2008 Kansas City Chiefs season
| 2008 Kansas City Chiefs season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Herman Edwards |
| Home field | Arrowhead Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | TBD |
| Division place | TBD |
| Playoff finish | TBD |
The 2008 Kansas City Chiefs season will be the franchise's 49th season, and third with head coach Herman Edwards at the helm. The team will attempt to improve on their 4-12 record from 2007 with the fifth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.[1]
Beginning with the 2008 season, the team's Lamar Hunt/American Football League tribute patch which was introduced in the 2007 season will become a permanent part of the Chiefs' uniform.[2]
Schedule
The 2008 NFL season schedule was released on April 15. The Chiefs were reportedly one of the four teams being considered to play an international regular season game in London, England in 2008. Among the Chiefs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and Seattle Seahawks were in consideration.[3] The Chargers and Saints were later chosen instead.
*: Pending the NFL's Flexible scheduling formula.
| Pre-season | ||||||||
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Kickoff | Game site | TV | Record | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 7, 2008 | Chicago Bears | TBD | 7:00 PM CST | Soldier Field | KCTV | TBD | |
| 2 | August 16, 2008 | Arizona Cardinals | TBD | 7:00 PM CST | Arrowhead Stadium | KCTV | TBD | |
| 3 | August 23, 2008 | Miami Dolphins | TBD | 6:30 PM CST | Dolphin Stadium | KCTV | TBD | |
| 4 | August 28, 2008 | St. Louis Rams | TBD | 7:00 PM CST | Arrowhead Stadium | KCTV | TBD | |
| Regular season | ||||||||
| 1 | September 7, 2008 | New England Patriots | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Gillette Stadium | CBS | TBD | |
| 2 | September 14, 2008 | Oakland Raiders | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Arrowhead Stadium | CBS | TBD | |
| 3 | September 21, 2008 | Atlanta Falcons | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Georgia Dome | CBS | TBD | |
| 4 | September 28, 2008 | Denver Broncos | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Arrowhead Stadium | CBS | TBD | |
| 5 | October 5, 2008 | Carolina Panthers | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Bank of America Stadium | CBS | TBD | |
| Week 6 – Bye | ||||||||
| 7 | October 19, 2008 | Tennessee Titans | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Arrowhead Stadium | CBS | TBD | |
| 8 | October 26, 2008 | New York Jets | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Giants Stadium | CBS | TBD | |
| 9 | November 2, 2008 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Arrowhead Stadium | FOX | TBD | |
| 10 | November 9, 2008 | San Diego Chargers | TBD | 3:15 PM CST | Qualcomm Stadium | CBS | TBD | |
| 11 | November 16, 2008 | New Orleans Saints | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Arrowhead Stadium | FOX* | TBD | |
| 12 | November 23, 2008 | Buffalo Bills | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Arrowhead Stadium | CBS* | TBD | |
| 13 | November 30, 2008 | Oakland Raiders | TBD | 3:15 PM CST | McAfee Coliseum | CBS* | TBD | |
| 14 | December 7, 2008 | Denver Broncos | TBD | 3:05 PM CST | INVESCO Field at Mile High | CBS* | TBD | |
| 15 | December 14, 2008 | San Diego Chargers | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Arrowhead Stadium | CBS* | TBD | |
| 16 | December 21, 2008 | Miami Dolphins | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Arrowhead Stadium | CBS* | TBD | |
| 17 | December 28, 2008 | Cincinnati Bengals | TBD | 12:00 PM CST | Paul Brown Stadium | CBS* | TBD | |
Offseason
Administration and coaching changes
| The 2008 season is going to be a very important year for our football team. I expect us to at least compete for a playoff spot...I'm realistic and patient to some degree. But I also know that in the NFL you can quickly turn things around. |
| ~Clark Hunt, in January 2008.[4] |
Following the Chiefs loss to the New York Jets in the 2007 season finale, General Manager Carl Peterson announced that both he and head coach Herman Edwards would return to the Chiefs in 2008.[5] However, team chairman Clark Hunt—who took over leadership of the Chiefs in late 2006 after the death of his father, team founder Lamar Hunt—declined to immediately comment on Peterson's status.[5] Hunt spoke out weeks later and stated that the Chiefs were his "No. 1 priority"[4] and that "to have the best chance of success in 2008, having Carl here makes a lot of sense.”[6] Hunt wanted to avoid having a new general manager come in with a new head coach, and starting from scratch again.[6]
