Chiefs-Vikings: Video Of Derrick Johnson's Domination, And Other Plays
by BJ Kissel on Oct 6, 2011 12:27 PM CDT
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PrintIt's time that of the week again where we look at plays from our last game and decide if we can figure out what was going on out on the field. I will say that it's much nicer to rewatch games in which we did a lot more things well than we had in the first three games.
I try and mix it up and find some of the plays that we'll all remember, along with some things happening away from the ball that many probably didn't notice. This isn't always a highlight-reel set of clips, but there were some great things happening away from the ball this week that you might have missed.
A few observations before we look at some of the clips. It's hard to decide which plays to breakdown while watching the game when you have a player like Derrick Johnson dominate like he did this past week. Johnson wasn't just all over place and consistently around the ball, he was playing like a guy with a chip on his shoulder. He was fantastic at getting off blocks and making plays. By far his best game of the year.
Here are 13 clips of plays from last weeks' victory against the Vikings. Again a thanks to Bfett for cutting up these clips and making this post interactive.
First play. Jackie Battle made an appearance this week as a running back at a meaningful time in the game. It's been a while since that's happened. Many AP'ers are constantly questioning as to why Battle is on the team and whenever presented with a "good ST'ers" line, it's often replied to with some kind of dismissal. This play is an example of what Jackie Battle brings to ST's. You'll notice him pop in the screen on about the 40 yard line when Arenas is bringing it through the hole. There were several good blocks on the play but Battle's stuck out to me.
Second play. Dumbest move of the game. Why the hell do you celebrate a sack when it's obvious that you pulled a guy down by his facemask?
Third play. If you like watching offensive lineman and run-blocking, then this play is for you. This play could not have been blocked much better across the board. Branden Albert moves Jared Allen out of the way, Casey Wiegmann takes care of his guy while Ryan Lilja gets to the 2nd level and seals the lane. Not to mention Le'Ron McClain (who's an awesome guy to watch individually) delivering a pop in the hole. Best run of Jones' season.
Fourth play. You know I couldn't go a whole 'play-breakdowns post' without an example of our nickel/dime defense on the field on 2nd or 3rd and short. Allen Bailey and Wallace Gilberry in as DT's on 3rd and 2. Ugh. What I notice on this play is Kyle Rudolph coming back in motion and Donald Washington following him. You'll see Rudolph come to the backside of the play when the ball is snapped. DWash follows him and vacates the alley that AP then ran through. Hard to tell if he would have made the play but he was in much better position before Rudolph went the other way.
Fifth play. This is an example of DJ being a beast and Amon Gordon doing his job. From left to right on the line you have TJax, Gordon and Dorsey. Gordon locks up with the center and impedes the RG from getting to the next level. This allows DJ to stuff AP in the hole. It's amazing how a split second makes the difference from DJ running free and the RG being in his grill on that play.
Sixth play. DJ being a freaking manimal right here. He has no issues with shucking his blocker out of the way. This is the kind of fire I like seeing from DJ.
Seventh play. 3rd and 1 and we've got our regular 3/4 defense on the field. Tamba Hali does his thing (why they flat-out ignored him I don't understand) and DJ shows his versatility.
Eighth play. Gilberry showing his quickness by getting into the backfield and rushing McNabb's throw. Although getting tackled by the Qb right there has to be frustrating.
Ninth play. This is what I want to see from Matt Cassel. As impressive as it is to watch him throw crossing routes almost every play before the Vikings game. I've noticed that almost every other QB in the NFL can make those throws. This throw right here takes a few off the list. An accurate throw down the field with a guy in his face. Nice Matt, Nice.
Tenth play. This was a fanshot by Bfett a few days ago and was met with mixed reviews. It's the play that Pope was open in the endzone and the ball was incomplete to McClain in the flat. My question is what is his read on this play? Depending on when you pause this play it looks like McClain could be open, but the DB crashes to the flat quickly. If Cassel has time to read the DB then throwing it to Pope is a no-brainer. Wouldn't bother me if I didn't see him miss guys that were open on several occasions. I can buy missing them on a play or two, but not for as many as we've seen.
