Tuesday Morning Cup O’Chiefs
In the big picture of things, Monday’s OTA will never amount to even a blip on the radar screen of Matt Cassel’s career as a Chiefs quarterback.
That’s good, because it was the typical first full-scale practice performance for Cassel and his receivers as the Chiefs rolled through their first OTA of the 2009 off-season.
There were drops of Cassel passes that should have been caught. There were overthrows of receivers that were open. On May 18th, the Chiefs offense was not in mid-season form.
But then nobody expected them to be. That’s what these OTA sessions are all about, finding a chemistry, a rhythm and having the quarterback and receivers create some timing between them.
“We are out here right now working hard and trying to find out what we have,” Cassel said after the practice session. “We are finding our strengths and working on our weaknesses and trying to get better each and every day.
“It is new surroundings for me and all the new guys that come into this locker room, rookie and veterans included. You meet new people. It’s a new playbook, so you just dive right in and try to get a handle on it.”
That’s been going on for Cassel and the quarterbacks for weeks now as they have had some sessions with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. They’ve also had some throwing sessions along the way with the receivers. But Monday was more the feel of football; outside, in the sunshine with almost a full squad of players taking part.
And it gave the quarterbacks and receivers a chance to begin the dance of learning each other, especially Cassel and the rest of the crew. With the exception of a handful of receivers, the faces were all familiar to Tyler Thigpen and thus it was less of a learning experience.
For Cassel, the drops and the overthrows were indications that there was a lot of work still to be done in getting the passing game clicking.
“That is what we are doing this time of year; we are trying to build relationships, trying to work on strengths and weaknesses and getting some of the chemistry together,” said Cassel.
There’s no question that Cassel is approaching the OTAs like he’s the starting quarterback, and he was the guy taking the first snaps of each drill, an indication that on Monday at least he was the starter.
“I am going in with that mentality that I am the starter,” he said. “I go out there with that mentality each and every day that opening day I will be the starter and we will be ready to rock and roll.”
NEW CHIEFS COO HAS FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE
When Todd Haley was hired as head coach of the Chiefs, there were fans who thought it odd that a man would be put in charge of an NFL team after not playing football at any advanced level, be it high school, college or pro football.
The hiring of Mark Donovan as the team’s new Chief Operating Officer should be met with some approval, although he’ll have nothing do to with football.
Donovan played quarterback at Brown University, winning three letters with the Bears (195-86-87) and serving as the team’s starting quarterback his last two seasons. He was also captain of the team in his senior season. Overall, he threw for 2,570 yards with 19 career TD passes. His best season was in 1986, when he threw for 1,777 yards and was named second-team All-Ivy League. In his senior season he scored on a 66-yard run that helped Brown upset Cornell 23-15.
He was not drafted by the NFL, but the 6-4, 205-pound Donovan did sign as a rookie free agent with the New York Giants. He was an athletic and academic standout at North Allegheny High School in the suburbs north of the city of Pittsburgh. At the same time, Haley was growing up in the south suburbs of the city.
His football abilities have nothing to do with why Donovan was hired by Clark Hunt to join the front office mix of the Chiefs. It would have everything to do with his expertise in sales and marketing which he has shown over the last six years with the Philadelphia Eagles where he was senior vice-president of business operations.
In 2007 Forbes reported that in their estimation the Eagles brand name was No. 1 in the NFL when it came to brand value and revenue intake. According to the magazine’s estimate, the Eagles earned $90 million in extra revenue thanks to efforts led by Donovan.
Donovan fits in with the youth movement that has taken over the Chiefs front office in this year; Hunt is 44, GM Scott Pioli is 44, Donovan is 43 and Haley is 42.
GRUDEN HEADED FOR MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
“Football Chuckie” John Gruden will be breaking into TV watching homes in American this football season when he joins the three men in the booth for ESPN’s broadcast of Monday Night Football.
The former Oakland-Tampa Bay head coach was named to replace Tony Kornheiser, who reportedly left the booth after three years because his fear of flying makes bus travel for the entire 2009 broadcast schedule too tough.
