Tonight's Chiefs, Vikings Game Could Answer These Questions
by Joel Thorman on Aug 21, 2009 11:30 AM CDT
in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp
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Let's make them remember IV (Photo via SI)
It seems that everyone is doing a 'Five keys to tonight's game' or 'Three questions entering the Chiefs game in Minnesota". So, I'm following the crowd.
As the Chiefs prepare to be on the field for Brett Favre's debut play the Vikings tonight, here are three questions I hope we get closer to answering.
Take a look at some questions I have and hash them out in the comments. Or give us the questions you have entering tonight's game.
Just win, baby
What do these dates have in common?
- August 28th
- September 28th
- November 30th
The dates of the Chiefs three wins in the last year (including the preseason). We're starved for wins. It doesn't matter to me that this is exhibition. For Chiefs fans, these games count.
This question is simple: Can the Chiefs get a win?
Even if it's just a preseason, we need something to rest our hopes on. We need something to point to and say this is why the Chiefs will win over six games this season. Or this is why the offense will generate points. Or the defense will pressure the quarterback.
Of course, there's that whole "evaluating players" part which is really the whole reason of these games. Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star says it's a balance Haley will have to achieve.
Haley’s biggest challenge will be balancing player evaluation with the pursuit of a win, and tonight’s game against a possible Super Bowl contender won’t make it any easier.
Something. Anything. And the best way to do this, is just win, baby.
Is Barry Richardson the Chiefs starting right tackle?
Continuity. Despite Herm's blinding insistence that the seemingly only key to the offensive line is continuity, it's important to note that the most successful lines are usually kept, for the most part, intact from year to year.
Continuity isn't everything in the regular season, but it's an important ingredient.
The same holds true for the preseason. If Barry Richardson is indeed ready to make the leap from reserve to starter, then tonight's gotta be the night he demonstrates that. We're not asking for anything mind-blowing, and I don't think the Chiefs coaching staff is either.
We're just asking for some consistency.
Richardson toned down, in a big way, this offseason. He started at 350 pounds and will line up tonight around 318 pounds. Brandon Albert is getting most of the praise for buying into the Todd Haley program, but Richardson deserves some credit for going from nobody to possibly somebody.
As Bob Gretz noted this morning, Richardson probably won't win the spot tonight. They key is not losing it.
What awaits Richardson in this game against the Vikings is another chance for him to increase the pile of chips in front of him. It’s doubtful a starter at RT will be determined in this game, but he could certainly play his way out of contention with a poor performance.
I'll paraphrase Herm Edwards again (Yes, that's twice): You don't have to necessarily win it, just don't lose it.
Make them ask this question
Has Brett Favre lost it?
That's the question we want to hear. He'll only be in for a series or two in his purple debut but we want people asking this question: Does Brett Favre just stink or did the Chiefs' defense cause him havoc?
While we're dealing with a legend, and the best ever at tossing touchdown passes, we're also facing the quarterback who has thrown more interceptions than any other in the history of the NFL.
Last year, he threw three picks yet still completed 70% of his passes against the Chiefs.
In the handful of passes Favre might throw tonight, the Chiefs need to make him pay for coming back. And get this defense back in the national spotlight.
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QB saga
hopefully Cassel will silence the chicken little syndrome and claim the starting role as his own outright, if Croyle doesn’t have another game where he looks like he belongs in the nfl.
It's easy to look like you belong...
when you get D-Bowe and Bradley catching your passes instead of Terrence Copper and Devard Darling.
by GonzosDirtyTrailer on Aug 21, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
nah he’ll have lelie, and toomer to throw too, he’ll prolly still look good.
by mcclanahanman on Aug 21, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Just a pet peeve
People talking about Brodie like he actually belongs, when he’s embarrassed us every time he’s played for the last two years. (Except the long bomb to Samie Parker in that one game) Basically, D-Bowe made him look good.
I want to see Cassel throwing to D-Bowe and Toomer before judgements are made. :D
by GonzosDirtyTrailer on Aug 21, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions
don't care what your pet peeves are
here’s the scary part, he actually could, Brodie, Thiggy, and Cassel all 3 could be successful given the right circumstances. The question is do any of them have the right circumstances this year?
by mcclanahanman on Aug 21, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions
gave the young guys a chance..
I think the staff wanted to evaluate the younger receivers with the first team on the field. We know what we have in Bowe, Bradley, Ingram, and Toomer.
Don't forget about the QB contraversy in K.C.