Eleventh play. Bowe gets plenty of love from this replay but let's give a little credit to the OL for picking up the blitz and giving Cassel enough time to pump-fake, wait, and still deliver the ball without a guy in his face. Maybe we won't have people still saying that the OL has been poor this year......
Tweltfh play. DJ beasting it again. What can you say? The guy is good.
Thirteenth play. So much hate for this guy for good reason. But he's in position on this play and it's as close as I can come to finding a positive for 'Jersey Shore'. When it mattered in this game, he was there to make a play.
So in an effort to maximize the number of plays you see and lessen the length of the post, because I know the long ones are tough to get through, I'm not writing as much about each play. So we can use the comment thread to talk about the plays more in depth. Does anyone notice anything else on thse plays, or seeing something different that I am?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.
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Nice job.
I actually like how its formatted now. Very nice.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
i loved the play to bowe but...
That pass to breston wasnt a td but for some reason i loved that pass thats what i dream to see from cassel.
I LOVE MY CHIEFS OH YEAH, B.Flowers is way underrated but they will all be witnesses!!! (sorry lebron)
by kcchiefsfan515 on Oct 6, 2011 12:41 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
i prefered the other to Breaston
When Matt threaded the needle between 3 defenders i believe it was. That was a good throw!
The Tenth one pisses me off to NO END!
This is why I have given up defending Cassell. There is absolutely no excuse for it. McClain really NEVER is open on the play. Even if he can catch this pass, he can’t go anywhere but backwards. So my complaint is less about the fact that Pope was WIDE OPEN and more about the fact that Cassel doesn’t put his players in a position where they can succeed even if he does get them the ball.
On top of that, he is under no pressure at all either. The blitz is being picked up and he still shits his pants and unloads it.
Just pisses me off.
RUN DEXTER RUN!!!!
blitz was being picked up but there was SOME pressure
He should have read faster, but it wasn’t like he had all the time in the world either. (not defending cassel. just what i see)
Tenth play
I was one who was very disappointed the other day on the fanshot. Happy to know I was pissed for good reason!
I have to disagree here..
Watching the play several times and pause/restarting. I don’t think Pope would have been an option until after the sack. He isn’t open until Cassel is about to release the ball. Even at the point the lineback would have a shot at it. There is a lot to complain about Cassel….but this isn’t it
Arrowhead pride addict
by groundedchevy on Oct 6, 2011 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Cassel knows the routes they're running!!!
He should be able to anticipate Pope being open by the way the defense reacts! Quality NFL QB’s make this throw and complete it.
by Chiefs447 on Oct 6, 2011 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
The safety is in a perfect spot to jump the route
Granted Sanford isn’t the best safety in the world but he was right there. If you watch the video the only reason Pope get so open is because the pass goes to Mcclain and Sanford sniffs it out. If Cassel threw the ball to Pope Sanford would have atleast knocked it down if not interecepted it.
Arrowhead pride addict
by groundedchevy on Oct 6, 2011 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
We're just gonna have to agree to disagree
Stop the video at 3 secs. The safety runs right by Pope like he isn’t even there. He was zoned in on McClain even before the snap. He even moves up to the line of scrimmage prior to the snap. Also, Pope runs to the corner of the endzone. You’re telling me that if Cassel lobbed it to the corner that the 6’ 8’’ Pope couldn’t have made a play on the ball?? Pope’s big ass frame would have naturally worked as a shield. That dinky ass safety would have been lucky to reach the top of Pope’s helmet, let alone the ball at it’s highest point.
Should have been a POPE TOSS!!!
And if he caught it
he would have removed his helmet for a penalty…oh wait, that was last week. :)
"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"
I think him and Sabby started a club
“We Hate Helmets”
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
I can see your point...
