Chiefs Vs. Falcons Preseason: Five Players Who Helped Themselves
by Joel Thorman on Aug 14, 2010 12:00 PM CDT
in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Preseason
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The Kansas City Chiefs lost 20-10 to the Atlanta Falcons in the first preseason game. Things didn't go quite as planned but not all was lost. There were a few bright spots with the team.
Here are five Chiefs who helped themselves on Friday night against the Falcons.
In Hali-style, his name won't show up on the stat sheet but he pressured the quarterback on a number of occasions.
Hali has had a quiet camp and, like I've said, he won't necessarily be the guy racking up sack after sack but he's making a difference on the field with quarterback pressures.
He's a high energy guy and hopefully his teammates can feed off of that.
This game won't make the group of you screaming for Charles to be on the first team any quieter. Thomas Jones played just one series before Charles came in and ripped off three runs over 10 yards.
He ended with 37 yards on four carries including one that nearly got him into some very open field.
Basically, Charles picked up where he left off last season. If he's going to pass Jones on the first team, it will be with more performances like this. The offense, as a whole, was more alive when Charles was in the game.
OK, so we hyped him up in training camp to a level where he was almost destined for failure. He didn't show off those open field moves we've been seeing in camp but he was, overall, productive.
At one point, he carried the ball on five of six plays for 25 yards. He was fast, hit the hole quickly and even showed off his hands catching three balls for 23 yards. He also had one drop on the Falcons side of the field that might have proved costly.
One thing I wanted to see from him was getting hit hard and getting back up. He's a smaller back so you wonder if he can handle the punishment. In the second quarter, he took a hard hit near the sidelines that sent him flying to the turf but he popped right back up and even had something to say to the defender.
Way back at the beginning of camp, I said to keep an eye on him. He didn't light the world on fire Friday night but he did have a solid performance with few mistakes (a drop) which is what you need to see out of bottom-of-the-roster guys like Moore.
He had two carries for six yards and a pair of receptions for 21 yards. His 19-yard reception was the longest of the game that included a broken tackle to put the Chiefs inside the five yard-line with seconds remaining in the half.
This isn't so much about his play as a nickelback and cornerback. It's about special teams.
He averaged 28 yards on kick returns including one he took back to the 42-yard line.
The biggest play of the night, though, came on a play that never was. Arenas took a kick return at the goal line and got through the initial pile, hit the open field, stiff-armed the kicker to the ground and went 100 yards for the score.
Except it was called back for holding. The hold was far away from the ball and wouldn't have made a difference on the play so that's partly frustrating but also promising as far as Arenas' return ability goes.
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agree
except kesthan moore. needs to show much more to stick.
Actually Moore has been running #3 on the depth chart...
He has been very good at training camp so far. He reminds one of Charles in some way with the way he is built and his quickness. If he continues to get better in pass protection and catches the balls he is suppose to, he will more than stick. He has been the 3rd most impressive RB in training camp behind Jones/Charles by far.
There goes more into a decision to keep a player than just what they do during one pre-season game (even though Moore did a good job)…. like what he does during practice.
Kind of where Charles was at this time last year.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
Moore also blew that block...
That led to Cassel being sacked and putting us into a rough FG situation – one that Succop missed.
I’m mixed on Moore, he really didn’t have what I consider a good game. But as a rookie I guess it is to be expected.
by Ochophosphate on Aug 14, 2010 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions
He tried to cut the lineman and he stepped over him
That was pretty bad play for Moore .. it looked like he tried to cut the rusher at the ankles and the rusher just stepped over him. It cost the Chief’s and showed a lack of toughness. If he has any chance of making this team he’s going to have to do a lot better than that.
Agree across the board
I appreciate your analysis, and couldn’t agree more. The preseason DOES INDEED matter, or you could take no positives from it. It works both ways.
As a whole, we were bad. The opening series on both Defense and Offense weren’t what we NEED to see and be doing. We simply cannot allow top tier talent to set the tempo like that, or WE WILL BE DESTROYED during regular season, not to mention the rest of this preseason.
I BELIEVE with all my heart we will improve and get better, but if I had to describe my feelings at this point in a single word it would be: frustrated.
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 12:07 PM CDT reply actions
At the same time, some of the guys farther down the chart seem to be developing.
We’ll see if there are (m)any demotions/promotions. Might there be some surprise turnover in the trenches?
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
Let's talk about the #1 guy who hurt himself....
Matt Cassel… plainly his performance SUCKED!!! He still looks out of place in the back field, he may be a great leader, great teammate, great worker, but he is a god aweful quarterback! Give me Brody "the china doll: Croyle any day of the week!!!
by Stone Throwers on Aug 14, 2010 12:12 PM CDT reply actions
What was Cassel's stat line?
