Arrowhead Pride - The Kansas City Chiefs(HC09)

[Shaka23]

Breaking News: Lynch, Pollard Included In Chiefs/Bronco's Trade

The Denver Bronco's have officially parted ways with their defensive captain and pro bowl free safety John Lynch on Friday, ending a year of speculation that Lynch's days in Denver were in fact numbered. In a trade with their AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs, the Bronco's send Lynch to Arrowhead in exchange for Strong Safety Bernard Pollard, Defensive End Tank Tyler and a 6th round pick in this years draft.

The news comes to a shock to many in Denver and not to those near the Kansas City administration. Sources say the Chiefs and Bronco's had been in negotiations numerous times over the rights to the hard hitting Safety and just needed to find the right compensation.

It seems as though the Bronco's will go ahead and replace Lynch with his trade equal, Bernard Pollard meanwhile the Chiefs plan to move Lynch back to his natural position of Strong Safety. At 35, we're uncertain if Lynch plans to sign an extension with the Chiefs as his contract will be up at the end of the season.

Lynch finished 2007 with 58 tackles and 1 sack. He's a 9 time pro bowl player, including the last two season, and has won a Superbowl with the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

[Shaka23]

Chiefs Make Two More Moves On Eve Of Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs, by far the most active of the teams in this years young off-season, have made yet two more moves on the eve of the 2008 NFL Draft.

The first move saw the departure of center Rob Smith who after the signing of Jeff Faine asked for his release or trade. Smith joins the Detroit Lions and the Chiefs will receive the 78th pick in this years 3rd round in exchange.

The second of the days moves was a bit more important as the Chiefs solidified it's secondary by trading for the Vikings Antoine Winfield in exchange for quarterback Brodie Croyle, the 102nd pick in this years 4th round and the 129th pick in this years 5th round.

During a 7 year career with the Buffallo Bills and Minnessota Vikings Winfield has yet to see the NFL's Pro Bowl despite being regarding as one of the leagues most feared and aggressive tacklers. Standing just 5'9" and weighing a modest 190 pounds, Winfield has reached 80 tackles in 5 of his 7 years including a 107 total tackle output in 2003. In 2007, Winfield missed 6 games due to a knee injury and finished with just 58 tackles and 1 interception.

Baring a failed physical, the Chiefs have solidified a secondary that included Patrick Surtain, Ken Hamlin, John Lynch and now Antoine Winfield.

Stay tuned as our next update will include the NFL's 1st round draft results and a rundown of the Kansas City Chiefs draft grade.

[kdmajoslin]

Really like the style of your dynasty. Keep up the good work.

[Shaka23]

Quote: Originally Posted by kdmajoslin

Really like the style of your dynasty. Keep up the good work.

Much appreciated

[Shaka23]

The 2008 NFL Draft Reviewed

The 2008 NFL Draft has concluded as a new generation of players take their first steps towards storied professional careers. Blessed with the 1st overall selection in this years draft was the once proud Miami Dolphins who while in need of a franchise quarterback chose Michigan Left Tackle Jake Long as the years top pick.

The St. Louis Rams followed that pick up with a Long of their own, Virginia Defensive End Chris Long to be exact while the Atlanta Falcons found their hopeful franchise Quarterback in Matt Ryan with the 3rd selection. Sitting pretty at 4th overall the Raiders got their man and it wasn't consensus pick Keith Rivers, instead LSU Defensive Tackle Glenn Dorsey. Shocking everyone Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, who has history with Rivers as well as fellow Defensive Tackle in Sedrick Ellis, put his Trojan pride to rest and only time will tell if it was the right move.

It wasn't until the 5th selection that the draft saw it's first trade when the Carolina Panthers moved up to select just him, Linebacker Keith Rivers, to front their already stacked linebacker core. The price? A pretty penny, giving up a first in 2009, a second in 2009 as well as the 43rd overall selection in 2008 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

One of the most impressive selections came at the 7th spot where the New England Patriots, without their own pick due to last season spygate scandal, took All-American running back Darren McFadden. McFadden wasn't expected to be available that late in the draft and projects to start immediately for the undefeated Patriots. Talk about the rich getting richer.

