Chiefs No Cause For Concern: Comparing Kansas City Chiefs 2010 And 2011 Preseason Numbers

|Zach| · 08-29-2011, 07:23 AM

The Chiefs were equally as frustrating last preseason at this stage and the results were just fine. There's no reason to sound any alarms just yet.

http://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansa...-2010-and-2011

The final game of the preseason is staring Todd Haley and the Chiefs in the face. The regular season is on the horizon. Memories of the surprise of last year's magical 10-win season are now in the rearview mirror, leaving behind only the expectations of the same. Fans seem grateful yet expectant, and the team's uninspiring performance in three preseason games has many fans worried and local writers like the KC Star's Sam Mellinger saying, "Other teams missed their offseasons, too, and at this point they’re way ahead of the Chiefs."

The words "cause for concern" might be the most appropriate way to describe the popular opinion after the Chiefs's stinker of a loss to the St. Louis Rams. But what should Chiefs fans really believe about preseason performance? Let's turn back the clock one year and take a look at some stats that might turn the tables:

1. Turnovers
The preseason version of the Chiefs in 2010 had 8 turnovers through the first 3 preseason games. The regular season version had 14 in 16 regular season games. The Chiefs were fumbling left and right with all of the familiar names involved -- Thomas Jones, Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel. There was no shortage of interceptions either, with Cassel, Tyler Palko and Brodie Croyle all throwing at least one. By comparison, their competition committed 2. That's 8 turnovers to 8, or a -6 ratio.

Fast forward to a regular season where the Chiefs commit 14 all year, and that same Cassel goes to the Pro Bowl. Cassel threw 7 picks all year, compared to 27 touchdowns. Charles and Jones both fumbled the ball 3 total times each during the regular season -- or once every 5.3 games. As a team, the Chiefs finished 5th overall in the NFL in turnover differential.

2. Key Players' Performances
At this same point last preseason, Tamba Hali had 2 tackles and 0 sacks. Zero. There was absolutely no sign to come of an outside linebacker who would be second in the league in sacks worthy of a $60 million extension. The same could be said of Wallace Gilberry who had 4 tackles and the same amount of sacks as Hali. These two players went on to lead the team's pass rush.

As for the great young secondary that became such a force for the Chiefs last season. Eric Berry had 10 tackles with no peripheral stats to speak of after 3 preseason games. Brandon Flowers had 3 tackles and 0 interceptions. Brandon Carr had 4 tackles with 0 interceptions. Again, there was nothing impressive here to speak of, no dynamic plays to change games or give any indication of future success.

At this point last year, the Kansas City Chiefs were 0-3 and had the same amount of doubters as this year -- murmurs about how the team's lack of success was going to continue and how the Chargers were likely to dominate the division again. The team's readiness was called into question, just like this season. This is nothing new.

Those who have their doubts certainly aren't without merit. After all, Mellinger is absolutely right that every team was facing the same obstacle in terms of player conditioning and readiness, and each of the Chiefs' opponents so far have been crisper at every turn. If the Chiefs had faced another 4 or 6 win season last year, then their sluggish start to the preseason, lack of conditioning and frustrating techniques would warrant the familiar doubts of the recent past. However, Haley's ability to forge a 10-win season with a roster less talented than the one he's working with now should dispel any doubts in the present.

Unless the Chiefs begin to put up numbers in the loss column that actually count, his work with the Chiefs should serve as proof enough to this point. Until then, fans just have to believe a plan is in place, and that Haley will have his players ready for the Buffalo Bills on the 11th -- the very thing he's been saying is his goal all along.

**Dave Lane** · 08-29-2011, 07:48 AM

The Rams game they looked a lot better. I'm not sure the are on the same level as the Pats and Jets but I think we will be competitive with anyone this year.

MIAdragon · 08-29-2011, 07:50 AM

MIAdragon · 08-29-2011, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

The Rams game they looked a lot better. I'm not sure the are on the same level as the Pats and Jets but I think we will be competitive with anyone this year.

**BigMeatballDave** · 08-29-2011, 07:51 AM

SHOCKING

**Lzen** · 08-29-2011, 08:01 AM

I agree with this article and I have been saying this to any of my friends or family that have been down on the Chiefs. Its just preseason. I don't really think Todd Haley is all that interested in winning exhibition games. His main goal is to evaluate talent and get ready for regular season game 1.

As for the Rams, didn't the Chiefs get down early to the Rams at St. Louis last year (although it was 2 FGs and not 2 TDs), as well? But I seem to recall the Chiefs winning that game fairly easily.

I thought they played pretty well at Baltimore. At least until all the scrubs were in late in the game. Everyone needs to keep in mind that many of those scrubs that are playing late in the game won't even be on the roster here in a couple weeks.

|Zach| · 08-29-2011, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

Hey maybe some day someone will come up with some sort of real correlation between the preseason and regular season. Until that happens I will probably continue not giving a shit...laughing at knee jerk reacting chicken little-ers and waiting for the real football to start.

**Lzen** · 08-29-2011, 08:04 AM

I seem to recall the Bills were always 1-3 in preseason in the years that they went to 4 straight Super Bowls. Just sayin'.

