Chiefs Chiefs’ McCluster has potential but still seeks his niche - Page 3

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-05-2012, 03:23 AM

Chiefs’ McCluster has potential but still seeks his niche
McCluster has scored only four TDs in two years as he’s sought a niche with the Chiefs.
By RANDY COVITZ
The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs list Dexter McCluster as a running back, but he’s seldom in the backfield.

McCluster participates in drills with the wide receivers, not the running backs. In team work, he lines up as a slot receiver in most formations and splits wide in others. He occasionally gets a carry on a sweep or a reverse and sees work as a quarterback in the wildcat. And he’s also a prime candidate to return kicks and punts.

So where does head coach Romeo Crennel like McCluster the most?

“In the end zone,” said Crennel, with a hearty laugh. “That’s where I like him best.”

McCluster, a second-round draft pick in 2010, spent his first two seasons trying to find his niche in the offense as well as in the end zone.

He’s had 244 combined touches as a running back, receiver and kick returner and but has scored just four touchdowns.

A case can be made that McCluster — who would begrudgingly have to change his No. 22 jersey if classified as a wide receiver — hasn’t fulfilled his potential in the NFL because his attention has been divided between so many roles, and he hasn’t been able to master one position.

He disagrees.

“I think being more versatile gives me different outlets to get on the field,” said McCluster, a 5-8, 170-pounder. “Being more versatile can help throw defenses off balance. I like the fact that I can play multiple roles, I like the challenge.

“The running backs coach and the wide receiver coach are doing just as much to help me get better at that position as the next one, so right now I feel like I am mastering both.”

Quarterback Matt Cassel expects the Chiefs’ new offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll, to take advantage of McCluster’s diverse skills.

“He can do it all,” Cassel said of McCluster. “He really does have so much versatility that sometimes you have to make a decision what you want to do with him.”

McCluster, an all-purpose performer at Mississippi who earned all-Southeastern Conference honors as a receiver and a running back in his last two seasons, has provided glimpses of his big-play potential.

In 2010 in his first game as a pro, McCluster bolted a franchise-record 94 yards for a touchdown, sparking an opening-night victory over San Diego and igniting the Chiefs’ run to the AFC West title. Last year, he gained 516 yards on 114 rushing carries and picked up 328 yards on 46 pass receptions. He averaged 10.8 yards a carry on punt returns and 22.3 yards on kick returns.

But McCluster is the first to admit he’s still trying to put together a complete season.

“I know what I’m capable of,” he said. “I’m a very humble guy, a very patient guy … A lot of people ask when is it going to happen … They have seen what I’m capable of, but honestly I know I have more than that in me.”

McCluster spent the offseason studying tape of similar players whom Daboll has coached, including Reggie Bush of the Dolphins and Josh Cribbs of the Browns.

“The thing I like about coach Daboll is he tries to eliminate your weaknesses and heightens your strengths,” said McCluster. “It opens up a lot of playmaking possibilities. He lets you play football. … ‘This is how I want it done, this is how I’ve been doing it, this is how it’s been working. So watch the film. Watch guys before who have done it. And try to mimic that in your way.’ ”

The critical issues in determining McCluster’s workload are his durability and his ball security.

After getting off to a good start in his rookie season, McCluster, in a game against Jacksonville in which he ran four times for 28 yards and caught five passes for 41 yards, suffered an ankle sprain that sidelined him for five games and rendered him ineffective in the final five games.

Concerned about keeping him healthy, the Chiefs tried to monitor his touches last season when he averaged 12 per game — seven rushing, three receiving and two in the kicking game. So what’s ideal for him? Ten to 12 touches? Fifteen? Twenty?

“Twenty-five is not too much. I’m going to put that on the record right now,” McCluster said. “People from the outside looking in look at me and say, ‘He’s small.’ But I’ve been doing this all my life. … I know what I can do, I know what I’m capable of.

“My size … I accepted that, and I play bigger than I am. This year, I’m more in the film room. It’s more about technique. … Everybody is running the same speed, everybody has the same capability, but it’s all about technique and that extra space that you need to get open.”

As far as the fumbles go, McCluster is aware that at his size, he has to take extra precautions when hit by players outweighing him by 50 to 75 pounds.

“It’s football,” he said. “You’re going to have fumbles, you’re going to dropped balls. Ultimately it’s your job to limit that … knowing it’s that extra fighting for that extra yard, the ball can pop loose, so it’s making sure you have both hands on the ball as you’re going on.”

jd1020 · 08-06-2012, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefs Pantalones

He's not elusive enough to return punts. My grandma is more elusive than McCluster and she's dead.

