Jon McGraw Talks About Chiefs New Safeties Eric Berry And Kendrick Lewis
by Joel Thorman on Jul 21, 2010 2:15 PM CDT
in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Season
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PrintWhile in Washington D.C. on Tuesday I made my way to Capitol Hill where a few NFL players and their families were talking to some political folks about issues facing NFL players including the safety of the game.
Also on the Hill (Yeah, I'm a Washington insider) with the NFL group was Chiefs safety Jon McGraw. Of course I couldn't let him get away without asking him a few questions about the Chiefs two new safeties, Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis.
Right off the bat, you can add McGraw to the growing list of Chiefs players that are impressed with Berry.
"Besides being an incredible athlete, he comes across to me as extremely mature for his age," McGraw told me. "He came in very humbled. He just wanted to learn and to grow. You respect that about someone as the fifth overall pick coming in with a lot of clout. I think he's handled himself like a pro from the beginning and I'm really excited to get to play next to him."
I've been curious about McGraw's relationship with Lewis because the rookie was essentially drafted to take McGraw's job. On the one hand, you want to help out any rookies to help the team as a whole. On the other hand, you want to keep your starting job.
Quite the dilemma, no?
"I haven't gotten into that dilemma at all," he said. "I want to be the best player I can be and a lot of times becoming the best player, the way to get there is to be a better teacher. If you can really teach something well, you can actually help yourself and learn it better. It's a great way for veterans to get better at their skill to teach it to other guys. Guys that go into isolation mode, in the end actually hurt the team."
That's an interesting spin on things that I haven't really thought of before and, frankly, it makes a lot of sense. When you look at the Chiefs who seem to value those veterans that will teach the younger guys (think Zach Thomas, Mike Brown) it makes even more sense why they would keep McGraw on the roster.
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I think McGraw makes the team
hopefully Berry and Lewis listen and take in everything they can. Did McGraw say anything about E. Thomas?
Are we the team to beat in 2010? I sure think so! Go Chiefs.
I think McGraw's too high of a character guy and too important to the ST group.
He’d be one that I’d be upset if we let go. I don’t want him to start at safety for us, but he’s good depth and a great special teamer.
"I don't know if I want to go to New York. They'll have to pay me a lot more money because I like it here in Kansas City." -- Roger Maris
I would be pretty angry if we let him go honestly.
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
I can't see the Chiefs releasing McGraw
He’s the only source of stability. I suspect the Chiefs will keep Berry, Lewis, McGraw and the best among Washington, Morgan, and Langford. They might keep two if Washington can be a swing player by being the 5th corner.
McGraw is an asset
Even if he doesn’t start, he plays a vital role on this team. Depth, leadership, knowledge of the game, to name a few. He is a great Chief.
Agreed
I think by the end of the season Lewis will be the starter but, as I’ve said a number of times, McGraw is the type of player you want on your team in some capacity.
by Joel Thorman on Jul 21, 2010 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Most important question was missed!
Paper or plastic?
by NJ Chiefs Fan on Jul 21, 2010 2:28 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
I really thought about telling him that story
For you newbies, a long time ago someone wrote a FanPost in all capital letters claiming to be Jon McGraw’s cousin and said something like we should all go bag groceries if we continue to bash Jon McGraw.
We looked back at our archives and no one had bashed McGraw, In fact, pretty much everyone was complimentary of him.
by Joel Thorman on Jul 21, 2010 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks to my amazing photo shop skills
If you do a google image search for “John McGraw Chiefs” you get this:
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Jul 21, 2010 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Price Chopper or HyVee?
well done, PA
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
That can't have been photoshopped!
I would’ve sworn it was real!
I think the last time I saw that was when McGraw got his sack this year. I celebrated, then laughed so hard at the irony.
"I don't know if I want to go to New York. They'll have to pay me a lot more money because I like it here in Kansas City." -- Roger Maris
We have to keep this guy....
He can cover,,,,rush,,,,sack groceries….Think I even seen him doing some waterboy duties one game last year….this guy does it all.
fresh fruits and veggies for the entire secondary!
Are we the team to beat in 2010? I sure think so! Go Chiefs.
Rec
Founded Arrowhead Pride 7/26/2006
by Chris Thorman on Jul 22, 2010 12:31 AM CDT up reply actions
You should see if you can find it (if it wasn't deleted)
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 21, 2010 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions
To be fair,
Jon did bring it on himself:
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 Jul 21, 2010 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Rec
That’s my third rec in this comment stream alone.
Founded Arrowhead Pride 7/26/2006
by Chris Thorman on Jul 22, 2010 12:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Ahhh yeah! Hahaha!
Almost forgot about that. Hope that dirty little scrub is reading this McGraw love-fest!
Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!
I like McGraw too
But I don’t want him teaching our young guys anything, i would rather E.Thomas did the schooling. I’m not saying he’s a bad player, but he does make mistakes.
I think you missed the point of what he said.