**RNR** · 08-29-2011, 08:05 AM

The same people who are posting gloom and doom in preseason will be posting Superbowl! after they dismantle the Bills~

**Lzen** · 08-29-2011, 08:05 AM

I also remember when Ryan Leaf and the San Diego Chargers were 5-0 in the preseason his rookie year. How did that turn out?

otherstar · 08-29-2011, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by |Zach|

Hey maybe some day someone will come up with some sort of real correlation between the preseason and regular season. Until that happens I will probably continue not giving a shit...laughing at knee jerk reacting chicken little-ers and waiting for the real football to start.

I couldn't agree more. The pre-season is meaningless. If we're playing like crap once we're down to the final 53 and the games COUNT, then I'll worry.

Chiefnj2 · 08-29-2011, 08:07 AM

I don't think anyone cares if KC wins or loses in preseason. What people care about is the fact that the first team offense looks like old dog turds; especially the starting QB.

Preseason last year Cassel was 38 for 59, with a 5.0 average and 3 TDs to 2 INTs (79.3 rating).

This year he is 12 of 27, with a 4.9 avg and 0 TD to 0 INTs and a 59.5 rating.

It would be nice if the starting QB could actually lead the team to a real scoring drive.

**Lzen** · 08-29-2011, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

I don't think anyone cares if KC wins or loses in preseason. What people care about is the fact that the first team offense looks like old dog turds; especially the starting QB.

Preseason last year Cassel was 38 for 59, with a 5.0 average and 3 TDs to 2 INTs (79.3 rating).

This year he is 12 of 27, with a 4.9 avg and 0 TD to 0 INTs and a 59.5 rating.

It would be nice if the starting QB could actually lead the team to a real scoring drive.

In the game against the Rams, it appeared he did that pretty well after the first (crappy) drive or two. But those holding penalties killed the drives. As I recall, a hold on the rookie got a Jamal Charles TD called back. The offensive line didn't play real well in that game.

|Zach| · 08-29-2011, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

I don't think anyone cares if KC wins or loses in preseason. What people care about is the fact that the first team offense looks like old dog turds; especially the starting QB.

Preseason last year Cassel was 38 for 59, with a 5.0 average and 3 TDs to 2 INTs (79.3 rating).

This year he is 12 of 27, with a 4.9 avg and 0 TD to 0 INTs and a 59.5 rating.

It would be nice if the starting QB could actually lead the team to a real scoring drive.

Whenever any of it is correlated to the regular season I will take notice.

Actually I probably won't. I honestly have no idea how you people put stock in these preseason games. None.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 08-29-2011, 08:39 AM

Here's the biggest reason I'm concerned:

The offense - and Cassel especially - started VERY slow last year. Thanks to ST and defense, we started 2-0.

Against SD, Cassel went 10/22 for 68 yards and a TD. We racked up a whopping 197 yards of offense.

Against Cleveland, we didn't score an offensive TD, and Cassel went 16/28 for 176 yards and 2 INT's.

In the two games combined, we only converted 6/26 3rd down attempts. 23%

I know people here like to think Buffalo and Detroit are going to be pushovers, but if we produce at the same level we did in the first two games of 2010, we're not starting 2-0 without a ton of help.

