Memorial Day Weekend Cup O’Chiefs
ENJOY YOUR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!
As we head into the first big holiday weekend of the summer, be safe. As Herm would say, we don’t want to see any of you ending up on “da-da-da … da-da-da.”
The Chiefs got through their first four OTA sessions, wrapping up on Friday with a little levity as Todd Haley had the offensive and defensive line catch punts off the jugs machine. The side that caught the most punts got a few gassers taken off their total. The happy side was the offense.
Near as we could tell the team got through the workouts without any injuries, major or minor. That’s always a good sign at this time of the year. There were eight players who were there but did not take part in all of the practice work. The good thing is all of those players were doing rehab, so all are on the way back. Some rode stationary bikes, while others were running sprints and pushing a weighted sled under the direction of conditioning coaches Cedric Smith and Brent Salazar.
As always, there was attention on those who were not there, led by the duo of Brian Waters and Mike Vrabel (right), who have not taken part in any of the off-season work with the team. Neither has returned calls to the media to explain why they are absent. But both have apparently talked with Haley about their absences. “Nothing was a surprise and we are aware of what was going on,” Haley said of the absent players, which on Friday included RB Larry Johnson and OLB Tamba Hali.
But Haley did address the Vrabel situation a bit.
“I would say that Mike is excited to get here and I’m excited to see him in action and see where he is at,” said Haley. “We have been giving him the information and he has been working, calling and checking in. We will see when he gets here where we stand just like any of the guys who haven’t been here.”
Reportedly Vrabel played most of last season with a bum shoulder, not that the information has ever been confirmed by the Patriots. Quite possibly, Vrabel has stayed away rehabbing the shoulder and might not be able to take part in the strength program, or even get on the field to work with the defense. Like most NFL teams these days, the Chiefs are closed-mouth on the injury situation of their players.
So how big is the continued absence of guys like Waters and Vrabel? There’s no question that the Chiefs would prefer that both players take part in the programs and OTAs. That’s especially true on the defensive side, where the scheme is a new one, even for Vrabel coming in from New England.
But a check around the league shows other veteran players have stayed away from OTA sessions as well. Some are unhappy with their contracts or situations. Others just have not taken part in all the so-called voluntary work.
This past week, the best CB in the league Nnamdi Asomugha did not take part in the Raiders OTA sessions. In San Diego, RB LaDainian Tomlinson missed a couple of OTAs this week, supposedly dealing with family issues. That’s the same reason being given for Packers S Nick Collins missing the work in Green Bay, although he showed up this week for a team caravan around the state. Some Wisconsin media outlets have reported that Collins is unhappy with his contract.
The Falcons had OTAs this week without TE Tony Gonzalez, who in fact was in Kansas City for part of the week, working with the Shadow Buddies Foundation. In New Orleans, S Darren Sharper and TE Jeremy Shockey have missed OTA work, something head coach Sean Payton wasn’t happy about.
While WR Terrell Owens was in Buffalo t his past week for practices, Jets RB Thomas Jones boycotted the work with the Jets; also a contract situation. The same reason has kept returner Joshua Cribbs away from the Browns workouts. In Cincinnati, they haven’t seen WR Chad Ochocinco Johnson during their OTAs.
Franchise player designee CB Dunta Robinson hasn’t signed his tender and is not at the Texans workouts in Houston. LB Keith Bulluck missed two OTAs this week with the Titans in Nashville.
The Chiefs will not return to OTAs until June 1, but the players will continue to work in the strength and conditioning program in the week after Memorial Day.
SHOULD THE CHIEFS BE INTERESTED IN GREG ELLIS?
Last year playing OLB with the Dallas Cowboys, Greg Ellis (left) had eight sacks in 16 games.
The Chiefs defense last year had 10 sacks in 16 games.
With a switch to a hybrid 3-4 defense and no pass rushers added in the off-season, should Pioli/Haley be interested in the 12-year veteran? Probably not, given the way the personnel business has gone for the Chiefs in this off-season. But it’s something that should be considered by the new regime.
Ellis was told to stay away from this past week’s OTA sessions in Dallas, as the Cowboys are trying to trade him.
