Really Cool Recruiting Article

I'm just going to step aside and direct you to read this really cool article at SI.com.

It's based off of four years of data regarding recruiting and major college football.

Very cool.

Finding Kansas City's QB

Let the search... and the pulling of hair out... begin.

Now that Scott Pioli has climbed onto this Chiefs saddle (kinda*), we should assume he's steering those reigns in the direction of the great unknown... Kansas City's next quaterback.

*Please, lets make a decision on Herm Edwards, already.

Truth be told, this post could be very, very long. We'll try to keep it short, given that a lot of evaluations still need to be done.

First, I will state my qualifications in regards to helping with this search. I've long predicted the fates of many of the recent QB prospects... lets take a look:

Matt Ryan - HUGE Fan... good pick.
Joe Flacco - Big Fan... good pick.
Brian Brohm - Big Fan... may never know.
JaMarcus Russell - HUGE Hater... good pick.
Brady Quinn - Small Hater... might be wrong.
Vince Young - HUGE Hater... told you so.
Matt Leinart - HUGE Hater... told you so, I think.
Brodie Croyle - HUGE Hater... take it to the bank.
Alex Smith - Big Fan... OOPS!
Aaron Rodgers - Big Fan... looks good.
Eli Manning - Small Fan... depends on the day, I guess.
Philip Rivers - Big Hater... I'll be kind to myself and say the jury's still out.
Ben Roethlisberger - HUGE, HUGE Fan... Thank You, Come Again!!!


Anyway, obviously these opinions only deal with the small amount of games I see on television and the deciphering of opinions I hear from so-called "experts". I often ignore running qb's (see Young, Vince), try to ignore big arm, physical specimens (see Russell, JaMarcus) while looking for well learned, seniors (see Ryan, Matt) and players that just have it (see Roethlisberger, Ben).


Well, here's the problem this year... we're looking at slim pickings, with the added pressure of currently sitting in the 3rd spot in the draft. Outside of trading down, if the draft happened today, it seems likely the Chiefs would be forced to choose between USC's Mark Sanchez and either O-Line help, Michael Crabtree or or Aaron Curry.*

With that being said, I'm going to announce my choice for quarterbacks of the 2009 draft class:

Mark Sanchez, USC

Write it down, Sanchez will be a success. Hopefully, he's chosen by the Chiefs. And, please, don't allow Matt Stafford anywhere near Kansas City.

Sam Mellinger Speaks the Truth

While it's hard to call this a column, seeing that it truely is in blog form, but what Mellinger writes about Dayton Moore, the Kansas City Royals and the 2009 season seems like nothing but the honest truth.

I mean, honestly, what can be expected in such a short period of time from a team that was losing 100 games a season in near historic fashion. Moore has taken us from 60 wins to 75. And, like Mellinger points out, the trend needs to continue.

More coming on the Royals as the season draws closer and the roster takes more of a final form.

Herm Edwards on his way out?

Following a rumor that the Kansas City Chiefs have finalized a deal with Scott Pioli to become the teams head of football operations, ESPN Radio has also let fly that the New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is a candidate for the Chiefs head coaching position.

HOLY PIOLI

I say this in a muted tone, in order to not jinx anything. However, I've seen and heard a preliminary report regarding a certain (former) New England Patriots front office executive (Scott Pioli, VP of Player Personnel) joining a certain franchise (Kansas City Chiefs).

Kansas City Chiefs Draft, Pt 3

If you scroll to the bottom of this article, you'll find an interesting note regarding the upcoming NFL draft and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sam Mellinger (and staff surely, including some poor intern) of the Kansas City Star took a long look at 16 different NFL mock drafts.

The fact they found 16 different mock drafts isn't all that surprising, I guess. Putting much weight on anymore than maybe a handful is a different story though (no list of mock drafts used was given, however). Here's what was found, regarding the Chiefs and the third pick:

"Four had the Chiefs taking Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, four had Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree, three had Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, two had Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry and Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith, and one had Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo."

