The 2012-2013 Kansas City Chiefs greatly underperformed this year which their 2-14 record shows. This team definitely had the talent to go 7-9 and possibly stay strong in the AFC West (Although, let's be honest, we all knew Denver would win it).
Well now Romeo Crennel and his staff have been fired and the ex-Eagle coach Andy Reid has replaced him. It looks like Andy Reid will bring his style of offense to the Chiefs which is, contrary to everyone's belief, is not the West Coast Offense. The West Coast Offense focuses more on shorter passes and get 5-6 yards a play through the air. If you've ever watched Andy Reid call a game you'd know that's not how is offense operates. Andy Reid runs a Vertical/ Explosive offense. An offense that is the equivalent to how the New York Yankees play baseball, Home Run or nothing. It looks like their defense will stay pretty much the same with the hiring of ex-Jet linebacker/ Assistant Head Coach coach Bob Sutton. The defense wasn't all that bad, it just looked worse than it really was. The defense was on the field way too much and got exposed because of the ridiculous amount of time on the field. Expect the Chiefs next year to have a top 10 pass rushing defense and be a threat every week. They'll still probably still only go 6-10 though, baby steps...baby steps.
Noteable Free Agents
Player- Position- Type- Rating- Scheme Rating
Dustin Colquitt- Punter- N/A- 85-N/A
Peyton Hillis- Runningback- Powerback- 84- 81
Dwaye Bowe- Wide Receiver- Possession- 79- 81
Brandon Albert- Tackle- Run Blocking- 79- 79
Brandon Siler- Linebacker- Weakside/Quick- 78- 79
Dustin Colquitt is a good punter and should be resigned. He does a great job getting punts inside the 20, but rarely is it within the 10.--Verdict--Re-sign
Peyton Hillis is still a tank and will be very productive somewhere else. He needs to find a power running team, which Kansas City is not. Although I feel he would be productive in KC he would fit better on other teams--Verdict--Let Walk
Dwayne Bowe is not as good as he once was to quote Toby Keith. He is no longer a #1 wide receiver in my eyes. He does this really annoying thing of just falling down when he catches the ball and makes no effort to get extra yards. His hands aren't that great and he doesn't get the best separation. Although he would be productive on this team, the Chiefs already have three others that I feel will do fine.--Verdict--Let Walk
Brandon Albert's time at left tackle might be over, but I think he'd make a very good right tackle. As of right now the Chiefs don't have anyone to play tackle, so he should be coming back.--Verdict--Re-sign
Brandon Siler is a decent weakside linebacker. I think he would work really well as a 43 weakside backer, I don't think he's worth bringing him back to KC.--Verdict--Let Walk
Pre-Free Agent Signing Moves
As of right now, saying that the Chiefs bring back all of their restricted free agents, which they probably will, they will be close to around $115.2 million spent on next year. The 2013 cap is around $121 million next year, so let's say that as of this moment the Chiefs are about $5.8 million under the cap. So let's take a look at who they should get rid of to make some room for incoming Free Agents and Draft picks.
Player-Position-Type- Rating- Scheme Rating- 2013 Base Salary-2013 Additional Money- 2013 Cap Hit
Tyson Jackson- Interior Defensive Lineman- 43 3-Tech Pass Rusher- 78- 79- $14.72 Million- $2.525 Million- $17.245 Million ($6.45 Million more guaranteed)
Matt Cassel- Quarterback- West Coast- 73- 71- $7.5 Million- $2.325 Million- $9.825 Million
Eric Winston- Tackle- Run Blocking- 71- 71- $4.9 Million- $2.1 Million- $7 Million
Steve Breaston- Wide Receiver- Slot/Quick- 68- 75- $3.8 Million- $1.2 Million- $5 Million ($3.25 Million guaranteed left)
Kevin Boss- Tight End- Balanced- 68- 67- $2.4 Million- $1,066,667- $3,467,667
Tyson Jackson is not worth that money! As of right now the Chiefs already have two interior linemen in Ropati Pitoitua and Anthony Toribio who could start as defensive ends. I think it's time to cut ties with Jackson.--Total Savings--$10.795 Million
Matt Cassel is a quality backup, but not for almost $10 million. It's time to start over at the quarterback position.--Total Savings--$7.5 Million
Eric Winston was once a really good tackle, but time has caught up with him. The Chiefs should cut ties with him to make room to re-sign Brandon Albert.--Total Savings--$4.9 Million
Steve Breaston is the odd man out in this receiver core. Right now the Chiefs have Jonathan Baldwin, Dexter McCluster and Devon Wylie who can start and Jamar Newsome as a good backup.--Total Savings--$3.8 Million
Kevin Boss has not shown that he can stay on the field and I don't think Andy Reid's system is right for him either.--Verdict--$2.4 Million
How much the Kansas City Chiefs will have if they follow this plan....
