AFC West: Mike Goff
The 12-year veteran had seven starts with Kansas City last year before he was hurt. The decision is not a surprise. He was brought in as a stop-gap solution. Kansas City will try to find a right guard this offseason through free agency or through the draft.
Also, the team brought back backup quarterback Matt Gutierrez. He is the team’s third-string quarterback. They also re-signed running back Kolby Smith. Smith is an interesting player, who has talent. But his career has been plagued by injuries. Still, Smith will get a chance to show he can back up Jamaal Charles.
Chiefs put Goff on injured reserve
The Kansas City Chiefs’ battered offensive line took another hit when guard Mike Goff was put on the injured reserve.
Goff has a shoulder injury. The first-year Chief had a streak of 113 straight starts broken Sunday at Jacksonville. Andy Alleman played for Goff against Jacksonville and likely will stay in the role moving forward.
To replace Goff on the roster, Kansas City signed linebacker Justin Rogers. He was on the team for a short period earlier in the season.
Random notes from the Chiefs’ 24-21 loss in Jacksonville:
The Chiefs have to be thrilled with the debut of receiver Chris Chambers. Chambers had three catches for 70 yards from quarterback Matt Cassel. Two of the catches, including a 54-yarder, came for touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Chambers was claimed off waivers Tuesday, one day after he was cut by San Diego. The Chiefs have been looking for the right mix at receiver all season. Chambers may be the answer. Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers are two pretty good starting receivers.
Second-year safety DaJuan Morgan started his first NFL game. He has six tackles and a fumble recovery. Morgan could continue to get extensive playing time with Jarrad Page out for the season.
Guard Mike Goff had a streak of 113 straight starts snapped because of injury.
No. 3 overall pick Tyson Jackson continued to play well. He had seven tackles.
Chiefs running backs Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith combined for 53 yards on 10 carries during Larry Johnson’s one-game suspension.
Receiver Lance Long, promoted from the practice squad two weeks ago, had eight catches for 74 yards. He looks like he could be a decent contributor.
Denver defensive lineman Ryan McBean may not play Monday night against Pittsburgh with a knee injury. LeKevin Smith is set to start in his place.
In Kansas City, safety Jon McGraw is doubtful to play Sunday at Jacksonville with a thigh injury and guard Mike Goff is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Kansas City coach Todd Haley explains a sign that has made headlines this week.
San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman sits down for an interesting interview with the San Diego Union Tribune.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
Biggest surprise: Cutting guard Kynan Forney. I’d say Forney’s release was one of the biggest surprises in the league. It’s not that Forney is a huge name, but he was expected to be a contributor. He was locked in a battle for the starting job with rookie Louis Vasquez all camp. The Chargers wanted Vasquez, a third-round pick from Texas Tech, to win the job because they think he has huge potential. But Forney, who was re-signed when the team didn’t opt to keep Mike Goff this offseason, was playing well. He suffered a neck injury and it hurt his cause. Forney’s misfortune is Vasquez’s fortune. Vasquez is now an NFL starter.
No brainers: The decision to keep running back Michael Bennett. Ever since he was claimed off waivers last year, the Chargers liked what they saw in the veteran running back. He is a playmaker and he can occupy a role behind LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles. You can never have too many game breakers.
What’s next: The Chargers may look for some help on both lines. The team could use some veteran reinforcements for depth on both the offensive and defensive line.
Chiefs aggressively try to fix O-line woes
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
We just found out something about new Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli: He is going to aggressively try to fix problem areas.
After the Chiefs' offensive line struggled in the first two preseason games, Pioli has made a move to improve both the starting lineup and the depth on the unit.
Pioli acquired guard/tackle Ike Ndukwe and guard/center Andy Alleman from Miami. Ndukwe started 15 games at guard last season and he was moved to tackle this season. He could push both guard Mike Goff and tackle Barry Richardson in Kansas City. Both Goff and Richardson have struggled. Alleman could potentially push for a starting spot at guard if Ndukwe wins the tackle job.
Ndukwe and Alleman were Miami's starting guards in its playoff game against Baltimore. Last season, Alleman started four games for the Dolphins.
These two aren't world-beater players, but they can upgrade Kansas City's line. The move shows Pioli is willing to do what it takes to address problem areas. Kansas City coach Todd Haley had said new quarterback Matt Cassel may have to make plays with his feet because of the line issues. Perhaps these moves will give Cassel more time.
