It Was All Will Shields Fault … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs
Will Shields? Yeah, old No. 68 is the villain in the Larry Johnson story.
But, we’ll get to that point in a moment.
There seems little doubt that sometime Wednesday we’ll have an announcement that Larry Johnson has signed with a new NFL team. Washington, Chicago, New England, all these teams have been linked to Johnson by all those inside sources that now populate the Internet and ESPN.
Johnson cleared waivers on Tuesday afternoon, so the Chiefs will have to pay the rest of his 2009 salary, and he’ll get a new contract with his new team, probably for something along the lines of the veteran minimum with some incentives. How many incentives will depend on how many teams might be interested in signing the soon to be 30-year old running back.
Johnson turned up on the syndicated Dan Patrick radio show on Tuesday and denied he has anger issues. If you want to hear the interview, here’s a link.
“I have a competitive issue,” Johnson said. “I think sometimes that gets the best of me and I become overly competitive and try to control every little thing I can to make sure I’m winning everything and everyone around me is going to win, and sometimes I lose myself in that.”
Call it whatever you want, but it’s an issue that Johnson and his new team will have to discuss. Now that he’s a free agent, it will be interesting to see where he turns, signs and plays. I’m sure he’ll say all the right things, but the question will be: does he sign for money, or does he sign for the chance to be on a winning team?
The overwhelming majority of Chiefs fans seem to be on board with the team’s decision to dump Johnson. But I wonder how they’ll feel if he goes to another team and is suddenly productive. There is still tread on L.J.’s tires. Yes, he’s going to be 30 years old next week and running backs over that age seldom are productive. And Johnson certainly hasn’t shown recent production to indicate he can be the type of feature back that he once was.
But maybe L.J. wasn’t the whole problem. Consider the following stats, culled from the last few years. On one side, we have his numbers when Will Shields was making Pro Bowls at right guard at anchoring the offensive line at the end of what should be for him a Hall of Fame career. On the other side, we have his numbers since Shields retired after the 2006 season.
You don’t have to be Vince Lombardi to notice the difference:
L.J. Without #68 Blocking L.J. With #68 Blocking
| Season | G | Att. | Yds. | Avg. | Season | G | Att. | Yds. | Avg. | |
|
2009 |
7 |
132 |
358 |
2.7 |
2006 |
16 |
416 |
1,789 |
4.3 |
|
|
2008 |
12 |
193 |
874 |
4.5 |
2005 |
16 |
336 |
1,750 |
5.2 |
|
|
2007 |
8 |
158 |
559 |
3.5 |
2004 |
10 |
120 |
581 |
4.8 |
|
|
27 |
483 |
1,691 |
3.5 |
42 |
872 |
4,120 |
4.7 |
With Shields, he had an average of 98.1 rushing yards per game. Without Shields, he had an average of 62.6 rushing yards per game. That’s a huge difference.
Of course, it’s not the fault of Shields. His decision to retire was a smart one at that time, and he’s no villain. But Johnson’s problems were more than just Shields’ decision to retire. After the 2005 season, LT Willie Roaf retired. After the 2007 season, C Casey Wiegmann was not re-signed and he ended up with Denver. The Chiefs offensive line has been in a state of flux for the last three years and there’s no question that’s been a problem for Johnson. There have been two centers, three right guards, three right tackles, two left tackles and one left guard in Brian Waters.
The unsettled offensive line has been a problem for anybody trying to run the ball for the Chiefs. In the 2004 through 2006 seasons – where four of the five positions never changed – the Chiefs finished an average of sixth in the NFL in rushing offense, with per game production of 142 yards. For the 2007 through 2009 seasons, the Chiefs average spot is 24th, with per-game production of 95.7 yards.
No one can honestly say what Larry Johnson may still have as an NFL running back, certainly not based on what we’ve seen in recent seasons. Quite possibly those offensive line/production/losing problems stirred the competitive issues in him, and led to his being put in timeout last year by Herm Edwards and his league and team suspensions. It doesn’t excuse his behavior, and certainly doesn’t explain his problems with women off-the-field. With L.J., we have all learned there are many, many issues.
But maybe, just maybe the Chiefs and those happy to see Johnson depart will find out that with some blocking, L.J. can be an offensive force again.
What will we think then?
SIGNINGS, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
- BROWNS – placed LB Eric Barton on the injured-reserve list.
- CARDINALS – QB Kurt Warner named NFC offensive player of the week.