Who will be our 3rd QB? Guttz or Thiggy…stay tuned.
by chicks_love_chiefs on Aug 21, 2009 11:41 AM CDT reply actions
Our defensive backfield
Is solid, in my opinion and I am sure you all feel the same. But some people might not be sold on Mike Brown filling in for Pollard whether it is tonight or throughout the season but let me tell you, I am- atleast for now. For the few series’ Brett Favre is in, Mike Brown will know his every move due to the fact he has been facing him twice a year for basically his whole career. And not only that, he probably has a good idea of the Viking offense because like Brett Favre, he has been game-planning against them twice a year as well for his whole career. I think IF the Vikings do score on us when Brett Favre is taking snaps, it won’t be because of the “Brett Favre Magic”, child please! It will be because the Vikings have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL who block for the best running back in the NFL and well, we all know who that is.
You DIRTY SOB!!!
I just got done agreeing with someone who said POLLARD should be the guy, because against Peterson they need a durable, hard-hitting, aggressive safety.
And now YOU are making perfect sense!!! If somebody could capitalize on Favre’s tendencies, it’d be Brown. But I think he’s pretty unselfish, and I be he’s schooled the whole secondary on what to expect, not only against Favre, but against Minnesota! They are also in Brown’s old division.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
On the first and third questions;
I think a win could only help us and a loss would not be cause for concern. Until we see a better picture of who the starters are going to be the game score doesn’t mean anything. If a win came because are defense(s) was solid and our offense(s) made big plays that would be a big spark for future success.
As far as the Farve question: The Chiefs players have to get in to their heads that the game tonight is NOT all about Farve although nearly everyone is going to put that kind of spin on it.
Matriculating – Verb; To trickle in thunderous fashion, to be chaotically methodical in a choreographed motion forward.
My 3 Questions
Does our O-line still suck?
Pass and run, our line was ineffective last year. It doesn’t matter who takes the snap, or how good LJ looks if the line plays like poo.
Can the front 7 be disruptive?
Sack, hurries, tackles for loss are what I want to see.
Who will step up and take the KR/PR job(s)?
We need this. It’s looking like we’ll have the long kickoffs and we know about our punter. If we can add good returns to this, we could play most of the game on the opponent’s side of the 50.
hmm
1. Can we get a win? It’s not impossible…
2. Is Barry Richardson the guy? Inconsistency doesn’t go away overnight.
3. Has Favre lost it. No.
My questions:
1. Can we contain Adrian Peterson?
2. Can we continue to get at the passer?
3. Is our first team capable of scoring against their first team???
reply to your questions
1. Can we contain Adrian Peterson? No team can contrain Adrian Peterson.
2. Can we continue to get the passer? Yes, Clancy Pendergast proved we could last game and will prove that again tonight.
3. Is our team capable of scoring against their first team? I really hope so, I mean we did practice against their “simulated” defense all week. I’d be dissapointed if we couldn’t atleast get Succop to put one through the uprights.
Reply to your reply
No team can contrain Adrian Peterson.
Chiefs did his rookie season. He had 25 attempts for 100 yards. That’s still a 4.1 YPC which makes him a good RB, not trying to say he’s not. But he’s not invincible.
Yes, Clancy Pendergast proved we could last game and will prove that again tonight.
Let’s hope youre correct on this front. The Vikings have a very good offensive line. It will be a very good first test of how the new defense is going to stack up. Hopefully we don’t see our guys on their ass all night.
I really hope so, I mean we did practice against their "simulated" defense all week. I’d be dissapointed if we couldn’t atleast get Succop to put one through the uprights.
My take on this is, unless they change away from a pro-style offense we’re going to see a similar Herm-type team. Haley is playing it safe for now. I hope it doesn’t last until preseason. We need some Haley & Gailey innovation if we want wins… especially on offense. We have spread-type personnel on the field, give them spread-type plays to run.
Herm Edwards: "There's FOUR quarters in football?!"
containment!
21carries, 32 yards , 1.5ypc 1 rec/9yds
granted, it was only one game, so maybe he had a cold.
then again, it was against New Orleans, so … who knows.
there’s hope!
I just want to see our whole starting offense and defense together
Bowe has learned to play right get him in there.
Herm is gone things are better with that one move!!
by bringbacktheglory on Aug 21, 2009 11:59 AM CDT reply actions
+1 Bowe need to be with the starters
If he is not, Cassel is dead in the water and Haley is putting him in position to lose.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Aug 21, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
My 3 questions since this game starts at 9:00 local on NFLN
1. What beer should I drink?
2. What kind of pizza should I order?
3. Pre game ritual? Madden 2009 or Watch the Roughrider CFL game?
And so, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, striving to put right what once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap, will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Aug 21, 2009 12:02 PM CDT reply actions
Question #4
How the hell can I wait 3 hours for the game to be broadcasted without going to my espn app on the blackberry?!?!?!?
