WHITLOCK - IT’S TIME TO LOSE FOR THE FUTURE - Page 6

Hammock Parties · 12-09-2007, 11:14 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/col...ry/397009.html

DENVER | You hope this wasn’t rock bottom.

Seriously, you hope King Carl, Herm Edwards and the Chiefs have the decency and smarts to save their worst for last, for season-ending road trips to Detroit and New York.

This season can only end on a positive note if the Chiefs get a top-five draft pick out of it and a chance to nab tackle Jake Long or quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Brian Brohm.

Sunday’s 41-7 loss to the Denver Broncos could be problematic. It was the kind of embarrassing, gutless performance that motivates players and coaches to finish the season with pride.

Edwards was angry Sunday. Irritated by the performance of his defense, Herm sounded feisty and prideful in his postgame comments. At one point, he nearly broke into his “you play to win the game” mantra.

No. You play to win the Super Bowl. And when that’s not a legitimate goal, you play to make the playoffs. Once the playoffs are eliminated — as they were on Sunday for the Chiefs — you play to develop your players for next season.

That’s where the Chiefs are now — except they have a special circumstance. They can’t develop Brodie Croyle, Kolby Smith or Dwayne Bowe because KC’s offensive line is so bad that it’s impossible to do anything worthwhile on offense.

When that’s the case, you play for draft position, and you hope the Chiefs can sink deeper than they did on Sunday inside Invesco Field at Mile High.

In losing their sixth straight, the Chiefs rushed for 16 yards in 17 carries, surrendered five sacks, punted eight times, allowed Denver 215 rushing yards and never touched Bronco quarterback Jay Cutler, who finished 20 of 27 passing for 244 yards and four touchdowns.

The Preacher will be preaching this week. He’s embarrassed. If he’s going to lose a game, he’d prefer to lose in the fourth quarter after making everyone suffer through two hours of field-position football.

Denver ran away with this thing, jumping to a two-TD lead in the first quarter and cruising to a 24-7 halftime advantage.

“Our strength is our defense, and we can’t give up 14 points to start out the game and expect to win,” Edwards complained.

Right now there are five teams with worse records than the Chiefs — Miami, 0-13, St. Louis, 3-10, San Francisco, 3-10, the Jets, 3-10 and Atlanta, 3-9. Oakland and Baltimore have the same 4-9 record as the Chiefs.

If the Chiefs take care of business, lose to Tennessee and Detroit, they could head to New York and take on the Jets for the right to draft as high as No. 4.

The key to losing out is packing it in mentally. Sunday’s effort is just the kind of thing that could cause players to refocus.

“It’s not good. We didn’t play well today. It seems like guys didn’t show up today,” Tony Gonzalez grumbled. “Maybe people were already in offseason mode. Maybe they’re already back to their families, going back to Miami or wherever you go during the offseason. It’s sad. It’s frustrating. We’ve got three games left... Let’s go play hard. Let’s try to win. I don’t care about the playoffs.”

I disagree. I loved every pass Dwayne Bowe and Kris Wilson dropped. It was great seeing Ty Law and Patrick Surtain get lit up like Christmas trees. Jared Allen has done more than enough this season to earn a major contract upgrade. He deserved the break he took on Sunday. There’s no reason to waste a sack on the Broncos. And why not let a no-name back jam it right down your throat repeatedly?

You just hope they can do it three more times. We know bad offensive-line play is a given. On one of Croyle’s five sacks, every lineman except Brian Waters got beat.

Honestly, I’m thinking about deducting points from my season-ending Chiefs grades from any player who tries to play hero down the stretch, especially if it’s a veteran player. If Bobby Sippio makes a big play, I’m cool with it. But there’s no reason for an established veteran to do anything beyond go through the motions at this point.

Chiefs fans should do their part by skipping the Tennessee game. We all have a role to play in getting this team to 4-12.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 12-09-2007, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOATSE

Seriously...imagine getting Ryan Diem to play right tackle, and then we take Indy's pick and grab someone like Aqib Talib. You wouldn't take that over Sedrick Ellis?

**** NO!

Aqib Talib?

The CB with Bobby Sippio-like speed?

You can time Talib's 40 with a sundial.

Hammock Parties · 12-09-2007, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I think Talib sucks nuts so no I wouldn't take that.....

OK well maybe a starting linebacker or something then...I'm not up on the draft prospects this year but you can find a starting linebacker late in the 1st round.

Hell, imagine getting Diem and finding a guard late in the 1st. That could solve the right side of the line problem. That would an incredibly good use of a top 5 pick if you ask me.

RedThat · 12-09-2007, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Kennison shouldn't be here next year so he can turn and kick himself in the ass for all I care.