If the Chiefs win on MNF, I'm not changing my underwear until they lose
"I'm not superstitious. I'm a little-stitious"-Michael Scott
@Stone Throwers
give it a rest, its the freaking preseason. So I guess Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez hurt themselves also because they failed to score a touchdown? Overall when its all said and done, our 1’s vs. their 1’s the score was 3-0 Falcons. I can live with that.
Matt Cassel and the entire offense are going to take some time, that is why we have preseason.
The picture is a Chiefs pumpkin, yeah that is right a Chiefs pumpkin.
by jrcnc on Aug 14, 2010 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
Should be able to complete a high percentage of passes when all you do is dump the ball off.
The important stat is 3.1 yards per attempt. Casshole refuses or is unable to throw the ball down field, when he does he sails it well over Pope’s head. That’s 6’8" Pope.
by HIV 2 Elway on Aug 14, 2010 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
That play was totally on Cassel
With so much suckage, he HAS to be the difference or we are in trouble. Still, we were very bad as a TEAM. The only reason I’m leaning towards becoming hypercritical of Cassel’s play is because he MUST be the difference – NOT part of the problem.
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Hows he gonna throw down the field
When he has no time constantly? Take your hate for em aside, put Peyton out there last night your gonna see the same stat line. In order to take shots you gotta wait for the route he can’t do that as shown in the game last night. Haaaattteeeeeeerr
by KCinIL on Aug 14, 2010 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
When Croyle came into the game...
The Falcons still had most of their front seven in, and we hadn’t made any line changes. Croyle did more with the ball in the last five min. of the first half than Cassel did in a quarter and a half… His pocket presence is no just bad, it’s non-existent. He doesn’t slide up in the pocket or feel the blind side pressure, things quarterbacks develop from years of game experience. This was a huge knock on him in New England, behind a good offensive line. The guy cannot make a quick read and see receivers coming open. This QB thing is going to really show if Haley is full of poo or not, because if I watch three more preseason games with Cassel’s longest completion being under 4 yards, and he is still the starting QB I am throwing my BS flag
by Stone Throwers on Aug 14, 2010 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I assume you have to wait for the BS to dry
otherwise it would be flinging poo off the stick left and right. Nasty.
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
oh, of course...
that was implied :)
by Stone Throwers on Aug 14, 2010 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
So....
In 8 pass attempts what was he supposed to have? I guess the Chiefs should just bomb the ball downfield all game? I mean…we don’t have a legit deep threat, but I guess that doesn’t matter, huh?
The puzzle is almost finished.
2010: Year of the Chiefs
by YNinja on Aug 14, 2010 12:48 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
not sure how old you are...
There was a great Offensive mind that recently passed away, Don Coryell. He helped pioneered the offensive philosophy of pass first. And really the one piece of his philosophy that applies here is when reading routes read deepest to shortest. That is something Cassel cannot do. You don’t need to have a Randy Moss streaking down the field to be have a “deep threat”. If a guy can get down field 10-15 yards, quickly, and cleanly get into and out of his breaks, he will create separation. It is the quarterbacks’ responsibility to see, and hit those guys, more than that to throw the ball to where they will be, not where they are.
So yeah, I expect the ball to be thrown down field in that 8 – 17 yard range consistently and with accuracy. And, I don’t think that is too much to ask from my $60 million dollar quarterback, do you?
by Stone Throwers on Aug 14, 2010 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You play to the strengh of your team...
Our strength offensively is not to throw the ball deep down the field. To many fans get caught up in their own personal beliefs to not realize you play to your strength. Also the system that Haley/Weis run isn’t geared towards deep passes unless you have the personnel to do that. The Patriots have never been a deep ball passing attack under Belichek until they got Moss. The system is geared to more short to medium range passes. It has many of the same attributes of the West Coast offense. That is why slot receivers like Welker or McCluster are vital in this type of offense.
Our only real threat for the deep ball is Chambers and he is decent at best in that department.
Our offense will also improve when to aspect improve… getting our OL on the same page and getting Tony Moeaki healthy. If we give Cassel the proper time, he will succeed.
Funny you should mention that. With all the RB passes, tosses, and outside running, I was thinking WCO, as well.
Of course, there are many flavors of WCO, and KC’s offense reminds me a lot of Paul Hackett’s KC WCO, which was based on the backs and TE, and spread its catches across the entire group of eligible receivers.
When/if the O-Line settles down and when/if Cassel gets a clear sense of what they’re going to give him and what he can actually DO with what they give him, we ought to see more intermediate and deep stuff. I think they’re still in “Don’t blow it” mode, and aren’t interested in (m)any risks by the QB, mainly trying to evaluate other position groups that clearly ARE in flux.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
Your $60 million QB? I didn't realize you were paying Cassel's salary.
Do you have any yard work you need done?
Toby is in HR, which technically means he works for corporate, so he's really not a part of our family. Also, he's divorced, so he's really not a part of his family.
