Chiefs Almost Put Together Two Solid Halves of Football
by Chris Thorman on Nov 3, 2008 8:07 AM CST
in 2008 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign
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Before we jump into more specific opinions about yesterday's game, I wanted to mention that for the first time in a long time, I had a lot of fun watching the Kansas City Chiefs yesterday. The team was inspired, energetic and for a brief time yesterday, you saw a break in the clouds. Will that sunshine last?
I may buy a Tyler Thigpen jersey
I know I'm not the only one surprised with Tyler Thigpen's performance the last two weeks. I thought that those two performances, if Thigpen was even capable of them in the NFL, were years of development down the road.
I love the energy he brought yesterday. I love the TD catch from Mark Bradley. I love his much improved scrambling ability. To date, he's easily the 2008 Chiefs most exciting player.
Rushing attack takes a hit
With Kolby Smith injured yesterday and out for the rest of the season, expect the Chiefs rushing attack to get a bit weird. Jamaal Charles, Dantrell Savage and Jackie Battle will man the rushing corp but don't forget about Tyler Thigpen. Thigpen is currently third on the team in rushing (103 yards) and was already ahead of Kolby Smith in rushing yards on nearly half the attempts.
Averaging 5.1 yards a rush and totaling 183 yards on the ground, this was the third best rushing effort by the Chiefs this season. The 183 yards on the ground yesterday is more than the three previous week's rushing totals combined. The Chiefs also were able to run the ball 36 times, which usually means a win for Kansas City if that happens.
With Kolby Smith leaving the game in the second half with a season-ending knee injury, Jamaal Charles ended up with 18 carries on the day. I hate to see Kolby Smith injured but this does let us see, rather early on, how much of a load Jamaal Charles can handle as a starting NFL running back. I'm still shocked by his fumble in the 4th quarter but it's tough to be hard on the guy when that's about his only mistake.
Spreading the ball around
Since the trade deadline, I've noticed a certain tenacity in Tony Gonzalez's play that wasn't there before. I'm not questioning his desire whatsoever. I'm talking about him fighting off tackles and throwing defenders to the ground. He's being much nastier than he's ever been before and I wonder how much of that is out of frustration.
Never thought I would be saying, "Thanks for Mark Bradley!" But I am. The Chicago Bear transfer has made Chiefs fans wonder what receivers we were even arguing about playing during the preseason. Jeff Webb? Doesn't play. Devard Darling? Very average wide out. But Mark Bradley? Yeah, Mark Bradley.
What's that word...consistency?
Like Primetime mentioned, it was a tale of two halves. For a change, the Chiefs started hot but eventually gave up a 21-point lead to lose the game.
Bolstered by a trick play and a fumble recovery, the Chiefs busted off three straight touchdowns to start the game but only managed six points after that.
Going back to last season, this team has always had trouble playing two good halves of football. There are other explanations for that but I think a good argument can be made that it's the coache's inability to game plan for an entire 60 minutes that hurts us the most.
Turnover battle
I'm happy the Chiefs nearly won the game but if you are +3 in turnovers and you don't win, something is wrong. The Chiefs are +6 in turnovers the last two weeks and do not have a win to show for it.
No, there isn't another chance in overtime
When the Bucs got the ball first in overtime, they marched down the field in 9 plays and promptly kicked the game winning field goal. The Chiefs gave up ground and played like they had a chance to come back and score a touchdown to win. If the Chiefs don't dissolve on that drive yesterday and the Jets final drive two weeks ago, this team may be 3-5.
***
If there was a report card for this game, it would read Satisfactory. And the parent-teacher conference would go something like, "Your child isn't as quick as the other children but I think he'll turn out fine."
Yesterday was fun to watch and will spurn even more good conversation this week. A narrative of sorts is in it's infantile stages and I'm smiling because of that.
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Thigpen is 0-3 as a starter
but really should be 2-1… he’s doing a lot better than any of us could have expected. I, for one, was expecting a blowout yesterday… but got a pretty good game instead.
I am pleasantly surprised with Thiggy
and hope for continued improvement. It would be great to develop a reliable YOUNG #2 for the team.
"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
Agreed
I want Thigpen to do well. Then I want us to draft someone. And have a QB battle where we feel comfortable about both players.
