What we've learned

[Hammock Parties]

http://kan.scout.com/2/783963.html

Three preseason games are in the books, with a fourth on the docket for Thursday night, but we've seen enough. Exhibition games, of course, shouldn’t be treated as gospel where the regular season is concerned, but it’s becoming obvious what the Chiefs are and are not at this juncture. What have we learned?

We know the Chiefs probably won’t be good this year. There are simply too many question marks at too many key positions, too much youth throughout the starting lineup. But specifically, I’ve identified seven key points that I believe will define this year’s Chiefs team. Some of them have been obvious since training camp, some came to light in the preseason. Some are positive, some negative. 1. The Chiefs will struggle to run the football again this season. Last year KC’s offense finished dead last in the NFL in rushing. Based on what we’ve seen so far in 2008, I’m not expecting a huge improvement. The Chiefs had an outstanding drive against the Cardinals two weeks ago, pounding out 57 yards rushing and looking like a team that would run all over just about any defense. Unfortunately, there’s no consistency in the running attack we’ve seen so far. The Chiefs’ first-team offense – defined by Brodie Croyle’s presence under center - has generated 137 yards rushing this preseason on 37 carries. That’s only 3.7 yards per carry, and when you remove the flash-in-the-pan drive against Arizona, it looks really bad – only 80 yards on 29 carries. Kansas City’s starting offense has produced just three runs over 10 yards all preseason, and none longer than 18. That’s just not getting it done. The Chiefs have a fine stable of running backs with Larry Johnson, Kolby Smith, Jamaal Charles and Dantrell Savage, but the horses up front (the offensive line) are struggling much as they did a year ago. Chan Gailey better hope Branden Albert gets some push, because otherwise, we’ll see plenty of third-and-longs for Brodie Croyle this year. 2. Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard won’t be liabilities. Fans and media alike criticized Pollard last year for his lackluster play, and everyone knows Page has had issues in run support since he was a rookie. Based on preseason, both of KC’s starting safeties appear improved by large margins. Pollard’s weight loss is noticeable, and he’s much quicker this season, especially when he breaks down to tackle a running back in the box. Page has been stuffing runners left and right this preseason. The longest pass reception by a wide receiver against the Chiefs this August is only 22 yards. I’m not completely sold that Pollard is the hitter he was drafted to be, and Page still whiffs on his share of attempted knockouts, but both players appear to be firmly entrenched as starters this season. To his credit, Pollard never really gave rookie safety DaJuan Morgan a chance at his spot. 3. Kansas City’s pass rush is abysmal. I’m not going to sugar-coat it. The Chiefs really miss Jared Allen. The move I recommended in mid-April – switching Tamba Hali to right defensive end – has bore little early fruit. Hali looks overmatched against left tackles, even rookies like Miami’s Jake Long. Alfonso Boone was a flop at left defensive end, and yes, he leads the preseason NFL in sacks, but Turk McBride isn’t going to log 10 sacks this year. I still say McBride’s future is inside, as a pass-rushing defensive tackle on third downs, where his lack of foot speed isn’t such an issue (and one of Turk’s preseason sacks came from left defensive tackle). I love KC’s interior line – a fresh Boone should be great off the bench at defensive tackle, and Glenn Dorsey’s too talented and driven to be the next Ryan Sims. But where is the outside pressure coming from? Rookie Brian Johnston has a long way to go before those post-draft comparisons to Jared Allen even come close to reality. I’ll be shocked if the Chiefs generate 30 sacks this year. 4. Kansas City’s run defense is solid. Like I said, I love the Chiefs’ defensive tackle situation. Tank Tyler and Dorsey are going to dominate guards and centers in the running game all year long. A fresh Boone and Ron Edwards off the bench is tremendous depth. Derrick Johnson will have space to flow to the ball all year. Pat Thomas, while not as rich as Napoleon Harris, is easily tougher and stouter coming downhill in the middle. Throw in Brandon Flowers, who’s tackling has been lights out off the corner this preseason, and you have the makings of a much-improved run defense. Don’t forget the Chiefs were 28th in this category last year. 5. The Chiefs don’t have a right tackle. We might as well call this The Curse of John Tait, because since he left town, the Chiefs haven’t found a suitable replacement. John Welbourn was a flop, Chris Terry a nightmare. Kevin Sampson couldn’t stay on the field and now it appears Damion McIntosh is going to be in and out of the training room all year. Is the answer rookie Barry Richardson? Maybe next year, when he’s adjusted to the pro game. Is it Herb Taylor? The Chiefs are probably hoping so. Hey, we all are, because the curse just keeps getting worse. 6. Brodie Croyle is a horrible fantasy quarterback. Somehow, Croyle has already managed to throw 44 passes this preseason without connecting on a touchdown. His longest completion is 22 yards, and his favorite receiver is Kolby Smith. Watching him play football, I wonder if there’s a fan in America with Croyle on their fantasy draft board. Is that the quarterback, or his coaching? We know this team won’t take a lot of risks on offense. But the coaching staff has to take advantage of the howitzer on Croyle’s throwing shoulder, right? Otherwise, what’s the point of starting him? Damon Huard can check the ball down just as well as Croyle (and probably better, considering his extensive experience in that field). The point is this – have some patience with the kid. It’s not a perfect offensive situation. The Chiefs’ supposed #2 wide receiver, Devard Darling, hasn’t caught one pass this preseason. We haven’t seen Tony Gonzalez haul in a 15-yard crossing pattern since training camp. Those two elements won’t lay dormant all year. Fans, the media, and anyone who cares a lick about the Chiefs should have the utmost patience with Brodie Croyle this year. People are already upset with Croyle over a boring preseason in which he’s routinely dumped the ball off to running backs. It could be much worse – watch any of last year’s preseason games. 7. Derrick Johnson will dominate. With Donnie Edwards’ nagging hamstring injury keeping him out most of preseason (who knows if he lasts 16 games), the mantle has been passed to Johnson, who might have had the best preseason of any Chief. Back at the position he played in college at Texas (weakside linebacker), Johnson looks like a player who’s no longer thinking, only reacting. He’s busting up running plays in the backfield, destroying screens and his pass coverage has never been better. Johnson won’t make the Pro Bowl. It’s ridiculously tough for 4-3 outside linebackers to get tickets to Hawaii. But there’s a good chance he’ll be the best defender on Gunther Cunningham’s defense this year. The only question about Johnson is how large his bank account gets next offseason.

[Deberg_1990]

I only wish Albert could have gotten more work this preseason.

Oh well, trial by fire when he finally returns.

[triple]

its crazy to think that pollard and page won't be liabilities. they might even both lose their jobs during the year. and the next time derrick johnson dominates will be the first.

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

I only wish Albert could have gotten more work this preseason.

Oh well, trial by fire when he finally returns.

Me too. And that is why I don't particularly agree with the article. I don't believe we have seen enough to assume many of these points.

If Albert pans out, our rushing game could be fine. Move Taylor to RT, and at least 3 pieces of the line should be pretty good. C and RG need to progress as well. And if we don't run the ball well, it will be a very long season.

[Saleenman607]

Originally Posted by SNR

Awesome. The Chiefs agreed with your view. They drafted DaJuan.

Pollard could very well blow it all in the regular season. In the meantime, though, he EARNED the starting job. It wasn't against Slow-draw McGraw, either. We should view that as improvement instead of just reflecting on a player's previous mistakes.

We're going to be seeing a LOT more mistakes than the ones Pollard will make this season, trust me. We've got our team of young players now. All the coaches can do is put the best ones on the field now.

That's what concerns me most......."all the coaches can do" The talent MAY be there, but I don't believe in this coaching staff.

[beach tribe]

Originally Posted by KCJohnny

The Chiefs will run the ball often and effectively. Chan Gailey has a proven history of fielding nasty rushing attacks irrespective of the talent available. Pre Season means NOTHING.

Last year's rushing attack featured inside plunges, dives and bellys between the tackles in a system that was designed to spread the field. This year perimeter plays, delays, traps and cut backs will open up options for the Chiefs RBs. The only caution here is that LJ may not be the best back on the roster to maximize the scheme's potential. Smith and Savage have a better cut back game.

Page and Pollard will look worse than they are because they will be covering for two rookie CBs on the edge. The Cover 2 scheme will further demand the safeties cover large areas and close on the run.

The Chiefs' pass rush will suffer in some measure because of the loss of all-world DE Jared Allen. However, Dorsey will give the Chiefs inside push they have not enjoyed since Chester McGlockton was here. Glock's inside push was effective enough to get Eric Hicks 14 sacks in 2000 and the team finished 2nd in the AFC with 54 sacks without a true sack master on the roster. Derrick Johnson will line up in a 3-pt stance at times this year and may play the Falcon spot. Net result: slight improvement in QB pressure over the '07 squad.

Brodie Croyle if healthy will put up solid if unspectular number's in the Gailey system. Gailey hasn't shown much in pre season. He is famous for trick plays, Slash, HB passes, end arounds, and strange formations. Croyle will have freedom to audible at the LOS - a capability he will grow into by the the end of the season. A lot depends on the Chiefs getting max production from the #2 WR - whoever that may be.

Your an optimist. OK. But you need to let up with shit. This team is going to be horrible.

[Saleenman607]

During the Phins game, I heard someone say (Baldinger/Holthus?) that, at this level the coaches don't put much emphasis on tackling, because these athletes should be accomplished at it. WTF!!! If that's the case, we are in serious trouble. I'd be willing to bet Parcells or Cohwer would be DRILLING those players with tackling issues.

[beach tribe]

Originally Posted by Mecca

I don't care how good Pollard is on special teams doesn't mean he can play safety well, ask Devin Hester he's great on special teams doesn't make him a good WR...

So basically both teams used a 2nd round pick a special teamer, atleast Hester scores TD's I guess.

Pollard, much to my dismay, because I was of the thinking that he would lock down that spot for the next decade, looks just like Wesley, only with fewer "hits".
He bites on play action constantly. He did it in the MIA game, and got burned. They called the guy out of bounds, but that doesn't change the fact.

[MOhillbilly]

Originally Posted by Saleenman607

That's what concerns me most......."all the coaches can do" The talent MAY be there, but I don't believe in this coaching staff.

thats what gets me the 'rebuild' of this team doesnt mean shit when the staff is a joke(esp. on D).

[siberian khatru]

Originally Posted by beach tribe

Pollard, much to my dismay, because I was of the thinking that he would lock down that spot for the next decade, looks just like Wesley, only with fewer "hits".
He bites on play action constantly. He did it in the MIA game, and got burned. They called the guy out of bounds, but that doesn't change the fact.

Yeah, then there was that play over the middle, inside the 20, where Pennington threw it to a spot and the receiver caught it -- he had beaten Page on the cross, and Pollard was late coming over to help, in fact he took a step in the wrong direction.

[CupidStunt]

Originally Posted by Claythan

Throw in Brandon Flowers, who’s tackling has been lights out off the corner this preseason,

How many times?

Get a f'ing editor!

[Skip Towne]

And we had the 2nd best safety in the AFCW and pissed him away.

[Chiefnj2]

I think people are expecting way too much out of Albert. I don't care how atheltic he is, he is just too inexperienced and missed too much time to be much of a factor this year.

[Rausch]

I think we've learned that this season is an open door down a dark hallway.

We have no idea what's on the other side and no clue what will happen.

This team is 50% young and raw talent and 50% failed potential. Despite the changes this offseason I still think 1/2 this team won't be here come next year. I also think that's the plan.

We decided to pay the ticket let's take the ride. See where it goes...

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

I think people are expecting way too much out of Albert. I don't care how atheltic he is, he is just too inexperienced and missed too much time to be much of a factor this year.

Its not impossible. There are numerous examples of rookie left tackles stepping in and making a difference right away.

But its definately an uphill battle.

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by Rausch

I think we've learned that this season is an open door down a dark hallway.

We have no idea what's on the other side and no clue what will happen.

Now that I will agree with.