Chiefs Coach Breaks Down Nose Tackle Battle

Just got off a conference call with Kansas City Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel and other media folks this afternoon, covering a number of topics after last night's preseason victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Crennel touched on one of the most intriguing position battles, which comes at nose tackle.

He's even got some nicknames for all three guys.

"My technician, (Anthony) Toribio, he did halfway decent," Crennel said. "He made a couple plays."

Toribio started the game and got into the backfield a couple of times on one series. He looked decent. Not great, but decent. It's been a while since the Chiefs got pressure from that inside position but Toribio showed flashes at times.

"My young (Dontari) Poe," Crennel continued, "he's young and he's still learning, but he shows some desire and some want-to."

So basically he tried hard. This follows what Crennel said last week -- that Poe has "a ways to go." It's early. I'm not concerned yet. But this is a sign that we need to temper our expectations for Poe early on.

"My (Jerrell) Powe who is a little bit older," Romeo said of the other Powe, "he came in and was able to push the center back a little bit, and I believe he even got a sack or made a tackle in the backfield.

Powe had a sack and did the Land Shark celebration, which was pretty cool.

Romeo called it a "good competition" at nose tackle. I think at this point Toribio remains the favorite to open the season as the starter. I'd say it's unlikely the Chiefs carry three nose tackles so Powe could make this a very difficult decision on the Chiefs. I don't have a good grasp on how this thing will play out.