Chiefs Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look - Page 21

**Tribal Warfare** · 07-26-2013, 07:24 PM

On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
Andy Reid delivered a not-so-subtle message Friday with the first play at Chiefs training camp. He had quarterback Alex Smith heave a pass deep down the middle that was hauled in for a touchdown by wide receiver Dexter McCluster.

The play served notice that after two seasons with a dormant passing attack, the Chiefs intend to revive it in a big way.

“I wasn’t ready for that,” Smith said. “I came up and I got a good look for it. Crowd pleaser.”

Much more needs to happen before the passing game can be called successful. But the intent is obviously there. Smith completed another deep pass to McCluster a few plays later.

As much as Reid enjoyed the big plays, he liked the consistency of the passing game. Smith, who completed 70 percent of his passes for the 49ers last season, went several plays into practice before throwing his first incompletion.

“There weren’t a lot of balls on the ground, and it looked like the defense had people covered,” Reid said. “They were in position.”

The trade for Smith was the biggest of the offseason moves aimed at revitalizing a sluggish offense. Smith, the first pick in the 2005 draft and San Francisco’s long-time starter, is used to such pressure.

“I’m much better equipped to handle it now,” Smith said. “When you’re a young guy and coming in and playing early, I dwelled on (negative things) too much. I let it affect my play too much. I tried to please everybody.

“I’m going to play my game. I’m going to try to work as hard as I can to get as good as I can and try to reach my potential and win a bunch of games. That’s the goal. I’m not worried about a bunch of other things.”

Smith received another peek at the expectations waiting for him at the end of practice, when a fan called to him asking Smith to be the Chiefs’ savior.

“That’s a strong word,” Smith said. “That’s a great example. When I was younger, I would have taken that literally. I tried to make every single throw and I tried to prove to everybody on every single play that, yeah, I could do this.”

That McCluster was on the receiving end of Smith’s long passes was another bonus for the Chiefs. They practiced without their most accomplished receiver, Dwayne Bowe, who is on the non-football injury list with a viral condition.

Bowe may return to practice as soon as Saturday. But no matter when he plays, the Chiefs are still in search of a consistent threat to go along with him. The diminutive McCluster has long tantalized the Chiefs with his big-play ability, but he has delivered precious few such plays since arriving as a rookie in 2010.

He bounced from receiver to running back and again to receiver, never seeming to find a comfortable spot. While it’s far too early to call him a changed player in Reid’s offense, it’s a start.

“It’s always good to start a first practice … with a big one,” McCluster said. “I’m happy I held on to the ball.”

Reid’s arrival could rescue McCluster’s career, which stalled last season under coach Romeo Crennel. Reid, then coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, was intrigued by McCluster when he was available in the 2010 draft.

The Chiefs got to him first, but Reid began making plans for McCluster shortly after arriving in Kansas City in January.

“He gives you a little flexibility,” Reid said. “You can move him around a Iittle. We’ll use him here and there.”

During offseason practice and again on Friday, McCluster lined up in a variety of spots.

“I don’t know where he couldn’t line up, to be honest, as far as skill positions go,” Smith said. “He’s got that many tools in the belt.”

Another offensive player the Chiefs are counting on is rookie running back Knile Davis. The Chiefs hope he can be turned into a kickoff return specialist, even though he never returned a kick during a game in college at Arkansas.

That process got off to a rough start Friday when Davis, who was a frequent fumbler in college, dropped a kickoff.

“We’ll get that fixed,” Reid said.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

His collective stats over his early years allowed for no other conclusion than to say he'd be a career backup or out of the league already. Same for others like Steve Young.

Oooooppps. So much for those concrete conclusions, eh?

to this point he's kind of been a career backup.

What percentage of game in his career has he actually started?
Posted via Mobile Device

RunKC · 07-27-2013, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

How does a team that went 8-8 and lost more than they replaced in the steelers factor into this equation? Not to mention, that three of those teams, are in the same division and will beat the hell out of each other.

The Steelers still had the best defense in the league statistically last year and their QB had one of his best seasons in his career.
They got the best pass rusher in the draft and a very talented RB to fix their rushing attack.

Yeah they lost Mike Wallace, but they had other solid weapons. They're gonna be in the WC race.

keg in kc · 07-27-2013, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

And why do we expect for Smith to be a game manager? Because the statistics, the facts, allow for no other conclusion.

And I don't know about you, but I will be tickled pink if it turns out that he can be more than that. I certainly don't want him to fail. At all. I hope we win championships out the wazoo and a future self 5 years from now is thinking back and wondering why I didn't see it. I just don't believe it's all that likely.