I still think he can produce? He was just injured and missed half the year this year. That slowed him down. But I think he can bounce back and put together a decent season for himself? He was pretty consistent for 2-3 years before this injury so Id give him another chance.

kcxiv · 12-09-2007, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zouk

I'm really surprised more people don't see that as idiotic. You think that if Brodie Croyle throws a pass to Kennison he should drop it? This helps the young players on this team how exactly? And all in the hopes that we may get a player ranked slightly higher on the draft board?

When we get down by 3 scores in the first half, we can't come back with this offensive line and these receivers. This is true. But Whitlock forgets Kolby running for 100 yards 2 weeks ago. And Croyle will have a better opportunity with McIntosh back at LT and when we're not one dimensional because of being way behind. These games still have a lot of value for all the young players.

Now I would like to see Tre Stallings and Herb Taylor start at RG and RT.

lol, He's just kicking Carl and the Chiefs when they are down. The style of writer he is, thats his job. Its funny. Just roll with the punch. Its easier to take. lol

kcxiv · 12-09-2007, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBull

I still think he can produce? He was just injured and missed half the year this year. That slowed him down. But I think he can bounce back and put together a decent season for himself? He was pretty consistent for 2-3 years before this injury so Id give him another chance.

His Salary will be to high. Just cut him and start over. Its time to do it. There is no better time then NOW.

Mecca · 12-09-2007, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOATSE

OK well maybe a starting linebacker or something then...I'm not up on the draft prospects this year but you can find a starting linebacker late in the 1st round.

Hell, imagine getting Diem and finding a guard late in the 1st. That could solve the right side of the line problem. That would an incredibly good use of a top 5 pick if you ask me.

I want to use the pick on a young top 10 player.......you know and actually build the team around young guys that are good...

You've been around Carl to long.

Mecca · 12-09-2007, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBull

I still think he can produce? He was just injured and missed half the year this year. That slowed him down. But I think he can bounce back and put together a decent season for himself? He was pretty consistent for 2-3 years before this injury so Id give him another chance.

We suck, there's no point in carrying a 30+ year old declining WR anymore, same goes for those corners.

RedThat · 12-09-2007, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcxiv

His Salary will be to high. Just cut him and start over. Its time to do it. There is no better time then NOW.

Yeah but if the Chiefs have a shot at an OT, and can still get a another decent season out of Kennison, I think you keep Kennison and draft the OT. That's more of a priority right there, offensive tackle is WAY more important than a WR at this point. Plus, I think Webb can be decent? I think there doing the right by bringing him along slowly. Point is, if you the chance to draft Jake Long you go for it.

Mecca · 12-10-2007, 12:00 AM

I'd put a UDFA or Bobby Sippio out there before I put Kennison out there........

When you suck you need to learn about young players, not hang onto someone like Kennison.

kcxiv · 12-10-2007, 12:00 AM

I think its time for him to go. See if you can get someone else younger and cheaper through FA. Play Sippio the last few games see if he has anything. Now is the time to play for next year. Its time to just play all the young guys.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 12-10-2007, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBull

Yeah but if the Chiefs have a shot at an OT, and can still get a another decent season out of Kennison, I think you keep Kennison and draft the OT. That's more of a priority right there, offensive tackle is WAY more important than a WR at this point. Plus, I think Webb can be decent? I think there doing the right by bringing him along slowly. Point is, if you the chance to draft Jake Long you go for it.

Kennison can be replaced easily in FA or on the second day of the draft.

No one is saying use a Top 5 pick on a WR.....

Zouk · 12-10-2007, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Also why the **** is his old ass returning punts? That is ****in stupid too.

If you bring golf clubs......can you hit people on the run like Uncle Buck style?

It really is pathetic that we don't have anyone better for that job. It's a great sign of the lack of young athleticism on this roster.

Kennison is likely to be out of football next year.

RedThat · 12-10-2007, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

I'd put a UDFA or Bobby Sippio out there before I put Kennison out there........

When you suck you need to learn about young players, not hang onto someone like Kennison.

And imo the Chiefs have those young players in Webb and Sippio? I think those guys should get more playing time just to see what they've got for the future?

Mecca · 12-10-2007, 12:03 AM

I'm not a fan of Jeff Webb, but there's still no reason to hang onto Kennison either way. I'd say this if we had no other WR's. We won't be competing for anything so what's the point?

Zouk · 12-10-2007, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcxiv

lol, He's just kicking Carl and the Chiefs when they are down. The style of writer he is, thats his job. Its funny. Just roll with the punch. Its easier to take. lol

Yeah, you're probably right. It's one of those columns where the readers probably believe it more than the writer.

