Chiefs' Ndukwe Could Be Seeing Time at Right Guard
by Joel Thorman on Nov 11, 2009 4:45 PM CST
in 2009 Campaign
44 comments
I can't count how many times I've heard this question in comments on the site and emails to me: 'Why don't the Chiefs try Ndukwe at right guard?'
My answer? 'Uh, I don't know actually...."
(On a side note, if you're asking multiple questions about a backup tackle possibly moving to backup guard then congrats - you've reached full obsession.)
Todd Haley talked about Ikechuku Ndukwe this afternoon and, if you're one of the people that want to him at guard, you'll like this from the head coach.
"That’s probably his best position really," he began. "We tried to force the issue at tackle early but if it came down to it that’s a position he’s really comfortable playing. He’ll have his shot in there. That’s why I feel fairly comfortable with that being the spot."
Haley said it would be "fair" to say Alleman is the starting right guard at this point.
There's been a lot of movement at the position in the last week. Mike Goff went down with an injury last week, which moved Andy Alleman into a starting role, and then Goff was placed on IR today putting Alleman on the first team.
His comments about Ndukwe indicate that he might be the one coming off the bench to spell Alleman or replace him in the unfortunate instance that Alleman's injured. The line's swing man, Wade Smith, will also be in the running to spell Alleman.
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So we have 8 O-linemen now?
I'll take that bet, you're gonna regret, cause Haley's the best that's ever been...
Predicted outcome for the Raidaaa's goes a little something like this:
UCrawford bowed his head because he knew JaMarcus had been beat.
He laid that golden sig line on his profile at Lucas's feet.
Haley said: "UCrawford just come on back if you ever want to try again.
"I told you once, you son of a bitch, I'm the best that's ever been."
by cpa913 on Nov 11, 2009 4:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Another head scratcher...
so he admits that this is his best position, but we decided he was a T…..
by KCinAZ on Nov 11, 2009 4:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
they needed a RT bad.
untill O’call stepped it up.
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 5:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i understand that...
but with as many moves as pioli has been making, I think it would be better to just bring in a RT…someone that is used to playing RT….We got a couple of dead weight TEs that we could have dropped in order to try and improve the line….whats the difference, we have a dead weight RT holding a roster spot or a dead weight TE holding a roster spot?
by KCinAZ on Nov 11, 2009 6:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I see what you're saying
but, they do have Richardson who can play RT as needed
and Ndukwe had already been playing RT all year for Miami, so it wasn’t a crazy idea to expect him to continue playing RT in KC
I agree that there is some dead weight at TE, though
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 6:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
maybe...
pioli looked at the situation, both financially, and player-wise, and decided that this was the best move. who is this RT that was out there that you knew about that magically was overlooked by pioli? keeping in mind that he DID bring in a RT, O’call. who has actually been playing decently. so…. i guess i dont really understand your point. what is wrong with exhausting all of our options to make sure that we KNOW we have the best fit? are you under the impression that if we had brought in a good RT from the start that would have solved our Oline problems?
i have absolutely no problem with pioli spending a few more weeks making sure that we know what we have than just finding some guy who is used to playing RT, and hoping to god that it works out (really, just to make the fans happy)
i mean lets all admit, there’s not a soul on AP that ACTUALLY knew what the RT situation looked like in FA this offseason. all we knew were names. and i’d venture to guess that the popular opinion of those names around here would differ wildly from the average NFL GM’s opinion.
if rhymes were valiums, i'd be comfortably numb
by christoffer on Nov 11, 2009 6:16 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Nor did anyone,
Pioli & Haley included had any idea as to how any of the existing linemen that we already had were going to work with Muir & his blocking schemes in Haleys offense. First they had to evaluate what they had & since then they have constantly been trying to upgrade. I feel as though they have done an adequate job considering the situation that they were in.