The Arizona Cardinals found their potential replacement to Kurt Warner at the 16th selection when the red and white took Delaware Quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco hasn't had the opportunity to play top talent at the collegiate level and it might help that he's playing in the NFC West as his professional game begins.

At the 17th selection the New England Patriots were able to trade up and take Aqib Talib who, despite being a headcase of **** proportions to date, favors well in an aggressive defensive style the Patriots play.

One of the most surprising picks, and likely the most valuable, came at pick 18 when the Houston Texans saw Left Tackle Ryan Clady fall into their hands so late in the draft. A projected Top 10 player, the Texans might have found their signature tackle for years to come.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took running back Rashard Mendenhall with their 20th selection, solidifying those who doubt the Buccaneers floundering running attack.

All in all the 2008 draft was a huge success with some winners, some losers and some definite questions to be asked. Here is a look at the 2008 first round:

2008 NFL Draft - First Round
Pick	Team	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt
1	Miami Dolphins	Jake Long	OT
2	St. Louis Rams	Chris Long	DE
3	Atlanta Falcons	Matt Ryan	QB
4	Oakland Raiders	Glenn Dorsey	DT
5	Carolina Panthers	Keith Rivers	OLB
6	New York Jets	Vernon Gholston	OLB
7	New England Patriots	Darren McFadden	RB
8	Baltimore Ravens	Leodis McKelvin	CB
9	Cincinatti Bengals	Sedrick Ellis	DT
10	San Francisco 49ers	Derrick Harvey	DE
11	Buffalo Bills	Jerod Mayo	OLB
12	Atlanta Falcons	Chris Williams	OT
13	Baltimore Ravens	Brandon Albert	OG
14	Chicago Bears	Gosder Cherilus	OT
15	Detroit Lions	Dominique Cromartie	CB
16	Arizona Cardinals	Joe Flacco	QB
17	New England Patriots	Aqib Talib	CB
18	Houston Texans	Ryan Clady	OT
19	Minnesota Vikings	Mike Jenkins	CB
20	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Rashard Mendenhall	RB
21	Washington Redskins	Kentwan Balmer	DT
22	Denver Broncos	Dustin Keller	TE
23	Pittsburgh Steelers	Jeff Otah	OT
24	Tennessee Titans	John Carlson	TE
25	Seattle Seahawks	Felix Jones	RB
26	Jacksonville Jaguars	Antoine Cason	CB
27	San Diego Chargers	Sam Baker	OT
28	Dallas Cowboys	Duane Brown	OT
29	San Francisco 49ers	Philip Merling	DE
30	Green Bay Packers	Chris Johnson	RB
31	New York Giants	Tracy Porter	CB
32	Miami Dolphins	Kenny Phillips	SS

[Shaka23]

Third Round Pick Shawn Crable is a strong favorite to start in 2008

Chiefs Fans Irate After Team Makes No Day 1 Selections

Kansas City Chiefs fans are irate, and rightfully so, after management decided to trade out of the first half of the 2008 draft in favor of 2009. The Cheifs traded 4 first day selections, including their fifth overall, in a day that saw a stockpile of next year picks in the first and second rounds.

In a press conference held by the team the day following the draft GM Carl Peterson explained:

Quote:

"We're fully aware of the backlash the community of Kansas City has displayed as a result of our actions during the 2008 NFL draft and we understand their frustrations entirely. What we need to do as an organization is continue to keep our mind occupied on the season at hand, we know not all will agree with the moves we make." "It's been our goal to look out for the best interest of this Kansas City Chiefs football team both currently and it's future. We're doing just that. Of coarse we are not at liberty to explain the reasons behind our quiet 2008 draft but it's apparent we did not see the type of talent in this years draft as so many others did. We look forward to the 2009 draft as we feel we are best suited to make a huge splash with that years talent. We believe we have put ourselves in the best position to win and we like our chances going into the 2008 season with the team we currently have." "That is all."

The draft started with a bang as the Chiefs, primed to take any number of highly touted players, traded out of the top ten. In exchange for their 5th selection the Chiefs received a first and second round pick in 2009 as well as the 43rd pick in 2008 by the Carolina Panthers who immediately drafted USC linebacker Keith Rivers at 5th overall.

