Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look
 

On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
Andy Reid delivered a not-so-subtle message Friday with the first play at Chiefs training camp. He had quarterback Alex Smith heave a pass deep down the middle that was hauled in for a touchdown by wide receiver Dexter McCluster.

The play served notice that after two seasons with a dormant passing attack, the Chiefs intend to revive it in a big way.

“I wasn’t ready for that,” Smith said. “I came up and I got a good look for it. Crowd pleaser.”

Much more needs to happen before the passing game can be called successful. But the intent is obviously there. Smith completed another deep pass to McCluster a few plays later.

As much as Reid enjoyed the big plays, he liked the consistency of the passing game. Smith, who completed 70 percent of his passes for the 49ers last season, went several plays into practice before throwing his first incompletion.

“There weren’t a lot of balls on the ground, and it looked like the defense had people covered,” Reid said. “They were in position.”

The trade for Smith was the biggest of the offseason moves aimed at revitalizing a sluggish offense. Smith, the first pick in the 2005 draft and San Francisco’s long-time starter, is used to such pressure.

“I’m much better equipped to handle it now,” Smith said. “When you’re a young guy and coming in and playing early, I dwelled on (negative things) too much. I let it affect my play too much. I tried to please everybody.

“I’m going to play my game. I’m going to try to work as hard as I can to get as good as I can and try to reach my potential and win a bunch of games. That’s the goal. I’m not worried about a bunch of other things.”

Smith received another peek at the expectations waiting for him at the end of practice, when a fan called to him asking Smith to be the Chiefs’ savior.

“That’s a strong word,” Smith said. “That’s a great example. When I was younger, I would have taken that literally. I tried to make every single throw and I tried to prove to everybody on every single play that, yeah, I could do this.”

That McCluster was on the receiving end of Smith’s long passes was another bonus for the Chiefs. They practiced without their most accomplished receiver, Dwayne Bowe, who is on the non-football injury list with a viral condition.

Bowe may return to practice as soon as Saturday. But no matter when he plays, the Chiefs are still in search of a consistent threat to go along with him. The diminutive McCluster has long tantalized the Chiefs with his big-play ability, but he has delivered precious few such plays since arriving as a rookie in 2010.

He bounced from receiver to running back and again to receiver, never seeming to find a comfortable spot. While it’s far too early to call him a changed player in Reid’s offense, it’s a start.

“It’s always good to start a first practice … with a big one,” McCluster said. “I’m happy I held on to the ball.”

Reid’s arrival could rescue McCluster’s career, which stalled last season under coach Romeo Crennel. Reid, then coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, was intrigued by McCluster when he was available in the 2010 draft.

The Chiefs got to him first, but Reid began making plans for McCluster shortly after arriving in Kansas City in January.

“He gives you a little flexibility,” Reid said. “You can move him around a Iittle. We’ll use him here and there.”

During offseason practice and again on Friday, McCluster lined up in a variety of spots.

“I don’t know where he couldn’t line up, to be honest, as far as skill positions go,” Smith said. “He’s got that many tools in the belt.”

Another offensive player the Chiefs are counting on is rookie running back Knile Davis. The Chiefs hope he can be turned into a kickoff return specialist, even though he never returned a kick during a game in college at Arkansas.

That process got off to a rough start Friday when Davis, who was a frequent fumbler in college, dropped a kickoff.

“We’ll get that fixed,” Reid said.

McCluster training camp phenom.

Knile "I'll never fumble again" Davis?

Yep, it's football season.

Regardless of how you feel about the trade or Alex Smith in general, who here wouldnt LOVE it if Ried turned him into beast.
I would say sweet dick Willie, but he was "Fully On board" with Cassel after the 10' Seattle game.

No other sentence has caused more anger and frustration in the history of CP.

LMAO

McCluster will see some reverses and screens coming his way this year.

Please let us win a playoff game this year. I know I should just be asking for three wins (baby steps) but wow, that'd be a nice gift.

MCCLUSTER MCLUSTER HE'S OUR MAN IF HE CANT DO IT NO ONE CAN!11

Laughter maybe.

It reminds me of the deep preseason touchdown pass to Dante Hall many moons ago (I don't remember if it was Green or Collins that threw that one). Either way...it never happened in a game.

Much, I would think, like a deep pass from Smith to McCluster****.

There's that word again. "Potential."

Why do we always have to use that word when we acquire 28-year old starting QBs? Shouldn't they have already reached their potential by the time we get them?

I'll bet Drew Brees didn't go to the Saints and talk about "potential." I'll bet Peyton Manning didn't go to the Donks and say "potential."

LMAO you best check your history.

McCluster will no doubt see his talent finally utilized.

That's arena ball, don't they know it's run, run, pass, punt.

Ya know, deep down the middle to a Chiefs fan could be about their peter length.

I must've missed that year where dante hall was more than a token receiver. Did he ever net 500 yards in a season? Were any of the "deep" passes he received in regular season games anything other than screens?

