Subscribe
Fanhouse: Scott Pioli, Tyler Thigpen, Matt Cassel and the Future of the Chiefs 
Chiefs Report | Thu, Jan 15
Chiefs Report is the #2 Blogger for Kansas City Chiefs
There are reasons for optimism, however; Kansas City's 2008 draft class was one of the best in recent memory; Dwayne Bowe is quickly becoming one of the AFC's best wideouts; and Tyler Thigpen, a draft-day afterthought with the Vikings in '07, played like a legit NFL quarterback for most o...
Try These Related Topics
Try These Related Topics
More Chiefs Report
Jags claim former Chief's CB Tyron Brackenridge
Teicher: Chiefs, Broncos bring Patriots’ philosophy to the AFC West
DJ getting hitched
Ex-Chief Roaf Begins Coaching Career
Franklin Goes to the Dark Side
So did LJ win...or lose the grievance?
Dolphins face big challenge in Chiefs' Tony Gonzalez
PFT: Gonzalez Got Out By Not Trying To Force His Way Out
Williamson: Vets continue to stay away from Kansas City
Former Charger signs with Chiefs
CHIEFS TRADE FOR CASSEL
Williamson: Passing to tight end may be over in K.C.
Williamson: Pioli sticks to his roots in Vrabel trade February 27, 2009 4:30 PM Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson It is significant that Scott Pioli's very first player addition as the leader of the Kansas City Chiefs is Mike Vrabel. Vrabel will forever be remembered as one of the great faces of the New England Patriots' dynasty team of this decade. Gritty, tough, overachieving and a dripping with leadership, Vrabel was a Patriot. The Patriot Way is a mantra in Kansas City as Pioli strikes out on his own as the general manager of the wayward Chiefs after being the man behind the scenes during the Lombardi Trophy days in New England. After weeks of silence and complete poker-faced operations. Pioli has made a bombshell with his first move as he acquired the linebacker from New England in a deal for an undisclosed draft choice. Many in the loop had no idea the Patriots would even think of trading Vrabel. At 33, he was still productive on the field and he was a great leader of the Patriots. Now, he has a new role in Kansas City. Vrabel will be a nurturer. The Chiefs are the youngest team in the NFL. They are a long way from being a contender. But so were the Patriots when Vrabel came to New England in 2001. The Patriots ended that season with their first Super Bowl parade. We're not saying the Vrabel-Chiefs connection will be super, but he will make the team better. All of the Chiefs young players will see how hard Vrabel plays and prepares. He is a terrific piece for Pioli to start his tenure with in Kansas City. With leaders such as Tony Gonzalez and Brian Waters potentially on their way out in Kansas City, the Chiefs need leaders. They just got one in a player Pioli was smart to reconnect with. Pioli's acquisition of Vrabel leads us to our next question: Will the Chiefs trade for quarterback Matt Cassel next. The Vrabel trade shows the Patriots and Chiefs are talking and they are not afraid to do business together. Cassel would fit for the Chiefs who have yet to settle on their new quarterback. It is now clear Pioli wants players he is comfortable with as he moves forward in Kansas City. So perhaps Cassel is next. But what we do know is Vrabel is a Chief and Pioli is working the Patriot Way in Kansas City. Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Scott Pioli, Mike Vrabel, Tony Gonzalez, Brian Waters, Matt Cassel Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted 0 / 1500 Cancel Member comments together with Member Names may be used on TV and other ESPN media platforms. * Comments (1-1) o willockman23 willockman23 (2/27/2009 at 1:36 PM) Report Violation um..... I'm dumbfounded..... I thought we're trying to stay younger and keep our draft picks??? I hope they traded away nothing higher than a 5th rounder (even than, I think it's too high). But I guess in a weird way, it makes perfect sense if the Chiefs are really switching to a 3-4 defense. A reliable vet is needed to teach the LB group the new defense. Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Smith: Patriots TE Watson Would be a Great Fit in K.C.
BR: Can Kansas City Chiefs Thrive Under Todd Haley's Offensive Approach?
USA Today: Kansas City Chiefs Team Report
Gonzalez, Allen named to Pro Bowl
Donovan named Chiefs executive vice president
Rand: Matching wits and muscle
Several '08 picks should make immediate impact
Chiefs-Jets game time could change
Chiefs notes: Claim on tackle; Turley on IR
'Mr. Irrelevant' Tries to Make His Mark at Chiefs Mini-Camp
PFT: Chiefs Saturday Minicamp Report
PFT: Chiefs Sunday Minicamp Report
PFT: Does Pioli Not Have Final Say In Kansas City?
PFT: Source: Pioli Has Final Say
Teicher: Chiefs coach Haley says Vrabel ‘excited to get here’
BR: The Zach Thomas Signing Effect on the Kansas City Chiefs' First Round Pick
PFT: Zach Thomas Contract Details Revealed
Teicher: Chiefs need Cottam to catch on at tight end
ESPN: Croyle enters season relaxed
Chiefs Report Mock Draft
Last chance for Barth?
Chiefs Miss Out on Taylor
VIKES GIVE UP THREE 2008 PICKS FOR ALLEN
Chiefs, LB Thomas agree to deal
Williamson: Taylor should have been a Chief
BR: Chiefs' Interviews from OTA'S
Allen wants trade from Chiefs
NFL Mocks, Chiefs Draft Needs
Former Chief DeBerg is a quarterback guru
USA Today: Rebuilding process in Kansas City begins with Cassel at helm
Ex-49er signs with KC Chiefs
Opinion: ESPN: Camp Confidential: Chiefs energized by their youth
Podcast: * Home * About * Archives * Blast * Contact us Subscribe to Off the Record Sports Larry Johnson wants out
Podcast: Huard Comments on the Kansas City Chiefs
Related News
Mr. Irrelevant 2009 - Ryan Succop
Right now, I am very concerned that Cassel's lack of a supporting cast is going to make him a...
Chiefs Rank Low, Gonzalez Ranks High in ESPN All-Decade Power Rankings
4. Glenn Dorsey, Chiefs Hasn’t really played the position until this year, but based on what he s...
The Greatest Kansas City Chiefs, By the Numbers: #12
Chiefs Add Mike Brown To Secondary
Top Bloggers
Related Photos
How Effective were the Chiefs 2008 Receivers?
Larry Fitzgerald: 62.3%Steve Smith: 60.4%Roddy White: 59.4%Calvin Johnson: 51.6%Greg Jennings: 57.1% While Dwayne Bowe's numbers are slightly less effective than his rookie season (59.8%), there's no cause for concern. His numbers are in line for where I think he'll be in 2009 - on the cusp...
Mon, Jun 22 | from Arrowhead Pride
