Chiefs Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look - Page 8

**Tribal Warfare** · 07-26-2013, 07:24 PM

On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
Andy Reid delivered a not-so-subtle message Friday with the first play at Chiefs training camp. He had quarterback Alex Smith heave a pass deep down the middle that was hauled in for a touchdown by wide receiver Dexter McCluster.

The play served notice that after two seasons with a dormant passing attack, the Chiefs intend to revive it in a big way.

“I wasn’t ready for that,” Smith said. “I came up and I got a good look for it. Crowd pleaser.”

Much more needs to happen before the passing game can be called successful. But the intent is obviously there. Smith completed another deep pass to McCluster a few plays later.

As much as Reid enjoyed the big plays, he liked the consistency of the passing game. Smith, who completed 70 percent of his passes for the 49ers last season, went several plays into practice before throwing his first incompletion.

“There weren’t a lot of balls on the ground, and it looked like the defense had people covered,” Reid said. “They were in position.”

The trade for Smith was the biggest of the offseason moves aimed at revitalizing a sluggish offense. Smith, the first pick in the 2005 draft and San Francisco’s long-time starter, is used to such pressure.

“I’m much better equipped to handle it now,” Smith said. “When you’re a young guy and coming in and playing early, I dwelled on (negative things) too much. I let it affect my play too much. I tried to please everybody.

“I’m going to play my game. I’m going to try to work as hard as I can to get as good as I can and try to reach my potential and win a bunch of games. That’s the goal. I’m not worried about a bunch of other things.”

Smith received another peek at the expectations waiting for him at the end of practice, when a fan called to him asking Smith to be the Chiefs’ savior.

“That’s a strong word,” Smith said. “That’s a great example. When I was younger, I would have taken that literally. I tried to make every single throw and I tried to prove to everybody on every single play that, yeah, I could do this.”

That McCluster was on the receiving end of Smith’s long passes was another bonus for the Chiefs. They practiced without their most accomplished receiver, Dwayne Bowe, who is on the non-football injury list with a viral condition.

Bowe may return to practice as soon as Saturday. But no matter when he plays, the Chiefs are still in search of a consistent threat to go along with him. The diminutive McCluster has long tantalized the Chiefs with his big-play ability, but he has delivered precious few such plays since arriving as a rookie in 2010.

He bounced from receiver to running back and again to receiver, never seeming to find a comfortable spot. While it’s far too early to call him a changed player in Reid’s offense, it’s a start.

“It’s always good to start a first practice … with a big one,” McCluster said. “I’m happy I held on to the ball.”

Reid’s arrival could rescue McCluster’s career, which stalled last season under coach Romeo Crennel. Reid, then coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, was intrigued by McCluster when he was available in the 2010 draft.

The Chiefs got to him first, but Reid began making plans for McCluster shortly after arriving in Kansas City in January.

“He gives you a little flexibility,” Reid said. “You can move him around a Iittle. We’ll use him here and there.”

During offseason practice and again on Friday, McCluster lined up in a variety of spots.

“I don’t know where he couldn’t line up, to be honest, as far as skill positions go,” Smith said. “He’s got that many tools in the belt.”

Another offensive player the Chiefs are counting on is rookie running back Knile Davis. The Chiefs hope he can be turned into a kickoff return specialist, even though he never returned a kick during a game in college at Arkansas.

That process got off to a rough start Friday when Davis, who was a frequent fumbler in college, dropped a kickoff.

“We’ll get that fixed,” Reid said.

O.city · 07-27-2013, 12:28 PM

Wins games=negativity stops.

When you've been the worst or one of the worst franchises in sports, people are going to be negative until they win games.

Chiefshrink · 07-27-2013, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

There's that word again. "Potential."

Why do we always have to use that word when we acquire 28-year old starting QBs? Shouldn't they have already reached their potential by the time we get them?

I'll bet Drew Brees didn't go to the Saints and talk about "potential." I'll bet Peyton Manning didn't go to the Donks and say "potential."

Well in all fairness, those 2 had Tom Moore/ Sean Payton to take their game to the level that maximizes their potential. Look at what Smith had his first 7 seasons. Now with that said, I'm not expecting great things from Smith but at least when he finally got 'real help' from a real QB coach in Harbs, he did improve. Now whether he can get to 'significantly improved' with Reid remains to be seen. But at least he won't be an embarrassment to the fans/org for now.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Wins games=negativity stops.

