 4.45-40. So how will he fall to the fourth round you ask? Because the potential 2009 wide receiver class is loaded. How about this for a top four: Percy Harvin, Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin and Darrius Heyward-Bay. A 40 time of 4.40 makes Crabtree the slowest receiver of the bunch. That's not a misprint, I did say slowest. Anyway, Mitchell had a 42-yard TD reception in Nevada's 1,000,000,000 - 17 loss to Mizzou two weeks ago.

Draft Maurice Crumm, Jr., OLB, Notre Dame, in the fifth round - Crumm makes just makes tackles, which is more than I can say for the rest of the Chiefs current linebacking core. And yes, I have watched him play and I'm not proud of it. Watching Notre Dame games is brutal, but it is fun watching Charlie Wise blow out his knee.

Draft Sam Swank, K, Wake Forrest, in the sixth round - He doesn't miss field goals (novel idea for a kicker) and is 9-of-12 from beyond 50-yards in his college career.

Draft Steve Rehring, OG, Ohio State, in the seventh round - 330-pounds is a lot of weight and that's how much he carries. I don't know the depths of his talents (I've only seen him play once and I must admit that I had no idea who he was until I started looking up guards a few hours ago). I do have one rule though (not true): You can't go wrong with Big 10 offensive lineman in the seventh round.

Move Barry Richardson to right guard and Rudy Niswanger to left guard - 6'6" is a little tall for a guard but I think he could be really effective in that position. He has size (320-pounds) and is decently mobile. The combination of him and Colombo on the right side would make a nice, and large, tandem. As for Rudy, he's not good enough to play center. That's really the only way I can put it. He has the intelligence to play the position, but he is not athletic and tough enough to start there (and yes, I know I'm saying this all on the results of three terrible games). I think Niswanger would be a nice left guard because of his intelligence and because you can give more help to your guard than you can to a center in one-on-one situations (I could be wrong on that, but I feel confident this is true).

Trade or release Brian Waters - He's done.

Demote Bernard Pollard to Special Teams and only play him at safety in situations where Darren McFadden is running for a 50-yard gain and we need someone with 4.17 speed to track him down and piss off Arkansas fans - I DISLIKE BERNARD POLLARD AS A SAFETY IMMENSELY!!! That is all.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Pre-Season Post of the Century

Oh blog. How long it has been since I have remembered to write on you. Do you miss being used by me to plug every reason why Chris is the luckiest son of a bitch alive? Do miss my passionate pleas that Chris Benson for T.J. Houshmandzadeh is the worst trade in the history of mankind because Benson’s value is SOOOO much greater? Do you miss my “luck factor” reasoning? Do you miss my conclusion that Philip Rivers is the greatest quarterback in the history of great San Diego quarterbacks from 2007? Or that Kige Ramsey is a genius? Or my obsession with getting Herm Edwards fired? My hatred for Anquan Boldin? Yeah… I didn’t either.

Before I get on with this, I want to pose a question to you: Would you pay $30 (more specifically, $29.95) to watch Mizzou destroy Southeast Missouri State (who barely beat freaking SBU in overtime… at home) on Pay Per View? Would you really do that Erik? Really???

Mr. Joel of Schilb

Joel was kind enough to not show up to the draft. How gay of him. And being the bastard he is, he used the “Brian Winckler Method” of not showing up to the draft while having the number one overall pick and coming away with a solid team. I. Hate. You. Really, I do. You’re terrible fantasy baseball team suck.

Anyway, Joseph Addai, Marques Colston and Jerricho Cotchery to go along with Ben Roethlisberger. Add in a potential top five(ish) defense in Baltimore, Brett Favre and a solid tight end in Chris Cooley (and Ben Watson for that matter) add Schilb comes away with a team that can compete for a playoff spot. You’re welcome, Joel.

What Joel doesn’t know is that, under “Brian Winckler Method” stipulations, he will be trading Ben Roethlisberger and Joseph Addai for Jon Kitna and Kip Wells.

Prediction: Joel slips into the playoffs with the “four” seed.

Mr. Jason of Willey

Still reeling from the realization that Ben was right and both Erik Bedard and Aaron Harrang were going to suck this season, Willey managed to pull himself together and not show up for the draft. Thanks, Jason. Fortunately, for his sake at least, I was able to pry a list of people he wanted in the top 10 rounds. I stupidly followed that list.