- COLTS – signed DB Anthony Madison; released DE Josh Thomas.
- PANTHERS – promoted LB Kelvin Smith from the practice squad.
- RAMS – promoted LB Dominic Douglas from the practice squad.
FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY
On November 11, 1990, the Chiefs lost to the Seattle Seahawks 17-16 at Arrowhead Stadium in one of the most memorable games in NFL history. Chiefs LB Derrick Thomas established a new NFL record for sacks in a game, taking down Seahawks passer Dave Krieg seven times in this game. The disappointment was the eighth sack he did not get. On the final offensive play of the game, Thomas had Krieg in his clutches but the quarterback escaped and threw a 25-yard TD pass to WR Paul Skanski. Norm Johnson’s PAT kick gave Seattle the victory. The Chiefs only TD in the game came when DT Dan Saleaumua recovered a fumble in the end zone.
On November 11, 1962, the Dallas Texans beat the New York Titans 52-31 at the Polo Grounds in New York. The Texans scored touchdowns in every quarter against the New York defense, in front of a sparse crowd of 13,275. In the first quarter, Dallas got two TDs from RB Abner Haynes. The first was on a 75-yard pass play from QB Len Dawson, the next came on a one-yard run. In the second quarter, Dawson scored on a one-yard plunge. In the third quarter, WR Chris Burford (left) caught a 25-yard TD pass from Dawson. In the fourth quarter, Haynes scored again, this time on a nine-yard run and TE Fred Arbanas caught a 17-yard scoring pass from Dawson. K Tommy Brooker had seven PAT kicks and a 15-yard FG. Haynes finished with 107 rushing yards, while Curtis McClinton finished with 102 yards. CB Duane Wood and S Johnny Robinson had interceptions.
On November 11, 1979, the Chiefs lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-3 at Arrowhead Stadium before a crowd of 70,132 fans. Pittsburgh QB Terry Bradshaw (right) picked apart the Chiefs defense, completing 1 of 29 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns. Bradshaw threw 26-yards for a score to WR John Stallworth, 16 yards to WR Lynn Swann and one-yard to TE Larry Brown. The Chiefs managed just 127 yards and three points against the Steel Curtain defense, while turning the ball over three times. The Chiefs only points came on a 42-yard FG by Jan Stenerud. It was an expensive loss for the Chiefs as RBs Tony Reed and Arnold Morgado were both lost for the season to injuries.
On November 11, 1984, the Chiefs lost to the Houston Oilers 17-16 at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs carried a 9-7 lead into the fourth quarter, but the Oilers scored 10 points in the final period, thanks to a one-yard run by QB Warren Moon and a field goal. The Chiefs scored a TD late to make the score close, as QB Todd Blackledge connected with WR Henry Marshall on a four-yard TD pass. K Nick Lowery had three FGs. The KC defense had five sacks, including two by DE Mike Bell.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on November 11, 1964 in San Diego was DT Dan Saleaumua (left). He joined the Chiefs in 1989 as a Plan B free agent after two seasons with Detroit. Saleaumua played eight seasons with the Chiefs (1989-96), playing in 125 games, with 117 starts. He had 27 sacks, three interceptions and recovered 17 fumbles, including two that went for touchdowns. Saleaumua finished his career with two seasons in Seattle.
Born on November 11, 1968 in Euless, Texas was K Lin Elliott. He joined the Chiefs as a free agent in 1994 after two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, including a trip to the Super Bowl. Elliott kicked for two seasons with the Chiefs (1994-95), hitting 49 of 60 FG attempts and 64 of 67 PAT kicks. But it was his missed FGs against Indianapolis in the ‘95 playoffs that ended his NFL career. Elliott was wide right on a 35-yard attempt, and wide left on kicks from 30 and 42 yards in the Chiefs 10-7 defeat.
Born on November 11, 1960 in Everett Washington was LB Bob Harris. He was part of the Chiefs replacement team during the 1987 NFL players strike. Harris appeared in three games, and recovered a fumble during that stretch. Before joining the Chiefs, he played three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals (1983-85) after being drafted out of Auburn.
Born on November 11, 1952 in Houston was DB Tim Gray. He came to the Chiefs in a 1976 trade from the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was a first-round draft choice in 1975 out of Texas A&M. Gray played three seasons with the Chiefs (1976-78), appearing in 36 games, with 34 starts. He had 12 interceptions and recovered four opponent fumbles, taking two back for touchdowns. He finished his NFL career with San Francisco during the 1979 season.