Stafford: ARGH! Please no.
Crabtree: Woo Hoo! Would love to see him in Kansas City. However, I think the Chiefs need to focus on other areas first... then teach Dwayne Bowe and Co. to capitalize on their talent second.
Sam Bradford: Double ARGH!! Again, please no.
Curry: Same as Crabtree. Love the talent and personally, love him in a bubble. But, just as with Crabtree, I think other spots may need filled first (with that being said, I think a linebacker ranks higher than a wide receiver).
Smith: Makes the most sense of all of these. Surprised, however, that none of these had the Chiefs taking Oher from Ole Miss (you'd figure at least one draft would grade Smith ahead of Oher, thus making Oher a Chief).
Orakpo: Don't think this will happen. Don't really want him, though.

Really, what I would like the Chiefs to do is propose a trade with the Falcons, involving 2008 draft picks. Damn the man in Atlanta who was the final decision maker, choosing Matt Ryan instead of Glenn Dorsey. Don't get me started...

P-I-O-L-I... What's that spell?

SUPER BOWL!!!! Okay, well, maybe not Super Bowl. But, it certainly doesn't spell 'completely inept'.

Apparently, New England Patriot's VP of Player Personel, Scott Pioli, is getting closer and closer to agreeing to a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Now, any word out of the Chief's franchise is nonexistant (Clark Hunt has been big time mum on this front since Carl Peterson announced he would step down). But, it seems as if the Boston media is picking up clues and hints from other sources.

Jeremy Maclin Going Pro

Sorry for being a little late on this... limiting blog hours to lunch hours.

The Missouri Tigers' two-time all-american, Jeremy Maclin, announced he will not be returning for another season at MU. Top 10 draft pick, here he comes.

Having seen him play plenty of times, I think the kid is the real deal. He seems like a really good combination of different skill sets. His speed, agility and vision will allow him to be a dangerous open field threat for years... even if he's only getting punt and kick return chances at first.

I think Maclin will be a slightly more effective version of Ted Ginn, Jr. Maclin just seems like a slightly more natural receiver.

Chiefs Offer Pioli GM Position

The Boston Herald is reporting, as of Thursday evening or early Friday morning (timeline a little weird), that the Kansas City Chiefs have offered Patriots VP Scott Pioli the GM position.

Apparently, the one sticking point is Herm Edwards. The report coming from Boston is that Clark Hunt would like to retain Edwards and that Pioli wants complete control of his staff (GIVE IT TO HIM!!!!).

The report continues to say that Hunt won't let that get in the way if it's a deal breaker.

Pioli, Where Art Thou... Cont.

It's too bad some of these rumors don't circulate more in Springfield. I guess it's time to begin building contacts within the Chiefs organization (yea... I'll get back to you on that one in a few years). Anywho... apparently the Chiefs continue to pursue New England Patriots VP Scott Pioli.

One thing this article points out makes sense. There doesn't seem to be any other obvious suitors for Pioli right now. The Cleveland Browns jumped out to an early lead... but have fallen back. The hire of Eric Mangini pretty much seals the deal that Pioli won't go there.

That leaves Kansas City. And, it's not like you're trying to polish a turd here. Trying to sell the Chiefs to Pioli can happen. Just as Jason Whitlock points out, the Kansas City franchise has a lot of good selling points.

The one drawback is that Pioli has made it known he's looking for complete control, similar to the power Carl Peterson yielded. However, Clark Hunt has made it very clear he wants to split the football decisions and the business decisions. As a Chiefs fan, this isn't a bad thing. You may see a better product on the field paired with a more enjoyable experience as a fan at the stadium. But, will Pioli buy in?

Hoffman Signs with Brewers

The most decorated (best, maybe) closer of all-time signed a 1-year deal to pitch for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009.

