Chiefs Babb: Chiefs lose 20-17 to Chargers but gain a symbol - Page 3

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-26-2011, 05:16 AM

Chiefs lose 20-17 to Chargers but gain a symbol
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

SAN DIEGO | He stood in an unlit corner, easy to miss, dressing after a game that again went sideways for the Chiefs. Dexter McCluster pulled on a shirt, grabbed his travel bag and whipped back his dreadlocks.

“There’s going to be a lot of people saying we can’t do it,” he said. “People saying we can’t win a game. But you know what? We’ve all been told that. Not just me.”

On Sunday, the Chiefs lost another one, this time 20-17 to the San Diego Chargers. But in the loss, Kansas City might finally have discovered an identity that it lacked in blowout losses the previous two weeks. This team turned to McCluster at Qualcomm Stadium to be its primary running back, a week after Jamaal Charles’ season-ending knee injury and a short while after veteran Thomas Jones was ineffective in the first half Sunday. More than that, the Chiefs seem to have turned to McCluster as a symbol there might be more to this team — and its players and chances — than appearances.

Not long after the final whistle, players dressed in a locker room not shrouded in confusion, frustration or shame. After losses to Buffalo and Detroit, and safety Eric Berry and Charles sidelined because of ACL tears, the outlook appeared bleak. But for the first time this season, players instead discussed hope and how the Chiefs might finally have figured out what it is, rather than dwelling on what it isn’t.

“The record shows 0-3 right now,” fullback Le’Ron McClain said. “But I know today, man, you saw a team out there. Everybody’s got each other’s back now.”

Several players said it’s because, odd as it was during a loss, the Chiefs came to an understanding Sunday that a strong will can defy appearances. McClain was told for years that he wouldn’t be a reliable pass-catcher in the NFL. Defensive end Glenn Dorsey was told in high school that he was too short to play in college. Another end, Tyson Jackson, was told that kids from his small Louisiana town are long shots to attend and graduate from college.

“I heard a lot of, ‘You can’t,’ ” Jackson said. “Just gives you something to thrive on, some type of motivation.”

In the old days, McCluster heard that often. He was 7 the first time he can remember it, and even his mother thought he was too small for full-contact football. He begged her, and when she relented, young Dexter ran into another roadblock: He wasn’t old enough, either. He said Sunday that his family “pulled some strings,” and before long, the 70-pounder was running around on the fields of southern Florida, zipping here and there, running away from defenders and limitations.

“It was like, ‘You know what?,’ ” he said Sunday. “ ‘I can do it. I don’t care if he’s bigger than me. I don’t care if he’s faster than me. I’m going to show him that there’s something different about me.’ ”

McCluster became a star at Mississippi, small still — he’s generously listed now at 5-feet-8 and 170 pounds — and Jackson admitted Sunday that he and the LSU defense learned the hard way that the versatile McCluster isn’t quite what he appears.

Drafted in the second round last year, McCluster began this season as a forgotten member of the Chiefs’ offense. He was far behind Charles and Jones at running back, hidden behind Dwayne Bowe, rookie Jonathan Baldwin and free-agent acquisition Steve Breaston at receiver.

Then Charles hit the turf Sept. 18 at Ford Field, and the Chiefs entered a state of panic. The season was finished. The Chiefs were devoid of playmakers. The offense was doomed. McCluster, of course, hadn’t helped his case to be taken seriously as a fill-in: His two fumbles overshadowed the 106 total yards and big-play ability he’d shown against the Bills and Lions.

On Sunday in San Diego, McCluster and the Chiefs faced a brutal test. The Chargers are one of the NFL’s better teams, and Kansas City was outscored 89-10 in its first two contests. McCluster didn’t have a carry in the first half, when the Chiefs had zero first downs and faced another double-digit deficit.

The Chiefs shifted directions after halftime, looking toward McCluster for a boost. He finished with nine carries for 45 yards, including a 16-yarder, and five catches. He kept getting hit, sometimes spinning in midair, and each time, he kept getting back up. More important, he kept hanging onto the football, and in part it was McCluster’s presence that gave the Chiefs a chance in a game they had no business keeping close.

“It’s never pleasant to have a lot of people tell you you’re no good,” coach Todd Haley said. “But like I said to the guys: ‘You go through our team, our coaching staff, we’ve got a lot of guys — a lot — that have been told no, you can’t do this, most of your lives. … And these guys, our team, they haven’t accepted no as an answer. I don’t think that’s going to start now.”