Thankfully, Jason’s team still sucks. While Terrell Owens is the more likely wide receiver between Randy Moss and himself to repeat last seasons success, and Brian Westbrook will be the best running back in fantasy this season (mark my words Chris, because I know you already are), Jason simply lacks any depth. Clinton Portis is a liability in the backfield and Derek Anderson is setup for a sophomore slump (so that he can be released and signed by the Chiefs this offseason). Torry Holt is nine billion years old (I think) and Jason has almost no one of value to bring off the bench.

The good news is that Ted Ginn Jr. is poised to have a break out season and he has Jon Kitna. The Kitna thing is important because that means he will be acquiring Ben Roethlisberger and Joseph Addai in week nine.

Prediction: Will miss playoffs and lose championship game of the consolation bracket.

Mr. Tony of Allen

Hey, he actually showed up for the draft! Unfortunately for him, he may have been better off not showing up. Brandon Jacobs in the fourth round? Steven Jackson as the third overall? Kevin Boss? Outside of Reggie Wayne, you have no one to play the other WR spot. And by week five, when Larry Johnson and Seven Jackson are dead and Brandon Jacobs is declared a bust (because he, along with Ryan Grant, are the two most overrated backs in fantasy this season), you will have no running backs or a flex player.

Yes, I know predicting failure based on non-existing injuries is semi-faulty reasoning, but when you consider who is blocking for both Johnson and Jackson, their injuries from last season and their prominent rolls in their individual offensive schemes and I think you’ll see the writing is pretty much on the wall for these guys. I see each of their backups having more success this season.

The good news is I think Matt Hasselbeck and Hines Ward will each have excellent seasons. I also have wet dreams about the Minnesota defense (I need better wet dreams). Additionally, Aaron Rogers could potentially be a huge keeper steal (sixteenth round) when looking back at the draft at the end of the season.

Prediction: Will miss the playoffs and lose in the first round of the consolation bracket.

Mr. Erik of Johnson

Erik showed up to the draft – that was nice of him. I still think he is poopyhead, though.

Erik’s draft is littered with guys who are either coming off of surgery, a serious injury or have an extensive injury history. I understand that everyone gets hurt in football – minus Will Shields and Brett Favre – but there are clearly guys who seem to get hurt ALL the time. Guys like Steve Smith, Kellen Winslow, Donovan McNabb, Adrian Peterson and Vernon Davis. There is also this: Peyton Manning, Willie Parker, Laurence Maroney and Marvin Harrison are all coming off a season ending injury or surgery; Reggie Bush, Steve Smith and Plaxico Burress all battled injuries last season that either caused them to miss games or negatively impact their performance in multiple games. This means 12 of Erik’s 16 draft picks have some kind of serious injury red flag. Now, it is completely possible that all twelve of these guys will be healthy all season and put up big numbers, but I would bet that this does not happen. I would venture to guess that at least six of these guys will miss a week to injury and at least three will miss four or more games. Erik will have more of a burden than most owners managing injuries this season.

Of course, the good news for Erik is that his team probably has more upside from proven players than any other team – and Erik is the kind of upside. The health of Willie Parker and Adrian Peterson will dictate how well this season goes for Erik. Erik will also be watching Rashard Mendenhall (Parker’s backup) and Chester Taylor (Peterson’s backup) closely as they will they will be a two-headed monster Erik will have to deal with every week.

Prediction: Erik wins his division and earns the “two” seed in the playoffs.

Mr. Jeff of Weseloh

Jeff did not show up to the draft because he sucks. Yet, somehow, I think he ended up with a playoff roster. I hate it when this happens.

Jeff has a solid receiving core in Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, Donald Driver and Patrick Crayton. While Moss isn’t going to score 23 touchdowns, I don’t think 15 would be so bad. Andre Johnson is poised for a big season and Donald Driver is an excellent flex option. Patrick Crayton is a second half sleeper.

His running back options are not eye-poping to me, but I think are more than capable of getting him to the playoffs. A rotation of Ryan Grant, Willis McGahee, Jamal Lewis, Matt Forte and Julius Jones should get the job done.

Weseloh’s big guy will be Tony Romo, who I think will be the “2007 Tom Brady” of 2008. Not to say he’s going to break Brady’s record or anything, but I think Romo will have more than 40 touchdown passes this season. I believe this because of the weak defenses the Cowboys will play, the receiving targets in Owens, Crayton and Jason Witten and the explosive addition of Felix Jones. I think Jones adds something they didn’t have last year in a guy who can come out of the backfield and make a play in the receiving game. His speed and agility makes him a tough guy to tackle in the open field. Also, he should be fresh because he will not have to take the “between the tackles” carries that Marion Barber will own.

Prediction: Will make the playoffs as a “three” seed.

