Chiefs Covitz: No surprise, Chiefs plan to run and run some more - Page 2

Deberg_1990 · 10-10-2012, 06:37 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/10/09...an-to-run.html

It doesn’t matter whether it’s Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn or even Ricky Stanzi at quarterback; the Chiefs’ offensive game plan for the immediate future appears to be established.

Run the ball.

That might not be the most prudent plan of attack this Sunday at Tampa Bay, which ranks fourth in the NFL in rush defense, 32nd against the pass and has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in four games.

But the Chiefs called 49 running plays to 19 pass plays — or 73 percent runs — in last Sunday’s 9-6 loss to Baltimore, and the strategy kept them in the game, unlike the debacles that unfolded against Atlanta, Buffalo and San Diego.

As a team, the Chiefs rank No. 2 in the NFL in rushing. Jamaal Charles leads the league with 551 yards and is tied for third with 102 attempts; his 5.4-yard average ranks second among all backs with at least 48 carries.

Even in a pass-happy league, Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel doesn’t have a problem taking the air out of the ball … and out of his quarterback’s hands.

“If you can gain yards running, you can win running the ball,” Crennel said. “If you can’t gain yards running, and you continue running the ball, that might not be the best formula.”

Despite rushing for 214 yards against Baltimore, the Chiefs still didn’t put the ball in the end zone, though a fumble at the 1 prevented at least one touchdown.

“But we were in the game,” Crennel said. “We got three less points than the Ravens, which means we lose, and I understand that, but would you rather see a competitive game or would you rather see a 40-10 score?”

Charles, listed at 5-11, 199 pounds, is on pace to carry 326 times and have 374 touches, counting receptions, which would surpass his previous high of 275 touches (230 carries, 45 receptions) in 2010, when he ran for 1,467 yards.

Against Baltimore, the Chiefs spread the workload among Charles (30 carries, 140 yards rushing and three catches), Shaun Draughn (12-40 yards, one catch) and rookie Cyrus Gray (4-20, one catch).

And this week, they could have Peyton Hillis back from injury.

“We have a pretty good stable of running backs,” Crennel said. “Peyton happens to be injured at the moment, but going in, we felt that combination of Charles and Hillis would be a good combination. Then, with these young guys behind them, we felt pretty good about that position. When we get Peyton back, we’ll still feel pretty good about it.”

Gray, a sixth-round draft pick, saw his most extensive playing time of the season against Baltimore because Draughn was so involved on special teams, including returning three kickoffs for a 27.3-yard average.

Gray bobbled a pitch from Cassel that was called a fumble by the quarterback, though it clearly should have been handled.

“It was a loss of concentration,” Gray said. “I’m looking up to make a read …”
Gray was a featured back at Texas A&M, where he carried 200 times in 2010 and 198 in times in 2011. He said there was no magic number of carries for any of the Chiefs’ backs.
“If you’re a runner, you’re a runner,” he said. “It just depends on how the game goes, and how the game plan is.”

Tackle Eric Winston could have been speaking for offensive linemen everywhere when it comes to favoring the running game.

“We’ve gotten into such a pass-happy league, that now defenses are starting to catch up by putting faster, lighter guys on the field,” Winston said. “I don’t care how athletic you are at tackle, it’s tough to pass-block those guys because they’re not 270-pound run-stoppers anymore — those are 255-pound track guys who can move, have great length and do a lot of things.

“To me, the best way to combat that is to be a contrarian, and to go back to running, and to go back to getting after ’em and doing things they don’t want to do. And I guarantee you, they don’t want to see us coming after them. They like to see us backing up (to pass-block), and we hate backing up.”

Charles’ averaging 4.7 yards a carry against Baltimore kept the Chiefs in more favorable down-and-distance situations than the second- and third-and-10 situations created by incompletions. The Chiefs converted six of 13 third-downs for 46 percent, their best success rate since the season opener against Atlanta (11 of 16 for 69 percent).

“When you’re running the ball like that, short passes are going to open up, play-action passes are going to open up, you’re going to be much more successful on first down, and you’re not going to have to get to third down,” Winston said. “That’s important for your offense, I don’t care who’s playing quarterback. That’s the team we have to be to be successful here.”

Tampa Bay, under new coach Greg Schiano, is allowing just 3.2 yards per carry this season, third-best in the NFL. In their season-opening, 16-10 win over Carolina, the Bucs held the Panthers to 10 yards rushing.

“Schiano has put his stamp on that already,” Winston said. “He’s a defensive guy; he’s going to want to stop the run. We’re going to have to move them out of their gaps. Baltimore has been pretty good against the run, too.

“It comes down to a battle of wills in the trenches. If we can keep giving (offensive coordinator) Brian Daboll a reason to keep calling runs, he’s shown he’s going to do it. I look at it like it’s on us up front.”

InChiefsHeaven · 10-10-2012, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

the Pioli Era summed up

OMG...that tears it for me. TO make a comment like that...serious incompetence and a lack of a will to win.

This season is beyond over if this moron really means that.