08-29-2011, 07:23 AM
\|Zach\| For The Glory Of The City Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $5326768	No Cause For Concern: Comparing Kansas City Chiefs 2010 And 2011 Preseason Numbers The Chiefs were equally as frustrating last preseason at this stage and the results were just fine. There's no reason to sound any alarms just yet. http://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansa...-2010-and-2011 The final game of the preseason is staring Todd Haley and the Chiefs in the face. The regular season is on the horizon. Memories of the surprise of last year's magical 10-win season are now in the rearview mirror, leaving behind only the expectations of the same. Fans seem grateful yet expectant, and the team's uninspiring performance in three preseason games has many fans worried and local writers like the KC Star's Sam Mellinger saying, "Other teams missed their offseasons, too, and at this point they’re way ahead of the Chiefs." The words "cause for concern" might be the most appropriate way to describe the popular opinion after the Chiefs's stinker of a loss to the St. Louis Rams. But what should Chiefs fans really believe about preseason performance? Let's turn back the clock one year and take a look at some stats that might turn the tables: 1. Turnovers The preseason version of the Chiefs in 2010 had 8 turnovers through the first 3 preseason games. The regular season version had 14 in 16 regular season games. The Chiefs were fumbling left and right with all of the familiar names involved -- Thomas Jones, Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel. There was no shortage of interceptions either, with Cassel, Tyler Palko and Brodie Croyle all throwing at least one. By comparison, their competition committed 2. That's 8 turnovers to 8, or a -6 ratio. Fast forward to a regular season where the Chiefs commit 14 all year, and that same Cassel goes to the Pro Bowl. Cassel threw 7 picks all year, compared to 27 touchdowns. Charles and Jones both fumbled the ball 3 total times each during the regular season -- or once every 5.3 games. As a team, the Chiefs finished 5th overall in the NFL in turnover differential. 2. Key Players' Performances At this same point last preseason, Tamba Hali had 2 tackles and 0 sacks. Zero. There was absolutely no sign to come of an outside linebacker who would be second in the league in sacks worthy of a $60 million extension. The same could be said of Wallace Gilberry who had 4 tackles and the same amount of sacks as Hali. These two players went on to lead the team's pass rush. As for the great young secondary that became such a force for the Chiefs last season. Eric Berry had 10 tackles with no peripheral stats to speak of after 3 preseason games. Brandon Flowers had 3 tackles and 0 interceptions. Brandon Carr had 4 tackles with 0 interceptions. Again, there was nothing impressive here to speak of, no dynamic plays to change games or give any indication of future success. At this point last year, the Kansas City Chiefs were 0-3 and had the same amount of doubters as this year -- murmurs about how the team's lack of success was going to continue and how the Chargers were likely to dominate the division again. The team's readiness was called into question, just like this season. This is nothing new. Those who have their doubts certainly aren't without merit. After all, Mellinger is absolutely right that every team was facing the same obstacle in terms of player conditioning and readiness, and each of the Chiefs' opponents so far have been crisper at every turn. If the Chiefs had faced another 4 or 6 win season last year, then their sluggish start to the preseason, lack of conditioning and frustrating techniques would warrant the familiar doubts of the recent past. However, Haley's ability to forge a 10-win season with a roster less talented than the one he's working with now should dispel any doubts in the present. Unless the Chiefs begin to put up numbers in the loss column that actually count, his work with the Chiefs should serve as proof enough to this point. Until then, fans just have to believe a plan is in place, and that Haley will have his players ready for the Buffalo Bills on the 11th -- the very thing he's been saying is his goal all along.
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08-29-2011, 07:48 AM	#2
Dave Lane Space Cadet and Aczabel Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kanab, UT, USA Casino cash: $9333275 VARSITY	The Rams game they looked a lot better. I'm not sure the are on the same level as the Pats and Jets but I think we will be competitive with anyone this year. __________________ Thanks, Trump for the civics lesson. We are learning so much about RICO, espionage, sedition, impeachment, the 25th Amendment, order of succession, nepotism, separation of powers, 1st Amendment, obstruction of justice, the emoluments clause, conflicts of interest, collusion, sanctions, oligarchs, money laundering and so much more.
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08-29-2011, 07:50 AM	#3
MIAdragon Someone pass the antifreeze Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Miami (North Cuba) Casino cash: $1617819
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08-29-2011, 07:51 AM	#5
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	SHOCKING
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08-29-2011, 08:01 AM	#6
Lzen Supporter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16 Casino cash: $2240692	I agree with this article and I have been saying this to any of my friends or family that have been down on the Chiefs. Its just preseason. I don't really think Todd Haley is all that interested in winning exhibition games. His main goal is to evaluate talent and get ready for regular season game 1. As for the Rams, didn't the Chiefs get down early to the Rams at St. Louis last year (although it was 2 FGs and not 2 TDs), as well? But I seem to recall the Chiefs winning that game fairly easily. I thought they played pretty well at Baltimore. At least until all the scrubs were in late in the game. Everyone needs to keep in mind that many of those scrubs that are playing late in the game won't even be on the roster here in a couple weeks. __________________ If at first you don't succeed ...skydiving is not for you.
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08-29-2011, 08:04 AM	#8
Lzen Supporter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16 Casino cash: $2240692	I seem to recall the Bills were always 1-3 in preseason in the years that they went to 4 straight Super Bowls. Just sayin'. __________________ If at first you don't succeed ...skydiving is not for you.
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08-29-2011, 08:05 AM	#9
RNR America is great assholes~ Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: In some people's mind~ Casino cash: $10027990	The same people who are posting gloom and doom in preseason will be posting Superbowl! after they dismantle the Bills~ __________________ The Trump campaign and Black Lives Matter movement are perfect for each other. Both sides filled with easily led and angry nitwits convinced they are victims~
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08-29-2011, 08:07 AM	#12
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $7883688	I don't think anyone cares if KC wins or loses in preseason. What people care about is the fact that the first team offense looks like old dog turds; especially the starting QB. Preseason last year Cassel was 38 for 59, with a 5.0 average and 3 TDs to 2 INTs (79.3 rating). This year he is 12 of 27, with a 4.9 avg and 0 TD to 0 INTs and a 59.5 rating. It would be nice if the starting QB could actually lead the team to a real scoring drive. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,391

08-29-2011, 08:39 AM	#15
OnTheWarpath15 MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $4931115	Here's the biggest reason I'm concerned: The offense - and Cassel especially - started VERY slow last year. Thanks to ST and defense, we started 2-0. Against SD, Cassel went 10/22 for 68 yards and a TD. We racked up a whopping 197 yards of offense. Against Cleveland, we didn't score an offensive TD, and Cassel went 16/28 for 176 yards and 2 INT's. In the two games combined, we only converted 6/26 3rd down attempts. 23% I know people here like to think Buffalo and Detroit are going to be pushovers, but if we produce at the same level we did in the first two games of 2010, we're not starting 2-0 without a ton of help.
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