Re-sign
DE Ropati Pitoitua- 83 2yr/ $2.3 Million
S Kyle McCarthy- 70 3yr/ $1.62 Million
TE Steve Maneri- 74 3yr/ $1.62 Million
C Bryan Mattison- 67 3yr/ $1.62 Million
OT Brandon Albert- 79 4yr/ $16 Million
P Dustin Colquitt- 85 2yr/ $4 Million
Cut
DE Tyson Jackson- 79
QB Matt Cassel- 71
OT Eric Winston- 71
WR Steve Breaston- 75
TE Kevin Boss- 67
Total Cap Hit= $92 Million
Cap Room= $29 Million
Depth Chart After These Moves
Offense
QB- Not on Roster
Backup QB- Open Competition
RB- Jamaal Charles (91)
Backup RB- Shaun Draughn (87)
WR (3)- Jonathan Baldwin (85), Dexter McCluster (83), Devon Wylie (80)
Backup WR (2)- Jamar Newsome (79), Open Competition
TE- Tony Moeaki (79)
Backup TE- Steve Maneri (74)
LT- Donald Stephenson (74)
RT- Brandon Albert (79)
Backup OT- Open Competition
LG- Jeff Allen (79)
RG- Jon Asamoah (82)
Backup OG- Open Competition
C- Rodney Hudson (82)
Backup C- Open Competition
Defense
DE (2)- Ropati Pitoitua (83), Anthony Toribio (79)
Backup DE- Allen Bailey (71)
NT- Dontari Poe (89)
Backup NT- Open Competition
OLB (2)- Tamba Hali (89), Justin Huston (93)
Backup OLB- Andy Studebaker (75)
ILB (2)- Derrick Johnson (89), Not on Roster
Backup ILB- Open Competition
CB (3)- Brandon Flowers (86), Javier Arenas (82), Jalil Brown (79)
Backup CB (2)- Neiko Thorpe (75), Open Competition
S (2)- Eric Berry (89), Tysyn Hartman (80)
Backup S- Kendrick Lewis (72)
Special Teams
K- Ryan Succop (88)
P- Dustin Colquitt (85)
KOS- Ryan Succop (86)
KR- Shaun Draughn (84)
PR- Not on Roster
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Premature Kansas City Chiefs Analysis
It's now been about two weeks since the end of the regular season and I am now done with 1/3 of the scouting for the Kansas City Chiefs. The sad fact remains that QB wasn't the weakest position on the Chiefs roster although the QBs on the roster most likely won't be back next year. So lets break down what I've learned so far...
BIGGEST PROBLEM ON THIS TEAM
Although I said QB wasn't the weakest position on the roster doesn't mean any of these QBs (Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn) fit Andy Reid's vertical, big play offense. It looks like right now that Chiefs will stick with a pressure 3-4 and because of that they will only have a few positions on the defense to fill, primarily another Inside Linebacker or Defensive End. On offense its a whole different story. Of the offense this year, only Runningbacks Jamal Charles and Shaun Draughns will be used because of their ability to make plays in open space. Outside of that though they will need to fill every other spot. So lets start with the two biggest holes in the vertical offense, Quarterback and Wide Receiver. As far as I've seen so far, there is no Wide Receiver or Quarterback worthy of a #1 overall draft pick. So I would suggest either trading down or picking the best available player, which most likely will be an offensive linemen.
NOTABLE PLAYERS LIKELY TO LEAVE
WR Dwayne Bowe
DE Glenn Dorsey
RB Peyton Hillis
Overall the players leaving in free agency aren't going to affect the Chiefs to bad. Dwayne Bowe is more of a possession receiver, which in Andy Reid's explosive offense is not worthy of the big money he will probably be offered. Glenn Dorsey is good at stoping the run, and at the right price I think the Chiefs could bring him back, but as an overall 3-4 DE, he's really not worth signing right away. There is a good chance they could get someone of equal talent later in the NFL draft or in free agency. Peyton Hillis is good for one thing, and that's pounding the football, but in Andy Reid's offense there is no need for that. More often than not Runningbacks will be put in open space to work against the secondary and the Chiefs already have two players that can do that.
