Chiefs Mellinger nails it. Great article. - Page 14

RunKC · 08-25-2012, 12:48 AM

Sam Mellinger | One team looks better at QB, and it’s not Chiefs
BY SAM MELLINGER
The Kansas City Star

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/24...#storylink=cpy

You could run your finger up and down the Chiefs roster and wherever you choose to stop be fairly certain it will be on a player who looked rotten in what is traditionally the least unimportant preseason game. The frustration is real but might be fleeting.

Fifteen days separate the despair of this morning from the hope of the season opener, and that’s like two months in NFL time. But the Chiefs were absolutely throttled by the Seahawks, 44-14, and whatever the maximum amount of concern you think is appropriate for a preseason game that included no torn knees is appropriate for this one.

This was embarrassing, but there’s time for much of it to fade.

Here’s something that’s not going anywhere before the season opener, and probably not for long after: the Chiefs are four years into making up for a limited quarterback in a league full of better options.

Like, you know, Russell Wilson.

Six months ago, Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli made a point to promise better quarterback competition.

Five months ago, the Seahawks signed free agent Matt Flynn to a $19 million contract.

Four months ago, the Seahawks drafted Wilson in the third round.

They did it one pick after the Chiefs took an offensive lineman they think might play — next year. In other words: the Chiefs talked it, and the Seahawks walked it.

At a time like this, you can focus on any one of a million things to be ticked off about with the Chiefs. Brandon Flowers’ injury is showing no signs of healing, and Jalil Brown is showing no signs of being up to the job. The Chiefs didn’t force as much as one punt in until Tarvaris Jackson played the fourth quarter. Tamba Hali was called for two personal fouls. Dwayne Bowe didn’t impress, Tony Moeaki whiffed on some catches, and Andy Studebaker whiffed on some tackles.

But as much as Matt Cassel looked comfortable in the first two preseason games, he took a significant jump back in what’s supposed to be the preseason game that matters — a little bit, at least.

He completed virtually nothing but short passes, got points just once in seven possessions, and turned the ball over twice. Even when he threw a touchdown to Dexter McCluster, the celebration jump left him landing on his rear. It was like an entire evening spent highlighting his biggest weaknesses.

On the other side, Wilson was everything the Chiefs haven’t had in a quarterback in the better part of a decade. He completed 13 of 19 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions and two brilliant scrambles for 58 yards. Even if you take away the throw to Kellen Winslow on a blown coverage, it was a terrific night.

It was the kind of night Chiefs fans thought they might get more of when Pioli talked about improving the quarterback situation.

Those hopes went from Peyton Manning to someone in the draft to signing Brady Quinn — who replaced Cassel midway through the Chiefs’ eighth possession — as some sort of stand-in for legitimate competition.

Pioli did a lot of good in the offseason. Most around the team agreed Romeo Crennel was the right choice as permanent head coach. Eric Winston is an enormous improvement at right tackle. Peyton Hillis, Kevin Boss and Stanford Routt are all promising additions.

But there was effectively nothing done at quarterback — the Chiefs actually took a step back losing Kyle Orton to free agency.

And that, again, will be a major takeaway for Chiefs fans when the team fails like this.

If Wilson wins the Seahawks’ job — and the Chiefs gave him a highlight tape — he would be one of 15 quarterbacks drafted after Pioli took over in Kansas City to be a starting quarterback when the season starts. The Chiefs passed over five of those quarterbacks.

So much of what we saw on Friday night is light enough to blow in the NFL’s temperamental breeze. What looked promising two weeks ago looks awful right now and might look promising again two weeks from now.

But games like this, when Cassel fails and quarterbacks the Chiefs passed over succeed will weigh around this team’s neck like an anvil.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/24...#storylink=cpy

philfree · 08-25-2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Sadly, you are wrong.

It does take alot for the Chiefs homer fans to give up but I think they're pretty close to doing it. The sad thing is that there's a pretty good chance that we find out.

**BossChief** · 08-25-2012, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

Which plays that Stanzi was getting nailed to the cross on were dropped by the receiver?