The 6-6, 262-pound former first-round draft choice has played in 162 games over his career and is on the downside of his career. That makes him no different than Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas, who the Chiefs have acquired in the off-season.
During his time in the NFL as both a defensive end and linebacker, Ellis has 77 sacks. No two players on the Chiefs roster have that many sacks combined.
Pioli/Haley have access to a lot of information on Ellis, via Bill Parcells. It was while Parcells was the head coach at Dallas that Ellis was moved to outside linebacker with the switch to a 3-4 scheme.
Given the Chiefs wealth of available cap space, a move on Ellis would be easy enough to do. He’s scheduled to make $4.15 million this year in the final season on his contract. The Cowboys are interested in getting rid of Ellis because they need to clear cap space for a new contract for younger OLB DeMarcus Ware.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
May 23
Born on May 23, 1944 in New York was LB Ken Avery. He finished a nine-season pro career with 14 games and five starts with the Chiefs in 1975.
Born on the same day in Pittsburgh was OT Francis Peay. He was originally a second-round pick of the Chiefs in 1966, but signed to play in the NFL with the New York Giants. Peay finished his nine-season pro career with the Chiefs, playing in 19 games with 10 starts in the 1973-74 seasons.
Born on May 23, 1965 in Seattle was CB James Hasty
(right). He signed with the Chiefs as a free agent in 1995, and played six seasons with the team (1995-2000). He appeared in 95 games, with 89 starts. Hasty had 21 interceptions and six sacks.
Born on May 23, 1974 in Riverside, California was DE Duane Clemons. He joined the Chiefs for three seasons (2000-02), appearing in 44 games, with 43 stars. He had 16.5 sacks and scored a TD on a fumble return during the 2002 season.
May 24
Born on May 24, 1968 in Detroit was OT Tom Dohring. He was an eighth-round choice in the 1991 NFL Draft out of Michigan. Dohring played in three games for the Chiefs during the 1992 season, with one start.
Born on May 24, 1980 in Kalamazoo was DE Jason Babin. He joined the Chiefs for seven games during the 2008 season and contributed two sacks.
May 25
Born on May 25, 1954 in Memphis was LB Jimbo Elrod. He was a fifth-round choice of the Chiefs I n the 1976 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. Elrod ended up spending three seasons with the Chiefs (1976-78), appearing in 36 games, with five starts. He had one interception.
Born on May 25, 1980 in New York was S Willie Pile. He was selected in the round by the Chiefs in the 2003 NFL Draft. He spent that rookie season with the team, appearing in 16 games with five starts.
Even as a situational rush guy for 3rd downs or 2d and longs, Ellis would be a welcome addition to what the Chiefs currently have on the roster.
…as Chiefs fans would say to Herm “Don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya” after running our once proud team into the ground. Kind of surprised to see a refereence to such a dent on the Chiefs organization.
greg ellis yes…where is priest holmes?
Herm wasn’t a bad guy, just not a very good coach. He was a good man and a really good role model for the younger players. There’s no reason to be a Herm Hatuh. He’s gone, remember. As regards Ellis, I would think we would be interested in any player who can improve us from what we are now. That should be true whether they’re old, lame, or on the upside or downside of a career. We just shouldn’t load up with players like that. We shouldn’t shy away from adding older players, particularly on defense if they fit the budget and improve our team. Old grizzled veteran isn’t a dirty phrase if the guy can still bring it and by all indications this guy can. If we sign enough of these guys we might even have a much better defense. Now there’s a novel thought. Maybe we can give them a nickname like the old Redskins. I’ve got it, we can call them the “Over The Herm Gang!” Enjoy the Holiday and thank and honor our troops.
Bob,
Peter King reported that the Chiefs have to spend about $15 million to get to the “floor” of the salary cap. I’m wonder if that takes into consideration the rookie salaries that will be signed. I would think the Chiefs would be wise to sign Ellis after he’s released. If that 15 million is accurate, there will be a lot of free agent signings coming! Do you know if King’s numbers are close to accurate? Thanks!
Johnfromfairfax says:
“I would think we would be interested in any player who can improve us from what we are now.”