Long time kool-aid drinker & too old to learn a new trick! No flip-flopping allowed!
by ttownmikey on Nov 11, 2009 6:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
EXACTLY... rec for christoffer
They DID look at the “big name” RTs… Runyan, Taushcer…
neither was healthy enough to help.
O’Callaghan has been very solid, and looks like a keeper.
I don’t like that it has taken an injury to replace Goff, but I’m sure there were reasons for that, too
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 6:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thanks stag
i’m just having a hard time understanding why ANYONE feels that they can justify criticizing pioli or haley in either direction at this point.
i’m a designer, and if i was commissioned to do a piece, would hope that my clients would at least give me until the end of that project to determine whether i did my job.
now i understand that this works a little different in football, since your project is essentially ongoing, but i would think that after seven games, of which i’d like to add we’ve actually seen some improvements in our Oline (RG and RT, think about where they were in training camp… Goff and McIntosh… surprisingly replaced by two people that pioli brought in) that we would not have any right to say either way that they have done either a good or bad job.
have some patience people, geez. sometimes it gets worse before it gets better… and that’s a concept you can apply to a lot more than just football…
if rhymes were valiums, i'd be comfortably numb
by christoffer on Nov 11, 2009 6:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I can understand a little constructive criticism or questioning
But saying they are “idiots” or “have no plan” or “ignored the OL”…
those things are unfair and untrue
They wouldn’t be in their roles if they weren’t considered to have good football minds, and if they didn’t have a plan.
Plans can look murky until you’re looking back at them.
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah...
those “idiots” comments make me pretty angry.
both of these men have some pretty impressive backgrounds/pedigrees. but for some reason they are given no respect from all of these people that “know football”… and not even just that… they think they know how to RUN A DAMN NFL FRANCHISE.
Scott Pioli was voted NFL executive of the year how many times? and Todd Haley’s offense took arizona to the superbowl last year. and i dont want to hear that crap about haley being carried by great players. he had them, yes. but the effect that haley had on those players’ progressions as great players has been well documented. especially Fitz.
my point is, how about we all man up, and endure a little pain for our very qualified front office/coach. it might pay off in the long run. it certainly did for NE and AZ.
if rhymes were valiums, i'd be comfortably numb
by christoffer on Nov 11, 2009 7:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, the negative tune will change once they start winning
but it gets old in the process
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe im a little bit anxious...
i mean its only been basically a decade since this team was any good…I know Vermiel had us at 13-3…but our defense sucked so bad everyone knew we were dead in the water as soon as the playoffs started.
I dont know where you guys see so much improvement in our o-line. It is terrible. We still cant pass, we still cant run,we still give up too many sacks,negative plays, and up until this past week, waaaay too many penalties.I will also add, that it is just a matter of time before one of the hits that Cassel has been taking is sooner or later going to put HIM on theIR. Cassels health alone, should be enough to make these guys pay more attention to the number one thing you need to be successful as an NFL team. My point was that as bad as our line is, and as many transactions as Pioli is doing, I would think that he would have brought more guys in. Teams cut players everyday, there are guys on other teams practice squads.
For the record, I never called anyone an idiot, never said I knew how to run an NFL franchise,and I never thought this yr would be pretty. But after a new GM,new Coach, a draft, a full training camp, and 8 games, I thought i would see some significant improvement somewhere.SOMEWHERE!…Either in the running game,passing game,pass rush,pass protection….any phase of the game you want to name. I just dont see it.
The more i see of Pioli, the more I think he was Belichecks puppet. He was told bring me this type of player and thats what he did and he got good at it.He got kudos for it. But so far,for the Chiefs,Ive seen one upgrade and that was Cassel. And even with him,I think Croyle would have been able to win a game against Washington….
by KCinAZ on Nov 11, 2009 7:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You're quite right, christoffer
Both Pioli and Haley are well qualified. But that is not the same as “proven.” You can’t get around the fact that both of these guys are rookies in their current jobs. If you want to set that aside, and have faith in them based on their qualifications, well, that’s your right. It’s just that people who “know football” aren’t forgetting they are not proven… just qualified. The history of the NFL is littered with well-qualified GMs and HCs who failed miserably.
