Chiefs Training Camp: Rookies Stealing The Show
by Joel Thorman on Aug 5, 2010 8:27 AM CDT
in Chiefs Training Camp
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PrintOne week ago the Kansas City Chiefs arrived in St. Joseph, Missouri for training camp and thus far it's the rookies who are stealing the show.
Generally, rookies in the NFL don't have a huge impact because the size and speed difference from college is so big that it takes them a year or two (or three...or four) to get used to it.
That's not the case with the Chiefs.
Arguably the most impressive player in camp so far is Dexter McCluster, the Chiefs second round pick. After he was drafted, and looking at all those highlight reels, I figured it would take some time for a smaller back like him to become adjusted to the pro game.
Apparently not.
He's like a jitterbug on the field (Kendrick Lewis's words) and what has impressed me the most is his ability to catch the ball. He's got a nice set of hands and demonstrated that Wednesday night at the Chiefs evening practice with several catches over 40 yards in the air full speed.
Then there's Kendrick Lewis, the other star of the night practice. Along with McCluster, he's the unanimous MVP of the night practice if you check around the Chiefs blogosphere.
Think about that. A fifth round pick was arguably the best defensive player on the field Wednesday night. There's no logical reason that should be happening but, for the Chiefs, it is.
Those two are enough for a good rookie class in year one but it doesn't stop there
Eric Berry is an immediate starter at safety. He's shown he's got the speed and instincts to fit in with the offense from day one. Javier Arenas appears to have the nickel spot locked down at this point.
Even Tony Moeaki, the Chiefs third round tight end, had an impressive evening catching the ball. At one point, he caught a Brodie Croyle pass with two defenders hanging on him. It would've been six points plus a pass interference penalty to boot.
The difference between this rookie class and the 2009 rookie class is phenomenal. There is no comparison. This is shaping up to be a special draft class.
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Jamaal Charles
I am really excited about all the new standouts in camp. I think it’s interesting that Charles has had a relatively “quiet” camp. I’m sure he’s been performing well, but it’s just hard to tell throughout various drills when he doesn’t have to break out for 60 yard runs like he did so often last season.
Hopefully it will be difficult for DC’s to plan to face our offense with all of the weapons the Chiefs will have. It will probably be especially hard for San Diego to plan since the won’t know exactly what the offense is going to look like.
yeah thought the same thing "gosh, last year all I could think about was charles, now...hes practically an afterthought!"
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
Wasn't he in rehab for his shoulder surgery? Probably wants to take it easy....
God typed "iddqd" before creating Jason Heyward.
I so wish I wasn't 1000 miles away...
This has me excited, and I can’t wait until these guys hit the field.
Go Chiefs!!!!
seriously!
I wish I was up there, I would love to see them in practice, but going to have to wait until the season starts…..
This is our year.
I dont know yet
Im trying really hard to figure it all out, I still dont know an exact discharge date yet, so I can’t properly plan on a move! Its really frustrating because I really want to get up there before I move…..
This is our year.
Sunday
I will make sure to ask her for ya! She mentioned a military appreciation game when she was here, so hopefully I can get my wife on board to go up to KC for that one.
This is our year.
saw it
just replied to you, thanks for the schedule, going to be a late night that Friday!
This is our year.
yes it will haha
Its going to be weird seeing Gonzo as an enemy..even though it is just preseason and he wont hardly play at all
this draft class
is chock full of playmakers…….between DMC, Berry, Arenas, Lewis, Moeaki……this class has potential to be one of the best ever….
and the Chiefs put the HAMMER DOWN!!!!
by reedeasy on Aug 5, 2010 8:34 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree completely.
I can’t wait to see the DEX play. It’s been really hard to get excited about the Chiefs the last few seasons. But these guys can beat anyone on any given day now. That’s not something you could say before.
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 5, 2010 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Love...
hearing stuff like this. I just hope we are still hearing the same things once the season starts.
KC Chiefs Football Blog
Go Chiefs!
by bigknoxy on Aug 5, 2010 8:38 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Special draft class
Blending with vets holdovers with a special draft class . It is so good to have a plan come together . Also; A journalist to give us a birds eye view .
So are these rookies that good
Or are we just that bad? The kool-aid I am drinking tells me they are just that good.
Check out my blog on software development:
http://www.turnleafdesign.com/
by Scaryclouds on Aug 5, 2010 8:41 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
by Scaryclouds
The kool-aid is effecting me the same way . Keep the kool-aid comeing Porckchop .
by 65tosspowertrap on Aug 5, 2010 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Exactly
I’m wondering if they would look as good at the Saints, Colts, or event he Chargers camp?
Sackoff (McIntosh,Goff) like Brangelina.