I would like him to stare down Mcclain then lob it to Pope after the safety bites. After if he waited for the safety to bite and go for Pope I think he would have been sacked. I just can’t agree that this is an example of why Cassel sucks. I’ve seen many more plays 10 times worse than this over that last few weeks that no one could argue otherwise. This is iffy at best imo.
Arrowhead pride addict
by groundedchevy on Oct 6, 2011 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions
The unknown here as well
is, how was Cassel being coached all week to handle this situation? McClain can either score or make a first down and there is no one to his outside shoulder. Pope is an all or nothing pass. Has Cassel been instructed to take the open part of the field or roll the dice? You have been watching this team for the last two years—what do you think is the preferred method?
"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"
Pope is wide open.
No one is breaking on that ball, especially not a guy with his back to Pope.
It’s not rolling the dice, it’s a sure TD.
You don't see the saftey
that is in between Pope and McClain? When he sees Cassel’s direction, he breaks to McClain. Since the ball is thrown to the outside, the safety has no chance for int. Had Cassel attempted to lob it to Pope, that same safety could have fallen back and broken the play or potentially intercepted the pass. This offense ‘protects’ the football as it’s number one priority. It’s my guess that Cassel is told only to make that pass to pope in the complete absence of any opposition, otherwise you go to McClain and let him run it in.
"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"
by Aiken_Drum on Oct 6, 2011 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed...Wide open is a big stretch...
I’m guessing the play was designed for Cassel to make the safety bite on Mcclain then lobe to Pope but the pass rush was there first.
Arrowhead pride addict
by groundedchevy on Oct 6, 2011 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I see the safety.
There’s also zero chance of that safety turning around and making a play on the ball if Cassel leads Pope. Unless he can run backwards like Deion Sanders.
Please see Notagoodnames breakdown below for a taste of reality.
"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"
that saftey is not at full speed
until the ball leaves matt’s hand. he is covering the flat but still watchin his back.
My sentiments exactly Arrow!
Cassel does this more often than not. This fact pisses me off even more when these events result in little, to no, positive result.
Nice job as usual BJ.
Did not "shit his pants"
That was the called play, the only reason Pope looks remotely open is because the zone coverage in front of him closes on McClain as the ball is thrown.
McClain was the first option, was “open” and the best throw as the blitz was coming. If he waits, he’s sacked and you guys say “he holds onto the ball too long”.
"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week."
I liked how Lewis tried to celebrate with Jersey Shore for #13 and failed (not shown)
I like Sabby’s passion, but wish he was more skilled
Sabby was a little too pumped...
for doing his job. It was good coverage, but its not like he dove in and swatted it down
Yeah
He did something similar in preseason when he made a tackle, you would think he thought he made a DJ or Hali type of play.
I Had The Same Reaction
Added we won a f*ckin game with the ball thrown at Sabby!!!!
by Spiderwomn69 on Oct 7, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Branden Albert
That third play says it all. He was letting Jared Allen have it even after Jones was into the second level. Great to see him playing well and hope he keeps it up against Freeney and/or Mathis
7th play
I think on this swing pass they were trying to use Hali’s agressiveness against him by allowing him past Loadholt uncontested. If Loadholt blocked him, he would have been in great position to tackle the receiver right after the catch. If you notice, Loadholt doesn’t even look at him as he rushes the passer. The OC didn’t account for the speed at which Derrick Thomas would cover Tamba’s vacant position in the flat (where Tamba would have been if he didn’t pass rush). This defensive scheme just simply worked perfectly in this situation….oh, and Derrick is freakishly fast.
DJ is a beast.
He still makes that play even if the throw was better.
This is great! Good job.
I just wish the videos weren’t cut so short. I like seeing the players celebrate and hearing the crowd go bonkers.
8th play..
If Carr would have went right initially he would have taken that pick to the HOUSE! I could see that from my seat 90 yards away in the end zone.. oh well. we won!
or if one of the linemen would have blocked for him
I don't have a catchy, catch phrase.
Rec'd
12th play is just amazing. I remember that the most on any of our defensive series that game. DJ for at least that one game should be nicked name All Day insteaad of AP.