He described teaching the young guys as not only a method to improve their play, but to improve his own. It takes a different mindset to break things down enough to instruct others, so I would expect that McGraw would improve as well through his analysis of how to play. All pros make mistakes, but it’s whether they recognize those mistakes and learn from them that makes them valuable teachers. You don’t have to be a flawless player to be a good teacher, nor do you have to have even played the game at all (see: Coach Haley, Mike Tomlin as examples of those who never played college or pro ball).
Yes i agree
But if we’ve got a guy learning on the field i would rather it be Lewis then, since he will be here longer.
Is Lewis ready to "learn on the field"?
I’d like him to see some serious time, but I highly doubt he’s ready to be tossed into the fire as of yet.
"I don't know if I want to go to New York. They'll have to pay me a lot more money because I like it here in Kansas City." -- Roger Maris
Most likely he isn't, and they do make good point of learning while you teach.
If Page isn’t here then McGraw is the best option, but i would like to see what D.Washington could do at the spot, are we going to use him or what.
Or Morgan
Herm has a pretty good history of drafting DB’s
by groundedchevy on Jul 21, 2010 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I've got to believe that if the coaching staff believed in Morgan
they’d not have selected 2 safeties in the draft.
Can't argue there...
Another view would be the fact hat Lewis was selected in the 5th round…You always need a good backup, and if they felt Page wouldn’t be on the same page (sorry had too). You have two starters in Morgan and Berry with Lewis and Mcgraw as the backups.
by groundedchevy on Jul 22, 2010 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
same here!
that is the best case scenario
Are we the team to beat in 2010? I sure think so! Go Chiefs.
Why?
Page doesn’t want to be here.
I keep hearing people say “I hope Page starts, blah, blah, blah”. Well… Page isn’t even here. He wants traded, and likely will be. Besides… he wasn’t all that great even when he wasn’t injured. I say screw this guy and let one of the guys that is busting their ass to make the team start. Page has shown by now that he lacks the motivation and drive that the current coaching staff looks for. They’re likely to let Page rot at home while they develop Lewis and Berry.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 21, 2010 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Page wants more money.
If he doesn’t get it he wants traded, pretty simple to figure out too me. Wheres all those guys that defend player wanting to get paid now?
Page is worried about holding a starting spot going into free agency.
It doesn’t bode well for him to be a backup on the Chiefs defense when shopping his wares. If he isn’t a starter he probably isn’t looking at a new contract much larger than the one he currently has.
Left Tackle is Brandon Albert's natural position.
Yup.
And it may not be about 2010 money, but trying for something longer-term. The lack of a CBA caught him wrong-footed, stuck as a RFA for a 2nd year. He has little to gain and everything to lose by being in camp, that is, if he doubts he would earn a starter’s spot.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
Page doesn't deserve more money.
He’s nothing all that spectacular, and has not proven to deserve a long term deal due to his injury history.
The guy needs to sign his 2 Million (or whatever it is) dollar tender and get to work. Let him PROVE that he deserves a better deal, and he’ll get one. It’s not that much to ask. Play a year for a couple million, do your job, shut your mouth and if you’re worth what you’re asking, it will be apparent.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 21, 2010 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Page OWES US money...
For the amount we paid him and then for him to get injured and sit out. He owes us a few games for free, and then we’ll talk about another contract!
Touchdown Machine: Dexter McCluster
Football Prodigy: Eric Berry
The revival of Derrick Johnson
The Manimal: Tamba Hali
AFC West Champs 2011
Our New Kansas City Chiefs!
Completely agree. Page would not be good for this team. Start Mcgraw and ease Lewis in after
we’ve got a good lead, like in Week 1 against SD. McGraw can be tutoring Lewis.
I hope McGraw takes the starting job this year.
It would, IMO, be the best case scenario for Berry to have a vet that has made his way in the NFL not on natural athleticism, but off hard work and dedication show him the ropes while they’re on the field.
Seeing McGraw and Berry starting, at least for the early part of the season should be interesting. On one side you have a guy that is almost always in the proper position, and is good at reading a play and reacting, and on the other side you have a naturally gifted play maker. Could be an interesting tandem.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 21, 2010 2:34 PM CDT reply actions
Unless McGraw's primary role is to play underneath and beat on TE's and WRs going across the middle...
Also puts him in position to run support (his strength). Let Berry play up top and cover the deep ball.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 21, 2010 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions
McGraw's also a good blitzer, imo.
Last season, they definitely (and defiantly) went for smarts over athleticism at safety. The strange thing about McGraw is that in all those years under Cunningham, he always looked out of sorts. Last year, he seemed to learn a LOT about the regular defense, all of a sudden. Might have been a bit limited, physically, but no longer confused.
I think he’d be a fine mentor for Eric Berry, and Berry’s athleticism would make up for McGraw’s limited range.
