Merrill - Popular Chief makes things merry:

Hammock Parties · 12-09-2005, 02:44 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/13363984.htm

POPULAR CHIEF MAKES THINGS MERRY

He gives and receives

But Kennison hasn’t grabbed a lot of attention this season

By ELIZABETH MERRILL

The Kansas City Star

He talks smack during dominos, he tapes rookies to goalposts, and if there was a popularity contest in the Chiefs’ locker room, Eddie Kennison might win without any campaigning.

“Best teammate you could have,” safety Sammy Knight said.

“He’s one of those guys who loves to help everybody,” said Craphonso Thorpe, a rookie who spent a Saturday night peeling tape off his body.

Everybody, in Kansas City at least, seems to love Eddie. A couple of times a season, offensive coordinator Al Saunders uses Kennison as an example of how to work in practice. See Eddie’s energy. Check out his smile.

Tell your friends about him, please. Quarterback Trent Green spent Thursday lobbying for his favorite receiver to finally earn a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Kennison is a month away from turning 33, he’s having the best season of his career, he’s making a giant dent in the Chiefs’ record books. And nobody seems to have noticed.

“Eddie’s kind of been under the radar a little bit,” Green says. “You can only spread so much around.”

In an offense like Kansas City’s, which is filled with the likes of Tony Gonzalez, Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson, Kennison fits in somewhere between role player and third fiddle. But in four seasons, he’s quietly become one of the franchise’s steadiest receivers.

He’s on pace for his second straight 1,000-yard season, something only Carlos Carson has done in the club’s 45-year history. Kennison’s already put together his fourth straight 50-catch season with four games to play. Only Gonzalez and Kimble Anders have done that.

Kennison needs just six more 100-yard games to tie Otis Taylor, who is considered the best wide receiver in Chiefs history. Taylor had 19 in 11 seasons; Kennison has had 13 since arriving in late 2001.

“He’s developed into a clutch performer,” Chiefs Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson said, “a guy you can go to in a tight situation because you have very good confidence that he’s going to catch the ball.

“I think he’s got to do it a couple of more years before you put him in that category of franchise wide receiver. But he’s certainly made the right step.”

The most important step Kennison may have taken is the one that led him to Kansas City. He played on four teams in six seasons before his arrival in December 2001, and some wondered if the journeyman receiver would make it past the first spring thaw.

Kennison had 16 catches in the final five games of 2001, but didn’t really take off until the next fall, when he caught 53 passes for 906 yards and two touchdowns. Kennison’s game has changed dramatically, guard Brian Waters said. He used to be a blazer, a track guy who relied on his talent.

As Kennison got older, he focused on his technique and route running. He became more mature. He found a new focus in 2001 when his wife, Shimika, was diagnosed with lupus.

“He’s doing things to keep him in the game,” Waters says. “People don’t realize that if you can’t block or if you don’t know your routes, even though you’re a high draft pick, you’ll only get put in for certain things.

“We never take Eddie off the field now because his game is so good, so well-rounded. He’s gotten that way as he’s gotten older.”

Kennison had one of the biggest games of his career last weekend against Denver, catching four passes for 108 yards in a 31-27 victory. Like Taylor was to Dawson, Green says Kennison is a receiver he can count on.

“He’s been that way since he got here,” Green said.

Saunders said he could talk all night about Kennison but really only needs one word to describe him. Dependable.

When a rookie needs to know the little things to help him adjust in the league, Kennison is there to dispense advice. When the Chiefs need a clutch play on third down, they look to their veteran receiver.

Saunders and coach Dick Vermeil say Kennison is having the best year of his career. Saunders expects him to be even better next year.

“I think he will eventually become one of the most productive receivers in Chiefs history,” Saunders says. “Most guys at his age start to decline a little bit, but Eddie’s having his most productive years because he’s a tireless worker.”

Asked why Kennison isn’t being mentioned much around the league, Saunders said, “I don’t know. That’s your job. I notice him every day.”

But outside the domino games with his defensive buddies in the locker room, Kennison just doesn’t say much. He generally declines interviews about himself and says he’s distrustful of the media.

“I’m not talking about my year,” Kennison said.

“You know what you can put in there? I really appreciate my fans’ support and wish them a merry Christmas.”

He laughs with a teammate and dresses for a meeting. He doesn’t care how he finishes in the record books or is perceived in franchise history.

In the locker room, everybody loves Eddie. And that’s all that matters to Kennison.

Hammock Parties · 12-09-2005, 02:47 AM

QUITTERSON IS A BITCH!!!!!!!!!11one

beer bacon · 12-09-2005, 02:55 AM

Good article. Dependable sounds about right. Fast Eddie has actually become a guy Trent can depend on in clutch situations. He can also still come up with the big gains as was seen last Sunday against the Broncos.

