That Nasty R Word
Funny how Carl Peterson and Scott Pioli both dislike the same word:
Rebuilding.
The Chiefs were more than a year into trying to rebuild the roster under Herm Edwards before Peterson could choke out the word.
And on Thursday, when the Chiefs actions made it very plain that 2009 is about rebuilding, the man who replaced Peterson moved quickly to squash use of the term.
“We don’t believe in the rebuilding term and all that stuff,” Pioli said just moments after the team traded Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez to the Atlanta Falcons for a 2010 second-round draft choice. “This is something we feel was in the short-term and long-term interests of the Chiefs and the program we are moving forward with right now.”
Right now as the dust settles on the departure of a 10-time Pro Bowl tight end, it sure looks like rebuilding. Pioli may not want to say so, but losing the team’s leading receiver last season and one of the most consistent and productive offensive players in the league doesn’t do much to help his new quarterback Matt Cassel and the Chiefs offense for the 2009 season.
Gonzalez would have been a wonderful security blanket for Cassel. Same for Todd Haley, as both men attempt to establish themselves and the Chiefs as a contender again in the AFC West.
Long-term, the move makes great sense. Getting something out of an older player who is close to the end of his career is the dream of any GM, especially in this age of free agency. Now that players have a choice, teams have a choice as well, and getting something valuable like a second-round choice for a 33-year old tight end is too good a deal to pass up.
That’s a down the road view, especially in this case since the Chiefs don’t get a pay off until next April. It makes sense and is indicative of the lessons Pioli learned along the way in his time with the Patriots.
But Pioli hinted that there’s more to come, and that 2010 second-round spot may get bundled into a more immediate payoff that might enhance the short-term view.
“The pick 2010 second round pick as we sit here right now could very well be a second round in 2010,” he said. “That pick can be used in a lot of different ways and can somehow become a pick that’s used in the draft this year.
“We are sitting here on April 23rd and we play our first regular season game on September 13th and there is a lot of time to continue to shape our roster. We are going to continue to find ways to bring football players to this team that can help us win games.
“There are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration any time you make any player move, whether it is acquisition or moving on from a player. This is one move in a number of other moves that have been made this off-season in terms of acquiring players and acquiring picks. It’s about the totality of all the player moves that complete the mosaic of building a football team.”
All true, but right now the picture is of a Chiefs team rebuilding. Trading Gonzalez in itself does not really signal that. Last year the Chiefs were rebuilding and Gonzalez was kept on the roster to serve the ‘08 offense. He had a big year, but the Chiefs won only one game after the NFL trading deadline passed and Gonzalez wasn’t dealt. Having him around for Cassel may have produced another big individual season, but it guaranteed nothing for the team.
I’ve never understood the problem with rebuilding. Fans don’t like to hear the term, and when you are struggling to sell tickets like the Chiefs are right now, it doesn’t help. It’s understandable that no organization is going to print banners that declare “We are Rebuilding.” And sometimes folks around the team – administrators, coaches and players – can use the rebuilding crutch as an excuse. That’s happened with teams before.
But facts are facts. There’s a new GM, a new head coach, a mostly new coaching staff, a new defensive scheme, a new starting quarterback, and there figure to be a batch of new players.
Call it what you want, don’t call it rebuilding, it doesn’t matter. The Chiefs are under construction and one piece of the old foundation was moved out on Thursday.
Bob Gretz says
“sometimes folks around the team – administrators, coaches and players – can use the rebuilding crutch as an excuse. That’s happened with teams before.”
Yeah, like last season here in KC with Herm and Carl. There’s still players out there who can help the team this year. Just because Tony is gone doesn’t mean we will suck in 2009. Sure, losing him hurts plenty, but they are trying to build a team of guys who WANT to play here. Gonzalez has wanted to leave for over a year now. Waters should be next.
I have a feeling most of us will feel a bit better after this weekend’s draft.
Best of luck to TG. He played his heart out for the Chiefs and was their one consistent player for more than a decade. While he will be missed, he will also be replaced. No one player is bigger than the team, and his pouting and whiney-baby antics of last season didn’t do much for the team’s morale. If he no longer wanted to play in KC, so be it. Onward and upward, Chiefs!
I agree with Colby, we will still have a better record in 09, and we will feel good after the draft.
Pioli has something up his sleeve, trust me. Dont be surprised if they traded next years first round pick for Boldin or Edwards, or traded down and got a lot more picks for this year or next. We could still trade the Falcons 2 round pick for a 2nd round pick this year, because you dont know the value. Good things are going to happen in this teams future.
Tony Gonzalez will always be a Kansas City Chief
“Sure, losing him hurts plenty…” seems to be fairly complete analysis.
“Just because Tony is gone doesn’t mean we will suck in 2009.” No…with him having a great year, the Chiefs sucked in 2008.