Exactly, John. When your D is as bad as ours has been…you need to look at pretty much every available player. Whether that player can help us short term (a year or two) or long term…we need help.
“LB Jimbo Elrod”…or, as fellow Chiefs teammate and LB Willie Lanier would say “Elbow Jimrod.”
__________________________________________
And thanks for the reference to “Herm” Bob G - of course, we’re talking about the second best Coach in Chiefs franchise history behind only the great HOF’r Hank Stram … Herman ‘Herm’ Edwards Jr.
Just the mention of that reverential name…yes, true Chiefs fans miss said- as Marv Albert would say (when not preoccupied a hotel room somewhere, someone): “YESSSSSSSSSS!!!”
Right about now with OTA’s the vicinity who canst but not recall famous words “His”, passed down to “Him” from even more seasonsed a Herm, Sr. “HIM”, dad:
“Son, don’t forget the corners…they’re the most important part of all.”
As the Chiefs same are in full bloom with fresh Flowers, a new Carr in the garage and a Leggett up on the nickel back competition anywhere, can verily say - “Well done Herm, good and faithful servant!”
Chiefs success 2009 - a direct result Herm’s mens and Herm’s sins, i.e., the courage to undertake a youth movement 2008. W’s 2009 will be His, losses any the result mismanagement ’search’ and ‘check.’
Yup, whether groundwork laid KC or football manna served ESPN, Herm is STILL The Man!
heh heh heh
I’m always a little leery looking at guys who have good numbers but play on a team with other excellent players. With Neil and Derrick, they made each other better, but they were both good to begin with. On the other hand was Ryan Sims. Julius Peppers made Sims look great at North Carolina. The Cowgirls have usually had several good pass rushers during the time Ellis was with them.
First off. other teams arent all putting in a new system on both sides of the ball..
As for Ellis, hes a leader, I think we have enough 34 year old LB’s however, with the cap room this team has, id rather give him 1 year of 4.5 mil than give a mediocre player a big contract.
I think Peter Kings figure of about 15MM under the cap minimum is correct. I saw the same number on another web site. The rookies salaries will take up some of that number, but there still will be more needed to reach the minimum. I still look for another free agent or two after June 1. Ellis and Levi Jones could be possibilities, although Jones has been somewhat injury prone. I still think he would be an upgrade ove McIntosh.
The floor of the cap is roughly $101,000,000, give or take $100,000.
There is, or has been NO free agent the Chiefs could not have afforded to sign as far as cap dollars go.
Now CASH flow could, very well be a problem for “Jr”. How healthy do you suppose his two soccer teams are financially, given the current economic climate?
That’s a legitimate question, that I have mentioned before, that no one seems to have thought about.
Is it a coincidence that the only two owners (Hunt and the guys that own the Buc’s) that also own MLS franchises, have the most cap room of any of the other 30 franchises?
Maybe.
But look at what the Chiefs pulled last season, They called it a youth movement, but was it more of a cost saving measure?
I think it may explain the reason for the John Tate thing and then again with J Allen. The increase in ticket/parking prices. I’m sure the improvements on Arrowhead too, is consuming some cash.
I could be way F’d up here but….
Anon-I think you have some very good points. Most of the salary cap dollars come from TV revenue every year, so those dollars are there. It’s the huge signing bonuses for top draft picks and free agents that may be impacting what Clark can spend. Tyson Jackson will get a signing bonus of 25-30MM that is paid out in a a year or two. His cap hit would probably only be 5MM to 6MM. Clark’s other interests and stadium renovations could enter into what he can pay in signing bonuses. Perhaps some of the excess cap dollars are neeeded for bonuses because of these other factors.
“YESSSSSSSSSS!!!” I admit I have a “healthy dose” of “man love” for Herm. “Hence the reason I’m a total idiot!!!!”
And….this is just “one” of my “many” faults!!!!!!
“Good day all.”
“Go Raiders!”
“Go Chargers!”
“Go Broncos!”
heh heh heh
Vrabel is the consummate professional. He’ll get with the team when necessary. If he’s actually healing from shoulder surgery, then I say give him all the time he needs. He’ll be in shape and ready to go for mandatory OTA’s.