HOW FAR BEFORE THEY ARE REAL CONTENDERS
Most likely, 3 years or so. This draft is not QB heavy or offensive heavy in any means, and that is Kansas City's biggest problems. But if Andy Reid plays his cards right he can turn this team around in 3 years and make them into a real contender.
BIGGEST PROBLEM ON THIS TEAM
Although I said QB wasn't the weakest position on the roster doesn't mean any of these QBs (Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn) fit Andy Reid's vertical, big play offense. It looks like right now that Chiefs will stick with a pressure 3-4 and because of that they will only have a few positions on the defense to fill, primarily another Inside Linebacker or Defensive End. On offense its a whole different story. Of the offense this year, only Runningbacks Jamal Charles and Shaun Draughns will be used because of their ability to make plays in open space. Outside of that though they will need to fill every other spot. So lets start with the two biggest holes in the vertical offense, Quarterback and Wide Receiver. As far as I've seen so far, there is no Wide Receiver or Quarterback worthy of a #1 overall draft pick. So I would suggest either trading down or picking the best available player, which most likely will be an offensive linemen.
NOTABLE PLAYERS LIKELY TO LEAVE
WR Dwayne Bowe
DE Glenn Dorsey
RB Peyton Hillis
Overall the players leaving in free agency aren't going to affect the Chiefs to bad. Dwayne Bowe is more of a possession receiver, which in Andy Reid's explosive offense is not worthy of the big money he will probably be offered. Glenn Dorsey is good at stoping the run, and at the right price I think the Chiefs could bring him back, but as an overall 3-4 DE, he's really not worth signing right away. There is a good chance they could get someone of equal talent later in the NFL draft or in free agency. Peyton Hillis is good for one thing, and that's pounding the football, but in Andy Reid's offense there is no need for that. More often than not Runningbacks will be put in open space to work against the secondary and the Chiefs already have two players that can do that.
HOW FAR BEFORE THEY ARE REAL CONTENDERS
Most likely, 3 years or so. This draft is not QB heavy or offensive heavy in any means, and that is Kansas City's biggest problems. But if Andy Reid plays his cards right he can turn this team around in 3 years and make them into a real contender.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Mike Warren's End of the NFL Year Awards
At the end of each season, I usually come up with who should win the awards, so here they are.
NFL MVP: Adrian Peterson
The Minnesota Vikings realistically do not sniff 4 wins without the beast of a running back, and the scariest part about it, is that he might be better next year.
COMEBACK POY: Peyton Manning
The guy took a year off with a neck injury and looked like he didn’t miss a step at all, and it is no question he would be the MVP if not for AP.
Defensive POY: J.J. Watt
If only the rest of the defense could contend with him the past few weeks, this team would be a shoe in for a favorite, but with the exception of a playoff win, the’ve looked awful and didn’t look good even than, so Watt may need to pull a Greg Jennings and put the team on his back.
Offensive POY: Aaron Rodgers
I’m not giving a real NFL award to the same people, but Aaron Rodgers should it be known is putting up just as good numbers as last year if not better, and not for the elder Manning and Merlin the Running back wizard, he most likely would be MVP again.
Coach of the Year: Bruce Arians/Chuck Pagano
The fact that these two men took this team, with a rookie quarterback and all the adversity they had to endure, this is nothing short of the most impressive coaching run this season, in a year where only Leslie Frazier comes anywhere close.
Rookie of the Year: Andrew Luck
I realize RGIII and Russell Wilson were good, but Luck took a 2-14 team last year to the playoffs, can’t say that about the other two, and that breaks the proverbial 3 way tie between the teams.
NFL MVP: Adrian Peterson
The Minnesota Vikings realistically do not sniff 4 wins without the beast of a running back, and the scariest part about it, is that he might be better next year.
COMEBACK POY: Peyton Manning
The guy took a year off with a neck injury and looked like he didn’t miss a step at all, and it is no question he would be the MVP if not for AP.
Defensive POY: J.J. Watt
If only the rest of the defense could contend with him the past few weeks, this team would be a shoe in for a favorite, but with the exception of a playoff win, the’ve looked awful and didn’t look good even than, so Watt may need to pull a Greg Jennings and put the team on his back.
Offensive POY: Aaron Rodgers
I’m not giving a real NFL award to the same people, but Aaron Rodgers should it be known is putting up just as good numbers as last year if not better, and not for the elder Manning and Merlin the Running back wizard, he most likely would be MVP again.
