Chiefs will Keep Tony Gonzalez; Not Sure on Larry Johnson and Brian Waters
I know it has been so crazy with Chiefs news lately that we haven’t really been able to keep up (ha ha) but Adam Teicher has provided us with some news thanks to his talk with Chiefs owner Clark Hunt.
Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said Monday during a break at the NFL meetings that the Chiefs had decided to hold on to Gonzalez, their longtime Pro Bowl tight end. Hunt also said decisions regarding Johnson and Waters haven’t been made but added that either or both could return to play for the Chiefs this season.
So on the surface I am really happy, at least about the part where Clark says we are keeping Tony Gonzalez, maybe Tony G has seen that the Chiefs are heading in a different direction now and wants to be a part of it. But… I can’t help but think this just could be the Chiefs talking the talk, e.g. so they can up Tony’s trade value and if a really sweet deal did come along take it.
Now, with that said why would it make sense in trying to up Tony’s trade value while not making the same about Waters and LJ? I could understand saying you don’t know if you will trade LJj because honestly his trade value isn’t much right now, but with Waters you would think it would make sense to try to up his trade value (if you really are trying to trade him that is). Maybe the Chiefs staff is trying to send Waters (and other Chiefs players) a message that no matter who you are one player is not great than the team.
Personally I hope we can keep Gonzalez, Waters and even give LJ a shot with the new staff (maybe their no-nonsense approach will be good for him).
Go Chiefs!
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Chiefs Offensive Leaders
There is a distinct possibility that not a single 2008 statistical leader for the Chiefs offense will either be with the team or start in 2009:
Offensive Leaders
Passing Yards: T. Thigpen 2608
Passing TDs: T. Thigpen 18
Although Thigpen played well in 2008 he has yet to prove himself under center in a base NFL style offense. There is a good chance he may not be the starting QB in 2009.
Rushing Yards: L. Johnson 874
Rushing TDs: L. Johnson 5
Obviously LJ wants out of town, and frankly if we can get any sort of value out of him I’d be surprised. A mid round pick, salary dump and one less whiny RB would be motivation enough to trade LJ. With the massive overhaul of the front office this off season though, I could see Pioli/Haley convincing LJ to play out at least one more year and see how he fits into the new schemes.
Receiving Yards: T. Gonzalez 1058
Receiving TDs: T. Gonzalez 10
I know it’s hard to imagine the Chiefs trading Tony, but it’s a real possibility too. If we can get a 2nd round pick, or a 3rd plus change, I’d say we do it. TG deserves the chance to win a Super Bowl and we could most definitely use the extra draft picks. Although it’d be sad to see him go, it may be best for both parties involved.
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LJ wants out of KC? Who gives a rats…
Word from the KC Star is that LJ wants out of KC.
My response: Whip-dee-do…
LJ, if you want out of KC so bad then get out man. I have defended Larry Johnson for while but I have grown tired of him and this last outburst may have done it for me.
“Hopefully, my future is not with this organization,” Johnson said after rushing 10 times for 18 yards.
LJ may be the best RB on the KC roster, but as it has been proven in the NFL you can succend with without a star running back. Running back by committee has worked very well for many teams recently (including the Super Bowl Champion Giants).
If you look at the teams in the playoffs this season, espescially those that willl most likely move on, most of them have good QB play, a strong (or atleast opportunistic) defense, and more than one capibale running back.
For now, I can be content with Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith. Although I would think if LJ is out the Chiefs would look at picking up another RB either through free agency or the draft.
So LJ, we have all had enough. Go ahead, pack your things and don’t let the door hit you on the way out. As far as I am concerned if a player doesn’t want to be on the team then get him out of there. If the Chiefs truley want to build a contender (ala NE or NYG) they need to also show that no player is bigger than the TEAM.
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