Dealing In Depth Charts … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs
Until this last month, there were two words that were seldom discussed by Chiefs fans and the media that follow the team:
Depth chart.
Like everything else around the franchise, that’s changed. Suddenly, the weekly depth chart issued by the Chiefs is a major topic in discussions about the team. I’ve got to be honest, but it’s been years since I paid much attention to the depth chart that’s part of the club’s weekly publicity release. There was never really any reason, because changes were obvious on the field, whether in practice or games. The depth chart was never a psychological tool for the coach.
Todd Haley and his coaching staff have turned all that upside down and they have the fans and media talking, along with the players. It’s especially so this week, as the depth chart came out on Monday with ILB Derrick Johnson on the third team defense and Demorrio Williams moved to the first team. Then there was FS Jarrad Page on the second team defense, behind Jon McGraw.
Yet on that same depth chart, Dwayne Bowe remains a third-team wide receiver, when he’s now taking all of his snaps with the No. 1 offense. Rookie Donald Washington is listed as the fourth cornerback on the left side, but he’s taken all the snaps with the No. 1 defense this week and is expected to start Thursday night in St. Louis for the pre-season finale.
So is the team’s depth chart important? Yes and no. It can’t be taken as gospel on who will start and who is running with the second or third team.
But right now the depth chart serves a purpose for Haley.
“Every day as a staff we look at it and talk about it and just massage it a little bit,” Haley said of the depth chart. “Who’s paying attention and who’s not and if that correlates into bad practices or not practicing then we’ve got to put guys we can count in there.
“We’re going to be playing here in not too long for real and we need guys we can count on.”
It’s all part of Haley’s approach to putting together his team. The depth chart juggling is one of his ways of doing something that Herm Edwards talked about but never achieved: Haley is trying to make his players uncomfortable, especially those who may still be reluctant to buy into his program.
“Every week is pressure,” Haley said on Tuesday. “You might have the greatest win you’ve ever felt on the Sunday before and the next Sunday you feel how the heck are we ever going to pull this off. Every week feels that way to me. That feeling hasn’t changed and that’s just how you’re made up. Some people get comfortable, some people don’t.
“I’ve never been comfortable.”
When the Haley or the coaches question the effort or performance of a player, they let them know in many ways. The depth chart is one of those tools. Let’s take Johnson and Page, who both missed last Saturday’s game against Seattle with injuries. Johnson said he had an ankle problem, while Page hasn’t been willing to discuss his injury.
This week they aren’t on the first team defense anymore. Now whether that means anything next week when the Chiefs open the regular season against Baltimore remains to be seen. But if this week’s practices are any indication, Johnson will not start and Page will not play; he did not practice on Tuesday.
“Every day is an evaluation and if you’re not out there, how can we depend on you?” Haley said, without mentioning Johnson, Page or any other player by name. “If you are out there and you don’t know what to do, how can we depend on you?
“If there is somebody who’s not practicing or playing the way they need to and I think they can potentially be a good player, I’ve got to go by what I see and not go by what I hope.”
Change is hard, something that Haley mentions often. All of this is part of that hard change. Players and coaches have been dueling with each other for decades. Ultimately, success comes for the team when the players buy in completely, willing to give up their individual ego to create a massive team ego.
It’s not easy and it’s something that can never be taken for granted or expected. That’s Haley’s point about every-day evaluation.
The coach was asked if maybe some of the veterans on the team are waiting for him to take his foot off the gas pedal, figuring he can’t keep up this pace.
“Again, I’m not going to speculate on how people feel,” said Haley. “I have on occasion said though that I’m not going away. This is me and you’re going to get me every day; you’re not going to wear me out. That’s been tried before. That’s just my personality. It’s not trying to be arrogant, it’s just being me and letting them know how I’m going to be.
“If you are trying to wear me out, you are probably not gonna, unless you kill me.”
Coach, don’t give them any ideas.
SIGNINGS, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
- BEARS – signed CB Rod Hood; released WR Derek Kinder.
- BENGALS – first-round choice OT Andre Smith suffered a fractured foot during Tuesday’s practice. At the minimum, he’s expected to miss several weeks; no surgery required.
- BILLS – signed TE Tyson DeVree; released T Chris Denman, DE Marcus Smith and WR Shaine Smith.
- BRONCOS – released C Blake Schlueter, P Britton Colquitt, WR C.J. Jones and TE Jeb Putzier.
- BROWNS – placed OL Fred Weary and Ryan Tucker on the injured-reserve list.
- BUCCANEERS – claimed G Jonathan Compas on waivers (Raiders); released G Ryan Schmidt.
