Square Pegs In Round Holes … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs
Chiefs fans with some longevity remember the name Willie Scott. He was the 1980s Tank Tyler.
On Monday, the Chiefs dealt Tyler to the Carolina Panthers for a fifth-round draft choice. The deal was not made because Tyler can’t play the game. The reason for the trade was simply that Tyler did not fit what the Chiefs are looking for in a nose tackle.
When you take the puzzle of an NFL roster and alter the picture with the type of massive changes that have happened with the Chiefs franchise, all the old pieces are not going to fit in the new puzzle. That’s what happened with Tyler.
But it’s not the first time a highly drafted player on the Chiefs ended up losing his spot on the Kansas City roster because he was a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. That brings us back to Willie Scott.
He was the team’s first-round selection in the 1981 NFL Draft, a tight end out of the University of South Carolina. At 6-4, 250 pounds, Scott was picked by Marv Levy and his coaching staff because of his blocking ability, not because of his history as a receiver with the Gamecocks. In Scott’s senior season, teammate George Rogers won the Heisman Trophy running for over 5,000 yards in his career, with Scott blocking throughout those three seasons.
Rogers was the first player taken in the 1980 NFL Draft. Scott was grabbed No. 14 by the Chiefs. While he did not immediately become a starter, Scott was the blocker that Levy was looking for that year. Scott helped fellow rookie, second-round choice Joe Delaney to more than 1,000 rushing yards and a trip to the Pro Bowl.
After a 3-6 season in 1982, Levy lost his job as head coach, replaced by John Mackovic. The difference between these two men in how they viewed offense was as wide as the Grand Canyon. Levy believed in a strong running game, while Mackovic wanted to throw the ball.
Scott was the starter at tight end and he actually had two seasons (1983-84) where he caught a total of 57 passes, with nine touchdown catches. But Scott was not the type of tight end Mackovic was looking for in his aerial attack. By the end of the 1985 season, Scott was a non-factor on the Chiefs and he moved on to New England in 1986. Right when he should have been hitting his prime as a player, changes in the coaching philosophy made him obsolete.
The worst thing that happens to an NFL franchise when it changes coaches is that a lot of players aren’t going to fit with the new direction. It’s just one of those facts of pro football life. Over the years, it’s the major reason teams like Detroit, Cincinnati, Arizona and San Francisco have struggled to maintain competitive stability. Certainly, those teams that keep shuffling the coaching deck do so because they lose too many games and that’s almost always because the team doesn’t have enough talent.
But every team in the NFL has some talented players. A large part of a team’s success comes down to how those players are trained and how their talents put to use on the field of play.
When owners get impatient and start changing coaches, the domino effect roars through the roster. That’s been a problem around the Chiefs for the last decade. It started when Marty Schottenheimer resigned after the 1998 season. Gunther Cunningham, Dick Vermeil, Herm Edwards, Todd Haley … that’s four different head coaches in 11 seasons for the Chiefs. That’s four different outlooks on the game, four different wish lists, four different priorities in building a roster. In those 11 seasons, there have been four different defensive coordinators and five different offensive coordinators.
After the 2001 season, defensive coordinator Greg Robinson didn’t want LB Donnie Edwards. He campaigned with Vermeil, who voted against re-signing Edwards who was about to become a free agent. Edwards left and played five seasons in San Diego Chargers, leading the Chargers in tackles each season and making a trip to the Pro Bowl. The Chiefs spent millions of dollars on free agents like Shawn Barber and Kendrell Bell. Neither one ever matched what Edwards brought to the team.
That’s what happens when a franchise keeps changing quarterbacks. Time and money spent on evaluating players goes down the drain. It’s not just finding new players; it’s sorting through those that were left behind and deciding who fits in and who does not.
Players like Bernard Pollard, Turk McBride and Tank Tyler can play in the NFL. They just don’t fit with the Todd Haley version of the Chiefs.
SIGNINGS, TRADES, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
- BENGALS – signed DT Orien Harris.
- BROWNS – placed ILB D’Qwell Jackson on the injured-reserve list (shoulder).