**HemiEd** · 10-10-2012, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

the Pioli Era summed up

I had this all set to quote also

"“But we were in the game,” Crennel said. “We got three less points than the Ravens, which means we lose, and I understand that, but would you rather see a competitive game or would you rather see a 40-10 score?”

It speaks volumes about RACs confidence in his Coaches and Teams abilities.

This really does remind me of Marv Levy installing the WingT

Radar Chief · 10-10-2012, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InChiefsHell

OMG...that tears it for me. TO make a comment like that...serious incompetence and a lack of a will to win.

This season is beyond over if this moron really means that.

RAC quote, yes he thinks that.
And I’d assume Pioli thinks that also since he’s got his hand up RAC’s ass pulling a string and it’s actually his words coming out of RAC’s mouth.

Crush · 10-10-2012, 07:34 AM

I will be rooting for a Bucs blowout win on Sunday. Pioli and company wouldn't even be able to graduate Clown College at this point.

**BigMeatballDave** · 10-10-2012, 07:36 AM

Facing a D that's dead last vs the pass and you wanna run?

Brilliant.

Ghost of Maslowski · 10-10-2012, 07:38 AM

If Quinn can just not be Cassel for roughly 30 minutes against the NFL's worst ranked pass defense, he will be doing a lot to help keep Matt on the bench where he belongs.

That would also raise the flames under Pioli's butt a notch or three. It's a win for the cause even if it's a loss, as long a Quinn doesn't lose the game all by himself, like Cassel did against the Ravens.

Reerun_KC · 10-10-2012, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bishop_74

At least Quinn has a threatening depp ball unlike Cassel. Hopefully that will keep Tampa a bit honest, and they do not stack the line.

So much shit gets made up here then spewed as fact...

Quinn's deep ball is as about as accurate and deep as Cassels...

Crush · 10-10-2012, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

Facing a D that's dead last vs the pass and you wanna run?

Brilliant.

I admit that I don't watch the games, but you have no idea what you are talking about. /Amnorix

**Easy 6** · 10-10-2012, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

So much shit gets made up here then spewed as fact...

Quinn's deep ball is as about as accurate and deep as Cassels...

Oh, so your cable was out last sunday... sorry to hear that man.

Reerun_KC · 10-10-2012, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott free

Oh, so your cable was out last sunday... sorry to hear that man.

Yeah it has been out since 1998...

boogblaster · 10-10-2012, 07:53 AM

nice ... whata gamer .....

CoMoChief · 10-10-2012, 07:59 AM

“But we were in the game,” Crennel said. “We got three less points than the Ravens, which means we lose, and I understand that,

"1 + 1 = 2 And I understand that" - Romeo Crennel

Deberg_1990 · 10-10-2012, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

So much shit gets made up here then spewed as fact...

Quinn's deep ball is as about as accurate and deep as Cassels...

Yea, I don’t remember Quinn throwing very many deep balls in college or with the Browns. Most of his success has been in the intermediate passing game which he has a good enough arm.

milkman · 10-10-2012, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

So much shit gets made up here then spewed as fact...

Quinn's deep ball is as about as accurate and deep as Cassels...

Accuracy might be a problem, but the fact is that Quinn has a much stronger arm, so defenders do have to be more wary of the deep pass.

With Cassel, defenders had more time to recover if they were beaten deep.

Reerun_KC · 10-10-2012, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Accuracy might be a problem, but the fact is that Quinn has a much stronger arm, so defenders do have to be more wary of the deep pass.

With Cassel, defenders had more time to recover if they were beaten deep.

True, but Quinn isnt going to keep any defense honest like many think he is.

He isnt going to turn this team around, just because he isnt Cassel.

People start believing or wanting to believe all kinds of crazy shit just because he isnt Cassel...