- CARDINALS – released S Keith Lewis, T Brandon Pearce, WR Michael Ray Garvin and LB Pago Togafau; placed LB Cody Brown on injured reserve.
- CHARGERS – released LB Anthony Felder; placed WR Demetrius Byrd and CB Brandon Hughes on the injured-reserve list.
- COLTS — released S Marcus Paschal, CB Michael Coe, DE Rudolph Hardie, DE Curtis Johnson and TE Colin Cloherty.
- COWBOYS – signed CB Jeremy Haynes.
- EAGLES – placed LB Stewart Bradley and TE Cornelius Ingram on the injured-reserve list; released S Brandon Harrison and LB Charleston Hughes.
- FALCONS – acquired CB Tye Hill in a trade with the Rams for a seventh-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft; released TE Ben Hartstock, CB Von Hutchines and DE Willie Evans.
- 49ERS – released QB Damon Huard.
- GIANTS – released TE Lee Vickers and OT Andrew Carnahan; placed RB Andre Brown on injured reserve list.
- JAGUARS – released TE Tyler Lorenzen, DT Jervonte Jackson, WR Clarence Denmark and WR Maurice Dupree; placed CB Don Carey on the injured-reserve list (shoulder).
- LIONS – claimed QB Kevin O’Connell on waivers (Patriots); signed QB Brooks Bollinger; released G Terrence Metcalf, WR D.J. Boldin, LB Robert Francois, DE Ryan Kees, CB Dexter Wynn and S LaMarcus Hicks.
- PANTHERS – acquired DT Louis Leonard from the Browns for an undisclosed draft choice; team executives and sons of owner Jerry Richardson resigned their positions with the team. Jon and Mark Richardson made that announcement on Tuesday.
- RAIDERS – CB Nmandi Asomugha is likely to miss two weeks with a chipped bone in his left wrist; released WR Shawn Bayes, C Jonathan Compas, WR Will Franklin, OL Marcus Johnson and DT Joe Cohen.
- RAMS – released TE Joe Klopfenstein, WR Jarrett Byers, CB Marcus Brown and C Daniel Sanders; placed WR Brooks Foster on injured reserve list (foot).
- RAVENS – released QB Cleo Lemon.
- SEAHAWKS – waived WR Michael Bumpus.
- TEXANS – released CB Cletis Gordon, WR Mike Jones, CB David Pittman and OT Jason Watkins.
- TITANS – released WR Dudley Guice, RB Rafael Little, C Matt Lehr and LB Tyson Smith.
- VIKINGS – released CB Derrick Roberson and K Taylor Mehlhaff.
FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY
On September 2, 1960, the Dallas Texans beat the Houston Oilers 24-3 in a pre-season game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. (More details later today.)
On September 2, 1972, the Chiefs beat the Dallas Cowboys 20-10 in a pre-season game at Arrowhead Stadium, before a then record crowd of 79,592. DE Aaron Brown returned an interception 53 yards for touchdown and WR Morris Stroud caught 4-yard scoring pass from QB Len Dawson. Jan Stenerud had field goals of 27 and 46 yards. WR Otis Taylor had five catches for 110 yards and RB Mike Adamle ran 12 times for 55 yards. Chiefs had three interceptions of Dallas QB Craig Morton, coming from Brown, LB Willie Lanier and CB Emmitt Thomas.
On September 2, 1979, the Chiefs won their regular-season opener at Arrowhead Stadium over the Baltimore Colts 14-0. A crowd of 50,442 fans watched the Chiefs defense overcome a weak performance from the Kansas City offense to get the victory. RB Ted McKnight had a big game, scoring a pair of touchdowns on runs one and 70-yard runs. McKnight finished with 79 yards on 10 carries and four catches for 30 yards. QB Mike Livingston threw for just 79 yards on the afternoon. CB Gary Green had an interception that he returned 57 yards. Green also recovered a Baltimore fumble. Colts RB Joe Washington ran 16 times for 63 yards and caught 13 passes for 130 yards.
On September 2, 1984, the Chiefs won their regular-season opener, beating the Steelers 37-27 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh. QB Todd Blackledge made his first NFL start in place of the injured Bill Kenney and led the Chiefs to a surprising victory over the Steelers. Blackledge ran for a touchdown and threw 22 yards to WR Stephone Paige for another. RB Theotis Brown scored two touchdowns, on runs of three and six yards. K Nick Lowery made three FGs. This game was also the first start for CB Kevin Ross and he was torched by Pittsburgh WRs John Stallworth and Louis Lipps who combined for 14 catches for 350 yards and three TDs.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on September 2, 1942 in Chicago was DT Tom Keating (right). After nine seasons in pro football, he joined the Chiefs in the 1974 season. Keating played two seasons in Kansas City (1974-75), appearing in 23 games, with 16 starts. His career started with two seasons in Buffalo and then six seasons with Oakland. Keating played one season with Pittsburgh before joining the Chiefs.
