3 More Issues With The Kansas City Griefs

In my previous blog i talked about the three things that i saw as the biggest problems plauging the Chiefs throughout the 2007 season: Tackling, lack of offensive production and the increasing number of big plays given up on defense.  Since this is clearly a rebuilding year, i saw fit to post another blog illustrating three more issues that caused us Grief: The Offensive Line, The Quarterback Situation and the Coaching Staff Crisis.

1.  Offensive Line:  In 2003, the Chiefs offensive line gave up only 21 sacks with an aging and immobile Trent Green behind the center.  This year we surrendered 55 sacks and our play callers had much younger legs under them.  It seems like the opposing D Line spent as much time in the backfield as any particular player on the Chiefs squad.  Other than C Casey Wiegman and G Brian Waters, our offensive line is populated with hold-happy non-blocking lineman.  Don't be suprised if this problem is addressed in the 2nd or early 3rd round of the NFL Draft.

2.  The Quarterback Situation:  This one is pretty obvious.  Our journeyman starter Damon Huard was largely ineffective long before LJ was injured.  He compiled 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions before becoming injured himself and being replaced by 2nd year man and Chiefs quarterback of the future Brodie Croyle.  Brodie did only slightly better with 11 interceptions and 11 touchdowns while leading the Chiefs to six losses as a starter.  We need an offensive playcaller who is also a leader in the huddle and on the sidelines, not one that yells at his offense (Huard) or one that hides on the bench next to the kickers (Croyle).  Hopefully this too will be addressed early in the Draft (Matt Ryan Boston College) or in free agency (Derek Anderson).

3.  The Coaching Crisis:  Last and certainly least are the problems at the front office.  Before I continue too much further, I should make it abundantly clear that I am not, and never have been a Herm Edwards fan.  I don't believe any coach can make a serious impact upon his players without showing any emotion whatsoever.  If Kansas City gets burned on a big play or a stupid penalty, you can bet that Herm will be staring with rapt attention at his trusty clipboard, saying nothing.  The best coaches I've ever had in high school or college ball were the ones who weren't afraid to show you that they were excited and proud of your play when you did well, and ripped off your head when you did something stupid. Do you think Coach Cower would walk calmly down the sidelines after a personal foul was commited by one of his players?   But alas, both Huckleberry Herm and King Carl will be haunting us for another season, so appearently someone is happy with their performance.   I only hope that management makes some good personnel moves during the off season to help offset the damage to be done by the scourge of the AFC West.