On January 1, the Chiefs fired offensive coordinator Mike Solari after two unproductive seasons.[7] Offensive line coach John Matsko, receivers coach Charlie Joiner and running backs coach James Saxon were fired as well after a season in which the Chiefs were among the worst offensive teams in the NFL.[7] Tight ends coach Jon Embree and assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach Dick Curl were the only offensive assistants who were retained.[7]
For offensive coordinator, the Chiefs interviewed Chan Gailey, Paul Hackett, Eric Price, Mike Shula, and Jim Fassel. Both Shula and Gailey were interviewed twice.[8] Gailey was hired on January 16.[8] Price was later added as the team's wide receivers coach.[9]
In addition to Gailey, the Chiefs added Bob Bicknell as their offensive line coach, and Joe D'Alessandris assistant offensive line coach.[10] Curtis Modkins, from Gailey's staff at Georgia Tech, was added as the team's running backs coach.[11]
Free agency
The Chiefs had 9 unrestricted free agents heading into the 2008 off-season.[12]
| Position | Player | Tag | Date signed | 2008 team | Contract (with KC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE | Jared Allen | Franchise[13][14] | February 19 (franchised)[13] April 22 (traded)[15] |
Minnesota Vikings | One year[13][14] |
| K | John Carney | UFA | Not tendered a contract | ||
| P | Dustin Colquitt | RFA | February 28 | Kansas City Chiefs | Five years[16] |
| KR | Eddie Drummond | UFA | Not tendered a contract | ||
| LB | Keyaron Fox | UFA | March 12 | Pittsburgh Steelers | |
| FB | Boomer Grigsby | RFA | March 4 | Miami Dolphins | |
| C | Rudy Niswanger | ERFA | N/A | Kansas City Chiefs | N/A |
| WR | Samie Parker | UFA | April 14 | Denver Broncos | |
| LB | Mickey Pimentel | ERFA | N/A | Kansas City Chiefs | N/A |
| CB | Benny Sapp | UFA | March 25 | Minnesota Vikings | |
| OT | Will Svitek | RFA | N/A | Kansas City Chiefs | N/A |
| OT | Kyle Turley | UFA | Retired[17] | ||
| C | Casey Wiegmann | UFA | March 21 | Denver Broncos | |
| DE | Jimmy Wilkerson | UFA | March 1 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | |
| FB | Kris Wilson | UFA | March 26 | Philadelphia Eagles | |
| RFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent | |||||
Additions
In February, Kansas City claimed OT Anthony Alabi off waivers from the Miami Dolphins.[18] Kansas City also agreed to two-year contracts with K Nick Novak, S Erick Harris, DT T.J. Jackson, CB Chad Johnson, OT Joe Lobdell, and G Rob Smith.[19]
In March, Kansas City claimed FB Oliver Hoyte off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys.[20] The team also signed free agent LB Demorrio Williams,[21] and WR Devard Darling.[22]
In April, Kansas City signed WR B.J. Sams, TE John Paul Foschi[23] and C Wade Smith.[24]
In May, the Chiefs held try outs for several undrafted rookie free agents, including QB Chris Leak. The Chiefs signed 17 players that were not drafted.[25]
Departures
In February, the Chiefs released WR Eddie Kennison,[26] OT John Welbourn,[17] RB Gilbert Harris,[17] DE Khreem Smith,[17] CB Ty Law,[27] LB Kendrell Bell,[27] TE Jason Dunn,[27] DT James Reed,[27] and OT Chris Bober.[28]
Failed signings
The Chiefs were as aggressive as NFL rules allowed them to be in pursuing C Jeff Faine and K Josh Brown, both of whom signed with teams on the first day of free agency. NFL rules prohibit teams from contacting prospective free agents or their agents until the new league begins. This year, that was at 11 p.m. on February 28. "There were probably some deals done before (the start of the league year)," Edwards said when asked why the Chiefs didn't get in the game with either player. "We didn't cheat. We abided by the rules. That's how you're supposed to do it, and that's what we did."[29]
Jared Allen trade
In February, the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on DE Jared Allen to prevent him from hitting the free agent market before the teams agree on a long-term deal.[13] In April, reports surfaced detailing a proposed trade between Kansas City and the Minnesota Vikings which would send Allen to Minnesota in exchange for additional selections in the 2008 NFL Draft.[30] Other teams that had contacted Allen's agent include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.[31] The Philadelphia Eagles also proposed a trade with Kansas City.[32] Allen was not tagged as an exclusive rights franchise player and had the right to visit and negotiate with other teams.[33]
Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson's relationship with Allen had been strained ever since Peterson, in the wake of Allen's DUI convictions, described him as "a young man at risk."[30] Allen, who could be suspended for a season if he has another alcohol-related episode, had said he would not negotiate with Kansas City if he did not get a contract done by July 2009.[30] Allen had previously voiced his wish to stay with the Chiefs.[13]
On April 22, the Chiefs and Vikings reached an agreement on a trade package, and at roughly the same time, Allen reached an agreement in principle on a contract with the Vikings. Upon reaching the contract agreement, Allen headed to the airport and left for Minnesota.[15]
Sources said the Vikings included a second third-round pick (No. 73) in the 2008 draft to get the deal done. They had been offering a No. 1 pick (17th in the first round) and a No. 3 (No. 82). The teams also swapped spots in the sixth round with the Vikings getting a better spot in the sixth round, sources said.[15]
2008 NFL Draft
The Chiefs chose fifth overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.[1] A coin flip held at the NFL Scouting Combine determined the tie-breaker between the Chiefs, Falcons, and Raiders.[34] The Chiefs had a league-high 13 selections heading into the draft.[35]
Kansas City was interested in DE Chris Long following the departure of DE Jared Allen, but ended up with DT Glenn Dorsey after he slipped to #5 overall. Kansas City had Dorsey rated higher than Long,[36] despite not having an immediate need at the position. Regardless of concern from NFL scouts about a previous leg injury to Dorsey which may cause him to get surgery in the near future, Kansas City selected Dorsey fifth overall.[36] Dorsey was considered by some to be the best player in the entire Draft.[37][38]
Several analysts considered Kansas City to have made the best draft selections of any team.[36][37][39][40][38][41][42] Kansas City also received the largest rookie pool to pay their 12 rookies, with a sum of $8,221,790, due in part to their two selections in the top 15 of the NFL Draft.[42]
| Round | Selection | Name | Position | College | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | Glenn Dorsey | Defensive tackle | LSU | |
| 15[a][e] | Branden Albert | Guard | Virginia | ||
| 2 | 35 | Brandon Flowers | Cornerback | Virginia Tech | |
| 3 | 73[e] | Jamaal Charles | Running back | Texas | |
| 76[a] | Brad Cottam | Tight end | Tennessee | ||
| 82[a] | DaJuan Morgan | Safety | North Carolina State | ||
| 4 | 105 | Will Franklin | Wide receiver | Missouri | |
| 5 | 140[e] | Brandon Carr | Cornerback | Grand Valley State | |
| 6 | 170 | Barry Richardson | Offensive tackle | Clemson | |
| 182[a][c] | Kevin Robinson | Wide receiver | Utah State | ||
| 7 | 210 | Brian Johnston | Linebacker | Gardner-Webb | |
| 239[d] | Michael Merritt | Tight end | Central Florida |
Notes:
- a Obtained Minnesota's first round selection (#17), and two third round selections (#73, #82) in exchange for DE Jared Allen. The teams also swapped sixth round selections (Kansas City moved from #187 to #182).[15]
- b Obtained Miami's fifth round selection (#136) in exchange for QB Trent Green.[1] The selection was later traded to Detroit.[43]
- c Obtained Tampa Bay's sixth round selection (#187) in exchange for RB Michael Bennett.[1] The selection was later swapped with Minnesota.[15]
- d Obtained New York's seventh round selection (#239) in exhange for K Lawrence Tynes.[1]
- e (Draft day trade) Obtained Detroit's first round selection (#15) and third round selection (#76) in exchange for the Chiefs' first round selection (#17), third round selection (#66) and fifth round selection (#136).[43]
Roster
Coaching staff
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References
- ^ a b c d e Chiefs secure fifth overall selection in 2008 NFL Draft KCChiefs.com, 22 February 2008.
- ^ Lamar Hunt patch becomes a permanent part of the Chiefs' uniform KCChiefs.com, 28 January 2008.
- ^ Mortensen, Chris. Sources: Bills likely to get OK to play game in Toronto ESPN.com, 20 January 2008.
- ^ a b Associated Press. Hunt expects Chiefs to challenge for playoffs in 2008 ESPN.com, 17 January 2008.
- ^ a b Associated Press. Peterson says he won't leave Chiefs 'before the job is finished' ESPN.com, 31 December 2007.
