Preseason Game 3 - What I’m looking for
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Hey all, I know it has been a WHILE since I posted on here but I figure with the season almost in full swing I really need to step my game up. So, here are some things I am looking for tonight when I attend preseason game #3: Chiefs vs Eagles.
New Arrowhead: This will be m y first time going to the new Arrowhead since it has been completed and I am really looking forward to seeing all of the changes. Since I am just your average, run of the mill season ticket holder I will probably not get to see some of the VIP areas (which is why I was sad I couldn’t make it Wednesday night to the open practice at Arrowhead) but it should be awesome nonetheless.
Chiefs Offense: The Eagles are no slouch. In fact their defense could be one of the better defense’s in the league (at worst they are in the top half) so this should be a very good test for Matt Cassel and the Chiefs’ offense. I would like to see two touchdowns from the first team this week along with a new high mark in total points scored. By the way, this will be no easy task as the first team defense for the Eagles has only allowed one TD so far this preseason.
Defensive Line Rotation: It will be very interesting to me to see if the Tyson Jackson vs Wallace Gilberry debate is just a motivational tactic by Haley or if Gilberry really is working his way to more playing time. We probably won’t know the true answer to this until after we get into the season (if ever) but either way I like it. Also, younger players such as Lokey and Magee may be playing for their roster life so I am interested to see what opportunities they are given tonight.
Dexter McCluster/Javier Arenas: These two rookies are being so hyped up it makes you wonder if they will be able to live up to it. I don’t expect either to come out and take over the game tonight, but I would like to get just a little taste of what I can expect this season from these two. Hopefully they leave me licking my chops for the regular season like I do when I stand in line waiting for my Z-man at Oklahoma Joes…
Well, those are a few of things I will be keeping an eye on tonight, what will you be watching for?
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Julius Peppers to KC? Not so fast…
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There has been a lot of talk lately about All-Pro DE Julius Peppers. A lot of Chiefs fans think he would be a great fit for KC… I am not so sure.
To me the question isn’t whether he would upgrade the talent of the team, because he obviously would, but where does he fit in with the Chiefs? Every indication so far is that if he goes to a 3-4 team he will make a switch to OLB. The Chiefs already have a promising (younger) converted DE playing outside linebacker in Tamba Hali. My concern would be if the Chiefs were to sign Peppers you would have two outside linebackers whose specialty is rushing the passer. What would that do to the Chiefs pass defense? Especially considering how wide open a lot NFL offenses are becoming.
Okay, maybe I am over-analyzing this a bit and putting too much weight on one aspect of Peppers’ game, after all Peppers is a tremendous athlete and pass rushing is a area the Chiefs could still use some big time help in (we are still only one season removed from setting an all-time low for fewest sacks in a season), but there is another reason I don’t think Peppers will end up in KC…
THE MONEY
Seems to me that Peppers wants the biggest possible payday (who can blame him for that, right) and I just don’t see Scott Pioli giving it to him. If you look at Pioli’s history he doesn’t spend big-time money on the big name free agents. Some will point to the year the Patriots signed Adalius Thomas and acquired Wes Welker and Randy Moss and this is more the exception than the rule. I just don’t see Pioli giving a 30 year old DE one of the biggest contracts in the NFL.
Now, would I be mad if Peppers ended up in KC? HECK NO… I just don’t think it will happen.
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Chiefs Cut Eight Players Including T Damion McIntosh
WIth the big cut day looming the Chiefs released eight players on Friday, including former starting RT Damion McIntosh.
Here are the list of players with some of my thoughts following.
Offense
- T Damion McIntosh - Is anyone really that surprised? I’m not.
- T Herb Taylor - I am honestly more surprised about this cut than McIntosh. Just shows that Haley and Pioli only care about what you can do for me, not what you have done.
- G Tavares Washington - Think he was injured in camp but I never really heard his name mentioned much in reports from River Falls.
- C Eric Ghiaciuc - Former starting center for the Bengals couldn’t beat out Rudy Niswanger who hasn’t been all that impressive himself. Enough said.
- FB Jed Collins - I barely heard this guys name called this preseason. I think we all knew Mike Cox was the guy.
Defense
- CB Travis Daniels - Signed during the offseason and didn’t do enough to stand out.
- CB Londen Fryar - Didn’t do enough in camp to make the team. Chiefs are deep at CB though so this was already an uphill battle.
- ILB Corey Smith - Not a surprise here. Chiefs have a lot of decisions to make at LB and he obviously was not a good fit and didn’t do enough to make the cut..
So now that is 8 players cut with 14 more to go. Who do you think is next?
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OFFICIAL: Chiefs Fire Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is reporting that the Chiefs have fired Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey.
A source within the otherwise impenetrable walls of One Arrowhead Drive advises that the Chiefs have fired this morning offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.