Maybe you are not playing his salary
But those of us who buy tickets to the game certain are.
Disagree about us not having a deep threat.
Chambers is a quality downfield threat as well as McCluster. Also, even though Bowe isn’t the fastest guy, you can put the ball up in his direction and he can come down with it even in double coverage. Offensive weapons can no longer be an excuse for the Chiefs. Cassel has to play well.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Aug 14, 2010 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Cassel also has to have time
Like I said put Peyton in his spot your gonna see the same stat line with this offensive line.
Agreed (for once)
I was just posting about that specific throw, in that he had Pope wide open and sailed it over his head. He definitely needs to complete that throw, however, he was under pressure again from the right side as either the RG or RT was being pushed into him as he made that throw, and I couldn’t tell (no replay and DVR provided nothing since the camera followed the ball) if his throw was affected by that or not. Still though, nail that throw and we’re in the red zone, sail it over his head, take a sack the next play, and we’re missing a long field goal
If the Chiefs win on MNF, I'm not changing my underwear until they lose
"I'm not superstitious. I'm a little-stitious"-Michael Scott
He was affected...
Went back and watched the replay and he not only got pressure from the right side, but he wasn’t able to step up into the pass… it is the reason his ball sailed on Pope.
Good observation on that play
I admit I was placing that play on Cassel, but the Right side pass protection was bad on several plays; this doesn’t surprise me at all.
This is exactly why I still must reserve judgement on Cassel. He certainly has to be the difference maker, but reasonable protection has to be there.
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I couldn't tell
Just off of rewinding my DVR (they didn’t show an instant replay b/c we were in no-huddle at that time), I couldn’t tell if he was affected by the pressure or not. I can’t remember if it was the RG (Lilja?) or the RT (O’Cally?) that got pushed into him, but I was pretty heated from him missing that throw
If the Chiefs win on MNF, I'm not changing my underwear until they lose
"I'm not superstitious. I'm a little-stitious"-Michael Scott
yep
even though they were short dink and dunk passes, I was glad to see that he was completing them. Its going to take some time overall we all knew that and still know that. No reason to flip out everyone, this is where I want to see missed field goals, sacks, and breakdowns in communication, here in the preseason.
The picture is a Chiefs pumpkin, yeah that is right a Chiefs pumpkin.
First time in months that the QB actually faced pressure from people who had a license to kill.
It’s understandable that they’d give the RBs plenty of work and limit the exposure of the QB.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
I don't disagree with about the 1's; overall not terrible, but...
This is something that has been building all through last season, but I wanted to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, but it is obvious that he a career backup quarterback, and with the durability issues, Brody Croyle might be as well, but if it comes down to who is the better, pure quarterback on the team… it’s Croyle.
There is a reason, Cassel was never a starter anywhere he went, now he did play behind a couple of very good quarterbacks, but those are years of lost game experience in real situations that he does not have, Croyle does and learning on the fly in the NFL is the wrong place to get that experience.
by Stone Throwers on Aug 14, 2010 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
You don't need TDs to prove productivity and postive play.
Ryan and Gonzo were productive and looked good in the time they played, period. Indeed, as you say, it’s preseason – that’s all you’re really looking for.
That said, and just like last year, throwing Cassel under the bus for the Offensive woes is totally unfair. As a team, we were BAD. The RBs were bright spots, but face it – we were bad.
We can’t allow top tier talent to set the tempo on us like that or we will be absolutely crushed.
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
you could tell both sides
were having issues, it wasn’t just OMG the Chiefs are garbage and nothing has changed. Yeah I would liked to have seen more from Cassel, and Thomas Jones, and the 1st team defense, but overall it was the first preseason game, if we are still like this come the 4th preseason game then yes I will worry a little bit.
The picture is a Chiefs pumpkin, yeah that is right a Chiefs pumpkin.
I'm as big a homer as they come
30 years of loyalty.
I’ll also admit the past 4 seasons have tried my patience, and I’m becoming increasingly “knee-jerky.” I believe we’ll improve, but I believed that going into last night’s game – only to be presented with EXACTLY the type of performance we endured last season. Good thing I had lots of beer, because it was very hard to swallow.
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Look at it this way
The plain 1rst grade playbooks we saw outta Romeo and Weiss last night, were Herm’s and Calncy’s “creative” playbooks =).
Haha
Strangely enough, that actually makes me feel better.
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree...
Give it a rest. The Brodie lovers fail to mention the interception he gift wrapped for a rookie Safety no less. I don’t recall there being any pressure on him either. Did Matt look great? By no means. However if you want to look at the QB’s on paper, Palko out performed Brodie.
Palko: 8/13 passing for 66 yds and 1 INT. Rating 42.5
Croyle: 8/15 passing for 65 yds and 1 INT. Rating 36.8
by Chief Willie Wildcat on Aug 14, 2010 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I think someone said...
