Chiefs Covitz:Reid to ‘mix and match’ players against Chargers - Page 2

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-24-2013, 08:45 PM

Chiefs’ Reid to ‘mix and match’ players against Chargers
By RANDY COVITZ
The Kansas City Star

Like someone selecting a wardrobe, Chiefs coach Andy Reid laid out his plans Tuesday for Sunday’s game at San Diego.

“We’ll mix and match,” Reid said of how he’ll blend a combination of starters and reserves in a regular-season finale that will have no bearing on the Chiefs’ No. 5 seed in the upcoming NFL playoffs.

“I’m going to work some guys in,” Reid said. “Most of them have already worked in. … I talked to the team, and I will have it figured out by the end of the week exactly how I’m going to work it.”

Translated, that means the Chiefs, 11-4, likely will approach this game against San Diego, 8-7, much like Reid did four times in Philadelphia when his Eagles’ teams were locked into playoff positions going into a final week, the same way most teams approach a final preseason game.

He’ll give the starters a series or two and then go to the backups. Unlike in the preseason, a team with 53 players on the active roster can’t rest everyone. But don’t expect to see much of quarterback Alex Smith, running back Jamaal Charles or outside linebacker Tamba Hali, who did not practice Tuesday because of a swollen knee.

Smith, who has started all 15 games in his first season with the Chiefs, said he was preparing to play.

“If you play, the argument is you’re staying in rhythm, you’re keeping your timing, you’re staying used to the speed of the game,” Smith said. “The negative is an injury.

“By not playing, the benefit there is you’re getting healthy and fresh. The downside is you’re missing out on some game experience and rhythm and maybe some momentum heading into the playoffs.”

If Smith gives way to backup Chase Daniel early in the game, it will be the most meaningful playing time Daniel will have had in his five-year NFL career. Daniel attempted nine passes in his four seasons in New Orleans, and he mopped up fourth quarters in victories over Washington and Oakland with the Chiefs.

“Anytime you can get on the field as a backup when your starter is not hurt is a good thing,” Daniel said. “It means your team is in a pretty good spot. I was doing everything I could to take advantage of it.

“My mind-set going in this week is to prepare like the starter, just like I have my entire career and see what happens later in the week.”

Daniel may be handing off the ball to rookie running back Knile Davis and throwing to Junior Hemingway and seldom-used A.J. Jenkins, but it doesn’t make this game meaningless.

“It’s definitely meaningful to this team,” Daniel said. “We want to end the season on a high note. We want to end it with a win, especially with how we came out and played pretty sloppy against the Colts. We still have a bad taste in our mouth right now.

“It’s a meaningful game to everyone in this locker room, every coach on the staff. To the Hunts, to everyone who is part of the Chiefs organization, it’s a meaningful game.”

The backup players understand what’s at stake for their careers.

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Jenkins, who had just four offensive snaps against Indianapolis. “Every time we step onto the field, we’re being evaluated, regardless whether it’s one play or 80 plays. You have to have the mind-set the guys who play a lot have. It will feel good to be out there.”

Backup linebackers Frank Zombo and Dezmon Moses should be busy as well. Zombo, who has been filling in for the injured Justin Houston, could slide over in place of Hali. And Moses, strictly a special-teams player this season, could get some snaps on defense in place of Houston, if he’s still not available to start or not fit enough to play an entire game after missing four games.

“It’s good experience being able to get some snaps in this defense,” Moses said. “We definitely want to win. We’re all professionals. We’re competitors. We want to go into the playoffs with momentum because momentum carries on no matter who’s out there playing.”

While the Chiefs are locked into their playoff spot, the Chargers are a long shot. But they’ll know what position they’re in before kickoff: Either they’ll have been eliminated by a Miami or Baltimore win, or they’ll have a chance to clinch the sixth wild-card spot.

“We could face two different teams,” Zombo said. “Regardless, it’s the NFL, and guys are playing for their own brand and are going to give it everything they have.”

**Mav** · 12-25-2013, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pam Oliver's Forehead

I take paypal, Marcellus.

LOL.

So, the 49ers who barely could beat the Falcons at home, are going to waltz into Arizona, you know, just one of the hottest teams on the planet, and roll all over them, BECAUSSSEEEEE?

Yeah, not going to happen.

I call a tie on this bullshit.

But who knows. maybe you will ACTUALLY get one right this year.

Banner year for you.

Like 1-36.

Not a good average.

BlackHelicopters · 12-25-2013, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Chase Daniels lights it up! 320 yards, 3 TDs
Posted via Mobile Device

Who?