If Carr goes to the right the block is there. Carr went inside instead of going doing the sideline for a TD
Yes but still,
Gilberry should have just ran flat over Mcnabb
I don't have a catchy, catch phrase.
On the 10th play, here’s an idea…throw a pass that’s further than the first down marker…this throw short, break a tackle plays just don’t work. Throw that ball in the end zone.
Agree
But that would be a play calling/coaching issue-not a MC issue—correct?
"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"
who really knows…maybe that’s his check down pass…and maybe cassel just bailed on the play rather than hanging in the pocket looking for secondary reads…only the sleeping giant, Mr. Muir can confirm which was the primary target.
A lot of the time, you have to throw it underneath, depending on the coverage scheme.
There are times when you have to rely on the receiver for YAC. The D is letting you get the ball on the run and gambling they can stop you. They’re HOPING that you’ll try to get all the yards in the air, because that’s where they’re waiting.
What people miss in these situations is not that the underneath pass was made, but that a BETTER underneath or BETTER down the field thrown wasn’t possible, due to pressure.
would of ≠ would've
you realize also...
if McClain makes the catch he has the 1st? He is at the sticks when the ball and the defender meet him. Its not like he had to work hard to get further. I think this one Matt is zoning in on his check down b/c of pressure but to me it looks like the blitz is picked up well enough to take a half second and hit pope still.
Not if the pass leads Pope to the back corner.
IMO.
by NJ Chiefs Fan on Oct 6, 2011 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions
IMO2
I just invented a new abbreviated sentence!
I love my wife, my kids, and the Chiefs. In that order. Except on game days.
lol @ 10th play
Watch the damn video and quit pretending that pass to Pope could have ever happened. Matt Cassel sees McClain and assumes he’s open enough to make the catch before Pope crosses the goal line. Vikings are lucky McClain dropped it.
Here we go.
Play Action, defense getting some pressure. Matt Cassel sees no one looking at LeRon McClain.
Pope hasn’t crossed the goal line yet. No one has picked up LeRon McClain. Matt Cassel is throwing the ball.
Pope wide open ONCE THE BALL IS IN THE AIR. LeRon McClain has a whopping one man to beat.
Aww shucks he dropped it. Worst case scenario. Next worst case was that we get 1st and goal at the 2.
by NotAGoodName on Oct 6, 2011 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 9 recs
Rec...
for it showing Cassel tipping his hand, and the safety reading him like a book, and jumping it on the first clip.
by 12t on Oct 6, 2011 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
...
I suppose that’s fair compared to assuming Pope would be open based on a defense reacting to a pass that already happened.
Seriously, I think people just really wanted to see Cassel take a sack for a loss right there.
Naw man, it's true.
I watched that play over and over again and watched each individual piece and watched them all together. The truth is that Cassel is locked onto McClain from the get-go, and the safety reads it the whole way.
Good play by the safety and poor awareness on Cassel’s part. Looks like he decided he was going to McClain, and nothing was stopping him.
by bamachief5558 on Oct 6, 2011 11:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
And why do you think that is?
Could it be that he was told to throw the ball there? What do you think the argument between him and Haley was about? What kind of cookies they were serving in the chow line? It was about the fact that they are going overboard in trying to protect the football and tying Cassel’s hands by not letting him make these calls. That is Haley’s M.O. and he is not too willing to swerve away from that center line. I hope he wakes up a bit because this team will need to take a lot more risks in order to beat some good teams on the schedule down the road.
"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"
So, what your saying is...
He’s not smart enough to sell the pass to Pope before dropping it off, or he’s not allowed to decoy people because of Haley, doesn’t add up. We need to stop the excuses for both of them. They don’t seem to learn from anything.
Just stop
See the Viking like three inches away from Matt Cassel when the ball is in the air. That’s WITH him throwing the ball straight out of the play action. The pass to Pope was never in a million years going to happen.
Look at your 2nd picture.