- BUCCANEERS – placed FB B.J. Askew on Non-Football Injury List (back, neck injuries from auto accident; signed CB Marcus McCauley.
- CHARGERS – placed LB Antwan Applewhite on the injured-reserve list; signed CB Dante Hughes.
- CHIEFS – re-signed OLB Justin Rogers.
- DOLPHINS – activated OT Lyndon Murtha from the PUP list; released G Shawn Murphy.
- EAGLES – acquired LB Will Witherspoon from the Rams for WR Brandon Gibson and a fifth-round choicein the 2010 NFL Draft.
- FALCONS – signed S Jamaal Fudge; placed CB Brian Williams on the injured-reserve list (knee).
- JETS – signed DT Howard Green.
- PANTHERS – released DT Antwon Burton.
- PATRIOTS – re-signed OLB Tully Banta-Cain; released WR Joey Galloway and TE Michael Matthews.
- RAMS – traded LB Will Witherspoon to the Eagles for WR Brandon Gibson and a fifth-round 2010 NFL Draft choice.
- REDSKINS – signed OT Levi Jones and RB Quinton Ganther; released RBs Anthony Alridge and Marcus Mason.
- SEAHAWKS – released OT Kyle Williams.
FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY
On October 21, 1962, the Dallas Texans beat the New York Titans 20-17 at the Cotton Bowl. A 42-yard FG by Tommy Brooker with less than a minute to play gave the Texans the victory, their fifth on the season. RB Abner Haynes caught a 78-yard TD pass from QB Len Dawson. Haynes later added a one-yard TD run and Brooker had two FGs, including the game-winner. Haynes finished the game with four catches for 121 yards and he also had 84 yards rushing. Both Dave Grayson and Duane Wood had interceptions for the Texans.
On October 21, 1973, the Chiefs lost 14-6 to the Bengals at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati. The Chiefs struggling offense continued to struggle against the Bengals, unable to find the end zone and having to settle for a pair of Jan Stenerud FGs from 17 and 42 yards. QB Len Dawson was sacked five times and threw a pair of interceptions. Cincinnati QB Ken Anderson had a 30-yard TD pass to TE Bob Trumpy but also threw a pair of INTs to Kansas City LBs Willie Lanier and Jim Lynch.
On October 21, 1979, the Chiefs lost to the New York Giants 21-17 in front of 44,362 fans at Arrowhead Stadium. With less than two minutes to play, the Chiefs had the ball and a 17-14 lead. Rookie RB Mike Williams fumbled the ball on a sweep around the right end. The ball bounced into t he hands of LB Harry Carson who returned it 22 yards for a touchdown and a Giants victory. The play came almost exactly a year after the Giants lost a game when they fumbled and Philadelphia CB Herm Edwards picked up the ball and scored the winning TD in what became known as the Miracle of the Meadowlands. The Chiefs had gotten the lead thanks to a one-yard TD run by RB Arnold Morgado and a 38-yard scoring play between QB Mike Livingston and WR Henry Marshall. It was a big game for RB Tony Reed who ran for 106 yards and caught passes for 103 yards.
On October 21, 1984, the Chiefs lost to the New York Jets 28-7 at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands. The Jets defense controlled this game, allowing the KC offense just 205 total yards and one TD. Chiefs QB Bill Kenney was sacked four times and intercepted once. The only TD came on a seven-yard pass from Kenney to RB Ken Lacy. Jets QB Pat Ryan threw three TD passes and DE Mark Gastineau recovered a fumble in the end zone for a defensive score. Ryan added a two-point run.
On October 21, 1990, the Chiefs lost to the Seahawks 19-7 at the Kingdome in Seattle. Even though the Chiefs defense picked off Seahawks QB David Krieg four times, the Kansas City offense wasn’t able to mount much of an attack. The Chiefs only score came on a 33-yard pass from QB Steve DeBerg to WR J.J. Birden. Overall, the Chiefs ran for just 69 yards and DeBerg threw for 213 yards. Grabbing INTs for the Chiefs were CB Kevin Ross, who got two, CB Albert Lewis and S Jeff Donaldson.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on October 21, 1985 was S DaJuan Morgan. He joined the Chiefs as a third-round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State. Morgan has played in 21 games for the Chiefs over the past two seasons; spending most of his time on special teams.