Mr. Chris of Wessley

Chris showed up to the draft, but he really didn’t need to until round three as he kept LDT and Tom Brady. But after looking at his draft, it appears that he really wasn’t all there until round 10 when he took Jeremy Shockey. He then took another two rounds off before taking DeShawn Jackson and then promptly left the draft. Chris’ draft is littered with bad picks and overdrafts. Michael Turner has no business going in the third round and I think will prove to be a bust and was the biggest reach of the draft. Chad Ocho Cinco is going to have a down season this year, which I think will prove to be his last in Cincinnati. Chad is batting a separated shoulder, which I think will hinder his production the first four weeks or so. Also the production of Mr. Championship along with an improved running game should cut into his numbers.

I’m also not sold on Tom Brady as a dominate fantasy player this year – and by dominate, I mean be remotely as good as he was last season. Look, he can throw 30 touchdowns this season (which would be a GREAT season) and still be 20 touchdowns short of what he did last year. Brady’s foot concerns me, as does his offensive line. What saves New England as a team is their weak division, which may save Brady’s fantasy value, but I think New England is on the downswing and is in need of an injection of young talent.

With this said, I do still think Brady will throw 30+ touchdowns, which will put him in the top five in quarterbacks. Also, I talked a lot of crap about Chris’ team last pre-season and he dominated the regular season. So… yeah.

Prediction: Misses the playoffs and will win the consolation bracket.

Mr. Andrew of Wessley

Andrew was kind enough to show up to the draft. Of course, he sucked it up in the draft, but at least he showed the decency to show up.

Let’s start with the positives: Drew Brees will have a solid season, as should Brandon Marshall; Jason Witten provides good value as a 12th rounder; Jonathan Stewart is a nice potential keeper. That’s about it.

Frank Gore and Marshawn Lynch are terrible first and second round picks. When exactly was the last time a non-pass-receiving running back has had a good season when Mike Martz was an offensive coordinator? Oh, and did I mention that Mike Martz REALLY likes to throw the ball? As for Lynch, here is my line of thought: Marshawn Lynch plays for the Buffalo Bills; the Buffalo Bills cannot throw the ball to save their lives; opponents will put 8 and 9 guys in the box to force the Buffalo Bills to pass (which they won’t); the Buffalo Bills offense equals the Kansas City Chiefs offense; the Kansas City Chiefs offense sucks. Other running backs include: Edgerrin James (hehehe…), Jonathan Stweart (good choice if this was 2010 – and it’s not), Rudi Johnson (the freaking Bengals cut him), DeShaun Foster (dead man walking).

Receivers: Wombat Tango Force? Who is going to throw the ball to Larry Fitzgerald? If you answered Matt Leinart, you’re fucked. If you said Kurt Warner, you’re fucked. If you own Larry Fitzgerald, you’re double-fucked. I’m not saying Fitzgerald sucks, I’m only saying that you’re fucked. Other Receivers include: Santonio Holmes (I’d like him if the Steelers weren’t a run first offense), Roy Williams (Calvin Johnson is going to steal all his thunder), Lee Evans (when exactly has he had a good season?) and Brandon Marshall (a second tier receiver).

The massive hole at running back in addition to the lack of a top wide receiver is going to kill Andrew this season… I think.

Prediction: Misses playoffs and loses in the first round of the consolation bracket.

Mr. Ben of Nielsen

Three words: Best. Draft. Ever.

Two more words: T.J. Houshmandzadeh

One more word: Championship!!!!!!!!!111111!!!1!!1!!111/1//1/1!1!!

In all seriousness though, I feel pretty good about my team (as if you couldn’t tell). I am confident my receiver are going to dominate this season. The combination of Houshmandzadeh and Braylon Edwards with Greg Jennings at the flex should serve me well. On the bench I have a potential breakout guy in Calvin Johnson and a this year’s Wes Welker in Anthony Gonzalez.

While I don’t think Carson Palmer is going to be spectacular or win me any match-ups this year, I do feel that he will not lose me any match-ups and will be a consistent performer. Philip Rivers is a good option as a back-up, while JaMarcus Russell will be this year’s biggest sleeper.*

* I totally do not believe any of what I just said about JaMarcus Russell.

My biggest question is going to be who steps up fill in the second running back roll. Marion Barber will be a touchdown machine, and I’m not concerned about him. I also have his backup, Felix Jones, should something happen to Barber. As of now, Darren McFadden is my number two guy – but as a rookie, I really don’t know what I’m going to get in him. My other running back options include Jones, Steve Slaton and Rashard Mendenhall – all of whom are rookies. I figure one of either McFadden, Jones, Slaton and Mendenhall will be good. Hopefully whoever it is will be good enough to not be my Achilles heal.