Coach of the Year: Bruce Arians/Chuck Pagano
The fact that these two men took this team, with a rookie quarterback and all the adversity they had to endure, this is nothing short of the most impressive coaching run this season, in a year where only Leslie Frazier comes anywhere close.
Rookie of the Year: Andrew Luck
I realize RGIII and Russell Wilson were good, but Luck took a 2-14 team last year to the playoffs, can’t say that about the other two, and that breaks the proverbial 3 way tie between the teams.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Mike Warren's NHL Preview (cont.)
If you thought that the Eastern Conference was a little shaky, the
West is even worse by a long shot. Lets not waste anytime however and
get into this.
Pacific Division
This division is without question going to be the 2 playoff bid team and it might shock you who are in and who are out. Anaheim under Bruce Boudreau is going to stride, but remember, the division as a whole was close and the LA Kings barely made the playoffs. San Jose should win the division as well as Phoenix just skirting into the playoffs. Also Dallas acquiring Jagr via free agency will not be enough to get in.
1. San Jose
2. Anaheim
3. Phoenix
4. Los Angeles
5. Dallas
Northwest Division
This division depends on how well the play of Cory Schneider will be for Vancouver as I believe Roberto Luongo is about to be traded once we get going to Toronto. I think this is a chance for Edmonton to shine as all of their young have been playing for AHL affiliate Oklahoma City. Also look for Minnesota, who was leading the conference at the all-star break last season with the additions of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to get over that hump and reach the playoffs.
1. Minnesota
2. Edmonton
3. Vancouver
4. Calgary
5. Colorado
Central Division
This division is plagued with the loss of Ryan Suter and Nick Lidstrom via free agency and retirement respectively, and the loss of Lidstrom will be bigger now as the Red Wings will no longer have the nostalgic we are going to make the playoffs feel. The Blues should continue their run under Coach Ken Hitchcock and win the division. 3 teams should see the playoffs in the Central
1. St. Louis
2. Nashville
3. Chicago
4. Detroit
5. Columbus
Western Conference Playoffs Picks
1. St. Louis
2. San Jose
3. Minnesota
4. Nashville
5. Chicago
6. Edmonton
7. Vancouver
8. Anaheim
Now as last year proved the seeding mean about as much as that pop tart you ate this morning.
Here are my Stanley Cup Final Picks:
New York Rangers vs. Chicago Blackhawks in 6 games
Rangers win the Cup(Much to my dismay)
5 Bold Predictions:
1. This is Martin Brodeur’s Final Season.
2. Buffalo wins the Northeast Division
3. Tuka Raask is awesome in Boston.
4. Roberto Luongo gets traded.
5. The Red Wings fall without Lidstrom leadership.
Pacific Division
This division is without question going to be the 2 playoff bid team and it might shock you who are in and who are out. Anaheim under Bruce Boudreau is going to stride, but remember, the division as a whole was close and the LA Kings barely made the playoffs. San Jose should win the division as well as Phoenix just skirting into the playoffs. Also Dallas acquiring Jagr via free agency will not be enough to get in.
1. San Jose
2. Anaheim
3. Phoenix
4. Los Angeles
5. Dallas
Northwest Division
This division depends on how well the play of Cory Schneider will be for Vancouver as I believe Roberto Luongo is about to be traded once we get going to Toronto. I think this is a chance for Edmonton to shine as all of their young have been playing for AHL affiliate Oklahoma City. Also look for Minnesota, who was leading the conference at the all-star break last season with the additions of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to get over that hump and reach the playoffs.
1. Minnesota
2. Edmonton
3. Vancouver
4. Calgary
5. Colorado
Central Division
This division is plagued with the loss of Ryan Suter and Nick Lidstrom via free agency and retirement respectively, and the loss of Lidstrom will be bigger now as the Red Wings will no longer have the nostalgic we are going to make the playoffs feel. The Blues should continue their run under Coach Ken Hitchcock and win the division. 3 teams should see the playoffs in the Central
1. St. Louis
2. Nashville
3. Chicago
4. Detroit
5. Columbus
Western Conference Playoffs Picks
1. St. Louis
2. San Jose
3. Minnesota
4. Nashville
5. Chicago
6. Edmonton
7. Vancouver
8. Anaheim
Now as last year proved the seeding mean about as much as that pop tart you ate this morning.
