Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle Solidifies Backup QB Job

by Joel Thorman on Sep 14, 2009 8:00 AM CDT in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign

If there's one thing Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle did yesterday, it's solidify himself as the No. 1 backup to Matt Cassel. I know, I know. We've been through this before with Croyle but his performance yesterday was the best he's ever given.

But this was a situation where he might not have known he was going to start until Saturday night or Sunday morning. The variables involved didn't make it easy on him.

He didn't turn the ball over and got the ball into the end zone. Those things are nice but the stat I was so pleased to see was the completion percentage: 66.7%

Croyle attempted 24 passes and completed 16 of them. He completed seven of his first 11 attempts including one that went for six to Dwayne Bowe. He didn't turn the ball over but nearly did late in the game on a controversial fumble call that was overturned in the Chiefs favor.

The talk before this game was, if Cassel can't go, the Chiefs need to just not be embarrassed with whoever is at quarterback. That's what the world was saying about this game. Not only were they not embarrassed with Croyle at the helm, but he gave them a shot to win the game with a nice little run of two straight scoring drives.

The first came on a seven play, 68 yard drive that resulted in a Succop field goal. The next drive totaled six plays and 52 yards culminating in a touchdown to Sean Ryan.

In 13 plays, Croyle led his team 116 yards for 10 points. He completed a respectable 6/10 passes including four straight to end the touchdown drive.

Tyler Thigpen saw one non-descript series. On first down he handed off, on second down he ran a draw and on third down he handed off again for no first down and a three and out. Croyle wasn't lighting the world on fire at that point so if it's unclear if Todd Haley had a plan to get Thigpen in there or if his cameo was related to Croyle's performance.

All in all, I was pleased with Croyle's performance. Even though we haven't seen Cassel in a real game for the Chiefs, I still think he (Cassel) is the best quarterback on the team. Croyle had his moments but I still do not believe he's a real challenger for the starting job.

He did, however, alleviate some concerns about his plays which should keep him elevated over Thigpen.

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Comments

I'll Be The First To Admit It

He stepped up…about time. He still hasn’t ever been the reason we won, but today we can say beyond a shadow of any doubt that he wasn’t the reason the Chiefs lost.

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
2. The Lions will draft Matt Stafford, the Rams will draft Jason Smith, and the Chiefs will draft either Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe.
3. Maurice Carthon will be the most hated man on the Chiefs' coaching staff within two years.
4. Larry Johnson has already played his last meaningful game for the Kansas City Chiefs. He's gone before the 2009 season starts.
5. Larry Johnson will gain 0 yards rushing for the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.

by UCrawford on Sep 14, 2009 8:05 AM CDT reply actions

And Yes

I still want him traded away or gone after the season. I will never trust the guy to stay healthy.

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Sep 14, 2009 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Agree to an extent

I wouldn’t be so upset with him having a spot start like today, but should Cassel go down for a month or more, I wouldn’t feel confident in Croyle to stay healthy.

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Sep 14, 2009 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions

Err "...a spot start like yesterday"

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Sep 14, 2009 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions

And That's Pretty Much The Thing

It’s not unusual for QBs to go down in the NFL…especially in KC the last four years or so. We’ve got a terrible offensive line that still needs major rebuilding work. Croyle is a terrible fit as a backup QB here in any capacity (2nd or 3rd string).

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Sep 14, 2009 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I wouldn't want him gone...unless there's someone better to replace him

And in regards to health…I’ll take a “better” player actually producing than someone not as qualified. He’s paid to play and if he gets hurt, it’s part of the game.

He is the “best” we have as a backup, (which isn’t saying all that much) so play him as #2 until either Cassell is back or if/when he gets hurt then play Thigpen.

Oh yeah, let me be the first to say it this year ~~Thigpen~~ Croyle made us competitive in that game (rolls-eyes).

Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."

"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.

by THE_TRUTH on Sep 14, 2009 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

I'm with you

Until someone can outplay Croyle he should stay. We need to have backup QBs that can come in and play well when they’re needed. Croyle did that yesterday. I’d like to know when the last time was we had a QB play a game and end with a higher rating.

by Big Chief on Sep 14, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions

And

Isn’t it time that signature gets cut down? Beginning of the season, right?

Arrowhead Pride

by Joel Thorman on Sep 14, 2009 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed...UC should change that to say LJ will get 27 whopping yards in his first game :)

Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."

"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.

by THE_TRUTH on Sep 14, 2009 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Fair Enough

I did promise.

I’m leaving up the one about Haley, though.

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Sep 14, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Let's See How That Looks

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
3. Maurice Carthon will be the most hated man on the Chiefs' coaching staff within two years.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.

by UCrawford on Sep 14, 2009 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Next Year I'm Just Doing Up A Beginning Of Season Fan Post

And then I’ll add only what I consider the most important 2-3 predictions to the signature block. More than that gets unwieldy.

Still kind of a long signature block, but it shouldn’t be getting any longer.

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

by UCrawford on Sep 14, 2009 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm Also Dumping The Maurice Carthon One

But just remember my position on Carthon because I predict that in two years a lot of you are going to want the guy fired.

Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009

1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.

by UCrawford on Sep 14, 2009 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions

due credit

You guys are right, Croyle played very well and that was a rough defense to play against.

Given the state of the OL (and no running game), is there a QB who will be able to stay healthy?

by ZakInOmaha on Sep 14, 2009 8:20 AM CDT reply actions

Ravens fan here

Hats off to KC. I thought they’d be a total train wreck when Haley fired the OC at the last minute, but now I don’t get that impression. Your boys played with purpose and seem to have a very different identity now that Herm is gone.

You guys do have a long way to go talent wise, but never underestimate a team in a bad division, especially if you have one or two stars who can change games by individual performances. You can never predict NFL seasons two years in advance, because stuff happens and progress can get lost, but you guys are heading in the right direction now. Your front 7 looked pretty good most of the game, until later on when they seemed to wear down.

All around, you guys gave us a little scare there and you certainly gave Oakland some interesting game tape to watch. We’ll see how they look tonight— I can’t decide if they’ll finally be dangerous because of McFadden, Fargas, and possible a somewhat more developed JaMarcus—or if they’ll just naturally implode because they’re the Raiders and they’re owned by a sea monster.

"I know where you're at, man. You had it all, and now it's gone. It's torn a hole in your soul bigger than my Escalade. So you turned to the drugs, the alcohol. Pornography, free-basing with OJ, human trafficking, dog fights slash orgies... darkness."
-- Craig Robinson as Reg Mackworthy in Season 1, Episode 5 of Eastbound & Down

by jackmca on Sep 14, 2009 8:48 AM CDT reply actions

Thanks Jack.

You seem to be one of the classier Ravens fans to come over. Appreciate the input.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 14, 2009 8:51 AM CDT reply actions

was it the ass chewin?

I think Haley put the fear of God in Brodie. That’s something he’s never had before.

by ChiefsDude on Sep 14, 2009 8:55 AM CDT reply actions

"Snap the f$!^ing ball!!"

by ChiefsDude on Sep 14, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Too Funny

I was going to mention that but it slipped my mind. He not only said it once, he said it twice, and with authority. I think Brodie shat himself on the spot…

Put this in your pipe and smoke it:
1. Chiefs will be at least 8-8 and vie for division champs
2. DJ will break out and finally have his year
3. LJ returns to form
4. DBowe drops will reduce

by kcchiefsfan72 on Sep 14, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions

brodie was like

damn man all these years I’ve just been yelling “HUH? HUH? HUH?” when I step up to the line because I don’t know whats happening, but on one of those "HUH"s the ball gets snapped. But every time I asked “HUH?” nobody ever answered me. Finally, Coach Haley laid it all out for me to understand.

by jackmca on Sep 15, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions

That is going into my personal archives as one of my favorite Todd Haley moments.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 14, 2009 8:57 AM CDT reply actions

1+

by saskwatch on Sep 14, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions

I actually thought he played well.

The play calling in the first half was very conservative. We were unable to run the ball (like everyone else against the ravens). If you want to beat them you halve to throw the ball. When they moved more towards the pass Brodie moved the team pretty well. There were a couple of drives stopped because the receiver ran the route 1/2 yard to short, but Brodie made nice timing throws.

The O-line protected him better than expected. The did pressure him a lot, but the truth is I expected that our QB would be getting killed all night. We controlled Suggs pretty well, but Johnson (I think that was his name) got there a bit. I actually thought the right side of the line held up pretty well.

I am not a Brodie lover, but have thought all along he could be a solid backup in this league. Looks like he solidified his position as the 2 last night.

I was also excited to see that they have put together a special package for Thigpen. I look forward to how that develops down the road.

by saskwatch on Sep 14, 2009 10:18 AM CDT reply actions

I am so with you on the play calling.

We have to attack these defenses with the pass. Especially the good ones. The best way to exploit a good defense is by attacking them with an aggressive game plan. We don’t want our O-line to try to stand toe to toe with the Ravens, Giants, Eagles, Steelers, etc. Quick passes is the best way to go against these tough Ds.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 14, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

I still would rather have Thigpen out there

He can run and with this OLine that is necessary. Look at last year, Thigpen produced a lot more than the offense did yesterday. Ya Thiggy throws some errant balls and ya his completion percentage is low, but he got us first downs and points and was the lone bright spot on our team last year (Along with TG). So yes, Croyle deserves to be on the roster, but I believe it’s as a 3rd stringer.

A new GM, a new coach, a new year. A new sense of hope and pride.

by CBaller13 on Sep 14, 2009 10:22 AM CDT reply actions

Was it just me?

I thought Thigpen was in for only 1, maybe 2 plays. I could’ve sworn that after his draw play, Croyle came back into the game. I only saw the game on first run, however, so I haven’t been able to look at a replay to verify.

As for Thigpen- yeah, he can run, but his completion percentage would’ve been even lower last year if Gonzalez weren’t around. He threw a ridiculous number of passes that Gonzalez had no right to catch. I can’t see him being very successful now with the “weapons” we now have.

by paChiefsFan on Sep 14, 2009 10:57 AM CDT reply actions