(Cue Elton John paraphrase, ‘fake’ Rin above)
“Green eyes, fake Rin’s got, green eyes…”
A cock-surety nee certainty: there is only one Rin Tin Tin! As Superbowl lore so too legend I.
Reporter: Rin, you don’t look that swift the way you blog, but then you’re able to leave all your detractors - both of them…nee legions - in the dust… every time. Are you really all that?
Rin: Evidently.
Thundering crowd seconds the notion: “Hear Hear! Author Author! Encore Encore!”
Right here.
CHiefs win 4 games max this year.
Should the Chiefs bring in Greg Ellis? Absolutely. Now I don’t want them to give up too much, but if Ellis could be had for a 5th or a 6th round pick, the I say go for it! Look at Pioli’s LB history with New England. With the exception of Jarod Mayo last year, he always brought in old guys who were fundamentally sound. Bruschi was there already, but he and Vrabel were always resigned. There were others like Roosevelt Colvin, Junior Seau, Roman Phifer, and Adalius Thomas; the latter being the most expensive. I’m sure there are a few more examples that I’m forgetting. Point being, Ellis would provide great insurance for us if Hali or McBride or Studebaker or whoever can’t step in and fill that pass rusher role this season. Ellis seems like Engram, a nice quick fix at a position they couldn’t quite address with young guys.
Hey, a trade for Ellis and another for Boldin (I still think that’s where our cap dollars are going this year) and this team looks a lot closer to being a playoff team in my opinion. Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone!
Colby- I have a feeling that Boldin is still on Pioli and Haley’s radar. I think we could get hime for a 2nd and 3rd rounder. I know the Cardinals would like to keep him, but I think they are still open for a trade. We have the cap dollars for a long term deal, that he wants. I’d be okay with Ellis, as well.
Now wouldn’t that be nice another solid linebacker and a top flight reciever. Sounds like a plan to me. If we have the money its time to spend it.
Excellent points made for an Ellis acquisition, Colby.
Ellis this year….why not? What could it hurt?
john from fair fax
thats exactly how i feel about herm he wasnt a great coach although still not a bad one but he was a good guy and a good role model.
about greg ellis i think itd be nice to have another experienced lb back their and if we could get anquan boldin for a 2nd and a 3rd thatd be amazing, i would love that but hes not worth a first and the only reason i would be cool with giving up a 2 and 3 is cause we got 2 2s but itd be great also itd be nice to get levi jones.
and rin just stop typing pleas.
head cheif says:
“thats exactly how i feel about herm he wasnt a great coach although still not a bad”
- why, that’s EXACTLY how Rin feels about you… you’re not so much good or bad as, superfluous. With the major aside that at $4 mil per annum - gratis from the Chiefs - and copiou$ more ESPN, Herm is living in the penthouse, while you are living (cue Mick) “under my thumb.” Pricele$$!
“and rin just stop typing pleas.”
- you mean like you did ‘cheif’ before you had finished the rest the word “please”?
(head cheif to Sajak: “Is there an ‘e’ Pat?”)
Rin loves it when they beg nee “oh, head cheif (Lucy), how I love to hear you whine!”
You are prone more so bent on sending Rin double messages, ad nauseam.
head cheif: “Oww, stop it Rin it hurts! (then to me directly - both inaudible yet apparent to the rest:) “Hit me again Rin, I likes it!!!”
That’s why instead of just disagreeing/accepting others perspectives/right to blog it as they do, you are & shall remain interminably angst filled.
Remember you member (double entendre), busses are leaving here daily…be on one if you can’t help yourself otherwise, for…
- NEWS FLASH - Rin is here to stay…ENJOY!
heh heh heh
- NEWS FLASH - Rin can no longer afford his medication. Donations anyone?
Still think that Chiefs need help on O-Line. Ellis for a 5th rounder, with only one year of contract, that sounds okay. Boldin for a second rounder would be okay. But Chiefs must get help on o-line, unless Haley knows the secret potion for o-line from his days in NE.
