Last Chance For Another Ask Bob

With Larry Johnson long gone and Jarrad Page sitting out, it appears (based on stories and Haley’s comments) that this team is actually becoming a “team.” Have you been able to discern a difference in the “energy” or “chemistry” if you will – even though it’s just the off season and can you comment how you think that might carry over into the regular season?

for the last many years with the Chiefs having successive losing seasons, my self-esteem, which is directly related to the Chiefs record, has been so poor that I am having a difficult time finding a romantic interest who will reciprocate. Do you Bob, foresee a better dating life for me in the future???

This is a question about turf, the real kind, grass. My recurring nightmare is that one day the Chiefs go back to an ugly artificial surface at Arrowhead. Do you see that happening? Do you judge football-on-grass to be a superior player-fan experience, or, have recent advances in artificial grass technology rendered the natural stuff obsolete?

Highly subjective, I know but what are your realistic best and probable case scenarios for the 2010 Chiefs in terms of their end of season won-lost record.
Also, how would you guage the team chemistry right now as opposed to what it was during the 2009 campaign? Thank you.

Thanks for the opportunity Bob.

Just what is/was Tony Moeaki’s injury? Do you see him as starting TE Monday night in September? Lastly, with the addition of Weis, do you see Haley now interested in using a TE more often?

Just a few to start. I’m sure I’ll think of more later. Thanks for letting us pick your brain again, Bob.

-Do you think Jamaal Charles is glad to have Thomas Jones here? Or, is he pissed at the competition…and having to look over his shoulder? Will there be enough carries to make them both happy?

-Do you think Casey has enough left “in the tank” to beat out Niswanger for the starting position this year?

-Unlike our 1st round draft choice last year…will we get Eric Berry signed and to camp on time?

-Whatever happened to Enrique?

In your opinion who will be the starting fullback for the chiefs? Do we keep mike cox, or is Tim Castille going to get the nod.

I see a couple of huge changes in not only what Todd is doing . But , is it driven by the need to win a few more game’s , or is it , Todd and Scott trying to go from worst to first in one big swooup ?
Bob , you have seen it all meshing together from the start . They are doing thing’s a little different , and there are a lot of little questions that no one has been able to answer ?

Bob,
How is your relationship with the Chiefs hierarchy? Has it improved or declined one year into the new front office. Also, do you have any previous relations with either Weis or Crennel?

You recently reported Vrabel moving inside in the nickel defense. I hope Vrabel also moves to strong inside linebacker in the 3-4, because of his ability to shed blockers and assist the run defense. This would allow DJ to roam and assist the pass defense. Vrabel played this position with the Patriots for a year, but switched back to outside after Mayo was drafted. Moving Vrabel inside would allow a linebacker with more speed to chase the quarterback or cover the tight end in the 3-4. Please critique this philosophy. Thanks!

Bob,
I’m not one of those Chiefs fans drinking the Kool-Aid. People are saying they think this team can win nine games, I say 4-6 wins and they tell me i’m a hater. I tell them I’m a realist. The coaching additions are nice but they need the pieces to be effective at their job. I feel they are still 1 year and a freeagency, and draft away. I fell the defense will be the weak link especially the front seven. Let’s not forget that Romeo’s defense in New England was at it’s best until the 03 and 04 seasons his fourth and fifth in NE. So I’m going to temper my enthusiasm for now. Thanks!

Bob:
Thanks for all the OTA and minicamp updates. They are greatly appreciated particularly by those of us who live hundreds of miles from KC.
This question is probably better asked during or after training camp but I’ll ask anwyay. What do you think of the nose tackle situation? I’m guessing Ron Edwards will be the starter again. Do you think the other two nose tackle candidates have enough to step up and do what it takes to make the defensive line a bit more stout?
Another question: Assuming he is healthy, in your opinion, how much of an impact player is Eric Berry going to be for the Chiefs? There haven’t been many 1st round success stories for the Chiefs in the last decade. Are we going to see a superstar in Berry?

Does the US have a chance in the World Cup? Seems like that tie with England was a fluke (you did say anything and this is “football” related).

Out of everyone on the roster right now, who do you think is going to step up their game the most and make the largest difference on the field? What about off the field?

What’s D. Bowe up to lately? Staying out of trouble and working on those hands I hope.

Hey Bob,

Just a couple of questions. When I see a contract that was signed between a player & a team. I notice (as an example) 4 yrs, $1,695,000 with a $355,000 signing bonus. Is that signing bonus part of the $1,695,000? or is it an addition. I’m assuming it allows the player to receive cash prior to the season starting & receiving a pro rated check weekly after each game.
Could you elaborate on how players are paid, when & if they make the team, don’t make the team or are released, injured or traded?. I’m really just curious if the rookies & UFA’s etc. are totally broke until they sign or the regular season starts.
Thank You.

