Chiefs Vs. Falcons Preseason: Five Players Who Hurt Themselves
by Joel Thorman on Aug 16, 2010 2:14 PM CDT
in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Preseason
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PrintWe gave five Kansas City Chiefs players who helped themselves in Friday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Now here are five that did not help themselves.
I know he's a bottom of the roster kind of guy but, man, what bad timing for him to be injured and miss the game.
I said the first week of camp that he's my longest long shot to make the season opener roster. He hadn't really shown a lot during camp and was often inactive last year. I just didn't get the feeling the Chiefs were high on him.
Then he started to provide some hope making a nice touchdown grab in the intra-squad scrimmage as well as another tough catch in practice. Things were starting to click for him it seemed and I started to re-evaluate my longest long shot prediction.
Unfortunately he might have missed some momentum by having to sit out this game.
I think he needed this preseason game to make a case for himself but it's too bad he had to miss it. He's believed to have some sort of injury.
QB Matt Cassel
I know. He only had eight pass attempts (and he completed six of them).
But the first team offense did nothing with him in there. He also drew Todd Haley's ire by giving up a third down sack which pushed back Ryan Succop's field goal attempt from 47 yards to 53 yards.
I'm not going to spend too much time here because we've dissected this enough but Cassel needs to take control of the team and be the obvious answer at quarterback for the Chiefs.
I think he's the best option and he's nowhere near in danger of losing his job but you'd like to see more out of your quarterback, even if it preseason game number one.
He was beat a couple of times but one of them he'll remember.
Falcons defensive lineman Kory Biermann came zipped past O'Callaghan on a Cassel pass and got to the quarterback knocking the ball out of his hands. Cassel might have been able to hold it in a more strategic position but O'Callaghan let him slip past and the Falcons recovered the fumble.
The Chiefs can't give up turnovers and win. They're just not good enough for that yet. This was a critical mistake.
LB Justin Cole
He hurt himself with a mistake that cost the Chiefs six points.
He's the one who was flagged for holding during Javier Arenas' 100-yard return. The play was called back and it ended up being a 70+ yard penalty.
Like the O'Callaghan flub, the Chiefs simply can't make these kinds of mistakes.
He's an undrafted free agent trying to make the team and he'll likely need special teams to do that. That penalty was a big mistake.
RB Thomas Jones
OK, this one may not make a ton of sense to you because Jones carried the ball just twice before leaving for a "minor stinger". Of course the "injury" isn't serious by any means and he was back on the practice field Sunday.
But here's my thought process: He's battling with Jamaal Charles for the starting job. One of those guys was available and the other was not. Todd Haley consistently says he'll coach the guys that are on the field and he seems to ignore the others.
Yeah, it's just preseason, and maybe Jones wouldn't have come back regardless but his competition was the best runner on the field when he was in.
I'm still not sure how much preseason performance matters when it comes to picking a starter in this position group but Charles was clearly better than Jones through one game.
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Jackie Battle should’ve been cut before they boarded the plane home.
If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen
2 years ago
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 16, 2010 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
i was just thinking
jackie battle does not make this team better. he runs straight up, doesnt possess a certain skill that can help this team other than possibly blocking for the QB on passing downs…looks like we have another MIKE CLOUD on our hands here. WORTHLESS.
All three QBs could have been included, to be honest
Each had critical mistakes (Cassel’s fumble, Croyle/Palko INTs).
Yep, it's like picking the lesser of three evils.
So you got the fax. So why didn't you add it to the resume? What do you mean? Of course martial arts training is relevant.
well cassel's fumble wasn't nearly as much his fault as the INTs
biermann blindsided him. we’ve all seen this happen to elite QBs, so why are we ripping on cassel
Seriously, when have I ever been sarcastic?
We've all seen elite QBs
throw interceptions too. So what? He still needs to quit hanging the ball before he throws it. I don’t think any of us are ready to compare Matty C to an elite QB just yet.
i'm not saying he is
i’m just saying we shouldn’t make a big deal about something that happens to just about every QB. now if he makes that a reassuring habit it’s a different story.
Seriously, when have I ever been sarcastic?
In all fairness, we HAVE seen Cassel do that before.
He needs to step up in the pocket to buy himself some time. He seems to either try to take off running or holds the ball too long. He showed very poor pocket presence the other night just like the early part of last year.