With the 17th selection, with consensus top 10 talent Ryan Clady still on the board, the Chiefs traded out of the first round all together when they dealt the pick to New England for the Patriots first and second round choices in 2009. The Patriots would go on to select Aqib Talib with the 17th choice.

Already under scrutiny by the draft counsel, most notably Mel Kipper, the Chiefs shocked everyone yet again when they announced they had traded their 35th and 43rd selections. The 35th was sent to Baltimore Ravens while the 43rd was shopped to Oakland in exchange for each teams 2nd and 3rd round selections in the 2009 draft.

The Chiefs had effectively traded out of the first day, alarming to everyone in the league as the Chiefs were expected to be big players in the draft pool leading up the the draft with 4 of the top 50 selections.

The teams first choice came early in the 3rd round as the Chiefs selected outside linebacker Shawn Crable. The university of Michigan alumn, notably where head coach Greg Hammermill's brother Gary is in charge, figured in well as the Chiefs move to a larger version of the 3-4. Seven picks later the Chiefs found who they anticipate will fill the shoes of John Lynch following his assumed retirement within the next two years, Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski. Zbikowski was a major fixture to a Notre Dame defense that led the Irish to a Sugar Bowl in 2007.

With the 18th selection in the 3rd round the Chiefs took their 2nd University of Michigan graduate in wide receiver Mario Manningham, one who many anticipated would play in Arrowhead Stadium due to the relationship between the Hammermill brothers. Since the Wolverines hired Gary Hammermill as head of football operations Michigan has led the FBS in passing all 4 years and it was Manningham who often found himself on the receiving end of over 50 touchdowns by quarterback Chad Henne a year ago.

All in all the Chiefs had a solid, yes unspectacular 2008 draft considering no selections were made in the first two rounds. However, the team possesses 3 first round selections, 5 second round selections and 3 third round selections in 2009 making them quite the player in what's expected to be a legendary rookie draft class.

2008 Kansas City Draft Class
Pick	Player	College	Pos	Ht	Wt
3 - 2	Shawn Crable	Michigan	ROLB	6'5	245
3 - 9	Tom Zbikowski	Notre Dame	SS	6'0	210
3 - 12	Dre Moore	Maryland	DT	6'4	312
3 - 18	Mario Manningham	Michigan	WR	6'0	181
5 - 5	John Sullivan	Notre Dame	C	6'4	290
6 - 16	Athya Rubin	Iowa State	DT	6'3	322
6 - 23	Vince Hall	Virgina Tech	MLB	6'0	240
7 - 3	Adrian Arrington	Michigan	WR	6'3	192

[Shaka23]

Chiefs Bring In Pittman, Weaver To Solidify Power Running Focus

Fresh off of the teams first week of mini-camps and the Kansas City Chiefs have already signed two players they believe can strengthen their power running game, a focus of the teams new offense ran by head coach Greg Hammermill and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.

Pittman, who's legs helped win the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win a Superbowl in 2002, hasn't produced at the level he was expected to after a breakout season in 2004 but will only be called upon in side work behing workhorse Larry Johnson. Joining Pittman among the 11 signees includes former Seattle Seahawks fullback Leonard Weaver. Weaver's the power running type of fullback the new look Chiefs demand and figures to start considering the team had no fullbacks on roster prior.

The other big name joining the Chiefs is cornerback Randall Gay whose play for the New England Patriots last year, and noteable in the Superbowl just this past February saw his request to be released. Chasing big bucks, the money never came and Gay finds himself with a 1 year contract and yet another season to prove he's worth a long term deal.

Here is a look at all 11 Training Camp signings:

RB Michael Pittman
FB Leonard Weaver
TE Kyle Brady
RE Jovan Haye
CB Randall Gay
QB Chris Leak
WR Bethel Johnson
DT Rashad Moore
FB P.J. Daniels
WR Eric Moulds
WR Josh Reed

Stay tuned as next update we will showcase the 2008 preview including position breakdowns.

[Shaka23]

2008 Kansas City Chiefs Preview

The 2008 season has arrived and it's time for our annual Chiefs Preview. As we look forward towards yet another successful NFL season the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in turmoil once again, under a new regime change and offensive scheme overhall. Do they have a chance in the AFC West?