“I have a feeling most of us will feel a bit better after this weekend’s draft.” One cannot feel a lot worse unless one started the day as a Donkey or Raider.
Personally, I was ready for TG to be gone after he showed his a$$ last year. He didn’t want to be a Chief any longer, fine, see ya.
Tony is getting up there in years for a football player, getting a 2nd round pick was a savy move by Pioli.
This move was best for both teams. Wish Tony well, and we should have solace in the fact he will enter the HOF as a Chief.
Tony was my favorite player. I wish he would had stayed and retired a chief, not a chief/falcon.
Why is Larry Johnson still a Chief???? They trade the best of the 3 that wanted out and keep a guy that should be in jail. Get rid of Larry Johnson. Having him on the team after getting rid of Tony Gonzalez sends the fans the wrong message. Larry Johnson doesn’t deserve to be paid what he is making. All he does is falls down after he runs into the back of his offensive line. Cut Larry Johnson Now!!!!
I wish the best for Tony and the worst for the Falcons. I hope we end up with a better record than they next year. …..yeah I know thats a stretch.
I find it kinda funny how Tony said he has only 1 or 2 years left and wants to be on a winning team and shoot for the super bowl. Now that he has been traded, he says he can play 3-4 yrs.
I think they would trade LJ in a heartbeat if they could get anything for him. But they probably can’t and we have to have someone play RB. Besides, it’s a long way yet till opening day.
Guys I think that LJ has rededicated his life to football and he had a down year last year. He will slowly realize that he’s not a God and he aint all he thinks he is… He needs to remember that the guy who signs his check is his boss… I see LJ coming out of the gates with a fiery passion in his eyes next year..
At first I was furious to hear TG got traded for a second round pick NEXT year.. like what the heck? The finance adage says “a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow” i would almost have rather had a 3rd and a 5th than a second next year.. if the falcons go 12-4 that pick will be around 55-60 next year. that’s not a whole lot of value that’s like a 3rd round draft pick.
But I think they will package that pick in order to pick up a big time receiver… I wouldn’t let that pick go for an untested player…
Who else wants to see Jason Taylor play for the chiefs as a pass rusher specialist?
Everybody needs to realize that we drafted tony in the first round, 12 years later we get a second round pick for him. That is a darn good trade, I dont care if it is 3 years, from now. Erverything or everybody depreciates, in value. Good job pioli
If anyone expects the Chiefs to be the same as the last 10 years, forget about it! This will be a completely different team than the “country club atmosphere” that was a cancer to this team. Pioli and Haley actually want to win games and have quality people. Tony G. was never a team leader,grumbled about how he never caught enough balls, and was in it for himself. But most of the team has been that way. Now they have people who know how to play the game right and teach the young guys how to study, practice, and conduct themselves. Don’t let the door hit him on the way out unless he is caught holding again. Trust the new regime.
all of a sudden tony wants to play 3 to 4 years, this was best for both sides, and sure id prefer a 2nd this year as a fan of the draft, but seeing as how its a weak draft class, maybe that other pick is a better way to go, and even if we dont trade the pick, thats 3 picks in the first 2 rounds next season, awesome…
Time to move Brian Waters and Larry Johnson(Waters for a 3rd, Larry for a bag of chips)
Hate to see Tony go but hey this is a new era in Arrowhead and its time this team move on. Hate to see them do it with out tony but we still can be a good team nxt year without him look the the Dolphins turned out when Jason taylor left .
Larry Johnson was never any good and he needs to go. He can’t find a hole to run through and he falls down at first contact. He is also a complete loser off the field. If you are talking cancer to a team it is Larry Johnson.
I think I’m more upset that Larry Johnson is still a Chief. That guy is a cancer.
Just like with Jared I wish him well
I can’t help but think that Denver the Chargers and Raiders are in a better mood tonight… Best of luck to you Tony
On the 22APR09, the Chiefs were better than the 08 team. New with the trade of Tony, 23Apr09 Chiefs are weaker than the 22Apr09 team.
The deal was the correct move but not matter how much you like it or not, the team is weaker today than yesterday.
Can something be made out of the trade to benefit the 09 team, maybe. But no garantees, no matter what management may vaguely suggest during their conference call.
Let’s not forget, the Chiefs did not win one playoff game with Gonzo, not one. Was he part of the problem (me attitude which shined brightly last season) or part of the solution? Well, he’s not part of the solution now…
Tony G is a special talent even 12 years on. He won’t be replaced but he wanted out and he’s now gotten his wish. Pioli/Haley said they want to build something with people who want to be here and so far they seem to be working to that end. I’m sure more will follow him before it’s said and done but I have to agree with Burnsomatic. We got a second for him a year after the best offer was a fifth by one club and a third by another.
I haven’t heard Tony grumble about getting the ball, just because he is gone, dont turn the guy into T.O.
