Chiefs Chiefs’ McCluster has potential but still seeks his niche - Page 8

**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.”

Sofa King · 08-06-2012, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Well played, you can go back to swinging from Claythans sack now...

I'm not swinging from Claytons sack. I do however agree with him.

**The Franchise** · 08-06-2012, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Because of Cassels play, Jones and DEX all being ****ing worthless. We didnt have a chance.

Well that and you factor in Baltimore raping Crennels defense. It was a long long day...

FYP

Charles was one of the only reasons that we were in that ****ing game at all.

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

FYP

Charles was one of the only reasons that we were in that ****ing game at all.

Fair enough P....

lcarus · 08-06-2012, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

Dante Hall did shit like this.

CALL ME when Dex EVER makes a play like that.

Dude you don't have to tell me. Dex will never be what Dante Hall was. They'll try to use him in the same way though. I think he's capable of making some big plays on occasion.

Sofa King · 08-06-2012, 10:40 AM

And this one deserves to be posted again.

TLO · 08-06-2012, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

Four more days to kick off of preseason. Can't ****ing wait.

Amen!

Simplicity · 08-06-2012, 11:01 AM

Bye bye Dex. Hello Wylie.

**RealSNR** · 08-06-2012, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

JC fumbled in that game, can you post a gif of that play? Or are you just playing selective amnesia to fit your agenda?

You suck at logic.

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

You suck at logic.

You suck at life...

**RealSNR** · 08-06-2012, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

You suck at life...

Whatever you want to say to make you feel better about being a complete ****ing reerun...

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Whatever you want to say to make you feel better about being a complete ****ing reerun...

Reerun's being mean to me!

Simplicity · 08-06-2012, 11:41 AM

We have a couple of badasses.

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplicity

We have a couple of badasses.

Like a Boss?

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplicity

We have a couple of badasses.

BTW, how are those RocketBallz working out for you?

**RealSNR** · 08-06-2012, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Reerun's being mean to me!

WTF are you talking about? I called you out first.

If you're going to defend your shitty boyfriend to the point that you will condemn the team's biggest star, then get prepared to be called a reerun.

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, 10:40 AM	#110
Sofa King Bump it Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South Dakota Casino cash: $-340000 VARSITY	And this one deserves to be posted again.
Posts: 23,465

08-06-2012, 11:01 AM	#112
Simplicity Iowa B1G West Champs Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Front Range of Colorado Casino cash: $9160151	Bye bye Dex. Hello Wylie.
Posts: 3,697

08-06-2012, 11:41 AM	#117
Simplicity Iowa B1G West Champs Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Front Range of Colorado Casino cash: $9160151	We have a couple of badasses.
Posts: 3,697