In the locker room Sunday, players brushed aside questions about kicker Ryan Succop’s missed 38-yard field goal. They avoided recounting Matt Cassel’s game-sealing interception. Instead, they pointed to the little man in the corner, figuring that’s who the Chiefs could be like if they set their minds to it the way he has always done.

Before McCluster left the locker room and headed toward the team’s bus, he looked around a locker room full of imperfect players, in an imperfect situation. No, Sunday didn’t go as well as it could. But if the Chiefs lost another game, they at least realized what they are — and what they could be.

Asked about low expectations, McCluster stood there and smiled.

“They’re going to doubt me all the time,” he said. “But you know what? They will not be able to ignore me.”

And the team?

“They’re probably going to do that, too,” he said. “But we don’t doubt ourselves.”

VIKINGS AT CHIEFS
•WHEN/WHERE: Noon Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium

•TV/RADIO: Channel 4; KCFX (101.1 FM)

Hydrae · 09-26-2011, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

Some of you are ****ing pathetic.

Ripping on the team because unlike you, they still have heart. God forbid a group of grown ass men won't lay down, cry and accept defeat.

If you don't like Cassel, fine. Obviously he's not the answer. But the rest of this team is worth rooting for.

Don't wanna root for them because you think Luck is the answer? Ok.

But calling them delusional because they're trying to keep their head up?

Lol. Don't wanna call yourself a Chiefs fan right now? Ok, don't.

Don't call yourself a man either because MEN don't quit.

ToxSocks · 09-26-2011, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Quitter. Yeah, sure.

When I buy my Andrew Luck Chiefs jersey, I'll know that it was my dedication to the cause that helped lead to this momentous occasion. I'll wear it with pride.

You'll probably try to do the same thing. And that's fine. ALL of Chiefs nation deserves a real franchise QB at least once every 40 years. But... I mean, let's face it. There are some fans who WORKED to get this jersey while the other fans couldn't bear to see their precious team go 2-14 instead of 6-10. They didn't have the courage to admit that 4 or 5 extra losses in one season out of the past 40 isn't worth it to claim the grand prize.

Well, if that's the case, then go ahead and keep "fighting on." Be a "man." Me, personally? I want to start winning some games.

Like I've said over and over again.

IF they lose, fine. I can accept it. I sure as **** am not upset over it because I too can see the "Luck" at the end of the tunnel.

But I am not going to sit here and laugh at a bunch of guys for saying that they aren't going to lay down.

Pants · 09-26-2011, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

Ripping on the team because unlike you, they still have heart. God forbid a group of grown ass men won't lay down, cry and accept defeat.

ToxSocks · 09-26-2011, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Enjoy all that honor you have left.

Know what it will get you? 6-10 and a first round offensive tackle.

Know what my dishonor will get me? A franchise QB.

You because Luck is the ONLY QB in the draft, right?

6-10. if that ends up being the case, still gets me in the top 10 and a first round QB.

And if the Chiefs aren't the absolute worst team in the NFL and you don't get Luck? Then what?

**RealSNR** · 09-26-2011, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReeTodd_KC

Just promise me this, cause I am sure youre a good guy and a family man... but if we dont draft Luck, please dont shoot yourself.

Meh. If we don't draft Luck because a team like Seattle or Miami out-sucked us, then that's fair. I do hope we take a look at Foles or somebody else.

I do know this, though. If Cassel is our starting QB next year, I'm probably going to keep watching Chiefs games like a ****ing idiot. But there's no reason whatsoever why I should. This team doesn't deserve my viewership if they trot out that scaredycat jittery piece of rotten poop again.

ToxSocks · 09-26-2011, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pants

???

Pants · 09-26-2011, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

???

Who's ripping on the team for having heart?

**The Bad Guy** · 09-26-2011, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hydrae

I hate to say it to all you rooting for Luck but I listened to the broadcast of a team that didn't give up yesterday. They still have some talent and fought to a near standstill against a good team on the road. If Baldwin is the player we all thought he was when we drafted him this team will cause some headaches for other teams down the road and, heaven forbid, win a few games in the process.

Given that, Cassell has got to go. Period.

I don't think anyone expects them to give up.

Everyone expects them to suck, and the talent on the team will dictate that. They have a lousy QB, no real RB, WRs who the QB can't get the ball to, a suspect line and a depleted secondary. They also can't stop the run.

