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| The Chiefs cut CB Stanford Routt on Monday, a clear admission by management that they made a mistake in the offseason by signing him. (US Presswire) |
The Chiefs are now at the point of admitting their offseason mistakes. That was clear with three moves made on Monday. To make room to sign DL Shaun Smith, Kansas City cut CB Stanford Routt, who signed a three-year deal with team in the offseason. Romeo Crennel also took away defensive coordinator responsibilities from himself, promoting linebackers coach Gary Gibbs, according to the Kansas City Star.
Routt was supposed to replace Brandon Carr, who the Chiefs didn't make much effort to sign. They got Routt for less money, but his play has been one of the many disappointments in Kansas City; the Chiefs just didn't have a better alternative. Routt sat out Thursday's loss at San Diego because of a hamstring injury, and Travis Daniels and Javier Arenas took his place at the right corner spot. According to Pro Footbal Focus, Daniels and Arenas were targeted nine times and Philip Rivers completed all nine of those passes for 127 yards and a touchdown.
Smith was a fan favorite in 2010 with the Chiefs when he started 10 of 16 games on the defensive line. He likely replaces DE Glenn Dorsey, who reinjured his calf at San Diego. Smith played with Tennessee last season and was cut before the season by the Titans.
Crennel has deflected questions about whether he had too much on his plate as both the head coach and defensive coordinator. Demoting himself is an indiction he is at least conceding that could be part of the problem. And by letting go of Routt, GM Scott Pioli has conceded one of his offseason mistakes.
A twitter account dedicated to saving the team has more than 72,000 followers, and fans are flying banners over Arrowhead asking ownership to get rid of Pioli. These moves will likely only add fuel to the fire of the fan revolt against both Pioli and Crennel.
Follow Chiefs reporter C.J. Moore on Twitter @CBSChiefs and @cjmoore4.