Also, here are some interesting statistics:

Top five WRs in the AFC-West for the 2005 season:

Eddie Kennison: 52 catches 819 yards
Rod Smith: 63 catches 802 yards
Randy Moss: 45 catches 771 yards
Jerry Porter: 56 catches 770 yards
Keenan McCardell: 48 catches 662 yards

Also, Eddie is fifth in yardage among WRs in the AFC:

Chad Johnson: 71 catches 1139 yards
Reggie Wayne: 67 catches 862 yards
Marvin Harrison: 66 catches 855 yards
Chris Chambers: 60 catches 837 yards
Eddie Kennison: 52 catches 819 yards

tk13 · 12-09-2005, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Asked why Kennison isn’t being mentioned much around the league, Saunders said, “I don’t know. That’s your job. I notice him every day.”

Niiiiiice!

Hammock Parties · 12-09-2005, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beer bacon

Fast Eddie has actually become a guy Trent can depend on in clutch situations.

[Taco]His hands turn to butter in the fourth-quarter![/Taco]

**007** · 12-09-2005, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gochiefs

[Taco]His hands turn to butter in the fourth-quarter![/Taco]

Yeah, Eddie is such a quitter. Nobody can rely on him.

**HemiEd** · 12-09-2005, 03:19 AM

Dominos are cool and so is EK. Of course everyone knows we do not have any wide receivers.

tk13 · 12-09-2005, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gochiefs

[Taco]His hands turn to butter in the fourth-quarter![/Taco]

That's total garbage. Eddie's stats in the 4th quarter are really as good as any other quarter, in fact, over the last 3 years he's had more TD's in the 4th quarter than any other quarter.

Last 3 seasons, 4th quarter and OT:

Kennison: 43 rec, 781 yds, 8 TD

Rod Smith: 38 rec, 474 yds, 1 TD

Moss: 52 rec, 718 yds, 8 TD

T. Owens: 43 rec, 553 yds, 3 TD

Harrison: 46 rec, 594 yds, 6 TD

Hammock Parties · 12-09-2005, 03:23 AM

Excellent stats.

tk13 · 12-09-2005, 03:27 AM

Actually the thing that jumped out at me is that TD I listed is the only 2nd half receiving TD Rod Smith has scored since 2002. Kinda goes hand in hand with the fact that Plummer's 2nd half stats are always way worse than his 1st half numbers....

tk13 · 12-09-2005, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gochiefs

Excellent stats.

Don't worry, those stats may exist, but you don't have to "acknowledge" it, gochiefs.

Hammock Parties · 12-09-2005, 03:35 AM

I think those stats are even more significant considering how much KC spreads it around.

tk13 · 12-09-2005, 03:44 AM

Really he's very consistent.

42-44-41-43

Those are his receptions by quarter over the last 3 years... can't get much more consistent than that.

He's also up there in receptions of 25+ yards this season.

Catches 25+ yds, 2005:
1t Santana Moss Was 13
1t Steve Smith Car 13
3 Joey Galloway TB 12
4t Larry Fitzgerald Ari 10
4t Chad Johnson Cin 10
6t Anquan Boldin Ari 9
6t Eddie Kennison KC 9

beer bacon · 12-09-2005, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

Actually the thing that jumped out at me is that TD I listed is the only 2nd half receiving TD Rod Smith has scored since 2002. Kinda goes hand in hand with the fact that Plummer's 2nd half stats are always way worse than his 1st half numbers....

There is nothing for Rod to be ashamed about. Not many wide receivers can hang with Eddie Kennison

Mosbonian · 12-10-2005, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gochiefs

“I’m not talking about my year,” Kennison said.

“You know what you can put in there? I really appreciate my fans’ support and wish them a merry Christmas.”

I like this comment.....shows you the kind of guy Eddie is.

