Defense must be 1st priority

[Bike]

Our total team defense finished the 2009 season ranked 30th out 32 teams. This is just unacceptable and has to be fixed if we are to go anywhere next year. I understand that we need help on offense also, and hiring Weiss will help immeasurably. But fixing this D has to be numero uno. What I think we need in order of importance (imho!)

1. Defensive Coordinator. Hopefully whoever we can land (Romeo?) will bring in a dl coach that knows what he's doing.
2. Nose Tackle. First and foremost, we need an anchor for this 3-4.
3. Safety. Both of them.
4. Corner. Not impressed with Carr this season.
5. ILB. Got to find a way to seal off the middle.

I know this is asking a lot in one off-season, and I don't expect to see it. But gotta start somewhere.

[pbatrucker]

Good post! I would love to see a different DC.
NT has to be a #1 priority. Hopefully it can be addressed in FA.
I like taking McClain in the first and Von Miller in the 2nd. A good NT and McClain would greatly improve the run defense and Miller playing opposite Hali would be a huge improvement for the pass rush.
If the safties don't have to play in the box in run support as much, their play would improve. And if the opposing QB doesn't have 6 seconds to get rid of the ball, the CB's play improves.
I'm not saying that you don't look to improve in those areas, just that might not be as high a priority as we think.
OC is very high on my priority list also.

[yashi]

Don't forget OLB. We really had no pass rush outside of Hali and Gilberry.

[brish]

I agree..
We need OLB aswell.. I like Vrabel and he is a good veteran player..
But..! He is slow, I especially noticed it in this last game.
Compared to Hali it looks like he is walking not running. :)

[Bike]

Don't forget OLB. We really had no pass rush outside of Hali and Gilberry.
Quit adding to the list!:D Too many already! But yeah need help there, too. With 2 offensive coaches in place with Haley and Weiss, I hope that this D isn't neglected. I'm sure Pioli will do whats right...

[Hayvern]

The problem is that we have gone to the draft well for defense for the last three years now and what do we have to show for it?

I think it is time to address some of the needs on defense through free agency, it sucks we lost Allen and I understand the need and desire to have a player like that next year, we are going to have to go get him some other way, maybe through trades or free agency.

[SAPHOJUNKIE]

Addressing the offensive line helps the defense, by both keeping them off the field and also getting opposing offenses to play from behind. those make huge differences.

At the fifth pick, there really isn't a defender (who will be available) that seems worth the pick. We should be able to find a nose tackle in free agency, especially with Hampton and Wilfork being potential free agents/trade bait.

I won't pretend to understand how the CBA will affect free agency, but I know there are several good linebackers scheduled to become free agents.

D'Qwell Jackson, elvis dumervil, kirk morrison, thomas davis, , lofa tatupu, james harrison, demarcus ware, demeco ryans, akeem jordan, thomas howard.

Maybe some of these guys have already signed extensions, but they were scheduled to be UFA's at the start of the season.

[matthewschiefs]

1 defense
1a O line
2 reciver

[Bike]

The problem is that we have gone to the draft well for defense for the last three years now and what do we have to show for it?

I think it is time to address some of the needs on defense through free agency, it sucks we lost Allen and I understand the need and desire to have a player like that next year, we are going to have to go get him some other way, maybe through trades or free agency.
F/A might be the way to go because we would be bringing in experience and these players would have an immediate impact rather than waiting for them to develop. I think a mixture of draft and FA is the best though. Just because we have failed in the past few years in drafting defense doesn't mean that we will fail this draft. New management and scouting personnel should improve things. After all, thats a big reason Pioli is here - his ability to evaluate talent.

[Ryfo18]

Can we maybe just trade our whole defense and draft picks this year for Green Bay's 3-4 D?

[AussieChiefsFan]

Our total team defense finished the 2009 season ranked 30th out 32 teams. This is just unacceptable and has to be fixed if we are to go anywhere next year. I understand that we need help on offense also, and hiring Weiss will help immeasurably. But fixing this D has to be numero uno. What I think we need in order of importance (imho!)

1. Defensive Coordinator. Hopefully whoever we can land (Romeo?) will bring in a dl coach that knows what he's doing.
2. Nose Tackle. First and foremost, we need an anchor for this 3-4.
3. Safety. Both of them.
4. Corner. Not impressed with Carr this season.
5. ILB. Got to find a way to seal off the middle.

I know this is asking a lot in one off-season, and I don't expect to see it. But gotta start somewhere.
What about Mike Brown and Jarrad Page? I mean Brown isnt anything special but hes ight

[Bike]

What about Mike Brown and Jarrad Page? I mean Brown isnt anything special but hes ight
We need somebody special. Brown and Page are average at best. I guess thats ok if average is ok with you.

[AussieChiefsFan]

We need somebody special. Brown and Page are average at best. I guess thats ok if average is ok with you.

I guess we need ABOVE average Players at that position then. You think pollard should of been traded or not?

