Observations from my game review

by bfett81 on Nov 23, 2009 9:30 AM CST Comment 45 comments

1. The Steelers are dirty.. Hines Ward, Heath Miller, whoever the jerk was that walloped Cassel WELL after his shovel TD pass was released - dirty. Late hits all over the place. We should have been moved up 15 yards on the kickoff after that late hit on Cassel's TD. For shame.

2. The Chiefs scored their first offensive touchdown (Pope) with a particular play. They ran the exact same play, with slightly different personnel, on Chambers 61-yard catch and run. I couldn't believe it. On the first snap, obviously Chambers was covered short, and the Steelers screwed up the deep coverage. On the second snap, the Steelers had the deep receivers crossing covered up, and Chambers came free underneath. Props to Haley for drawing up something that works so well?

3. Derrick Johnson was easily the worst player on KC's defense. Not even close. He missed so many tackles yesterday it made me sick, and obviously he screwed up the coverage on Mendenhall's short TD catch. He's a bust. Time to cut losses and move on. Belcher and Mays may not make as many huge plays but they have been FAR more consistent.

4. Branden Albert played a much, much better game this week. The tape might show that he allowed two sacks, but the second one was really Cassel holding onto the ball too long. The first was off play action. I thought other than those two plays he was very solid. O'Callaghan did not fare as well.

5. The play that everyone may be forgetting about is 3rd and 2 down by the goalline, right before we tied it up. They gave Charles the ball and there was NOWHERE to run. He created on his own, got outside, and 2nd effort got the first down. Simply put, a play LJ never would have come close to making. Wow, if Charles doesn't pull that out of his butt, does Haley go for it? Or does he wimp out and Herm it up?

6. The OTHER play everyone may be forgetting about is the deflected pass by Tyson Jackson. From what it looked like to me, Roethlisberger had Heath Miller wide open down the middle with room to run. If T-Jack doesn't get a paw on that ball, Miller puts the Steelers in FG range with under a minute left in regulation. Sometimes, it truly is the little things.

7. Brian Waters is the most penalized guard in the entire NFL. He has seven penalties this year, but I didn't realize how bad that was until I compared him to the other guards (via Pro Football Focus and stats.com). He's washed up. I hope he's not back next season.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

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Belcher made a huge play in overtime

Stopping them for a loss on 3rd and short

(Raiders game 1 should be listed here, 409 yds off, we let them off the hook)
(Cowboy's should be listed here - They are who we thought they were)
Skins
Raidaaas (game 2)
***Super Bowl Champion Steelers!***

Next victim: Bolts - Thanks for Chambers by the way, Cassel to Chambers = Touchdown KANSAS CITY!

by cpa913 on Nov 23, 2009 9:59 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

that was awesome

* "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
* Stats are for losers

by stagdsp on Nov 23, 2009 11:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Haven't had a chance yet to do my normal defensive side re-watch...

…..but from just watching the game a couple time i counld not agree with you MORE about DJ.

I counted 7 times DJ left his run gap, 6 over pursuits, and 6 missed tackles….oh, and 1 sack; and I wasn’t even watching to analize LB play. I’ll go back and review the tapes a few time this week, but DJ is trade bait as far as I’m concerned. Get what we can get for him, cause he does not seem to understand the concept of “team defense”.

It’s not “all about DJ” out there on the field where he gets to do whatever he wants while attempting to pad his personal stats. The guy needs to take the fire and drive he plays with on the field and channel it through his BRAIN do that he can do what’s best for the TEAM on any given play.

I applaud his effort, and I’m thankful for his sack; but we’d have been in a much better position all game long if he would have just stuck to covering HIS responcibilities instead of trying to do everyone elses job and expecting the team to cover his ass.

The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw

by Texas Chief on Nov 23, 2009 10:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have been saying all year that DJ needs more playing time, but I will admit I think I was wrong.

As nice of a play as the sack was hanging onto Ben with a player in between them, he was not very good. This guy is so frustrating. He might be the most talented player on defense, but his head is just not in it. He is always out of position, misses tackles, and takes bad angles and drops. I hope we can getsomething for him in the offseason, but I would be suprised if he has any value. Hopefully we can get a late round pick for him.

by saskwatch on Nov 23, 2009 12:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I still maintain..

it doesn’t matter to me who is playing…
They can keep rotating, or whatever, as long as they get results.
DJ may be more of a situational player at this point.. making an impact in limited action.

He did have a HUGE sack, another tackle of the QB, and was a key blocker on the kickoff return for a TD.

That’s good enough for me.

by stagdsp on Nov 23, 2009 1:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Your better than thats Stags

We’ll take the big plays, but he is out of position alot. I think Vrable could come back and move inside, while we keep Studebaker in the starting lineup. Just a possible shuffle that could help our coverage over the middle. Mays and DJ tend to flatten out late in coverage instead of continuing to get depth. Just an observation.

by TonyG88 on Nov 23, 2009 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

?