Meanwhile, Kansas City cut linebacker Vince Redd, who was with Pioli in New England.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
A look at the key loss and his replacement for each team in the division:
Who's out: Jay Cutler, quarterback, traded to Chicago.
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Who's in: Kyle Orton, quarterback, acquired from Chicago.
Outlook: It would be impossible for Broncos fans to expect Orton to have the same impact that Cutler had. Orton simply isn't as talented as Cutler.
But in new Denver coach Josh McDaniels' system, the team is confident Orton, who was named Denver's starting quarterback over Chris Simms on Saturday, can manage games and help win games.
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Orton was a decent player in Chicago. Cutler was becoming a great player in Denver before he butted heads with McDaniels. Orton probably never will make the highlight-film plays that Cutler does and he never will amass the passing yardage Cutler does. But McDaniels believes Orton will work well in the system. Denver wants the run to set up the pass and Orton has the best receiving weapons of his career. He may not be fancy and he won't make people forget about Cutler's arm, but Orton has a chance to succeed in Denver because of the system that helped Matt Cassel enjoy fast success in New England last year.
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Who's out: Tony Gonzalez, tight end, traded to Atlanta.
Who's in: Brad Cottam, tight end.
Outlook: Cottam will have some competition, including journeymen Sean Ryan and Tony Curtis. But the team likes Cottam, who was a third-round pick last year. The thing is, Cottam is more of a blocking tight end and will not remind anyone of Gonzalez, who is the greatest receiving tight end of all time.
But Cottam will get dirty and help in the running game. New Kansas City coach Todd Haley used the tight end sparingly as the offensive coordinator in Arizona. So, Cottam won't have that much pressure on him to make an impact in the receiving game.
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Who's out: Kwame Harris, left tackle, cut.
Who's in: Mario Henderson, left tackle.
Outlook: Khalif Barnes was signed as a free agent to replace Harris, who flopped in one season in Oakland. However, the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Henderson is beating out Barnes heading to training camp.
Oakland coach Tom Cable likes Henderson, a third-year player. Still, Barnes was brought in to start. So, Henderson will have to earn the job. This has long been a problem position for Oakland. Perhaps it will be the young Henderson who offers stability.
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Who's out: Mike Goff, guard, signed with Kansas City as a free agent.
Who's in: Louis Vasquez, guard.
Outlook: Vasquez will battle with veteran Kynan Forney, who was originally expected to replace Goff, whom the team did not pursue in free agency.
However, Vasquez, a third-round pick, has been outstanding in the spring. If Vasquez has a strong training camp and preseason, expect him to win the job. The Chargers are looking for a long-term answer at the position and they believe it could be Vasquez.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
• Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli said that star tight end Tony Gonzalez has not asked for a trade. There was a report from an unnamed source saying Gonzalez was open to a trade. Then, Gonzalez told the Kansas City Star that he is "neutral" about a deal.
Pioli acted as if Gonzalez will remain in Kansas City, echoing the words of owner Clark Hunt, who said the team wants to keep Gonzalez. It appears the Chiefs are committed to Gonzalez as they try to bounce back from winning a total of six games the past two seasons. Meanwhile, Pioli sounds as if he will not trade Brian Waters, who reportedly wants to be traded.
• There is at least one player in the New York Jets' locker room who isn't thrilled by the prospect of the team trading for Denver quarterback Jay Cutler.
Meanwhile, the Broncos' one mandatory minicamp isn't until June. So Cutler, who is staying away from the team's offseason program, won't have to show up until well after the April 25-26 draft. Cutler has said he will only show for mandatory camps.
• Former San Diego offensive lineman Mike Goff has some bitter feelings as he moves on. The Chargers had no interest in re-signing Goff.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Thursday mailbag:
Millhouse from Los Angeles: What is the NFL's logic in assuming East Coast teams are affected by having to go out west, whereas West coast teamsa are not by having to go east? Just another example of the East Coast biased. God forbid the Patriots not the playoffs again!
BW: I really can't tell you, sir. I am with you and several people from West Coast teams are with you. If a trip from Boston to Oakland is taxing wouldn't a trip from Oakland to Boston be just as difficult? What West Coast teams want is a chance to play later games on the East Coast to get adjusted to the time change. But the league doesn't believes is a factor and because of scheduling issues I have been told there are no immediate plans to change the situation.