mmaddog
*******

12-09-2005, 02:44 AM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4320478	Merrill - Popular Chief makes things merry: http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/13363984.htm POPULAR CHIEF MAKES THINGS MERRY He gives and receives But Kennison hasn’t grabbed a lot of attention this season By ELIZABETH MERRILL The Kansas City Star He talks smack during dominos, he tapes rookies to goalposts, and if there was a popularity contest in the Chiefs’ locker room, Eddie Kennison might win without any campaigning. “Best teammate you could have,” safety Sammy Knight said. “He’s one of those guys who loves to help everybody,” said Craphonso Thorpe, a rookie who spent a Saturday night peeling tape off his body. Everybody, in Kansas City at least, seems to love Eddie. A couple of times a season, offensive coordinator Al Saunders uses Kennison as an example of how to work in practice. See Eddie’s energy. Check out his smile. Tell your friends about him, please. Quarterback Trent Green spent Thursday lobbying for his favorite receiver to finally earn a trip to the Pro Bowl. Kennison is a month away from turning 33, he’s having the best season of his career, he’s making a giant dent in the Chiefs’ record books. And nobody seems to have noticed. “Eddie’s kind of been under the radar a little bit,” Green says. “You can only spread so much around.” In an offense like Kansas City’s, which is filled with the likes of Tony Gonzalez, Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson, Kennison fits in somewhere between role player and third fiddle. But in four seasons, he’s quietly become one of the franchise’s steadiest receivers. He’s on pace for his second straight 1,000-yard season, something only Carlos Carson has done in the club’s 45-year history. Kennison’s already put together his fourth straight 50-catch season with four games to play. Only Gonzalez and Kimble Anders have done that. Kennison needs just six more 100-yard games to tie Otis Taylor, who is considered the best wide receiver in Chiefs history. Taylor had 19 in 11 seasons; Kennison has had 13 since arriving in late 2001. “He’s developed into a clutch performer,” Chiefs Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson said, “a guy you can go to in a tight situation because you have very good confidence that he’s going to catch the ball. “I think he’s got to do it a couple of more years before you put him in that category of franchise wide receiver. But he’s certainly made the right step.” The most important step Kennison may have taken is the one that led him to Kansas City. He played on four teams in six seasons before his arrival in December 2001, and some wondered if the journeyman receiver would make it past the first spring thaw. Kennison had 16 catches in the final five games of 2001, but didn’t really take off until the next fall, when he caught 53 passes for 906 yards and two touchdowns. Kennison’s game has changed dramatically, guard Brian Waters said. He used to be a blazer, a track guy who relied on his talent. As Kennison got older, he focused on his technique and route running. He became more mature. He found a new focus in 2001 when his wife, Shimika, was diagnosed with lupus. “He’s doing things to keep him in the game,” Waters says. “People don’t realize that if you can’t block or if you don’t know your routes, even though you’re a high draft pick, you’ll only get put in for certain things. “We never take Eddie off the field now because his game is so good, so well-rounded. He’s gotten that way as he’s gotten older.” Kennison had one of the biggest games of his career last weekend against Denver, catching four passes for 108 yards in a 31-27 victory. Like Taylor was to Dawson, Green says Kennison is a receiver he can count on. “He’s been that way since he got here,” Green said. Saunders said he could talk all night about Kennison but really only needs one word to describe him. Dependable. When a rookie needs to know the little things to help him adjust in the league, Kennison is there to dispense advice. When the Chiefs need a clutch play on third down, they look to their veteran receiver. Saunders and coach Dick Vermeil say Kennison is having the best year of his career. Saunders expects him to be even better next year. “I think he will eventually become one of the most productive receivers in Chiefs history,” Saunders says. “Most guys at his age start to decline a little bit, but Eddie’s having his most productive years because he’s a tireless worker.” Asked why Kennison isn’t being mentioned much around the league, Saunders said, “I don’t know. That’s your job. I notice him every day.” But outside the domino games with his defensive buddies in the locker room, Kennison just doesn’t say much. He generally declines interviews about himself and says he’s distrustful of the media. “I’m not talking about my year,” Kennison said. “You know what you can put in there? I really appreciate my fans’ support and wish them a merry Christmas.” He laughs with a teammate and dresses for a meeting. He doesn’t care how he finishes in the record books or is perceived in franchise history. In the locker room, everybody loves Eddie. And that’s all that matters to Kennison.
Posts: 279,052

12-09-2005, 02:47 AM	#2
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4320478	QUITTERSON IS A BITCH!!!!!!!!!11one __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 279,052

12-09-2005, 02:55 AM	#3
beer bacon WHAT Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $10019545	Good article. Dependable sounds about right. Fast Eddie has actually become a guy Trent can depend on in clutch situations. He can also still come up with the big gains as was seen last Sunday against the Broncos. Also, here are some interesting statistics: Top five WRs in the AFC-West for the 2005 season: Eddie Kennison: 52 catches 819 yards Rod Smith: 63 catches 802 yards Randy Moss: 45 catches 771 yards Jerry Porter: 56 catches 770 yards Keenan McCardell: 48 catches 662 yards Also, Eddie is fifth in yardage among WRs in the AFC: Chad Johnson: 71 catches 1139 yards Reggie Wayne: 67 catches 862 yards Marvin Harrison: 66 catches 855 yards Chris Chambers: 60 catches 837 yards Eddie Kennison: 52 catches 819 yards Last edited by beer bacon; 12-09-2005 at 03:07 AM..
Posts: 9,301

12-09-2005, 03:19 AM	#7
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $2890564	Dominos are cool and so is EK. Of course everyone knows we do not have any wide receivers.
Posts: 33,579

12-09-2005, 03:23 AM	#9
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4320478	Excellent stats. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 279,052

12-09-2005, 03:27 AM	#10
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1612500	Actually the thing that jumped out at me is that TD I listed is the only 2nd half receiving TD Rod Smith has scored since 2002. Kinda goes hand in hand with the fact that Plummer's 2nd half stats are always way worse than his 1st half numbers....
Posts: 55,024

12-09-2005, 03:35 AM	#12
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4320478	I think those stats are even more significant considering how much KC spreads it around. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 279,052

12-09-2005, 03:44 AM	#13
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1612500	Really he's very consistent. 42-44-41-43 Those are his receptions by quarter over the last 3 years... can't get much more consistent than that. He's also up there in receptions of 25+ yards this season. Catches 25+ yds, 2005: 1t Santana Moss Was 13 1t Steve Smith Car 13 3 Joey Galloway TB 12 4t Larry Fitzgerald Ari 10 4t Chad Johnson Cin 10 6t Anquan Boldin Ari 9 6t Eddie Kennison KC 9
Posts: 55,024