“best Coach in Chiefs franchise history…”
No doubt you’re referring to Marty Schottenheimer, who actually won a playoff game as a Chiefs coach…or wait! you must be referring to Dick Vermeil who made the playoffs as a Chiefs coach with players he brought to the team…or wait! you must be talking about Bill Cowher who went on to be a great coach at Pittsburgh!
Absolutely no draft choice for Greg Ellis, and hopefullly stay away from him altogether. Unfortunately, We already have 2 ancient LB’s now, and when you rely too much on old players, you get burnt, as Carl proved for years. They are more prone to injury, falling off a cliff performance wise, etc. Give Hali a FULL chance at the position. If he’s found wanting, go with Robertson, or Studebaker or another kid, or maybe Laboy will be ready to sign at that point, but stay FAR away from another 35 year old.
Rin Tin Tin’s Psychiatrist
- is suffering from a clear case of transference: he both wants to be Rin & as well get Him to lay across that big brass couch - ouch! What a dirty shrink you are…
SG says:
“No doubt you’re”
- yes, Rin Tin Tin… what is it now?
“referring to Marty Schottenheimer”
- as a Kansas stockyard - the smell Chiefs locker room every post season his, after the ‘gleam’ has given way to the ‘fetor’.
“who actually won a playoff game as a Chiefs coach”
- besides Hank Stram? No one of any renomée.
“or wait!”
- no sorry, we were looking for ‘Orwell’, Orwell. And, how much did you wager SG? All of it - that means you are now as fiscally bankrupt cents, as you be in a sense football acumen.
“you must be”
- yes, still Rin Tin Tin…pay attention ADHD.
“referring to Dick Vermeil”
- well…the choices indeed be many: “96 Tears” - “Tears of a Clown” - “Baby Baby Don’t Cry” - “All Cried Out” - “As Tears Go By” - and, as with post season any his KC, the impossible his to deliver: “Don’t Cry Out Loud”
“or wait!”
- no sorry, we were looking for ‘Oreo’, Oreo… and, how much was your ill thot out wager this time? Regrettably, once again you bite the big one…busted. Welcome back to the comfort your humble abode, SG.
“you must be”
- yes TBI, I’m still Rin Tin Tin…
“talking about Bill Cowher”
- from the Marty school of ineptitude, needed a decade and a half to win a Superbowl… slacker deluxe.
“who went on to be a great coach at Pittsburgh!”
- both Pop Warner & Chuck Noll.
Thank you for playing. We have some nice parting gifts for you. Audience, say goodbye with a nice understated round of guffaws- er, ‘applause’ for SG.
(crickets)
rin
i got nothing against you opinion or anybody elses, your entitled to your opinion, i just think the way you say things is the problem, nobody knows what the hell your talking about. i feel like i need some sort of translator to read your crap.
pleas god rin dont respond, im begging you.
head cheif says:
“rin”
- yes, what is it now?
“i got nothing”
- agreed.
“against”
- the wind…spitting…you.
“you opinion”
- no; ra’her, I am Gospel.
“or”
- ifice… be it ever so humble, there’s no place like your hovel- don’t you know, hc.
“anybody elses”
- words to live by: “to each their own…opines, cavities, torments.”
“your entitled to your opinion”
- yes, as everyone is…
“i just think the way you say things is the problem, nobody knows what the hell your talking about.”
- so, you bleed for your ‘gente’ as twere? Just this - where no ‘body’ treads, no problem canst exist any ‘one.’
“i feel like i need some sort of translator to read your crap.”
- trying to divine influence domestic, foreign or otherwordly (i.e., over your head) willst require more than an archeological dig or epidemiological profile.
So remember member (double entendre) - “People are alike all over” [Twilight Zone (1960)].
“pleas god rin”
- flattery will get you but ‘nother one liner mine…
“dont respond, im begging you.”
- Rin loves it when they beg; grovel…go on then!
i have nooooo idea what your talking about
No one else does either, Head Chief, no one else does either….
To all who bicker with Rin:
You are idiots! Just shut up and ignore it and it will go away. It has no intention of adding anything useful to the forum, it’s just here to try and annoy you! Just let it play with itself.
Hey, now Larry & Curly Joe have showed up to help out ol’ Moe… Three Stooges - no waiting!