(These are legitimate questions; I have a terrible memory)

He caught a pass down the seam against the Bills on SNF for a TD, IIRC.

However, I think it was a hot route.

He caught a 60 plus yard TD pass against Buffalo in 03, seam pass. He caught a 50 yard TD pass against the Donkeys in 05 I believe. Didn't happen enough though I agree. That one against Denver was a busted coverage by Champ.

I would add to my prior comments that, based on what we've seen on the field the last three years, McCluster isn't anywhere close to Dante Hall. Which is part of my point I was trying to make: Dante Hall couldn't turn himself into a consistent receiving threat with a better quarterback, so I apologize for being skeptical about McCluster's ability to do it with a lesser skillset and Alex Smith.

Which would be why my first response to a 5'7 receiver without any kind of breakaway speed catching deep passes is a chuckle and doubt that I'll see that translated onto the field during the regular season.

But stranger things have happened.

No reason to doubt Dex's ability to produce like that long term, I just wouldn't make shit up to try to make that point in the future.

Damn could you imagine if McCluster and Smith had good seasons. There is certain someone around here that would be in absolute misery.

No one even mentions Geno Whatshisname anymore.

Yeah, because I "make shit up" all the time.

Try turning down the douche. Maybe people would treat you a little better.

New look Chiefs! Noodle armed QB throwing bombs to midgets! Who needs strong arms and tall, fast receivers?

NANANANANANANA

YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION

It's Marcellus. What do you expect? You said something bad about a Chief.

I'm fully on board with Bray. Smith can suck it, as can you.

A nickname for McCluster: The Scarlet Pimpernel

They seek him here. They seek him there.
Those Bronkos seek him everywhere.
Did he jink? Has he fell?
That damned, elusive Pimpernel.

With apologies to Baroness Orczy

Whoa, a lurker post.

I'm creeped out.

Davis as a return man will be a disaster. He fumbles and is an upright runner. Why do coaches like trying shit that will not work...

sighs. No one knew what they were getting with Drew Brees when he signed with the Saints. The Chargers kicked him to the curb, the Dolphins didn't want him. New Orleans was his 3rd option.

Of course Alex Smith can realize his potential at this point. He wouldn't be the first to be a late bloomer now would he?

Understand the CONTEXT of what I am saying.

Rich Gannon, and Kurt Warner. No, not saying that Alex Smith can be either one of those, but, Alex has a very similar skill set to Gannon. Mobility, their plusses as qbs being short accuracy, and being very smart.

Its amazing what situation and place can do for a guys career.

All off season, you have been saying that you wanted a qb to throw the ball. Now, Andy Reid calls it, Alex Smith delivers it, and you spit on it.

Make up your ****ing mind. Alex Smith is not noodle armed either dick head.

Its average, but its not Christian Ponder, or Colt McCoy weak either.

I completely agree. I don't understand this. At all.

Meh, they're just taking a look at it, i'm sure that if he proves incapable he wont be doing it.

McCluster is 300 yards from scrimmage away from passing Dante Hall CAREER yards from scrimmage. He's been better offensively than Hall.

Oh look. You two dumbasses are going to have the same argument you've had in 30 other threads. Yay! We should just make an official GoChiefs vs. 49ers trolls thread for you guys.

So is the play officially called the McCluster Chuck?

The fact that Trent Green could hit receivers, even marginally talented ones, downfield might have something to do with that.

**** Smith. **** McCluster.

That is all.

This report might be 100% accurate and a harbinger of things to come.

But JFC, we hear this shit every training camp and preseason and it equals two wins.

Color me skeptical.

McChuckster?

**** you. Put me back on ignore. As long as im nothing but a troll to you, you can suck a big fat dick, and shut the **** up.....

How about that queen?

LMAO

I wish I could. Really wish I could but super ignore works a little too well so I have to deal with you two menstruating all over each other in every thread.

I believe I can actually hear the sound of your panties bunching up.

cry me a ****ing river you bloody vagina. I really couldn't care any less about your needing for affection and whiny isms. If you don't like what that I talk about, just skip over it. Okay cutie?

Now, get back on your knees like the bitch you are. No one told you to speak.

LMAO

who asked you sour puss. Mind your own ****ing business too cock gobbler......

DUMBASS. Get anal ****ed and raped with a herpesyphiltitusaids infested cock. **** you too......

Maverick, your thoughts on this new, sexy, downfield passing Alex Smith and his downfield big game threat, Dexter McChuckster?

But, Back on topic, while I make me another drink. Its great that Alex Smith is being made to take chances. Hope he throws deep all preseason. hell hope he throws every down. He needs to courage, and know that if he sees it, and lets it rip, and gives his guys a chance, some times, good things can happen. No more pussy footing Alex Smith. No EXCUSES, RULE NUMBER 137, PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION.

No idea. Know nothing about him, except that pre draft, when he was on first take, I thought he was lil wayne.........

i agree

i always want my QB to courage

My drink is full of TO courage......