They can keep this "us against the world" mantra, but at the end of the day, the talent sucks, the coaching sucks and the schedule is brutal.

They aren't going to give up. They are just going to get their shit pushed in.

Suck for Luck.

jspchief · 09-26-2011, 10:03 AM

In my heart of hearts, I know this team can rise up and put together an exciting 8-8 season.

Sincerely,
Carl Peterson

**The Bad Guy** · 09-26-2011, 10:04 AM

We aren't saying quit for luck, we are saying suck.

And this team is a whole bunch of suck.

lcarus · 09-26-2011, 10:04 AM

I think we've established this team is gonna fight like hell to 3 or 4 wins and Chiefs fans everywhere are gonna be pissed when they hear "With the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft...the Indianapolis Colts select...Andrew Luck!"

ToxSocks · 09-26-2011, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

I don't think anyone expects them to give up.

Everyone expects them to suck, and the talent on the team will dictate that. They have a lousy QB, no real RB, WRs who the QB can't get the ball to, a suspect line and a depleted secondary. They also can't stop the run.

They can keep this "us against the world" mantra, but at the end of the day, the talent sucks, the coaching sucks and the schedule is brutal.

They aren't going to give up. They are just going to get their shit pushed in.

Suck for Luck.

The Problem is soley the QB IMO. You can win with this O-line. You can win with these backs. You can win with this D.

I disagree. I don't think the overall talent "Sucks".

Reerun_KC · 09-26-2011, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Enjoy all that honor you have left.

Know what it will get you? 6-10 and a first round offensive tackle.

Know what my dishonor will get me? A franchise QB.

First off, its entertainment... It has nothing to do with Honor for me...

Just so you know... My service in the USAF was honorable... My chosen from of entertainment isnt...

Reerun_KC · 09-26-2011, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Meh. If we don't draft Luck because a team like Seattle or Miami out-sucked us, then that's fair. I do hope we take a look at Foles or somebody else.

I do know this, though. If Cassel is our starting QB next year, I'm probably going to keep watching Chiefs games like a ****ing idiot. But there's no reason whatsoever why I should. This team doesn't deserve my viewership if they trot out that scaredycat jittery piece of rotten poop again.

And Agree 100%

Pants · 09-26-2011, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReeTodd_KC

First off, its entertainment... It has nothing to do with Honor for me...

Just so you know... My service in the USAF was honorable... My chosen from of entertainment isnt...

What did you fly in the AF?