Fantasy geeks (me) beware... add the Padres and Brewers to the now long list of closer spots now filled with new names.

P.S. For anyone actually reading this who cares about fantasy baseball (man, I can really eliminate people... or person... or everyone... fast) the second link is a really good read.

Kansas City Chiefs Draft, Pt 2

It's official, Georgia QB Matt Stafford, as well as RB Knowshon Moreno, are heading for the NFL.

Now, Chief fans should cross their fingers and pray we don't hear "And, with the 3rd pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Matt Stafford, quarterback, Georgia".

Why not you ask? He has a big, laser, rocket (sorry Peyton) arm you say. He's tall, stout and strong you clamor. He's plays in a pro style offense, typical of many NFL teams, you state. His receiving corp was only so-so you mention. The SEC is full of talented, super-fast defenses you proclaim. Blah, blah... yada, yada.

He's horribly inconsistent. In this years Capital One Bowl, he was virtually ineffective for 2 1/2 quarters before finally hitting a few receivers late in the 3rd quarter. Plus, while many top college quarterbacks are completing upwards of 70 percent of their throws, Stafford barely topped 60 (61.4).
He's been described as accurate... when he manages to set his feet. What scouts mean by this is one of two things (or both). Either he has poor footwork, leading to spurts of inaccuracy OR he struggles to make throws when pressured. Watch any top tier, NFL QB (Peyton, McNabb, Brees) and you'll see their ability to throw from different planes in order to get off an accurate pass. My guess is Stafford can throw a strike when given plenty of time, but will struggle to hit the broad side of a barn when anything gets near him.
Now, his interception numbers don't necessarily point to this (10 this year, which can be viewed as a lot in college), but I've heard Stafford also described as a poor decision maker. Not exactly what you need on a young team... one about to lose it's most consistent pass catcher in the next year or two.

Hallelujah!!!

Woo Hoo! Yep, that pretty much sums it up.

Why am I celebrating? Good question, you nosie nelly. I'm happy because my hero of the pencil, the good, the great, the awesome... the one and only Rick Reilly has joined me in singing the praises that is Utah football.

Now, not to rub it in that I was first or anything (I was). But, I should point out that this is becoming a bandwagon (I was first). I mean, watch out... because it's getting very crowded in this room (I got here first).

Did I mention I was first?

Whatever, that doesn't matter. Reilly says Utah is #1... so that means Utah is #1.

Ode to my old job

Just as KY3's David Catanese has covered so very well already, I found it pertinent to point out today marks the first session for Missouri's 95th General Assembly.

Catanese will have live reports from Jeff City at 5, 6 and 10 (KY3... Springfield, MO).

He's already reporting that more than 390 bills and resolutions have been filed.

Last year, only 119 were signed into law.

Good Bye, Carl Peterson

Carl Peterson has officially left Kansas City, or well at least the part dealing with the Chiefs. On Tuesday, Peterson addressed a group of individuals in Kansas City... which included the media for the first time since it was announced he was stepping down (you say step down, I say asked to leave... potato, potato).

Whether or not you were ready for Peterson to be gone, it's hard to deny, that at least for a period of his 20 year reign, he did some good things.

Good Things:
Marty Schottenheimer
Derrick Thomas
Seven playoff trips first nine years

But, it's also hard to ignore the bad... which seems to begin about year ten. Very weird how it's almost two different teams, different eras, all together.

Bad Things:
Gunther Cunningham (as head coach)
Name a Defensive Tackle, or almost any first round pick*
Two trips to playoffs in 11 years

The one thing I'll remember, especially from the past decade, is the fact it always seemed we never hit a homerun with free agency. I know a lot has been made on the fact Peterson had created a work enviornment that wasn't extremely inviting to free agents. And, I've read that Peterson lowballed A LOT during negotiations. But, I think the one thing that doomed the Chiefs was always settling for the second tier free agent.

