Kansas City Chiefs. Now What?

Well the first thing is first. I believe that the Matt Cassel trade was a great idea. The Chiefs did nothing with Brodie Croyl or Damon Huard. They needed Cassel. Even though Cassel is overrated in many senses, what we saw from him with the Pats is what the Chiefs need on offense, and that is a QB that can lead. So I think KC fans should be pleased with that trade. Also the problem as we all know is the defense. The Chiefs also made strides when they traded to get Mike Vbrael. The Chiefs have lacked leadership on defense and Vrabel does bring that to the Chiefs. If the Chiefs want any chance at winning they need to fix their defense. Their offense is ok with the exception of their QB but I think they have a chance with Cassel now. Finally, I think 9-7 is a bit unrealistic. Sure its fine to expect great things, but realistically? I would say 7-9. They need to get their offensive line right, defense, and overall they need a confidence booster. Until they win and believe they can win they won't. I think they are better than they have played but fixing the problems on defense and offense is where it starts.

As far as the Cassel/Vrabel deal, I think Belichick basically told Pioli that if you want Cassel, you have to take Vrabel off our hands. I agree, he's not going to be much help. Getting Cassel for a 2nd round pick is pretty much a low risk, high reward move. I think he will have a long term deal before training camp starts, but it'll still be much for much less money than it would take to sign a QB drafted in the 1st round. The QB competition is BS. There may be one, but Haley already knows that Cassel is the winner. The job is Cassel's to lose, not Thigpen's to win. Nobody is going to take LJ and his ridiculous contract - we'll have to release him in June - Tony will be happy as long as he's still the #1 target in the passing game but it sounds like Pioli is going to have to trade Waters which really sucks. Yes, a 9-7 expectation is too much. I'll be happy with a 6-10 record this year and everything else is just gravy. I'm disappointed that Pioli and Haley haven't made a big splash in the free agency market, but I've got the feeling we'll land a quality veteran or 2 with some draft day trades.

Thigpen is actually a serviceable QB, I would try to trade him while he has some value if I were the Chiefs. There is no way they brought in Cassel to have an "open competition". He was brought in to start.

Be calm though, you could be a fan of Minnesota, who actually traded a forth round pick for "roster fodder", and list their only significant signing as the resigning of Jim Kleinsasser, a third rate H-Back/TE hybrid, while letting two starters Darren Sharper, and Matt Birk, walk.

At least KC is making moves to try and get better. There are many teams like Dallas, Minnesota, Philadelphia, or Cleveland, that have just been going backwards.

I would not expect much of a difference next year for KC. The QB and Larry Johnson were not the only problems. The OL was and I have seen nothing that would indicate that will be any different. Cassel had a decent year last year but was it more because of the talent around him and the system? I think so.

The Chiefs needed those draft picks more than they needed old man Vrabel or one hit wonder Cassel. I think the Chiefs should have kept those picks and rebuilt both the OL and well as the secondary. As a Raider fan I can't lie,I'm thrilled to see the Chiefs stink but I do think Pioli will have them back in contention sooner than later.

No Offense but im pretty irritated with ur statements due to the fact im a bears fan and all they have done is signed a mediocre left tackle a no name that i've never heard of and you guys got a veteran lb and a pretty good and young quarterback which are limited these days for just a 2nd round pick which is pretty great. there arent a lot of options to do at this point for most teams. Also im pretty sure larry johnson isn't going anywhere cuz they won't release him and he wont be traded and Tony G won't be going anywhere as well.

well the chiefs are in a good shape with change but for them to get to the playoffs they will need to get rid of larry johnson to start and draft a big play back. i ve been looking at a bunch of backs and one that would work excellent would be to get percy harvin he's probably the most versitile player in the draft and matt cassel would benefit from it as a player

Watch tapes of the old Hank Stram Chiefs.

i would say... with cassel the HIGHEST i would expect is a 7-9

I Friggin' LOVE the Chiefs. L-o-v-e them!!! I agree with you on the fact that they typically have ups and downs. But they have one of the most loyal followings ever. Their fans & tailgating rocks. I went to go see them when they played in San Diego last year. If you remember that game it was not one of their better efforts. I also saw them in KC on Christmas--man was it stinkin' cold! We don't exactly have the best quarterback situation right now but HEY how about that win today? Can't wait to get to work and talk trash tomorrow.