Mike from St. Paul: bill, what are the chances the Bolts trade down to get a second round pick this year?
BW: If you mean trading out of the No. 16 pick, I'd be surprised. Now, San Diego isn't afraid to make moves. But I think the team feels fortunate to have such a high pick and will use it on an impact player.
Cam from San Diego: Bill, What do you think about KC signing (G) Goff? I know SD planned to move forward without him. Seems like a good low risk move consistent with Pioli's strategy. Cam
BW: I like it. He's a solid veteran who can help the youngsters. Plus, Goff is massive. He'll be a good stop-gap answer for a couple of years.
Jacob from Lindsay, NE: The #12 will land the Broncos an impact player for sure but does it need to be a d-lineman or linebacker?? The secondary looks good with the free agent class. Thanks for all the good info in your blog, I can't better info anywhere else. Keep it up!!
BW: I think that's where Denver will start. The Broncos need another impact player at defensive line and at linebacker. That's where I see the Broncos starting their draft search.
Former Charger lands in Kansas City
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
DANA POINT, Calif. -- The Kansas City Chiefs have made an addition to their starting offensive line and a subtraction from the San Diego Chargers' roster in one move.
According to a source close to the deal, the Chiefs and Mike Goff agreed to a two-year, $3.5 million contract. The Kansas City Star first reported the story. He will start at either center or guard for the Chiefs who are looking to make upgrades on the offensive line.
The presence of Goff could allow the Chiefs to pursue a trade of Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters. The Kansas City Star reported several weeks ago that Waters wants to be traded. The Chiefs begin their offseason workout program Monday. The team is hopeful Waters shows up.
The Chargers had no plans to re-sign Goff, 33. He has a somewhat shaky 2008 season. The team will likely give Kynan Forney, who re-signed this offseason, a chance to start with Goff now in Kansas City.
Chiefs get busy with roster changes
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
The Kansas City Chiefs have salary cap room and needs on both sides of the ball.
Yet, aside from a trade early in the free agency period that netted quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel, the Chiefs were quiet. Kansas City's free agent signings were mostly little-known bottom-of-the-roster types.
Tuesday, however, Kansas City got busy.
The Chefs signed receiver Bobby Engram, linebacker Monty Beisel, and receiver Terrance Copper, who will fight to make the roster.
The signing of Engram and Beisel won't rival the additions of Cassel and Vrabel in terms of impact but both should be decent role players.
Engram could battle for the No. 2 receiver spot if he stays healthy, or be a top backup. He has 113 starts in 13 NFL seasons. He has 645 careers catches, including 94 in 2007. He was injured often in 2008. He will be a reliable target for Cassel.
Beisel started his career in 2001 in Kansas City and stayed for four seasons. He has 19 career starts in eight seasons. He could vie for a starting role on a weak Kansas City linebackers unit but most likely will be a backup and a special teams player.
Beisel has ties to the Chiefs' new management. He played in New England in 2005 under new Chiefs' general manager Scott Pioli. He was in Arizona the past three years. He played there for new Chiefs' coach Todd Haley and new Kansas City defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast.
Copper played in Dallas when Haley was the receivers coach.
Meanwhile, San Diego free agent Mike Goff visited the Chiefs on Tuesday. The Chargers are not going to bring Goff back but he could start in Kansas City.
A.J. Smith presser news and notes
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
San Diego general manager A.J. Smith held a 45-minute press conference to address the team's status heading into free agency. There were several interesting developments. Of course, the most important part of the press conference centered around a situation that is still unresolved.
Smith said talks on restructuring LaDainian Tomlinson's contract were ongoing, but he wouldn't go into specifics about the situation. If Tomlinson, who is due more than $6.7 million this season, doesn't take a restructured deal to reduce his 2009 pay, he will likely be cut.
The talks could last several days. There is no hard deadline. The fact that the talks, which began in earnest Sunday, are taking this long could be a sign of difficulty. However, both sides want Tomlinson to remain in San Diego so the talks will continue.
Meanwhile, San Diego cut linebacker Anthony Waters, who was a third-round pick in 2007. The team had high hopes for Waters last season but he was injured and never made an impact when he was healthy. Still, it is a bit surprising the team gave up on him so early in his career.