Born on September 2, 1946 in Washington, Pennsylvania was G George Daney. He joined the Chiefs as a first-round selection (22nd pick) in the 1968 NFL-AFL Draft out of Texas-El Paso. Daney played seven seasons (1968-74) with the Chiefs and appeared in 97 games, with 22 starts. On October 12, 1969, Daney enjoyed the greatest football moment for an offensive linemen when he recovered a fumble and scored at touchdown against the Houston Oilers. Daney passed away in February 1990.
How could that be the 49rs released Damon Huard……… yes that’s the 49rs they have alot of top/flop talent at QB.Some fans Hermie/Carl felt he was the answer talent wise. Seems other teams didn’t share their view. Carldog hows your blood pressure today?????????? Any 22 well do ya!!!!! Your Pal PnS
OH I cant think of any ex player other than Allen/Richardson/Gonso that has become a pro bowl player after leaving the Chiefs. Talent/draft wise shouldn’t there be more?????????.You know the saying the buck stops here….I cant understand why they don’t love me…..Signed Carl.
The real drama for the depth chart comes this Saturday when teams have to pare down their roster to 53 players. We know that lots of guys with ability will hit the open market and it will be the astute teams who will be upgrading their roster accordingly.
Let’s hope Pioli and the Chiefs are one of those teams which I believe them to be. I don’t care, necessarily, which positions are addressed, as long as Pioli finds some guys that are better than those kept toward the back end of the KC 53.
However, a RB, Olineman, LB and a TE would be nice.
Hey guys,
I’m a douchebag.
Yeah, Rip’em…I agree. It will be very interesting to see who we cut…and who we pick up from other teams cuts.
“However, a RB, Olineman, LB and a TE would be nice.”
You left off WR from your wish list, btw.
It will also be very interesting who doesn’t make it at QB. I don’t see us carrying four. Will Thigpen get traded? Cut? Will it be Brodie? Gutierrez? Pretty sure it won’t be Cassel…
I noticed that C Matt Lehr, TE Jeb Putzier, and C Alex Stepanovich were all cut – anybody feel they all might be worth bringing in for a look?
Scott,
I know who I wish were getting cut/traded but I’m pretty sure it’s not going to happen. Maybe he’ll get killed on the field first thing tomorrow nite.
Did anyone see the picture from the front page of the sports section of The Star yesterday? If you get a chance, check it out. Croyle looks a little light in the loafers in that shot.
JCH
SG,
At this point…pretty much ANYBODY is worth “bringing in for a look” for O-line and TE help. What can it hurt?
I think we can be a little more picky at the other positions “of need”, though.
the depth chart the chiefs make available to the “public” is bogus.
Josh,
LMAO! Brodie may LOOK “a little light in the loafers”…but judging from what his wife looks like, I’d say he’s not.
I’m willing to give Brodie another shot. I know he has the rep of being fragile…but when he DOES play, he’s decent. Notice I didn’t say good or great…but he’s decent. I think if he can stay healthy, he would be a good back-up.
“At this point…pretty much ANYBODY is worth “bringing in for a look” for O-line and TE help. What can it hurt?”
Probably at this point each guy we bring in will result in a obligatory cut from our 75 – which is why I found it surprising that they only cut down to 75 rather than say…70.
There isn’t time or roster spots available to just sign anybody at this point. I don’t think they will find anyone worth the invetment after the first round of cuts. More likely on Saturday after the hard choices are made. Trades are more likely between now and then.
“I noticed that C Matt Lehr, TE Jeb Putzier, and C Alex Stepanovich were all cut” – Lehr has had BIG issues with steroids, Putzier never has been the same after his injury issues, and Stepanovich didn’t live up to his hype out of college. No upgrades there. We already have mediocre talent.
By this time next week, I predict 4 new players on our roster. I don’t however, have a clue who they might be.
I also think Pioli is working out a deal on a player right now & suspect it to happen before Saturday cuts.
I’m excited about the game tomorrow. Haley’s play calling will be interesting & Brodie’s chance to prove himself. I suspect a larger dose of running, screens, deeper & middle of the field passing & play action fakes.
Go Chiefs…
I think there will be more than 4 new players. A returner, a couple of OL, a DE, a LS, perhaps a NT. I think Pioli will take full advantage of us having the 3rd waiver claim come cutdown to 53.