I’m pulling for Cassel but, he HAS to do better.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Aug 16, 2010 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
i'm not saying cassel doesn't have to be better
but i’m not going to blame him for something that wasn’t really his fault. biermann went virtually unblocked and cassel looked to be in throw when he got blindsided. hardly a play were i would accuse him of holding on to the ball to long. i’m not saying cassel played good by any means the other night, but that fumble is not something i’d use in my evaluation of him.
Seriously, when have I ever been sarcastic?
You're right
That play by itself doesn’t mean much, but when your QB was the most sacked QB in the league in New England (47 sacks), and the 4th most sacked QB in the league with the Chiefs the next year (42 sacks), he’s got a pocket presence problem. I don’t want to hear the OL excuse either, Brady was sacked half as many times behind the exact same line the year before Cassel played (21 sacks) and the year after Cassel left (28). In two years, Cassel gave up 89 sacks and Brady gave up 49 sacks; so, it’s not just the Chiefs’ line (although it obviously doesn’t help). The time for making excuses for Cassel is over. Like CF1970, I’m pulling for the guy, but I think we might be seeing the reason he’s been a backup since high school.
can't totally disagree with most of that...
except for Cassel and Jones… you’re talking about a VERY small sample size for both.
I don’t think either hurt themselves at all.
Cassel will always take more criticism (and credit) as the starting QB, and Jones will be under scrutiny as a 30+ RB, and the big-name FA.
But, both have secured spots on the team, and both will have good seasons, I think.
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 16, 2010 2:20 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I would say the guys who helped/hurt themselves are those who are in battles for roster spots/starting jobs
Cassel/Jones are NOT in such battles.
Cole and O’Connell ARE, and they hurt their chances.
I think Mays/Williams did lilttle to help their chances of retaining starting roles. Neither distinguished themselves much, and Belcher looked great, I think.
I think Edwards probably hurt his chances with some inconsistent play, but I’m not sure Lokey has done enough to take his job… YET.
I think O’Callaghan had about 3 plays where he was beaten, which is too many, but there is no serious threat for his job at this point, so he’ll have plenty of chances to play better.
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 16, 2010 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think DJ did much to increase his chance of unseating Williams.....
he was in there against sub-par competiton and still managed to pretty much disappear.
So you got the fax. So why didn't you add it to the resume? What do you mean? Of course martial arts training is relevant.
yeah, he missed an opportunity, IMO
i saw him make one tackle for a loss, but that was about it… granted, I didn’t watch the 2nd half as close as the first
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?
I think O’Callaghan had about 3 plays where he was beaten, which is too many, but there is no serious threat for his job at this point, so he’ll have plenty of chances to play better.
Especially with Richardson on the shelf right now.
by TheScootness on Aug 16, 2010 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions
If Cole had not taken down his man, I dont think they would have called the hold
It was hard to see until they got separation. A little more experience and this shouldnt be a problem anymore.
To make a bad day worse, spend it wishing for the impossible.
I've had the same dream every night this week. I think it means that the spring season flopped and my subconscious has gone into reruns.
by chiefsandcigars on Aug 16, 2010 2:20 PM CDT reply actions
I can't be positive about this
but it looked to me like the player that Cole blocked knew he was falling and he held onto
coles and they went down in a heap. I was disappointed in the Zebras during that game as well. They called holding on the Chiefs well enough, but they sure didn’t want to call it on the Birds. I saw sheffield nearly have his jersey pulled over his head and it was a no call. Guess the Zebras get preseason too.
"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"
I think Cole has been destined for the PS since he was signed
Seems like a guy who has talent as a potential pass rusher, but needs quite a bit of refining.
Predictions:
This year will be better
Go ahead and start now
RUN DEXTER RUN!!!!
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 16, 2010 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Thomas Jones crushes criticism with his biceps.
So you got the fax. So why didn't you add it to the resume? What do you mean? Of course martial arts training is relevant.
by BigRedChief on Aug 16, 2010 2:23 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I didn't get a chance to watch last weeks game
However they were saying this afternoon on Sirius 124 that Michael Turner could have “easily ran for over 200 yards” if he wanted to. Shouldn’t there be more guys in the Front 7 that “hurt themselves”?
I am looking forward to watching the Bucs game at 2 Oclock in the freaking morning. Thanks NFLN for the primetime spot.
by craig in calgary on Aug 16, 2010 2:26 PM CDT reply actions
I don't believe that at all
he didn’t really break any long runs, just had a couple 5-7yarders, then was cut down behind the line by DJ, and strung out by TJax…
it looked NOTHING like the Cleveland game where Harrison was breaking loose in the secondary at will
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 16, 2010 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
That was the biggest thing I noticed about the D....