I wouldn’t recommend Vrabel moving inside. He’s an OLB, and a good mentor for Studebaker… he’ll be out a few weeks, but when he’s back, I wouldn’t mind seeing Studebaker rotating in more often.

I’m sure DJ was out of position a lot, as are several of the Chiefs defenders at times.

I think Belcher and Williams tend to be more diciplined, Mays can stop the run, but not cover… and DJ CAN make some big plays, or be out of position…

I guess my main point there, again, was that I don’t care what rotation they use, as long as it works

by stagdsp on Nov 23, 2009 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought your comment was OK.

You said there could be situations for which DJ is very well-suited. May not be worth a roster spot NEXT year, but there are probably times when what he brings is just what they need. Overall, I concur with bfett81’s observations. I didn’t count THAT many missed assignments, but just watching the game for entertainment live, #56 jumped out as a liability.

Derrick Johnson was easily the worst player on KC’s defense. Not even close. He missed so many tackles yesterday it made me sick, and obviously he screwed up the coverage on Mendenhall’s short TD catch. He’s a bust. Time to cut losses and move on. Belcher and Mays may not make as many huge plays but they have been FAR more consistent.

As for Studebaker, until I see different, I think it might be tough for Vrabel to win back his minutes. I think Studebaker has won #1 in the rotation. It’s his to lose.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 23, 2009 6:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Situational use

When he was called on to rush the passer, he was able to bull-rush fairly successfully on 2 or 3 occassions if my memory serves me correctly.

He seems to do well when he has just one task on the field, and that seems to be shooting a gap, whichever it is. We he has to read and react, its night and day.

So maybe the ideal situation is for him to be on in obvious passing downs and run blitzings exclusively. Anything inbetween and you’re just asking to be gouged by his inconsistent play.

"The first step to penetration... must not be lateral"
-Confucius, in contrary to Glenn Dorsey lining up in the 2-tech

by ArrowSpread on Nov 24, 2009 3:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He is also making to many $$$$ to not start

So I don’t expect to see him next year.

Bewsaf

by Bewsaf on Nov 23, 2009 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Belcher and Mays are the real deal...

They play with a fire and passion that DJ just doesn’t have. Corey Mays fuels this defense, and the veteran leadership of Mike Vrabel and Mike Brown helps a bunch.

This D-Line is improving every week.

I think Waters is playing well — definitely not at a Pro Bowl level this season — but he still an above average LG in this league, and unless we can get a guy like Logan Mankins in the offseason (unlikely NE will let him go), Waters stays.

Branden Albert = disappointment of the season. I was really hoping he would take the next step, and he just hasn’t been able to do it.

O’Callaghan = great acquisition. He has solidifed the RT positon. If Albert hadn’t regressed so much we would have a decent line.

by Nick Britt on Nov 23, 2009 10:14 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

again, I gotta agree with most of what Nick says

obviously, the OL has been an issue, but you’re startin to see some improvement, I think… look at those long passes to Chambers… Cassel had plenty of time to throw.

They are doing a better job of run blocking, as well.

There is still plenty of room for improvement across the line, and with Cassel getting the ball out quicker…

but, I think it’s premature to say Waters is “done” or that Albert is a “bust”… just let them play together the rest of the season, and see what you’ve got in the offseason.

by stagdsp on Nov 23, 2009 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But "the most penalized guard in the league" comment was HUGE.

This is a guy who’s either incompetent or mailin’ it in. No excuse for a Pro Bowl veteran to perform this way. At times, it almost seems like he WANTS Haley to fail. Maybe it’s just a Shitlock hangover on my part, but he oughta be leading and be the ONE guy you can count on to perform at a high level, with minimal blunders. I just don’t trust the sonofabitch after his soap opera offseason and lackluster play in regulation.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 23, 2009 6:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Everyone holds

It is just a matter of disguising it.

by Nick Britt on Nov 23, 2009 9:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Waters....

….for our “verteran” offensive lineman he sure makes some bone head plays. It always seems he is getting a holding call at the worst times. I’m not saying we would be better off without him but I certainly expect more from his play.

Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.

by BigRedChief on Nov 23, 2009 10:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I thought Waters was done last year.

I would really like to see him traded he is still average, but his consistancy is fading. He makes two or three good plays than has two or three bad one he is not the same player he used to be. I think we can be just as effective with a young guy in that spot next year.

by kcchiefstd on Nov 23, 2009 12:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As much as you have to admire the Steelers system

you have to admit they don’t really have someone that replaces Polumalu. Take your point #2 above, if Troy is on the field they don’t happen or at least don’t happen twice.