Pre-Season Power Rankings

1. Ben
2. Erik
3. Jeff
4. Joel
5. Chris
6. Jason
7. Andrew
8. Tony

Quick Thoughts on the Chiefs

Mr. Croyle: How nice would it have been if the Chiefs had just started him at the beginning of last season? Then maybe we could have gone out and gotten that Brett Favre guy or swung a deal for Brady Quinn or something. Instead, we have to go through a full season of something we already know: At best, Croyle is a backup quarterback. For perspective, this subject only rates a 3 out of 10 on the Annoyance Scale, but it concerns me that the Chiefs didn’t even try to go out and find a guy who could legitimately fill in and be the quarterback of the future should Croyle crumble (or, more likely, get hurt) by week eight. Mr. Thigpen ain’t it and neither is Huard.

I understand the arguments that Croyle didn’t have a lot of time to throw the ball last season because of how bad the offensive line played. I also understand that LJ got hurt and the wide receiver core sucked. I get this. But here is what concerned me about him last season:
· His decision-making was terrible: It doesn’t matter who is on the field when you’re throwing into triple coverage consistently.
· He couldn’t stay healthy for half a season: Can’t play if you’re not on the field.
· He couldn’t win a job that was handed to him.
· He doesn’t create or make plays: All good quarterbacks make something of nothing. The scramble, they run, they find ways to get the ball to their playmakers. I have yet to see Croyle make a “play.” Not one.
· Accuracy = non-existent

Other than that, he’s pretty good.

Mr. Huard: There was some talk last month that the Chiefs not starting Huard is a hindrance to the Chiefs development because Croyle is just THAT bad. I think this is false, because Huard is just as bad as Croyle.

Five Headed Monster: You think the Chiefs are regretting giving that massive contract to LJ? The Chiefs have managed to find four legit running backs who could have easily carried the load this season without LJ. Heck, maybe we could have taken that money we gave LJ and signed, like, I don’t know, a free agent?

Interesting Free Agents Available or The Chiefs Have Over $30 Million in Cap Space:

First…
Derek Anderson – Anderson has a large roster bonus due to him at the end of the season. If the Browns feel like Quinn is ready, they may cut ties with Anderson.

Now…
Tommie Harris, DT
Chris Snee, G
Albert Haynesworth, DT
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR
Roy Williams, WR
Lee Evans, WR (Yeah, the same guy I bashed above. Fantasy and real life are different damnit!)
Keith Brooking, LB

There are other players, but these are the ones I was interested in. Julius Peppers, Marion Barber and Steven Jackson headline the class. T.O., Brandon Jacobs, Will Smith and Daunta Robinson are also in the class.

2009 Draft Watch
- My campaign for James Larinitus for our top pick begins NOW!*
- Ball State Quarterback Matt Davis looked impressive against…Navy…still he seems like an interesting 4-7 round guy.
- Jeremy Maclin is the only MU guy the Chiefs are allowed to draft. That’s it. Only one… HE’S SO FREAKING FAST!!!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Draft Results (Format still being worked on...)