Ok BobGretz, I have some very important questions for you with regard to training camp…(since I am very much considering planning a visit to the KC area)

1) Do you have info on what t.c. practices might be open to the public for 2010?
2) What tips can you provide on getting best access to players during training camp 2010?
3) Which bbq place do you suggest I go to if I am so lucky as to attend a t.c. 2010 practice event?

Thanks a bunch!
SG

Hey Bob, I painted my car red and gold, including the windshield. then I ran it into a silver and black garbage dumpster. Now my tachometer is stuck on 1873, which I am assuming is the number of yards gained from scrimmage by Jamaal Charles during the 2010 NFL season. But I could be way off–it might mean all-purpose yards instead. What do you think?

Bob,

What are your thoughts on the possibility of lengthening the regular NFL season? Would an 18 game season just increase the percentage of injuries?

I am against it because it seems that a 16 game season keeps the competition tighter than a 18 game season would. I can see, though, that the teams would probably make more money on Sunday if they turned a preseason game into a game that counts.

Bob, with all the upgrades in the Chiefs secondary how will they finally match up well against the Chargers this season? Also what are your feelings on how Chiefs will match up this year against Raiders and Donnkeys? In your opinion, what Chiefs can realestically do this offseason to seriosly contend for AFC West title?

I know that it is difficult to gauge linemen based on OTAs, but what do you see happening at NT? Did Derek Lokey really improve enough to be the starter…at 300 lbs? or are 320 lb Ron Edwards and Shaun Smith looking so poor that Lokey is playing by default?

In the 2009 draft, Pioli went to fix his Defensive Linemen to better suit the needs of his 3-4 defense, and shipped off the Defensive linemen on roster that didn’t fit his defensive philosophy.

In this recent draft of 2010, Pioli went to fix the Safety position which he found as a weakness in the 2009 season. Wouldn’t Page be considered a stop gap fix until Berry and Lewis are seasoned enough to play the position effectively?

It is as if Scott knew that he would be taking a safety somewhere in the 2010 draft to address this specificly, during the 2009 season? I make this assumption simply because of the players he kept on the 2009 roster (Brown, Page, McGraw all aging with a known ceiling)

Will the situation with Page (contract holdout or refusal to play for the Chiefs), as selfish as it may seem from an organizational stand point of only keeping him on board basically to allow the younger Safeties to mature, hurt the progress of this defense to improve long term?

How do you think Studdebaker, Belcher, and Mays are progressing? Or is Pioli already eyeing the upcoming Line backing talent coming up in the 2011 draft? For 5 years the Chiefs have completely ignored the Linebacker position in the draft, until they selected Sheffield in the 5th round. Are we actually at least another year away before we see some significant progress from our Defense?

Bob, do you believe Brodie Croyle will push Cassel to be better, or will it matter at all?

Thanks for all the great things you do, and having the Ask Bob again—Always look forward to one of them.

You ran several stories showing that many coaches link back to Bill Parcells. Could you tell us who Bill Parcells links back to? Who taught Bill? Who did he learn from to get where he now is?

Another question—How many people do the Chiefs employ (not counting the players). How many people does it take to run a NFL team?

How many sport writers (or players) do you talk to on an average week? Thanks for giving us a lot of inside information! I don’t see how you can do this site all by yourself.

Bob, your website is my first and last stop everyday, though I never post here, so you should put my question at the top of the list.

If brittle Brodie is the better QB and gives the Chiefs the best chance to win, will Matt Cassel still start because of $ invested in him?

My brother seems to think that the money matters, I say winning is all that matters and the best player will start here

I’m pulling for Brodie and his hot wife

Thanks for the great website Bob.

1. As a passer, what are Cassel’s strengths?

2. Who will have better production this season, Bowe or Chambers?

3. Will the Chiefs have one of the top Special Teams units this year?

4. Will Corey Mays make the final roster cut?

5. If/when the Chiefs pick up any players cut from other teams before the beginning of the season, what would be the positions most likely to be upgraded?

Who are the players on offense and defense who make calls besides the QB? Center on the O line? Safety or LB on the D? How does that work and what are their responsibilities to their teammates?

Bob
This seriously is a big deal to me. For fifteen or thirty minutes a day I can take my mind off of every crazy thing that is going on in the world and focus on my Chiefs addiction. Thanks

1) Do you know what specifically the BYU honor code is? Did those athletes cheat academically, use a banned substance, I’ve heard of college’s kicking out students for using profanity.