Cassel had a better QB rating than Ryan. You can’t base your judgement off these preseason games. I know everyones gotten blasted for saying that (“What the hell, man? If we can’t complain when we do something wrong than you can’t be happy when we do something right.”) but realistically its like a glorified dress rehearsal. The coaches are working out the kinks, the players are catching up to speed, the refs are trying to get their shit together. If anything get worried during the last couple of games but this game basically means nothing.
This shows how bad stats can mislead you
I thought Palko was absolutely horrible while Brody showed confidence and poise. I still think Cassel is our #1 guy but if something happens Brody doesn’t scare me. Cassel didn’t play enough to really evaluate his play. He still makes me nervous though. He ovethrew a lot of open receivers last year and I want to see him fix the problem. I’d say it was more a mechanical problem and lack of focus. (I give him a break on some of the misses cause he was running for his life). I want to see Cassel be accurate with his passes … period! He’s making a lot of coin and it’s not for having a cannon for an arm. It’s for his reads and accuracy. He needs to start earning his money as the preseason moves forward.
Making the proper reads is my biggie. Pre-snap.
Next is finding the wisdom to discriminate between courage (exploit an advantage) and serenity (throw it away – there’s nothing good gonna happen, this go-round). After the snap.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
That's right!!!
Brodie’s 52% completion percentage and 36.0 QB rating was MUCH better and ruled the night!
by KCChiefsfan75 on Aug 14, 2010 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Pocket Awareness is the #1 thing I'm looking for.
What I’m seeing from both QBs is happy feet. When things break down or don’t break exactly as drawn up, the QB needs to know the difference between hitting the panic button and knowing when a simple maneuver is going to free him up for a few seconds. Neither Croyle nor Cassel seem to know the difference, just yet, and using that extra couple seconds can spell the difference between an easy completion to a wide-open receiver after the routes develop and the coverage breaks down.
So far, there seems no real danger to opposing defenses sitting on routes and flooding the short zones. Somehow, KC has to find the tipping point on those plays. Somehow, the KC QBs need to mature beyond just playing by the numbers and seizing opportunities.
For instance, once Brodie escaped the pass rush, he had plenty of time to set up and find somebody. Instead, he immediately forced the ball out, even though the immediate pressure had been neutralized.
These are the kinds of free seconds THIS O-Line is going to give their QB. I just hope that desire to hurt the other guy is going to win the battle with fear of failure. There ain’t going to be a whole lot of standard pocket passing, but BOTH Cassel and Croyle are mobile and have strong enough arms to make something positive out of those ugly plays, where the pocket dissolves, but the widebodies are at a disadvantage to finish the deal.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
"In Hali-style, his name won't show up on the stat sheet but he pressured the quarterback on a number of occasions."
He needs to take his talents and that motor back to the D-Line. I’d rather have the QB having to hurry every snap w Tamba rushing and an iffy LB than having Tamba chasing a TE and the QB having all day to make a play. I’m not saying he’s not a good LB, just think he’s that much better on the line causing havok from the get-go
Honestly
how many times can you recall Tamba dropping back into coverage, especially man coverage? He almost always rushes, and when he isnt, he’s not dropping back more than five yards or sliding a few yards to his side to help cover the flat. Yes, most reams realize he is probably rushing 95% of the time, but that other 5% may cause an unlikely turnover…like James Harrison vs Kurt Warner in the Super Bowl a few years back.
by kc_radrh8r on Aug 14, 2010 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
gosh I would have put belcher over hali
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
No way.
Hali was wreaking havoc on every play. He drew a triple team at one point and still rushed Ryan to make his throw. Hali is by far and away the best player on our defense. There is nobody, including Brandon Flowers who is even close. I see him in the Pro Bowl and I think he will cross over into “elite status” this year…regardless of the W-L record.
Other than Jamaal Charles, I believe Hali is our best football player.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Aug 14, 2010 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions
i disagree with moore
He missed a couple of huge assaignments, one that gave up a sack when all he did was dove in front of a pass rusher and pretty much whiffed. I can live with the dropped passes to an extent, but he NEEDS to really improve on his pass protection.
by chiefs8288 on Aug 14, 2010 12:27 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I agree. Moore probably hurt himself as much as anyone, with his whiff on the blitz that got Cassel sacked. Luckily for him, Jackie Battle also had a poor game. Probably Javaris Williams helped himself more than Moore and Battle in that “battle” for #3 RB.
Williams was facing the 3rd/4th stringers...
Moore was facing more 2nd/3rd stringers. Sure he needed to improve his pass blocking, but that will come in time. He ran the ball well when given the opportunity.
Kick Return
Does anybody know where I can see a video of the kick return? I just got really pissed (even though its preseason) after the third quarter and went home then heard the play on the radio.
If chiefs don't win at least 7 games this year, I will be the new Mel Gibson!