I think so
the past few years we have seen other teams have rookies step up and make an immediate impact, I think its our turn now.
This is our year.
Think of it this way
Even if they’re standing out so much only because we lack talent, you know what that means? That we’ve added more talented players than we had before.
And that’s pretty much all one can ask for from the draft, right?
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
of all the reports from training camp over the years
there hasn’t been a group of rookies making an impact like these guys are. Pioli & his scouts with a whole season in KC under their belts hit a moonshot with this draft, IMO…..and it’s not going to end after training camp……
and the Chiefs put the HAMMER DOWN!!!!
I think it's both
obviously the team was pretty bad last season, but these rookies IMO would fit in well pretty much on any team.
Predictions:
This year will be better
Great point
Usually rookies performing well means the vets aren’t but that’s not entirely the case. I mean guys like Leonard Pope and Jon McGraw are serviceable but they don’t have the potential the others do.
OH NO... Joel
Not the dreaded “P” word.
The “P” word should be outlawed. The “P” word gets coaches fired. The “P” word is usually thrown around the most when players aren’t living up to their “P”.
Can we sub “upside” for “P”?
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 5, 2010 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Not trying to be a downer...
and I am pretty happy with the rookie class, but does it really speak so well of the Chiefs roster overall if the rookies are the best players a week into training camp? It might be easier to adapt to NFL speed when you are drafted by the slowest team in the league.
by radyman on Aug 5, 2010 8:44 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
skepticism noted.
But I do honestly believe that, in this case, these guys are going to be awesome. I watched the DEX play last year and remember thinking to myself that this guy looks better than Fraction Jackson and how great it would be if the Chiefs could get him.
I was totally shocked though that we went for so many “highlight reel” players and not as many “foundation” players. But this team needs some excitement. And it really needed players like this that will make other teams work harder to prepare.
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 5, 2010 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions
no longer the slowest team in the league....
no team with charles/mccluster/arenas/berry is the slowest
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
Yup. I thought as much.
I have been saying for quite some time that I was unsure if McGraw could be out Kendrick Lewis for that safety spot. McGraw may start the season in that slot, but I am betting the Lewis finishes there. Dexter McCluster is going to make an impact in some way (or ways) this year for the Chiefs. I have been roundly criticized for saying so (he’s too small, etc.) but you gotta catch the dude first. Before the season is over, Dexter is going to make some waves in the NFL.
"The Hammer"
dude is slippery
..can cut on a dime, very difficult to tackle…..we have our new X Factor.
and the Chiefs put the HAMMER DOWN!!!!
That's "Dex Factor"
He’s bringing his own game, he needs his own name.
by Halfbreed on Aug 5, 2010 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 8 recs
That's "Mr. Dex" to you sir.
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 5, 2010 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
He's needed a good nickname!! That rocks!!
It has Chiefs history in it and it is personal.
I also like Run DMC.
The "Dex" Factor...
I love it, and rec’d…
2010 Chiefs are on the rise. This is the most excited I've been since 'Nam...
by kcchiefsfan72 on Aug 5, 2010 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Post FAIL...
Meant to say I love it, rec’d, and can we get shirts made up? I can see it now, Dex Factor across the top with a picture of him underneath. Just ordered my McCluster and Berry jerseys yesterday. Can’t wait to rock both…
2010 Chiefs are on the rise. This is the most excited I've been since 'Nam...
by kcchiefsfan72 on Aug 5, 2010 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions
oh Joel, you make me feel like Christmas inside
I love what I’m hearing. LOVE. IT.
That's what she said.
oh Joel, you make me feel like Christmas inside
by JacinB on Aug 5, 2010 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Thanks JB...
just blew water out my nose. That was funny as hell, bro.
2010 Chiefs are on the rise. This is the most excited I've been since 'Nam...
by kcchiefsfan72 on Aug 5, 2010 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions
im heading out here in about an hour to see for myself
today will be my day to decide if this season i will be rocking the #22 or the #29 jersey this season.
I cant wait to see the NEW ARROWHEAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chiefs will be competing for a division title in 2010
29! trust me
He stayed well behind after everyone else to take pics and sign everyones stuff last night! He is a class act!
by readANDgold58 on Aug 5, 2010 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Both...
I just ordered both through a Web site given me by a friend. I haven’t got them yet, but I will let you know who they look when I get them. Both for $80, with S&H…
2010 Chiefs are on the rise. This is the most excited I've been since 'Nam...
by kcchiefsfan72 on Aug 5, 2010 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes.
You are officially approved for hope. So you just hope your little ass off buddy!
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 5, 2010 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions
I am excited
but I am a skeptic at heart. Might be the Missourian in me…I want them to show me.
Bewsaf@comcast.net
Or Cowbell...