2) Is there a Chief right now who not many people no about that could be a starter or a playmaker in the future? An offensive lineman perhaps or some suprise out there on defense. I know another guy was talking about Derek Lokey, what about the defensive back Daniels, or any other guy who looks like a diamond in the ruff?

3) What is your opinion on Jarred Page exactly. Can you speculate on that and while on that topic it seams the situation out in San Diego is much more complex. Will A.J. Smith seriously let Jackson and McNeil sit half the season for a replacement in Reed and Tra Thomas? I think that would be huge for K.C. but stupid to do. What do you think Bob?

4) From watching practice so far how do the linebackers look as far as speed goes? Do you think our run defense will be any better at all. Will you speculate on QB hurries and secondary work as well?

5) Off topic but do think the Skins will trade Haynseworth?

6) What happened to the spell checker on your comment area, or is it just my computer?

Thanks again Bob I know that’s alot.

Bob,

I have always been of the opinion that the 4th preseason game is pretty much a waste, however it does give coaches a “last chance” look at undrafted free agents prior to the final cut. The first three games have always seemed like a ramp up to the regular season with starters going ¼, ½, ¾. This gives their bodies a tiered approach of adjusting to hitting and being hit. I personally believe that a two game preseason will substantially increase the risk of injury to players early in the regular season. Your thoughts ???

Do you see any positions where we will searching the waiver wires to find better players? Or are we needing more depth at any positions?

Would you be interested in having a meet up with your readers sometime during training camp? in St. Joe? I know you have pressing deadlines, but it would be a lot of fun for us to do a “Ask Bob” in person. What do you think?

Following up from my post above, how many readers would be interested in doing this if Bob was up for it?

Bob,

-Do you think Matt Cassel is good enough to lead the team to the Super Bowl in the future, or do you think we need someone different?

-How has Thomas Jones looked? Do you think Kestahn Moore can make the team if he has the same running style as Jones or would they want a different kind of runner?

-How many OLB do you think the Chiefs will keep? Vrabel, Studebaker, Sheffield, Walters? maybe Cole

-Which undrafted free agents do you think could make the team?

-How many S will the Chiefs keep and who are they?

-Who do you like better Derrick Johnson or Demarrio Williams?

Thanks

Bob,

Thanks so much for all the fantastic work you put into this site each and every day. I hang on every character typed and hold it as Chief’s Gospel. My question:

- Will there be a 2011 season?

The up coming CBA agreement has got me as nervous as long tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Please relive my fears; lie if you have to.

- Fansince93 says:

Would you be interested in having a meet up with your readers sometime during training camp? in St. Joe? I know you have pressing deadlines, but it would be a lot of fun for us to do a “Ask Bob” in person. What do you think? –

I currently stay in dallas and this would assuredly convince me to make the trip.

My vote is in on the in person “Ask Bob” training camp addition.

Given the apparent smoothness of the OTAs, it seems the players have bought into Todd Haley’s approach to football and his emphasis on conditioning. It should also have some positive effect on solidarity on the team aspects that football requires.
But just how far can we expect this apparent positive attitude to carry the team?
It seems that if they eliminate the lapses that led to really long TD runs last season, they will be at least two or three wins better this year. It also seems that if they simply hold on to catchable passes they will be at least one or two wins better.
Do you think 10-6 is possible?
Also, is Josh McDaniels likely to create another Elway-like monster in Tim Tebow? That would be truly unsettling as the Broncos have recently seemed to displace the Raiders as the team we love to hate.
The prospect of an 18 game season seems like a wretched echo of the college conference poaching that just simmered down. Perhaps Roger Goddell should spend a few hours in a rehab clinic or a trauma center to get a better grasp of the physical limitations of the human body. An extended season seems like a real deal breaker in any CBA negotiations. Your thoughts?
Thanks for all your work putting this site together, it gives us somewhere fun to go with our morning coffee.

Fans love it when a team goes for it on fourth down – and makes it. Not so much when it doesn’t work. Haley went for it on fourth down a TON last year. Was it desperation for a bad team (heck, what is there left to lose mentality), or is Haley a big gambler/risk taker and we’ll always see that style of coaching from him?

Dear Bob; I have looked at the Chiefs defensive line and LB corp every which way from sunday. I don’t see a significant change from last year. Basically same LB corp with the addition of Cameron Sheffield who was a 5th rounder and then adding Shaun Smith who was never a true “standout” at his previous teams. So aren’t we going to get “RUN ALL OVER AGAIN” JUST LIKE LAST YEAR???? Other than Romeo, what really is so “different”?????