I'm surprised we are not seeing more excitment over Javir Arenas
He had only three opportunities to return a kick
The first attempt went for 42 yards
The second he fell (but he had a really good seam!)
The third he returned for a touchdown and as Joel said the penalty didn’t help spring him
Seriously, that is pretty ridiculous for a guy playing his first pro game ever. Most teams would be happy for a returner to have two long returns over a five or so game span, not in the same freaking game.
Check out my blog on software development:
http://www.turnleafdesign.com/
by Scaryclouds on Aug 14, 2010 12:30 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree Scary
I’ve been focusing on the negatives because I’ve become increasingly impatient with the same issues season after season, but this WAS my solace for the game.
He is the real deal. How he’ll be used in the Secondary remains to be seen, and is clearly a work in progress, but we have a star on our hands in the return game. My friend is a die-hard Bama fan, so I expected no less.
Even the way he caught “fair catch” balls with nerves of steel, totally surrounded by opposing players, was something I took note of. He is fearless.
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
that fearlessness was his biggest problem for quite some time...
he’d try and make the return every time he caught it and on more than one occasion, it cost us. saban and company got on him before the 2008 season and he was a lot smarter in his returns. his numbers were less flashy but his production was a lot more solid.
Roll 'Bama Roll: The Champagne of 'Bama Blogs.
Very interesting
It was just one of those “subliminal” things I took note of. He was smooth and confident was my final thought on him.
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
That's the thing, Ragnarok. I think he needs some more work to be a real asset in the secondary.
While I’m a big fan of big kick returns, to me the real ebb and flow is on regular offense and defense, so I really want to see a contribution on regular D. Or, what the heck, put him in the pattern on the offense…
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
he looked awesome
Very exciting.
this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?
by stagdsp on Aug 14, 2010 12:38 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Even more important
When he fielded punts I wasn’t holding my breath like I was all last season even on fair catches.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Aug 14, 2010 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
He looked like he’s been back there doin it for years.
The Chiefs will see a return to respectability in 2010, emerging as the front runner in the AFC West! ....And I'll quantify that however I choose. Ahem.
by ArrowSpread on Aug 14, 2010 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah definitely wasnt like having wade back there
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
Or that guy 2.7 recruited
The guy was just terrible.
Check out my blog on software development:
http://www.turnleafdesign.com/
As an Alabama fan . . .
I can say Javier is a ton of fun to watch. One of the best things Mike Shula ever did was “steal” Javier from Florida International late in the recruiting season. He simply has willed himself into a great football player and possibly the greatest college return man ever. He is not the fastest guy but he has a “motor” that doesn’t turn off on returns — teams started kicking away from him his JR year and if he had just gotten one more decent return opportunity he would have set the all time NCAA return record (I think he was nine yards short). And as a DB he makes up with aggressiveness what he lacks in athleticism. Watch how he will routinely strip balls before the receiver can tuck it away — about the best I have seen at that.
by Son of Roaring Dan on Aug 14, 2010 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Greatest Ever? Easy there big dog
Im an Alabama fan through and through, but Arenas wasn’t even the best return man in UA history. That honor belongs to the one who could have been – Tyrone Prothro. Most electric, amazing, incredibly, jaw dropping player I’ve ever seen play the game.
Moisture is the essence of wetness.
Statistically . . .
he was nine yards short of the all time NCAA record with about 30 less punt returns (or something similar) than the all time leader. Add in the all SEC record number of TD returns and its hard to argue with the numbers. Although I loved Prothro and Palmer too — they were all great.
by Son of Roaring Dan on Aug 14, 2010 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions
what about Forrest?
did he always score on Kickoffs? :)
The picture is a Chiefs pumpkin, yeah that is right a Chiefs pumpkin.
rec'd
He looks like a vet returning those kicks….even when he called for a fair catch and the gunners got close he made it look like no big deal.
"Chiefs will...crush our enemies, see them drivin before us and hear the lamentation of the women."
by Brian Harris on Aug 14, 2010 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Sometimes it seems like were watching different games.....
I agree Rag that the pre season does matter. I want to win every game when we step on the field, but at the same time, we don’t know what Haley was asking them to do. I saw Haley mouth on the sidelines “Good job Matt” as Cassel came off the field on what I thought was a horrible series.
Haley is not on to hold his emotions in, so if he’s not worried, then neither am I.
I don’t think that I have heard anyone mention what I thought was the biggest problem……..The o-line. They clearly have not gelled yet. The defense was horrible on the first series, but thank God they adjusted. They at least showed that we can play some D finally.
O-line was confused.
I thought
the D-line sucked worse, which really bothers me.
by bamachief5558 on Aug 14, 2010 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
O'Call
hurt a lot of what the passing game was trying to do. His play was just ugly. Cassel hasn’t really looked good as a Chief but JC and Dex will have to carry this team…their speed will negate a weak o line and Cassel with be dumping a lot off short stuff all year unless they find a right tackle imo.
