Chiefs Teicher: Savage makes an impression on Edwards.

**BigRedChief** · 08-19-2008, 02:20 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/754716.html

Chiefs’ Savage makes a good impression on Edwards
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

Dantrell Savage was only a fringe candidate at the start of training camp when the Chiefs pondered the identity of their next kick-return specialist.

It might be his job to lose now.

That became evident in the fourth quarter of Saturday night’s exhibition game against Arizona. After his nifty 45-yard kickoff return in the third quarter, Savage was called to the sideline for a quick consultation with coach Herm Edwards.

Edwards had some friendly advice for Savage, a rookie free agent.

“I just said, ‘That’s what I like. You just keep doing that.’ ” Edwards said after Monday’s practice. “When you get a player like that, when they do things like that, it gets the whole sideline enthusiastic. Not only the fans but the players, too.”

The head coach, too, evidently. It’s rarely Edwards’ style to publicly rave about a player, but he’s having trouble controlling himself with Savage, who signed with the Chiefs not immediately after the draft but after his invitation to a rookie tryout camp.

“I just think he’s a really good football player,” Edwards said. “He runs with a lot of passion. That’s what you like about the guy. He’s tough and physical. He’s pretty good. I’ll put it that way.”

Savage is only 5 feet 8 and 182 pounds and doesn’t have blazing speed to compensate, so he’s used to being overlooked.

“I feel I made their decision harder,” he said. “That’s what I have to do every day and every week. I just have to keep pushing and doing the things I have to do to make the team.”

Savage’s main competition is veteran B.J. Sams, who was once one of the game’s premier return specialists with Baltimore. Each of Sams’ last two seasons ended prematurely because of injury, and he is trying to re-establish himself.

Sams has also done well with his return chances in the preseason, but he’s been getting fewer than Savage.

“They’re just telling me to take it slow and they’ll ease me back in,” Sams said. “I feel like I’m 100 percent, back to where I used to be. I feel I can make the same moves and outrun some people. But they call the shots. I’m just going to do what they tell me to do.”

Edwards’ assessment of Sams was less than glowing

“He’s OK,” Edwards said simply. “He’s all right.”

When the subject moved back to Savage, Edwards’ mood changed abruptly.

“He’s like a bowling ball with butcher knives on it,” Edwards said. “It’s hard to tackle the guy. He’s not the biggest guy. He’s probably not the fastest guy. That’s probably why he wasn’t drafted.

“He doesn’t go down on the first hit. If you think you can just hit him with your shoulder and not wrap him up, you’ve got problems. He’s going to make yards.

“When he gets ready to get hit, he has the ability because he’s not the tallest guy to get his weight on you and hit you back. You’re not going to explode on him so much as he explodes on you. He’s not going down. You’ve got to tackle this guy to bring him down.”

Edwards has apparently been telling Savage the same things in private.

“He’s an admirer of my skills,” Savage said. “He thinks I’m fearless. That’s what I have to show him, that I’m not scared to run.”

Savage was a standout in his two seasons at Oklahoma State and showed some good things at the Senior Bowl practices last winter, but still he went undrafted. He also had offers from Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay and talked with Indianapolis and Atlanta but opted to come to the Chiefs.

“The best decision for me was to come to KC,” he said. “I’m getting a chance to return kicks here. Plus I looked at some of the running backs on those other clubs and didn’t know how much of a chance I would get. Here was the best fit for me.”

It initially seemed to be an odd choice. The Chiefs are as deep at running back as they’ve been in many years with Larry Johnson, Kolby Smith, Jamaal Charles and Jackie Battle.

Savage is still only fifth on the depth chart at running back.

“I guess I’m the type of guy that likes competition,” he said. “If we’re going to play against a great defense, I’m up for the competition. I’ll end up playing better against a great defense. There are some great running backs here, but this will only make me better.”

Returning kicks would put him on the roster. He’s been spending extra time fielding punts, something he only occasionally did at Oklahoma State.

While Edwards is a solid Savage fan, it remains to be seen whether he would trust such an important job to a rookie.

“That’s what we’re going to find out,” Edwards said. “That’s a tough spot. It looks easy, but it takes funny turns. You’ve got to have a lot of confidence to be back there.”

**petegz28** · 08-19-2008, 06:13 AM

I like Savage. He better be on this team provided he keeps returning the way he is.

**BigRedChief** · 08-19-2008, 06:17 AM

Is he this years "Boomer"? Not a high level NFL talent but an overachieving, give 110% on every play kind of player.

