Five Not So Good Stats from the Chiefs First Win
by Chris Thorman on Oct 20, 2009 7:12 PM CDT
in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign
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PrintYesterday, I gave you five good stats from the Kansas City Chiefs win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday.
Today, I'm giving you five stats that will need to be reversed if the Chiefs are going to continue winning.
We're talking about:
- Rushing touchdowns
- Fumbles
- Big plays
- Field position
- Protecting Matt Cassel
All this, after the jump.
0 rushing touchdowns
I know the Chiefs didn't score any touchdowns on Sunday but I wanted to specifically point out the lack of a rushing touchdown. Why? Because the Chiefs don't have a rushing touchdown this season. I remember one of the CBS commentators mention this stat and how only three or four other teams in the league don't have a rushing TD either.
The passing game can get messy by the goal line with so little room to work. At some point, and I'm not sure when/if this is going to happen, the Chiefs need to be able to call a running play on the goal line and have a healthy level of confidence that it's going to succeed.
Part of this issue is Larry Johnson as well. Goal line rushes aside, LJ just isn't breaking off a 10-15 yard run near the goal line for a TD. A loss of speed and the lack of the ability quickly cut back won't allow Larry to beat very many defenses on his own.
The solution? I'm not sure. More Jamaal Charles? The ubiquitous answer to everything - fix the offensive line?
Two fumbles
The Chiefs have twelve fumbles on the season. They've only lost two of them but a two fumble a game average? That's just asking to lose.
Last season's Chiefs made it to Week 10 before hitting the twelve fumble mark. The 2007 Chiefs made it to Week 9 before they hit twelve fumbles.
My point in bringing up those two examples is to show that Todd Haley needs to get this fumbling problem fixed now. Anecdotally speaking, I think we all know that the Chiefs could have easily lost more than just two of the twelve fumbles this season.
Great field position, no touchdowns
The Chiefs average starting yard line on Sunday was their own 37-yard line, which is a very advantageous stat. Of course, we had zero touchdowns to show for that. We can thank our great field position for the last two Succop field goals. The Chiefs got the ball on the Redskins 36 and 37-yard lines to get those six points.
So we won the field position battle by a mile but only scored field goals. That doesn't bode well for the future.
Giving up the big play
Without S Mike Brown staying with Clinton Portis on that 78-yard run, the Chiefs may not have won the football game.
The Chiefs had issues with giving up the big play against Dallas too, as I'm sure you remember. With less than two minutes to go against Oakland, on 3rd and 15, the Chiefs gave up a 28-yard pass to Todd Watkins.
My point is that the Chiefs are going to be involved in close games this season, against good and bad opponents. When you can point to one or two plays that made the difference in a loss, it's heartbreaking.
5 sacks, 10 QB hurries
Matt Cassel is the second most sacked quarterback in the league with 19 sacks on the season. He's behind Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers who has been sacked 25 times. That Jared Allen guy had something to do with that.
I'm not going to beat a dead horse here and talk in detail about the offensive line. We know it needs fixing.
Receiver drops
And a last minute honorable mention, the Chiefs dropped six passes on Sunday. Bowe had at least two of these drops.
Check out the stats here and let us know what you didn't like from Sunday's game.
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more amazing...
Matt Cassel is the second most sacked quarterback in the league with 19 sacks on the season. He’s behind Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers who has been sacked 25 times
What’s amazing is that Indy and Atlanta lead the league allowing TWO sacks on the season. 2 sacks in 6 games? how sweet would that be…
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
Wow
That’s amazing. That explains some of the 3rd and 15s.
by Joel Thorman on Oct 20, 2009 7:19 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
so maybe we should like, ohhhhhh I dunno ... fix the O-Line or something, huh?
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!
that's an idea...
I’ll give the Don a call, and see what he thinks.
but, seriously… it’s about the OL… but it’s also about the QB.
Manning is famous for not taking sacks… he gets rid of the ball quick, and senses pressure.
Apparently, Matt Ryan is doing the same…
Cassel could improve in that area
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
yeah, and while you got him on the phone ask about the secondary
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!