Legend: (#) - Times Kept BOLD - Kept Player * - Draft Pick Traded ^ - Did Not Attend Draft
2008 Draft Results
Round Joel Jason Tony Erik Jeff Ben Chris Andrew
Schilb^ Willey^ Allen Johnson Weseloh^ Nielsen Wessley Wessley
1 Joseph Addai Terrell Owens Steven Jackson Peyton Manning (1) Randy Moss Marion Barber Ladanian Tomlinson (1) Frank Gore
2 Maurice Jones-Drew Brian Westbrook (1) Larry Johnson Willie Parker Ryan Grant Carson Palmer Tom Brady (1) Marshawn Lynch
3 Marques Colston Clinton Portis (1) Reggie Wayne (1) Reggie Bush Willis McGahee T.J. Houshmandzadeh Michael Turner Drew Brees
4 Thomas Jones Derek Anderson Brandon Jacobs Steve Smith Jamal Lewis Darren McFadden Chad Johnson Larry Fitzgerald
5 Brett Favre Torry Holt Matt Hasselbeck (1) Plaxico Burress Andre Johnson (1) Dallas Clark Antonio Gates Edgerrin James
6 Jerricho Cotchery Tony Gonzalez Eli Manning Kellen Winslow Donald Driver Calvin Johnson Anquan Boldin Santonio Holmes
7 Chris Cooley San Diego D/ST Hines Ward Laurence Maroney Jake Delhomme Anthony Gonzalez Fred Taylor Roy Williams
8 Andre Hall Santana Moss Lavernaues Coles Donovan McNabb Matt Forte Braylon Edwards (1) Dwayne Bowe Jonathan Stewart
9 Justin Fargas Shayne Graham Minnesota D/ST Adrian Peterson (1) Joey Galloway Felix Jones Seattle D/ST Lee Evans
10 * Jon Kitna Kevin Boss Chicago D/ST Tony Romo (1) JaMarcus Russell Selvin Young/Jeremy Shocky Jay Cutler
11 Ben Roethlisberger (1) Kenny Watson Nick Folk Marvin Harrison Patrick Crayton Philip Rivers Ronnie Brown Rudi Johnson
12 Jerious Norwood DeAngelo Williams Chris Chambers Kevin Smith David Garrard Greg Jennings (1) Marc Bulger Jason Witten (1)
13 Benjamin Watson Ted Ginn Jr. Cowboys D/ST Roddy White Julius Jones Steve Slaton DeShawn Jackson Brandon Marshall (1)
14 Ahmad Bradshaw Ricky Williams Tony Scheffer LenDale White JT O'Sullivan Rashard Mendenhall Donte Stallworth DeShaun Foster
15 Wes Welker (1) Sidney Rice Earnest Graham Vernon Davis Tennessee D/ST Green Bay D/ST Mason Crosby Jacksonville D/ST
16 Neil Rackers/Baltimore D/ST Amani Toomer Aaron Rogers Brady Quinn David Akers Stephen Gostkowski * Phil Dawson

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Draft Results from 2007

Here are the draft results from last season. Keeping a player will cost you the round the player was drafted in. Keeper selections need to be in as soon as possible so we can set a draft date.

First Round
Frank Gore
Joseph Addai
Carson Palmer
Steven Jackson
LaDainian Tomlinson
Peyton Manning
Willie Parker
Reggie Bush
Shaun Alexander
Larry Johnson

Second Round
Travis Henry
Laurence Maroney
Drew Brees
Brian Westbrook
Steve Smith
Tom Brady
Donovan McNabb
Rudi Johnson
Maurice Jones-Drew
Willis McGahee

Third Round
Chad Johnson
Phillip Rivers
Terell Owens
Marvin Harrison
Cedric Benson
Ronnie Brown
Clinton Portis
Deuce McAllister
Reggie Wayne
Thomas Jones

Fourth Round
Larry Fitzgerald
Torry Holt
Edgerrin James
Antonio Gates
Marion Barber
Roy Williams
T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Carnell Williams
Marques Colston
Marc Bulger

Fifth Round
Donald Driver
Lavernues Coles
Randy Moss
Andre Johnson
Anquan Boldin
Tony Gonzalez
Plaxico Burress
Javon Walker
Matt Hasselbeck

Sixth Round
Kellen Winslow
Alge Crumpler
Jeremy Shockey
Vince Yound
Marshawn Lynch
Randy McCichael
Vernon Davis
Todd Heap
Ladell Betts

Seventh Round
DeShaun Foster
Muhsin Muhammad
Patriots D
Bears D
Ravens D
Hines Ward
Deion Branch
Joey Galloway
Fred Taylor Matt Leinart

Eighth Round
Broncos D
Darell Jackson
Chargers D
Eli Manning
Santana Moss
Jamal Lewis
Braylon Edwards
Adam Vinatieri
Mack Clayton
Chris Chambers

Ninth Round
Reggie Brown
Jay Culter
Julius Jones
Adrian Peterson
Terry Glenn
DeAngelo Williams
Isaac Bruce
Jerricho Cotchery
LaMont Jordan
Brandon Jackson

Tenth Round
Calvin Johnson
Warrick Dunn
Chester Taylor
Jerious Norwood
Tatum Bell
Chris Cooley
Tony Romo
Jaguars D
Bernard Berrian
Benjamin Watson

Eleventh Round
Vincent Jackson
Santonio Holmes
Dallas Clark
Ahman Green
Brett Favre
Joe Horn
Matt Jones
Ben Roethlisberger
LJ Smith
Jon Kitna

Twelfth Round
LenDale White
Donte Stallworth
Vernand Morency
Dolphins D
Mike Furrey
Reuben Droughns
Shayne Graham
Jerry Porter
Greg Jennings
Jason Witten

Thirteenth Round
Jake Delhomme
Vikings D
Michael Bennett
Chris Brown
Devery Henderson
Kevin Curtis
Nate Kaeding
Drew Bennett
Brandon Marshall
Derrick Mason

