KSpan

No disagreement with your later statements, and I might be OK with keeping him at a decent price. That just doesn't seem likely at this point though, and if he walks with minimum compensation that's just a sign of how badly Fitterer screwed it up. However, the team team can't back the Brinks truck up out of fear.

In fairness to your comment I went and looked up the highlight... Brown already had a fistful of Baker on that play after he and Luvu blew up the pocket, and Baker was backpedaling and falling down when Burns finished him off. Burns did nothing of note on that play but got the statistical credit. This is not at all a counter to my point.

What an offense does is irrelevant - a strip-sack late in a close game (as one example) is definitely impact and game-changing. Burns, or any other defender, can't control what happens on the other side of the ball. With that said you could substitute 'memorable' for 'game-changing' and the result is the same. I've watched almost every game and don't recall a single outstnading, memorable play that Burns has made. It's hardly scientific of course, but when I think back to Peppers I can remember blocked field goals, the Denver game in 2004 (Plummer out at the 1, 99 yard interception return very next play), touchdown return vs Atlanta, and him just generally taking over games. I'm not saying that Burns or anyone else needs to be Peppers to be a quality player, because Peppers is a lock for the Hall. But he wants to be paid like guys that play on that level in today's NFL and the production and impact just isn't there.

Like how he was a top DE before he was unhappy with his contract, right? Making all of those big game-changing plays? There is 5 years of tape on Burns. He is a known quantity, and people tend to suddenly get better/play harder before the contract, not after. This team only lost by 2 possessions or less several times - Burns had his chance to show he took the next step and deserves elite money. He failed to do so.

For the billionth time, the decision isn't about trying to replace him one-for-one, it's about taking the value that he brings and spreading it across the defense. Is it worth letting him go if it nets a couple of better starters and depth? Absolutely. The bottom line is he's not worth what he's asking, period. He's a known quantity, and that quantitiy is not a game-changer. That money can go to Luvu, Brown, FAs, and any draft picks (which again, might be a moot point given how badly Fitterer screwed that up) may very well be a greater gain than his value.

Why would he do that though, at least at this point? Way less money and way more stress, plus he seems to enjoy being off the field vs on it at this point.

Rhule just regrets not having a former HC to throw under the bus for 'not giving proper guidance'.

But hey, Carolina got Jaycee Horn.

And the arm of a 50 cal. Works fine in that offense.

The two are not mutually exclusive.

We already know it's possible once every few blue moons. It's just not a winning strategy to count on, akin to banking on winning the lottery to fund their retirement.

No real disagreement, but the Chiefs got cute and cost themselves significant points between penalties and silly play calling at the end of the 1st half. The game really played more like a 27-17 type of score.

Yup, the game was there for the taking. It's not all on Lamar of course, definitely not, but the lack of playoff success is big at this point.

Baltimore's whole team seemed like they weren't prepared for the Chiefs to not just fold. The game was there to take and they just couldn't. Pretty clear that Mahomes should be MVP as well, stats be damned.

Lamar has unfortunately made the message quite clear. Pressure will just continue to build from here.

Back after making some dinner, just in time to see Baltimore fumble. Lolz.

Lamar starting to crack. Bolton should have had that.

They've about hit the minimum talent level on offense. Mahomes is working magic but there are limits to everything.

It was a definite risk moving on from Alex Smith but it was painfully clear he wasn't going to get them over the hump. That said, no way they had any idea Mahomes would become what he has.

That offense definitely looked limp in the second half of the season. For whatever reason though they figured it out come playoff time after somewhat skidding their way in.

What are you talking about 'not a very good team'? Not as good a receiving corps as years past, true, but the defense has been legit almost all season, Mahomes elevates the entire offense, and they have hit their stride these past weeks. That said, I get the Chiefs fatigue. It's a final four with 3 teams that get a lot of press and then the Lions as the only real interesting twist.

It was nonsense in the first place and just looks dumber now. This game has been very evenly called.

Y'all still yapping about this?

They're gonna call that for any QB 100% of the time, and the Van Not thing was stupid after they let both teams get away with a bit.