But even if they were proven, that doesn’t make them above criticism. They hold the most reponsible and visible positions in an NFL franchise – and criticism comes with the territory. Especially when you’re… say… 1-7.
Speaking for myself, I am perfectly willing to endure some pain. But that won’t stop me from making a criticism when I feel criticism is warranted.
John
"Gentlemen! You can't fight in here. This is the War Room!"
by RDOGuy on Nov 11, 2009 8:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice points, christoffer.
i’d like to add we’ve actually seen some improvements in our Oline
And the WAY it was done wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t a Carl Peterson “Make a splash or drown” series of moves, but a maddeningly patient wait and then POUNCE process. This team needed to rebuild its offensive and defensive lines before they were going to be really competitive.
The big risk (and I’ve said this many times) was securing Cassel BEFORE securing Cassel. That 2nd-rounder could’ve brought a C/G/TE that would’ve had significant impact on “the process.” It all hinges on whether or not Cassel survives the season physically and mentally. If he does, and the O-Line continues shaping-up, then Pioli was (GASP) smarter than I was about what to do and when.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
by hmills110 on Nov 11, 2009 11:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of "bringing in a T,"
how is Levi Jones doing? I know Runyan or Tauscher wouldn’t’ve solved our problem (although I was prob’ly the most persistent commenter bringing Tauscher up in conversations). I think it’s more about just looking for the best young talent they could get, by virtue of waiver wire position, once they passed up on O-Line in the draft. Jason Peters (currently injured, I think) was a starting-caliber left tackle who went from Buffalo to Philly, but about that time, KC felt pretty set at LT, and was not (apparently) interested in adding a top-dollar left tackle.
As for your TE comment, especially in light of the G/T confusion with regard to Ndukwe, why the hell not just play with an extra tackle on the field all day long? At least we’ll get some blocking out of a position that’s seeing neither blocking nor receiving!
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
by hmills110 on Nov 11, 2009 11:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
levi jones
just starting his first game for the Redskins this week
hasn’t made an impact at all so far
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 12, 2009 11:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Yes Yes Yes Finally :)
Geaux 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
by Steve_Chiefs on Nov 11, 2009 4:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jackpot!!!!
man, all the changes I’ve been hoping for are coming true…
now, about Mike Brown…
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 5:06 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
i hope he plays with a chip on his shoulder and studies up and is in position this week
i hope he still has a year left in him
by Lucasjr5 on Nov 11, 2009 5:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that'd be nice, too
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Same here, stagdsp.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
by hmills110 on Nov 11, 2009 11:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Oline might
Start looking much better as we go on. Thr RT play is better and now the RG spot might improve with Goff gone. Let’s get a running game going now coach.
by kc2win on Nov 11, 2009 5:17 PM CST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Just do it...
And put Alleman at C and see what happens
by butchcassidy on Nov 11, 2009 5:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The Oline might
Start looking much better as we go on. Thr RT play is better and now the RG spot might improve with Goff gone. Let’s get a running game going now coach.
by kc2win on Nov 11, 2009 5:17 PM CST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Maybe a Puzzle it be
5 guys and 5 positions equals 25 possible solutions
8 guys and 5 positions equals 40 combinations
Albert
Water
Niswanger
O’Callaghan
Alleman
NDuckwe
Smith
Richardson
We need to unlock this puzzle eventually :)
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 Nov 11, 2009 5:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
add in
Colin Brown next year
and probably 2-3 FA/draft picks :)
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Easy
LT: Albert, _
LG: Waters, Smith
C: ______ , Niswanger
RG: Alleman, Ndukwe,
RT: O’Callaghan, Richardson
We desperately need to draft a C and look for a qualified backup at LT. Note that McIntosh would have filled that role beautifully.