[Bike]

I guess we need ABOVE average Players at that position then. You think pollard should of been traded or not?
I think yes. I think the reasons that he was released had to do with reasons other than his ability to make plays. He made plays, but he missed a lot of plays also. I think he wasn't giving 100 percent in games and practice, and had a poor attitude towards the coaching staff. Sometimes, players just don't fit. Looks like the change of scenery may have done him some good.

[matthewschiefs]

I guess we need ABOVE average Players at that position then. You think pollard should of been traded or not?

Pollard was a good safty not great. Might he end up great sure. But there might be other reasons that he was let go that we dont no about. There might have been no choice but to move him we will never no for sure.

[pbatrucker]

I think yes. I think the reasons that he was released had to do with reasons other than his ability to make plays. He made plays, but he missed a lot of plays also. I think he wasn't giving 100 percent in games and practice, and had a poor attitude towards the coaching staff. Sometimes, players just don't fit. Looks like the change of scenery may have done him some good.
I saw an interview with Houston coach and they were talking about Pollard. The coach said when he tried out, he told the coach he had learned a lesson and was going to do it the right way this time. Sure wish he had done it the right way the first time.

[honda522]

Have you forgot about Page?

[Bike]

Have you forgot about Page?
No. I just don't think his future is in KC. Just guessing though.

[honda522]

You can't have the best player at every position...

[Bike]

You can't have the best player at every position...
I know. But I can hope!

[hometeam]

SS over FS, but page wouldnt start for half the teams in the league so why should we settle for that?

[Bike]

SS over FS, but page wouldnt start for half the teams in the league so why should we settle for that?
My point eggsactly!

[honda522]

SS over FS, but page wouldnt start for half the teams in the league so why should we settle for that?
:sign0023: Could have the same thing about Pollard...or Turk...or Tank.

[hometeam]

turk,tank, and pollard arent being considered as non need positions this seasons.

[honda522]

turk,tank, and pollard arent being considered as non need positions this seasons.
Page is a good enough for me to leave that position alone and look off for a SS

[figcrostic]

Our total team defense finished the 2009 season ranked 30th out 32 teams. This is just unacceptable and has to be fixed if we are to go anywhere next year. I understand that we need help on offense also, and hiring Weiss will help immeasurably. But fixing this D has to be numero uno. What I think we need in order of importance (imho!)

1. Defensive Coordinator. Hopefully whoever we can land (Romeo?) will bring in a dl coach that knows what he's doing.
2. Nose Tackle. First and foremost, we need an anchor for this 3-4.
3. Safety. Both of them.
4. Corner. Not impressed with Carr this season.
5. ILB. Got to find a way to seal off the middle.

I know this is asking a lot in one off-season, and I don't expect to see it. But gotta start somewhere.

I agree we are maybe one or two players short of being a good offense but several short on defense.

[hometeam]

Page is a good enough for me to leave that position alone and look off for a SS


I agree that it is not a priority, but if a better option becomes available I think we should take it.

[pbatrucker]

I'm hearing the Chiefs are high on the safety they picked up from the Eagles. I'm sure that will have an influence on player decisions.

[jason1981]

i hope we get the best safety at the #5 pick

[figcrostic]

i hope we get the best safety at the #5 pick

I hope not we need a pass rushing lb pretty bad.

[hometeam]

I hope not we need a pass rushing lb pretty bad.


and we can pick up von miller in the second round. Also, id like to see studebaker get a real look.

[wichitaj]

Nope, we need O-line help.

[pbatrucker]

McClain in the first, Von Miller and Pouncey OC in the 2nd.

[Pro_Angler]

Nope, we need O-line help.
Nice come back way to elaborate..oh im sorry did I use too big of a word for you?

Our safety position screwed us all season with the middle of the field getting torched pre-season and through out. Our offense turned the corned mid way through the season. I say draft Berry since he should be there at 5 Okung might also be there.
] I believe Haley knows we need help in both areas and depending on free agent aquisitions will determine wich one we take at the 5 spot.

[Bike]

Nice come back way to elaborate..oh im sorry did I use too big of a word for you?

Our safety position screwed us all season with the middle of the field getting torched pre-season and through out. Our offense turned the corned mid way through the season. I say draft Berry since he should be there at 5 Okung might also be there.
] I believe Haley knows we need help in both areas and depending on free agent aquisitions will determine wich one we take at the 5 spot.
Agreed. Berry is a game changer and we need a safety. Bad. Get 'em.

[Pro_Angler]

Nice come back way to elaborate..oh im sorry did I use too big of a word for you?

Our safety position screwed us all season with the middle of the field getting torched pre-season and through out. Our offense turned the corned mid way through the season. I say draft Berry since he should be there at 5 Okung might also be there.
] I believe Haley knows we need help in both areas and depending on free agent aquisitions will determine wich one we take at the 5 spot.
Also let me say that historically its easier to plug a defensive rookie in and be successfull then it is a offensive lineman. A lineman wil take time to mature, a safety like Berry can for the most part run wild.

[KottkeKU]

i really dont wont McClain... i mean, hes a good player and all. but i KNOW Pioli can find a pass rushing LB in the draft rounds 3-5.... look at Elvis Dumervil over there in Denver... he is a pass rushing monster 3-4 OLB, and he was like a 4th rounder... it CAN be done. LB's are Pioli's specialty, no sense in wasting a 1st rounder on a LB when we can get SS or OT at the same pick.