Bob, I have told you before and I will tell you again; this is by far the best site, that I visit every single day! Now, you said we could ask anything so:
1) I will visit Kansas City for the first time in my life to see the MNF-game against Chargers. Coming all the way from northern Europe; what is a must see in KC area, which bar is the best for football on sunday the best before and where is the best BBQ in town?:-)

2) What do you think of Haley’s development through the last year?

3) Do you think any player on the team can have a probowl season, and if yes who? I hope/think Flowers…

Again thanks for everything, can’t wait for summer to pass by and training camp to begin…

Bob,

I love your site and thank you for your efforts. The dearth of actual information and insight makes your site the best. I have a few questions:

1) Is this site still doing ok financially? You have not mentioned ads and converting to a pysite in a while.

2) Do you think our O line has been stabilized enough to give Cassel enough time to benefit from the new offensive weapons?

3) I am all for an in person ask Bob at training camp as mentioned above. What are your inclinations?

Bob,

This is by far the most positive time I can remember. Every report suggests that guys are really buying in and doing well. I’m curious to hear which guys didn’t have good workouts, who’s dropping balls and missing assignments? Or is that just harder to see without pads and contact?

good idea from above.

Bob, can you make a day at trainging camp where we could plan a trip up for?

A bobgretz.com appreciation day??? You could cookout in parking lot or as close as you could get to the field anyway!! have photos?? t-shirts to buy??? ect ect ect…??

I too plan on driving hrs.. to see my first training camp. if you set a date on a saturday or weekend that you were going to do this, that would be the day we go!!!

I know this has been asked too, but in one word what does you gut feeling tell you about if this is actually where be become good again and this is the right regime???

my answer? YES

THANKS!!

Bob,

If the Chiefs defense is going to make a big leap this season Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson must improve. What should we expect from the Tiger Tandum this season? How much improvement did Dorsey really make from season one to season two?

Bob,

Thank you for the great work, i love your site and the unique information you bring to us, thanks for answering our questions !

Last year the chiefs claimed off waivers and signed some good players Chambers, O’Callaghan, Pope,and traded for two guards Ndukwe and Alleman. Do you think they will sign some more players , if yes what is the biggest need before the season begins ? Safety? TE? LB? FB? (of course NT but they won’t find any)
Do you think of some under-the-radar names that could/should be traded for?
Can you name three players who you think will make the most progression this year?
Which part of the team do you expect to be the best this year? Offense, defense, ST or coaching?
Does Wiegmann still has enough gas in the tank to make the 53roster or will he be cut before season starts?

Yeah…I like gorillafan’s idea. Bob could cook up some BBQ for us…have a couple of kegs…give away some merchandise. Sounds good to me.

I’m a amongst the ranks of the non-Koolaid drinkers. While I think Haley has grown into the HC job and they made great additions to the staff the personnel isn’t there yet. NT is glaring. ILB not much better. Who is the #3 OT? Is Sheffield the help the need as a passrusher?

Bob,
First, love your site…it’s the first place I check on the interwebz every morning. Thanks for doing it.

So with all of the positive talk I’m hearing out of Arrowhead this offseason, I’ve gotten my hopes up that this is going to be a breakout season for the team. I know you can’t get a true feel for a football team just based on practices with no pads, but you’ve seen some of the best Chiefs teams over the years and I’d like to know what you think. Athletically, is this team on-par with some of the best teams from the 90s & first half of this decade?

Bottome Line: Do you think the offensive and defensive lines will improve this year?

x3 for “Bob” day at tc!! That would have to be as good as it “Gretz”!! I’ll drive up for that! Keep up the awesome work Bob! No one, NO ONE covers and reports the Chief kingdom like you! I read daily, most days multiple times. What are the three most suspect areas this year? I hope to chant “We’re going to kick the he** out of you, you, you, you, you, you!” many times at the games!

I’m curious about which players are showing up at Arrowhead during the current break to work-out, watch film, etc. Thanks for the site Bob – love it!

Hey Bob. Was wondering with the Jarrad Page situation happening(since i’m not in the NFL and can’t complain about the money they do or don’t make), Do you think if he hadn’t gotten injured for the last couple of games we would have an extra victory or two(I don’t think so myself)?

how has javarris williams looked in the OTA’s and minicamp?

Bob,

I have read reports that the Chiefs have been at or near the bottom in player pay roll the past few years. In addition, I’ve read several comments in the media, I believe yourself included, that indicate an unwillingness on the Chiefs part to spend money on free agent players.