The slant to Copper? Nope. Copper never even touched the ball.

The Fumble? Nah.

The sacks he took?

In case you didn't notice, no one has defended Cassel for the sacks he took, the interception, or the fumble. The difference is Cassel actually did some good in the game.

Stanzi was 3-4 of his passes in that game and his only passthat wasnt completed was placed in the perfect spot. I have included the still to show as much.

Notice I also mentioned the protection and lets not act as if Stanzi didnt get put on the cross because of his pass protection.

He absolutely did.

Its a real shame this wasnt an open competition for the starters spot this offseason.

Id rather see Quinn or Stanzi out there as the starter.

JohnnyHammersticks · 08-25-2012, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

doing what? Evaulating other posters opinions on the internet? Playing Madden? Go back to your hot pockets dude.

The funniest thing would be watching you pick up your teeth after you regained consciousness if you actually had the stupidity to say something like that to my face. If you ever came up to me in person you'd be picking hot pockets out of your asshole. Dude.

L.A. Chieffan · 08-25-2012, 04:14 PM

The Stanzi experiment is over. Fun while it lasted.

**BossChief** · 08-25-2012, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

Could've been even worse. Leadership oozes out of the guy.

170 1 and 1 in two and a half quarters ain't that bad. You guys are acting like he looked like Ryan Leaf out there.

4.9 YPA

66 Rating

3 sacks

a pick 6

a fumble in the red zone

He sure oozed SOMETHING...I think it was shit running down his own pants leg.

Coogs · 08-25-2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philfree

It does take alot for the Chiefs homer fans to give up but I think they're pretty close to doing it. The sad thing is that there's a pretty good chance that we find out.

I know it was just preseason, but damn the stadium was empty last night.

jd1020 · 08-25-2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyHammersticks

The funniest thing would be watching you pick up your teeth after you regained consciousness if you actually had the stupidity to say something like that to my face. If you ever came up to me in person you'd be picking hot pockets out of your asshole. Dude.

L.A. Chieffan · 08-25-2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyHammersticks

The funniest thing would be watching you pick up your teeth after you regained consciousness if you actually had the stupidity to say something like that to my face. If you ever came up to me in person you'd be picking hot pockets out of your asshole. Dude.

Reported.

jd1020 · 08-25-2012, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Stanzi was 3-4 of his passes in that game and his only passthat wasnt completed was placed in the perfect spot. I have included the still to show as much.

Notice I also mentioned the protection and lets not act as if Stanzi didnt get put on the cross because of his pass protection.

He absolutely did.

Its a real shame this wasnt an open competition for the starters spot this offseason.

Id rather see Quinn or Stanzi out there as the starter.

Cassel didn't exactly have all worldly protection either. He scrambled quite a bit and made plays while doing it.

**BossChief** · 08-25-2012, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

Cassel didn't exactly have all worldly protection either. He scrambled quite a bit and made plays while doing it.

Too bad those plays were for the wrong team.

jd1020 · 08-25-2012, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Too bad those plays were for the wrong team.

Really? Bowe's only catch in the game. McClusters TD...

JohnnyHammersticks · 08-25-2012, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

Reported.

Your lack of courage actually exceeds your lack of football knowledge--and that's saying something.

**BossChief** · 08-25-2012, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

Really? Bowe's only catch in the game. McClusters TD...

He threw 34 passes in less than 3 quarters.

Dexter wasnt even covered...thats the only type of pass he completes over 10 yards.

Did I see some improvement in Cassel in the game? Sure, he made a couple plays that showed promise.

The trouble is that his mistakes erased everything good that he did.

philfree · 08-25-2012, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

I know it was just preseason, but damn the stadium was empty last night.

And they were pushing 3 game packs during the game which means they need to sell alot more tickets to fill the seats. And those terrible commercials they are running with Eric Berry/Romeo talking about the Chiefs history and fans are just awful. If we had a good team or a star QB we'd have full stadium we wouldn't being see that shit.

L.A. Chieffan · 08-25-2012, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyHammersticks

Your lack of courage actually exceeds your lack of football knowledge--and that's saying something.