Now Cottam can pick up his game and take what he learnt from Tony and hopefully play as well as Gonzo…
No matter what your stand on this issue, Tony was fun to watch and he won’t look the same in a different uniform. He will be missed by all true Chiefs fans. In todays NFL players just don’t retire with the team that drafted them and that is OK. The Chiefs will be fine and that is just what rebuilding looks like. Don’t kid yourself though, Pioli is not that much different than Carl. He has his loyalties to players just like Carl did, Tony just didn’t happen to be one. It is a real shame that any of you would wish Tony or the Falcons ill-will over this trade. What a bunch of grown-ups you are. I for one hope that he gets that Super Bowl.
Agreed, he gave us good years, but to get a 2nd, at this point in his career when he had said to the press…1-2 more years max….thats one heck of a trade…a 2nd next year worth a 3rd this year? no….sorry…I dont buy it this is a weak class…its a 2nd, period, next year they will be ready
arrowhead1978says:
I haven’t heard Tony grumble about getting the ball
You must not have heard him talk after the Denver game at home last year. He was whining about them not throwing the ball to him at the end of the game. I know it’s not the same idea as T.O., but I don’t know which one is worse. At least T.O. wanted the ball to help his team win (or so he says). Tony just wanted to break a stupid record at home while the game was still not decided. I lost a ton of respect for him after that game. But you’re right, Tony isn’t as bad as T.O. Maybe ATL will throw the ball to him when they’re up by 3 with 1:30 left.
Remember, Haley’s offense doesn’t use a TE in the passing scheme. He primarily uses them as blockers.
I really like Tony still, he had a great time here in KC. One of the only guys we drafted high that gave us that high caliber play. He is a tough guy, he worked out and was prepaired to give his all. How many times was he hurt over his time here in KC? I will miss him as will and KC QB. I do wish he could have stayed and retired as a Chief but I wish him well. Just look for a moment at some others that were all pro guys that did move on for a little different shot at it then they thought they had. Joe Montana, Brett Farr, yeah they are Qb’s but HOF’ers. Look at it this way as well, I really liked Niel Smith when he was here with Derick but he went to the Donkeys! Im glad that Tony will be happy and he will be a Chief in the HOF, Im also glad he didnt stab us his fans in the back and end up in the AFC west against us. Lets give Paoli at least a couple yrs before we fully judge him. We did for Herm.
LJ seems to have changed his tune. Sure, he lost his grievance so maybe it’s a money thing, but at least he SHOWED UP, unlike Tony and Waters. Waters needs to go. He’s a good guy, but he’s always run his big mouth too much and there’s no room for that around here. He’s also aging and is on the downside of his career.
Everyone LOVES to bash LJ. Look, he may be a drink-spitting asshole off the field, but on it he’s still pretty damn good. All this garbage about him falling down after first contact and running into the back of his lineman is just that….garbage. Go back and watch a game sober. He doesn’t run into the back of his linemen, his linemen get blown up and pushed INTO him mostly. Last year, LJ had a couple of monster games against Atlanta and Denver, and a couple of duds against Oakland and Carolina. Then he gets suspended (rightfully so) for four games. When he gets back, the entire offense has changed and he finds himself running the pistol and the wildcat, two things he NEVER did before. The results? Pretty damn solid, including a 108 yard, 12 carry game in a frigid game against a stellar Miami D. Don’t believe me? Check the game-by-game numbers on his ESPN profile; especially the post-suspension games.
Get off the guy’s back already! Bashing him is just old and tired. If he makes the team this year, give him a second chance. Haley says it’s clean slate this year. Besides, if he has no trade value, why not keep him here and utilize him?
If we re-build it, they will come.
One man does not make a TEAM. There are 53 on the active roster during the season. Lets keep the faith that ours will be THE RIGHT 53 2009
Yes In Pioli I do trust
LJ is all in. Who cares why, but he showed up in camp BEFORE the hearing, and his attitude seems fine now under this administration, which is all that counts. Tony G, and the next to go, Brian Waters, hopefully for a 2010 pick higher than a 2009 pick would be, are not. Pay attention to what Haley says. His prime thing is looking for guys who WANT to be Chiefs.
This is a GREAT TRADE for the Chiefs. A 2nd rounder for a 33 year old TE? Are you kidding me??? I hope we keep it and add to the 2010 draft bounty. That will be a draft Pioli can control, like NE usually did. Carl and Herm did nothing for the 2009 draft last year, so Pioli is limited this year in what he can do. It’s a decent trade for Atlanta If, and only if, they win big next year. If not, it’s an absolute Steal for us. This deal is strikingly similar to the Jason Taylor trade with Miami and Washington last year. Look how that turned out for both teams, both last year and now. The older player released, after a year when he started to show his age. The Parcells disciple led team coming off a horrible season made the Playoffs AND has an extra #2 this year.
GM’s hate the R word because most fans aren’t patient enough to deal with it, and think old players can play forever at a high level.