12-09-2007, 11:14 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4160478	WHITLOCK - IT’S TIME TO LOSE FOR THE FUTURE http://www.kansascity.com/sports/col...ry/397009.html DENVER \| You hope this wasn’t rock bottom. Seriously, you hope King Carl, Herm Edwards and the Chiefs have the decency and smarts to save their worst for last, for season-ending road trips to Detroit and New York. This season can only end on a positive note if the Chiefs get a top-five draft pick out of it and a chance to nab tackle Jake Long or quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Brian Brohm. Sunday’s 41-7 loss to the Denver Broncos could be problematic. It was the kind of embarrassing, gutless performance that motivates players and coaches to finish the season with pride. Edwards was angry Sunday. Irritated by the performance of his defense, Herm sounded feisty and prideful in his postgame comments. At one point, he nearly broke into his “you play to win the game” mantra. No. You play to win the Super Bowl. And when that’s not a legitimate goal, you play to make the playoffs. Once the playoffs are eliminated — as they were on Sunday for the Chiefs — you play to develop your players for next season. That’s where the Chiefs are now — except they have a special circumstance. They can’t develop Brodie Croyle, Kolby Smith or Dwayne Bowe because KC’s offensive line is so bad that it’s impossible to do anything worthwhile on offense. When that’s the case, you play for draft position, and you hope the Chiefs can sink deeper than they did on Sunday inside Invesco Field at Mile High. In losing their sixth straight, the Chiefs rushed for 16 yards in 17 carries, surrendered five sacks, punted eight times, allowed Denver 215 rushing yards and never touched Bronco quarterback Jay Cutler, who finished 20 of 27 passing for 244 yards and four touchdowns. The Preacher will be preaching this week. He’s embarrassed. If he’s going to lose a game, he’d prefer to lose in the fourth quarter after making everyone suffer through two hours of field-position football. Denver ran away with this thing, jumping to a two-TD lead in the first quarter and cruising to a 24-7 halftime advantage. “Our strength is our defense, and we can’t give up 14 points to start out the game and expect to win,” Edwards complained. Right now there are five teams with worse records than the Chiefs — Miami, 0-13, St. Louis, 3-10, San Francisco, 3-10, the Jets, 3-10 and Atlanta, 3-9. Oakland and Baltimore have the same 4-9 record as the Chiefs. If the Chiefs take care of business, lose to Tennessee and Detroit, they could head to New York and take on the Jets for the right to draft as high as No. 4. The key to losing out is packing it in mentally. Sunday’s effort is just the kind of thing that could cause players to refocus. “It’s not good. We didn’t play well today. It seems like guys didn’t show up today,” Tony Gonzalez grumbled. “Maybe people were already in offseason mode. Maybe they’re already back to their families, going back to Miami or wherever you go during the offseason. It’s sad. It’s frustrating. We’ve got three games left... Let’s go play hard. Let’s try to win. I don’t care about the playoffs.” I disagree. I loved every pass Dwayne Bowe and Kris Wilson dropped. It was great seeing Ty Law and Patrick Surtain get lit up like Christmas trees. Jared Allen has done more than enough this season to earn a major contract upgrade. He deserved the break he took on Sunday. There’s no reason to waste a sack on the Broncos. And why not let a no-name back jam it right down your throat repeatedly? You just hope they can do it three more times. We know bad offensive-line play is a given. On one of Croyle’s five sacks, every lineman except Brian Waters got beat. Honestly, I’m thinking about deducting points from my season-ending Chiefs grades from any player who tries to play hero down the stretch, especially if it’s a veteran player. If Bobby Sippio makes a big play, I’m cool with it. But there’s no reason for an established veteran to do anything beyond go through the motions at this point. Chiefs fans should do their part by skipping the Tennessee game. We all have a role to play in getting this team to 4-12.
Posts: 279,742

12-10-2007, 12:00 AM	#84
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $2087050	I'd put a UDFA or Bobby Sippio out there before I put Kennison out there........ When you suck you need to learn about young players, not hang onto someone like Kennison.
Posts: 111,280

12-10-2007, 12:00 AM	#85
kcxiv In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central Valley, Cali Casino cash: $8807996	I think its time for him to go. See if you can get someone else younger and cheaper through FA. Play Sippio the last few games see if he has anything. Now is the time to play for next year. Its time to just play all the young guys.
Posts: 29,110

12-10-2007, 12:03 AM	#89
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $2087050	I'm not a fan of Jeff Webb, but there's still no reason to hang onto Kennison either way. I'd say this if we had no other WR's. We won't be competing for anything so what's the point?
Posts: 111,280