Or Will Shields :)
Week 7 Prediction:
Kansas City Chiefs 77 - San Diego Chargers 2
by craig in calgary on Oct 20, 2009 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec
We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09
And Succop will be the Key in two of them.
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram
by Steve_Chiefs on Oct 20, 2009 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions
It will be
but likely not this year.
Just the improvement of the line itself would vastly improve all of our offense stats and, most importantly, Cassel’s health.
"There are few secrets in football. So execute." ~Coach Stram
"I think it's the fans. The place is crazy. It's a good crazy, if you're Kansas City." ~Coach Schottenheimer
by Bad Medicine on Oct 20, 2009 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions
One good comparison on a bad stat
Chiefs Third Down Efficiency 4/17 – 23%
Redskins Third Down Efficiency 2/14 – 14%
Yes, the Chiefs still struggle on 3rd down… but they were a little better than prior games, and much better than Washington was able to manage against the Chiefs D!
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
Better than another horrible team does not = good
Wish people would stop saying “Well at least we’re not as bad as THESE guys!”
As a matter of fact, the Chiefs are only convert 21% of their 3rd downs on the year. Thats worst in the NFL. By way of comparison, there are 11 teams in the NFL that convert TWICE the perventage (42%+) of 3rd downs as we do.
it was good... ok, not good, but BETTER for THAT game
not overall.
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
i'd add Cassel's accuracy
on downfield passes, his throws are a yard or two off
Fair point
I’ve noticed that as well. And if I’m not mistaken, that was a criticism of him last year.
Founded Arrowhead Pride 7/26/2006
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by Chris Thorman on Oct 20, 2009 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions
The punt return game
At least Wade is holding onto the ball, but averaging 8 yards on punt returns is just not good enough. I don’t know if its the coverage or Wade himself, but the punt return team needs to get mentioned here.
The Chiefs are on their way to an 11-5 season...I think....
yeah...
the punt and kick coverages have been GREAT
the punt returner continues to struggle…
I will say that Charles looked better at KR than he has before…
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
better but I keep holding my breathe everytime he touches the ball
I keep thinking “If Tiki Barber could learn to hold onto the ball, so can Jamaal.” So much talent.
The Chiefs are on their way to an 11-5 season...I think....
what bothered me most Sunday was that we were seemingly ALWAYS in Redskin territory
I mean like ALMOST all day long … and scored precisely ZERO touchdowns … none … NONE! and when Haley eschewed the FG early on for (what resulted in a sack on 4th and 2) no points at all … omg was I pissed
Succop rocks, so does Colquitt … but DAMN we need more TDs
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!
absolutely
a lack of TDs has cost KC a couple of games already… and nearly cost them the Skins game…
gotta punch it in
* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season
#1, 3, 5, and Bonus are the same problem.
The Oline.
Fumbling is maybe some on the players and some on the situation.
The players like Wade’s fumble was trying to hard to make THE play.
The D play calling is “inconsistent”
giving up a play or two a gmae when you are good doesn’t hurt as much on the scoreboard
We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09
And Succop will be the Key in two of them.
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram
Cassel is like
a big elephant in the room. Everyone wants to pretend we have no problem at QB. He is consistently bad. Anyone else that plays that bad gets benched or cut. Our offense stinks. We have been lucky not having more turnovers with all the laterals and errant passes.
I would just like to see someone else play just to see if we can get a spark. I’m beginning to see that the new regime sees this season as a rehearsal for next season.
I’m starting to hope that we lose just to see how long fans will ignore the big elephant.
Cassel is not horrible ... he's not Montana or Elway or Manning, but he's not horrible
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!
Cassel is not the reason our offense stinks...
Don't forget to be an AP-vangelist...Tell A Friend...
Just not right
Peyton Manning couldn’t get on target with the play of the offensive line. He has played OK.
He has 2 interceptions in 5 games. He is protecting the ball and he is managing the game well. There is not enough talent around him.
No time in the pocket. No running game. WR corp that seems to change weekly. What were you expecting here?