Reerun_KC · 08-19-2008, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Is he this years "Boomer"? Not a high level NFL talent but an overachieving, give 110% on every play kind of player.

1000 times better than Drummond or Sams...

**BigRedChief** · 08-19-2008, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

1000 times better than Drummond or Sams...

Based on what we saw.......Not even close. He is so far ahead of those guys he'd better make the team as the returner over those bench warmers.

Reerun_KC · 08-19-2008, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Based on what we saw.......Not even close. He is so far ahead of those guys he'd better make the team as the returner over those bench warmers.

I for one would like to see him be the main return guy... Yeah he is young, will make stupid mistakes, yadda yadda. But he fits this team mold better than Sams or Drummond did/will....

Continue the Youth....

Chiefnj2 · 08-19-2008, 07:24 AM

We'll see if Edwards learned from his mistake last year of going with Drummond over Phinessee.

Kylo Ren · 08-19-2008, 07:25 AM

I wish Robinson would get on the field. I had hopes that he could be our KR/PR.

Reerun_KC · 08-19-2008, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

We'll see if Edwards learned from his mistake last year of going with Drummond over Phinessee.

True! Lets Hope...

That wasnt very smart to say the least...

Hall at 50% was better than Drummond ever....

TRR · 08-19-2008, 07:40 AM

How is KC going to get all of these RB's on the roster? If Savage makes the roster as the return guy, they would be carrying 4 RB's. I don't see any way KC let's Kolby Smith go, and obviously Jaamal Charles sticks.

What position are they going to go light at?

Reerun_KC · 08-19-2008, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRR

How is KC going to get all of these RB's on the roster? If Savage makes the roster as the return guy, they would be carrying 4 RB's. I don't see any way KC let's Kolby Smith go, and obviously Jaamal Charles sticks.

What position are they going to go light at?

Salvage would be mostly special teams...

What was Drummond listed as?

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-19-2008, 08:05 AM

I assume Kevin Robinson will be a wasted pick this year since his injury troubles are keeping him off the field.

**Buehler445** · 08-19-2008, 08:20 AM

Like I posted in the skill position thread, I hope Savage sticks just because we went through 5 RBs last year. Posted via Mobile Device

BigChiefFan · 08-19-2008, 08:25 AM

Savage is exactly the type of player that we need. He does his job and appears is he always trying to get better. After watching in the first two preseason games, I've been of the opinion he would make the team.

Sams hasn't done a thing to warrant being kept over Savage.

Deberg_1990 · 08-19-2008, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

I assume Kevin Robinson will be a wasted pick this year since his injury troubles are keeping him off the field.

Im not sure about wasted?? How many 6th and 7th rounders ever make a significant impact in their first year??