Question
Let’s say Thigpen continues to play like he has the last two weeks, and even wins a few games (say we finish 4-12 again)…do you want us to “draft someone” early (1st or 2nd round) to battle Thiggy as the starter? or do you want us to draft someone who could be a solid backup for Thigpen?
With continued progress
If Thigpen keeps this up and gets better this season and even wins us a few games. Then my personal preference would be to draft a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round. I do think we need to bring in as many QBs next season as we can get, then with no bias let the best man win.
I personally hope Thigpen develops into the next Romo or Brady, how great would it be to finally be one of those teams.
Draft someone in the 1st or 2nd either way
It’s not a bad thing to have a lot of talent at the QB position.
by Joel Thorman on Nov 3, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions
O-Line must be fixed first
I have to disagree, only based on the fact that the O-Line and LB corps are in a much worse position and the 1st and 2nd round must fix that. Once our line is a top five O-Line, our QBs will be better as well. We have very good potential in Thigpen, don’t have a clue about Martin, and still have Croyle as a possible solid #2, and Gray could really become a force. I think the rookie QBOF should wait at least one more season. Who knows, the Notre Dame QB may be availiable by then and he would be worth the wait.
Definitely agree
We have so many other issues that I think if we can squeak away without drafting a QB it will be good for us.
Word
I’d be content with a RT or QB at the top half of the 2nd round. The first pick should help our most glaring weakness: rushing the passer (DE). Some people are saying take an offensive lineman in the 1st round but the only position that warrants that high of a selection is a LT which we’ve already got.
by Joel Thorman on Nov 3, 2008 11:17 AM CST up reply actions
The Best Thing About Thigpen
Is that if he continues to play like this he does lessen the need for the Chiefs to draft a QB with the first-rounder. The Chiefs still need to draft a QB next year, but they can use that top pick on o-line, d-line or linebacker, which are the real crisis areas for this team right now.
Simply put, we seem to have some ability at the “skill” positions (QB, RB, WR) but we’re far too deficient in the infrastructure areas (o-line and the defensive front seven). Those are the areas that need to be addressed above all else.
And I’m still firmly in the camp that we need to have a new head coach calling the plays next year. I think Gailey’s shown a lot of promise as the offensive coordinator, so I’m happy if he comes back, but I have absolutely no doubts that it was Herm who called off the dogs and sat on that lead yesterday. It’s been his M.O. everywhere he’s gone and his risk averse approach to football is absolutely killing this team.
Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.
I agree
about everything. I also want to point out that Thigpen looks (key word being looks) like he should be our QB next year. He is durable, can scramble and his accuracy and poise are improving every game. He also gets good zip on his ball and seems to have a good relationship with TG and everyone else. I think we need to strengthen our OLine, our MIKE LB, and our DE’s before QB if I was drafting today. But we all know things can change. Right now I like these guys starting for us next year for a coach other than Herm Edwards (UCrawford – great point about Chan, he deserves to stay – you can tell it’s him calling the creative plays and Wildcat plays and Herm calling the plays that lose us the game in the second half):
QB – Thiggy – Admit it, a lot of us were wrong about him – me included
RB – LJ/Charles/Smith – we are fine
FB – Cox is fine
TE – TG or Cottam are fine (if we trade TG we should use a low pick on another TE)
T’s – Keep Albert sign or draft one or two new guys
G’s – Keep Waters and Jones and sign or draft a new one
C – Sign or draft a new one – Niswanger can back up
DT – we are good with Boone, Dorsey and Tank
DE’s – We need to sign or draft one and use Hali and McBride at the other spot
OLB – Johnson and Williams – sign or draft another player for backup with low pick
MLB – our biggest need in my eyes – sign or draft a good starter
DBs – sign or draft a backup – we are good with starters
S – Page and Pollard are “OK” but I wouldn’t mind seeing what someone else can go for Page
K – Barth is fine
P – We are fine
*We also need to draft/sign a speedster or return specialist – Savage is good but I think we can do better
Herm Edwards - the new Art Shell.
Well...
…I’ll admit that Thiggy can stay on the roster if he continues to be competitive until the end of the year…then compete for the starting spot…that’s fair
Niswanger? Keep him starting….“Run it up Niswangers butt” -I reserve the right to use that line anytime it is afforded to me…copyright 2008.
I disagree about Savage. I haven’t been impressed with his performance so I would trade/cut.
I say trade TG for a RB or WR….draft another TE.
Just my .02
Just keep matriculating the ball down the field boys.
