Chiefs vs. Chargers: Defending Jones, Charles And McCluster
by Joel Thorman on Sep 10, 2010 1:06 PM CDT
in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Season
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The San Diego Chargers know what their toughest test will be on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs to kick off the 2010 NFL season: Stopping the run.
Perhaps the Chiefs only true strength on the team (other than the secondary) is the running backs. Thomas Jones, Jamaal Charles and even Dexter McCluster have been popular topics in San Diego this week.
Here's what Chargers LB Stephen Cooper had to say about all three of them, according to the Chargers official site.
"Thomas Jones is definitely a downhill runner. A really stout, really physical, blue-collar kind of guy."
"Charles is a bounce guy. He wants to get outside and make a big play, so we've got to make sure we keep him contained, hit him as much as possible and make him feel it every time he touches the ball."
"You definitely have to key on (McCluster) just because he's so fast. We want to make sure we have a guy in his face, make sure we keep him contained and don't let him outside. As long as we keep him bottled up and hit him as much as possible, I think we'll be alright."
Sounds like they'll be paying quite a bit of attention to McCluster. Something we haven't really talked about is the possibility of McCluster being a decoy. He's clearly drawing some attention so if you know they're going to assign someone to McCluster it could create opportunities elsewhere.
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It's so nice to have a strength on the team
Teams have to respect our running game and that should open up the entire offense.
I'd rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate.
- George Burns
special teams really could be the key here
good field position will make it just that much more closer to the goalline!
The picture is a Chiefs pumpkin, yeah that is right a Chiefs pumpkin.
+1
30th to 12th last year and that was with Lawrence and Wade returning kicks.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Sep 10, 2010 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions
It's something Haley doesn't get much credit for.
He always mentions how important “teams” are, but it kind of goes unnoticed. I agree this will be a strength of the Chiefs.
Playoff predictions? Really? From 4 wins?
Special teams alone are going to win us some
games this year. Field position is a big factor.
"The Hammer"
Sounds like we're beginning to garner something we havn't enjoyed from
opponents, in quite a long time…..
R E S P E C T…..
and that’s a good sign.
"Don't let it end like this. Tell them I said something."
~ last words of Francisco ("Pancho") Villa ~
sounds like pillow talk
no respect yet. what have we done nothing. i doubt san diego is really taking this game that serious. i mean they will but they wont. we have won 10 games in three years.
Watch for the cheap shots and late hits on Charles and McCluster.
Sounds like they are going to go out of their way to make contact.
Thats what I interpreted as well.
Scott Pioli's star will shine in 2010.
Win or lose, the Chiefs scare the bejesus of all opponents in 2010
by ChiefsChance on Sep 10, 2010 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Like Ayers did to Charles last year. I'm still pissed off at that one.
Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...
by oldchiefsfan on Sep 10, 2010 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Berry should have a conversation with his old tennessee pal about that crap
I'd rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate.
- George Burns
what???
The Chargers play dirty? no, say it ain’t so. Not with respectable players on their team like Merriman. I’m shocked and appauled.
by HeatherChiefsLvr on Sep 10, 2010 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Pay no attention to that man in the slot
He is not the droid you’re looking for…
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 Sep 10, 2010 1:14 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I prefer my Samsung Captivate
running Android operating system though.
...And as the roar of 80,000 red-clad great plains warriors fills the hallowed halls of Arrowhead, it will strike fear into the hearts of lesser men. For on that field, individual men toil for something greater than individual honors. They toil as brothers-in-arms, as 53 spirits striving towards a single purpose and driven by a single goal: The glory that comes with vanquishing your foes. They will achieve their birthright, they will be champions.
by Sudden on Sep 10, 2010 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
If I had sprint,
I’d have an Epic. Galaxy S models FTW, whatever the carrier.
...And as the roar of 80,000 red-clad great plains warriors fills the hallowed halls of Arrowhead, it will strike fear into the hearts of lesser men. For on that field, individual men toil for something greater than individual honors. They toil as brothers-in-arms, as 53 spirits striving towards a single purpose and driven by a single goal: The glory that comes with vanquishing your foes. They will achieve their birthright, they will be champions.
EVO...
November 23, 2006. 1st and only trip to Arrowhead. That was a good day...
by florida chief on Sep 10, 2010 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions
It's the first smart phone I've ever had
and it kicks ass
especially driving on 64th street by Riss Lake, which is apparently the only spot in the Northland that has 4G :)
seriously though, it’s pretty sweet
Ryan Succop will be the kicker for the AFC in the 2011 Pro Bowl
My iphone buddies are jealous
November 23, 2006. 1st and only trip to Arrowhead. That was a good day...
by florida chief on Sep 10, 2010 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions
FTW= For The Win
Dear Haters, F@&Y% U!!! Love always, Kobe.
by Falcon58 on Sep 10, 2010 5:12 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
The Galaxy S is the sizznit...