Agree, jimbo. Some players the Chiefs can use are bound to be cut this weekend.
“is the team’s depth chart important?”
- yes Virginia- er, Bob G there is a depth chart but it doesn’t matter … place on it for the KC Chiefs will not change: 4th place as in last the AFC West 2009…worst team in all of pro football too a possibility.
&
Jimbo….
“deeper & middle of the field passing” you mean stretch the defense! Stop all that crazy talk.
I too am excited to see the plays Haley calls.
Bob, pay me no mind. I am but a loser, like I claim the Chiefs be.
Crappy-O
eyes smilin’ at me, nuthin’ but eyes do I see!
heh heh heh!!!
daddy-o
And brown shorts, mine, alas!
Crappy-O
“I can take any 22 guys from off the street and go… 0-3.”
“Even worse” said ‘check’, “I don’t know when to say when.”
2009 Chiefs: 0-4 preseason, 0-16 regular, 0-20 all!
heh heh heh!
I poop myself a lot.
Crappy-O
I am not certain there will be any more additions to the roster baring injury. It is just to late to add anything but depth. I think Haley will run with what he has left. The only exception might be AZ players cut who he knows personally. Most coaches look to past favorites to help out. A trade would also be an exception.
I do not even know what to expect in the game against SL. Run, stretch the field, or what but it may hint at what was behind the movement of Chan. This late I do not see what Haley can change because the OL suck so badly and that effects everything else (throw in no PR/KR acquisition). Just how do you fix this mess, just not enough players of any quality at this point.
Anonymous said
“OH I cant think of any ex player other than Allen/Richardson/Gonso that has become a pro bowl player after leaving the Chiefs.”
- OH that’s because you’re STUPID. I the other hand am BRILLIANT nee can, because…well, I’m Rin Tin Tin – was an atheist until realizing I am God.
Here are SEVERAL in answer your vacuous football memoried mind:
* Dave Grayson – left KC as a CB, became an ALL Pro S for THE RADUHS!
* Clem Daniels – left KC as a DB, became an All Pro HB (and all time leading rusher the AFL for) THE RADUHS!
* Warren Wells – left KC as a WR, became an All Pro same for THE RADUHS!
- All a matter the greatness of – “THE RADUHS!” -
Want more? Of course you do, doody head.
* John Amos – left KC as a FB, became an All Pro lead actor on “Good Times.”
* Pete Beathard – left KC as a QB, became better known as All Pro NFL (variously) GM & builder of Champions Bobby Beathard’s younger brother.
* Scott Pioli & Todd Haley – left KC as fired GM & Head Coach, became better known as the Borscht belt comedy duo “search’ & ‘check’ recreating nightly Andy Griffith’s classic (least it was the hands of an expert his) routine: “What It Was Was Football.”
daddy-o
I’m of the belief that this depth chart and the reactions in the media is a source of amusement and entertainment for some in the Chiefs organization.
I put more stock into what I read about who was on the field and what was going on during practice that what’s on this depth chart.
What matters is who is on the field between noon and 3:30 or so CDT on September 13.
“a source of amusement and entertainment for some in the Chiefs organization.”
- that 0-3 mess they put on the field weakly- er, weekly is something that we Kansas Citians point to (and laugh at) with (paper bag headed) pride.
Yes, ‘New Chief’ management be chock full o nyuk nyuk nyuks…Bozo had a big red nose, Chiefs have two big Bozos because they ‘nose’ better’n anyone else.
“What matters is who is on the field between noon and 3:30 or so CDT on September 13.”
- that’s what we’re all afraid of Shoe… that an ‘old woman (or several) lived in the’ as in Zach, Vrabel, Engram & Goff etc. will line up that day.
“I can take any 22 guys from off the street and-”
& “OH SHUTUP!”
I have pooped myself twice since I last posted the above.
Crappy-O
If Rin’s audience gets any smaller, we’ll have to start calling HIM “Mr. Irrelevant”.
Go peddle your crap somewhere else. Nobody here cares anymore. Nobody shares your opinion at all. Except for the occasional fake comment you make under other names agreeing with yourself, of course. If you had any brains at all, you would realize that your so called blogging is bringing nothing but silence from REAL people. You’re just talking to yourself. Everyone knows it. Your a joke. Nothing more.
^ – you can tell it’s him by the smell and Crappy-O signature (obviously, he studied with & )
Real Rin ® daddy-o sez – “accept no imitations.”
And The Truth too, class Valedictorian…or least a d**k at any…
Rin, congratulations…you are the smartest person in your own mind. I bet you have lots of friends and are a joy to be around!