The Chiefs are on their way to an 11-5 season...I think....
you know how u solve this debate?
fix the o line…then well know if we have a qb or not.
by MountainManMike on Oct 20, 2009 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I would love to see Peyton Manning or Drew Brees with our offensive line
And see how good they do. Peyton would quit after 1 half.
Penn State to Kansas City...Always a winning combination.
Seriously?!
Put ANY quarterback behind our offensive line. Ben Roethlisgerger would still be in Washington being scraped out of the turf. Dan Marino wouldn’t have had to go on Nutri-system as he would instantly lose 25 lbs. There is not ONE quarterback EVER in the history of the game of football who would be able to do anything behind our offensive line. That’s like blaming a parapelegic because he didn’t hold the door for you… you’re missing the big picture.
"You can't polish a turd", old guy, Christine
"Let your anger be, like a monkey in a pinata, hiding amongst the candy, hoping the kids don't break through with their sticks!" Master Payne, King Pow
Giving up big plays...
If a defense is giving up big plays (as in a run or a catch and run) it is because someone screwed up or a lack of team speed. Over the first half of the season I think the problem has been both. Sometimes players have been out of position. We also lack good team speed.
We really don’t have alot of speed on our defense (meaning no one is considered in the top 10 in speed for their position).
Bewsaf
Cassel is terrible????
He is the opposite & one of the few bright spots on the offense. we are lucky he even has made it through five games, Brody would be broken. Cassel is a 2nd tier QB with the worst Oline & a new offense with no running game. Pretty hard to be 100 percent accurate when you can be crushed in your first 3 steps back. Cassel would be a hero in Denver if he played behind that oline. I can see why McD wanted him…wake up!
by casselreadychiefs on Oct 20, 2009 8:30 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I think Cassel is just a masochist...
he intentionally holds the ball long and likes guys laying on top of him…hmmm
On a serious note, I agree with your points but this is beginning to become a dead horse to be beat on all year until next season.
physically he has been a stud
if he would just throw away the ball once in awhile the sacks will drop along with the impact on his body from sacks
"There are few secrets in football. So execute." ~Coach Stram
"I think it's the fans. The place is crazy. It's a good crazy, if you're Kansas City." ~Coach Schottenheimer
by Bad Medicine on Oct 20, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions
The only problem
with everyone yelling about Cassel throwing the ball away is where he is getting sacked at. Now I don’t rewatch all of the games. I watch them live and be content with what happens. But from I remember, most of Cassels sacks have come in the pocket. You can’t just throw it away from that position. If you throw it in the ground or out of bounds, you get called for intentional grounding. If you try to get it in the area of a receiver, you risk a pick.
I agree that he holds the ball too long. Most of the time when he gets sacked, the defense has created a perfect pocket. He simply has nowhere to run.
As much as a sick hurts, I would take the yardage loss than have him make risky throws. And you just know that that is exactly what defensive secondaries are waiting for him to do.
Exactly
I’ll take a sack on 2nd down over an interception. i can’t watch the games, but not once have I heard Lenny and Mitch say “Cassel just held on too long…why didn’t he throw it away?” It’s usually “Cassel takes the snap, under pressure, and he’s sacked AGAIN” That’s it. Dude has no time to run, find an open receiver, or chuck it out of bounds near a receiver. It’s fucking sad.
But I guess everyone else would rather Cassel just arm punt the ball down field and hope someone comes down it it. Like we’re playing Madden or something.
Penn State to Kansas City...Always a winning combination.
Overthrow a receiver so the ball
goes out of bounds. Throw it into the ground at the feet of the running back.
Lots of ways to do it and avoid an interception.
by NJ Chiefs Fan on Oct 21, 2009 6:31 AM CDT up reply actions
exactly
"There are few secrets in football. So execute." ~Coach Stram
"I think it's the fans. The place is crazy. It's a good crazy, if you're Kansas City." ~Coach Schottenheimer
by Bad Medicine on Oct 21, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions
I think we should put Croyle back in
Now hear me out, hear me out…. put down that pitchfork, NJ….