Savage
I think he’s okay, and KR/PR is probably the lowest priority on a rebuilding team. He doesn’t turn the ball over, he busts his butt on the returns, so I’m fine with watching him out there. I’m curious to see what he can do next week in the running game splitting carries with Charles now that Kolby’s out.
As for the o-line, I’m still not at all in favor of keeping Adrian Jones. I think a replacement for his starting job should be a priority in the draft. Same with Niswanger and definitely for McIntosh. Albert and Waters are the only two, to my mind, who have played themselves into jobs for next year.
For d-line, we definitely need a pass-rushing end and linebacker can simply not continue as it has. The last month has also convinced me that Gunther Cunningham needs to go in favor of a new defensive coordinator. Coughing up a three TD lead at home when your opponent is making that many turnovers is simply unforgiveable. We’ve been rebuilding that defense for three years now and they’re horrific, mostly because of the play of guys who aren’t rookies. I think Gun’s definitely exhausted any goodwill he had coming.
Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.
They are horrific
And aren’t helping us win games.
But they are 2nd in the league in turnovers. I’m not sure what to make of that.
Cunundrum I know
I think that it’s more due to the opposing offense losing the ball then the Chiefs Defense actually causing the turnover. That’s the only thing I can attribute the turnover stat.
Just keep matriculating the ball down the field boys.
Agreed
We’re not pressuring other teams into making those turnovers because we’re simply not putting pressure on the QB with any sort of regularity. Like the Denver game for example…we weren’t pressuring Cutler into making errors, he was just making stupid decisions on his own and a lot of his turnovers were unforced. Based on how horrifically the defense has been performing as a whole, I think the turnover stat has to be considered a fluke.
Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.
Forced Fumbles
We are really good at getting after the ball, we have caused a lot of fumbles. This was always a trademark of Cunningham’s D back when Marty was here and it seems to be continuing.
I still believe in Gun, when you only have 2 returning starters (playing the same position) from last years D I expect it to take time. Also we have had to play merry-go-round with players due to injury all season long. Especially the DBs and LBs.
Agree on Gailey
Perhaps if we eighty-six herm we can make a hard push to get Cowher in here. After all, Gailey was his OC for a few seasons in Pittsburgh.
I’d love to see “the chin” in Chief’s Red again.
by Ochophosphate on Nov 3, 2008 12:33 PM CST up reply actions
Gailey & Cowher
I’m definitely down with that. They worked pretty well together in Pittsburgh. I just don’t want Cowher as GM/head coach because that’s generally a recipe for disaster no matter how good of a coach is trying it. Just look at Mike Shanahan right now…he’s still a good football coach but his terrible personnel decisions as GM are absolutely killing that team. He bungled the Travis Henry situation (he ended up costing them the chance to recoup Henry’s bonus because of inept timing on cutting him), his top draft pick last year (Jarvis Moss…who he traded up to get in a complete reach) has been utterly disastrous and contributed nothing, his 2nd round pick last year (Tim Crowder) is currently the third string defensive end, and his running back corps this year is a wreck.
Nobody could win with the talent Shanahan drafts…if he weren’t too arrogant to recognize his deficiencies as GM and had a real personnel guy evaluating and picking his players he’d probably be dominating the AFC Worst instead of competing for last place with everyone else.
Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.
yeah, for rill
I’m not a fan of the Coach/GM combo, it rarely works.
Speaking of Shanahan… how bout that awesome Maurice Clarett pick a few years back? He’s a great coach, but his GM skillz are lackluster.
by Ochophosphate on Nov 4, 2008 7:45 AM CST up reply actions
Definitely
I mean, I wouldn’t be opposed to it. In fact, I’d love that. Bookend tackles in successive years would be huge.
My thoughts
I’ve only watched the highlight reel on nfl.com so I’m sure my opinion is somewhat skewed.
I’m pleasantly encouraged by the progress. Yes we aren’t winning but in a rebuilding year (I hate the phrase) there are more important things.
Also this is football, a game that “on any given Sunday” anything can happen and often does. We’ve seen it with our games and we’ve seen it with other teams that games can and do change on the tiniest smallest thing. A blown call, a missed tackle a whatever. The point being is that you can blame the umpires, injuries, suspensions, you can blame who ever but in the end you make your own luck.