Here are my Stanley Cup Final Picks:
New York Rangers vs. Chicago Blackhawks in 6 games
Rangers win the Cup(Much to my dismay)
5 Bold Predictions:
1. This is Martin Brodeur’s Final Season.
2. Buffalo wins the Northeast Division
3. Tuka Raask is awesome in Boston.
4. Roberto Luongo gets traded.
5. The Red Wings fall without Lidstrom leadership.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Mike Warren's NHL Preview
Well ladies and gentleman after 4 months of waiting, the NHL looks to finally kick off the 2013 season on January 19th. Of course, it wouldn’t be the start of the Hockey season without me giving a preview on what to expect in the 2013 48 game sprint, which means this is a different kind of NHL season. What I am going to do is give each of my division standing picks, East today, West tomorrow, and finally the 8 teams from each conference that will make the playoffs, and my Stanley cup finals and champions pick will come tomorrow with the West.
ATLANTIC DIVISION
In what was a hotly contested Atlantic division last season with 4 of the 5 making the playoffs (Do I have to tell you who the odd-team out was?), this should be a division that will be fun to watch over the coarse of the few months. The New York Rangers added Rick Nash, the Flyers lost Jagr but have Chris Pronger healthy, and the Isles, well, they are the Isles. Oh did I mention that the defending Eastern conference champions are back, and the best player in the league,
I’m going to get a lot of heat because this division is really up from grabs but here is my prediction, with the top three VERY close.
1. Flyers
2. Penguins
3. Rangers
4. Devils
5. Islanders
Northeast Division
The Boston Bruins are going to be just as good as they have been, but Tuka Raask is their starting goaltender as Tim Thomas is taking the year off, and I think they are going to slip. Meanwhile teams such as Toronto, Buffalo, Montreal, and Ottawa, its going to be a fight for the spots.
1. Buffalo
2. Boston
3. Ottawa
4. Toronto
5. Montreal
Southeast
The geographically challenged Southeast Division is going to be a toss-up, but I think with Adam Oates behind the bench in Washington they shouldn’t fall. Expect Tampa Bay to be a team that makes a run.
1. Washington
2. Tampa Bay
3. Florida
4. Carolina
5. Winnipeg
Playoff Prediction-
1. Philadelphia
2. Buffalo
3. Washington
4. Pittsburgh
5. NY Rangers
6. Boston
7. Ottawa
8. Tampa Bay
ATLANTIC DIVISION
In what was a hotly contested Atlantic division last season with 4 of the 5 making the playoffs (Do I have to tell you who the odd-team out was?), this should be a division that will be fun to watch over the coarse of the few months. The New York Rangers added Rick Nash, the Flyers lost Jagr but have Chris Pronger healthy, and the Isles, well, they are the Isles. Oh did I mention that the defending Eastern conference champions are back, and the best player in the league,
I’m going to get a lot of heat because this division is really up from grabs but here is my prediction, with the top three VERY close.
1. Flyers
2. Penguins
3. Rangers
4. Devils
5. Islanders
Northeast Division
The Boston Bruins are going to be just as good as they have been, but Tuka Raask is their starting goaltender as Tim Thomas is taking the year off, and I think they are going to slip. Meanwhile teams such as Toronto, Buffalo, Montreal, and Ottawa, its going to be a fight for the spots.
1. Buffalo
2. Boston
3. Ottawa
4. Toronto
5. Montreal
Southeast
The geographically challenged Southeast Division is going to be a toss-up, but I think with Adam Oates behind the bench in Washington they shouldn’t fall. Expect Tampa Bay to be a team that makes a run.
1. Washington
2. Tampa Bay
3. Florida
4. Carolina
5. Winnipeg
Playoff Prediction-
1. Philadelphia
2. Buffalo
3. Washington
4. Pittsburgh
5. NY Rangers
6. Boston
7. Ottawa
8. Tampa Bay
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Welcome to The Sport Sermon
Hello everybody and thank you for coming to our blog. This is the official blog of 93.9 WQKE's The Sport Sermon. The contributors to this blog are myself, Matt Stopsky, and my partner Mike Warren. We hope you enjoy our blog and tune in to 93.9 fm in Plattsburgh every weekday from 8am-9am or you can listen to us live on the web at http://player.liquidcompass.net/p/WQKEFM/W/STATION_LAUNCHER. Also, if you missed any of our shows like us on facebook.com at facebook.com/thesportsermon, we'll be posting all of our old shows SOON!
PS...We are off the air until January 28th, 2013
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