Fourteenth Round
Robbie Gould
Heath Miller
Jeff Wilkins
Eagles D
Eddie Kennison
Joe Jurevicius
Steelers D
Trent Green
Daniel Graham
Neil Rackers

Fifteenth Round
Panthers D
D.J. Hackett
Reggie Williams
Eric Johnson
Josh Brown
Cowboys D
Owen Kaniels
Wes Welker
Chiefs D
Michael Jenkins

Sixteenth Round
Michael Turner
Matt Stover
Chris Henry
Olindo Mare
Jason Elam
Brodie Croyle
James Jones
Dominic Rhodes
Stephen Gostkowski
Jason Campbell

Sunday, January 20, 2008

NYG at GB

Pre-Game

I do not want to think about the media circus that I will have to deal with for two freaking weeks if there is a New England/New York Superbowl. I cannot handle listening to Boston vs New York, Red Sox vs Yankees, Northeast sports crap. If there is anything I can deal with is a whole bunch Brady/Favre features. I can deal with that. I cannot deal with a whole bunch of “The Other Manning” features. Oh God not “The Other Manning” features. EEEEEWWWW. Please win, Green Bay, please win.

The key fantasy guys to watch are Ryan Grant and Brandon Jacobs. A big day from either of them means Andrew has all but locked up the fantasy championship.

Then again, the Superbowl is indoors. Brady could go off for 100 points. Maybe.

An update on my food intake: Skittles, sweet pickles, Gatorade, buffalo wings, pizza and Cherry Coke. The end list was better than the beginning of the list. You would think that stuff wouldn’t mix well. Well, you’re thinking right.

Frank Callindo is really good at those impressions. Too bad he can’t do anyone under the age of 98. And has anyone seen Frank TV? Is it even on TV anymore?

Its weird seeing a commercial dedicated to great offensive lineman and seeing Chiefs featured. I almost forgot that we were really good on offense once.

It also needs to be noted that Green Bay looks AMAZING in HD. I mean A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Troy Aikman looks like he going to die sometime in the middle of this broadcast. This is going to be an exciting game. I’m going to have to keep a body count.

If this writers strike continues, baseball games are going to get some insane ratings. Because between the Superbowl and April there is NOTHING on tv. Nothing.

15:00

And the ball falls off the tee! The ball falls off the tee!

Lawrence Tynes could go to the Superbowl. Damnit.

14:54

Didn’t take long for a fight to break out. People just tryin’ to stay warm man.

14:49

The fullback is the last guy I would want to be hit by if I were a Giant.

14:09

Followed by the tight end.

13:13

$10 says Buck gets too cold and mispronounces “Tuck” by the end of the game. Hey! Maybe he’ll get fired and banned from TV! YES! I have something to root for now!

12:46

There are crazy people not wearing sleeves. Crazy people those footballers, crazy.

11:36

Eli Manning still looks like he is 19 years old. Does he ever intend on growing up?

11:09

There are some awesome names in this game, such as the guy who just made a tackle. Too bad I can’t spell any of them.

9:25

How drunk do you have to get to feel warm at that game right now? Ok, fine, I’ll be the guanine pig on this one and find out…

8:14

Oh God, the Giants are driving. My worst dreams are going to come true aren’t they?

7:49

Plaxico Burress has about 90 catches on this drive. Who has him and why didn’t they start him? Oh yeah, that’s right. His quarterback is Eli Manning and its –1 degrees outside and dropping. Forgot. Sorry about that.

6:21

Has Eli been inhabited by Peyton? This is messed up.

4:57

You know, last week at this time, the score was tied at 14. Now, the Giants are finishing up the second possession of the game.

On a side note, Eli almost threw an interception… to a defensive tackle.

4:53

A field goal by the Chiefs’ Lawrence Tynes and the score is 3-0.

4: 43

An update, nine people dead in Green Bay – one of which is Tom Coughlin. Have you seen his face yet? It’s even worse in HD.

4:25

There is a band! There is band trying to play! No way! How the hell do you play trumpet in this weather? I am having trouble believing what I have just learned.

3:27

Okay, so when white people get really cold their skin turns red. What happens to black people? And why is it that the skin around the eye-sockets doesn’t turn red? Theses are the things I want to know.

2:34

Toomer has a Sammie Parker moment. Could have used that catch.

1:08

I’m not a big fan of Fox and the realization of the Superbowl being on Fox just sent a wave of depression through my body. Ugh. I can’t handle more Joe Buck.

:00

End of the first quarter. 23 people dead.