*So, I looked at a list of the Chiefs first round draft picks under Peterson. Seriously, it's laughable. And, you can't predict how late round picks will pan out, but it's easier to complain about misses in the first round.

1989 - Derrick Thomas, LB - No complaints.
1990 - Percy Snow, LB - Who? Honestly... 2 career sacks, 4 seasons. Missed: Smith, Emmitt.
1991 - Harvey Williams, RB - Rushed for 858 yards in 3 seasons with team. Missed: No one actually... and at least Peterson didn't select Todd Marinovich.
1992 - Dale Carter, DB - Solid Pick... first round not full of big names in hindsite, anyhow. Missed: No one again.
1993 - None
1994 - Greg Hill, RB - Well, since Williams didn't pan out... and since Emmitt Smith was no good. Might of well waste another first round selection.
1995 - Trezelle Jenkins, OT -Barely played (ever)(for any team).
1996 - Jerome Woods, DB - Wow... took this long to get to another very good pick. Sheesh.
1997 - Tony Gonzalez, TE - (Cough, clear throat... prepare Johnny Drama voice) VICTORY!
1998 - Victor Riley, OT - An okay pick. Played, and started a few years. Serviceable.
1999 - John Tait, OT - Apparently, someone gave up the bottle for a few years. Another decent pick. Weird. P.S. Peterson ruined this pick by pissing him off a few years later so much that he up and left.
2000 - Slyvester Morris, WR - Hahaha... ha. Really?!?!? Oh, no. Missed: Keith Bullock, Chris Hovan.
2001 - None
2002 - Ryan Sims, DT - I remember discussions before the draft consisting of Julius Peppers vs. Sims... who would be better. Don't those people feel dumb for opening their mouths. Missed: Roy Williams (DB), Dwight Freeney, Donte' Stallworth, Jeremy Shockey, Albert Haynesworth, Javon Walker, Ed Reed.
2003 - Larry Johnson, RB -Simply because everyone hated this pick and it worked (kinda), I'll throw a dog a bone. Not bad.
2004 - None
2005 - Derrick Johnson, LB - Jury still out... not as good as hoped.
2006 - Tamba Hali, DE - Proved this year any sack he earned was because Jared Allen was being quadruple teamed. Missed: Mathias Kiwanuka, Joseph Addai, Nick Mangold.
2007 - Dwayne Bowe, WR - Too early.
2008 - Glenn Dorsey, DT/Branden, Albert, OT/G - Dorsey... oh no. Albert... too early, but ability to move to guard probably helps the case this is a good pick.

Kansas City Chiefs Draft, Pt 1

And, it begins... months of speculation and heartburn as we wait to see if the Chiefs will somehow manage to not screw up their 2009 NFL Draft.

Here's what I'm worried about on the outset. I figure, no matter who the head coach is heading into the 2009 season, there's no way the Chiefs can simply name Tyler Thigpen the starter going forward without challenging him with some form of competition. Yes, Thigpen seemed to mature as an NFL quarterback as the season went on. But, Kansas City was still 2-14 (and one of those wins, at home against Denver, Thigpen did not participate in). Thigpen only completed 55% of his throws. And, while Tony Gonzalez loves Thigpen (weird, I wonder why), it's obvious the receiving corp regressed as the season progressed.

Now, a distribution of the football amoungst targets is part of the spread scheme. But, we all know Dwayne Bowe has skills (mad skills). And, we all know Bowe made plenty of mistakes throughout the year that contributed to his disapointing season as well. But, I just don't see it from Thigpen. And, that's why whoever ends up as the Chiefs GM (Scott Pioli.... right God?) needs to bring in some decent free agent QB with upside.... OR... draft a quarterback.

And, here's the problem. Who do you draft? If Stafford and Bradford come out, are they really worth a top three pick? Both have upside (pundits argue Stafford has HUGE upside). But, both have drawbacks. The only other signal caller currently rated in the top 32 of ESPN's big board is Mark Sanchez (who, personally I'm high on... good footwork, throws catchable ball, athletic enough to succeed in different pro style offenses). But, he too, isn't a sure bet.