When you've been the worst or one of the worst franchises in sports, people are going to be negative until they win games.

exactly. And when the first steps of the new regime are the same as the last couple of FAILED regimes it doesn't lead to much to feel positive about...
Posted via Mobile Device

**Easy 6** · 07-27-2013, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Wins games=negativity stops.

When you've been the worst or one of the worst franchises in sports, people are going to be negative until they win games.

Truth, the bitchers have every right to it until things drastically change.

O.city · 07-27-2013, 12:33 PM

I do like that this regime hasn't come in saying the whole "our way is the right way, the only way, blah blah" like pioli did.

Just come in, do your job and show results on the field.

keg in kc · 07-27-2013, 12:38 PM

The "negative" people might better be labeled the "skeptical" people. Because not having blind faith that things will be magically better just because does not make one negative.

RunKC · 07-27-2013, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

exactly. And when the first steps of the new regime are the same as the last couple of FAILED regimes it doesn't lead to much to feel positive about...
Posted via Mobile Device

I tend to think that that option was better than repeating the 1st round QB bust trend we had in the 83 draft.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Its bizarro world lol. I almost feel like I've traded places with Dane. Its comical when these assholes who know nothing about us call ME Mr negative and act as though I hate this team.

I felt the same way about you for a long time and now see where you were coming from.

several of you guys were spot on about the last qb, I'm hoping we are wrong about this one. At this point its looking eerily similar...
Posted via Mobile Device

Do you have tickets this year? I'm going to try to get to the opener. If so, let's make sure to catch up.

keg in kc · 07-27-2013, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunKC

I tend to think that that option was better than repeating the 1st round QB bust trend we had in the 83 draft.

Trend? Don't you have to do something more than once for it to be a trend?

RunKC · 07-27-2013, 12:49 PM

I'm just happy we have ownership that is smart. No more of this "we're doing it my way because it worked with the Patriots."

Andy Reid could easily say "**** you guys my way got me 5 NFC Championships and a SB appearance" but instead he's playing to the players strengths and even using new concepts to try to get better (Ault's wisdom).

About damn time this stupid ****ing egotistical bullshit that we saw the last 4 years is put to rest.

RunKC · 07-27-2013, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Trend? Don't you have to do something more than once for it to be a trend?

Drafting a first round QB this year and failing would have made it a trend.

Sandy Vagina · 07-27-2013, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

The "negative" people might better be labeled the "skeptical" people. Because not having blind faith that things will be magically better just because does not make one negative.

You seem to want to label the defeated, doomsayers as "skeptical"... and then want to label the remotely positive or open-minded people as "blind faith homers."

so let's be honest...

There are a vocal dozen that have already mailed in the season as failed.
(you really want to call them merely "skeptical?")

There are others who have many doubts, but are excited and hopeful.
(thinking all is not sunshine, yet they could very well be a 6-8 team and improve further the next season)

There are those with some doubts, but overall, expect a good season.
(thinking a 9 or 10 win season, and a good start to building a long-ish-term playoff contender)

There are exactly ZERO people that have complete blind faith and are expecting a SB ring this season.
(and if there are, then point them out)

keg in kc · 07-27-2013, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunKC

Drafting a first round QB this year and failing would have made it a trend.

That's so inane I can't even think of an appropriately snide response.

Hammock Parties · 07-27-2013, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunKC

I'm just happy we have ownership that is smart. No more of this "we're doing it my way because it worked with the Patriots."

Andy Reid could easily say "**** you guys my way got me 5 NFC Championships and a SB appearance" but instead he's playing to the players strengths and even using new concepts to try to get better (Ault's wisdom).

About damn time this stupid ****ing egotistical bullshit that we saw the last 4 years is put to rest.

I have a feeling Andy Reid's ego told him he could win with Alex Smith, and it's going to kill us in the end.

No matter what they say there is always tremendous ego in anyone holding a position of power in the NFL.

However, it is nice these guys don't seem to be total psychotic dicks like Pioli.

RunKC · 07-27-2013, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

That's so inane I can't even think of an appropriately snide response.

That's how I feel when people say we should have drafted a 2nd round QB first overall.