Well... You cant get to your grandma without digging her up, so...

Micjones · 08-06-2012, 06:37 AM

I'm really curious to know what Daboll thinks of McCluster.
If he truly thinks he's an asset to this football team, he'll find creative ways to use him.

I think he can continue contribute to this team in the right situations.

BoneKrusher · 08-06-2012, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

I'm really curious to know what Daboll thinks of McCluster.

I think he can continue contribute to this team in the right situations.

this^

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

The more he touches the ball the less effective he would be.

You are kind of the same way, The more you post the less effective you are with your credibility...

McCluster clowned you last year. I am sure he will do it again this year. Mr Welcher...

Rasputin · 08-06-2012, 07:19 AM

I may just enjoy using this signature a bit longer. Thanks Clay.

Hammock Parties · 08-06-2012, 07:26 AM

Drink the McKoolaid, huh?

Give us some projected stats for the sawed-off wonder ****.

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

Drink the McKoolaid, huh?

Give us some projected stats for the sawed-off wonder ****.

Already destroyed you last year... I dont have it in my heart to clown you yet again... After last years debacle on your part, I feel its best just to leave you alone.

Hammock Parties · 08-06-2012, 07:30 AM

What's hilarious is you are dumb enough to think he was anything close to good last year.

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

What's hilarious is you are dumb enough to think he was anything close to good last year.

Never said he was good... All I said is that he would get more touches than your expert opinion said he would.

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=249844

So stop making shit up like you always do and throwing it around as fact...

Hammock Parties · 08-06-2012, 07:45 AM

You are also too dumb to realize the only reason he got those touches was because of an injury to our starter.

**loochy** · 08-06-2012, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

the best offensive player on this team doesnt even get 25 touches. that's the funniest part.

What are you talking about? Cassel is involved in every single play!

**loochy** · 08-06-2012, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

What's hilarious is you are dumb enough to think he was anything close to good last year.

but he looks fast in the open field~!

Deberg_1990 · 08-06-2012, 07:48 AM

I dont get the over done criticism of this guy? Is he perfect? No. He wasnt drafted to be a franchise "cornerstone". He was a better pick than alot of Carls 2nd rounders like Mike Cloud, Junior Siavii and Kris Wilson.

At least we get production from him and the occasional big play. He pretty much was the single reason we almost won the Raiders game at the end last year.

Hes not perfect but neither does he deserves all the crap alot of you guys heap upon him. Its tired.

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

I dont get the over done criticism of this guy? Is he perfect? No. He wasnt drafted to be a franchise "cornerstone". He was a better pick than alot of Carls 2nd rounders like Mike Cloud, Junior Siavii and Kris Wilson.

At least we get production from him and the occasional big play. He pretty much was the single reason we almost won the Raiders game at the end last year.

Hes not perfect but neither does he deserves all the crap alot of you guys heap upon him. Its tired.

Its Claythan, Just part of his gig....

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

You are also too dumb to realize the only reason he got those touches was because of an injury to our starter.

of course it was....

08-05-2012, 03:23 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2937187	Chiefs’ McCluster has potential but still seeks his niche Chiefs’ McCluster has potential but still seeks his niche McCluster has scored only four TDs in two years as he’s sought a niche with the Chiefs. By RANDY COVITZ The Kansas City Star The Chiefs list Dexter McCluster as a running back, but he’s seldom in the backfield. McCluster participates in drills with the wide receivers, not the running backs. In team work, he lines up as a slot receiver in most formations and splits wide in others. He occasionally gets a carry on a sweep or a reverse and sees work as a quarterback in the wildcat. And he’s also a prime candidate to return kicks and punts. So where does head coach Romeo Crennel like McCluster the most? “In the end zone,” said Crennel, with a hearty laugh. “That’s where I like him best.” McCluster, a second-round draft pick in 2010, spent his first two seasons trying to find his niche in the offense as well as in the end zone. He’s had 244 combined touches as a running back, receiver and kick returner and but has scored just four touchdowns. A case can be made that McCluster — who would begrudgingly have to change his No. 22 jersey if classified as a wide receiver — hasn’t fulfilled his potential in the NFL because his attention has been divided between so many roles, and he hasn’t been able to master one position. He disagrees. “I think being more versatile gives me different outlets to get on the field,” said McCluster, a 5-8, 170-pounder. “Being more versatile can help throw defenses off balance. I like the fact that I can play multiple roles, I like the challenge. “The running backs coach and the wide receiver coach are doing just as much to help me get better at that position as the next one, so right now I feel like I am mastering both.” Quarterback Matt Cassel expects the Chiefs’ new offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll, to take advantage of McCluster’s diverse skills. “He can do it all,” Cassel said of McCluster. “He really does have so much versatility that sometimes you have to make a decision what you want to do with him.” McCluster, an all-purpose performer at Mississippi who earned all-Southeastern Conference honors as a receiver and a running back in his last two seasons, has provided glimpses of his big-play potential. In 2010 in his first game as a pro, McCluster bolted a franchise-record 94 yards for a touchdown, sparking an opening-night victory over San Diego and igniting the Chiefs’ run to the AFC West title. Last year, he gained 516 yards on 114 rushing carries and picked up 328 yards on 46 pass receptions. He averaged 10.8 yards a carry on punt returns and 22.3 yards on kick returns. But McCluster is the first to admit he’s still trying to put together a complete season. “I know what I’m capable of,” he said. “I’m a very humble guy, a very patient guy … A lot of people ask when is it going to happen … They have seen what I’m capable of, but honestly I know I have more than that in me.” McCluster spent the offseason studying tape of similar players whom Daboll has coached, including Reggie Bush of the Dolphins and Josh Cribbs of the Browns. “The thing I like about coach Daboll is he tries to eliminate your weaknesses and heightens your strengths,” said McCluster. “It opens up a lot of playmaking possibilities. He lets you play football. … ‘This is how I want it done, this is how I’ve been doing it, this is how it’s been working. So watch the film. Watch guys before who have done it. And try to mimic that in your way.’ ” The critical issues in determining McCluster’s workload are his durability and his ball security. After getting off to a good start in his rookie season, McCluster, in a game against Jacksonville in which he ran four times for 28 yards and caught five passes for 41 yards, suffered an ankle sprain that sidelined him for five games and rendered him ineffective in the final five games. Concerned about keeping him healthy, the Chiefs tried to monitor his touches last season when he averaged 12 per game — seven rushing, three receiving and two in the kicking game. So what’s ideal for him? Ten to 12 touches? Fifteen? Twenty? “Twenty-five is not too much. I’m going to put that on the record right now,” McCluster said. “People from the outside looking in look at me and say, ‘He’s small.’ But I’ve been doing this all my life. … I know what I can do, I know what I’m capable of. “My size … I accepted that, and I play bigger than I am. This year, I’m more in the film room. It’s more about technique. … Everybody is running the same speed, everybody has the same capability, but it’s all about technique and that extra space that you need to get open.” As far as the fumbles go, McCluster is aware that at his size, he has to take extra precautions when hit by players outweighing him by 50 to 75 pounds. “It’s football,” he said. “You’re going to have fumbles, you’re going to dropped balls. Ultimately it’s your job to limit that … knowing it’s that extra fighting for that extra yard, the ball can pop loose, so it’s making sure you have both hands on the ball as you’re going on.”
Posts: 43,447

08-06-2012, 06:37 AM	#32
Micjones Whose house? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $10005180	I'm really curious to know what Daboll thinks of McCluster. If he truly thinks he's an asset to this football team, he'll find creative ways to use him. I think he can continue contribute to this team in the right situations. __________________ It's like when I'm right I'm right, when I'm wrong I could been right, so I'm still right cause I coulda been wrong.
Posts: 15,344

08-06-2012, 07:19 AM	#35
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $95421	I may just enjoy using this signature a bit longer. Thanks Clay. __________________ "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it"
Posts: 56,920

08-06-2012, 07:26 AM	#36
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $860478	Drink the McKoolaid, huh? Give us some projected stats for the sawed-off wonder ****. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,236

08-06-2012, 07:30 AM	#38
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $860478	What's hilarious is you are dumb enough to think he was anything close to good last year. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,236

08-06-2012, 07:45 AM	#40
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $860478	You are also too dumb to realize the only reason he got those touches was because of an injury to our starter. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,236

08-06-2012, 07:48 AM	#43
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $164454	I dont get the over done criticism of this guy? Is he perfect? No. He wasnt drafted to be a franchise "cornerstone". He was a better pick than alot of Carls 2nd rounders like Mike Cloud, Junior Siavii and Kris Wilson. At least we get production from him and the occasional big play. He pretty much was the single reason we almost won the Raiders game at the end last year. Hes not perfect but neither does he deserves all the crap alot of you guys heap upon him. Its tired. __________________ Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made.
Posts: 68,617