And so, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, striving to put right what once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap, will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Aug 21, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Here is what you do
email Patrick.
Request a link to a web site where you might be able to see an internet feed of the game.
Thank Patrick with gifts in the form of millions in cash.
D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.
by Patrick Allen on Aug 21, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I take it we aren't permitted to advertise "illegal" broadcasts on AP?
Is it good quality, or some kid holding a video camera at the TV while giving his own “brillian” analysis?
And so, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, striving to put right what once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap, will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Aug 21, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
AP does not in anyway, endorse any sort of illegal feeds
Quality depends on the person broadcasting. Last weeks game was nearly imossinle to see, however there was only guy doing the feed. This is a big game though, with Farve and all that so I anticipate multiple feeds this week.
Hit me up and I will tell you what I know. =)
D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.
by Patrick Allen on Aug 21, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm going to call you Robert from now on.
And so, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, striving to put right what once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap, will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Aug 21, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I'll murder you
D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.
by Patrick Allen on Aug 21, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Since it’s Kansas City, I would recommend Boulevard Wheat Beer. Try a hot dog and tuna pizza. Watch the Roughriders…at lest you have meaningful football going on.
Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.
Hot dog and tuna pizza?
Ew.
And so, Craig finds himself leaping from blog to blog, striving to put right what once went wrong, and hoping each time that his next leap, will be the leap home.
by craig in calgary on Aug 21, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Beer
If you like watery beer like all the major US beers I say go for High Life. It will wash down all that pizza well.
Though you are in Canada so you may have aquired a taste for beer with flavor.
I suggest Laugunitas Copper Ale if you can find it. Or their IP if you are into heavy hops.
If you like ales my favorite is Fulers London Pride, though it is hard to find even in NYC sometimes, though it is growing in popularity.
For a good Irish beer, which I always endorse, Smithwicks (pronounced Smid-icks) is very good. This Irishman will be skipping th ebeer tonight. I am gonn stick to Jameson I think. Never let me down before.
Budweiser, since it was bought out, released a beer that actually tastes good. It is called Budweiser American Ale. I love the stuff and it is reasonably priced.
For Pizza I recently had the Domino’s deep dish with provolone cheese. Tasty.
D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.
by Patrick Allen on Aug 21, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Laugunitas IPA*
D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.
by Patrick Allen on Aug 21, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
you must have never had
Boulevard Wheat, KC’s finest. that, in my world, is the only beer worthy of a KC Chiefs game.
Chiefs Game Archive Website
A few weeks ago I copied a URL for a website that was streaming a lot of the old Chiefs games. Does anyone have the link?
You also
can always find that link in the archives of the fan posts. Just click on “All Fan Posts”
Then select most popular of all time. It is way up at the top, liek #4 I think. Should be #1…
Greatest thing to ever happen to me that site was.
D-Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Turtle. Four Chiefs WRers. 4 Pro Bowlers.
by Patrick Allen on Aug 21, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't care if we win this one
I want to see the first teams play decently against a strong competitor. I want them to get a taste of hostile crowd. I want to see some consistent play. I want to see our running backs run, our QBs throw, and our WRs catch. Progress. After all, this is a process (have I heard that before?) and we are still early on in it. I want to see some run stuffing by our D. I want to see Brett Favre throw to guys in red. I want to see some returns that look good on special teams. I just want to see us get incrementally better. I want to see some young guys who step up and look like they want to take the starting job.
Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.
Players are tweeting up a storm.
Good to see them getting excited for the game.
ToonIcon: ughhhhhhh hate gettn up early! Goin Home tommoro Thank God!!! After Vikings Game! Hate Turf too by the way!
dbowe82: I’m “Going In” tonite like my big bro @LIL_WAYNE, stay tuned. If u don’t have cable use tie neighbors.
BFlowers24: To be the Best you have to beat the best and Brett is one of the Best! Game vs. Vikings tonight! Tune in you don’t wanna miss this
superdj56: whats good everybody, make sure you check out our game tonight at 7pm against brett farve and the vikings.
almighty31: time to ride that wave!! OWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!
Can't fault him for not wanting to play on turf
its just more injury worries you gotta deal with. Anyhow, even if the whole up early, sleeping in a dorm thing has been bothering him, he hasn’t shown it on the field. As far as i’m concerned, he’s bought in and he wants to cement himself as a top tier RB.
For justice we must go to Don Pioli
Always want to face the very best,
even if they’re still shuffling pieces and looking for players to develop.
No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.
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