They didn’t give up those back breaker plays like last year.
So you got the fax. So why didn't you add it to the resume? What do you mean? Of course martial arts training is relevant.
haley noticed too
and commented on it in his presser.
I think that can be somewhat directly attributed to better Safety play
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?
great answers from Haley by the way
was a good Q and A
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
Agree with Stag here
Turner is a top 10 RB in this league and the secondary along with our LBs did ok. Not great, but ok.
"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"
That's a huge deal
Aq team getting 6-7 yards in a run isn’t good.
But it’s a heck of a lot better than blowing up for a 30 yard gain or a 60 yard TD.
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
If you watched to first few snaps you would get that impression but they did seem to tighten up the run after a while.
So you got the fax. So why didn't you add it to the resume? What do you mean? Of course martial arts training is relevant.
yeah I hear you...I plan to just wait, ignore all nfl news, and watch it taped in the morning.
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
ditto
RUN DEXTER RUN!!!!
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 16, 2010 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions
If that was the case
Then Dex and Jamaal each could have easily run for 150.
ie: kind of a silly statement by Sirius 124
Chiefs - back in the playoffs in 2011.
Eric Berry and Javier Arenas looked awesome.
So you got the fax. So why didn't you add it to the resume? What do you mean? Of course martial arts training is relevant.
Joel, keep us updated about RT
If you could give us updates on if you are seeing any changes with the Colin Brown, whether he is playing more reps with any team, seeing reps at 1st team, etc. I’m assuming with Richardson out for now, Brown will be the #2 RT, maybe I’m wrong about that, but I would like to see Brown’s competition stepped up, get reps at least at #2 through the next preseason game, and step up the challenge for him to push O’Callaghan to hopefully improve both of their play
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
If you can, that would be great :-)
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
Yeah Brown's the No. 2 RT
Don’t see that changing anytime soon. I think the only way O’Callaghan loses his job is if someone from the outside is brought in.
by Joel Thorman on Aug 16, 2010 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Have high hopes for Brown
I’m not sure against what defense Brown was playing against in Atlanta, but I thought he looked decent, so I’d like to see the challenge for him stepped up, see how he does against Tampa’s and GB’s 2nd teamers for extended periods. If O’Cally doesn’t play well against Tampa (which he should, considering their team, hopefully), then I’m hoping for some Brown with the #1s. You see these two at practices regularly, and I’ll take your word that you don’t see O’Cally losing his starting position to Brown, but again, here’s to hoping
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
by FalconMF27 on Aug 16, 2010 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks, Joel
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
Thomas Jones had to have be told to pull a Mr. 2.7 move.
I swear he looked like that guy out there. I don’t get it. Why not start with speed & elusiveness? I don’t wanna see Jones unless it’s goal line or 3rd and 5. Clearly a failure by the head coach on who starts.
seriously, he had 2 carries
nothing to worry about, and NOTHING like 2.7
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 imur#1fan
Coach Haley ; knows the difference between #27 & Alpha Dog #20 .Coach Weis is calling the plays .2.7 is history. #20 TJ is present & accounted for . IMHO #20 was properly relieved of his duty . An excused for the night .There is no namby pamby associated with #20.Geaux Chiefs .
by 65tosspowertrap on Aug 16, 2010 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Disagree totally.
On 3rd and 5, I want Charles and Dex on the field. On 3rd and 1 maybe I want Jones.
RUN DEXTER RUN!!!!
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 16, 2010 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't want Charles in there on 3rd & 5
Put Dex in the slot and give me Power in the backfield. Lbs are gonna stack the line. Easiest way to get him hurt. He’s a small back.
Or...
Put all three on the field. We go 3WR set (Bowe, Chambers, McCluster) and then line up Jones and Charles in a split-formation in the backfield. Hike the ball and Charles explodes into space as a 4th WR. No way a defense stops that offense…
2010 Chiefs are on the rise. This is the most excited I've been since 'Nam...
by kcchiefsfan72 on Aug 16, 2010 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions
i say just for laughs
stick in charles, mccluster, and arenas and just taunt the D. Seriously what ya gonna do about this one hmm?
by realdealhill27 on Aug 16, 2010 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Luckily we can have both.
If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen
by JComp11 on Aug 16, 2010 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's Lucky?