If Cassel had any ability to anticipate throws he comes off McClain and leads Pope into the back of the end zone. That defender is way out of position to defend any such throw.
Terrible.
Thank you, Thank you
a thousand times, thank you for this. Maybe it will help some commentors who are too quick to jump to conclusions.
"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"
Yes. Nice breakdown.
I will also point out that Cassel had one pass protector between him and 2 pass rushers on the front side of that play. Getting it off quickly was pretty paramount.
One CAN make the case that the safety was full tilt to stop the guy going free in front of him, which was McClain. Safety got there very quickly. Cassel would’ve had to throw a pretty soft and high ball to get it over the pair of pass rushers between him and his view of Pope, as well. Would’ve been REALLY nice to pump at McClain and then find Pope, but Cassel ended that one on his ass, as it was.
would of ≠ would've
How about just going to Pope?
I thought about it, too, and I don’t think he needed to pump fake. He was staring McClain down as it was. When a good QB, in Cassel’s place, does the same thing Cassel did except instead of throwing to McClain looks up and throws to Pope instead, it is a TD and they call it “looking the defenders off”.
by bamachief5558 on Oct 7, 2011 12:11 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Hahaha, notice on the 3rd play you're talking about...
Watch Jared Allen try to hip-toss Branden Albert after TJ blows by them.
by Jr0kK on Oct 6, 2011 3:03 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Hasnt been talked about much
But how pissed would everyone be in Bowe doesnt catch that ball. Im still baffled as to why he bobbled it, good thing the safety wasnt there to crush him or thats incomplete. Also, hell of a run by Bowe there, from the stands as soon as the pass was thrown I was thinking walk into the endzone, then even after the TD i thought it was an easy TD, had no clue he should of been tackled twice.
i think it was illegal contact on that DB that fell as Bowe ran by him
he barely grazed bowe at the same time he was falling, but refs felt it was enough contact past the 5 yards scrimmage…
9th play
lilja looking lost as his man runs free to light up cassel
Rudolph Motioning, Washington shadows him.
Not sure I agree with your take, but it was clear that Washington was keeping an eye on Rudolph. But Rudolph motioned play side, so mirroring him put Washington on the play side. Now, AFTER the snap, Washington was still keeping an eye on Rudolph, who went to block the back-side of the run. Washington took a false step or two towards the backside, and was a little late to the front side. But he kept an eye on his assignment.
What looked BAD on that play was NOT Washington, but Piscitelli, who should’ve made it around the 3 guys who were stoning Bailey. I would LIKE to criticize the rookie, Bailey, but if there are 3 guys in a knot around you, and you don’t give an inch, then #42 needs to finish that play. Very late to the hole. Bad read by the safety. I think Peterson was his guy, and he was slow to read where the hole was. Bailey and the guys to his left were keeping things nicely knotted-up in the middle and #42’s job was to reward that by finishing outside. Washington actually looked like he did his job AND reacted to the play.
would of ≠ would've
Didnt mean for it to be a knock on DWash
Just an observation, probably not clear on that one.
I think the problem was running the damn nickel on 3rd and short. But I digress on that one.
Twitter - @bkissel7
I think Crennel is determined for that nickel to be stout against the run.
I think with Berry, they WOULD be, and it would be a thing of beauty.
Notice on that play how many blockers are devoted to #97 alone. If the other 10 guys got their freakin’ jobs done, that should’ve resulted in a solid stuff. I think the way Bailey stood in there and held the point is maybe why Crennel insists on putting him in there on 3rd and 2.
And maybe I’m wrong, and Washington should’ve been quicker to see Rudolph’s intentions and raced to the play side, like I expect Eric Berry would have.
would of ≠ would've
possibly
I was thinking more along the lines of Rudolph heading to the backside to possibly intentionally get D Wash to vacate the lane they had planned to run right through Gilberry.
Just a thought.
But Berry changes everything about our run defense.
Twitter - @bkissel7
Could be, but I just think Rudolph was there to seal off any kind of backside pursuit, allowing Peterson
to take the one step to his right before cutting it back to the intended hole.