Now, clearly if spending the most money was the best strategy, the Redskins would be racking up super bowl trophies. I believe Piolo and Haley want to build a team mostly through the draft and bring in some free agents that fit a certain profile. I get that, but at the same time, when you’re at the bottom of the payroll list, it leaves fans scratching their heads wondering if Piolo and Haley are talking the talk, yet going about things on the cheap.

Could you address why it is the Chiefs have such a low payroll, even now several years after the “going young” roster turnover they went through under Herm Edwards, and do you think that being in such a position now that the Chiefs can honestly say they’re doing EVERYTHING possible to bring winning football to K.C.?

thank you…

Do you know who is the agent for Eric Berry? I hope it’s not one of those agents who have a history of holding their players out, for what they feel is a better deal. I can’t recall his name, but he was the agent for Bowe and DeMarcus Russell. He is one that comes to mind.

Hello Bob. As always, thanks for the site and the question session. Haley says the depth chart doesn’t mean much during OTA’s and minicamp, but I would still like to know what your depth chart would look like right now (at least 3 deep) before training camp starts. I know it will change quickly in some cases once camp starts, but they have to be charted somewhere to begin with and I’m curious.

As we all know, this time of year is particularly frustrating for anyone trying to evaluate the situation along the O-Line and Def. front seven because of how quickly things will change once the hitting starts in camp.

Given that, who are your darkhourses to make the team amongst the college FA’s in those areas? How about amongst the first and second year guys, such as Richardson, Lokey, D.Harris-guys like that?

Bob, I’d like to know if and how your opinion of Pioli and Haley has evolved since the time of their arrival in KC up until now.

Is there any common thread or reason for some of the players to be so upset with an NFL team that they request a trade? Or do they just have their own personal reason? Seems to happen a lot now days. I am thinking in the old days, they kind of signed and retired with the same team. (Not just talking about KC)

Bob, how has your opinion of Pioli and Haley changed from the time they arrived in KC unitl now?

It has been awhile since we have a playmaker on defense who can take over a game. Who do you think on this team has that chance?

Jared Paige seems to be following the same path as Bernard Pollard in trying to get out of town. How do you see this situation playing out?

One part of Todd Haley’s approach last season that I found particularly appealing was his willingness to go for it on fourth down. He se
emed to seldom shy away from situations that most head coaches would avoid. Granted, some of this might have come from desperation but it also showed a “Never Quit” attitude that is refreshing; well it’s refreshing as long as it works.
Do you see this trend continuing in 2010, or, if there is a flurry of initial success, might he pull in his horns a little and become more conservative? Or would that kind of decision be heavily influenced by Charlie Weis?

Bob,

I like pie. Do you like pie? Does Tyson Jackson like pie? What kind?

I like the idea of a “Bob Gretz” fan day at training camp, but I think WE should be cooking for Bob to thank him for all the work he puts into this site for us!

It figures this would be the year the Chief’s move training camp to St Joseph. I’m moving to Chicago next week.

Already looking at NFL Sunday Ticket so I can follow the Chief’s.

Bob, we keep hearing about may and williams VS DJ and blecher. What about DJ, teamed with williams. Williams was solid against the run, despite his injury, and a sure tackler. This would seem to be the perfect teaming. Blecher to come in on obvious passing downs or to spell both. Of course then we have Vrabel in there for the nickle

Bob,
I wonder if you could shed some light on something that’s bugged me, since the Chiefs went to the 3-4.

I’ve learned quite a bit, about the 3-4 vs 4-3, and how teams typically go after defensive ends and convert them to nose tackles.

Is there any reason, given Hali’s experience with each scheme, both with the NFL and in college, why he couldn’t play that position? I would think having him in the middle, would open up a whole lot of options for KC.

4 Morten, Denmark :

I can answer one of your questions. The best bar-b-que, is Arthur Bryants.
Some may argue that Gates is best, but they’re wrong!
And don’t go to one of the new establishments. To get the real deal, visit the original, at 1727 Brooklyn Avenue.
Cheers, Mate!

Bob love your column. When are the Chiefs going to start signing players? Also do you think Berry will be signed be the opening of training camp? If he’s to be our starting safety on opening night we need to have everybody on board by end of next month don’t you think?

Bob, I just read here – https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2010/6/22/1530060/is-shaun-smith-the-next-mike-goff, that apparently Derek Lokey is looking really good in OTA’s. Can you add anything to this? I, like many Chief fans felt we have not adequately addressed the NT position this off-season. It honestly never entered into my mind that Lokey might be making enough headway to actually warrant playing time without an injury to Ron or Smith. So, is Lokey our NT of the future?