14:55

Just saw that offensive line commercial again, and I confirm that there were Chiefs on it. That’s messed up.

14:08

LOL! The Packers “forgot” to turn the heat on for the Giants heating bench. Funny.

11:59

Jumper, the film rippoff version of Heroes or a decent February movie? Discuss.

11: 46

Tyree can’t hall in a pass that would have given the Giants a first and goal. Instead the Chiefs add on to their lead with a field goal from Lawrence Tynes. 6, nil.

11:18

Donald Driver 90-yard touchdown reception! Andrew goes wild! After 20 minutes of Burress making Andrew feel like a poophead, Donald Driver catches a 90-yard touchdown to give the Packers a 7-6 lead. That was a 17-point catch by Driver. I guess Brett owed him for the OT pass that caused Andrew’s only loss in another league.

So I just saw a commercial naming the Sara Connor Chronicles as the number one new show. I didn’t realize there was more than one new show on TV. Huh.

10:31

I guess black people don’t get cold. I just saw one sweating. Weird.

9:52

BIGBY NAILS BURRESS, but Burress holds onto the ball. Where’s the slow mo? I’m in need of an orgasm.

8:56

Green Bay special teams have been trying to give this game away. What terrible decision making.

I could really use one of those 90-yard TD passes to Jennings. Anytime now Brett.

7:26

Jennings almost breaks one! DAMNIT! But Aikman says he’s going to be a superstar. Good tip for keepers.

6:38

Buck is really working on accenting the “T” in “Tuck”. I really want him to “Tuck”-up his name.

6:21

Both Special Teams coaches in this game need to get fired. And yes, I’m in a fire-happy mood.

5:38

Brandon Jacobs is amazing. Geez.

4:35

You know the play is going nowhere when the announcer says this, “The snap is fumbled, flags are flying and the pass is incomplete.”

Yikes.

4:14

Ryan Grant is not built for cold weather running. This is more Brandon Jacobs territory. I would love to see LJ run in this weather behind a good o-line. That would be fun.

2:40

If I were to do a Playoff Luck Factor Blog, Andrew would score a 1484. I don’t know if that is possible, but that would be my estimation. Did anyone see a big passing day coming out of this weather? Unthinkable.

1:52

TD pass for Jennings is incomplete. Story of my life.

1:34

Crosby nails a 37-yard field goal to extend the lead to 10-6.

Note: There will be no second half blog due to other responsibilities elsewhere. I’ll try to have the scoring updates up tonight. I’ll definitely have them up by tomorrow morning.

1:11

I want that Bigby guy. What do we have to do to get him? I’ll give you Croyle????


1:03

Harris is being owned by Burress. And I mean OWNED!

:05

The Giants can’t pull off a fast, long drive like they did last week so Green Bay will keep their 10-6 lead going into halftime.



Scoring Update

Ben
Philip Rivers = 4
Greg Jennings = 1
Ben Watson = 0
Stephen Goskowski = 3

Week Total = 8
Overall Total = 139

Andrew
Brandon Jacobs = 3
Laurence Maroney = 23
Ryan Grant = 1
Donald Driver = 24
Chris Chambers = 9

Week Total = 60
Overall Total = 243

Chris
Tom Brady = 10
LDT = 0
Wes Welker = 11
Sinorice Moss = 0
Donald Lee = 1
Mason Crosby = 4
Chargers DEF/ST = 8

Week Total = 34
Overall Total = 193

Casey
Amani Toomer = 0
Randy Moss = 2
New England DEF/ST = 9

Week Total = 11
Overall Total = 166

SD at NE Second Half

15:00

…No, I can’t. Yes, I can. No, I can’t. Yes, I can. No, I can’t. Yes, I can. No, I can’t. Yes, I can. No, I can’t. Yes, I can. No, I can’t. Yes, I can. No, I can’t. Yes, I can. No, I can’t. Yes, I can.

14: 46

A drive and score here can really put SD in a bind.

13:26

INTERCEPTION! SD with the pick and all of a sudden SD can take the lead!

12: 34

Rivers is still alive. How?

10:12

Chambers and Jackson are really picking apart the NE secondary. If there is a weakness to New England it is there defense. They don’t play from behind much and most teams abandon the run early. But their secondary and linebackers (with Colvin being hurt) is very suspect and, in many ways, old.

9:59

I now predict that Rivers knee will blow out by the end of this game. I know Rivers didn’t have a great season, but it’s not like he sucks. I would certainly take him over Croyle right now. He’s going to be a very good quarterback (not great though) for a long time. That’s unfortunate for us.

It should be noted that I finally found time to order pizza.