Go Chiefs!!!!
Captivate all the Way!!!!
How the hell did that happen? I am Trailblazer fan to the core but I love me some OKC THunder!!! Must be the Hometown pride I feel.
I'll Say it now so you guys can know I'm a true follower: "In Pioli I Trust"
Go Chiefs!!!!!
thats my phone!
I'd rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate.
- George Burns
It's almost like a dream.
This time last year we really did’nt have any offensive weapons. Now we have at least 3 plus D-Bowe. The Chargers are going to have a hell of a time going man to man coverage or spy, if you will, when these 3 or 4 guys are lining up at the same time.
Lord have mercy on those poor bastards.
I’m not drinking any kool-aid either.
Scott Pioli's star will shine in 2010.
Win or lose, the Chiefs scare the bejesus of all opponents in 2010
I was just gonna say that...
All this attention on the RB’s is really taking a load off of D-Bowe. I’m f*cking excited!
I know that you're afraid... you're afraid of us. You're afraid of change. I don't know the future. I didn't come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it's going to begin.
chamberschamberschambers
he doesn’t like them very much
by Official Arrowhead Pride Parade on Sep 10, 2010 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd love it if Chambers really stepped it up on Monday night
To prove a point to SD.
Chiefs - back in the playoffs in 2011.
Good to Know
…that they are worried about our running & short passing games. I hope the refs will be keeping an eye on the late hits and cheap shots. As others mentioned, that’s what I read from that…
Any word on that Clown(ey) we worked out today?
This is gonna be great
This is a long long way away from Mike Solari’s offense!!
Charlie Weis and Todd Haley, two of the top offensive minds in the NFL should be able to get us down the field in a hurry with all of our speed.
I am about to go crazy waiting for this game!! Monday will be the longest day ever waiting for the game to start!!
"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."
by Matt_Grbac on Sep 10, 2010 1:21 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Night and day from game 1 last year.
Who were the weapons on offensive that teams had to gameplan around at the beginning of last season? Oh, that’s right, nobody. Maaaybe Dwayne Bowe, but seriously, that offense scared no one.
MARK BRADLEY, BABY!!!!
…
I know that you're afraid... you're afraid of us. You're afraid of change. I don't know the future. I didn't come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it's going to begin.
from ESPN/rotowire fantasy football on McCluster
Following Jerheme Urban’s placement on season-ending injured reserve, McCluster is the Chiefs’ top option for the slot receiver spot.
Spin: Of course, McCluster will get time at other positions as well, but with Urban out of the picture, the rookie has a clear path to playing time when the Chiefs employ three-receiver sets. He’s a decent rookie sleeper, especially in PPR leagues, but he’s probably no better than fourth or fifth on the Chiefs’ list of preferred offensive weapons, so temper your expectations.
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?
4th or 5th?
that either means the Chiefs have a LOT more weapons than last year… OR
they are under-estimating the “Dex factor”
or both
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?
yeah
think of last year at this time… who was the #4 or #5 offensive weapon?
Bowe/Chambers (half a season each)
Charles (2nd half)
#4/5 could have been Bobby Wade or Lance Long?
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?
Last year we didn't have 4 or 5 weapons.
We had JC and occasionally Chambers or Bowe when they were here / not dropping.
So 1 1/2 weapons?
Chiefs - back in the playoffs in 2011.
agreed
it’s nice to have a (potentially) much longer list of playmakers
and one on ST (Arenas)
and one more on D (Berry)
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?
Lewis intercepts Kolb
And when Kendrick is ready to start as safety, watch out! (Video highlight from NFL.com) One more playmaker!
... and if you noticed.
Javier Arenas was in there putting pressure, and a hit on Kolb
Go Chiefs!!!!
Im guessing under. Maybe 2.
The RT actually let him go and blocked the LB and thier TE gave him a push and let him go. I love at the end of the play he pushed Kolb in the ground!
Smile, its the second best things you can do with your lips!
My bad - yes, TE
So if you think only 2 sacks, will Arenas have more…
A) Returns for TDs
B) Sacks
C) Interceptions
hmm… too bad a person can’t make a quick Fanshot poll.
Damn, Isnt that a nice.
Its awesome that we even have the opportunity to question these options! My guess is A. Final answer.
Smile, its the second best things you can do with your lips!
Yes, it's great to dream. And you're probably right,
But I’ll go with sacks…
A) Returns for TDs – 3
B) Sacks – 5
C) Interceptions – 1
I hope your right
We will see at the end of the season!
Smile, its the second best things you can do with your lips!
by fleetmarine on Sep 11, 2010 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe we can just call him our "Secret Weapon"
And have to change his title back to Offensive Weapon come Tuesday morning.
Scott Pioli's star will shine in 2010.
Win or lose, the Chiefs scare the bejesus of all opponents in 2010
by ChiefsChance on Sep 10, 2010 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Crazy
These fantasy people don’t know!