I don’t THINK he was just trying to fool #27, but it does make sense, since #27 DID react to him pre-snap. But I think if his job was to take #27 out of the play, the easier way would be to just go head-hunting and meet him head-on. I think they were planning on taking it to the left when they saw the Chiefs formation looking kind of light on the offense’s left side. I know I expected the D to roll to their right, on the assumption that they were trying to suck the offense that way, off the pre-snap.
would of ≠ would've
But I think if his job was to take #27 out of the play, the easier way would be to just stay at home and NOT motion left.
would of ≠ would've
Maybe
Hard to think they’d need to stop the backside pursuit when going at our two DL. Won’t take long for those guys to be washed out and it doesn’t give the backside LB’s to catch up to AP hitting the hole anyways.
Twitter - @bkissel7
I'm just going by what Rudolph did, which was a crack-back sort of block, preventing any penetration up the middle against the cut-back run,
which is Peterson’s specialty.
would of ≠ would've
This is definitely one of the posts I look for each week!!
props to BJKissel
Fifth play.
Heck, DJ just did his job. He just had to walk forward 3 steps and BOOM. Looked like that play was designed to go to the right, with the guard pulling. Dorsey fired off straight ahead and the left tackle went into him from the side. LB and safety filled the hole the guard was heading for and Peterson cut it back, when the frontside was shut down.
I wouldn’t say the big deal there was Gordon, although he took on his share of the load, but the big deal was DJ STAYING HOME and being there to meet the ballcarrier when he cut it back. In previous incarnations, DJ might’ve read the play design and raced to the play side, and given Peterson a big hole on the backside of the play, which happened in years past.
would of ≠ would've
Rec'd. Love that it's chronological.
I just FF on my t.v. to match the game clock and watch what you’re talking about with sharp picture and ff/pause/rewind/jog…
Great 6th play by DJ. Also liked that Tamba forced the play inside. But DJ used the blocker’s momentum against him like a martial arts expert. I think the Vikes got the play in the hole they wanted, inside of Hali, and expected to smash into the safety with Peterson 1-on-1.
7th play is the play immediately after the 6th in this ‘Post. Tamba bit a little on the play fake, but didn’t stop charging McNabb. His pressure was what made that play pretty easy for DJ. Still a very exciting play by the ILB on a 3rd and short play.
would of ≠ would've
yeah....there was a series or two that DJ was all over the place
I was trying to figure out if the pass had led him to the outside would DJ have still gotten there in time?
Thanks prof.
Twitter - @bkissel7
Yes, I think he would.
But this is another case, where you’re gushing about DJ, when all DJ did was pretty much stay at home and NOT overpursue.
Nothing wrong with pointing out these plays. They show how the TEAM concept is shaping-up for our ILBs. If Tamba doesn’t get in McNabb’s grill, the receiver gets more time to find some space and put DJ in a bad way. As it is, DJ could’ve jogged to that spot. I’m most impressed by the fact that he isn’t running himself out of plays. And I THINK it’s because he’s playing with a lot more faith and confidence in his teammates.
would of ≠ would've
I'll concur
I think McNabb’s pass actually made it a pretty easy tackle for him. But the play still shows the athleticism and was a big play at the time. Especially considering he did well on that entire series.
Twitter - @bkissel7
The receiver did a good job of gathering it and making a football move.
Just the fact of WHEN the ball came out, though, allowed DJ to be in good position to make the play, under total control. Certainly a better-thrown ball would’ve given him a better chance.
A PERFECT example of how you use disruption and mop up behind it. Now I’m looking for whether or not those two can switch off, with DJ coming and Hali staying at home. The key is forcing the ball out QUICKLY, before the offensive player can break down the slower LB in coverage. Sure, Hali’s slower in coverage, but unblocked, DJ might be quicker to the QB to compensate.
would of ≠ would've
IF DJ were coming from the outside.....
Someone mentioned it in here earlier but they might have been ignoring Hali on purpose and he just got there faster than they had hoped.