Welcome to Chiefs REBUILD - Version 2.0 /The Clark Hunt Edition
Chiefs will be lucky to go 4-12 in 2010
by KansasCityShuffle on Nov 11, 2009 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
nothing beautiful about how McIntosh played
I’d rather have Richardson back him up
Colin Brown backing up RG/RT
and/or draft an OT (along with a Center, of course)
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 5:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
McIntosh was is an experienced LT in the league
More than could be said for Richardson. I have no problem with Richardson staying at RT, but LT scares me just as much as it does having McIntosh playing RT
Welcome to Chiefs REBUILD - Version 2.0 /The Clark Hunt Edition
Chiefs will be lucky to go 4-12 in 2010
by KansasCityShuffle on Nov 11, 2009 5:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take youth and ability over an aging experienced guy that is terrible
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 5:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You've been youth-enized
by the the Herm Edwards era
Welcome to Chiefs REBUILD - Version 2.0 /The Clark Hunt Edition
Chiefs will be lucky to go 4-12 in 2010
by KansasCityShuffle on Nov 11, 2009 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
haha, no way!
McIntosh was just TERRIBLE
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 6:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, no, Steve.
Just choosing 5 out of 8 guys is 8*7*6 = 336 possibilities (“8 choose 5” – combinations), without even BEGINNING to worry about which position they’ll play.
Choosing 5 guys out of 8 AND choosing which position each will play is 8*7*6*5*4 = 6,720 possibilities (“8 choose-and-arrange 5” – permutations).
Permutations are explained this way: Multiply the number of choices available at each stage by the number of previous choices available.
8 guys, choose a left tackle. The number is 8.
7 guys left, choose a left guard. The number is 8*7.
6 guys left, choose a center. The number is 8*7*6
etc.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
by hmills110 on Nov 11, 2009 11:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Does playing time come into play?
For how much we owe Miami?
No one ever says, "It's only a game" when their team is winning.
George Carlin-R.I.P.
by idahochieffan on Nov 11, 2009 6:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I believe that
it was reported to be a 6th rounder rather than a conditional pick but Im really not sure if the front office ever confirmed that or not.
Long time kool-aid drinker & too old to learn a new trick! No flip-flopping allowed!
by ttownmikey on Nov 11, 2009 6:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
agreed...
they haven’t confirmed it, but I think Looney and Babb have… so it’s pretty sure to be just a 6th
* "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
by stagdsp on Nov 11, 2009 6:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks...I thought it was conditional.
No one ever says, "It's only a game" when their team is winning.
George Carlin-R.I.P.
by idahochieffan on Nov 11, 2009 6:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i've got prblems
I’m reading about the 1-7 chiefs o-line while I’m at the mall with my family. Wife is trying on shoes. 2 year old is in store with her and I got little man sleeping in stroller outside the store. But I had to read up on my Chiefs and their constant shuffle of players. Glad to see Goff gone. Funny that LJ hasn’t been swooped up quickly. Justifies the cut in my mind.
Mr J
KC Chiefs Fan
by Mr J on Nov 11, 2009 6:58 PM CST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Mobile user
You’re a good man. I also utilize mobile AP on my Sprint Palm Pre.
by Joel Thorman on Nov 11, 2009 7:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Brought to you by Carls Jr
I've been rapping for about seveteen years okay? I don't write my stuff anymore I just kick it from my head you know what I'm sayin? I can do that. No disrespect but that's how I am.
by soybon on Nov 11, 2009 7:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Been calling for this move for MONTHS now!!!
Why is it taking so long for Haley to listen to me??? If he would just listen, the Chiefs would be at least 3-5, maybe even 4-4 at this point.
It’s a shame it took Goff getting hurt had to happen before we can finally get a look at Ndukwe at RG. He is clearly a better football player than Goff at this point.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Nov 12, 2009 1:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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