Gailey survived the initial purge of assistant coaches after Todd Haley was hired in February.
It’s unclear what has changed between then and now.
Really…? Honestly this come as quite a surprise to me. Who fires their offensive coordinator in the preseason? This just seems like a bad time to make that change to me.
I would now assume that Chiefs head coach Todd Haley will take over the play calling. Combining that with all the other activities of being a first time head coach worries me a little bit but hopefully Haley is up to the challenge. He definitely has an all business like approach that it would appear to be useful during this time.
This is still hard for me to believe, but Florio was the first to report the MCL/ankle injury to Matt Cassel and the news that Devard Darling tore an ACL and will be out for the season. Neither of these have been confirmed by the Chiefs yet, but it is sure looking like Florio has a source on the inside.
Any thoughts Chiefs fans? What do YOU make of this?
EDIT: This appears to be legit as the news of Gailey being fired is now being reported from the official Chiefs website.
The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Monday that Chan Gailey has been relieved of his duties as offensive coordinator. Gailey’s status with the club will be addressed by head coach Todd Haley following the conclusion of today’s practice. Gailey originally joined the Chiefs in 2008. He came to Kansas City after a six-year stint as head coach at Georgia Tech (2002-07).
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Matt Cassel Could Be Out 2-4 Weeks with Injured MCL
Is is being reported by Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports that Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel could be out 2-4 weeks with an strained MCL in his right knee.
Quarterback Matt Cassel (notes) could miss two to four weeks with a strained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, a source within the Kansas City Chiefs organization said.
On a good note I guess this shouldn’t require surgery.
Cassel, who the Chiefs acquired in a trade with New England this offseason, was hurt Saturday night in an exhibition game against Seattle. The injury is not expected to require surgery because MCL injuries usually heal on their own.
Since no one with the Chiefs has said anything to confirm or deny this we are left to trust it. If it makes you feel any better Josh Looney from kcchiefs.com is saying that Cole is the most creditable source via his Twitter page.
Jason Cole of Yahoo has most reliable source of info to date credits team source with report of Cassel strained mcl out 2 to 4 wk no surgery
But… then Looney does go on to question part of Cole’s report less than an hour later.
I do ? Cole’s “source” as he also claims Thigpen will take over 4 cassel. I still believe there is plenty of competition 4 chiefs #2 QB
I agree with statement. While I think starting Thigpen against a team that will surely make a QB scramble regardless isn’t a bad idea, who said the battle for #2 QB is over? I actually thought Croyle was the #2…?
So it looks like worst case scenario Cassel is out until the Philly game. I am okay with that as long as this isn’t the start of a trend (2008 Chiefs style).
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‘The Office’ Spoof - Kansas City Chiefs Style
Nice job on this! If this is the kind of stuff we can expect to come out of Arrowhead now… I am FEELIN’ IT! Lol, enjoy!
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Chiefs vs Texans: Likes/Dislikes
Here is what I liked and didn’t like about the Chiefs 2009 Preseason Opener against the Houston Texans:
WHAT I LIKED
Brodie Croyle: Croyle actually looked like a legit QB yesterday. He had nice zip on the ball, threaded the needle, and even took a hit or two and manaaged to get up quickly. Kudos to the second string O-line for protecting him as well, they looked pretty solid.
New Arrowhead: Although it is not 100% complete yet the ‘new Arrowhead’ looks very nice. The new replay video boards are awesome, along with the wider concords and flat screen TV’s everywhre. I managed to get saome HD video and quite a few pictures, so be on the lookout for a post in the near future.
Rush Defense: During the first drive the rush defense looked pretty good. There were a few misteps but overall I would say I could see improvement.
Two Sacks in ONE game: Even though Maurice Leggett is the current sack leader for the Chiefs, the Chiefs were able to get some presure on the quarterback and get two sacks in a single game. I know the bar is set really low for them right now, but considering the 10 total sacks in ONE SEASON last year I would say this is someting to be happy about.
Dwayne Bowe: Even though it was against the second string defense Bowe looked very solid. Also he didn’t speak to reporters after the game. Is this a new D Bowe?
Ryan Succop: Nailing a 47 yard kick with no time left in rainy conditions makes me very happy. I hope this wasn’t a fluke.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Kick Returns: No one really stepped up to the challenge this game; it was medocroer at best.
The Rain: At first it was a nice light sprinkle.. but then it started. I woke up this morning with cold chills still.
Felt like last season: I can’t exactly put my finger on it, but something about this game (esp mid to late in the game) just felt like last season. I was expecting bigger ang better things I guess… BUT I have decided I will reserve judgement on this until the Chiefs play a game that matters in the standings.
Brodie Croyle’s Intentional Grounding: This was just a mental air and should be easily corrected. Other than that he had a solid game.