As many of us have stated before, it all starts with the offensive line play. With each all pro that retired his average dropped by a good yard. I’m sure with a good line that he can still run the ball. However I’m more concerned with how the remaining backs are going to do against the Raiders this weekend. I would hope Haley will design plays to take better advantage of the speed and ability to catch the pass out of the backfield. I would like to see a more wide open offense Sunday and try to take advantage of a Raider weakness. GO CHIEFS!
If it matters, TENN is reported to be top runner in the LJ sweepstakes. It doesn’t.
I just do not see Haley changing the way he does things. I expect a tight game, no chances taken on offense (unless you call some odd play calling to start the game – chances), solid Spec Teams play, tough defense with hopefully no big plays given up, and if the Chiefs fall behind then try catch up in the 4th qtr or at least be in the game. Anythng else would mean all of sudden Haley was looking at things differently from all season long and I doubt that will happen,
I’m not the only one saying that help is on it’s way , but in the meantime use what you’ve got !
They have(4) T-Ends that do little more than sit around . Two of are big and fast for thier size ,
if they were pulling from the outside and working in the middle , this might help , this is here and now . It’s like – try it , you’ll like it .
They are here and Will Shields is not .
There are NO Tackles sitting out there next to the phone , that are at the needed level , This is getting Very expenceive in the meantime .
Bob no one with a little football knowledge doubts that if Larry had a good o-line he wouldn’t run well behind it. I’m glad its over we need to move on. I mean I still have nothing against the guy other than how he’s treated women off the field but that’s another story I want comment on. Either way if he goes somewhere with a good o-line he’ll do fine. Just like with the below average off line we have now Charles and Kolby will do we because they have the burst that Larry has lacked since 2006 to get through the little whole that the o-line can create.
As for Haley’s play calling. Its really simple on how he needs to run this offense. Get Bowe and Chambers into the game early and often. Run Charles more. This guy needs to at least end the Oakland game with 25 touches. 18 to 20 runs and 5 to 7 receptions. Put the ball in playmakers hands you’ll see progress on the field.
It doesn’t matter if he will be successful somewhere else, offensive line or not, he wasn’t successful with the Chiefs anymore. He needs big holes, that are held open long enough to run through because he doesn’t hit the hole fast. Smith and Charles are much quicker.
LJ could rush for a 1000 yards with a new team and I would still be glad to see him gone. Season ticket holder for 21 years so I have put my money where my mouth is. Peterson should have traded johnson and kept Allen. That put our defense behind ever since. Running backs are a dime a dozen defensive ends like Allen are few and far between!!
Barry Sanders nevre had a line . . .
I will still be glad he’s gone if he goes and is productive somewhere else. If we kept him it would still be the same story…so no biggie…unless he does it for a division rival.
imagine in free agency and the draft if we did this: signed Logan Mankins to play one of the guard positions, I am not sure the Pats will have enough money to keep him with Wilfork also being a FA. Draft Okung(I think thats his name) or a top offensive linemen with the first pick and our oline could look like this: LT Okung, LG Mankins, C Waters, RG Albert, RT O’Callahan. I think that would be a pretty good offensive line.
“I’m not the only one saying that help is on it’s way…”
Since we’ve seen how this issue was addressed this offseason, what sort of help is on the way? TE help (we traded our TE)…OT help (we cut Sackintosh and picked up other team’s leftovers)…G help (Goff?)…or wait…C (Niswanger)…
I think one of the problems is the line trying to get used to the blocking scheme as well….but they still suck anyway.
I think o’callahan is much better improvement from sackintosh
2 quality additions and we will be okay
chief never be more than a 8&8 team.from now and until 2012..9&7 if were lucky.still do not think haley was the right fit..
chiefs never will be more than a 8&8 team.from now and until 2012..9&7 if were lucky.still do not think haley was the right fit..
The 2009 or even 2010 Chiefs reality is that LJ will neither make or break this team. He’s become irrelevant in that context.
