Chiefs Chiefs’ McCluster has potential but still seeks his niche - Page 11

**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.”

Hammock Parties · 08-06-2012, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh007

After that TD return against SD on MNF I thought he would be a star by now. Hope he has a big season.

I'm sure the 4th WR in perhaps the most run-heavy offense in the NFL is just going to ****ing explode.

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Wrong. If I'm freaking out about anything, it's that somebody can be as stupid as you.

Jesus, now you are saying you are having a meltdown... Shit you changed your story today more than your boyfriend does.

Jesus bro. You might need a mydol and a glass of wine tonight.

**RealSNR** · 08-06-2012, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Jesus, now you are saying you are having a meltdown... Shit you changed your story today more than your boyfriend does.

Jesus bro. You might need a mydol and a glass of wine tonight.

I haven't changed my story once in this thread you reerun.

I said you were Dex's boyfriend earlier because it sure looked like you were defending him pretty hard. You don't honestly expect me to believe you wanted to see a gif of Charles' fumble just out of interest, do you?

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

I haven't changed my story once in this thread you reerun.

I said you were Dex's boyfriend earlier because it sure looked like you were defending him pretty hard. You don't honestly expect me to believe you wanted to see a gif of Charles' fumble just out of interest, do you?

Yes you have, you accused me of defending dexter by betting your boyfriend on the amount of touches last year. How that is defending someone is beyond me.

Then you said I wasnt defending him at another point... So WTF is it?

Also, they can cut him for all I care. If he cant help the team. Then bye bye.
s

Sofa King · 08-06-2012, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

You are the one following me around freaking out about why I asked for JC's fumble in the horrific playoff loss.

Then wrestle boy played goofy and didnt remember it. You paniced

From that point on you have been so hell bent on why Jamaal fumbled in the playoff game.

Is it really that big of a deal? Shit the whole team was ass. Jamaals fumble didnt help any. Neither did Cassels play, or DEX/2.0 fumbles... Or the fact that Crennels defense was pure garbage.

None of it really matters, its going on 2 season ago. Everyone around here has selective memory when it comes to the players they like or dont like or hate because of Pioli or draft postion, etc.

Right now Cassel and Dex are the flavor of the month. The message board messiah sucks, so people are looking for other shit to bitch about.

What is with you and this wrestler boy bullshit? Is it really that hard to repeat a username?

**RealSNR** · 08-06-2012, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Yes you have, you accused me of defending dexter by betting your boyfriend on the amount of touches last year. How that is defending someone is beyond me.

Then you said I wasnt defending him at another point... So WTF is it?

Also, they can cut him for all I care. If he cant help the team. Then bye bye.
s

I accused you of defending McCluster because you had your ****ing period when the fumble gifs started rolling in.

Then I said you "may or may not have been defending Dexter". I never tried to back away from it.

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

I accused you of defending McCluster because you had your ****ing period when the fumble gifs started rolling in.

Then I said you "may or may not have been defending Dexter". I never tried to back away from it.

So you felt it was necessary to meltdown all day over it?

What is it exactly that you are so bent out of shape about anyway?

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 05:39 PM

I totally lost interest in the discussion hours ago. I have been doing nothing more than ****ing with you.

Hammock Parties · 08-06-2012, 05:45 PM

This is what is wrong with the world.

Reerun_KC · 08-06-2012, 05:46 PM

Fish · 08-08-2012, 05:00 PM

Mitch Holthus was on 810 on the way home, and said (Roughly quoted):

A lot of people have asked me, how can the Chiefs have both McCluster and Wiley? Well, the Chiefs favor versatility from their linemen. They'll probably only carry 7 offensive lineman, so they can carry both Wiley and McCluster.

Mind bottled......

Hammock Parties · 08-08-2012, 05:33 PM

We have to carry Wylie because McCluster might completely suck ass.

And Wylie's a rookie so, we can't just outright cut McSuckster.

I've come to terms with it.

milkman · 08-08-2012, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

Mitch Holthus was on 810 on the way home, and said (Roughly quoted):

A lot of people have asked me, how can the Chiefs have both McCluster and Wiley? Well, the Chiefs favor versatility from their linemen. They'll probably only carry 7 offensive lineman, so they can carry both Wiley and McCluster.

Mind bottled......

Sounds like a talking out of your ass moment for Holthus.

That only leaves Donald Stephenson and Jeff Allen as depth.

**RealSNR** · 08-08-2012, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Sounds like a talking out of your ass moment for Holthus.

That only leaves Donald Stephenson and Jeff Allen as depth.

Yep. If true, then so much for that talk earlier on in camp about how the Chiefs need quality backup tackles.

It might just be because all the tackles behind Albert and Winston suck, but I find it kind of peculiar that they believe the way to hedge against the backups sucking is to keep fewer sucky backups.

Besides that, I don't think Stephenson or Allen have had practice snaps at RT. We'll definitely need Mims .

milkman · 08-08-2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Yep. If true, then so much for that talk earlier on in camp about how the Chiefs need quality backup tackles.

It might just be because all the tackles behind Albert and Winston suck, but I find it kind of peculiar that they believe the way to hedge against the backups sucking is to keep fewer sucky backups.

Besides that, I don't think Stephenson or Allen have had practice snaps at RT. We'll definitely need Mims .

And do we want to trust the center snaps to Lilja?

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, 05:39 PM	#158
Reerun_KC Banned Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7231160	I totally lost interest in the discussion hours ago. I have been doing nothing more than ****ing with you.
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08-06-2012, 05:45 PM	#159
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $860478	This is what is wrong with the world. __________________ Chiefs game films
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08-06-2012, 05:46 PM	#160
Reerun_KC Banned Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7231160
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08-08-2012, 05:00 PM	#161
Fish Ain't no relax! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $-1381081	Mitch Holthus was on 810 on the way home, and said (Roughly quoted): A lot of people have asked me, how can the Chiefs have both McCluster and Wiley? Well, the Chiefs favor versatility from their linemen. They'll probably only carry 7 offensive lineman, so they can carry both Wiley and McCluster. Mind bottled...... __________________
Posts: 48,846

08-08-2012, 05:33 PM	#162
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $860478	We have to carry Wylie because McCluster might completely suck ass. And Wylie's a rookie so, we can't just outright cut McSuckster. I've come to terms with it. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,236