By rights, they ALL oughta understand what they’re doing, and the better athletes ought to rise to the top of the depth chart.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
Did you get his autograph? :)
*My opinions are subject to change.
by CMatthews on Jul 21, 2010 2:44 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Nice
I see what you did there ;)
by LTownChiefsFan on Jul 21, 2010 3:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
In another thread
Someone made a big deal about adults asking for autographs and whether it’s OK or not.
by Joel Thorman on Jul 21, 2010 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
McGraw is right about learning best from teaching others ...
numerous studies show that memory retention of any given subject is about 90% of what we teach … that percentage drops sharply when it’s what we read, or are told, etc
check the Lerarning Retention Rates here
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
Crap!
You’re telling me I need to start going to people’s houses to “teach” my defensive blabberings? Alright, going to need names and addresses from everyone. This is going to be a long summer. =)
And if you buy me beer, I’ll promise to visit your house(s) first.
"I don't know if I want to go to New York. They'll have to pay me a lot more money because I like it here in Kansas City." -- Roger Maris
meet me at my dive bar
and I’ll buy your drinks all night….lol
by HeatherChiefsLvr on Jul 21, 2010 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
As long as you've got good beer on tap, I'm in!
You’ll probably have to throw me out once I start slurring about weakside counter contain in the 4-6.
"I don't know if I want to go to New York. They'll have to pay me a lot more money because I like it here in Kansas City." -- Roger Maris
nahh....the tap beer isn't so hot..
bud, bud light, coors light, dos equis and hef…..I drink stella or corona., lol I flirt with all the bartenders and know them pretty well so I get hooked up a lot….I even flirt with the only male bartender too….LOL
I know you’re all shocked!!!
by HeatherChiefsLvr on Jul 21, 2010 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes...I, for one, am completely shocked.
You drink Corona?
10 + wins in 2010. Chiefs SHOCK the NFL!!! Mark it down.
why yes, yes i do...
or vodka soda with lime…..or kamakazi’s or catus coolers. that’s the extent of my alcohol abuse.
by HeatherChiefsLvr on Jul 21, 2010 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
oh well, if Heather's buying I'm THERE
your “dive” bar … you mean Gil’s? you know, where you have to shout because he’s “hard of herring” … I’ll drive over in my “stingray” … but I shouldn’t let you pay, Heather, that would be “shellfish” of me
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
it wasn't intended, you know ...
… that was just a “fluke” … hope things are going “swimmingly” and that all is “fin” in your world … ok, guess I should “clam up” now before I tip the “scales” too much
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Whitlock Rocks!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
KaloPhoenix
Yes, teaching is great for learning. Speaking of which, do you have nothing more to say about the 3-5-3 post? I know I’m always the last dyin’ dog to give up on those threads, but I really like ’em, and pick up a lot from ’em.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
Ah, I hadn't looked at it since it dropped off the front page.
I’ll have to go back and see what you’ve got for me!
"I don't know if I want to go to New York. They'll have to pay me a lot more money because I like it here in Kansas City." -- Roger Maris
You keep this guy for Character and Special Teams alone.
He’s actually pretty underrated against the run as well. Not much of a coverage guy but has great instincts in run defense.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
McGraw may not be what you would call "great"...
But, he plays his ass off. Gotta’ respect that.
10 + wins in 2010. Chiefs SHOCK the NFL!!! Mark it down.
Like
I like this guy, the punt block last year. And some of the hits he’s made, I can’t recall the one, but it’s like he turned off the body’s safety switch of hurting himself and put it all out. Gah I want to remember when that was.
I, Like many...really like mcgraw...I think there is no question he makes the team.
Berry/Lewis/Mcgraw are locks imo. (obvious with berry/lewis) I think Langford, Price…Washington…are all possible for the 4th safety spot…but mcgraw brings too much to the table…this is a young team as it is…and hes a heck of a special teams player
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
by SDChief on Jul 21, 2010 3:42 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
We should have a contest before camp ends, to guess who will be the right 53 that makes the team.
That would be a lot of fun to predict. I don’t think there are that many “Locks” in this regime.
I think there are more than we think.
Last year was used to clean house. This year is to continue to develop in house guys that have already proven they are willing to do things Haley and Pioli’s way. That’s why we haven’t seen a large number of free agent signings.
They’re likely to roll with the majority of what they had last year, and continue to help the in house young guys develop.
"Reach for new elevation; and see just how high we can go. Full blown determination; will take us further than we know. My own anticipation; keeps the fire from burning out, It's time for domination... no one can ever take us down" - Pillar - "For the Love of the Game"
by Red N Gold Beast on Jul 21, 2010 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions
well the "locks" I listed...lewis...berry...if you want to wager they wont make it, Ill take that bet, as they ARE locks :)
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Sick picture of my boy D Sproles
Man, I wish this fool was in KC.
Olathe North baby!
by Another Failed Tedford QB on Jul 21, 2010 4:13 PM CDT reply actions
prefer mccluster :)
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Idk if anyone has ever seen his website (its a little out of date)
but its kind of interesting.. http://www.jonmcgraw.com/qa.shtml
some of his nicknames include: “Let’s see there is Quick Draw, J-Mac, McGreezy …”
If McGraw makes the team it will be as a special teams player.
Hopefully our starting safeties are Page and Berry.
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