2010 Chiefs are on the rise. This is the most excited I've been since 'Nam...
by kcchiefsfan72 on Aug 5, 2010 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions
so i went there last night to watch them, and a few thing cought my eye
1. D- Bowe is in a lot better shape! And he brought his hands this year!
2. Dexter McCluster is scary electric
3. I got Eric Berry, Brian Waters, Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles and others autographs! Freaking badass
4. Waters says that his “injury” is nothing to be concerned about and that he will be ready to go and is ready to go now
5. Jamaal Charles last night broke one off for like 80 yards on the first string defense with one cut and was gone!
6. Brokie Croyle was stealing the crowd last night, but would have been carted off the field a few time last night had it been a real game!
one cut & gone
Charles & the other backs will benefit greatly from the zone blocking schemes IMO
and the Chiefs put the HAMMER DOWN!!!!
YEAH
It was a really good night to be there IMO.
Lots were looking good, but there is still A LOT the crowd has to learn instead of ooohhing and ahhhing over the fact that Brokie has a good arm! He still looks VERY fragile to me
by readANDgold58 on Aug 5, 2010 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions
thanks man
1. thank goodness
2. Schwwwwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing
3. Congrats!
4. Sweet
5. More of the same…yawn….lol. (kidding – that’s awesome)
6. nothing needs to be said here – stated it perfectly
and
7. I’m gonna need a change of shorts!
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 5, 2010 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Eric Berry is an immediate starter at safety. He’s shown he’s got the speed and instincts to fit in with the offense from day one.
?
If you can sack groceries, you can sack a QB... right?
The kool-aid is now Berry flavored.
lmao
i blew right past that. Maybe he’s catching the ball better than Bowe?!?!
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 5, 2010 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions
That's why we drafted him.
He can play EVERYWHERE.
(He’s also our 2nd String Nose Tackle.)
by JacinB on Aug 5, 2010 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I thought I was the only one who noticed that!
I can’t believe the first comment about it is this far down the page!
Proud resident of Kansas City MO
and we all like to see you happy
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 5, 2010 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
yes heres to all the women of our lifes being happy
certainly keeps us men alot happier that way
I cant wait to see the NEW ARROWHEAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chiefs will be competing for a division title in 2010
True that.
My 16th Anniversary tomorrow. Better make sure she’s happy!
President - Team Colquitt Fan Club - est. July 29, 2010
by ARROWHEADSHANE on Aug 5, 2010 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Congrats...
just celebrated my 8th a couple weeks ago. Like my ol’ man always said, “A happy wife is a happy life”
2010 Chiefs are on the rise. This is the most excited I've been since 'Nam...
by kcchiefsfan72 on Aug 5, 2010 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Mybe this Pioli guy knows what he's doing after all.
:p
http://twitter.com/JonVoightsCar
My long, drawn-out predictions that no one cares about, nor will bother to remember:
1. Todd Haley will still be the Chiefs Head Coach up to the 2011 season.
2. Clancy Pendergast won't make it to the 2010 season and was never intended to. Last-minute hire for a position that needed to be filled.
3. Todd Haley will not be the OC at the start of the 2010 season.
We told y'all McCluster and Lewis would be good.
Signed,
Ole Miss fans
Red Cup Rebellion - Changing the Culture of Ole Miss Athletics
Take a picture, trick.
by The Ghost of Jay Cutler on Aug 5, 2010 10:24 AM CDT reply actions
much appreciated :)
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
Damner
I’m so freaking excited.
Got my MNF tix this week… anyone here doing a carpool from the Parkville area?
by GonzosDirtyTrailer on Aug 5, 2010 10:29 AM CDT reply actions
If I get my tix in time,
finally another parkville resident
by thewhitebuffalo on Aug 5, 2010 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
I plan to drink...
…but would certainly spring for parking or gas if you wouldn’t mind a tag along. I just want to be safe getting to and from the game.
by GonzosDirtyTrailer on Aug 6, 2010 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Go Brodie!
y’all know I just HAD to
"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!!!
Quality reverse threat is clutch in a zone-blocking scheme
You always see those fakes to the slot or wide-out on the reverse before running plays because it forces the defense’s contain man to account for the reverse guy. With DMC being that threat, it just loosens the defense up that much more because they CANNOT lose contain on a guy that fast. Means that everyone along the d-line has to compensate for the gap that is created by a contain man having to play very wide.
umm
I dont know I just love seeing that pic JC handoff 2 DEX… love that… I smell EXPLOSIVE Offense… lol… GO CHIEFS!!!!!
I like the concept of the picture.
But that looks like Charles serving up a platter of fumble pie. Not impressed with his grip on the ball there. This is coming from a guy who thinks that Charles’ “problem” with fumbling is way overblown, but that photo has me worried.
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