08-19-2008, 02:20 AM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $2859627 VARSITY	Teicher: Savage makes an impression on Edwards. http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/754716.html Chiefs’ Savage makes a good impression on Edwards By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Dantrell Savage was only a fringe candidate at the start of training camp when the Chiefs pondered the identity of their next kick-return specialist. It might be his job to lose now. That became evident in the fourth quarter of Saturday night’s exhibition game against Arizona. After his nifty 45-yard kickoff return in the third quarter, Savage was called to the sideline for a quick consultation with coach Herm Edwards. Edwards had some friendly advice for Savage, a rookie free agent. “I just said, ‘That’s what I like. You just keep doing that.’ ” Edwards said after Monday’s practice. “When you get a player like that, when they do things like that, it gets the whole sideline enthusiastic. Not only the fans but the players, too.” The head coach, too, evidently. It’s rarely Edwards’ style to publicly rave about a player, but he’s having trouble controlling himself with Savage, who signed with the Chiefs not immediately after the draft but after his invitation to a rookie tryout camp. “I just think he’s a really good football player,” Edwards said. “He runs with a lot of passion. That’s what you like about the guy. He’s tough and physical. He’s pretty good. I’ll put it that way.” Savage is only 5 feet 8 and 182 pounds and doesn’t have blazing speed to compensate, so he’s used to being overlooked. “I feel I made their decision harder,” he said. “That’s what I have to do every day and every week. I just have to keep pushing and doing the things I have to do to make the team.” Savage’s main competition is veteran B.J. Sams, who was once one of the game’s premier return specialists with Baltimore. Each of Sams’ last two seasons ended prematurely because of injury, and he is trying to re-establish himself. Sams has also done well with his return chances in the preseason, but he’s been getting fewer than Savage. “They’re just telling me to take it slow and they’ll ease me back in,” Sams said. “I feel like I’m 100 percent, back to where I used to be. I feel I can make the same moves and outrun some people. But they call the shots. I’m just going to do what they tell me to do.” Edwards’ assessment of Sams was less than glowing “He’s OK,” Edwards said simply. “He’s all right.” When the subject moved back to Savage, Edwards’ mood changed abruptly. “He’s like a bowling ball with butcher knives on it,” Edwards said. “It’s hard to tackle the guy. He’s not the biggest guy. He’s probably not the fastest guy. That’s probably why he wasn’t drafted. “He doesn’t go down on the first hit. If you think you can just hit him with your shoulder and not wrap him up, you’ve got problems. He’s going to make yards. “When he gets ready to get hit, he has the ability because he’s not the tallest guy to get his weight on you and hit you back. You’re not going to explode on him so much as he explodes on you. He’s not going down. You’ve got to tackle this guy to bring him down.” Edwards has apparently been telling Savage the same things in private. “He’s an admirer of my skills,” Savage said. “He thinks I’m fearless. That’s what I have to show him, that I’m not scared to run.” Savage was a standout in his two seasons at Oklahoma State and showed some good things at the Senior Bowl practices last winter, but still he went undrafted. He also had offers from Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay and talked with Indianapolis and Atlanta but opted to come to the Chiefs. “The best decision for me was to come to KC,” he said. “I’m getting a chance to return kicks here. Plus I looked at some of the running backs on those other clubs and didn’t know how much of a chance I would get. Here was the best fit for me.” It initially seemed to be an odd choice. The Chiefs are as deep at running back as they’ve been in many years with Larry Johnson, Kolby Smith, Jamaal Charles and Jackie Battle. Savage is still only fifth on the depth chart at running back. “I guess I’m the type of guy that likes competition,” he said. “If we’re going to play against a great defense, I’m up for the competition. I’ll end up playing better against a great defense. There are some great running backs here, but this will only make me better.” Returning kicks would put him on the roster. He’s been spending extra time fielding punts, something he only occasionally did at Oklahoma State. While Edwards is a solid Savage fan, it remains to be seen whether he would trust such an important job to a rookie. “That’s what we’re going to find out,” Edwards said. “That’s a tough spot. It looks easy, but it takes funny turns. You’ve got to have a lot of confidence to be back there.”
Posts: 79,212

08-19-2008, 06:13 AM	#2
petegz28 Supporter Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Olathe, Ks Casino cash: $2514127	I like Savage. He better be on this team provided he keeps returning the way he is.
Posts: 128,258

08-19-2008, 06:17 AM	#3
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $2859627 VARSITY	Is he this years "Boomer"? Not a high level NFL talent but an overachieving, give 110% on every play kind of player. __________________ Time is worth more than money.
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08-19-2008, 07:24 AM	#7
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $7823688	We'll see if Edwards learned from his mistake last year of going with Drummond over Phinessee. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,395

08-19-2008, 07:25 AM	#8
Kylo Ren Grandson of Darth Vader Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Starkiller Base Casino cash: $10015175	I wish Robinson would get on the field. I had hopes that he could be our KR/PR. __________________ Forgive me. I feel it again... the call from light. Supreme Leader senses it. Show me again the power of the darkness, and I'll let nothing stand in our way. Show me, grandfather, and I will finish what you started. I will fulfill our destiny.
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08-19-2008, 07:40 AM	#10
TRR The Priest and I Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: CO Casino cash: $9870185	How is KC going to get all of these RB's on the roster? If Savage makes the roster as the return guy, they would be carrying 4 RB's. I don't see any way KC let's Kolby Smith go, and obviously Jaamal Charles sticks. What position are they going to go light at?
Posts: 7,262

08-19-2008, 08:05 AM	#12
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $632813	I assume Kevin Robinson will be a wasted pick this year since his injury troubles are keeping him off the field. __________________
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08-19-2008, 08:20 AM	#13
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $2034734	Like I posted in the skill position thread, I hope Savage sticks just because we went through 5 RBs last year. Posted via Mobile Device
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08-19-2008, 08:25 AM	#14
BigChiefFan MVP Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: In the Top 10 Casino cash: $9924205	Savage is exactly the type of player that we need. He does his job and appears is he always trying to get better. After watching in the first two preseason games, I've been of the opinion he would make the team. Sams hasn't done a thing to warrant being kept over Savage. __________________ A 35 year drought can make you thirsty.
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