However, making your own luck means nothing if you aren’t in the game. I think these past two games look so much better compared to the shut outs and three and out drives we saw earlier in the season. Now at least we are playing football, our heads are up, we are in the game, making drives, scoring points giving ourselves the chance for the dice to roll our way.
I am pretty sure we will see wins in the second half of this season with Thigpen at the helm.
Blame my wife!
Build to next year
I am pretty sure we will see wins in the second half of this season with Thigpen at the helm.
Most of us at the start of the season said that if we could do this then we would be satisfied. Most thought it would be with Brodie as the starter, but as long as we find a younge talent at QB then fine.
I think we are playing better on offense now because of the QB we have playing and how the coaches view him. When they were playing Brodie they were trying so hard to protect him they went into a shell and played ultra conservative and this actually lead to him getting hit more and injured. With Damon they didn’t trust his arm so kept everything short and had troble getting first downs. Now once they were stuck with Thigpen they spread out the field and just let him play, they have hardly anything invested in him so they can risk him getting hurt and he has the arm to make all the throws as they say.
I'm really impressed with Thigpen's performance
This could turn into the Cinderella story, ala Tom Brady. I know 2 games is early to anoint him as the answer but, as I said after the Tennessee game, even without a chance to win Thigpen came and gave the team life and was directly responsible for both of our scores. I think this kid has what it takes to be the “no-mistake” playmaker we need.
Now, If we could just get him a coaching staff and GM to help him grow.
Am I the only one....
who thought that effing time out after the 10 second run off was the stupidest thing we could have possibly done in that situation?
I know there were a lot of small things that cost us the game – dropped passes, bad calls, bad special teams, fumbles etc. But that time out had me pulling out my hair. Tampa had no time outs, had just shot themselves in the foot and were working under pressure. So what do we do? We buy them all the time they need to set up a play that would work. This was just sheer stupidity and it points directly upstairs. Herm or Dick-Curl or whoever is in charge of managing the game in these situations should take a hit for this poor decision. Yet another loss, in my opinion, that was emphasized by poor game management by the coaching staff.
Oh well… I’m proud of what we did overall. This team does seem to be improving. Too bad we couldn’t pull off the W.
You're referring to the last 2 minutes?
If so I agree. I think that the reason behind this was the CB’s had a deer in the headlights look so they called the TO. Not that I’m supporting them in the decision because I think you’re right that it gave TB more time to evaluate their options.
Just keep matriculating the ball down the field boys.
yes
when there was 35 seconds on the clock and Tampa got a false start penalty that ran off 10 seconds leaving 25 seconds on the clock. Tampa was already under pressure, why call a time out and alleviate a ton of that pressure?
Mindbottling.
by Ochophosphate on Nov 3, 2008 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
I'd just like to invite everyone
that said “LET’S SEE IF PIGPEN (LOL) DOES IT TWO WEEKS IN A ROW!!!!!!” to politely (expletive) my (expletive) (expletive).
Thanks for your time. In conclusion,
WE MAY HAVE NO LUCKY, BUT WE’LL STILL ROLL THEM BONES!
Ridiculous Upside: All the "Almost NBA" info you can handle!
Glad You Decided To Be Classy About It :)
But I’ll be the first to admit that Thigpen’s playing like a real NFL QB and I may very well have been wrong about him. It’s really an unbelieveable turnaround.
Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting something evil.
For his third start
I was most impressed by his decisions to throw it away, especially in the Red Zone – overtime would have been moot, if he had tried to force it and thrown a pick before Barth’s FG
Best of all
for the second week in a row
NO INT’S!!! w00t!
by Ochophosphate on Nov 4, 2008 7:46 AM CST up reply actions
That's so huge
Just not turning the ball over stops a lot of those complete and utter blowouts that are just miserable to watch.
by Joel Thorman on Nov 4, 2008 10:56 PM CST up reply actions
Alright Matt
He has done well two weeks in a row, are ya happy now!?:)
Shades of Rich Gannon
The Chiefs will draft or sign someone else to play QB, Thigpen will sit on the bench and come in every once in awhile and energize the offense, sign with soneme else and be league MVP. Mark my words.
by Who_are_the_Chefs? on Nov 3, 2008 10:39 PM CST reply actions
Wow
What we need around here is a “Jump to conclusions” mat ala Office Space.
by Joel Thorman on Nov 4, 2008 10:57 PM CST up reply actions
I hope its not a long jump
I have short legs :)
"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
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