Chiefs camp report: Poe has ‘a ways to go’

[Hammock Parties]

This whole article is

Woe is Poe

Almost from the start of training camp, coach Romeo Crennel has tried to downplay expectations for rookie nose tackle Dontari Poe, the Chiefs first-round draft pick. Crennel put that in his strongest terms yet on Wednesday when asked what Poe needs to improve on in order to get more playing time.

“A lot,” Crennel said. “He needs to work on technique, he needs to work on understanding the system, he needs to get the calls correct all the time. He’s got a ways to go.”

Anthony Toribio, who spent all of last season on the practice squad, remains as the starting nose tackle ahead of Poe on the depth chart. Poe enters the lineup on obvious passing downs when the Chiefs use their nickel defense.

Poe acknowledged the difficulty of adjusting to the NFL game.

“It’s all different,” he said. “The technique of it, there’s nothing the same about the college level. The only thing the same is that it’s football. As far as the speed level and the strength and all that, you’ve got to learn it all over again.

“I still have a ways to go but I’m getting better every day. I’m just trying to do what I can, trying to do everything they teach me.”

Tackling issues

To prevent injuries, the Chiefs have not done tackling drills during training camp. That could lead to some tackling problems in Friday night’s game.

“It’s not excused,” Crennel said. “On defense your job is to tackle, so tackle. Even though we don’t tackle in practice, your job is to tackle, so you tackle.”

Crennel said he wouldn’t work on tackling next week when camp resumes even if the Chiefs struggle in that area against Arizona.

“If I tackle Jamaal Charles, and he gets hurt, then you’re going to blame me for tackling,” Crennel said. “So, I’m going to use my best judgment to get those guys in position to tackle and make plays and try to keep my guys as healthy as I can, so I can get them to the regular season and we’re able to play at a good level. Everybody in the NFL has the same problem, trying to keep guys healthy and how to practice and get work done without exposing your guys to possible injury.”

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/08...#storylink=cpy

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by AutumnWind

No surprise a combine star that was average in a weak college division is struggling.

Hey, how's you're 1st rd pick from this yr doing in camp?...

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by AutumnWind

No surprise a combine star that was average in a weak college division is struggling.

Now I know that you don't have the ability to watch TC in person but Poe has looked fine in sub pckgs IMO.

[KCrockaholic]

Originally Posted by AutumnWind

Very true but KC has perfected the draft a DL bust HIGH!

Yeah those Jackson and Dorsey guys are terrible. Only each top 5 against the run in 2011 at their positions.

Pic is sorted by "stops" btw.

[KCrockaholic]

Originally Posted by Sorter

Yeah, we run a 2-3-6, but you're splitting hairs.

You're right. I typed it wrong.

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by KCrockaholic

You're right. I typed it wrong.

No worries.

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by Dave

Hey, how's you're 1st rd pick from this yr doing in camp?...

[OctoberFart]

Originally Posted by KCrockaholic

Yeah those Jackson and Dorsey guys are terrible. Only each top 5 against the run in 2011 at their positions.

Pic is sorted by "stops" btw.

Well you don't take DL that high to be run stoppers. That is where you get complete dominating players that can consistently win one on one battles. They absolutely have to be able to rush the passer and it's even more important in the passing league today. Those two guys cannot rush the passer even though they are grossly overpaid.

[KCrockaholic]

Originally Posted by AutumnWind

Well you don't take DL that high to be run stoppers. That is where you get complete dominating players that can consistently win one on one battles. They absolutely have to be able to rush the passer and it's even more important in the passing league today. Those two guys cannot rush the passer even though they are grossly overpaid.

You are correct.

But they are not "bust". Each of them play well at their positions and do their jobs effectively. It was the Chiefs mistake in taking a 5-tech at #3 overall, and it's not Dorsey's fault he was forced into a new role.

I'm just pointing out that bust is not the correct word when discussing them.

A bust would be someone who has failed at their position yet held high expectations. Jamarcus Russell. Robert Gallery. And an argument could be made for DHB unless he excels in 2012. Those are busts.

[mcaj22]

could have had Cody instead we got a 4th string Midget

[lcarus]

All I hope for with Poe right now is...please don't be Ryan Sims, please don't be Ryan Sims, please don't be Ryan Sims.

And also - I almost forgot - PLEASE DON'T BE RYAN SIMS!!

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by mcaj22

could have had Cody instead we got a 4th string Midget

Or Gronk. Or Matthews. Or Tom Brady. Quit crying over spilled ****ing milk. Yes, it sucks DMC is eating up a roster spot right now. Yes, it would have bee nice to have Mount Cody. Bitching about it is just annoying.

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by mcaj22

could have had Cody instead we got a 4th string Midget

Move on, dude.

2 seasons, Cody hasn't done shit. This is his 3rd season, so we'll see.

Its not like he doesn't have talent around him.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by ChiefsandO'sfan

Have you been watching the last 2 years? Crennel is making this D a top 10 D

As a Defensive Coordinator, yes. I have my doubts as Crennel as a head coach material.

Some guys are excellent coordinators, yet they are not excellent at head coaches. Like Wade Phillips to name one. Norv Turner is another one. There's a lot on the list, but those are the ones that comes into my mind at the moment.

[TimeForWasp]

Let's all be negative. We want more doom and gloom. Toribio is doing the job. Poe is learning. I'm sure Crennel is just trying to light a fire under Poe.

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by AutumnWind

Well you don't take DL that high to be run stoppers. That is where you get complete dominating players that can consistently win one on one battles. They absolutely have to be able to rush the passer and it's even more important in the passing league today. Those two guys cannot rush the passer even though they are grossly overpaid.

You take players to be players. Pioli, like Belichick, has built his 3-4 D-line (well 2/3 of it, since the other 3rd was already there) with draft picks. Was there a better 2 gap, 3-4 DE than Jackson drafted in rounds 1 or 2 of that 2009 draft?