RUN DEXTER RUN!!!!
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 16, 2010 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions
That's Lucky?
RUN DEXTER RUN!!!!
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 16, 2010 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions
What’s the sarcasm font?
If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen
by JComp11 on Aug 16, 2010 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah been on that bandwagon since day one.
If someone asks you if you want extra mayonnaise you have to say yes, cus that's part of it.
-Jared Allen
by JComp11 on Aug 16, 2010 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
No thanks on wrong route long
Never in my 24 years have a seen such an idiot at the WR position as Lance “wrong route” Long. I remember at least 3 ints that were a direct result of Cassel throwing to where Long was supposed to be going and then Long was running in the opposite direction. Seriuosly if we want yet another speed threat keep Q. Lawrence and let Lance go run incorrect routes somewhere else.
by realdealhill27 on Aug 16, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions
If you were familiar with my opinions...
you’d know that I’d take Steven Hawking at wideout over Lance Long.
If you were living on this side of the border
You’d be arrested for being THAT non-PC
Predictions:
This year will be better
Hawking's a sharp kid.
Bet he’d at least run (sic) the right routes.
Chiefs - back in the playoffs in 2011.
Holy Crap that brought back memories...
Wrong Route Long > Long Duck Dong
2010 Chiefs are on the rise. This is the most excited I've been since 'Nam...
by kcchiefsfan72 on Aug 16, 2010 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Br...Bro....Broke...
…broken record.
by crashman6 on Aug 16, 2010 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Lets not forget
Cassel played 1st team defense…unlike Croyle and Palko.
This was also the 1st game with his new weapons. TJ, DMC, and new additions to the line. The offensive success will rely on getting a flow going. Its hard to get a flow going when your playing very limited snaps.
Dont worry….Cassel has put in too much work to fail. He has all the right pieces around him to get us in the endzone.
"One of the teams asked me a running back question," McCluster said. "They said when you have the ball, do you focus on the guy who's in front of you or the next guy.
"I told them 99% of the time, I'm going to make that first guy miss. Then, I'm onto the next."
exactly
in fact… several of his new weapons weren’t even used…
Bowe, Chambers, Moeaki… either not in the game, or not used.
vanilla offense, quick designed throws… which he DID complete
he’s fine.
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?
The Denver Pick
The home Denver game INT was the absolute worst, the ball was literally in mid-air and you see Long running with his back turned to the ball. OMFG so painful to watch
Did Pierre Walters do anything to improve his stock?
He seems to be the odd man out at OLB, unless I’m missing something.
Predictions:
This year will be better
he did a lot, actually
had 5 tackles, looked very strong and always around the ball
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 16, 2010 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
O’Cal looked awful. I cant believe him and Niswanger have been starters in this league.
Thomas Jones is a good running back, he just has no one to set blocks up for him and doesnt have the speed Charles and Dex have to make something up when it doesnt work out.
by ThomasJ1776 on Aug 16, 2010 2:59 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
that's a lot of conclusions you draw there...
On how many plays did Niswanger and O’Call get beat? (answer: 3 total)
How many carries did Jones get? (answer: 2)
How can you determine the future/present careers of 3 starters from 5 total plays in the FIRST preseason game?
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?
Magic 8 ball
Chiefs - back in the playoffs in 2011.
by TRSChief on Aug 16, 2010 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
by TRSChief
It worked for the chain gang Ref’s.*8 plays = field goal in Atlanta.
by 65tosspowertrap on Aug 16, 2010 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd say I agree with most of your observations
Thus why I was a bit “knee-jerky” with my opinions the Saturday after the game.
Overall, it just seemed like they weren’t ready for the speed of the game, and I find that unacceptable. That said, I truly believe this will get better.
Nobody has ever accused me of being patient, however. I wouldn’t personally single out Cassel after that performance, but he DOES have to become the difference maker – fair or not, that’s the situation this team is in.
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 16, 2010 3:08 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
True Dat and Recognized...
matter of fact, I only watched the first half of the game. Outcome to me means nothing in preseason, as long as we are doing the following things;
1) Getting reps to those who need them the most
2) Realizing the potential of our players
3) Gaining momentum and progressing through each preseason game
4) Becoming a single unit with a common goal
5) Creating an identity with which to build from
2010 Chiefs are on the rise. This is the most excited I've been since 'Nam...
by kcchiefsfan72 on Aug 16, 2010 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions
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