Devard Darling ready to reclaim starting job

[Hammock Parties]

Recognize the talent and wait for the DVD revolution.

http://www.bobgretz.com/chiefs-footb...%99chiefs.html

Darling Chases Starting Spot … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs

Todd Haley says there are no starting jobs assured on the 2009 Chiefs right now.

That’s OK with Devard Darling. He’s more than willing to keep working for a starting job. He’s just excited that right now, he’s running with the first team offense as the other receiver with Dwayne Bowe.

It was Bowe who got all the attention on Monday as the Chiefs started another week of OTA workouts. Haley talked about Bowe, and then the wide receiver spoke to the media, something he’s done very little of during this off-season.

On the other side of the room was the team’s other starting receiver – at least for now. As always, Darling did not draw a lot of attention. It’s probably one of the biggest surprises of the new season so far that a guy considered an unrestricted free agent bust last year, has pushed himself into the mix in the Chiefs offense. A starting job in June does not mean he goes back to Baltimore in September and takes the field for the first offensive play.

But right now, Darling is getting the chance to build rapport with QB Matt Cassel, thanks to those reps with the first team.

“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Darling said. “It’s too early to think things are set. There’s a lot of work left to do, then training camp. I’m just going out and working as hard as I can every day that I’m here. That’s what I’ve done through this whole off-season and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.”

In a Chiefs passing game that has struggled in the last week or so to get things done, Darling has been very consistent and very productive.

“You hear from the coaches all the time that they are evaluating,” said Darling. “So I try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.”

People forget that Darling started last year in the Chiefs offense. It was a spot he held for the first five games of the season. He caught just four passes in those games and the only one to remember was the 68-yard play where he split the Patriots defense in the fourth quarter and gave the Chiefs a chance to beat New England. Right after Darling catch and run, Bowe dropped a TD pass in the end zone and the Chiefs racked up the first of their 14 defeats.

That play should have been Darling’s ticket to more action in the Chiefs offense. But something got in his way. First, it was the problems at quarterback and first Brodie Croyle and then Damon Huard were injured. Through the first five weeks, Darling caught just four passes, none longer than 11 yards.

That’s when Darling lost his starting job, as Mark Bradley advanced to the first unit after being signed off the waiver wire. Darling did not start again until Bradley was injured late in the season.

And it was in the last month that Tyler Thigpen found him again, as Darling caught seven passes in the final three games, including a 33-yard TD catch against Miami.

So what happened between the 68-yarder against the Patriots and the 33-yard catch against the Dolphins? Darling would like to know.

“I can’t really tell you what happened,” he said. “Nobody ever said anything to me. I didn’t get a lot of opportunities.”

Darling ended the season with 17 catches for 247 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers were all less than what he’d done in the 2007 season with Baltimore (18 for 326 and 3 TDs.) He did contribute 11 special teams tackles last season, which was second on the team.

“It was a bad year, the worst season I was part of in my career,” Darling said. “It wasn’t just that I didn’t get a chance in the offense. It was the losing. It was just awful.”

Like everyone else that returns from the 2-14 debacle, Darling is looking for an opportunity to wash that sour taste out of his mouth.

“We have a chance to overcome that,” said Darling. “That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to get better every day and help this team win some games.”

[Frosty]

Personally, I've taken a "wait and see" attitude with all current Chiefs, to see what happens when they aren't under the band or 'tards that were here the last three years. DVD showed a ton of talent in college and has been under terrible QB's all through his NFL career. I'm interested to see what he can do in Haley's system.

[Chief Faithful]

Originally Posted by arc

Personally, I've taken a "wait and see" attitude with all current Chiefs, to see what happens when they aren't under the band or 'tards that were here the last three years. DVD showed a ton of talent in college and has been under terrible QB's all through his NFL career. I'm interested to see what he can do in Haley's system.

I've taken the same approach, but it is hard to imagine Devard Darling becoming a legit #2. If Haley can make something out of Darling then I'll be impressed.

[wasi]

Originally Posted by Chief Faithful

I've taken the same approach, but it is hard to imagine Devard Darling becoming a legit #2. If Haley can make something out of Darling then I'll be impressed.

The Chief's passing game has been TG and then all the other receivers and backs for so long that with TG now gone if Haley can make anything out of the current group I'll be impressed.

[BossChief]

Id rather see Jeff Webb get a chance than have to see that scratched DVD waste his again.

IMHO passes went his way till the passers lost their comfort zone with throwing in his direction.

decent special teamer though...

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by BossChief

IMHO passes went his way till the passers lost their comfort zone with throwing in his direction.

This literally sounds like you think he was dropping passes. He wasn't.

[Farzin]

I was at OTAs and he dropped a pair...thought I'd share...

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

what about harrison closing fast from directly behind?

Harrison might've gotten a hand on him, but I doubt he brings him down.
I think if it hadn't been for O'Neal...Darling scores there.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by BossChief

Id rather see Jeff Webb get a chance than have to see that scratched DVD waste his again.

IMHO passes went his way till the passers lost their comfort zone with throwing in his direction.

decent special teamer though...

Why? Webb's had his chance.

[Hammock Parties]

Even IF Harrison had caught Darling, it would mean nothing. Greg Wesley once caught Tatum Bell from behind. It didn't make Wesley fast. It didn't make Bell slow. It just happens. Guys can't run full speed forever. If you don't understand this, you are a reerun.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by Claythan

Even IF Harrison had caught Darling, it would mean nothing. Greg Wesley once caught Tatum Bell from behind. It didn't make Wesley fast. It didn't make Bell slow. It just happens. Guys can't run full speed forever. If you don't understand this, you are a reerun.

I tend to agree, but you and I both know if he'd been caught by Harrison he'd never hear the end of it in that locker room.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by Claythan

This literally sounds like you think he was dropping passes. He wasn't.

No, dropping passes would mean he had effectively gotten off the line, which he didnt, had gained seperation in his cuts, which he didnt, had ran the correct route, which from his not being in sync with the qb makes me think he didnt, and had fought for the ball in the air in tight coverage and gotten his hand on the ball.

So, no he didnt routinely drop passes that lead to qbs losing confidence in throwing to him.

Sorry, I should have elaborated further.

I am somewhat excited to see who steps up WHEN Bradley gets hurt, DVD or Webb or possibly someone else...

time will tell