Former Players Under Nick Saban Getting Good Reviews

by Joel Thorman on Jun 2, 2010 3:31 PM CDT in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Season

We've talked on more than one occasion the advantage of having players from Alabama on the Chiefs team. The defense is highly influenced by Nick Saban, who happens to have an indirect Chiefs connection with his prior work with Bill Belichick and a direct connection with Scott Pioli.

Chiefs second round pick Javier Arenas learned under Saban, a former defensive backs coach himself, as did Arenas' Alabama teammate Kareem Jackson, a first round pick of the Texans.

The word on those two players is that they're well-polished because of the Saban connection. Indeed, Texans coach Gary Kubiak recently talked about how polished Jackson was.

"From a coaching standpoint, this kid's very well coached up. Some of the things that you may have to work on knowing, he already knows them, so (Texans defensive backs coach) David (Gibbs) had a head start with him from that standpoint. But we knew that. That was one of the reasons we were very excited to get him."

(Editor's Note: David Gibbs previously worked for the Chiefs.)

While this isn't directly about Arenas, I think similar words could be used to describe him. The same buzz words, including "coached up", were applied to Arenas in pre-draft talk.

What all this boils down to is that Arenas may see playing time for the Chiefs sooner rather than later.

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I hope Arenas sees the field early

I have a friend who is a Bama fan and speaks very highly Arenas, and says he is going to help our Defense alot.

Are we the team to beat in 2010? I sure think so! Go Chiefs.

by jrcnc on Jun 2, 2010 3:37 PM CDT reply actions

I think he will

The 2nd round pick of a 4-12 team is going to see some significant playing time early, for sure. He’ll probably be the starting KR/PR as well.

Predictions:
This year will be better

by jmcgoblue on Jun 2, 2010 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions

No one else on the team will be near as good at the nickel as Javier

My bold prediction for 2010....The Chiefs win the AFC west with a 9-7 record, while the Chargers fall off, Denver remains the same, and Oakland, well enough said.

Offensive Player of the Year = J Charles
Rookie of the Year = Eric Berry

by DirtySouth Chiefs Fan on Jun 2, 2010 3:45 PM CDT reply actions

It's always a guessing game when it comes to playing at the next level.

It’s nice that some of the guesswork is removed, in Arenas’s case, and the learning curve is less of an issue. There are some other guys in the DB corps who are coming in more prepared and better conditioned than last year, too. So I’m optimistic about a return to former glory in the secondary, starting with Emmitt Thomas as their coach.

by hmills110 on Jun 2, 2010 4:10 PM CDT reply actions

O.T. I saw Herm Edwards today getting a fu-fu coffee (so was I)

in the drive through window at the Starbucks on State Line & 133 St. while I was waiting in line inside. I said “Yo what’s up Herm!” He said “Hi ya doing!” I said “good getting a fu-fu drink” he said “me too hahaha. Take care.” I said “later.” People inside thought I was crazy as probably most here do…Lol…Didn’t ask him what brought his losing butt back to K.C. though. He probably woulda just drove off without paying.

by Novyarbat on Jun 2, 2010 4:34 PM CDT reply actions

as poor of a coach he was for the chiefs...

at least he seems to be a nice guy.

Live Adventure!

by MountainManMike on Jun 2, 2010 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions

which was probably one of his downfalls as a coach.

Live Adventure!

by MountainManMike on Jun 2, 2010 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions

supposedly

he’s an elite blitzer. Hopefully that can mask our coverage/blitz assignments and create confusion for the offense

by SillyHatDay on Jun 2, 2010 6:34 PM CDT reply actions

What all this boils down to is that Arenas may see playing time for the Chiefs sooner rather than later.

May? I am almost certain Arenas will see considerable playing time in Game One. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was returning punts (and maybe kicks) and lined up as the nickel back 10-15 times a game.

Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl

by PVChiefsfan on Jun 2, 2010 10:11 PM CDT reply actions