MAKES ME GO “EH”:
Matt Cassel: It seems like the coaches wanted to ease Cassel into it this game. 2 for 5 for 15 yards… Eh…
Third String OL: Seemed like Thiggy was running for his life, but sometimes I think that is how Thigpen likes it.
Since I was able to list more positives than negatives I will be happy for now and I will try to remember that this is ‘only preseason’. Also, I thought Cory Mays, Andy Studebaker and Jackie Battle all had very good games and chalked one up on the “why I should make this team” column.
What do you think?
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KC Chiefs Football Blog Tweeting Live from Arrowhead
Just want to give you guys a heads up that I will be tweeting live from Arrowhead today from the time the parking lot opens to the time we leave the game!
Follow me here: KC Chiefs Football Blog on Twitter
Also keep an eye out for HD video and tons of pictures from Arrowhead (hoping to get those up tomorrow).
Go CHIEFS!!!
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Chiefs workout 3 WR’s, considering Amani Toomer
- Image by Getty Images via Daylife
The Chiefs had a closed to the media workout session today that included 3 WR’s , 3 OL and 1 QB. We have since learned that the wide recievers were Amani Toomer, David Terrell and D.J. Hackett.
It is also being reported that the Kansas City Chiefs are “leaning towards” signing Amani Toomer. (via ESPN)
“The Kansas City Chiefs are leaning toward signing veteran receiver Amani Toomer, according to two NFL sources.
Toomer could be signed as soon as Tuesday if the Chiefs follow through their current thinking, the sources said. Toomer was one of three veteran receivers Kansas City worked out Monday as their early training-camp work showed the team they may need more help for new quarterback Matt Cassel.”
Toomer is obviously the more polished of the three wide outs and would give the Chiefs some more vetern leadership on a fairly young offense (similar to Bobby Engram).
Personaly I think that signing Toomer would be a great move at this point. He is stil available so you know he isn’t going to demand lots of $$, he provides veteran leadership, and still has plenty of gas left in the tank. The Patroits were/are famous for signing “old” veteran players who are out to prove they still ‘have it’. Oh, and did I mention the Chiefs still have plenty of room under the cap (I don’t even know if they have met the minimum yet).
Even if this didn’t work out the worst that could happen for the Chiefs is they cut him and lose a little bit of money It’s a win-win in my book.
P.s. In other Chiefs news the Kansas City Chiefs have cut guard Edwin Harrison (who has sat out mutliple practices recenlty so this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise). This also means the Chiefs are back down to 81 roster spots.
So what do you think Chiefs fans? Would Toomer be a good fit in KC?
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Chiefs Training Camp Update: 8-3-09 AM
So here is day 3 of training camp already and here is the summery of this mornings practice: Oh, there was a special guest this mornings practice as well…
Updates from Josh Looney
Via Twitter:
- Outdoors it is, full pads…McIntosh is back today.
- Many high level conversations going on up here with @mitchholthus & gammon
- Play of the day comes from a one handed diving grab via te sean ryan. Haley praised the play post practice.
- The Chiefs have a variety of different style runners in their backfield and those styles come to light when the club practices half-line drills (C, G, T, RB, QB, 2 DL, LB). RBs like Larry Johnson and Jackie Battle power their way through holes, while RBs like Jamaal Chalres and Dantrell Savage display impressive speed and agility through the line of scrimmage.
- P Dustin Colquitt is “the leg.” K Ryan Succop has yet to be nicknamed. He may need one soon. Succop hits kicks from 39, 42 and 44 yards with LOTS of room to spare. Any ideas?
- LB Mike Vrabel took some extra time yesterday to work on pass rush moves with defensive line coach Tim Krumrie. The work seems to have paid off as Vrabel look impressive on several one-on-one rush drills against the offensive tackles.
- Highlights from today’s 11-v-11 period:
- RB Javarris Williams had a nice blitz pickup that allowed QB Matt Cassel to avoid a pass rush to find a diving TE Sean Ryan down the right sideline. Ryan pulled it in over his shoulder one-handed.
- S John McGraw drew praise from Coach Haley for his break on a corner route that resulted in a PBU. The ball was nearly picked off.
- CB Brandon Flowers had excellent one-on-one coverage guarding WR Dwayne Bowe on a deep route down the right sideline.
- DT Tank Tyler made a number of nice plays in stopping the run game when the offense was backed up near their own goal line.
Updates from Mitch Holthus:
- Best play of camp so far…team backed up at own one…Javarris Williams picks up blitzing Pollard..Cassel finds Sean Ryan TE first down.
- I love it when RBs want to pass black..saved a safety today!
- Defense had its moments too…Tank Tyler is doing some good things…3-4 defense is sometimes like entertainers..its all about the nose.
- Kent Babb of the Star near the big hot dog van reminded me of Jeff Daniels on Dumb and Dumber…there is no Hy-Vee here,its killing me..