TEX · 12-25-2013, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavericks Ace

LOL.

So, the 49ers who barely could beat the Falcons at home, are going to waltz into Arizona, you know, just one of the hottest teams on the planet, and roll all over them, BECAUSSSEEEEE?

Yeah, not going to happen.

I call a tie on this bullshit.

But who knows. maybe you will ACTUALLY get one right this year.

Banner year for you.

Like 1-36.

Not a good average.

REP!

TEX · 12-25-2013, 10:06 AM

Well I for one hate the fact that if the Chiefs lose to the Bolts they will be going into the playoffs on a 2 game losing streak. For a team that seemed just happy to be there last game, it doesn't bode well. I get the whole "rest the starters" philosophy, but I'd at least leave them in there until they look good. They totally shit the bed last game.

Chiefshrink · 12-25-2013, 10:08 AM

Doesn't matter. Were one and done.

Nobody expected us(even most here on CP) to have an 11-5 record and making the playoffs this year so soon after a 2-14 the year before. Anyone on this board would have taken a 11-5 and playoff appearance(one and done) in a heartbeat 'just one year ago'. Yes we will lose tomorrow and yes it will be ugly. Don't waste your time except for the fact maybe we see a lot of these young players who might show us if they have any potential longterm big time playing ability

Cannibal · 12-25-2013, 10:23 AM

Find the prediction thread. I predicted 11-5. So did a few others :-)

Although I didn't expect the 11-5 to fall the way it did I must admit.

GoChargers · 12-25-2013, 11:04 AM

It would be classic Chargers to find a way to lose to the Chiefs' third string with playoffs on the line.

Jakemall · 12-25-2013, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavericks Ace

LOL.

So, the 49ers who barely could beat the Falcons at home, are going to waltz into Arizona, you know, just one of the hottest teams on the planet, and roll all over them, BECAUSSSEEEEE?

Yeah, not going to happen.

I call a tie on this bullshit.

But who knows. maybe you will ACTUALLY get one right this year.

Banner year for you.

Like 1-36.

Not a good average.

No, but he'll use this bet to substantiate all his future off the wall claims.

Hammock Parties · 12-25-2013, 11:17 AM

I'm also going to win the Alex Smith 25 TDs bet.

Jakemall · 12-25-2013, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pam Oliver's Forehead

I'm also going to win the Alex Smith 25 TDs bet.

Was the bet that Alex would have 25 td or throw 25 tds? Because if it is "have" he only needs one series to do that...

Pasta Little Brioni · 12-25-2013, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pam Oliver's Forehead

I'm also going to win the Alex Smith 25 TDs bet.

BUT you lost the one that would have sent you into exile voiding all other bets

Hammock Parties · 12-25-2013, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakemall

Was the bet that Alex would have 25 td or throw 25 tds? Because if it is "have" he only needs one series to do that...

Even if it was inclusive of running TDs I'm still going to win.

Alex is pathetic...

Jakemall · 12-25-2013, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pam Oliver's Forehead

Even if it was inclusive of running TDs I'm still going to win.

Alex is pathetic...

If it is inclusive, then I'd say it's 50/50. Andy may let him stay until a score before pulling him.

**MahiMike** · 12-25-2013, 11:25 AM

Good job Andy. Best way to approach this game. My chargers 6th seed is still alive.

OrtonsPiercedTaint · 12-25-2013, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakemall

Was the bet that Alex would have 25 td or throw 25 tds? Because if it is "have" he only needs one series to do that...

If I were GoChiefs on the other side of this bet what would I do?

