I'm still a bit worried, even though I'm blindly behind whatever the guy does, but did Pioli find the good players or did Belichick and his staff find the good players? This probably makes a gazillion times I've said this, but I'm excited to see what Pioli does without Belichik in his ear..

I get the arguement but the biggest thing Pioli is trying to establish is a "Team" concept. Once the coaching staff is in place they will probably reach out to the veteran leadership on the team and try to get them on the same page to set the right mindset. It'll all trickle down from there.

Don't forget LJ is no longer fast and that is about all he had to begin with. He certainly isn't shifty and he has no moves.

That explains the career long 60+ yard runs he broke this year.

Lord, the QB thing again. Not what I'm saying. I'm saying that Tony is the face of the franchise and at this time the most important player on the team. The veteran leader in the locker room.

OK, maybe I'm crazy.:shrug: Wouldnt be the first time. :D

I've been in management and to me that seems an easy and intuitive start to the relationship, but thats probably why I didnt get a call back about the Chiefs GM gig...:doh!:

Um, no. The HC and his staff will handle the players. The GM needs to be putting that staff together, not "reaching out & coddling" any of the players.

TG will get some love if he's a team player, buys into the new philosophy and coaching staff, and learns the new system while providing some leadership.

If not, he won't be here and no friendly relationship is required.

I was wondering the same thing myself, Mr. melbar. It's common practice for a new manager to introduce himself to the staff ... even debrief peeps at various levels within the organization. It's a recommended tactic, in fact.

Based on accounts in previous articles about Pioli, he's not the kind of guy who separates himself from the players, either. I read somewhere about how he likes to workout with them, etc. As he is a former player, that doesn't surprise me. But this does. I would have expected him to reach out to a few key veterans, at least. Hmmm. I mean Gonzo and Waters, I guess.

So ... what does it mean? I think Pioli is pissed off. I think he's seen enough tape in sufficient detail to go, "Mama Mia! These-a guys-a are a bunch-a tools-a." Plus, after learning about LJ's and Gonzos mid-season, locker room antics, he's using the time to find trade partners instead of schmoozing.

FAX

After one display of..................................
 

Thiggy & the new offense it became clear that Gonzo & LJ are expendable! Don't look for these two on the roster.

Thigpen and the new offense LOL....

Herm Edwards got fired haven't you heard?

Maybe just maybe Scott Pioli doesn't care about his old overpaid jackoff RB and a aging TE that likes to complain.

Didn't he get chased down from behind?

Good. LJ will be gone then.

He doesn't know which players will be on the team next year. What would he say to them?

"So, which Bar B Q joint do you like the best?"

He did, he did indeed.

I agree FAX. I feel like Pioli doesn't have the attachment that fans/coaches do for Gonzo, and absolutely doesn't for LJ, why should he get to know a vet who has publically said he wants to jump ship (not judging Gonzo, I don't blame him for wanting that ring in the twilight of his career). He is seeing two vets who are not helping a struggling team as far as morale.

As LJ goes, Pioli will try to deal him, IMHO. And he should. Johnson has been a whinny little bitch since he got here. And I'm a Penn State diehard, and I can't stand his attitude. Honestly, I'm embarassed that he came from PSU.

The Chiefs don't have a franchise caliber player such as a Manning or a Brady worth consulting over who the next head coach should be. Tony Gonzalez may think he has great value to this franchise because of the gaudy stats he has put up and the fact he makes the Pro Bowl every year... but Pioli only cares about wins and losses and Tony Gonzalez hasn't been a factor in helping the Chiefs in that area.

The decision on the next head coach and the free agency and draft decisions this offseason should be made based on what is in the best interest of the Chiefs future ability to win a Super Bowl... not what is best for Tony Gonzalez and his inflated ego.