Or at least that’s what ESPN is saying in publicity releases announcing the addition of Gruden and the deletion of Kornheiser. Never has a transaction at the network/cable TV level featured opposites like these two guys. Kornheiser is a word merchant, a guy always looking for the news angle and able to rip off a memorable line or two. Gruden has the potential to be a gritty version of Dick Vermeil, heavy on the football jargon, but done with such passion and energy that he can make the cover four defense sound interesting.
“I grew up watching Monday Night Football,” Gruden said in comments released by ESPN. “It gives me extreme excitement. I have big shoes to fill. I’m thrilled to be a part of it and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m going to try to do a good job, whether that’s being critical or being honest or just being myself, I’m going to do everything I can to be fair and do a professional job. This is different, there’s no question, but the thrill of Monday Night Football encourages me. The lead song to Monday Night Football is in my CD deck. It gets me going. …
“I’ll be honest with you. I love the National Football League. It’s the best competition you can find and I miss it. I’m a very short-term, goal-oriented person. I’m really focused on what’s ahead. This is a great challenge. All I’m going to do is concentrate and prepare myself and be a part of a team, and I’m hoping to have some fun along the way with some great guys.”
NFL OWNERS MEETINGS BEGIN IN FLORIDA
The NFL owners will be getting together starting Tuesday in Florida and reportedly they will welcome to the two-day meeting the new executive director of the NFL Players Association DeMaurice Smith. He’ll speak to the owners about where the players are coming from as both sides prepare for negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement.
The owners are also expected to vote on the site for Super Bowl 47 in 2013, with the decision coming down to New Orleans, Arizona and South Florida. The site for the championship game is set for the next three years in South Florida, Dallas and Indianapolis. The announcement should come Tuesday afternoon.
The league owners and executives will also talk about items like a rookie wage scale, the expanded schedule and opening up a time before free agency when teams can talk to potential free agents without breaking the rules.
Oh by the way, the NFL with teams laying off employees to save money isn’t holding their meeting at a Holiday Inn. No, they are at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale. The picture above is the pool area of the hotel, right on the Atlantic Ocean.
SIGNINGS & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
EAGLES – defensive coordinator Jim Johnson took a leave of absence to deal with treatment for skin cancer.
49ERS – signed seventh-round draft choice S Curtis Taylor; waived CB Jimmy Williams.
VIKINGS — signed FB Nehemiah Broughton.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on May 19, 1937 was one of the original Dallas Texans, E Bob Bryant. He played in 10 games with the Texans in 1960, catching five passes for 43 yards. Those were his only games in professional football.
Born on May 19, 1952 in Eureka, California was QB Mike Nott. He joined the Chiefs in 1976 and played in one game that season, completing four of 10 passes for 46 yards. It was his only appearance in the NFL.
Born on May 19, 1957 in Detroit was S Odis McKinney. He played nine NFL seasons, most of those with the Giants and Raiders. He spent five games with the Chiefs in 1985, starting once.
Born on May 19, 1965 in Cedar Falls, Iowa was LB Troy Stedman. He appeared in five games with the team in the 1988 season coming out of Washburn. It was his only NFL experience.
I have confidence Cassel will be good…but not as much confidence in Bowe and the other receivers. I’m hoping the new coaching staff will help them get better.
I hope Cassel has some protection. If he doesn’t and his play suffers and the Chiefs are losing game after game….I think we run into the danger of QB controversy. I hope we can avoid that.
Quick question to the denizens here:
Which would you prefer, the current Chief’s team as constructed OR one that would be put together as an expansion team with draft picks off other NFL team’s rosters?
My point: Right now, I don’t see much difference either way.
The difference is we have a team that has young players that have played together already and have some experience. Yes they were lousy last year but maybe they can build on thier experience and get better under the new regime. In other words….we are not starting totally from scratch. I’d take what we have now over 1st year expansion.
“…danger of QB controversy” due to lack of offensive line…irrelevant.
Sufficient insurance coverage for all said quarterbacks who don’t have quality O-Line: PRICELESS…
I am not sure how much the two and three years players learned from the previous coaches training. We are not starting from scratch but just barely above that. I worry many will not make this 09 team, they just do not fit what Pioli/Haley want to do. Can those players still make a NFL team, maybe? Stars, doubt it.