Dexter will not be defended by the Chargers top corners. He will blow past whoever it is.
I mean he will be just as much an option on passing plays as Bowe or Chambers.
Not to mention his YAC….gonna be nice!
"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."
by Matt_Grbac on Sep 10, 2010 1:37 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
exactly.
Dex will excel because MC is known for throwin short routes. Dex will be catching and running alot.
DEX is def a sleeper in this game. Can’t wait to unveil the secret weapon
Chiefs start 4-0. Yes the colts lose to us.
Cassel will be our QBotF. The hate needs to stop NOW
Motivation is a fire from within, if someone else lights it, chances are it will burn briefly
by CasselKiLLer on Sep 10, 2010 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
The funny thing is he won't have to even do anything in the box score to make an impact.
If he lines up at slot WR do you really think the Chargers are going to bring their safeties up to defend the run? As a decoy he could help Charles have an absolute field day.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Sep 10, 2010 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions
OK...
So, if you were me who would you start as Flex option this week.
LT, or Dexter? Just curious. I have MGD, and Rashard Mendenhal starting rb’s. Reggie wyane and either anquan boldin or Jabar Gafney at wr.
Who should be my flex? Dexter?? Help please!!
thanks :)
Answer me this Mr. Cooper
That all sounds fine and dandy, but your talking as when just 1 one them are in. What’d do about ALL 3 on the field at the same time? NOT A DAMN THING!!!
Triple Option, Shotgun, Wild Cat
Dex at QB, Jones taking the FB dive and Charles following for the pitch. Also, don’t forget Dex played QB so the option pass is also on the table… Nasty!
by Stone Throwers on Sep 10, 2010 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't like Cooper
I didn’t dislike him before this interview, but you can only talk about hitting my players so many times before you start to piss me off. I hope TJ pops him in the chin and puts him on his ass.
"They should expect everything..." -Eric Berry
Notice he didn't say anything about hitting Thomas Jones
You don’t hit Thomas Jones… Thomas Jones hits you.
"They should expect everything..." -Eric Berry
Wouldn't it be nice if the O'line opened a hole for Jones to get the
opportunity to give him a “shot across the bow” at the start of the game, and Jones could stand above him and let him know he’ll be there all day.
he was more vocal earlier
Talked about hitting Cassel in the mouth, RB (whomever had the rock) in the mouth…really talking smack. Had the link last nite, but can’t find it tonight.
Title Edit: Chiefs vs. Chargers: Containing Jones, Charles And McCluster
You can’t defend all of them, you can only hope to contain them.
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.
Chambers
has done well against the Chargers (with MIA and KC), so he’s getting the start on my fantasy team—i’ve currently got TJones on the bench (Addai and Jerome Harrison starting)….AND McCluster is available in the league. I try not to let my emotions factor into it (it’s a $$$ league), but could it be that the Chiefs actually have viable fantasy options this year?
I’ll wait a couple weeks to see what Dex can do, but it will be hard to sit TJ against the Chiefs’ soft schedule….
Is it a keeper league?
I got Dex cheap in my keeper league as a free agent. I think that he was a gamble, but has huge upside if he becomes a speedier Wes Welker.
Smile, its the second best things you can do with your lips!
I predict that Javier Arenas is going to be the differnece maker
Special Teams will win the game .. take it to the bank. Of any aspect of the Chief’s that has improved it’s ST. I think we now have one of the top ST in the NFL. Great kicker, great punter and a great return man … I’m hoping that the Bolts focus on the RB’s and over look just how good our ST play is. If they’re smart they’ll kick-off to the up men and keep the ball away from Javier. Throw in our little ninja Dexter MC and the Bolts are gonna wonder what just ran over them :) Go Chief’s and rock the house Monday night !!
I really like Arenas, but it's interesting to know that we have two other returners (Charles
and McCluster) that could take it all the way at any time. Does any other team in the league have that much talent as returners?
I don't think we'll ever see Charles returning kicks again
so long as he’s getting a heavy workload on offense. Don’t forget though that Berry is a pretty good returner himself as well.
arenas is a better KR than charles and he can also take it all the way at ANY time.
Team Pioli/Haley. Decade of the Chiefs.
Team Colquitt
I think the point
is that the Chiefs have other great options, should Arenas get hurt. They have three baskets for their eggs.
I think this is the kind of game, Tony G would have excelled in
with all the attention paid to the 3 Chiefkateers. There just isnt any way SD could contain all three AND cover a very good TE, however maybe one of our guys will step up this week and become the TE we need.
Winning begins with Attitude - Haley and Pioli will be winners in KC!
I'll forever be a Chiefs fan! Only God himself could take that away from me, but when I get to my great reward, I'll rejoin two bigger fans, my Mom and Dad.
Can we get an official countdown up for MNF
right down to the seconds
Can we be the AFC West Champions in 2010. You better believe it
The Chiefs offence will EXPLODE in 2010
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