Twitter - @bkissel7
They were hoping that he'd bite on the play fake, which was set up for HIM not to see where the ball was.
He bit, but he recovered VERY quickly. All in all, though, not a well-designed tactic for negating Hali, unless they thought that nobody would cover the TE. Hali’s not figuring to make the stop against the run if they take it inside, the way the fake was supposed to look. Hali’s job would be done on a play like that just by having ANY effect on the runner, which he would have.
would of ≠ would've
Notice the 10th play and 11th play are on separate possessions.
That missed pass to McClain takes place with 16 seconds to go in the 3rd quarter. By 14:44 in the 4th quarter (less than a half minute later), the KC D has given Cassel the ball back.
On the play BEFORE the TD throw to Bowe, notice that BATTLE is on the field, and he jacks up #50 who bit on the play fake (so much for ONLY keying on Battle as a RUNNER), and a nice short pass to McClain in the right flat, after the LBs do everything they can to avoid him. Well designed little play, which puts them in 2nd and short, which is FUN TIME!
I’ll have to scoot up to the screen to be sure, but on that 2nd and 3, it looks like Battle’s in there, again, with either McClain or Jones. Thought it was McClain, but it looked more like the smaller Jones. Cassel in shotgun, offense moving from left to right. Cassel flanked by a pair of backs, who BOTH stay in to block, with Battle ending up single-blocking the DE, #96.
Richardson pushes the blitzing LB attacking the B gap back towards Asamoah, then switches to the blitzing #56, who’s trying to sneak around outside of him. Battle takes on the DE, and McClain helps Richardson finish on #56. So the overload to the strongside is countered nicely.
Pope lined up on Albert’s left, leaving #67 uncovered, but for Breaston at the bottom of the screen. We all know Bowe caught the pass for a TD, but what was really great about this play was how. Pope went out for a pass, which kept the ROLB busy dropping back. The ILB #56 and the LOLB #50 both blitzed, with the OLB coming first and the ILB #56 looping around outside.
Sorry for the fits and starts in this description, but Battle blocked it up BIG, and I really LIKE what the Chiefs were able to do with those 2 big backs. I’ve been harping on Battle’s versatility for a long time and in this game, he shows all-around skills, when you take me back to the film, BJ Kissel.
I think these big, key plays are underscored by the article in today’s news about Battle. That 2-big-back package is versatile and potent. It might be the best-balanced offense they currently have.
would of ≠ would've
Definitely was McClain helping with the protections on the Bowe TD.
Love to watch me some scat-back, but this 2-big-back offense has some real potential. Still haven’t seen Battle block for McClain ONCE, yet. That would be the hat trick.
would of ≠ would've
McClain is easily my favorite player to watch when I go back and rewatch the games
Dude runs like he’s on a mission.
I gotta give some credit to the big uglies when all we’ll see on TV is Bowe backpedaling in for a TD.
Love the description Prof, I like this kind of reading. The problem is I find too many plays I want to use and the post becomes wayyyyy too long to explain each play in-depth.
Twitter - @bkissel7
If we had our shit together, we could do some cool things in some sort of webinar format.
Take turns with “the clicker” and argue real time with real voice.
Anyway, when I said “overload to the strongside,” I was wrong. Like I said, Pope was on the left side, next to Albert. The Vikes overloaded the weak side, with OLB blitzing the B gap and the MLB on a delayed blitz attacking the C gap.
You and I both love talking x’s and o’s, to the extent possible.
Nice of you to provide the talking points. If you mentioned the game clock in your post, I could go straight to DVR, without having to click on the clip you were kind enough to share. Nice for everybody to see the clip. Adds to the # of people here talking actual football, so don’t stop what you’re doing.
would of ≠ would've
exactly
I will start adding the game clock to the post. I have them already when I send the info to Bfett to cut up the clips so I might as well.
Might mix it up every once in a while if there are great angles on replays to diagnose all the details of the play going on and use fewer plays.
