Chiefs Mellinger nails it. Great article. - Page 7

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

In58men · 08-25-2012, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneKrusher

yeah, i've yet to see a good QB from USC.

Palmer was the best one IMO and look at him. Tyler Wilson is on my list.

**New World Order** · 08-25-2012, 11:12 AM

I would be down for drafting a new qb, most definitely

jd1020 · 08-25-2012, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inmem58

Palmer was the best one IMO and look at him. Tyler Wilson is on my list.

Ya. Look at him. He was one of the best QBs in the league before injuries. What a bum.

Pants · 08-25-2012, 11:16 AM

Commence the Suck 4 Barkley campaign.

In58men · 08-25-2012, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

Ya. Look at him. He was one of the best QBs in the league before injuries. What a bum.

You don't know what he would have been like if he didn't have injuries. Give me another outstanding QB from USC?

Like Katt Williams said "Go ahead I'll wait"

Raiderhater · 08-25-2012, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

Wrong. I do know that they aren't worth a shit because either

A: They're not starting anymore

OR

B: THEY JUST AREN'T WORTH A SHIT.

Meanwhile our guy has played in a PROBOWL.

Go back to your clam chowder and old man pervert fantasies and leave the sport talk to people who actually know shit ok?

*facepalm*

Raiderhater · 08-25-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inmem58

Say no to Barkley. If you seen one USC QB you've seen them all. I'm a USC fan too.

This.

NWTF · 08-25-2012, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneKrusher

yeah, i've yet to see a good QB from USC.

??? Palmer ??? He was top 5 about 5-6 years ago. Age and injuries have caught up to him.

TEX · 08-25-2012, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inmem58

Great article. It's embarrassing to he a chiefs fan. Todd Blackledge haunts us

LOL! The only KC player that kinda equals Todd Blackledge is Lin Elliot...

Skyy God · 08-25-2012, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD10367

What's sad is this: Ryan Mallett looked much improved for my Pats last night. We could trade you a backup QB again and send you Brian Hoyer, who sucks balls. And I think Hoyer would still probably step in and play better than Cassel.

Wilson may or may not be the real deal. He might be another Doug Flutie, a guy who manages to play taller than his size and win a lot of games on sheer talent and will, but who may never lead you to the Promised Land. But that's not the point; this is. And it's staggering when you think about it.

"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."

In reality, the Chiefs passed on more than 5 starting QBs. The could have traded up (e.g. Tannehill, RG3) or decided to enter the Luck sweepstakes.

Instead, we're stuck with literally the least promising starting QB in the league.

jd1020 · 08-25-2012, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pittsie

In reality, the Chiefs passed on more than 5 starting QBs. The could have traded up (e.g. Tannehill, RG3) or decided to enter the Luck sweepstakes.

Instead, we're stuck with literally the least promising starting QB in the league.

The ignorance of some people...

Skyy God · 08-25-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

The ignorance of some people...

The always win crowd?

jd1020 · 08-25-2012, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pittsie

The always win crowd?

Nah... the "we had a chance at Luck and RG3" crowd. AKA dumbasses.

**Bugeater** · 08-25-2012, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

Nah... the "we had a chance at Luck and RG3" crowd. AKA dumbasses.

I assume he meant intentionally tanking a season like Indy did.

Skyy God · 08-25-2012, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

Nah... the "we had a chance at Luck and RG3" crowd. AKA dumbasses.

Regarding RG3, we absolutely had a chance. The Rams needed a #1 CB and WR, and we had both to trade.

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
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08-25-2012, 11:12 AM	#92
New World Order Choco Favre Join Date: Jul 2012 Casino cash: $-1005235	I would be down for drafting a new qb, most definitely
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08-25-2012, 11:16 AM	#94
Pants Time Keeps On Slipping Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Overland Park Casino cash: $3639900	Commence the Suck 4 Barkley campaign. __________________ "Turn the channel to 26!"
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