Looking to the 09 season, current weakness are the OL and WR/TE, question marks at RB and Defense. This transition may end up more bitter that the previous rebuild. But what the heck, we have not even got to training camp, so hope springs eternal.
Will Franklin picked up on waivers by Oakland
Well…some people blame the QB for everything…even though his job may be next to impossible because of zero protection coupled with receivers dropping balls left and right or not getting open. I don’t think controversy is far fetched. Of course Thigpen would have to then have some good games for it to catch on. Hey…its the off season….so I’m imagining things….ok?
Why worry if some of our players from last year don’t make the team under Pioli/Haley ? The team was lousy last year….and the year before that…and….you get the picture. I trust they will put together the best team possible at this time…whoever that includes.
Is it just my perception of the situation or does Haley seem to be making the transition from OC to HC fairly smoothly? At least he seems to be saying the right things ( could be coached by Pioli ) and not focusing on just one area of the team. It gives me a optimistic feeling about the club as a whole for the future, if not this year.
Thing is, this team had so many problems and holes to fill…that it is impossible to address every need in the few short months that Pioli and Haley have been here. Sure, there’s still lots of time before the season starts…but these guys are not magicians. At some point, you have to do the best you can with what you have.
On Thigpen? I have a ton of respect for the guy. He did great last year…after being thrown into the fire like he was. How many third string QB’s could have played that well? That said…he’s still got a long way to go to be a bona-fide starter in the NFL. His decision making was suspect at times, and his passes were often way off the mark. He also needs to develop his leadership skills, and be able to step onto the field and take command of the team. He may very well get there some day…but I don’t see ANY way he starts for us, unless Cassel goes down with an injury.
I just hope people give Cassel a chance. He’s young and still learning, too…without a ton of experience. He’s going to make some mistakes. But, he’s also been learning from one of the best in the business…and it shows. Thigpen has not had that luxury. Who did he have to learn from from and be mentored by?
Ritz Carlton, huh?
Another reason I don’t spend a dime on the NFL. I follow football as close as I can without spending a cent. Their not getting their’s from me. And I’ll do it as long as I can because I know it’s my type they’re after. Eventually I probably won’t be able read a word about the NFL without having to pay for it and then that’s when I’ll stop following it. Start doing other things more healthful and productive on Sundays. I dare them to try and gouge ME!!!
I want to believe, want to ‘buy in’ emotionally as well as via a ticket and a season, but… so far this cynic is still just kicking the tires.
“Excitement’s Growing!” That football ‘campaign slogan’ was a hopeful one back in 1976 when it was born One Arrowhead Drive … that said year in review contradicted Sinatra’s “It Was A Very Good” is a matter record- ‘Wigged out’ might be apropos.
Back to the Future 2009…a Chiefs PR nightmare: adding light to a canvas that is as colorless as space be timeless: Pioli & Hailey.
I’m reminded of the old Peggy Lee song: “Is That All There Is?”
Script editor, can we get a few “KRAAKS! KAPOWS! and ZOWEES!” please? Some way to suasion fandom to buy in to the hype & exchange said for hopes Chiefs nation? ABC had the dynamic duo ‘Batman and Robin’ - IN COLOR! KC has Scott…and Todd, Bruce Wayne & Dick Grayson unmasked; this is an obstacle the Chiefs will have to overcome.
Selling Pioli as New England Way & Todd as Bill Parcells protege will only go so far. Much like the guy who gets transferred with the mistaken notion it is a promotion, culture shock sets in presently.
While the guy with the nice house, flashy car & great job may live in the same general vicinity as you, he isn’t contagious … travel distance nee difference between a weekend in New England and a summer in Kansas City.
The Corvette gives way to a station wagon, steak to chopped liver, hopes & dreams to screams when a closer look at the cupboard & what’s under the hood occurs.
Selling us a Bill of Parcells nee goods and that contains some Matt Cassel, a little 3/4 defense and hidden - at least from public view - agendas may be the recipe for football success following the methodology East Coast swang but if it don’t swing KC style - it don’t mean a thing. This is Missouri, the “Show Me State”. Show us.
I would like to hear how thigpen is doing in the OTA’s Bob.
