Originally Posted by
Cisco Kid
I do agree that the Chiefs and all NFL teams need to be much more supportive of the players' needs regarding the pit falls and dangers they face associated with the world that now surrounds them. You have young men, with millions of dollars, placed high in the eye's of fans with the freedom to make most any dream come true. Self-control can be a difficult learning experience for some, full of self-impossed hardships and setbacks. Yes the individual and the team should jointly be responsible, but this doesn't resolve the on field issue.
Jared Allen will miss the first four games of the 2007 season, and who can say if his actions during his off time from the NFL will benefit him or possibly lead him even further away from the reality of responsibility?
With this question unanswered and only to be answered in time, the Chiefs must prepare as if Jared Allen will not mature, and possibly see his way out of Kansas City and the NFL.
The Chiefs appear to have made some rather noticable moves during the offseason to upgrade the interior of the defensive line. However, in numbers alone, it is clear to see the task is far from complete.
The Chiefs did re-sign starters Ron Edwards and James Reed as well as backup DL Jimmy Wilkerson. But these moves cannot be considered upgrades unto themselves. The Chiefs invested in Chicago Bears DT Alfonso Boone and drafted DL Turk McBride and DT Tank Tyler, but the numbers are still not there.
Within the next week or so, Carl Peterson will need to put to rest his ongoing tug-of-war with Miami over QB Trent Green and close out the true business at hand, by adding three additional DL. Two of these players are currently "street free agents" looking for employment;
DT Rashad Moore (6-3 325) played with the Jets in 2006 seeing limited action. Prior to the Jets, Moore spent his first four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks as a productive member of their DT rotation. No, Moore won't be expected to unseat Boone or even Edwards, but rather provide camp depth in the event either one is injured. Who knows, this could be just what the doctor ordered for this guy's career, but if nothing else, the Chiefs' earlier investment will be protected.
Next on the list is DE Al Wallace (6-5 275) who was released by Carolina in February as a cap savings move. Wallace is a ten year veteran with stops in Philly and Buffalo prior to Carolina. He has been a backup to Mike Rucker but has remained very productive. With the concern over Allens future and the void created, adding a player of Wallace's stature would go along ways in helping to "hold the fort".
Last of the three, but possibly the most important, is Dallas Cowboy LB/DE Greg Ellis. Ellis has been with Cowboys for his entire career and known as a pure sack artist. However, the Cowboys shifted to a 3-4 and have invested greatly in high priced draft picks over the last three seasons. Now, talent or not, Ellis did not buckle under the pressure of the young bucks breathing down his neck. Ellis made the move to LB and continued to produce until suffering a torn ACL last season. Reports are that Ellis is progressing well in his recovery and should be at 100% by season start. But with the Cowboy's selection of DE/LB Anthony Spencer, chances are strong that Ellis will be released or even traded. A pro-active approach to acquire Ellis might require a 2008 conditional draft pick to be shipped to Dallas, but it could be well worth it.
True, Herman Edwards is full throttle ahead on his youth movement that is long overdue. But as in the case of LB Donnie Edwards, veteran experience coupled with talent can help with the bridging process between young and old.
LDE Tamba Hali (6-3 275)
LDE Al Wallace (6-5 275)
LDT Alphonso Boone (6-4 318)
LDT Ron Edwards (6-3 315)
LDT Rashad Moore (6-3 320)
RDT Jimmy Wilkerson (6-2 290)
RDT Tank Tyler (6-2 306)
RDT James Reed (6-0 290)
RDE Greg Ellis (6-6 270)
RDE Turk McBride (6-4 276)
RDE Jared Allen (6-6 270)
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