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.