Courage to do what exactly? Act like an internet Badass?

Go root for a different team fake fan

08-25-2012, 12:48 AM
RunKC Andy Reid Supporter Join Date: Apr 2012 Casino cash: $-1420389	Mellinger nails it. Great article. Sam Mellinger \| One team looks better at QB, and it’s not Chiefs BY SAM MELLINGER The Kansas City Star Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/24...#storylink=cpy You could run your finger up and down the Chiefs roster and wherever you choose to stop be fairly certain it will be on a player who looked rotten in what is traditionally the least unimportant preseason game. The frustration is real but might be fleeting. Fifteen days separate the despair of this morning from the hope of the season opener, and that’s like two months in NFL time. But the Chiefs were absolutely throttled by the Seahawks, 44-14, and whatever the maximum amount of concern you think is appropriate for a preseason game that included no torn knees is appropriate for this one. This was embarrassing, but there’s time for much of it to fade. Here’s something that’s not going anywhere before the season opener, and probably not for long after: the Chiefs are four years into making up for a limited quarterback in a league full of better options. Like, you know, Russell Wilson. Six months ago, Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli made a point to promise better quarterback competition. Five months ago, the Seahawks signed free agent Matt Flynn to a $19 million contract. Four months ago, the Seahawks drafted Wilson in the third round. They did it one pick after the Chiefs took an offensive lineman they think might play — next year. In other words: the Chiefs talked it, and the Seahawks walked it. At a time like this, you can focus on any one of a million things to be ticked off about with the Chiefs. Brandon Flowers’ injury is showing no signs of healing, and Jalil Brown is showing no signs of being up to the job. The Chiefs didn’t force as much as one punt in until Tarvaris Jackson played the fourth quarter. Tamba Hali was called for two personal fouls. Dwayne Bowe didn’t impress, Tony Moeaki whiffed on some catches, and Andy Studebaker whiffed on some tackles. But as much as Matt Cassel looked comfortable in the first two preseason games, he took a significant jump back in what’s supposed to be the preseason game that matters — a little bit, at least. He completed virtually nothing but short passes, got points just once in seven possessions, and turned the ball over twice. Even when he threw a touchdown to Dexter McCluster, the celebration jump left him landing on his rear. It was like an entire evening spent highlighting his biggest weaknesses. On the other side, Wilson was everything the Chiefs haven’t had in a quarterback in the better part of a decade. He completed 13 of 19 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions and two brilliant scrambles for 58 yards. Even if you take away the throw to Kellen Winslow on a blown coverage, it was a terrific night. It was the kind of night Chiefs fans thought they might get more of when Pioli talked about improving the quarterback situation. Those hopes went from Peyton Manning to someone in the draft to signing Brady Quinn — who replaced Cassel midway through the Chiefs’ eighth possession — as some sort of stand-in for legitimate competition. Pioli did a lot of good in the offseason. Most around the team agreed Romeo Crennel was the right choice as permanent head coach. Eric Winston is an enormous improvement at right tackle. Peyton Hillis, Kevin Boss and Stanford Routt are all promising additions. But there was effectively nothing done at quarterback — the Chiefs actually took a step back losing Kyle Orton to free agency. And that, again, will be a major takeaway for Chiefs fans when the team fails like this. If Wilson wins the Seahawks’ job — and the Chiefs gave him a highlight tape — he would be one of 15 quarterbacks drafted after Pioli took over in Kansas City to be a starting quarterback when the season starts. The Chiefs passed over five of those quarterbacks. So much of what we saw on Friday night is light enough to blow in the NFL’s temperamental breeze. What looked promising two weeks ago looks awful right now and might look promising again two weeks from now. But games like this, when Cassel fails and quarterbacks the Chiefs passed over succeed will weigh around this team’s neck like an anvil. Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/24...#storylink=cpy
Posts: 52,064

08-25-2012, 04:14 PM	#199
L.A. Chieffan PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: American Gardens Building Casino cash: $2728654	The Stanzi experiment is over. Fun while it lasted.
Posts: 17,400