07-26-2013, 07:24 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-1047187	Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Andy Reid delivered a not-so-subtle message Friday with the first play at Chiefs training camp. He had quarterback Alex Smith heave a pass deep down the middle that was hauled in for a touchdown by wide receiver Dexter McCluster. The play served notice that after two seasons with a dormant passing attack, the Chiefs intend to revive it in a big way. “I wasn’t ready for that,” Smith said. “I came up and I got a good look for it. Crowd pleaser.” Much more needs to happen before the passing game can be called successful. But the intent is obviously there. Smith completed another deep pass to McCluster a few plays later. As much as Reid enjoyed the big plays, he liked the consistency of the passing game. Smith, who completed 70 percent of his passes for the 49ers last season, went several plays into practice before throwing his first incompletion. “There weren’t a lot of balls on the ground, and it looked like the defense had people covered,” Reid said. “They were in position.” The trade for Smith was the biggest of the offseason moves aimed at revitalizing a sluggish offense. Smith, the first pick in the 2005 draft and San Francisco’s long-time starter, is used to such pressure. “I’m much better equipped to handle it now,” Smith said. “When you’re a young guy and coming in and playing early, I dwelled on (negative things) too much. I let it affect my play too much. I tried to please everybody. “I’m going to play my game. I’m going to try to work as hard as I can to get as good as I can and try to reach my potential and win a bunch of games. That’s the goal. I’m not worried about a bunch of other things.” Smith received another peek at the expectations waiting for him at the end of practice, when a fan called to him asking Smith to be the Chiefs’ savior. “That’s a strong word,” Smith said. “That’s a great example. When I was younger, I would have taken that literally. I tried to make every single throw and I tried to prove to everybody on every single play that, yeah, I could do this.” That McCluster was on the receiving end of Smith’s long passes was another bonus for the Chiefs. They practiced without their most accomplished receiver, Dwayne Bowe, who is on the non-football injury list with a viral condition. Bowe may return to practice as soon as Saturday. But no matter when he plays, the Chiefs are still in search of a consistent threat to go along with him. The diminutive McCluster has long tantalized the Chiefs with his big-play ability, but he has delivered precious few such plays since arriving as a rookie in 2010. He bounced from receiver to running back and again to receiver, never seeming to find a comfortable spot. While it’s far too early to call him a changed player in Reid’s offense, it’s a start. “It’s always good to start a first practice … with a big one,” McCluster said. “I’m happy I held on to the ball.” Reid’s arrival could rescue McCluster’s career, which stalled last season under coach Romeo Crennel. Reid, then coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, was intrigued by McCluster when he was available in the 2010 draft. The Chiefs got to him first, but Reid began making plans for McCluster shortly after arriving in Kansas City in January. “He gives you a little flexibility,” Reid said. “You can move him around a Iittle. We’ll use him here and there.” During offseason practice and again on Friday, McCluster lined up in a variety of spots. “I don’t know where he couldn’t line up, to be honest, as far as skill positions go,” Smith said. “He’s got that many tools in the belt.” Another offensive player the Chiefs are counting on is rookie running back Knile Davis. The Chiefs hope he can be turned into a kickoff return specialist, even though he never returned a kick during a game in college at Arkansas. That process got off to a rough start Friday when Davis, who was a frequent fumbler in college, dropped a kickoff. “We’ll get that fixed,” Reid said.
Posts: 42,722

07-27-2013, 12:28 PM	#106
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $1094064	Wins games=negativity stops. When you've been the worst or one of the worst franchises in sports, people are going to be negative until they win games.
Posts: 82,883

07-27-2013, 12:33 PM	#110
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $1094064	I do like that this regime hasn't come in saying the whole "our way is the right way, the only way, blah blah" like pioli did. Just come in, do your job and show results on the field.
Posts: 82,883

07-27-2013, 12:38 PM	#111
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	The "negative" people might better be labeled the "skeptical" people. Because not having blind faith that things will be magically better just because does not make one negative.
Posts: 58,682

07-27-2013, 12:49 PM	#115
RunKC Andy Reid Supporter Join Date: Apr 2012 Casino cash: $309611	I'm just happy we have ownership that is smart. No more of this "we're doing it my way because it worked with the Patriots." Andy Reid could easily say "** you guys my way got me 5 NFC Championships and a SB appearance" but instead he's playing to the players strengths and even using new concepts to try to get better (Ault's wisdom). About damn time this stupid ing egotistical bullshit that we saw the last 4 years is put to rest. __________________ Mike Greenberg@Espngreeny I can’t fathom what it must be like to be a fan of the #Chiefs. Adopt a Chief: Jared Wiley**
Posts: 48,521