We say yes. The west, controlled for some time now by the San Diego Chargers, is about as wide open as any division has been in years. The Chargers, with little improvements over the off-season, are favored to win a division that includes a young and hopeful Oakland Raiders squad and a much improved, overhalled, Denver Broncos team. The Chiefs, with a little hard work, look to be right in the thick of things.

Quarterback

The Chiefs, after a long battle between last years starter Damon Huard and longtime starter Trent Green, have given the keys to the veteran Green following a strong postseason. Green has the experience and mechanics to get the job done in a "manage don't make" position in the new look Chiefs offense. Not expected to throw the deep ball much and instead make good decisions, Green should have success.

If not the team can turn to Huard who has had success with the Chiefs in recent years, reviving his career. Listed third on the depth chart is former Gators quarterback Chris Leak.

Runningback

One of the few positions on the offensive side of the ball that didn't include a position battle is at Runningback. Incumbant starter Larry Johnson will be called upon to carry this Chiefs offense into the playoffs and if history repeats it's self, he can do just that. Johnson is a big, strong back who has already seen his share of rushing titles in a young career. In a "workhorse" type roll, expect Johnson to keep his 400 carry production alive this season if he can stay healthy.

Behind him stands last years rookie surprise Kolby Smith who beat out an often injured Michael Pittman during pre-season. Pittmans will be asked to do duty on third downs on occasion but doesn't expect to see the backfield much in 2008 baring injury. At fullback the Chiefs look to Leonard Waver who, despite showing his ability as a runner a year ago, has looked better blocking than anything through exhibition this year.

Power running, the basis of the new look Chiefs, will sink or sail the 2008 ship for Kansas City. In Larry we trust.

Receiver

The Chiefs receiving core, one of the youngest positions on the team, shows it's strength with Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez who looks to continue a legendary career this season. Gonzalez had his beast years from 2002 to 2004 while working with Trent Green and the Chiefs hope to recreate that same production.

Outside Gonzalez includes former first rounder Dwayne Bowe and third round selection this year Mario Manningham, who at times looked every bit the part of a #1 receiver this pre-season. Bow and Manningham give the Chiefs a solid receiving game when called upon but don't expect any 1,000 yard seasons by anyone in Kansas City this year.

Veterans and former Bills receivers Eric Moulds and Josh Reed join Jeff Webb as the teams 2008 reserves.

Offensive Line

This off-season the Chiefs explained their interest in building a winner immediately and believe they have done so through the offensive line. A weak offensive line was boosted with the signings of Jeff Faine, Flozell Adams, Fred Miller and Ruben Brown that can instantly turn the tide for this power running football team. All four signees will start for Kansas City with long time Chief Brandon Waters at right guard. The core becomes the most experienced line in the NFL. Damion MacIntosh, Will Svitek, Herb Taylor and rookie John Sullivan will play reserve in 2008 and expect to see time due to the riggers on the aging bodies of it's starters. Expect to see an active offensive line for the Chiefs this season.

Defensive Line

The defensive side of the ball is what the Chiefs expect to pride themselves on in 2008 and it starts at the line of scrimmage. The Chiefs tried to sign some of the bigger names in free agency but were unable to seal the deal and instead filled it's voids in the draft. Rookies Dre Moore and Athya Rubin will start for the Chiefs and showed their capability with the first team this pre-season. Beside them in the Chiefs 3-4 defense is veteran end Kevin Carter. Carter's best days are behind him but his inexperience and lifetime production can't harm a defense that will have much expectations in 2008.

Turk McBride, Javon Haye and Grady Jackson all will play reserve with Jackson expected to see an increased roll as the Chiefs experiment with Rubin at all three positions. Jackson stands 6'3" and 350lbs, a nearly immovable nose guard by many standards.

Linebacker

Everyone will tell you that linebackers are the core of any 3-4 defense and that's no different in Kansas City. Gunther Cunningham has spent much time with the Linebackers this off-season and the team expects smart, effective player by this group in 2008. Tamba Halli and Derrick Johnson are former first rounders who have proved their worth in their early Chiefs career and will expected to continue that progression on the outside this year. Hali is more of your pure pass rusher while Johnson can play any 4 of the linebacker spots if asked. In the middle stands two of the most experienced, most tenacious linebackers in the NFL - Jeremiah Trotter and Donnie Edwards. A stout offensive line and experience middle linebackers spells a strong run defense for this Chiefs defense.