Brodie Croyle could teach everyone something, and quite a few players a lot of things:
1. He could teach Matt Cassel that holding the ball for longer than 2 seconds is not a good idea behind our line.
2. He could teach Cassel that dumping off to the flats and hoping to draw the late hit penalty when the opposing defense hits you because they couldn’t stop in time after running past our shitty line is actually a GOOD thing. This is a big one as if Cassel dumps the ball off at least 2 of the 5 sacks a game he is suffering would net first downs, even if only out of sympathy.
3. He could teach Todd Haley that he can get all the washed up wide receivers he wants, all the former Cardinals, former Patriots he wants, until he spends some REAL time upgrading the offensive line he is going to be frowning like Bert from Sesame Street EVERY GAME
4. Brodie Croyle could teach Branden Albert that a little boo-boo on his ankle is nothing to having 25% of your body smashed to bits and still trying to play. I know everyone likes to call him “Brokie”, but the honest truth is none of you would even attempt to come back after getting some of the hits he has taken, hits, coincidentally, that if inflicted on ANY NFL quarterback, prison convict or UFC fighter would decimate not only their physical being but their will to live like an unstoppable rebel force.
5. And finally, Croyle would teach Dwayne Bowe and some of our other receivers that if they can’t catch the soft touch passes from Cassel that things can get a lot worse, when not only his arm but pure, unadulterated animal fear drives the ball 1100 f/s into their face after they try another one of those retarded jumping catches. Does anyone remember, though, that a young Larry Fitzgerald would try to jump and catch every ball too? And a couple times being laid out on the turf and then getting chewed out fixed him up right good, so I am not as worried about this one, I think Haley will get him in shape.
Before you respond “You’re an idiot” or “I think I dated the guy in your profile pic” think about it… outside of the 5 totally reasoned arguments above putting Croyle in would save Cassel from ending up talking like that boxer in Harlem Nights…. “I-I-I-I-I b-b-b-b-b-b-e r-r-rr-rr-ready”
"You can't polish a turd", old guy, Christine
"Let your anger be, like a monkey in a pinata, hiding amongst the candy, hoping the kids don't break through with their sticks!" Master Payne, King Pow
O-Line
Cassel has been very good. He needs to throw it away more and learn how to place a little more touch on the deep ball. But he’s a leader, he’s tough, and he has shown the capability to drive that God awful offense down the field when it matters most. Give him protection, and he’ll give us victories.
Matt Verderame
by Flowers24 on Oct 20, 2009 8:50 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree and disagree ... all at the veery same time
Cassel has been average, decent, nothing special BUT not horrible, awful, terrible …
if he was VERY good then he’d already have that “little more touch” and get the ball closer to his WRs … and he’d be tossing it out more and taking less sacks
I’ll pretty much go with the REST of what you said … the pro’s and the con’s even out, gradewise right now I’ll call it a C+
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!
+4 Chiefs
We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09
And Succop will be the Key in two of them.
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram
Chiefs need to start attacking the defense on 1st and 2nd downs and stop giving up on 3rd down with their play calling.
by NFL season ticket holder on Oct 20, 2009 11:43 PM CDT reply actions
Are you actually saying that the Chiefs aren't attacking on 1st and 2nd down?
I find their 1st and 2nd down play calling to be pretty good. They don’t run or pass to much. They don’t do anything stupid. They just can’t execute. The defenses put 8 dudes in the box and say “I dare you to pass” and they haven’t been able to, because 6 of those 8 are getting through the line and pummeling Cassel.
Saying they’re not trying hard enough is just a very ignorant statement.
Penn State to Kansas City...Always a winning combination.
Mr. Irrelevant...
Needs a raise! He’s our best scoring player. At this point I’d say Succop and Colquit are our MVP’S, sadly.
Not ready yet
One thing this team needs is a set of BALLS. our O line act like they dont care if the QB gets sacked. if L J could hit the defenses like he hit girls he would have rushing T D. if Bowe would try to throw a good block & catch a ball when it is in his hands he would have a bunch of T D. DEFENSE they just need to get mean. Succop well he may be the only CHIEF with a set.
by Charles # 1 chiefs fan on Oct 21, 2009 6:52 AM CDT reply actions
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