But I liked the ST’s play with Battle, nothing fantastic to break down but whenever people dismiss ST’s and players’ roles within ST’s, it’s nice to see plays like this and understand the value of the particular player.
Twitter - @bkissel7
I've been pretty meh on Battle, but your highlights show him being instrumental in some key plays
that were NOT being made with other personnel groupings. I’m expecting to see him get more action, as this morning’s article suggested.
would of ≠ would've
I think he has value to the team
It would seem that upgrading the 3rd/4th RB and ST’er is a luxory, maybe next season?
Twitter - @bkissel7
I think I'd always stay modestly active at RB.
Maybe have Draughn and 2 or 4 others in for a look during the course of a season. I wonder how big Draughn can get. At 6’0’’, I’d like to see another 20 or 30 pounds on him. I’m OK with 205-lb RBs, but not that tall.
would of ≠ would've
9th Play of the Game...
Just once in the last 3 years I’d’ve liked to have seen Cassel hit a WR in full Stride & Not have them Have to Adjust their route to the Pass !!!…( I refrained from using all Caps in defference to the Delicassies expressed about doing so on this site…BUT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT !!!…)…
You and I have watched different games.
by JayhawksNChiefs on Oct 6, 2011 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Snatching the ball out of the air.
Why does Bowe bobble it? I think it might be about knowing the difference between attacking the ball, which is good, but at the moment of the ball getting there, you need the SOFT hands. Yeah, you did everything to get there first, but when it hits your hands, your hands should go WITH it just a little bit, rather than slapping towards it. You really want your hands to STOP that ball, so it’s natural to jerk your hands into its path, rather than just making sure they’re in front of it..
would of ≠ would've
Ehh..
No offense, man, but Bowe is a professional receiver. He catches footballs professionally.
He knows how to catch. It’s second nature for these guys. There’s a lot of other stuff going on, though, and I think his major problem a lot of the time is losing concentration setting up what he’s gonna do with the ball in his hands.
You have to secure the catch before you do anything with it, but Bowe is really good at running after the catch. The game happens fast and I think he just gets ahead of himself trying to make a play. It worked out this time.
by bamachief5558 on Oct 7, 2011 2:04 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Great work BJ!
Thanks for the clips! I look forward to seeing what I missed when seeing this stuff the first time. Nice add in’s hmills110! I came away from watching the game remembering DJ kicking serious ass. I think we mimic what TB did last week to Indy (pressure and force quick throws) to improve our chances.
You Play to Win the game!!!
Thanks Wichita Chief
I always find myself looking for TJax when watching the game live.
Twitter - @bkissel7
Dude, seriously.
His nickname is “AD.” Quit with the “AP” stuff.
by Chief Running Bare on Oct 7, 2011 12:44 PM CDT reply actions
Thoughts
2nd play – Similar to Flowers celebrating a dropped CJ pass against Detroit
3rd play – Jared gets manhandled on that play.
4th play – Romeo’s obsession with the nickel subpackage is the coaching story of the season
5th play – Also a good job by Demorrio (I think) of shooting his gap, forcing AP to one side
7th play – Hell of a catch by Rudolph. How was the defense so sure it was a pass?
8th play – Carr’s return looks even worse on TV than it did in person. Stays to the outside and he’s gone.
9th play – Breaston looks fassssst. Get that dude the ball more.
10th play – if Richardson does his job, Cassel has time to find the open Pope.
11th play – I like the way Gus Johnson says Bowe
Still my favorite article every week BJ. Apparently I know your buddy Ben Mejia. He’s a sunnofabitch.
Dirk
by HisDirkness on Oct 8, 2011 12:36 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
The 10th play
Play calling is a lot easier when you have a good mix of run and pass. Since in this game we couldn’t run, a play fake to the fullback didn’t fool anybody.
Still a little unsure of themselves in tight.
But they’re close to having some real smashmouth in their game. I really like the big backs teamed up with our athletic O-Line. Anybody we can’t beat to the outside, we can run over, pretty much.
would of ≠ would've
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