Herm not to blame for Chiefs current state
Under Dick Vermeil, the Chiefs drove the ball down the field quickly and scored often. They were fun to watch.
When Herm Edwards took over in 2006, the Chiefs had been one of the top offenses for several years. It's achilles heel? Its defense. The defense couldn't stop anyone.
The problem was that Dick Vermeil, a brillliant offensive mind, had no clue about coaching a defense. Dick Vermeil was to defense as my wife is about cars. She doesn't understand how it operates, doesn't take care of it, but is frustrated when it doesn't work. This accurately describes Dick Vermeil and his defense.
Dick Vermeil knew he was only going to be there a few years. He had no interest in building for the future, he was there to win NOW. He drafted almost exclusively for what his needs were. His defense was bad, so he drafted defensive lineman after defensive lineman. All of them failed because Vermeil didn't understand defense and didn't know what to look for in a defensive player.
He had a great offensive line, but was not concerned about their advancing age since he would be retired before they were. He filled holes in the team by signing free agents rather than playing young players.
This is the Chiefs team Herm Edwards inherited. One of the leagues worst defenses and an aging offense.
Herm is building the team for the future by building through the draft. The majority of players drafted while he has been the head coach are receiving playing time; several are starting.
I've heard the current state of the offensive line blamed on Herm being a defensive coach and he's ignoring the offense.
He has been here through two drafts. In that time he has taken our defense from being one of the leagues worst, to one of the leagues best. He hasn't ignored the offense either, drafting QB of the future Brodie Croyle and new star WR Dwayne Bowe.
There is no question the offensive line is a shambles, but there are only so many draft picks each year. Until this year, the O-line wasn't as good as it had been, but wasn't terrible either. Herm was trying to squeeze one more year out of it so he could take care of our other, more immediate needs (Defensive Line, Wide Receiver).
The thing I personally have been most impressed with about Herm Edwards is his ability to judge young talent and get the most out of it.
Don't blame Herm Edwards for the sorry state of the Chiefs. He inherited a team from a coach on his way out shooting for the stars, future be damned.
Yes the Chiefs have fallen hard and fast, but do not demonize the man who may be the only one who can revive our once great team to future greatness.
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