The columnists dissect the 2003 season and take a look at what's ahead for the Chiefs in '04. Read it here in a series of columns beginning next week.
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By Bob Gretz
January 14, 2004 (morning)--Last year, Dick Vermeil showed his loyalty to Greg Robinson by retaining him on his coaching staff.
Robinson paid back that loyalty on Tuesday by resigning as the defensive coordinator of the Chiefs.
It was an extraordinary act by Robinson. He put aside ego, all pretense and he fell on his sword for Dick Vermeil. Team and Vermeil came ahead of himself. No small wonder why the head coach was so emotional when he talked about Robinson and why he felt like he let his assistant down.
In more than 25 years of covering the NFL, I’ve never witnessed anything that came close to Tuesday’s morning gathering. The raw emotion was unforgettable. It was a window into the world that Vermeil has created with his football team. It was a window into the world of coaching and all the twists and turns that make the business so exciting and so heart breaking.
First, Robinson did the right thing in offering to resign. Secondly, Vermeil did the right thing in accepting. After everything that happened with the Chiefs in 2003, the focus was entirely on Robinson and the defense. It would have been impossible for this organization to make enough changes in other areas to overcome the negativity that would have surrounded Robinson’s further employment.
There’s no question the defense was broken. Robinson and the defensive staff tried their best, but in the end it did not come together on the field. Last year, Robinson was handicapped by a defense that had few talented players. This season, the talent level was improved, but it still wasn’t enough.
What was missing was a defensive mind-set that’s absolutely imperative to success in the NFL. Yes, football today is more complicated than it was years ago. Defenses must react to offenses, they must take part in the chess game.
But they must do it with an attitude that was seldom evident around the Chiefs defense. It was never there in 2002, showed itself early in 2003, but then disappeared, returning just briefly for the Chicago game. For that, the players, Robinson, the defensive staff and Vermeil must share the blame.
Beyond scheme, beyond talent, what this Chiefs defensive unit needs is an infusion of passion. When Vermeil picks Robinson’s successor, that’s should be the most important part of his resume.
There are many people celebrating Robinson’s departure, reveling in kicking a man when he’s down, laughing at the raw emotion he was willing to share on what was probably the worst day of his professional life. If you are one of those people, like the classless folks who started a web site to promote the firing of Robinson, please seek help. You believe the success of the team is more important to you, than the people who give their blood, sweat and tears each and every day to make it work. You are deranged and can not a hold a candle to a man like Robinson.
Anybody who witnessed what happened at Arrowhead Stadium on Tuesday morning should now have a better understanding of what the people who coach in this business put on the line. They don’t always get it right, they don’t always produce. [Reply]
*sniff*Sniff* Boo FN HOO i want a win in the playoffs.I want a superbowl. I dont spend my money on Chiefs gear&scream at the TV. to watch GROWN men cry, he knew the deal. Give us a SuperBowl VICTORY! [Reply]
Originally Posted by :
There are many people celebrating Robinson’s departure, reveling in kicking a man when he’s down, laughing at the raw emotion he was willing to share on what was probably the worst day of his professional life. If you are one of those people, like the classless folks who started a web site to promote the firing of Robinson, please seek help. You believe the success of the team is more important to you, than the people who give their blood, sweat and tears each and every day to make it work. You are deranged and can not a hold a candle to a man like Robinson.
When Bob Gretz has to work 40+ hours a week at a job he despises instead of getting paid to do something that most of us can only dream about, his analysis will actually mean something to Bob Dole.
We spend our hard earned dollars and emotions to support a team. We're the team's customer whether Bobby G. likes it or not. And as with any customer, we've got every right to bitch about poor service when that's what we're provided.
And we're entitled to do it without some hired ass-clown calling us "classless." [Reply]
Originally Posted by Bob_Damned_Dole:
When Bob Gretz has to work 40+ hours a week at a job he despises instead of getting paid to do something that most of us can only dream about, his analysis will actually mean something to Bob Dole.