Cassell also got to sit behind such greats as Carson Palmer and Matt Lienart in college.. Thigpen got to learn from Huard and Croyle, not bad, considering Huard when healthy played well. Huard also got to learn from some greats as Dan Marino and Tom Brady… What does that all prove??
Keith Jackson, Howard Cosell & Don Meredith…. the first (1970).
Cosell, Meredith & Frank Gifford…the best (1971- various.)
A figurative cast of thousands to include Fred Williamson, Alex Karras, Joe Theismann, Dennis Miller and Lisa Guerrero et al … (19??-20??)
(the worst)
Tony Kornheiser …R.I.P. It is OVER.
I like Haley, I think he’s handled his new position pretty well, all things considered. Yes, he speaks in a deadpan manner, and he seems a bit robotic, but I think he try’s to be as honest and open as he can with the media. He understands they have a job to do and he tries to be accommodating to them and us as fans, I appreciate that. I think Haley will be accepted, and if the team makes some noticeable improvement, he’ll be embraced.
However, I have to agree with the guy who sits the bench behind me, Rin. Pioli needs to fade back outta the camera eye, which he said was his plan when first hired as GM. Pioli has a personality that, in my mind isn’t going to go over very well in KC or, by Most Chiefs fans anywhere. This is a really bad time to be failing in the PR department.
Hunt better be paying attention!
Questionable Team? Yes.
Questionable Coaching? Yes.
Questioning Fans… Yes.
Seems to me that there is alot of questions, not many answers. Solutions are hard to find, Fix this, Fix That, what are we going to do. Who will make the team? Who won’t.
Mysteries abound, Drama is everywhere. Lions and tigers and bears Oh My…
Word is out that the Chiefs are a big question mark. Not many so called, specialists, anaylists and bloggers give the Chiefs much respect or hope this year.
Keep in mind the “Minds that be” of this Chiefs organization are pumping adrenalin, belief in winning, nothing less than 100% is acceptable, the Buck Stops Here attitude 24/7.
The Chiefs used to be a bunch of talented football players. Starting yesterday the Chiefs are a talented Football Team.
Nobody knows how many games we will win this year. But I know this… The Chiefs this year will be coached to be smarter, stronger, better conditioned, think football, breathe football, teamwork & Winning. Period the end… If any prospective player does not meet this criteria. He will not be a Chief.
That, my fellow fans.. is one question, That has an answer…
The 2009 season will be a pleasant ride for those of us who believe “Solutions” are not a City in China.
GRETZ PLEASE GIVE REPORT HOW THIGPEN LOOKED ON HIS PASSES
Jimbo…that was excellent. Keep up the good work.
I tend to agree with Jimbo. Much too much drama and fair weather fans getting riled up. Rebuilding our Chiefs will take more and better talent on the O and D line. But I think that Pioli/Haley are getting it right in developing the mindset of a winner. They are establishing a culture of winning that starts with accountability and consequences. Ask Will Franklin if he got the message. Unfortunately, it takes time to change that culture. So it may be this year or next year that we start seeing the return of Chiefs football that we grew accustomed to when names like Derrick Thomas, Dan Saleamua and Neil Smith were ringing over the loud speakers of our beloved Arrowhead. Remember, it is always darkest right before the dawn. Still looking for the Right 53.
“anonymous”
- you’re standing in my spotlight; cue Bart Simpson - “quit it quit it quit!”
“Haley”
- needs to shave…regularly. Satire/acerbic wit aside verily I jest for Rin in fact evidences a visage Charles Manson and a take on life Cioran, i.e., “I’m simply an accident - why take it all so seriously?”
Yet as concerns my football team Chiefs I’ve been spoiled nee on board since ‘63; these Johnny Come Lately’s - all of them - have not sufficed, i.e,. have been not a chip off the old block Hank Stram as the record indicates - both football afield as well on-camera demeanor.
“Yes, he speaks in a deadpan manner”
- if he was funny he’d be a poor man’s Steven Wright. Alas, he is not Steven.
“and he seems a bit robotic”
- no no no, the key to his personality is that he just needs to be ‘wound’ a little tighter.
“I think Haley will be accepted”
- everywhere, like VISA?
