Worrisome Things...
 

If we can get the passing game going early, I say the Chiefs should use the draw and screen pass liberally with Priest to get him going in lieu of the sweep plays.

What I think.

Yards - I agree, who cares. The problem was the wide open receivers who had corners and safeties beat; luckily they dropped the ball. Since it was the second half and the Chiefs D was in a semi-prevent mode it is really inexcusable to let the receiver get past the defender. Everyone should have been kept in front of the defender.

Disappearance of the O - I tend to disagree. Prior to Roaf going down sweep runs to the right weren't going anywhere. They were working like a beauty to the left. After Roaf went down the running game went back a notch as did pass protection. Toward the end of the first half I think the Chiefs got a little lucky that Green didn't get pummelled.

Surtain - I agree. With a concussion it might be best to let him rest this week rather than risk another head injury that will sideline him for more than one game. Let the docs decide.

Sims - His loss hurts a little bit. If the Chiefs had kept a few more DT's and had some rotational depth I wouldn't be as worried, but after keeping only 4 guys (including Siavii who doesn't even get activated) I hope Browning and Dalton don't break down.

Roaf - I think this is the biggest loss. I think we'll see more LJ runs up the middle and more 2 TE sets.

Richardson - Great lead blocker but doesn't offer much in terms of running or catching the ball anymore. The Chiefs could get more production out of Cruz in terms of yardage. Again, you might see more 2 TE sets with Dunn blocking.

Good point...
 

Roaf worries me the most..and Surtain.

Heck, it all worries me. I think a lot of Trent's effectiveness is a result of Roaf. He is a huge anchor for the O line.

Prayers for a speedy recovery for all of them. With our starters all healthy, this team could be pretty hard to beat. Seems that way so far anyway.

Injuries suck, but they are part of the game.

I suspect Surtain will play, unless he has a history of concussions. No Sims, means we do need to sign SOMEONE....and play more 3-4. Roaf's injury sucks, and I do think it means more LJ. I also think Green, Gonzo, and the WRs could be in for a busy and good day--considering how that secondary looked against the Patriots. Richardson's loss disturbs me, but we can game plan around that for a week or two in a pinch.

We'll see Sunday night, I guess.

Without Roaf, I guess we're going to find out if TJ is really right about Stent Green. :hmmm:

I think we can get by this game without Roaf, the Raiders have no great pass rushers to worry about. Hopefully they can gameplan around TRich being gone because we're gonna need to run alot unless we plan on winning with 45 points.

Surtain and Sims hurt quite a bit, if Surtain doesn't go this week, we're gonna have to win 45-40. I'm hopeful he can play this week based on all the reports I've heard so far. Khari Long's roster spot should probably be going to a DT that we sign right now. I don't think we can get away without another one when Sims is going to be gone that long.

I agree that we are not going to blanket the Raiders wide-outs. The way to beat the Radiers is to take away the run, get up to an early lead, then pummel Coillins. However, having Surtain back there is definitely desireable because it is exactly these kinds of situations that he can make the pick, where our other "cough" DB could be leaving someone open enough to serve as a 15-yd safety valve. I'd really like to have Surtain back for this game.

I think if Richardson and Roaf are both out, that really affects the running game dramatically. If only one of them were out, you might try your normal run game, but with both I agree you have to make some adjustments, such as the suggestion to run LJ between the tackles more. I also agree with the suggestion of getting Priest involved in the passing game, ala 2002 and 2003.

Saunders was on 810 this morning saying that they changed up the scheme a little in the second half with the loss of Roaf, went to more of a quick passing game and more running to try to help the tackles out against a couple of "number one picks". Plus they had about 25 packages with Kris Wilson in them they didn't use because they didn't want to put any more pressure on the tackles.

I think I have to disagree with Gaz's rankings however, as I think Roaf is easily the number two in importance, and maybe even 1b to Surtain's 1a status. He is the guy that protects Green's blind side, and in the red zone it is him that we run behind.

Maybe now is a good time to work that LJ/Priest in the backfield together look that they were talking about this summer. Not really to always use LJ as a lead blocker, but just to have the two headed threat back there. I'm sure LJ could make some yards out of the FB draw that TR gets one or two times a game.

Missing Roaf is the biggest worry. That hammy problem wont go away this season.

Thank you, Vlad.

LJ's blocking has improved, and while he's no TRich....he's certainly big enough to play the position.

Imagine the opposing team's OC having to contend with LJ as a capable blocker AND runner, in the SAME backfield as Priest. :drool: