Embracing the Constant Force of Change: 2009 Kansas City Chiefs

(Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images)

In the middle of June, the NBA and NHL seasons come to a close, baseball is mired in the pre-all-star game doldrums and pre-trading deadline frenzy and well....golf and NASCAR simply don't appeal to a wide enough audience to be relevant, at least to me.

The time period between OTA's/mini-camps and training camp in the National Football League is also a period of relative rest.  Unless of course, you are a rabid fan who breathes football year-round.

In Kansas City, the Royals consistently play runner-up to the news or lack thereof, of the Chiefs.  We as fans, still want to talk Chiefs football.  Even when there is not much to talk about.

The theme of this article is change, and how it should be embraced, not feared.

The NFL resembles an amoeba, with the ability to continuously change its shape, yet remain a viable living organism. 

Football teams consistently change their appearance as well over time.  One of the most quoted lines in history, famous or infamous depending upon if you are an optimist or pessimist states, "The only constant is change, change is the only constant."  (Heraclitus).

The Chiefs are attempting to re-invent themselves as an organization.  From the top down, the 2009 Chiefs appear to be in line for one of the most significant upheavals in team history.  Arrowhead promises to field a different tone this year.

At this point, no one knows quite what to expect from our new look Chiefs.  Every team feels good about themselves at this juncture.  Or at least they should.  Otherwise, some seats are hot.

I feel every change the Chiefs have made this offseason has been a positive one, with the exception of losing Tony Gonzalez.  That's much more than I can say at this time one year ago.

I am ready to embrace our team and all the changes that come with it.  Training camp dates are set, and I for one, am cautiously optimistic that our team is headed in the right direction.

Here is a list of positions within the Chiefs organization and personnel, and my take on how they will impact the Chiefs in 2009.

GM

Out with King Carl, In with Scott Pioli.  My thoughts are simple on this one - great move for the Chiefs.  A man with an eye for talent  and a knack for making deals steps in for a man with a personality infamous for turning people and prospective free agents off.  My grade - A

Head Coach

Out with the players coach in Herm Edwards, in with the strong-fisted disciplinarian Todd Haley.  I know coach Haley has the energy and smarts to make a good head coach.  What worries me is if his personality may wear on the guys, and they eventually tune him out.  My grade - C

Defensive Coordinator

Good riddance to Gunther and his cover-2 defensive scheme, famous for a lack of creativity and over-reliant on defensive talent.  I never did get the approach of playing defense expecting the other team to eventually fail in order to get off the field. 

In steps Clancy Pendergrast and his 3-4 hybrid defense.  There are more blitz packages, especially from the linbebackers, and more opportunity for turnovers on defense.  If he can figure out how to stop the run, look out!  My grade - B

Quarterback

While the Chiefs are doing the right thing in reporting a "competition" exists here, you know and I know we aren't paying a guy $14 million to hold a clipboard.  Matt Cassel will operate from the pocket and rely on his preparation and decision making to "matriculate" the ball down the field. 

Conversely, sparkplug Tyler Thigpen will return to backup duties, though his mobility and team leadership skills are likely to find himself in the game during certain situations.  My grade - B

Running Backs

A pivotal point for the success or failure of the 2009 Chiefs will depend on the production of Larry Johnson, who has said all the right things this offseason.  A healthy and happy LJ in conjunction with an improved offensive line could mean a bounce back season.  Speedy Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith will provide rest and spurts of excitement.  My grade - B

Tight End

On to the ATL with Tony Gonzalez, one of the finest tight ends in the history and in steps presumably Brad Cottam.  There's no way to sugar coat this one, Tony will be sorely missed as a valuable third down and goal line resource.  If Chiefs tight ends produce half of Tony's numbers as a group this year, I will be shocked.  My grade - D

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