- Pass block!
Updates from Bob Gretz @ CBS Sports
- After Chiefs LT Branden Albert jumped offsides in a drill, he was yanked from the line and sent on a punishment run. Barry Richardson replaced him.
- In a running game drill, OLB Tamba Hali leveled pulling guard Mike Goff. The collision could be heard on all three practice fields.
- K Ryan Succop was 3 of 4 on FGs in Chiefs practice, hitting the left upright from 35 yards and making kicks from 39, 42 and 44 yards.
- Chiefs rookie LB Jovan Belcher is showing a strong pass rush. On one play, he knocked over RT Damion McIntosh.
- With the Chiefs down to two TEs, Sean Ryan is taking advantage of the opportunity. He had a nice catch on a play where QB Matt Cassel was flushed from the pocket.
- Chiefs coach Todd Haley on Monday’s morning practice: “This is generally when everybody is a little bit sore and feeling a little bit sorry for themselves, but I thought we pushed through OK. This afternoon will be very telling about how we are doing.”
- After practice, Chiefs coach Todd Haley wouldn’t address the absence of TEs Brad Cottam and Tony Curtis. “I’ll only talk about the players who are practicing,” Haley said
And lastely but definitly not least, updates from the UW-RF Staff:
- The Jugs machines were once again firing at the beginning of practice. Drops have been a recurring problem in the first three practices.Today, there were four notable drops to report. Wide receivers Quinten Lawrence, Bobby Engram, Jeff Webb and Taurus Johnson each had drops during 1-0 drills. After Webb’s drop Head Coach Todd Haley yelled, “Catch the ball against air, please!”
- Tackle Damion McIntosh was in full pads for the first time this season. McIntosh jumped right back in with the first-string. Head Coach Todd Haley commented later that is was good to have McIntosh back in pads. “He is working hard on his body,” Haley said. McIntosh had a huge pancake block of defensive end Alfonso Boone in 2-on-1 blocking.
- Tight end Sean Ryan got some extra opportunities with the absences of Brad Cottam and Tony Curtis and made the most of it. Ryan made a spectacular, twisting sideline catch on a ball thrown by quarterback Matt Cassel. Head Coach Todd Haley commented on the catch later saying, “I thought that was a tremendous catch in traffic.”
- During the team’s 11-on-11 drill toward the end of practice, running back Jackie Battle had the ball knocked away from him after the whistle was blown. Head Coach Todd Haley screamed at Battle for the lack of focus. “Hold onto the football. You protect that thing all the way back to the huddle!” Haley shouted. Haley talked about the situation later in his press conference. “Those offensive guys have to protect the football at all times [like their life depends on it]. I am blowing the whistle for the defense.”
- Rookie defensive end Alex Magee continued to see time with the first-string, as he has been all of training camp thus far.
- After a drill, linebacker Mike Vrabel, a 13-year veteran, was showing two-year linebacker Andy Studebaker how he should be using his arms during the drill. As the two walked away, joining the rest of the linebackers on field 1, Studebaker patted Vrabel on the back.
- A session with the defensive lineman and the offensive lineman, running a 2-on-1 blocking drill was dominated by the defense. The stand-out of the drill was defensive end Alex Magee. Magee destroyed offensive linemen Mike Goff and Wade Smith on separate occasions. Linebackers Mike Vrabel and Tamba Hali were present for half the drill. Hali made an athletic move to shoot to the inside of Barry Richardson without being touched.
Todd Haley Press Conference
- Head Coach Todd Haley opened his daily press conference with a statement, saying practice was alright. “I thought it went OK. This is the point in training camp where everyone is a little sore, but I thought we pushed through well,” he said. Haley was wearing a Dallas Texans hat. The Chiefs came into the league as the Texans and will wear the old jerseys for three games this season.
Haley was asked to comment on the progression of fifth-round pick offensive tackle Colin Brown. Haley said that Brown was learning on the run. “He dropped a bunch of weight to give himself a chance to compete, so he probably is feeling a little light and not as strong.” Haley was then asked what he thought of the line as whole. “I am encouraged by what I am seeing. It’s only day three and way too early to make evaluations, but I like what I see so far,” Haley said.
Haley was adamant that his team must create some havoc in the backfield. “Whether that is to lead the league in sacks or just create some chaos in the back there, it has to happen, in my opinion, to play the kind of defense we want to play.”
Haley was asked about how sleep his schedule is going so far at camp. “I was thinking about that this morning. In the summertime if I didn’t get eight hours, I was exhausted, but you get to training camp and for some reason, sleep isn’t as important. You wake up and find a way everyday.” Haley did say he is getting about four to five hours of sleep a night.
And thee you have it. Have a great Monday Chiefs fans! Go Chiefs!
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