Many coaches, yes but only only ONE GENERAL MANAGER:
Peterson, where a lot of the blame can be placed for the current status of our Chiefs
HOw about those guys just aren’t good. All of thosse guys went to losing franchises except for Pollard to Houston. None of those guys got picked up by Steelers, Ravens, Giants, or Pats. Bottom line Bob most of those guys released just either wasn’t talented players or so undicplined in their craft they couldn’t fit with the new regime or any regime for that matter. Yeah Turk didn’t fit in 3-4 or Tank didn’t fit in 3-4. But judging by their play in Herm’s 4-3 defense they weren’t impressive in it either. That’s why we got mid round picks or either got nothing for those guys and just released them.
One of the major reasons for the success of the Steelers and the (early) Cowboys was management’s willingness to hang in with their coaches, even when things were rough. The fans in Dallas screamed for Tom Landry’s removal early on, but management stuck with him, and the team became very successful in subsequent years. How many head coaches have the Steelers had in the last 30+ years? Three: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin. What kind of success have they enjoyed? Their record speaks for itself.
I agree with that Mike. Problem with the Chiefs is they didn’t hang in there with Marty. IF Marty had still been head coach we’d have another Super bowl by now. As for Haley when he leads this team back to the playoff which I think he will we just have to hang in there with him until he gets this team over the hump.
I still don’t understand releasing Pollard, and keeping Mike Brown. Pollard had the potential to be one of the most hard-hitting safeties in the game. He just got burned deep too often. But, Mike Brown has not looked better.
-Marty’s teams couldn’t seem to win in the playoffs. But, let’s see…how many times did he get us there? I’d take that over 4-12 or 2-14 any day.
-Hiring Cunningham as Head Coach was a mistake from the start. And it showed.
-Vermeil had good teams. Lots of Offense, and fun to watch. The Defense was ignored, though. But at the time, nobody seemed to care because we were winning. Scoring 30-40 points a game can do that for you.
-Edwards was hired because he was a defensive-minded coach. He was supposed to bring a great Defense back to the Chiefs. Never happened. His staff was a mess, and players got “soft”. Edwards was a good guy…a “players coach”. But his record speaks for itself. 6 wins in two seasons will get you fired, and rightly so.
-Haley? The jury is still out. For me, anyway. Lots of people want him gone already. I don’t think there is any way possible you could get a coach that’s more opposite of Edwards. Only time will tell if the “Haley Way” will turn this team around. He’s a Rookie Head Coach…so I’m affording him “rookie mistakes”. For now. Again, time will tell if he’s learning from those mistakes or not. But, results on the field is really the only measuring stick for a Head Coach. Period. No matter what factors contribute, if your team doesn’t win games…you won’t be around long.
How many defensive lineman have we drafeted that aren’t around anymore. Sims, Siavi, McBride, Tyler and probably a few I am missing. I am anxious to see what Kolby Smith can bring to the table. Looney says he looks ripped. Hopefully we find out soon. I like Dorsey he is starting to show up on Sundays. Isn’t it funny everyone saying he was a bust and Albert was a great pick and now this year Dorsey is doing ok and they say Albert is a bust!!!!!
Does anyone really know why Marty packed up and left almost overnight ???
Kenny Smith NT signed. I hate this signing, why didn’t we bring in Ed Johnson cut from the Colts. Why is Jake O’Connell and Brad Cottam still on the roster? Do we need 4 tight ends? And Pierre Walters, if he doesnt dress on game day, move him to the practice squad.
It seems 2 me that every1 here has the same sense of what needs 2 be done 2 improve our team. But why is it that the organization seems 2 not have a clue, ingore the fans opinion and tends 2 go the opposite route year in and year out……I’ve always believed that u cant knock a guy who trys but it seems like the organization could care less! Hey, I hear alot of people say “Why would any1 want 2 come 2 a 2-14 team” well its the GM job 2 push up on big tyme FA and and give them a feel that this team is up and coming. But 2 just pick people off the streets is like sifting through some1 elses trash hoping 2 find a warm slice of pizza……(sad)
NFL network and many other sources said the chiefs and pioli tried to get trades done and no one would step up to the plate with a fair deal. so there is your “not trying” and “not having a clue”
MikeO says:
“Kenny Smith NT signed. I hate this signing”
I would have to agree, Mike. Smith was on IR for the ‘04, ‘05 and ‘08 season…and did not play football at all during the ‘06 and ‘07 season.
