Al Saunders and other questions

by MNchiefsfan on Feb 1, 2012 7:41 PM PST

Hello S & B faithful, just here for a quick visit. I have a couple of questions that only you can answer for me.

First, rumor has it Saunders is "out" as your offensive coordinator with the hiring of Knapp. Rumors are also starting to circulate that Romeo Crennel and Saunders met up recently. Now, it could be just a couple of old buddies shooting the breeze, but if we didn't speculate we'd never have anything to talk about on blogs like this...

So I put the questions to you guys, who'll know better than anyone else; how responsible did it seem Saunders was for your offense seeing some success this year, are you upset to see him go, and should I (or any Chiefs fan) be happy about the idea of acquiring his services?

As always, if we can keep the potshots aimed at me personally limited to only a few dozen, I'd really appreciate it. Unless you're having a really bad day. Then just go nuts. Better me than someone you actually like, right?

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A trade

How about an honest opinion of Steve Hoffman in exchange?

As for Saunders, I would have loved for them to at least let him finish out his contract, but apparently they’re taking the O in a completely different direction with no room for him in it. I see you guys are also considering Zorn. I’d rather have Saunders than Zorn any day. Though, and this is the part where I might get ridiculed, you really might want to consider Hue for the job. He wasn’t quite ready to be an HC most likely, but he was a great OC.

by rightnasty on Feb 1, 2012 7:47 PM PST reply actions

With Hoffman, it's kinda "meh"

On one hand, Colquitt developed into a very good punter under him. And Succop a pretty reliable kicker. We only allowed 1 TD return all year, and we had plenty of pretty decent returns of our own while pinning other teams back fairly consistently (for a team that could barely move the ball on offense, that is).

On the other hand, the “good” about our ST seemed more of a product of talented players than coaching. Colquitt was always a good punter, even before Hoffman. And Arenas never, ever goes down when the first guy hits him. The general consensus is that if he’d had decent blocking he would’ve led the league in return average rather than be 3rd.

Additionally, we didn’t block a single kick or even come close. And I’m sure you’re familiar with our absolute MELTDOWN in our blocking that cost us the playoffs (not to take anything away from Seymour. Great plays. But good LORD how do you let a guy do that TWICE?!).

So again, overall… meh. You’ll likely see excellent coverage on punts, less so on kicks. With your punter though, you guys’ll be pinning people back with regularity.

The writing was on the wall for Hoffman after the meltdown against you guys. If our ST had been “wow” the rest of the year he’d have probably earned a pass. But “ok” doesn’t save you from mistakes that cost playoffs, yanno?

If ST were a problem for you guys, he’ll improve it. But I wouldn’t expect miracles.

I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
I am the Master of Hyperenthetical Asiditry (you know, like this. Only more)

by MNchiefsfan on Feb 1, 2012 8:52 PM PST up reply actions

You hit the nail on the head with regards to Hue

Many on AP want him. we need someone who can take over the offense completely, since RAC is pretty much a pure defense guy.

Good to know Saunders didn’t burn bridges here. Pretty much anyone would be an upgrade over Bill Muir…

I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
I am the Master of Hyperenthetical Asiditry (you know, like this. Only more)

by MNchiefsfan on Feb 1, 2012 8:54 PM PST up reply actions

Might be just me

but I always got the feeling that Saunders’ main job was to hold the clipboard while Hue called the plays.

Don’t get the Knapp hate, especially considering the “talent” he was working with and the slime of a HC we had at the time.

As for ST we were about average on returns and coverage, but obviously not too shabby at the P and PK spots.

by 509er on Feb 1, 2012 8:56 PM PST reply actions

Agree with all this

I have no idea how much influence saunders had. I think hes a good coach but that offense was hues baby. And the knapp hate is out of control. Go look at the “offensive talent” on those teams. It was scary bad even if there had been a mediocre qb… And we had the worst ever.

by lchristmas on Feb 1, 2012 9:41 PM PST via mobile up reply actions