Smith said the team will not pursue any of its four remaining unrestricted free agents: defensive lineman Igor Olshansky, guard Mike Goff, linebacker Marques Harris and center Jeremy Newberry. That proclamation is not surprising.
The team wasn't pleased with Olshansky's and Goff's play last season and Harris and Newberry are role players. The Chargers re-signed guard Kynan Forney on Wednesday and he could take Goff's place. Smith said the team would monitor movement in free agency but wouldn't say how much of a player the team would be. The Chargers will likely sign one or two players but not be particularly busy.
Also, Smith said left tackle Marcus McNeill had knee surgery three weeks ago but he is expected to be ready for training camp. McNeill was hampered by a neck problem last season.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Salary cap situation: The Chargers will be in the $15-20 million range. They will be able to do a few things if they decide to.
Needs: Linebacker, defensive tackle, safety, guard.
Possible targets: Baltimore linebacker Bart Scott; free agent Gibril Wilson; Miami linebacker Channing Crowder.
Biggest possible departures: Guard Mike Goff; defensive end Igor Olshansky.
How active will they be?: The Chargers usually rely on the draft and keeping their own players. They are concentrating on redoing the deal of running back LaDainian Tomlinson and signing stars such as quarterback Philip Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates this offseason. There may be some additions but, as always, the Chargers will be selective.
A look at the Chargers' free agents
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Key unrestricted free agents: Running back/returner Darren Sproles, guard Mike Goff and defensive lineman Igor Oklshanky. Sproles will likely be the team's top target. While he is too small to be a primary tailback, the Chargers need to keep him because he is so versatile.
Key restricted free agents: Receiver Malcolm Floyd and cornerback Cletis Gordon. The team likes both players and may try to keep them both.
Dream free agent match: Baltimore linebacker Bart Scott. He is an underrated player who could fit in well with the Chargers who could use another playmaker.
Audibles: AFC West Week 6 preview
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Oakland Raiders (1-3) at New Orleans Saints (2-3), 1 p.m. ET
The Tom Cable era begins in the Big Easy.
But is anything ever easy for a Raiders head coach?
Cable is Oakland's' fifth head coach since 2003. The past three Oakland coaches -- Norv Turner, Art Shell (in his second stint as head coach) and Lane Kiffin -- all lost their debuts. Cable is certainly used to losing. He was 11-35 at his alma mater, Idaho, in his previous head coaching post.
Still, Cable had the reputation in the NFL as one of the best offensive line coaches. He is a tough coach who now is in charge of a 1-3 team that is trying to rebound from a turbulent first month of the season.
The Big Easy? I think not.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3) at Denver Broncos (4-1), 4:05 p.m. ET
Think the NFL isn't a week-to-week proposition?
All eyes are on the Denver offense this week. Yes, the Denver defense is off the hook after leading the team to a 16-13 win over Tampa Bay last week as Denver improved to 4-1 and increased its surprising lead in the AFC West to two games. The Denver defense allowed 113 points in the three previous games.
With the Denver defense stepping it up, it's all about the Denver offense. After scoring a cumulative 114 points in its first three games, Denver has scored 35 points combined in the past two games.
The Broncos had just one play for more than 20 yards against Tampa Bay. With receiver Eddie Royal and tight end Tony Scheffler likely out this week because of injury, the Broncos will be challenged even more to display the firepower they displayed in first three weeks of the season.
Yes, in the NFL, it's all week-to-week.
New England Patriots (3-1) at San Diego Chargers (2-3), 8:15 p.m. ET
Lost in the Chargers' sea of high-profile injuries and yet another slow start is no small issue: The Chargers' offensive line, one of the best in the NFL, has yet to become a cohesive unit. It, too, has been banged up. And it has shown.
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers, who is nursing sore ribs, has been knocked around the past couple of weeks. Both Oakland and Miami put constant pressure on Rivers.
It's out of character in San Diego, but it's to be expected. Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick is just getting back into the swing of things after having offseason foot surgery. Pro Bowl left tackle Marcus McNeill missed two games with a neck stinger and guard Mike Goff missed much of practice last week.
The unit rarely has practiced together. Add the fact that right tackle Jeromey Clary is a new starter and it is no mystery why Rivers isn't having much time.
There have been plenty of trouble spots in San Diego, but the offensive line hasn't had time to work together as it heads into Sunday's game against New England. The Patriots have one of the most active pass rushes in the league.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