And THIS was the best guy they could find to back-up Edwards at NT??? I hope I’m wrong. Maybe the guy will be a monster. But on the face of it, I’m not impressed.
gorillafan says:
“NFL network and many other sources said the chiefs and pioli tried to get trades done and no one would step up to the plate with a fair deal. so there is your “not trying” and “not having a clue””
Very true. It takes two parties to make a deal. And it has to work out for both sides. Better to do nothing than to get ripped off.
we just have to hang in there.
we fans have been saying it for years now, with ther re-rebuilding year in and year out. but for pioli and haley, it isnt the same for them. this is a new situation and new rebuild, so we have to give them time, eventhough were tired of waiting
Another very good point, gorillafan. That makes you two for two today.
I remember when we drafted Tank & Turk. I thought, boy! have we got a tandem of defensive lineman with great nicknames, that would quickly become the “dynamic duo” of the NFL.
In reality they were not that good. We then switched to a 3-4 defense & they did not get better. So long & good luck… Tank & Turk.
Scott Pioli has been both private & secretive about what he does behind closed doors. Very bad for the press & probably good for Chiefs fans. We just don’t know that yet. I’ll admit some of the later trades & free agent signings are yawners. It’s hard to tell the “method of all this seemingly madness”. The key word here is seemingly.
Words like Rebuild, Process, Improve, Overnight, Foundation & Right 53. They all seemingly mean to me is “Patience”. We don’t like that word, nor should we. Unfortunately as fans, this is year one of patience.
Fortunately however, our future key word is “Dynasty”. The method behind the madness is really just a few years away.
Go Chiefs.
jimbo says:
“our future key word is “Dynasty””
I look forward to when this organization regains it Pride…and when Arrowhead is once again the most feared place to play in the NFL. When we stop being the team everybody WANTS to play…to being the team that NOBODY wants to play. It’s coming. I know it. The Chiefs have the best fans in the NFL, and we WILL be rewarded for our patience.
See what he can do , this is not going to be his first try .
If he break’s , get someone else .
What’s the worst that can happen , and what’s to gain . He might find this to be his last chance and come alive . If I were in his shoes , here’s a team that is just around the corner from maybe doing something . If he work’s hard and smart ,like a lot leg lifting , etc..
Someone saw something !
Sure you can say about anything here , that’s what it’s for .
Dynasty is a great word and I would buy it if I thought it was coming. Maybe it is but if the Chiefs need 4 -5 year to achieve their dynasty, not one player will still be on this team we are watching today. They are all gone. That means this team will be in rebuild mode for the entire period and we get bad games to watch. I just do not see it. Also where does the signing of DT Smith fit other than a body ( not necessarily a live one) to fill the roster? I doubt he can play next sunday.
Bob,
A lot of the coaching changes were made due to Lamar becoming more and more sympathetic with fans. I like that to a point. A stronger owner (maybe stubborn is more accurate) would have stuck with Levy longer or stepped in on the Peterson vs Marty feud.
I think Hunt jr. is committed to Pioli/Haley for the long-term. He isn’t quick to make decisions for immediate fan appeasement, which is good.
As for the player signings/cuts/trades. I could really care less what is happening right now. There are no acquisitions that are going to take place between now and March that will noticeably change the talent level. There are certain times you can upgrade the roster, and now aint it. I hear people ask why we didn’t sign this guy or that guy instead of who we did. It doesn’t matter. They are all unemployed and passed over by 32 teams. We are just polishing turds at this point and hoping to get to next year, hopefully with some wins, but the talent level is as good as it gets.
I just dont think that trading Tank Tyler for another Colin Brown next year can possibly be worth it. unless pioli actually uses next years picks instead of throwing almost all of them away on garbage, this was a stupid move.