We spend our hard earned dollars and emotions to support a team. We're the team's customer whether Bobby G. likes it or not. And as with any customer, we've got every right to bitch about poor service when that's what we're provided.
And we're entitled to do it without some hired ass-clown calling us "classless."
I agree with you Bob, I spend a ton of money on tickets, merchandise, and emotions and if I want to bitch and moan about the team I feel I have every right.
I totally take exception to what he said and I think it is a disgrace that he would call us that and especially to Lattimer and headsnap. I think we should start a new website called http:\\www.bobgretzisanazzclown.com [Reply]
The more Bob Dole thinks about the comments in this column, the more pissed off Bob Dole gets.
Want to swap places for a year, Bobby? Bob Dole will most certainly enjoy cruising around town in your car that probably cost more than Bob Dole's house. Bob Dole has always wanted to attend the 101 Banquet--it would be really cool to do it on someone else's dime. See every Chiefs game for pay? Hell yes! Have a website where I can spout off my opinion like it means something?
Gretz can kiss my ass. If Robinson had been fired last year when he should've been fired, we'd be trading smack with the Patriots and they'd have to come to our house this weekend.
Classless for starting a web site? Sheeyit, how else would you like us to get the message to you guys. All too often the Kansas City Chiefs management does stuff that stinks and there has to be a way to get the message to you clowns. The FANS HAVE A RIGHT TO GET PISSED!
Ask anybody that's ever had pay $20.00 to park in a urine-induced mudpuddle. [Reply]
Originally Posted by dirk digler:
I agree with you Bob, I spend a ton of money on tickets, merchandise, and emotions and if I want to bitch and moan about the team I feel I have every right.
I totally take exception to what he said and I think it is a disgrace that he would call us that and especially to Lattimer and headsnap. I think we should start a new website called http:\\www.bobgretzisanazzclown.com
I completely agree. Every time Carl Peterson crosses his legs, you can hear Boob Gretzs' neck pop.
I suspect Boob Gretz has no facial hair due to fear of getting it caught in a zipper.
He hasn't had an original thought in over 10 years. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Bob_Damned_Dole:
When Bob Gretz has to work 40+ hours a week at a job he despises instead of getting paid to do something that most of us can only dream about, his analysis will actually mean something to Bob Dole.
We spend our hard earned dollars and emotions to support a team. We're the team's customer whether Bobby G. likes it or not. And as with any customer, we've got every right to bitch about poor service when that's what we're provided.
And we're entitled to do it without some hired ass-clown calling us "classless."
Originally Posted by Bob_Damned_Dole:
When Bob Gretz has to work 40+ hours a week at a job he despises instead of getting paid to do something that most of us can only dream about, his analysis will actually mean something to Bob Dole.
We spend our hard earned dollars and emotions to support a team. We're the team's customer whether Bobby G. likes it or not. And as with any customer, we've got every right to bitch about poor service when that's what we're provided.
And we're entitled to do it without some hired ass-clown calling us "classless."
I only read the site 2-3 times, so I may have forgotten every single thing posted there. But IIRC, it was reasonable in tone that merely pointed out GR's failings and demanded that he be held responsible for them. I don't think that's classless.
And I've seen very few people kicking GR when he's "down." In fact, I've seen quite the opposite -- most folks thanking him and saying what a classy guy he was. Indeed, even www.firegregrobinson.com has changed its front page to thank GR for doing the right thing. [Reply]
The thing that strikes me most about this is that we aren't talking about a profession in which a guy holds a position for 25 years and then gets canned. How many teams (including college) has Greg Robinson worked for in his lifetime? Probably a hell of a lot more than you or I will. And HE KNOWS that when he takes a job it isn't a permanent position.
On top of all that, he did a piss-poor job. He can be sad that he let his friend down, but it isn't like he hasn't been fired before, and it certainly wasn't like he didn't deserve it.
So f%$K off Gretz. Go to Price Chopper, buy a family-size can of pork and beans, and put your overrated pie hole to better use. [Reply]