12-24-2013, 08:45 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2847187	Covitz:Reid to ‘mix and match’ players against Chargers Chiefs’ Reid to ‘mix and match’ players against Chargers By RANDY COVITZ The Kansas City Star Like someone selecting a wardrobe, Chiefs coach Andy Reid laid out his plans Tuesday for Sunday’s game at San Diego. “We’ll mix and match,” Reid said of how he’ll blend a combination of starters and reserves in a regular-season finale that will have no bearing on the Chiefs’ No. 5 seed in the upcoming NFL playoffs. “I’m going to work some guys in,” Reid said. “Most of them have already worked in. … I talked to the team, and I will have it figured out by the end of the week exactly how I’m going to work it.” Translated, that means the Chiefs, 11-4, likely will approach this game against San Diego, 8-7, much like Reid did four times in Philadelphia when his Eagles’ teams were locked into playoff positions going into a final week, the same way most teams approach a final preseason game. He’ll give the starters a series or two and then go to the backups. Unlike in the preseason, a team with 53 players on the active roster can’t rest everyone. But don’t expect to see much of quarterback Alex Smith, running back Jamaal Charles or outside linebacker Tamba Hali, who did not practice Tuesday because of a swollen knee. Smith, who has started all 15 games in his first season with the Chiefs, said he was preparing to play. “If you play, the argument is you’re staying in rhythm, you’re keeping your timing, you’re staying used to the speed of the game,” Smith said. “The negative is an injury. “By not playing, the benefit there is you’re getting healthy and fresh. The downside is you’re missing out on some game experience and rhythm and maybe some momentum heading into the playoffs.” If Smith gives way to backup Chase Daniel early in the game, it will be the most meaningful playing time Daniel will have had in his five-year NFL career. Daniel attempted nine passes in his four seasons in New Orleans, and he mopped up fourth quarters in victories over Washington and Oakland with the Chiefs. “Anytime you can get on the field as a backup when your starter is not hurt is a good thing,” Daniel said. “It means your team is in a pretty good spot. I was doing everything I could to take advantage of it. “My mind-set going in this week is to prepare like the starter, just like I have my entire career and see what happens later in the week.” Daniel may be handing off the ball to rookie running back Knile Davis and throwing to Junior Hemingway and seldom-used A.J. Jenkins, but it doesn’t make this game meaningless. “It’s definitely meaningful to this team,” Daniel said. “We want to end the season on a high note. We want to end it with a win, especially with how we came out and played pretty sloppy against the Colts. We still have a bad taste in our mouth right now. “It’s a meaningful game to everyone in this locker room, every coach on the staff. To the Hunts, to everyone who is part of the Chiefs organization, it’s a meaningful game.” The backup players understand what’s at stake for their careers. “I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Jenkins, who had just four offensive snaps against Indianapolis. “Every time we step onto the field, we’re being evaluated, regardless whether it’s one play or 80 plays. You have to have the mind-set the guys who play a lot have. It will feel good to be out there.” Backup linebackers Frank Zombo and Dezmon Moses should be busy as well. Zombo, who has been filling in for the injured Justin Houston, could slide over in place of Hali. And Moses, strictly a special-teams player this season, could get some snaps on defense in place of Houston, if he’s still not available to start or not fit enough to play an entire game after missing four games. “It’s good experience being able to get some snaps in this defense,” Moses said. “We definitely want to win. We’re all professionals. We’re competitors. We want to go into the playoffs with momentum because momentum carries on no matter who’s out there playing.” While the Chiefs are locked into their playoff spot, the Chargers are a long shot. But they’ll know what position they’re in before kickoff: Either they’ll have been eliminated by a Miami or Baltimore win, or they’ll have a chance to clinch the sixth wild-card spot. “We could face two different teams,” Zombo said. “Regardless, it’s the NFL, and guys are playing for their own brand and are going to give it everything they have.”
Posts: 43,436

12-25-2013, 10:06 AM	#19
TEX Out Gunning CP's Fandom Police Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Galveston, TX Casino cash: $-1296873	Well I for one hate the fact that if the Chiefs lose to the Bolts they will be going into the playoffs on a 2 game losing streak. For a team that seemed just happy to be there last game, it doesn't bode well. I get the whole "rest the starters" philosophy, but I'd at least leave them in there until they look good. They totally shit the bed last game. __________________ "Do we have time to run WASP?"
Posts: 37,066

12-25-2013, 10:23 AM	#21
Cannibal Better to burn out... Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Bible Thumping Country Casino cash: $10010618	Find the prediction thread. I predicted 11-5. So did a few others :-) Although I didn't expect the 11-5 to fall the way it did I must admit.
Posts: 9,306

12-25-2013, 11:04 AM	#22
GoChargers Dean Spanos is a Traitor Join Date: Oct 2012 Casino cash: $10013554	It would be classic Chargers to find a way to lose to the Chiefs' third string with playoffs on the line. __________________ Disclaimer: my username refers to the SAN DIEGO Chargers only. I will never cheer for the LA Chargers as long as the Spanos family owns the team.
Posts: 3,620

12-25-2013, 11:17 AM	#24
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $950478	I'm also going to win the Alex Smith 25 TDs bet. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 296,919

12-25-2013, 11:25 AM	#29
MahiMike He's Mahomie! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jax, FL Casino cash: $10023443	Good job Andy. Best way to approach this game. My chargers 6th seed is still alive. __________________ 99.9%
Posts: 17,387