Others I thought played good were…..Kendrick Lewis, Arenas, and Studebaker.
Arenas will be a weapon…looked sharp in first action, even though called back, not many rookies will return one for td and a solid 42 yarder….plus he just looked quick
Lewis played good for 5th round pick…hopefully they saw something great in him as he was near the ball more than Berry.
Dj, Mays, and Williams still need a lot of work…..Belcher looked fast and and is a player
The holding call on the Arenas TD was bogus.
It had no effect on the play. That was TD as far as I’m concerned.
I agree about Arenas. His play was very impressive.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Aug 14, 2010 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Oops.
went back and watched again. Good call by the official. Stupid play by Cole.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Aug 15, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Javarris Williams
Javarris Williams i felt outplayed Moore by a lot. I also did not like that he refused to help block at all during the whole game. Man up and try to prevent your QB from getting killed please
by realdealhill27 on Aug 15, 2010 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, Arenas is a player.
I liked a lot of what I saw. And Im sorry, Brodie is not as good as Cassel. Many people act as if Brodie never got his shot. Brodie had an opportunity to be the starter and it just didn’t work out. Cassel definetly needs to work on his pocket presence, but he also needs some time in the pocket. When a defender reaches you at the same time as the ball, I don’t care who you are, there is nothing that you can do.
by Enite on Aug 14, 2010 12:42 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
I agree...
Coyle is a freaking 3rd string qb
i dont care where hali plays....as long as he plays!
he is the biggest consistency on our D. He is the guy, more than anyone else, that QBs need to keep an eye on.
And I’m so glad that the Matt/Brodie thing is starting again. Matt will do fine, if given the weapons and time. And the weapons are there. Let him get in a rhythm, and he’ll show you what he can do. Maybe he didnt look that great last night, but he doesnt call the plays. Maybe the thought wasnt so much to see what Matt can do, but evaluate what was around him.
With the way you all argue QBs, I’d just give the ball to Colquitt and have him kick it to the recievers. And there’d still be complaining!!!
tdbowe….i agree with you on everything about the D. Belcher looked the best of all ILBs. Lewis is gonna be a starter by the end of the season. Im sure of it.
And i think you can pick any RB and put him in. they all had moments.
Arenas is the spark our special teams needed.
Only thing I want to see is belcher and DJ start ILB, Lewis at safety, and Lokey at NT.
Im not sold on him either.
I just thought there was more pressure while he was in. It’s not that I think he’s some amazing NT, it’s that I just dont think Edwards can cut it. Lokey is younger, bigger, and stronger. Just not sold on Ron Edwards starting.
by Flower_Power on Aug 14, 2010 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
At least let's get a look at Lokey versus #1s.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
right on..
I agree Belcher should start and would like to see Studebaker and Vrabel somehow instead of a soft DJ. Lewis was impressive for first start…outplayed Berry imo. Would love to see Lokey against first team O line a little more because I was thinking the same thing
DJ needs to step it up, but
then again so do the 2 starters. The youngest of the 4 played the best. Keep it up, Belcher. big upgrade over Mays.
by Flower_Power on Aug 14, 2010 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
agree... also add:
Belcher, Studebaker, Lewis, Sheffield, and, yes, Tyson Jackson!
this should be the most exciting Chiefs team in years! Most major needs filled with playmakers, and the league's best coaching staff... 10-6 a possibility?
by stagdsp on Aug 14, 2010 12:43 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Thank You
Not sure what Studes has to do to get more ink. He looked solid to say the least yesterday. That run to the outside he strung out was very nice. I know Vrabel is a known commodity, but I hope they get Studebaker in more because I love what this kid brings.
by BucktheFroncos on Aug 14, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree Stude is the cowbell of our D
WE NEED MORE!
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
im pretty sure you've got about another decade of watching the STUD
vrabel’s groomed him into an excellent replacement. I dont think we ever need to worry as far as our OLBs go. Tamba, vrabel, stud, sheffield, and even pierre walters. QBs wet their pants at the sight of them
by Flower_Power on Aug 14, 2010 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Moore
hurt himself way more than he helped himself. We already have two shifty backs with speed who are more talented than he is. He has to show he has the intagibles as well and he blew some assignments pretty bad last night.
Did anyone see how some of our undrafted free agents looked? I saw Greenwood on the field a couple of times and Horne broke past the secondary a couple times. If there’s anything else positive to take away from this game I’m gonna try like hell to find it.
if we could hit horne
we could’ve made it a close game. well, and he’d need to catch it, too.
by Flower_Power on Aug 14, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't hurt yourself!
If there’s anything else positive to take away from this game I’m gonna try like hell to find it.
Arenas.
