Chiefs Mellinger nails it. Great article. - Page 15

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

Coogs · 08-25-2012, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

Save it BossChief. The ballwashers are out in force defending the 44-7 hole our team was in with their boy behind center.

edit: probably better say 37-7 hole before I piss them off.

**Gonzo** · 08-25-2012, 04:33 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.

Are you seriously threatening LACFan of all people?

L.A. Chieffan · 08-25-2012, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo

Are you seriously threatening LACFan of all people?

He doesn't realize that I have a particular set of skills.

**Gonzo** · 08-25-2012, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

He doesn't realize that I have a special set of skills.

You are a master cock-puncher.

**BossChief** · 08-25-2012, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

Save it BossChief. The ballwashers are out in force defending the 44-7 hole our team was in with their boy behind center.

edit: probably better say 37-7 hole before I piss them off.

This game wasnt much different that the rest of the blowouts where Cassel was the qb.

The offense couldn't move the ball an inch and it put the defense into short fields and that makes it hard on them...especially when the offense comes off the field so quickly over and over...it gives the defense no time to work on adjustments and rest.

Shit, Cassel DID throw 2 touchdowns, though.

One to Dexter (when he wasn't covered) and one to the defense.

L.A. Chieffan · 08-25-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo

You are a master cock-puncher.

reported

**BossChief** · 08-25-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

He doesn't realize that I have a particular set of skills.

You dont have money?

Does your daughter want to be a singer?

L.A. Chieffan · 08-25-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

You dont have money?

Does your daughter want to be a singer?

Was that in the movie?

**Gonzo** · 08-25-2012, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

reported

Right in the dick.

Coogs · 08-25-2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

This game wasnt much different that the rest of the blowouts where Cassel was the qb.

The offense couldn't move the ball an inch and it put the defense into short fields and that makes it hard on them...especially when the offense comes off the field so quickly over and over...it gives the defense no time to work on adjustments and rest.

Shit, Cassel DID throw 2 touchdowns, though.

One to Dexter (when he wasn't covered) and one to the defense.

I know. I watched the same game at my house that you saw at your house. All three games this preseason too.

I'm right with you on nearly evey point you have made these last couple of weeks.

**Dylan** · 08-25-2012, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD10367

What's sad is this: Ryan Mallett looked much improved for my Pats last night. We could trade you a backup QB again and send you Brian Hoyer, who sucks balls. And I think Hoyer would still probably step in and play better than Cassel."[/i]

What's sad is this: Who wants to trade for your garbage?

**BossChief** · 08-25-2012, 04:46 PM

If this team trades for another teams backup quarterback again...I don't know if I can keep myself from boxing up everything I have that's red and putting it away for a few years.

Fish · 08-25-2012, 05:21 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.

Why would you want to put Hot Pockets in other dudes' assholes? That's creepy...

milkman · 08-25-2012, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

Why would you want to put Hot Pockets in other dudes' assholes? That's creepy...

He doesnt have a microwave?

chiefzilla1501 · 08-25-2012, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

Why would you want to put Hot Pockets in other dudes' assholes? That's creepy...

Yet somewhat intriguing.

They've always tasted like ass. Just saying.

08-25-2012, 12:48 AM
RunKC Andy Reid Supporter Join Date: Apr 2012 Casino cash: $-1410389	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: 52,063

08-25-2012, 04:46 PM	#222
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $-1545912	If this team trades for another teams backup quarterback again...I don't know if I can keep myself from boxing up everything I have that's red and putting it away for a few years. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,876