9:22

Junior Seau makes a MASSIVE play to tackle Turner in the backfield and force another San Diego field goal. That is three times now that SD has had to settle for a field goal after driving inside the NE 10.

Field goal is good. 14-12 NE.

This is also a good time to note that my laptop sucks and cannot pick up any internet signal, making this whole process very difficult. I know MACs are supposedly turning into the “not cool” think, but I really wouldn’t mind a MacBookPro right now. Really, I wouldn’t.

8:36

Anybody else hearing the phantom whistles during kickoffs and punts? I swear I’m hearing something.

Did I ever mention the story of the first time my mom got drunk? I’ll have to do that later then won’t I?

(Teaser: She was 46 years old and thought that “Lite” beer meant there was less alcohol in it.)

8:21

Maroney finally has a big run for NE. Andrew should get used to this because I he is going to see tonight is handoffs to his backs. Well done by Andrew to pick three of the four starting running backs in today’s games.

I love this new Nike commercial for the new Jordans, showing all of the home film footage of some of the great modern athletes playing in little league and high school. It’s pretty sweet. I like those kind of commercials for some reason.

7:44

Maroney follows his long run with a zero yard run. Nice.

7:05

Finally, Randy Moss has a reception. Speaking of Moss, Casey barely got his lineup in before kickoff. One of his starters? Terrell Owens.

6:22

Another first down run for Maroney and SD defense looks a little gassed. SD needs to hold NE to a field goal if they want to win this game.

3:56

Remember the last time the Chiefs were in the AFC Championship game? I was nine, Joe Montana died and Daddy was still alive then too.

2:56

HOLY CRAP CROMARTIE WITH AN AMAZING INTERCEPTION OF BRADY IN THE ENDZONE! Wow what a turn of events! Brady losses four fantasy points for Chris! Andrew is elated! Chris does get two points from the SD defense though.
In other news, MY PIZZA GOT HERE!

2:20

SD is moving, which means they’ll get a field goal.

But now its 3rd and long.

1:48

Phil Simms just inferred that NE doesn’t like the way its going. You think?

1:44

An incomplete pass by Rivers forces a punt. But that pick by Cromartie saved the game for SD.

215 red-zone passes by Brady = 62 touchdowns and one interception.

:14

End of the third quarter means… I GET TO EAT!

13:22

Slow motion collisions! ORGASMIC! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

12:15

Touchdown Wes Welker. 21-12 NE. Anyone else see a run on Texas Tech receivers in the draft for the next couple of years?

9:12

You know your job as a punter sucks when you have the ball downed at the 12 and the commentator says, “That’s not deep enough.” Really? An 88-yard drive for a touchdown is not long enough for you Jim?

9:03

Laurence. Maroney. Tearing it up.

8:58

Brady is sacked and then slow to get up. You could hear the concern in the reaction of the fans when Brady laid on the ground for a little bit. I whish he would have stayed down.

7:04

Kevin Faulk catches and then rolls for the first down. And with that, the game is over. I’m going to eat more pizza now.

But not until I mention that Maroney almost died on the ensuing handoff.

5:06

Kevin Faulk with another catch and run for a first down. SD now only has one timeout left.

It should be noted that Chris is going to be the only one left with a quarterback. But Andrew is going to keep Maroney and either Jacobs or Grant depending on game two’s results. Andrew is looking like he’s in prime position to win the playoffs.

2:00

Now would be a really good time for one of those Eff You Touchdown’s to Ben Watson.

And, is anyone else getting depressed each time they mention the Lamar Hunt Trophy? Or are you at least getting depressed that there are only two more football games left until September? Ugh. I guess there’s the draft…

Which would be more bizarre/creepy/awesome, Reggie Bush, Antonio Gates and Jason Witten all standing at your door wanting to play or a talking cartoon referee?

:44

NE is going to the Superbowl. Bastards. GO PACK GO!

Scoring Update

Ben
Philip Rivers = 4
Greg Jennings =
Ben Watson = 0
Stephen Goskowski = 3

Week Total = 7
Overall Total = 138

Andrew
Brandon Jacobs =
Laurence Maroney = 23
Ryan Grant =
Donald Driver =
Chris Chambers = 9

Week Total = 32
Overall Total = 215

Chris
Tom Brady = 10
LDT = 0
Wes Welker = 11
Sinorice Moss =
Donald Lee =
Mason Crosby =
Chargers DEF/ST = 8

Week Total = 29
Overall Total = 188

Casey
Amani Toomer =
Randy Moss = 2
New England DEF/ST = 9

Week Total = 11
Overall Total = 166