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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Chiefs Rookie Class Grades 2008
I’m not going to lie, I had been thinking about doing this, but it ‘temporairily left my mind’. 
But lucky for me Chris over at Arrowhead Pride gave out his grades for the Chiefs rookies recently so I thought I would give out mine as well… Let’s see who passed.
DT Glenn Dorsey
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Glenn Dorsey does get a bad rap from some fans and media, but I wouldn’t believe everyting thing you hear. Dorsey may have not been disrupting backfields like he was at LSU, but he did lead all rookie D-linemen in tackles this season. Also, if you compare his production to the rookie years of other star DT’s (Warren Sapp, Albert Haynesworth) they are likely more similar than you think. Also, I blame some of this on the coaches; if you draft a DT who’s forte is penetration and making plays in the backfield then why are you trying to use him as someone to takes up bodies? I could be wrong but I think if you unleash Dorsey and let him do what does best then he will take up bodies anyway because teams will be forced to double team him. Sorry, kind of went on there…
Grade: B- |
OT Branden Albert
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The Chiefe offensive line went from worst in the NFL in 2007 to middle of the pack in 2008 and I believe that Albert was a big part of the reason why. Branden Albert was injuried at first, which was a little disapointing (esp for a guy that had ‘never been injuried before’) but you can’t hold that against him. If anything that just showed his work ethic and willingness to succed. This guy could be an All-Pro some day.
Grade: A |
CB Brandon Flowers
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This season Brandon Flowers showed why many anaylist had him pegged as first round talent He coverd big time WR’s and it didn’t phase him one bit. Also, it isn’t his fault the Chiefs didn’t have a pass rush this season.
Grade: A+ |
RB Jamaal Charles
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Charles did have a few nagging injuries this season and overall I’d say he did okay this season. Honestly I would have liked to have seen a lot from him as a RB, esp. with LJ being out for a while, and as a return man ( I would have guessed that he would have taken at least one to the house this season). He did still average over 5 yards per attempt this season so I guess I can’t be mad at that.
Grade: C |
CB Brandon Carr
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Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers had very similar years and this tells me even more about Carr. This is a Diviions II corner who wasn’t affriad of life in the NFL one bit. He covered stud WR’s and didn’t blink an eye. Carr, in my opinion, did not quite play up to the same level as Flowers, but he wasn’t expected to. The fact the played up to that level says it all.
Grade: A |
K Connor Barth
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Barth made 10 of his 12 field goals this season for the Chiefs. I also believe that he had a touchback or two on kickoffs (something no other Chiefs kicker seemed to be able to to do). He was most consistent Chiefs kicker this season (not sure how much that says) but he did what was asked of him for the most part. 10/12 is 83.3334 % so that is what I will give him.
Grade: B |
FB Mike Cox
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It really is hard to judge a fullback. When we were running Herm’s offense at the begining of the year I saw Cox make some big blocks and some nice catches. I don’t remember his name being called by many people good or bad so I guess it would be safe to say that he did a decent job but didn’t stand out. Grade: C+ |
KR Kevin Robinson
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K-Rob was the best returner in a Chiefs uniform this season. I’m not sure what the averages say, but if you watched that games you know what I am talking about. Then again being the best returner out of this group may not be saying a whole lot
Grade: B- |
CB Maurice Leggett
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Leggett really got a lot better as the season went on. He had two very big plays for the Chiefs this season(fumble return for TD and pick-6 against Denver) and was by far the best undrafted free agent pick of the season for the Chiefs. For this season he gets an A, hope he doens’t turn into another Brackenridge (and by that I mean cut the following season).
Grade: A |
Incompletes: Will Franklin, DaJuan Morgan, Brad Cottam,Brian Johnston,Dantrell Savage
What do you guys think? Do you agree with the grades?
Please feel free to make your grades in the comment section below.
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