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah
Arenas did look freaking awesome. I was talking about things we might have missed watching it live (or watching the little virtual ball on the computer). Obviously we have our known commodities, so I’m looking for young guys to step up in positions of need (linebacker, receiver, lineman).
Hard not to agree with what the Cassel doubters — he’s dinkin and dunkin out there. Hard to say whether him not throwing it downfield was by design, or his decision-making. I’m hoping it’s the former. Having read plenty of reports of long balls to Chambers, McCluster AND Bowe — the chemistry has been there in TC — I’ve got to put his low YPA on vanilla playcalling, even though he did miss 6’8" Pope high. I saw a couple of times where the same play was called back to back as well. Just vanilla play-calling, imo.
Re: players who helped themselves…You’ve got to put Studebaker in that list. He did a good job of sealing the edge, even when he had to stretch it out to the sideline. He had a couple of pressures on the QB as well. Anyone know how well he did in coverage? Didn’t catch it…
Kendrick Lewis stood out to me also.
Damnit my 2-yr old is driving me bat-shit crazy today…
The Chiefs will see a return to respectability in 2010, emerging as the front runner in the AFC West! ....And I'll quantify that however I choose. Ahem.
Spread....that is beautiful.
Vanilla play calling. that’s exactly what it was. Stud was beautiful wherever he played all night.
Give the kid something red and gold. that’ll occupy!
by Flower_Power on Aug 14, 2010 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree put Stude on that list
As for Cassel, my only point is he MUST be a player who makes a difference, not one who contributes to the problem. If not, it’s going to be a very rough season.
Same situation, only mine is 3 years old…
In wondrous beauty, once again, shall the golden tables stand mid the grass, which the gods had owned in the days of old.
by Chiefs_Ragnarok on Aug 14, 2010 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Louis C.K. understands you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u2ZsoYWwJA
Check out my blog on software development:
http://www.turnleafdesign.com/
Once Charles, McCluster, and Jones
Are in the whole game. Then I’ll start judging Matty C this year. That trio is going to be flat out disgusting by the way Jamaal looked. He is going to loosing things up for this offense.
Studebaker is missing from this list.
Call me crazy but he was our best defensive player last night.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
I would get behind that statement.
The Chiefs will see a return to respectability in 2010, emerging as the front runner in the AFC West! ....And I'll quantify that however I choose. Ahem.
by ArrowSpread on Aug 14, 2010 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
When he came in the productivity on that side of the field got better.
He was around the ball, not out of position, made some great individual plays on the ball carrier and just seemed to bring alot of energy to that left side.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Aug 14, 2010 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Did you cross-reference Stude with Magee on that left side?
I haven’t, yet. Seemed to me like when our #2s were out there that there was significantly better pressure on the passer from the front 5, and I think setting a standard for QB pressure out of the vanilla look is key to long-term success. We ought to be getting something at least on par out of our basic 5-man front that the Falcons were getting from only 4.
I love mixing it up with inside blitzes and DBs blitzing fairly frequently, but it’s about the front 5, to me.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
Agree. It’s especially noticeable when he replaces the slow as molasses Vrabel. the whole D looks amazingly faster with just that change, and i hope it’s a permanent one.
I'm all for Stude starting and Vrabel taking Mays spot at SILB
Mays was just awful last night. On the second pass to TG he was literally standing right next to him watching him catch the ball and was out of position on the interior runs on every play.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Aug 14, 2010 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Mays is poor at pass D, but I’d much rather see Belcher satrting there then Vrabel, again due to speed. Vrabel just can’t run anymore, and all the smarts can’t cover that up.
I definitely think that
Studie should take over the starting spot from Vrabel at somepoint this season. Vrabels enough of a man to take it in stride and continue to be an awesome coach on the sidelines.
I would add Kendrick Lewis.
Its obvious by how quickly he was subbed in with the ones that he is going to have a shot at starting. He makes his presence felt on the field. That secondary is young and McGraw might make more sense on paper, but I’m starting to believe that we should take our lumps with Kendrick(rookie mistakes) because from the limited amount of exposure I’ve had to him, the guy looks like a playmaker.
Specifically
The play when he blew up the sweep. didnt make the tackle but was the first on the spot and took out two blockers, then the blitz. He seems very instinctive to me.
I agree
And those instincts make him look even faster on the field. Reminds me of Polamalu(no not his talent level) in that he seems to read the plays well and lets his instincts take over which makes him seem like he’s playing at a quicker pace then everyone else.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Aug 14, 2010 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah. He came in early. So did Lokey: on the field by the 2nd series.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
Taking a step back again, but not a surprise
It’s no surprise that we still have allot of work to do on and off the field still, but we are ahead of where we was last year at this time for sure. I see more playmakers and our depth charts aren’t set in some places but it’s better than last year at this time. No dought about it we have a long way to go but looking into the future and I see success.