- ^ a b Whitlock, Jason. Clark Hunt evaluates Herm, weakens Peterson Kansas City Star, 17 January 2008.
- ^ a b c Associated Press. Chiefs fire four offensive assistant coaches ESPN.com, 2 January 2008.
- ^ a b Associated Press. Former Cowboys head coach hopes to revive Chiefs' sputtering offense ESPN.com, 16 January 2008.
- ^ Kansas City names Eric Price wide receivers coach KCChiefs.com, 24 January 2008.
- ^ Edwards promotes Bicknell, names D'Alessandris to offensive staff KCChiefs.com, 23 January 2008.
- ^ Kansas City names Curtis Modkins running backs coach KCChiefs.com, 23 January 2008.
- ^ 2008 Kansas City Chiefs free agents Accessed 1 January 2008.
- ^ a b c d e Clayton, John. Chiefs to put franchise tag on Allen, who wants to stay ESPN.com, 18 February 2008.
- ^ a b Associated Press. Chiefs franchise sack king Allen Sports Illustrated, 19 February 2008.
- ^ a b c d e Clayton, John. Sources: Chiefs agree to send franchise player Allen to Vikes ESPN.com, 22 April 2008.
- ^ Chiefs agree to terms of five-year contract with P Dustin Colquitt KCChiefs.com, 28 February 2008.
- ^ a b c d Associated Press. Chiefs release Welbourn as offseason remodeling starts ESPN.com, 15 February 2008.
- ^ Kansas City claims T Anthony Alabi off waivers KCChiefs.com, 13 February 2008.
- ^ Associated Press. Chiefs ink kicker Cundiff to two-year deal ESPN.com, 18 February 2008.
- ^ Kansas City claims FB Oliver Hoyte off waivers KCChiefs.com, 3 March 2008.
- ^ Kansas City agrees to terms with UFA LB Demorrio Williams KCChiefs.com, 3 March 2008.
- ^ Chiefs agree to terms with WR Devard Darling KCChiefs.com, 11 March 2008.
- ^ Kansas City agrees to terms with FB John Paul Foschi KCChiefs.com, 16 April 2008.
- ^ Associated Press. "Chiefs sign unrestricted free agent Wade Smith". The Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Chiefs agree to terms with 17 rookie free agents KCChiefs.com, 2 May 2008.
- ^ Associated Press. Chiefs cut loose former top starting wideout Kennison ESPN.com, 26 February 2008.
- ^ a b c d Associated Press. Report: Chiefs to release Bell, Dunn, Law, Reed ESPN.com, 27 February 2008.
- ^ Chiefs resign Colquitt, but Law likely to be cut ESPN.com, 29 February 2008.
- ^ Bucs, Rams anger Edwards Kansas City Star, 25 March 2008.
- ^ a b c Associated Press. Chiefs keeping options open with Pro Bowl end Allen ESPN.com, 18 April 2008.
- ^ Glazer, Jay. Chiefs' Allen talking with Vikings, Bucs Fox Sports, 17 April 2008.
- ^ Smith, Michael David. Could Eagles trade for Chiefs' Jared Allen? AOL Sports, 22 April 2008.
- ^ Chiefs statement on the status of DE Jared Allen KCChiefs.com, 17 April 2008.
- ^ Associated Press. Raiders, Falcons, Chiefs to decide draft order with coin flip ESPN.com, 31 December 2007.
- ^ KC trades DE Jared Allen to Minnesota for multiple draft choices KCChiefs.com, 23 April 2008.
- ^ a b c Czarnecki, John. Handing our draft grades for AFC teams Fox Sports, 27 April 2008.
- ^ a b Clayton, John. Chiefs' Day 1 plan comes together with Dorsey, others ESPN.com, 26 April 2008.
- ^ a b Kiper, Jr., Mel. Draft yields quantity, and plenty of quality, for Chiefs ESPN.com, 27 April 2008.
- ^ Williamson, Bill. AFC West: Chiefs benefit from Dorsey's slight fall ESPN.com, 27 April 2008.
- ^ McClain, John. Chiefs, Cowboys shine Houston Chronicle, 27 April 2008.
- ^ King, Peter. Monday Morning QB: Making sense of the 2008 NFL draft Sports Illustrated, 28 April 2008.
- ^ a b Clayton, John. Chiefs get largest rookie pool to pay draft picks ESPN.com, 7 May 2008.
- ^ a b 2008 Kansas City Chiefs Draft KCChiefs.com, 27 April 2008.