Right now, it looks like the draft is set up in a way that the Chiefs can easily fail. We've seen way too many struggling franchises make the wrong choice early in the draft with a QB. Pray the Chiefs don't join that list.

EDIT: Seriously, here is the list Todd McShay, from Scouts Inc., has assembled. Obviously, every quarterback on here isn't guaranteed to be in the draft... since a few are underclassmen who have yet to declare.

If you think I ramble!

So, if you know me... which if there is anyone out there actually reading this... then I'm almost positive you know me. I mean, who on earth would spend time on this page right now if you didn't actually know me. Actually, truth be told... if you know me, you're probably not reading this anyhow either.

So, anyway... about me and rambling. In short, it happens. A lot. Actually all the time. I don't know how it starts. One word just leads to another... and another... and another. Before you know it, you have a full paragraph that could have ended after ten words.
I mean... and god help the poor girl I doop into actually walking down the aisle towards me... but, I'll be the one guy whose vows could be summed up with an "I love you" but end up a few pages short of War and Peace.

But, I regress. What I'm saying is if you like Joe Posnanski... read this. Great article about Herm Edwards. Plus, he gives a shout out to some hard working bloggers at Upon Further Review.

P.S. Moral of the story... Posnanski rambles.

Because I Have To...

Yes, there is another baseball team that calls Missouri home. And, for real this year, the best team in the Show-Me State may truly reside in 816 land.

With that being said, the Cardinals are getting ready for 2009 in a very similiar way to the Royals... looking to fill holes in the bullpen while still searching for help to fill out the rest of the roster.

Let the Countdown Begin

With the New Year comes new hope for most people; hope for another chance at a better life... hope of losing 60 pounds... hope that come next year's Christmas party, they won't leave with the needed assistance of three fellow employees.

Anyhow... Kansas City Royals fans have always crossed their fingers, toes, legs and whatever else they could manipulate into position in hopes THIS would be the year for KC kids.

While, I doubt we're there yet... I think we're getting close. At the very least, the Royals continue to look more and more like a professional ball club than an American Legion all-star sqaud.

EDIT: If you haven't noticed, or paid attention yet, there are still plenty of big names out there splashing around in the big baseball pool of free agency. Many of them, you'll probably know: Giambi, Griffey, Anderson... even Grudzielanek. Apparently, teams are looking to go younger.

Pioli, Where Art Thou?

Oh, please, please... please, please... and please let this happen.

For once, something in my world of sports significance needs to go right.
If the Kansas City Chiefs were to actually woo Mr. Scott Pioli into accepting its GM position, everything would be dandy in the world.
Well, at least until May of the Royals baseball season...

2009 National Championship Game... Means Nothing

As far as I'm concerned, we already have our national champion. The University of Utah Utes just finished their season 13-0. Tell me they play in a weaker conference and I'll tell you "phooey". With wins over Michigan, TCU, BYU and once-ranked #1 Alabama, the Utes have amassed a resume this year easily strong enough to garner #1 votes.

The one argument I'm already hearing that doesn't sit well with me is Alabama wasn't motivated to play them. That the Crimson Tide brought their A-game for its battle against Florida, but with nothing more than a top five ranking on the line against Utah the Tide had no real motivation for the Sugar Bowl. "Phooey" I say again.

Utah dismantled a talented Alabama team. The same Alabama team that pundits were ready to crown champs just a few weeks ago. Don't use excusses as to why Utah won. They won. They scored more points. As the only FBS team to finish this year undefeated after a win in the Sugar Bowl, Utah should be our National Champion.

EDIT: With Texas winning Monday night, I now feel two teams have a valid argument about being number one. If I had a vote, I would still go 1. Utah, 2. Texas... regardless of Thursday's outcome.