09-26-2011, 05:16 AM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $422813	Babb: Chiefs lose 20-17 to Chargers but gain a symbol Chiefs lose 20-17 to Chargers but gain a symbol By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star SAN DIEGO \| He stood in an unlit corner, easy to miss, dressing after a game that again went sideways for the Chiefs. Dexter McCluster pulled on a shirt, grabbed his travel bag and whipped back his dreadlocks. “There’s going to be a lot of people saying we can’t do it,” he said. “People saying we can’t win a game. But you know what? We’ve all been told that. Not just me.” On Sunday, the Chiefs lost another one, this time 20-17 to the San Diego Chargers. But in the loss, Kansas City might finally have discovered an identity that it lacked in blowout losses the previous two weeks. This team turned to McCluster at Qualcomm Stadium to be its primary running back, a week after Jamaal Charles’ season-ending knee injury and a short while after veteran Thomas Jones was ineffective in the first half Sunday. More than that, the Chiefs seem to have turned to McCluster as a symbol there might be more to this team — and its players and chances — than appearances. Not long after the final whistle, players dressed in a locker room not shrouded in confusion, frustration or shame. After losses to Buffalo and Detroit, and safety Eric Berry and Charles sidelined because of ACL tears, the outlook appeared bleak. But for the first time this season, players instead discussed hope and how the Chiefs might finally have figured out what it is, rather than dwelling on what it isn’t. “The record shows 0-3 right now,” fullback Le’Ron McClain said. “But I know today, man, you saw a team out there. Everybody’s got each other’s back now.” Several players said it’s because, odd as it was during a loss, the Chiefs came to an understanding Sunday that a strong will can defy appearances. McClain was told for years that he wouldn’t be a reliable pass-catcher in the NFL. Defensive end Glenn Dorsey was told in high school that he was too short to play in college. Another end, Tyson Jackson, was told that kids from his small Louisiana town are long shots to attend and graduate from college. “I heard a lot of, ‘You can’t,’ ” Jackson said. “Just gives you something to thrive on, some type of motivation.” In the old days, McCluster heard that often. He was 7 the first time he can remember it, and even his mother thought he was too small for full-contact football. He begged her, and when she relented, young Dexter ran into another roadblock: He wasn’t old enough, either. He said Sunday that his family “pulled some strings,” and before long, the 70-pounder was running around on the fields of southern Florida, zipping here and there, running away from defenders and limitations. “It was like, ‘You know what?,’ ” he said Sunday. “ ‘I can do it. I don’t care if he’s bigger than me. I don’t care if he’s faster than me. I’m going to show him that there’s something different about me.’ ” McCluster became a star at Mississippi, small still — he’s generously listed now at 5-feet-8 and 170 pounds — and Jackson admitted Sunday that he and the LSU defense learned the hard way that the versatile McCluster isn’t quite what he appears. Drafted in the second round last year, McCluster began this season as a forgotten member of the Chiefs’ offense. He was far behind Charles and Jones at running back, hidden behind Dwayne Bowe, rookie Jonathan Baldwin and free-agent acquisition Steve Breaston at receiver. Then Charles hit the turf Sept. 18 at Ford Field, and the Chiefs entered a state of panic. The season was finished. The Chiefs were devoid of playmakers. The offense was doomed. McCluster, of course, hadn’t helped his case to be taken seriously as a fill-in: His two fumbles overshadowed the 106 total yards and big-play ability he’d shown against the Bills and Lions. On Sunday in San Diego, McCluster and the Chiefs faced a brutal test. The Chargers are one of the NFL’s better teams, and Kansas City was outscored 89-10 in its first two contests. McCluster didn’t have a carry in the first half, when the Chiefs had zero first downs and faced another double-digit deficit. The Chiefs shifted directions after halftime, looking toward McCluster for a boost. He finished with nine carries for 45 yards, including a 16-yarder, and five catches. He kept getting hit, sometimes spinning in midair, and each time, he kept getting back up. More important, he kept hanging onto the football, and in part it was McCluster’s presence that gave the Chiefs a chance in a game they had no business keeping close. “It’s never pleasant to have a lot of people tell you you’re no good,” coach Todd Haley said. “But like I said to the guys: ‘You go through our team, our coaching staff, we’ve got a lot of guys — a lot — that have been told no, you can’t do this, most of your lives. … And these guys, our team, they haven’t accepted no as an answer. I don’t think that’s going to start now.” In the locker room Sunday, players brushed aside questions about kicker Ryan Succop’s missed 38-yard field goal. They avoided recounting Matt Cassel’s game-sealing interception. Instead, they pointed to the little man in the corner, figuring that’s who the Chiefs could be like if they set their minds to it the way he has always done. Before McCluster left the locker room and headed toward the team’s bus, he looked around a locker room full of imperfect players, in an imperfect situation. No, Sunday didn’t go as well as it could. But if the Chiefs lost another game, they at least realized what they are — and what they could be. Asked about low expectations, McCluster stood there and smiled. “They’re going to doubt me all the time,” he said. “But you know what? They will not be able to ignore me.” And the team? “They’re probably going to do that, too,” he said. “But we don’t doubt ourselves.” VIKINGS AT CHIEFS •WHEN/WHERE: Noon Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium •TV/RADIO: Channel 4; KCFX (101.1 FM)
Posts: 42,197

09-26-2011, 10:03 AM	#39
jspchief BAMF Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Your Face Casino cash: $9998710	In my heart of hearts, I know this team can rise up and put together an exciting 8-8 season. Sincerely, Carl Peterson __________________ Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all.
Posts: 27,207

09-26-2011, 10:04 AM	#40
The Bad Guy Scott Pioli Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: The Copacobana Casino cash: $9363645	We aren't saying quit for luck, we are saying suck. And this team is a whole bunch of suck. __________________
Posts: 23,212

09-26-2011, 10:04 AM	#41
lcarus Everybody Lies. Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: 22 Acacia Avenue Casino cash: $1399928	I think we've established this team is gonna fight like hell to 3 or 4 wins and Chiefs fans everywhere are gonna be pissed when they hear "With the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft...the Indianapolis Colts select...Andrew Luck!"
Posts: 17,367