7/28: Roaf retires. A sad day for Johnson's keepers. He, like Wellborn, may be just sitting out training camp, we can only hope; but, I have to believe that these ancient pro-bowlers had adequate back-ups that learned a tremendous amount from them.
We all knew that Roaf was an injury risk and so many of us still had Johnson as #1. It does increase his risk slightly, but, downgrades Gonzales even more; as he will be asked to block more often.
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If I have the first pick in the draft, I will be as conflicted as anyone, but, will choose L.J.
O.T. Wellborn's retirement is damaging, and coach Edwards has dangled the maybe he'll come back hope. I can't understand a champion, one-of-the-best-in-the-game, fierce competitor stepping away from the best chance the Chiefs have had in years to go to the Superbowl.
One can only speculate about health issues, new personalities, family concerns; we may never know his motivation.
However, Kyle Turley is a legend. He played with Willie Roaf in New Orleans and I'm sure Roaf recommended him. His passion is legendary, as is his temper. With time to reflect on the helmet throwing incident and the Martz argument, maturity has probably set in. The back problems are a major concern, but, the Chiefs feel that he has recovered.
Like T.O., Turley will, hopefully, be on his best behavior for at least a year. Perhaps the fact that he auditioned as a tight end in Miami shows a certain humbleness he may have lacked before.
Kevin Sampson, back from injury, should step in and do fine. With Turley, the Chiefs have passion, experience, leadership, perspective and an insurance policy for a continuity of excellence.
Their schedule seems mediocre with a soft start to build momentum. They could easily be 3-1 going into the Pittsburgh game, and using their great home field advantage (if you've never seen the sea of red flowing into corn husker stadium you'll never really understand) could take a 6-2 record into Miami.
There are some daunting challenges, yet, the Chiefs are a great team and will challenge any defense. it will be up to the league's offenses to keep up.
The weak, but, competent receiver corp only lends to the running game's dominance in the red zone. Trent Green is an awesome yardage leader and his experience as a field general is crucial to L..J.'s success.
Richardson's loss is the single greatest concern. Gonzales will be asked to block again, which is primarily why his numbers have suffered, Dunn and Wilson are there to help, but, Ronnie Cruz will have to hit the ground running.
It's too bad Richardson couldn't be kept for another year as this would have cemented L.J. as #1. There will be a drop off and the real question is how much. Will L.J. be overanxious, impetuous, too rash in his running, a bit frustrated by the second year Cruz? L.J. has been quoted saying wonderful things about Richardson and there seems to be a tone of regret in his statements.
Holmes isn't a threat this year, and it's hoped he will be able to make a comeback if he desires. Dee Brown was groomed by Carolina and Pittsburgh. Cowher used to say marvelous things about him. He has a strong desire, but, a small stature. Perhaps the years of working out eventually help a player reach a higher level. Brown will be a good backup.
Griffin is also small and broke some fantasy hearts after his opening day performance in Denver a couple years ago.
If they pick up Bennett from New Orleans then they will be solid. He was little used last year so his body should be healed. He is fast and experienced. I don't believe he is a threat to L.J., but, he is better then either Brown or Griffin. The Chiefs really need Ty Law badly and if they break the bank to get him the money for Bennett may not be there. Besides, it would be stupid for New Orleans, with their own running back questions, to get rid of him; unless they feel they are rebuilding and this is a can't-win-it-all year.
It is concerning that a new coach is in town. Teams can embrace him or self destruct. Edwards is a good leader and the Jet's debacle cannot be fully blamed on him. Yet, what really happened to that team. Was it a rash of injuries, which multiply in losses, or a consistently bad run of personnel decisions and was he an integral part of that?
He enters Kansas City with an intact offensive champion. He will make the defense better, which is his strength, and anyone who paves the way for the season, an ancient, Curtis Martin had two years ago knows how to "let loose the dogs of war!"
L.J. does not have a consistent track record. In half a season he has won fantasy championships across the board and ascended hopes beyond imagination. Can he fulfill and sustain this?
His attitude towards Vermeil was bad. Yes, the previous coach had a great back in place and a plan. Have you ever held off from consummating passion only to find that when you do, it explodes uncontrollably in ways it would not have if rushed. Thus, was Johnson's passion last year.
I think the change in coaching will do wonders for the team. I love Vermeil and wish he would sustain these wonderful things he builds. St. Louis would have had at least back to back Superbowls without 'Mad' Martz making terrible head coaching decisions. Kansas City didn't need a new coach, but, turned a great loss into a great advantage.
Instead of relying on old friends, Edwards will take control of the defense and make it better. He claims that he wants to emphasize the run even more then Vermeil. I think he believes in controlling the clock more with longer drives. Vermeil scored so quickly and so often that his defense was on the field too much. High scoring matches too often end up with the winner being the last team with the ball.
Could this attitude hurt L.J.'s overall scoring record?
In the end, the promise of greatness is too enticing to pass up. Both Alexander and Tomlinson appear pedestrian in comparison.
Great offensive lines are the foundation of running back success and even the age of this one will not stop them from another great year.
L.J. is young and his odometer has just started ticking. Kansas City's window could be on the decline, but, this will still take a few years.
L.J. is tall and runs a bit upright, but, he is a downhill runner who is sharp enough to learn and adapt. last year there was a moment early on, after Holmes went down, when i saw patience. He had picked up Holmes' greatest quality and made it his own.
Even though he's #2 on my official cheat sheet he's #1 for anyone with a gambler's heart.