“he’ll be embraced.”
- who do you suppose he’ll order handle this chore his?
“However”
- (DRUMROLL)
“I have to agree with the guy who sits the bench behind me, Rin.”
- agreement with Rin is legion, the line forms to the right. Alas, your ‘place’ as it were is next to my foot…your Master tolerates you, no more.
“Pioli needs to fade back outta the camera eye, which he said was his plan when first hired as GM. Pioli has a personality that, in my mind isn’t going to go over very well in KC or, by Most Chiefs fans anywhere. This is a really bad time to be failing in the PR department. Hunt better be paying attention!”
- to each their own but to reference a well-known political exchange a few years ago, subject JFK & mine now Hank Stram:
“I knew JFK/Stram…Mssrs. Pioli/Haley, you’re no Hank Stram.”
We’ve had a plethora of Manchurian Candidates as it were, who have successfully killed off Chiefs football for the last 35 some years post Hank - post haste - with upper management’s help.
Three of more recent vintage and their nicks:
The Gleam - Schottenheimer.
96 Tears - Vermeil.
Clark’s Patsy - Edwards.
And (DRUMROLL) the newest member and his moniker:
No kidding - Haley.
Or maybe ‘no nonsense’? Or how about ’shave and a haircut’…
Even Lombardi had a pulse…Bill Belichick has a hoodie.
Parcells carries a lot of weight… Scott Pioli carries a water bottle.
No anonymous, the Chiefs have not had a Stram - A Man for all seasons - since they were relevant. I for one miss substance and style courtesy a Hank Stram.
That he was eventually shown the door was result too much on his plate but circa ‘09 fact remains his ‘type’ is the rare one & only that has ever graced the Chiefs sideline combined all the best of football & PR prowess.
This Dungeons & Dragons tack Pioli & Haley have going on is East Coast funky in a Midwest world Kaycee.
Thanks Scott. I have enjoyed your blogs as well. It is apparent that you Love your Chiefs. You show great passion for the game. You have been insightful, fair, optimistic & firm with your appraisals of the Chiefs movement and direction. You also have quality english skills.
The most interersting portion of Bob’s website are bloggers such as yourself. On the other hand “The Tin Dog” is usually unbearable to read.
We fans in Chiefs nation have been kicked around for nearly 35 of the last 40 years. Sometimes I have been embarrassed to be a fan, a diehard fan to be more specific.
I must admit though, come September of every year when the oppressive summer heat is replaced by the cooler, smells good again air of the fall, that I am once again the optimistic, excited, can’t miss a single play of my beloved Chiefs on my Big Screen Plasma, Bose Surround & God’s true gift the DVR player, every Sunday.
When the Chiefs don’t get in or win the Super Bowl. I have always said to myself, every year. “That next year they will win it all”. Is that a Chiefs Fan?? I think so.
Man I swear some of you people are either drunk or crazy! I read a comment from ArrowHeadHawk and think how insightful then read ricky-poo and scratch my head and think .. wtf … did he get dropped on his head? I guess the name says it all! In regards to the Team .. I think things are going really well. There were a lot of holes to fill and many needs on both defense and offense so getting it done in 1 draft and off season trading isn’t realistic. I do expect to see a vast improvement in the Chief’s this year but am worried both about the O-line and protection for Matt and if his receivers will be able to hold onto the ball. Way too many drops last year and they seemed to be in critical parts of the game. Also, I agree with the respect for Tyler .. he did a great job last year under very bad circumstances. It’s gonna be fun watching the Chief’s grow over the next few years and I expect great things from the Team … new glory years are on the way!!
Yes some of us fans have not been feeling like the team is going to win a lot of games this year…I have felt that way as well….but all that will change in time. Yes it is early….too early really to get all worked up about perceived failures this upcoming year. No matter what the Chiefs have ultimately done or not done by the end of the season….I will be right in there expecting our Chiefs to win it all and if they don’t….I’ll be disappointed. Anything is possible. GO CHIEFS!!!
By the end of the off-season I mean. Boy…I wish I could edit my post after it is made. Bob?
Has anyone heard why Vrabel is not in camp? Is he still mad he was traded? If so, why take it out on the chiefs? We didnt trade him.