Blame my wife!
Waiting until August 2010

by sir eccles on Nov 23, 2009 10:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

you can't really replace a guy like Troy

THUS, again, I argue that Berry would be an amazing choice for the Chiefs in the draft…

by stagdsp on Nov 23, 2009 11:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's if Berry is available. He's slated to go top 5

by Ren on Nov 23, 2009 11:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Aw man, all this damn winning is going to screw us out of a top draft pick! :)

by Soria's Unibrow on Nov 23, 2009 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and

I think we will beat Denver at home, Cleveland, and Buffalo. Finish 6-10.

And, actually that’s better so that we can trade down and create more picks.

Air Cassel - approved for takeoff

by kabrink on Nov 23, 2009 6:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

6-10 was my preseason prediction

Definitely a possibility.

by Nick Britt on Nov 23, 2009 9:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

More realistic than my 8-8,

BUT I’M STILL MATHEMATICALLY IN IT!!! 9-7’S IN REACH, BABEEEEEEEEE111

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 24, 2009 7:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

C'mon now...

I know the team is showing promise but its the Chiefs. I know it sounds like Im pessimistic but I feel like Im being rational. Who else has a worse record than the Chiefs? Browns, Bucs, Rams, and we are tied with 4 other teams. I dont know if Seattle, Buffalo, or Oakland will shape it up but its possible… I guess even Washington has a chance. Really just as much of a chance as the Chiefs excelling from this point on. So I guess all im saying is that Its the NFL and on any given Sunday a team has a chance to blow it. (I.E. the First Raider game and the Dallas game). Sooo… the Chiefs very well could have a top five pick this upcomming draft. At the least in the top 10….

...no more explicit signature...

by GanjaChief on Nov 23, 2009 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that the Chiefs could pick anywhere from 3-10

so, yeah, it’s early to say who is going to be on the board, or what teams are worse than KC.

by stagdsp on Nov 23, 2009 1:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

if we keep winning and draft 10 or later, I say take Berry

if he is there.

by TonyG88 on Nov 23, 2009 1:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Top 5 = Eric Berry

Top 10 = Dez Bryant

Wait…why are we talking Draft? We are on a winning streak!

by Nick Britt on Nov 23, 2009 9:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

McClain...

he’s a beast, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see KC take him between 5 and 10, IF Berry, Okung, Suh are off the board

by stagdsp on Nov 24, 2009 3:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I see us winning a few more games this year.

We improved alot over the past four weeks and getting better. We were able to beat Pittsburg without D-Bowe and the offense struggling for most of the game. Bradley found away to drop the most important pass of the game and we were able to overcome that. There are so many possitives I’ve seen the last few weeks.
From where I thought this team was comming into the season I’m actually starting to see what I thought we had. If Cassel can start playing the first quarter like he does the 4th I’m going to have to quit talking smack on him but he looks terrible for three quarters almost every game. I am seeing improvment and will admit I really like the guys fire and determination so he is showing me some things alittle more than I thought he would. I am starting to see a comparison between Cassel and one of my personal favorites Trent Dilfer. A QB who is not going to wow you alot but will make the smart play and put the team in position to win.
Overall I see this team as a middle of the pack force right now and moving up. A 500 season is definatly not out of the question as everyone of our remaining games are winnable. I like to keep my hopes up and a playoff spot is not completly out of the question. SD and Denver neither are that good and could falter its a good thing for us that the AFC West is rebiulding. We could still mathematicly win the division.

by kcchiefstd on Nov 23, 2009 12:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think we are sitting pretty for a nice record clean up....

….We play SD next and I would say we have a good shot at that game. We get the Broncos twice. Denver is starting to implode like we thought they would at the beginning of the season, did you see Moreno shove Marshall yesterday? Not good. Buffalo and Cleveland are VERY winnable games and the Bengals struggle to put points on the board. Not sayin we are goning to win them all but 4 out of 6 is not out of the question. 7-9 would be a nice way to finish the season.

Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.

by BigRedChief on Nov 23, 2009 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Give it up, kcchiefstd.

I am the only one permitted to call the Chiefs a .500 team and to mealy-mouth about 8-8 still being within reach. This is MY yard, dog. BACK THE HELL OFF!!!

:o)

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 23, 2009 6:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good observations!

A lot of things I had forgotten about in there in my excitement. Jackson did better, Charles fights so hard, DJ really is bad…All of these…

Don't forget to be an AP-vangelist...Tell A Friend...

by woodman212 on Nov 23, 2009 4:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You'd think T-Jax had just scored a 90-yard pick-6, to see the sheer joy he got from that block.

That was a truly great thing to see, start to finish and after.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 23, 2009 6:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey now.

After that win you can’t make comments like that. We’ll start dreaming that he will get a 90-yard pick-6.

by Archyrr on Nov 23, 2009 7:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You first must see it in your mind before you can see it with your eyes.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 23, 2009 7:56 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Good point.

I’ll REC that.

Can you imagine the blocking neccessary for a lineman to rumble 90 yards like that? Of course, if anybody does our lineman might just have the stamina to do it.

by Archyrr on Nov 23, 2009 8:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs