Chiefs Babb: Chiefs lose 20-17 to Chargers but gain a symbol - Page 5

**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)

**The Bad Guy** · 09-26-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

I feel like I am part of this team, even if I am just a fan. I invest time and money into this. This is my team.

And If my team isn't going to quit on me, I am not going to quit on them. I hope to God they get their franchise QB, just like the rest of you. I'm over Cassel.

But if they can still have the heart to play these games, then as part of team KC, So should I. As a man, I can root for men who don't quit because I know what it feels like.

Yeah, this is way over the top for me. I love football. Love the Chiefs. This "as a man" nonsense is way, way overblown.

It's entertainment as numerous posters said. When football starts turning into real life and I attach myself in a way where I act like the guy in the "it's real to me damnit" wrestling clip, then that's when I find something else to occupy my time.

Again, there are few things I'm passionate more about than this team, but there's nothing wrong with people willing to sacrifice games this year for the better of this team next year and moving forward. It has nothing to do with being a man or any of that other nonsense.

lcarus · 09-26-2011, 10:36 AM

Listening to Haley's press conference, you'd think we won. I understand we didn't lose by 40 this time, but we still lost to a Chargers team that was walking in their sleep out there most of the time. Which you can't deny. They do it every season.

ToxSocks · 09-26-2011, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

However, you can't lose the amount of talent we have, and expect to be competitive. They've literally lost 4 of their top players. If Hali, Bowe and DJ went down, I'd be fairly confident saying they would go 0-16.

I agree. I was telling my wife that yesterday. Hali, Bowe, DJ and Flowers. Lose any of those guys and Andrew Luck is ours.

Ughhh.....Imagine Cassel w/o Bowe?

**The Bad Guy** · 09-26-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

We don't have a running back worth shit either.

I agree that the main problem is the QB.

However, you can't lose the amount of talent we have, and expect to be competitive. They've literally lost 4 of their top players. If Hali, Bowe and DJ went down, I'd be fairly confident saying they would go 0-16.

This post sounds like im making excuses for Cassel. Cassel is the main problem with this team regardless if these 3 acls and injured ankle were back in the lineup.

If the Chiefs make no changes next year except for getting Andrew Luck and removing Matt Cassel, then it's the most successful offeseason ever.

**loochy** · 09-26-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

Yeah, this is way over the top for me. I love football. Love the Chiefs. This "as a man" nonsense is way, way overblown.

It's entertainment as numerous posters said. When football starts turning into real life and I attach myself in a way where I act like the guy in the "it's real to me damnit" wrestling clip, then that's when I find something else to occupy my time.

Again, there are few things I'm passionate more about than this team, but there's nothing wrong with people willing to sacrifice games this year for the better of this team next year and moving forward. It has nothing to do with being a man or any of that other nonsense.

This whole type of attitude reminds me of a smart, intelligent running back (like Barry Sanders) that will dance and go backwards for a chance to break a big play VS a reeruned big running back that runs into the pile every time.

**The Bad Guy** · 09-26-2011, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

I agree. I was telling my wife that yesterday. Hali, Bowe, DJ and Flowers. Lose any of those guys and Andrew Luck is ours.

Ughhh.....Imagine Cassel w/o Bowe?

I think Luck is ours regardless if those guys manage to stay healthy all year.

The schedule is a nightmare. Pure nightmare and that 5 game stretch against Pittsburgh, NE, Chicago, NY Jets and Packers are going to bury this team.

This team just isn't any good. Hali is a stud, Bowe is very good, DJ flashes, Breaston made some nice plays, but they can't make up for the massive voids injury and depth this team has.

**The Bad Guy** · 09-26-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loochy

This whole type of attitude reminds me of a smart, intelligent running back (like Barry Sanders) that will dance and go backwards for a chance to break a big play VS a reeruned big running back that runs into the pile every time.

Lot of truth in the comparsion.

Reerun_KC · 09-26-2011, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loochy

This whole type of attitude reminds me of a smart, intelligent running back (like Barry Sanders) that will dance and go backwards for a chance to break a big play VS a reeruned big running back that runs into the pile every time.

Which put reality into check when he retired at pretty much the top of his game...

ToxSocks · 09-26-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

Yeah, this is way over the top for me. I love football. Love the Chiefs. This "as a man" nonsense is way, way overblown.

It's entertainment as numerous posters said. When football starts turning into real life and I attach myself in a way where I act like the guy in the "it's real to me damnit" wrestling clip, then that's when I find something else to occupy my time.

Again, there are few things I'm passionate more about than this team, but there's nothing wrong with people willing to sacrifice games this year for the better of this team next year and moving forward. It has nothing to do with being a man or any of that other nonsense.

How is it overblown? I like rooting for people who aren't quitters. That is part of the entertainment for me.

If a team doesn't quit and has a winning attitude, I can get behind that because it's something I highly value. I can cheer for someone like that.

I can't bring myself to cheer against someone who won't give up.

I understand that they won't win shit with Cassel at the the helm. I've been wanting a QB since the marty era. And I hope they find that guy in the next draft, whether it be Luck or someone else.

But in the mean time, Ima cheer for them.

**loochy** · 09-26-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReeTodd_KC

Which put reality into check when he retired at pretty much the top of his game...

Meh...he didn't need no stinkin football!

Okie_Apparition · 09-26-2011, 11:02 AM

How you cheer doesn't matter to the score board. But I bet I can nail the wife of a lilly livered Suck 4 Luck supporter. She & the kids are embarrassed

mikey23545 · 09-26-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

How is it overblown? I like rooting for people who aren't quitters. That is part of the entertainment for me.

If a team doesn't quit and has a winning attitude, I can get behind that because it's something I highly value. I can cheer for someone like that.

I can't bring myself to cheer against someone who won't give up.

I understand that they won't win shit with Cassel at the the helm. I've been wanting a QB since the marty era. And I hope they find that guy in the next draft, whether it be Luck or someone else.

But in the mean time, Ima cheer for them.

Me and you both, Detoxing.

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: 42,196

09-26-2011, 10:36 AM	#62
lcarus Everybody Lies. Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: 22 Acacia Avenue Casino cash: $1399928	Listening to Haley's press conference, you'd think we won. I understand we didn't lose by 40 this time, but we still lost to a Chargers team that was walking in their sleep out there most of the time. Which you can't deny. They do it every season.
Posts: 17,367

09-26-2011, 11:02 AM	#71
Okie_Apparition Banned Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: floatin cobwebs n the sky Casino cash: $10004900	How you cheer doesn't matter to the score board. But I bet I can nail the wife of a lilly livered Suck 4 Luck supporter. She & the kids are embarrassed
Posts: 7,012