Tribal Warfare
08-01-2006, 05:29 PM
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/chiefs/
Chiefs Team Report
7/30/2006
By Adam Teicher
Kansas City Star http://i.tsn.com/i/p/s.gif
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: Depth at receiver is even more of a problem now that the one established veteran, WR Eddie Kennison, has threatened to depart training camp because of unhappiness over his contract. The loss of Kennison, who had more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, could be devastating. WR Samie Parker, the other starter, has showed promised but between injuries and inconsistencies hasn't put together a full season. The other receivers are Dante Hall, whose value has been as a kick return specialist, and a collection of unproven younger players. Second-year player Craphonso Thorpe has potential, but in offseason practices still appeared to be a work in progress. . . . There's no way, particularly at this late stage, the Chiefs can adequately fill the void left by the retirement of Willie Roaf. The recently signed Kyle Turley is the leading candidate to replace Roaf, but Turley is a gamble. He missed the last two seasons because of back issues. The Chiefs desperately need Turley to be the player he was before his back troubles began because Plans B and C appear inadequately, at least in the short term. Will Svitek has potential, but he's never played in an NFL game. Jordan Black struggled when replacing the injured Black last season.
NEWCOMER REPORT: Since CB Ty Law played last season for Herm Edwards in New York, he should need little or no time to fit in with the Chiefs. The team expected Law to step right in as if he had signed earlier in camp. Law doesn't run as well as he did earlier in his career and his coverage skills might have slipped a notch, but he's still a premier cornerback and a huge upgrade from Lenny Walls, Julian Battle or whomever the Chiefs would have started had Law not signed.
SCOUTING REPORT: The Chiefs are determined to get more production from Hall as a slot receiver. Hall remains incredibly quick and elusive, making him the best open-field threat. But there are dangers in such a strategy. Hall is only 5-8, making him a difficult target for QB Trent Green to find. Hall also tends to wear down quickly because of his diminutive size. He hasn't been as effective as a kick return specialist when asked to take a heavy portion of the receiving load. Special teams as a result has underperformed, so the Chiefs may be best off by asking him to do one job or the other.
QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: Grade: B. Trent Green is playing well but he's 36 and his backups are either a journeyman (Damon Huard) or unproven (Brodie Croyle and Casey Printers).
PLAYBOOK UPDATE: With Edwards and new coordinator Mike Solari, a career offensive line coach, at the controls, the Chiefs will have a new look offensively. Their bold, aggressive approach departed at the same time Dick Vermeil and former coordinator Al Saunders did. In its place is a conservative philosophy that will put a greater premium on ball control and a power running game. This strategical shift doesn't figure to serve the Chiefs well. They are built to score points, not protect leads. Look for a transition period as the team tries to find a comfort zone within its new identity. The changes should help on defense, where the Chiefs will employ a lot of the cover 2 scheme Edwards prefers. The three starting linebackers are all able to run and cover, so at those positions they appear to be a good match for the new system. But SS Sammy Knight's lack of range and the front four's inability to generate a consistent pass rush must be resolved if the Chiefs are to have consistent success with their new scheme.
Chiefs Team Report
7/30/2006
By Adam Teicher
Kansas City Star http://i.tsn.com/i/p/s.gif
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: Depth at receiver is even more of a problem now that the one established veteran, WR Eddie Kennison, has threatened to depart training camp because of unhappiness over his contract. The loss of Kennison, who had more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, could be devastating. WR Samie Parker, the other starter, has showed promised but between injuries and inconsistencies hasn't put together a full season. The other receivers are Dante Hall, whose value has been as a kick return specialist, and a collection of unproven younger players. Second-year player Craphonso Thorpe has potential, but in offseason practices still appeared to be a work in progress. . . . There's no way, particularly at this late stage, the Chiefs can adequately fill the void left by the retirement of Willie Roaf. The recently signed Kyle Turley is the leading candidate to replace Roaf, but Turley is a gamble. He missed the last two seasons because of back issues. The Chiefs desperately need Turley to be the player he was before his back troubles began because Plans B and C appear inadequately, at least in the short term. Will Svitek has potential, but he's never played in an NFL game. Jordan Black struggled when replacing the injured Black last season.
NEWCOMER REPORT: Since CB Ty Law played last season for Herm Edwards in New York, he should need little or no time to fit in with the Chiefs. The team expected Law to step right in as if he had signed earlier in camp. Law doesn't run as well as he did earlier in his career and his coverage skills might have slipped a notch, but he's still a premier cornerback and a huge upgrade from Lenny Walls, Julian Battle or whomever the Chiefs would have started had Law not signed.
SCOUTING REPORT: The Chiefs are determined to get more production from Hall as a slot receiver. Hall remains incredibly quick and elusive, making him the best open-field threat. But there are dangers in such a strategy. Hall is only 5-8, making him a difficult target for QB Trent Green to find. Hall also tends to wear down quickly because of his diminutive size. He hasn't been as effective as a kick return specialist when asked to take a heavy portion of the receiving load. Special teams as a result has underperformed, so the Chiefs may be best off by asking him to do one job or the other.
QUARTERBACKS ANALYSIS: Grade: B. Trent Green is playing well but he's 36 and his backups are either a journeyman (Damon Huard) or unproven (Brodie Croyle and Casey Printers).
PLAYBOOK UPDATE: With Edwards and new coordinator Mike Solari, a career offensive line coach, at the controls, the Chiefs will have a new look offensively. Their bold, aggressive approach departed at the same time Dick Vermeil and former coordinator Al Saunders did. In its place is a conservative philosophy that will put a greater premium on ball control and a power running game. This strategical shift doesn't figure to serve the Chiefs well. They are built to score points, not protect leads. Look for a transition period as the team tries to find a comfort zone within its new identity. The changes should help on defense, where the Chiefs will employ a lot of the cover 2 scheme Edwards prefers. The three starting linebackers are all able to run and cover, so at those positions they appear to be a good match for the new system. But SS Sammy Knight's lack of range and the front four's inability to generate a consistent pass rush must be resolved if the Chiefs are to have consistent success with their new scheme.