You should meet up with some others where you will be looked up to…have fun daddy–OH!
Flo’s Cabaret
Downtown – 1911 Main St, Kansas City, MO
Rin knows the place well!
Crappy-O
Psst! Hey Truth… if you be right in the head, do you always joust with ‘phantoms’ as ’twere? Imaginary irritants blogs cause you much grief, do they?
Do you find yourself having arguments with the tv set, tearing the pages out of newspapers, books & magazines you do not like/disagree with? Telling them all- “there, I showed you! Have cast you out of my kingdom this hovel mine! Go now – I want to but see, hear or suffer you no more!”
If the walls your humble abode couldst but talk- alas no, canst not – for, be as all those other accoutrements your lot in life laugh at you too!
And then, the next day (cue Ronald Reagan) “well, there The Truth goes again…ranting at no one & everyone in particular.
heh heh heh
daddy-o
There’s that Crappy-O smell again… is it nee ‘are’ the Chiefs in the soup yet, ?
Hey – it’s Brak Obuma stop by to tell us all about ‘acting stupidly’ again! How’s that heathcare plan coming along old idle?
heh heh heh
daddy-o
The latest and greatest! Hope there are plans for an O-Line improvement or else this will amount to as much as Rin Tin Tin’s words of wis…crap!
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/246714-scott-pioli-gives-todd-haley-new-tools-anquan-boldin-a-chief?ref=lead
Bob, thanks for all of your great information. When I am in need of Chiefs news, your site is the first place I go to. Keep up the great work.
Rin Tin Tin is a LUHOO-ZUHERRR.
All righty then.
Yes, Ace. Rin knows what you say to be true.
…and now! Clark Hunt has affirmed it.
Search and Check (my rear end)
Crappy-O
Quoting Reagan and dissing Obama…I guess you can’t be all that bad. However, your constant disagreeing with EVERYTHING anyone says is pretty asinine. I understand you are just trying to get a rise out of folks…but all day every day is a little over the top.
ON ANOTHER NOTE: Bob…thanks for the info and insight…keep it coming.
As far as Haley’s use of depth charts, this use is not a bad thing. In the past players became too comfortable. Comfort = complacency. That has been the problem with the Chiefs for too long. The additinal stress Haley is putting on the players is a good thing. This ship is turning and our patience will be rewarded.
I have pooped myself again… Bob G. hurry and write something I need it to clean myself up with.
Crappy-O
Ace hasn’t had a hit since Rin slapped the formers face off … no, it’s not a hockey injury his – he really looks like that – all pucked up – epitome a LUHOO-ZUHERRR!!!
daddy-o
Brak
Tell your wife to lose the shorts & put some pants on… just like she wears at home.
ROFL @ RIN TIN TIN!!
JUST CAME TO SITE, WHY RESPOND? CAN SEE THROUGH THAT STUFF. OBVIOUS TROLL NO INTEREST IN CONTENT. IGNORE IT. AND IT WILL GO AWAY.
LITERALLY DO NOT RESPOND TO RIN TIN TIN AND HE WILL LOSE INTEREST.
Rin Tin Tin…ruling the blog roost nee Kingdom Gretzland since 2008!
daddy-o
HAHAHA…I hear you man…but he doesn’t really bother anyone. He is actually kind of entertaining (in a sad sort of way) and I (we) kind of feel sorry for him…folks messing with him gives him something to do.
Other than going upstairs for his mom’s leftover meatloaf, this is the only thing he has to look forward to.
We are here for you dog-boy! Just keep away from the knives and razor blades…it just isn’t worth it man.
Go Chiefs!
And when you have them, you know you ‘really’ have them…Rin does!
heh heh heh!!!
&
Dogboy….brilliant once again. Wow. Thanks!
I bet all the hot chicks cheated off you.
Go Chiefs!
“I bet all the hot chicks cheated off you.”
- then you went bust playing solitaire…
[ rimshot/cymbal crash ]
Game, set, match – Rin Tin Tin!
Oh God! The diarrhea, mine is qwelling up from my bowels!!
Crappy-O
“Game, set, match”…and your point?
I’ll not wade into the above dialog. As a longtime reader but first time poster, I’ll echo everyone’s statements indicating an appreciation for this site, Bob. Good stuff. I wish you had more time to put into it.
Regarding the wavering depth chart, has anyone wondered whether it’s a strategy to keep some of the better players on the field later in the se preseason games, to improve the chances of a 4th quarrter victory?
Brak said
“your point?”
- Rin says: “Atop your head.”
&