Chiefs Mellinger nails it. Great article. - Page 4

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

stevieray · 08-25-2012, 07:41 AM

they are a poorly run organization.

have been. for years. fifty years later, how many LEGITIMATE quarterbacks drafted in the last twenty?

....don't forget STH's get a dollar off concessions with their new card!!!!!! (that's your p(l)ayoff)

Coogs · 08-25-2012, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

Yes it has. Our varsity defense actually.

Be prepared for Manti Te'o in the first and Tyrann Mathieu (who is very Brandon Flowers-ish in all aspects of his game and even better at the same level) in the second.

Pioli will pick up Dayne Crist in the 6th round as the Chiefs QBOTF.

3 total yards for our offense by the mdpoint of the 2nd quarter isn't exactly a steller performance by that side of the ball either.

And you are probably spot on on your draft.

**the Talking Can** · 08-25-2012, 07:49 AM

Baldwin - the guy who was the 'star' of camp and the reason we don't need Bowe - averaged 6 yards per catch...less than McCluster

just think about how ****ing stupid that is...

we don't even try - as a goof - to go deep to our WRs

Dayze · 08-25-2012, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

Baldwin - the guy who was the 'star' of camp and the reason we don't need Bowe - averaged 6 yards per catch...less than McCluster

just think about how ****ing stupid that is...

we don't even try - as a goof - to go deep to our WRs

That's just crazy talk. What if it was incomplete or intercepted?

NWTF · 08-25-2012, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

Baldwin - the guy who was the 'star' of camp and the reason we don't need Bowe - averaged 6 yards per catch...less than McCluster

just think about how ****ing stupid that is...

we don't even try - as a goof - to go deep to our WRs

They are very selective on calling for Cassel to go deep. Its just not his game and will never be. They say he has the weakest arm among the 32 starting QBs.

BoneKrusher · 08-25-2012, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

I still can't believe Pioli left the booth less than a minute after Cassel fumbled. He was sitting in the booth bragging about Cassel for 8 or 9 plays and then as soon as Cassel fumbles they cut to commercial and Pioli leaves as soon as the game came back on.

you know what they say, "if you cant take the heat get out of the kitchen".

**notorious** · 08-25-2012, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneKrusher

you know what they say, "if you cant take the heat get out of the kitchen".

Cassel can't even microwave a hotdog without cowering in the corner while shitting all over the place.

Fish · 08-25-2012, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach

Pre-season or not, the whole team sucked, period. They all were unprepared to play. The whole ****ing football team blew it today. So many ****ing opportunities that just was ****ing wasted.

That ****ing draw play tells everybody in the world that they have ZERO confidence in Cassel, yet we keep that little ****er around every year. Why is that? Oh right, because Pioli needs someone to wax him off. Then letting the goddamn rookie perform like he's a damned All-Pro, shredding our defense and doing things that Cassel could only dream. Along with Daboll's bizarre fetish of dumpoff/checkdowns is just getting really old quickly. And to top it off, our dumbassery Quarterback can't even celebrate right, as he just was high and away from his intended target and landed right on his ass.

So much ****ing fail, right there.

And I never understood why our General Manager is trying his damnest to try to make Matt Cassel become a ****ing hero every ****ing time. The Chiefs sure as hell didn't help themselves by doing nothing to address the most important position. Pioli needs to ****ing man up, and admit his mistake, cut that fruity bastard from this team, and find a legitimate QB that can at LEAST perform better than Cassel can.

If I was Clark Hunt, I would tell Pioli "If Matt Cassel is the starting QB next year, I will wipe that ****ing dumb-ass smile off of your rosey ****ing, cheeks, then I would have you escorted to your ****ing automobile: your ****ing Jaguar, your ****ing BMW, your ****ing Mustang, or a ****ing Buick! Doesn't matter, it's just four ****ing wheels and a seat! And I will find me a new ****ing general manager who knows how to properly identify a ****ing quarterback."

I like how Cassel runs over to his teammates, and tries to include himself in the celebration, and everyone completely ignores him. Cassel jumps to do the bump in midair, and there's just nobody there. Then Bowe finally looks over at Matt on his ass like "You dumbshit".

BoneKrusher · 08-25-2012, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

I like how Cassel runs over to his teammates, and tries to include himself in the celebration, and everyone completely ignores him. Cassel jumps to do the bump in midair, and there's just nobody there. Then Bowe finally looks over at Matt on his ass like "You dumbshit".

threebag · 08-25-2012, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

Baldwin - the guy who was the 'star' of camp and the reason we don't need Bowe - averaged 6 yards per catch...less than McCluster

just think about how ****ing stupid that is...

we don't even try - as a goof - to go deep to our WRs

Evidently the only way we go deep to receivers is against our own secondary in camp/practice.

**notorious** · 08-25-2012, 08:32 AM

"Cassel looks great in camp"

I wonder why?

A Salt Weapon · 08-25-2012, 08:53 AM

I think the scene out of the movie evolution is appropriate here.

Fruit basket for Russell Wilson
Posted via Mobile Device

gold_and_red · 08-25-2012, 08:55 AM

We simply won't win if we fall behind.
The passing game only includes screens and dumpoffs. No other NFL team has such a brutal misuse of true WR play considering the talent here.
Against teams with above average QBs we are f*****.
If the D doesn't click this year, we are picking in the top 10.

Dr. Johnny Fever · 08-25-2012, 09:05 AM

How is it even possible that everyone in the free world can clearly see what the biggest problem with the team is except the people actually running the team? It's truly staggaring.

On another note how is it even possible that Cassel pulled off the moronic flop on the celebration? I swear to god he almost had to try to do that.

**The Bad Guy** · 08-25-2012, 09:05 AM

It is a great article.

The Seahawks will avoid looking at the pricetag and go with the better player. The Chiefs always consider the tag.

It's just sickening.

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: 52,060

08-25-2012, 07:41 AM	#46
stevieray Most things I worry about… Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Under Pressure Casino cash: $-1094727	they are a poorly run organization. have been. for years. fifty years later, how many LEGITIMATE quarterbacks drafted in the last twenty? ....don't forget STH's get a dollar off concessions with their new card!!!!!! (that's your p(l)ayoff)
Posts: 73,971

08-25-2012, 07:49 AM	#48
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9382208	Baldwin - the guy who was the 'star' of camp and the reason we don't need Bowe - averaged 6 yards per catch...less than McCluster just think about how **ing stupid that is... we don't even try - as a goof - to go deep to our WRs __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"**
Posts: 51,585

08-25-2012, 08:32 AM	#56
notorious Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Who knows? Casino cash: $-744116	"Cassel looks great in camp" I wonder why?
Posts: 88,495

08-25-2012, 08:53 AM	#57
A Salt Weapon Starter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Alaska Casino cash: $-830000	I think the scene out of the movie evolution is appropriate here. Fruit basket for Russell Wilson Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 215

08-25-2012, 08:55 AM	#58
gold_and_red Veteran Join Date: Nov 2011 Casino cash: $9855412	We simply won't win if we fall behind. The passing game only includes screens and dumpoffs. No other NFL team has such a brutal misuse of true WR play considering the talent here. Against teams with above average QBs we are f*****. If the D doesn't click this year, we are picking in the top 10.
Posts: 1,074

08-25-2012, 09:05 AM	#59
Dr. Johnny Fever stax of wax Join Date: Feb 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	How is it even possible that everyone in the free world can clearly see what the biggest problem with the team is except the people actually running the team? It's truly staggaring. On another note how is it even possible that Cassel pulled off the moronic flop on the celebration? I swear to god he almost had to try to do that. __________________ courtesy of BoneKrusher "Baseball? It's just a game. As simple as a ball and bat, yet as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It's a sport, a business and sometimes a religion." Ernie Harwell
Posts: 34,865

08-25-2012, 09:05 AM	#60
The Bad Guy Scott Pioli Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: The Copacobana Casino cash: $9283645	It is a great article. The Seahawks will avoid looking at the pricetag and go with the better player. The Chiefs always consider the tag. It's just sickening. __________________
Posts: 23,216