Anybody notice how Cameron Sheffield did?
I didn’t get to see anything after Cassel left the game.
Moisture is the essence of wetness.
yeah he did very well....
he…arenas..mccluster…berry…lewis…
with asamoah/Moeaki…looks to be an immediate impact draft class
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
Sheffield will be good
Sheffield looks solid already and was ALL OVER THE PLACE at scrimmage. I think if he can get his IQ up and improve on pass coverage he could prove to be the steal of this draft class for us
by realdealhill27 on Aug 15, 2010 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Walters
Is on my list, his name was called out a lot. He deserves some more play time with the second team, see if he shows up there too.
ATL started subbing on their O-Line in the 1st half. Grain of salt from about the 5 minute mark in the 2nd quarter, I think.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
Lokey
I thought Lokey looked solid at the nose on a couple of plays. He got pushed a little bit but it was backwards, not completely out of the way.
And he got some snaps against the #1s, too.
"I ain't lyin' 'bout nothin'."
"Oh? So what exactly are you lying about?"
One player that could be mentioned
Is Albert. He did more than hold his own, he was excellent.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
Still another flag though
My biggest issue with Albert last year were all the penalties. And he made another dumb error last night. With us being a running offense we CAN NOT afford penalties on offense we must be smart
by realdealhill27 on Aug 15, 2010 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd add a few
Jon Asamoah played well every time I was focused on him.
Pierre Walters seemed to be disruptive when he hit the field, made a few nice plays.
Cameron Sheffield didn’t make a ton of plays, but I was impressed with him anyway.
Kendrick Lewis flashed some potential and continued to make me hope he takes the other starting spot.
Andy Studebaker and Jovan Belcher both continued what they started last year in my opinion. I’d love to see them starting this year.
you werent focusing on Asamoah
at the right times then. Everytime I watched him he completely failed at pass blocking. At one point Brody snapped the ball and the ATL d-lineman was immediately in the backfield. Asamoah has a lot of work to do.
I still think he did ok
I’m not saying he needs to be the starter, just that I saw solid play from him when I was focused on him. I won’t deny he still has work to do.
I remember the play you were talking about and while bad, it happens to elite players sometimes too. The defensive guy got a great jump on the snap and the line didn’t really have a chance, if I’m remembering the play correctly.
He's a project
Not a good game by him though it was funny on the play he got the flag he just about killed the guy he put on the ground. That was hilarious
by realdealhill27 on Aug 15, 2010 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
From a concerned Kool Aid drinker!
I’ve calmed down some since last night, and have tried to look at the positives, but we can’t use Charles and Dex. on every play! I seriously thought our O-line issues were gradually becomming less of a problem, based on a good finish last season, the addition of some solid free agents, and another year in the system for the guys that were already on the roster. With the exception of Dex. and Charles, the Preseason 2009 Chief’s offense was on the field last night. They have the exact same issues as last season: Poor protection, an inability to pass the ball down the field (despite receivers being open pretty consistently), mistakes causing drives to stall, and just no overall cohesiveness offensively. Based on last night’s performance, there is not a QB on the roster I feel totally comfortable with, and I have been a solid Cassel supporter.
I pretty much agree with the individual performances of alot of guys, mainly on defense, making the game not a total disaster, and we got a good view of the potential of alot of young players. I think the talent is there, on both sides of the ball, but if the offense can’t sustain drives, have more balance, have the ability to throw downfield, and score Td’s, in the Redzone, by the 3rd game, against a pretty good Eagle’s team, when the starters will play the majority of the game, then it will be the same old shit / different year.
Sorry, I kinda got off of the topic of individual performances, as they don’t mean shit if the talent isn’t utilized effectively, and there doesn’t begin to be some chemistry on this team, especially offensively. I hope to be in alot better mood next weekend!
There once was a man from Nantucket......Nevermind.
PIERRE WALTERS!!
I was impressed with him! Needs to be on this team! Still concerned about Cassell. How is Richardson with the injury?
Jackson and Studabaker both stood out to me
Jackson had a heady play where he backed off the rush and knocked down a pass. He was also responsible for stalling Atl’s first drive. On 2nd down he stuffed the middle, on 3rd he strung out the OT and forced the RB outside stalling the drive and forcing Atl to kick a FG.
Studebaker just seemed to be involved in every play he was in. He just seemed to have a nose for the ball.
There is no red like Chiefs red.
After I saw the game
I’m thinking we are shooting for the thunder / lightning combo with Jones and Charles. I don’t really think it matters who’s the “starter”. Both will get their reps and one may get more game to game depending on the matchups. Who really knows tho after preseason game 1.
Other than JC, the most impressive play came from Arenas
I enjoyed very much the stiff arm he placed on the kicker that sprung him loose!
McCluster was very fast, he made everybody look like they were standing still as he turned the corner.
Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.
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