“jimbo says:”
Some things that are brilliant…some things that are optimistic…and others that are a bit naive…but pretty well said.
burnsomatic says:
“Has anyone heard why Vrabel is not in camp?”
- no, but maybe if you hum a few bars…
If Rin had a penny from and for all the faux nee feigned affect by way them claim read Him naught, wouldst verily have both zinc and copper markets cornered.
To read Rin is bliss, to ignore him be… impossible.
“I have to agree with the guy who sits the bench behind me, Rin.”
It’s nice to see the two of you have made friends so the rest can resume football discussions.
“…the Chiefs movement and direction. You also have quality english skills.”
One hopes the new Chiefs LB corps is going to turn today’s love-fest into a new camouflage of red and green.
“Man I swear some of you people are either drunk or crazy!”
Probably both - but all still better fans than the Donks or Raiders will ever field.
SG
Rin always knew He was your favorite! Even Mom always liked me better than old whazhisname…
(PS) Rin has forgotten more football than you’ll ‘ever’ know… and remember, Rin NEVER forgets.
Is anyone else concerned that adding another former raider to the MNF lineup cannot be a good thing?
Ode to Rin
Anonymous he was, now Rin he is…
Favorite is far-fetched, but worthy of noting this
Shares amusing knowledge about Arbanas and Otis T.
But wastes Bob’s blog space cutting posts from SG
Could tell us about Tyrer, Lanier, and Buck Buchanan
Holub, Haynes, Headrick, and Johnny Robinson
Instead we are stuck reading Johnny-come-lately
posts that stink like a bad onion.
The famed Rin man thought he was all the rage…
so Bob gave him a portion of this site…
“Bottom of Bird Cage.”
Alas, I have nothing to give you…except my other cheek.
I have to be sharp-edged in order to defend myself with my acquaintances who are OAK and DONK fans…lol…
SG
“The common curse of mankind - folly & ignorance, be thine in great revenue: Heaven bless thee from a tutor, and discipline come not near thee!”
Which is to say, speaking at risk Rin’s personal odist and ball polisher i.e., newest bestest old acquaintance be forgotten nee lost…the next as well the former was penned by whom?
“He’s a tried and valiant soldier. So is my horse.”
- multiple choice a troika Bill’s the author, but one true equestrian:
a) Parcells
b) Belichick
c) Shakespeare
d) Rin Tin Tin
Answer: Giddyup SG!
In a tipsy world that “had rather heat liver with drinking”, Rin is always the designated driver…
The biggest hole the Chiefs had has been filled. We go from the worst Head Coach in Football, and one of the worst ever, in Herm Edwards, to a highly qualified Haley. Whether Haley becomes a great, or even good HC is unknown, but the odds are astronomical he’ll be as horrid as Herm. Not with his background and influences, and tremendous success as a co-ordinator.
Talent in the NFL is fairly close, and it’s great vs bad coaching that’s the difference. Our supposed holes will look much more filled with better coaching, scheming, game management, preparation, and conditioning.
As for Cassel, like Haley says, I hope he can play. I’m a Thigpen guy, I think he’s a better long term option than Cassel, but now that we traded for Matt, I think it’s important to give Cassel the job and avoid any hint of QB controversy until about halfway through the season if Cassel just doesn’t have it.
Mark
“the odds are astronomical he’ll be as horrid as Herm.”
- agreed, Galileo & Copernicus are already laying celestial odds Todd will be horrid at minimum and likely far worse…
I had to correct this from Rin’s post for accuracy:
“To ignore Rin is bliss, to read his posts would be… agonizing….to say the least.”
That’s why I am in bliss. I only make an attempt to read his very short posts every now and then. That is why I happened to catch this.
Sorry Rin. It is all true but I really don’t care. I’m just picking on ya.
Harold
You say “agonizing”, others say “Valhalla!”
You remember the drill: when Rin is good he is very good - and even when he is bad… ’still’ good. Regardless what incarnation ‘theys’ say, say it they do for when Rin Tin Tin talks - - people listen…read…and prosper.
Lay’s Potato Chip blogging - so good no one that reads him once can resist “just one more” daily. Verily, I am nee He is the Bread of Life.