BER-RY!!

he would make our defense better single handedly.

and im sorry but i dont think Page or Brown are even average... they are solid backups.

[pbatrucker]

i really dont wont McClain... i mean, hes a good player and all. but i KNOW Pioli can find a pass rushing LB in the draft rounds 3-5.... look at Elvis Dumervil over there in Denver... he is a pass rushing monster 3-4 OLB, and he was like a 4th rounder... it CAN be done. LB's are Pioli's specialty, no sense in wasting a 1st rounder on a LB when we can get SS or OT at the same pick.

BER-RY!!

he would make our defense better single handedly.

and im sorry but i dont think Page or Brown are even average... they are solid backups.
McClain is an ILB, you know, someone to improve our great run defense.

[Fansincebirth]

This may be a little long but I think it will give you some food for thought.


The O line, yes it needs a little help. Yes I said a little. Their performance in the second half of the season was good but not great. We are going to need some young talent to help upgrade and be ready to take over for Mike Goff or Brian Waters. Need to be ready before we wind up in another Willie Roaf situation.


Defense in general was hurting this year. We did see it start to get better toward the end of the season. If you didn’t know that this was going to be a tough defensive year, you should have.

Changing from a 4-3 to a 3-4 is much more than just removing a tackle and adding a linebacker. It is different schemes, obligations, duties, and physical needs. It is the most effective type of defense in the league at this time, and I'm glad to see the Chiefs moving forward.

The Chiefs staff has already taken the first step to correcting part of the defensive woes, by letting the defensive line coach go. One sac from our front 3 all year, unacceptable.

Never in my life have I seen so many defensive linemen dancing with blockers. Coach Haley will get someone in here to teach them some technique to get off of blocks so they can tackle RB’s and sac QB's.

We have good talent on the line. It just needs developed. Would it be nice to add Suh, sure, but he will be gone in the first two picks. So set your heart somewhere else.

I know allot of you are worried about DJ. Listening to Coach Haleys press conference, 1/6/10, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Derrick has admitted himself that there have been disagreements about things. When we go to work we do what the boss says or we get fired.

Players probably have more leniency with this than anyone. We have switched to a 3-4 defense; this means the OLB position is played differently. He may want to play inside out and Coach Haley wants him playing outside in.

None of us really like change, but its part of life. I have a feeling that they have this worked out now. Every player likes to play every down.

Truth is Derrick Johnson is not a GREAT run stopper. He is a better cover LB. This system fits him and if he accepts it, he will excel.

As far as starts, that’s just the guy that takes the first snap. Most teams play the run on first down. He should maybe even be thankful, he was fresher in the 3rd and 4th quarter in Denver because he had not played every down. That may have been the difference of whether he gets both picks and weather he runs the first one back.

He’s a good ball player that could be great. If you recorded the game, go back and watch the 4th quarter and count how many tackles he missed.

We have a good young line backing core. With (Rookies) Walters and Belcher, (2nd year) Studebaker (3rd year) Rogers (4th year) Mays and Hali, (5th year) Johnson (6th year) Williams we are in pretty good shape. Give these guys another year and we could have one of the best in the league.

We also have a good young set of Ends. 2 years experience coming into this season. 6 years experience going into next season. Time and Patients fans.

The secondary is probably the weakest link on the chiefs team. This not only affects the passing game but the running game as well.

I can’t say I am a fan of Mike Brown, but he got dealt some pretty tough duty this year. When we were getting gouged with the run they would bring him up for support and then he would get burnt deep. When we were getting torched deep they pulled him back and they would gouge us in the middle between the linebackers and the safeties.

Do we need a new safety, yes, I think we do. Would like to see us get Eric Berry, (Ed Reed type) safety. Though I am not sure he will be around by the 5th pick.

This is one of the few areas that I would like to see us pick up a FA just in case we don't get Eric Berry in the draft. Lets not forget that we will have Jared Page back next year, and Dwan Morgan showed promise. We haven't seen enough of Ricky Price to know if he is starting caliber. Jon McGraw is a special player with brains and heart. I'm just not sure that he has the speed to be a starting safety. He is probably a better dime back.

With all this young talent at safety you may be wondering why spend and early pick on a safety. Easy 3 names, Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed, Darren Sharper.

At cornerback, we are not in bad shape. Brandon flowers could make the pro bowl next year.

Brandon Carr did not have that bad of a year. Lets remember that this was only his second year in the NFL.

Especially when you consider how little safety help that he had. We all have on our minds how bad the donkeys picked on him, but most of the time he was in position to defend the play. He wasn't turning and locating the ball. That can be taught, staying stride for stride with a WR can't.

We also have some good young backups that will struggle a little but will earn their stripes playing nickel and should be ready if one of the Brandon’s goes down.

[tksixtyone]

So I heard the reason Romeo hasnt been hired is because hes on a vacation until Monday and he hasnt really decided if hes coming back to coaching or not. Was Schefter wrong?