so many are going to be sadly disappointed with Croyle 2.0

10-10-2012, 06:37 AM
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3674454	Covitz: No surprise, Chiefs plan to run and run some more http://www.kansascity.com/2012/10/09...an-to-run.html It doesn’t matter whether it’s Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn or even Ricky Stanzi at quarterback; the Chiefs’ offensive game plan for the immediate future appears to be established. Run the ball. That might not be the most prudent plan of attack this Sunday at Tampa Bay, which ranks fourth in the NFL in rush defense, 32nd against the pass and has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in four games. But the Chiefs called 49 running plays to 19 pass plays — or 73 percent runs — in last Sunday’s 9-6 loss to Baltimore, and the strategy kept them in the game, unlike the debacles that unfolded against Atlanta, Buffalo and San Diego. As a team, the Chiefs rank No. 2 in the NFL in rushing. Jamaal Charles leads the league with 551 yards and is tied for third with 102 attempts; his 5.4-yard average ranks second among all backs with at least 48 carries. Even in a pass-happy league, Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel doesn’t have a problem taking the air out of the ball … and out of his quarterback’s hands. “If you can gain yards running, you can win running the ball,” Crennel said. “If you can’t gain yards running, and you continue running the ball, that might not be the best formula.” Despite rushing for 214 yards against Baltimore, the Chiefs still didn’t put the ball in the end zone, though a fumble at the 1 prevented at least one touchdown. “But we were in the game,” Crennel said. “We got three less points than the Ravens, which means we lose, and I understand that, but would you rather see a competitive game or would you rather see a 40-10 score?” Charles, listed at 5-11, 199 pounds, is on pace to carry 326 times and have 374 touches, counting receptions, which would surpass his previous high of 275 touches (230 carries, 45 receptions) in 2010, when he ran for 1,467 yards. Against Baltimore, the Chiefs spread the workload among Charles (30 carries, 140 yards rushing and three catches), Shaun Draughn (12-40 yards, one catch) and rookie Cyrus Gray (4-20, one catch). And this week, they could have Peyton Hillis back from injury. “We have a pretty good stable of running backs,” Crennel said. “Peyton happens to be injured at the moment, but going in, we felt that combination of Charles and Hillis would be a good combination. Then, with these young guys behind them, we felt pretty good about that position. When we get Peyton back, we’ll still feel pretty good about it.” Gray, a sixth-round draft pick, saw his most extensive playing time of the season against Baltimore because Draughn was so involved on special teams, including returning three kickoffs for a 27.3-yard average. Gray bobbled a pitch from Cassel that was called a fumble by the quarterback, though it clearly should have been handled. “It was a loss of concentration,” Gray said. “I’m looking up to make a read …” Gray was a featured back at Texas A&M, where he carried 200 times in 2010 and 198 in times in 2011. He said there was no magic number of carries for any of the Chiefs’ backs. “If you’re a runner, you’re a runner,” he said. “It just depends on how the game goes, and how the game plan is.” Tackle Eric Winston could have been speaking for offensive linemen everywhere when it comes to favoring the running game. “We’ve gotten into such a pass-happy league, that now defenses are starting to catch up by putting faster, lighter guys on the field,” Winston said. “I don’t care how athletic you are at tackle, it’s tough to pass-block those guys because they’re not 270-pound run-stoppers anymore — those are 255-pound track guys who can move, have great length and do a lot of things. “To me, the best way to combat that is to be a contrarian, and to go back to running, and to go back to getting after ’em and doing things they don’t want to do. And I guarantee you, they don’t want to see us coming after them. They like to see us backing up (to pass-block), and we hate backing up.” Charles’ averaging 4.7 yards a carry against Baltimore kept the Chiefs in more favorable down-and-distance situations than the second- and third-and-10 situations created by incompletions. The Chiefs converted six of 13 third-downs for 46 percent, their best success rate since the season opener against Atlanta (11 of 16 for 69 percent). “When you’re running the ball like that, short passes are going to open up, play-action passes are going to open up, you’re going to be much more successful on first down, and you’re not going to have to get to third down,” Winston said. “That’s important for your offense, I don’t care who’s playing quarterback. That’s the team we have to be to be successful here.” Tampa Bay, under new coach Greg Schiano, is allowing just 3.2 yards per carry this season, third-best in the NFL. In their season-opening, 16-10 win over Carolina, the Bucs held the Panthers to 10 yards rushing. “Schiano has put his stamp on that already,” Winston said. “He’s a defensive guy; he’s going to want to stop the run. We’re going to have to move them out of their gaps. Baltimore has been pretty good against the run, too. “It comes down to a battle of wills in the trenches. If we can keep giving (offensive coordinator) Brian Daboll a reason to keep calling runs, he’s shown he’s going to do it. I look at it like it’s on us up front.”
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10-10-2012, 07:34 AM	#19
Crush Amateur Poster Join Date: Mar 2004 Casino cash: $4977091	I will be rooting for a Bucs blowout win on Sunday. Pioli and company wouldn't even be able to graduate Clown College at this point.
Posts: 15,298

10-10-2012, 07:36 AM	#20
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	Facing a D that's dead last vs the pass and you wanna run? Brilliant. __________________ 2015 Adopt-a-Chief: Tamba Hali
Posts: 59,997

10-10-2012, 07:38 AM	#21
Ghost of Maslowski Died Hard Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Old Dominion Casino cash: $9625277	If Quinn can just not be Cassel for roughly 30 minutes against the NFL's worst ranked pass defense, he will be doing a lot to help keep Matt on the bench where he belongs. That would also raise the flames under Pioli's butt a notch or three. It's a win for the cause even if it's a loss, as long a Quinn doesn't lose the game all by himself, like Cassel did against the Ravens.
Posts: 1,541

10-10-2012, 07:53 AM	#26
boogblaster MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Verdigris Valley Campsite Casino cash: $10004900	nice ... whata gamer ..... __________________ WR or S please
Posts: 10,305

10-10-2012, 07:59 AM	#27
CoMoChief Mahomes Dynasty Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $8022254	“But we were in the game,” Crennel said. “We got three less points than the Ravens, which means we lose, and I understand that, "1 + 1 = 2 And I understand that" - Romeo Crennel __________________
Posts: 39,165