LOL…YOU CHIEFS FAN ARE IDIOTS …YOUR BRAIN HAS BEEN FRAGMENTED ..ALL THE LJ TALK… HAS LET YOUR GM AND COACH OFF THE HOOK FOR 2 WEEKS NOW…YA SO CAUGHT UP ON LJ BEING CUT ….WHAT ABOUT HOW ALFUL YOUR TEAM HAS PLAYED ….O….SORRY GOTTEN THERE AZZZZZEZZZZ KICKED BY POOR PLAY CALLING LOL….O WELL RAIDERS SUCKS…TOO AND THEY WILL BEAT THE CHIEFS AGAIN..22 GUYS OFF THE STREET??..2 GAMES LOL
Forgetting Haley for a moment. Waters may be at the end of a good career. Nutz is not a adequate Center, and O’Cal is a filler not an answer. If Albert can return to what he was last year, we still need 4 STARTING lineman. That will not be fixed in one year using free agency and draft picks. The OL looks like a long term problem, just guessing of course but Pioli chose to ignore repairs last time so unless you think he will fix it this time around, but you will be guessing like me.
Good points, el cid. The only thing I would say…is that if you have a couple of good linemen, then the guy next you doesn’t look quite so bad. But when you have problems at every position, like we do…then it’s magnified. Hell, even Waters and Albert aren’t playing well this year.
I think we’ll see the Chiefs adress the O-line aggressively this upcoming offseason. My guess would be that only Albert will return as a starter. And possibly Waters…but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s gone next year.
I always knew Bradshaw was amazing, but 1 of 29 for 232 yards and three TD’s? That is just incredible!!
Seriously though. I just want to thank all the veterans who fought for my freedom. You guys (and girls) deserve more than one day a year to celebrate what you’ve done!
JCH
don’t forget the value of T-Rich. He made a lot of running backs better.
The type of help is NOT what Tony ( PASS RECIEVER) was .
These guys are 270 # & 6′ 7″ —They are big and mobil .
THE NEED IS FOR BLOCKING —so the ball CAN be thrown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELLO—
Cassel can’t seem to get set to look and release to then be able to preform at the level that HE has, the TALENT to get the JOB done .
END result is right in front of everybody !
They have to fix where the BALL is comming from BEFORE they they go thru another 20 WR .
What is the point in doing the same thing over and over .
If they are trying to convince us as fans that this does not work , OK –it DOSENT .
Its just football ,
THEY NEED BLOCKING BEFORE THEY CAN DO ANYTHING ……..
They have & are paying people that can help and don’t use them . I’m getting SICK of watching .
Well, I think there are sign of improvement in the midst of all the bad. The D-line for instance has improved and started playing much better ball. The big plays are normally faults of LBs or DBs. Special team play has been pretty tight this year witch is a sign of younger players catching onto the system. Jackson had one of his better games to date against Jacksonville. Chambers and Long are both promising. Cassel, save the three int game three weeks ago, has played well considering the problems on the O-line. It appears that they have only really gone after “their type of player” and slowly weed out the ones that don’t fit the mold. Look at Flowers and how he is playing. He is all over the field and they use him several different ways. I like the direction he have taken. The “process” hasn’t been the most enjoyable thing to watch, but I believe the team is going to start forming over the second half of the season and give us a real good idea of what kind of foundation we have to build on. You can’t build a team with free agents. You need a base of young “home grown” talent. Use free agency to fill the small voids rather than large ones. You don’t blow your wad the first year to try and get 8 wins. You have to find out what you really have to build on and go from there. A rookie GM with promise, a rookie head coach with promise, an owner getting his hands wet for the first time, and a quarterback only in his second year of starting with promise – these guys deserve at least a couple years before we get to critical of there decisions.
JB
Sure, LJ had some off the field issues, but I bet #58 and other Chief greats weren’t perfect either. If LJ had a good offensive line the last 3 years, he’d still be a 1,300+ yard back and the chiefs wouldn’t be one of the worst teams…again. It starts with the offensive line. Spend some money on the damn offensive line.
Rob :
Where do you go spend the money for offence linemen ???
THAT’S the problem ,——— Does anyone have the Name and whereabouts of this person ?
Will Shields did not quit early wnen the draft started , he waited untill the day before training camp and just killed the chance of being replaced . Thats when Fox-Allen-Tony G.-AND others started ———will you know>>>>>
[...] It Was All Will Shields Fault … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz [...]
Josh what do you think Herm was doing?? Starting youth so that they would be the base, duh!! Now that Haley is here he is getting all of the other teams leftovers… I dont see the difference Personally. now I do see that we have a lousy defense and the safeties are junk! Look when Sims-walker is running around and no one is watching then you have a problem back there.