Im all off kilter. Who knows what kind of shit im liable to say tonight.

Its not Baldwin beating a 5'9 scrub but it will do

3-13

Show me wins.

Dexter McCluster**** WR lulz
Dexter McCluster**** Over the middle lulz

ROFL:clap: so freaking true. Total TURD of a pick.

While I have to say I dont feel like I get treated badly except by a few I clash with, I probably have gone off the deep end over the last 6 months or so dealing with all the negativity.

This place is a cesspool of ****ing whiny bitches and I am getting drawn into the same shit and acting the same way on the other end.

I am actually a very happy positive person and would prefer to be that way, its hard to be that way here when every single thing that happens Chiefs related becomes a negative to 90% of this place. And yes, that is whats going on here.

I am going to do my very best to not get drawn into any more football debate over the same shit that keeps getting rehashed here over and over and wait and see what happens when we actually start playing football.

Yep.

We win training camp every year.

I have no idea why people get carried away with what these guys do in shorts.

No he never broke 500 yds. He did have 2 season over 400yds. In 2003 he had 40 rec for 423 yds and 3TDs. He had 6 catches over 20 yards and one over 40 that went for 67 and a TD. In 2005 he had 36 recs for 436 yds and 3TDs. He had 5 catches over 20 yards and 2 over 40.

As far as numbers of receptions last year Kevin Walter, Vernon Davis, Joel Dreesen, Santana Moss, Darius Heyward-Bey, Anthony Fasano all had 41 receptions last year. Those are #1 TEs and #2 WRs so I would say his numbers for being the 3rd or 4th receiving option were pretty impressive.

Much butthurt it did cause

posted in the TC thread, didn't get any play so here maybe you guys might see this


and ya, folks in KC put too much stock in TC. It's a good thing when players do well during TC, but it isn't real game time and there is no way to use it as a measuring stick against other teams.

On the other side a huge contingent complains about every negative that happens in shorts.

Most people are happy football is starting up again and really and excited for good things that could happen.

This fan base is no different than any other in that regard. Training camp is a fun time because anything can happen from there.

Yea you could focus on the worries and negatives but why do that?

The fact is this teams 2013 potential is a real mystery right now.

Yup. Every negative report is treated like gospel. Stanzi incompletion: OMGZ BRAYS DA BESTEST EVER!!!

Irony is that CP mantra is you must draft a QB in round 1 to win the SB but many of those same people are hanging their future hopes on an UDFA.

BIG ARM!!!!

I have wondered this myself. From what I have seen around here. It seems that a lot of the posters would rather be negative than be called a homer. It seems that these same posters would rather apologize for being wrong with some stupid cliche about 1 in a million type of thing than have hope and belief.
Some people can't handle the emotions of having a season of football go bad when they had been so positive about it.

Duh man those posters don't believe the chiefs will draft a QB in the 1st. Also several of those same posters thought that Bray would have been drafted in the 1st if he had have been in a better situation. Blah Blah Blah.

I understand that. But it is a good sign that they aren't dinking and dunking all over the place. How will that translate to when the bullets are flying? No idea.

Same shit every year.

So much of this. This is why I don't throw around a ton of insults and simply roll my eyes at much... but too many people here really are weak lil pussies that refuse to get their hopes up because they will either be distraught or embarrassed if those hopes get crushed. Pussies and cowards... and they iz mad because they know it be true. :deevee:

I don't understand it. Even in the Mike Singletary, Mike Nolan years, I was optimistic going in, that THIS WAS OUR YEAR....

Now, here there is a true reason for optimism, and some people just REFUSE to at least wait and see. They must lead seriously pathetic miserable lives.

Perspective.

I don't believe Reid was the right hire, and I don't believe in Smith.

So there isn't any "true" reason for optimism.

Many of them say it is because we can not appreciate the LONG duration of KC suckage... I can somewhat appreciate that.. but still.. you can never lose your way like some seem to have. Doing so is only hurting one's self.

The hate, anger, and despair is mostly a front... a protective barrier put up to insulate them from another potential letdown. It is a self defense mechanism consciously or unconsciously deployed. If they express defeat and prepare for the worst? Then another devastating season will be less harmful. It's.. quite frankly.. the coward's way out... and gives them some semblance of a silver-lining (at least) that they can then scream out, "See!?!? I was right!"

You have to love niners fans telling everybody how to be a fan. You guys are front running bundle of stickss, always have been.

Psycho babble.

I still find opposing fans spending so much time on a board to be REALLY creepy

. Clearly.

I hope the Niners go through what the Chiefs have gone through since 1994.

THEN you can talk to me about this bullshit. And no, the Erickson/Nolan/Singletary years DON'T count. That shit was over within 5 years. They're a tiny slump you guys suffered on a path of consistent wins and championships.

Get that shit the **** out of here.

Yup.

If everyone is just supposed to just wait and see what the **** are e going to talk about here
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