In reserve, and we say that lightly as the Chiefs have shown a tendency to rotate their linebackers continuously in games, stars Clark Haggans, Napoleon Harris and Shawn Crable. Haggans and Harris are capable starters on many teams and are powerful tacklers while Crable is an effective pass rusher and will see some 4-3 defensive end on passing situations sparringly.

Crable was expected to push to start at Outside linebacker, pushing Johnson inside but was unable to outperform either Edwards or Trotter who he would have demoted. Now hungry, Crable has all the more reason to play with the heart and intensity he displayed in Michigan.

Defensive Back

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive backfield might be one of the most improved areas on any team in the NFL. Horrendous a year ago, the Chiefs have added corner Antoine Winfield, safety John Lynch and hybrid safety Ken Hamlin to start with Patrick Surtain to showcase an experienced and explosive unit.

Winfield and Lynch both can be considered the most feared tacklers at their respected positions meanwhile Surtain has put up numbers that argue hall of fame mention if continued. Hamlin, by far the youngest of the four, has the rare size and speed ratio you value at a physical safety position in the 3-4. Add the dynamic of nickle corner Rudy Gay and rookie safety Tom Zbikowski and the Chiefs defensive backfield won't be backing down from anyone this season.

Special Teams

Jason Elam has made a living killing the Chiefs, including 6 game winners against the Arrowhead red in his career. Now the longtime Bronco will call Kansas City home and fans couldn't be happier. Much older than the days he was considered the best in the league, Elam can still kick with the best of him and combine that with one of the NFL's best punters in Dustin Colquitt and the Chiefs have quite an impressive kicking unit.

In the return game Bethel Johnson has beaten out rookie Tom Zbikowski and runningback Kolby Smith as both the Kick and Punt Retuner. Johnson, despite being drafted 45th overall by the New England Patriots in 2003, has become an outstanding special teams player over the last 4 years that saw two superbowl titles with his original team. He joins the Chiefs after an injury riddled 2007 campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles and a one year term with the Minnesota Vikings in 2006.

The Summary

The Chiefs new management, fronted by head coach Greg Hammermill, has put the plan in place - build through the draft, create competition and value experience. Now it's time to back that up. While the Broncos look to be much improved the division looks to come down to two teams, the Chiefs and Chargers.

As homers we would love to say all goes well in Kansas City in route to a division title but we all know the NFL doesn't work that way. Plain and simple the Chiefs are both young and aging at many positions and a few injured could spell a disaster with such little depth.

The Chargers get the edge in the AFC West but if the Chiefs can stay healthy, run the ball like they plan to and get the production out of players whose history states they are among the best at their position - it's anybody's game.

As they say, any given sunday.

2008 Kansas City Chiefs Roster
Regular Offense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
WR	Dwayne Bowe	Eric Moulds	Adrian Arrington
TE	Tony Gonzalez(C)	Kyle Brady
LT	Fred Miller	Damion MacIntosh
LG	Ruben Brown	Herb Taylor
C	Jeff Faine(C)	John Sullivan
RG	Brandon Waters	Tre Stallings
RT	Flozell Adams	Will Svitek
WR	Mario Manningham	Josh Reed	Bethel Johnson
QB	Trent Green	Damon Huard	Chris Leak
FB	Leonard Weaver	P.J. Daniels
HB	Larry Johnson	Kolby Smith	Michael Pittman
Base 3-4 Defense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
LDE	Kevin Carter	Turk McBride
NT	Athya Rubin	Grady Jackson	Alfonso Boone
RDE	Dre Moore	Javon Haye
LOLB	Tamba Hali	Clark Haggans
LILB	Jeremiah Trotter	Napoleon Harris
RILB	Donnie Edwards	Vince Hall
ROLB	Derrick Johnson(C)	Shawn Crable
CB	Antoine Winfield	Rudy Gay	Rashad Barksdale
SS	John Lynch	Tom Zbikowski
FS	Ken Hamlin	Jerod Page
CB	Patrick Surtain	Tyrone Brackenridge	Karl Paymah
Special Teams
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
K	Jason Elam
P	Dustin Colquitt
PR	Bethel Johnson
KR	Bethel Johnson
LS	John Sullivan