So suffice to say I don't understand why people treat mediocre predictions like that's what I want. Why would I want that? I want a winning team that's actually fun to watch.

I just don't happen to think that the moves made to date are going to give me that...

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChargers

No he didn't - he just finally had a supporting cast that didn't choke. He had been good enough to win it all since at least 2010.

Ok his WR didn't make multiple ridiculous catches the entire PO run and the SB along with Denver completely blowing coverage costing themselves the win.

I did not see any of that watching every single play of the playoffs.

GoChargers · 07-27-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

but the contract he got will be laughed at soon enough. (as if it isn't laughed at already by many)

His contract doesn't really get bad until 2016, and by then, it'll probably be restructured.

**DeezNutz** · 07-27-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

And I don't know about you, but I will be tickled pink if it turns out that he can be more than that. I certainly don't want him to fail. At all. I hope we win championships out the wazoo and a future self 5 years from now is thinking back and wondering why I didn't see it. I just don't believe it's all that likely.

So suffice to say I don't understand why people treat mediocre predictions like that's what I want. Why would I want that? I want a winning team that's actually fun to watch.

I just don't happen to think that the moves made to date are going to give me that...

All of this.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

You do not want to compare who is talking opinion vs fact dude it goes both ways.

Nobody knows whats going to happen this season.

You are telling me you know what offense we are going to run and how its going to play out? Reid had a spread offense coordinator and an expert on the pistol offense on his staff in Philly?

You knew when Rich Gannon came to KC as a journeyman QB he was going to be a league MVP and lead his team to a SB a few years later?

dumbass, no one is saying what us going to happen this year. we aren't miss Cleo.

We are saying what isthe likely outcome based on the past performance of Smith.

cue you saying its a different situation. That is an excuse and hope. What facts do you have to make us think he's going to do better
Posted via Mobile Device

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChargers

His contract doesn't really get bad until 2016, and by then, it'll probably be restructured.

They have zero $ this year.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

And I don't know about you, but I will be tickled pink if it turns out that he can be more than that. I certainly don't want him to fail. At all. I hope we win championships out the wazoo and a future self 5 years from now is thinking back and wondering why I didn't see it. I just don't believe it's all that likely.

So suffice to say I don't understand why people treat mediocre predictions like that's what I want. Why would I want that? I want a winning team that's actually fun to watch.

I just don't happen to think that the moves made to date are going to give me that...

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

so now you gave up on girls and only **** dudes? Hmmmm.... gross.

Where did you get that from my post? I'm not the one rooting for San Francisco
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Sandy Vagina · 07-27-2013, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

to this point he's kind of been a career backup.

What percentage of game in his career has he actually started?
Posted via Mobile Device

There goes the ignorant "career talk" again. A starter the last 2.5 seasons. Take the passer ratings of those seasons and he's top 10 in the league... and a QB assessor like Reid gives up a lot to get him.

You really want to act like he's a backup?

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

And I don't know about you, but I will be tickled pink if it turns out that he can be more than that. I certainly don't want him to fail. At all. I hope we win championships out the wazoo and a future self 5 years from now is thinking back and wondering why I didn't see it. I just don't believe it's all that likely.

So suffice to say I don't understand why people treat mediocre predictions like that's what I want. Why would I want that? I want a winning team that's actually fun to watch.

I just don't happen to think that the moves made to date are going to give me that...

another perfect post
Posted via Mobile Device

GoChargers · 07-27-2013, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

They have zero $ this year.

IIRC, Flacco's cap hit was only $6.8 million this year. They still had enough money to sign Dumervil and Huff, and had a great draft. They will be fine.

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

dumbass, no one is saying what us going to happen this year. we aren't miss Cleo.

We are saying what isthe likely outcome based on the past performance of Smith.

cue you saying its a different situation. That is an excuse and hope. What facts do you have to make us think he's going to do better
Posted via Mobile Device

Andy Reid's past success with QB's and as an OC is not "excuse and hope".

He has his hand picked guy so he thinks he can win with him.

Reid has brought in guys to help out building an offense that will utilize Smith's athleticism. You do understand that right?

If you dont get that, dont call me a dumbass.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

There goes the ignorant "career talk" again. A starter the last 2.5 seasons. Take the passer ratings of those seasons and he's top 10 in the league... and a QB assessor like Reid gives up a lot to get him.

You really want to act like he's a backup?

well except he wasn't the starter the past 2.5 seasons. Kapernick started the last half of last season and the playoffs...

Are you sure you watched niners games?
Posted via Mobile Device

07-26-2013, 07:24 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $1002813	Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Andy Reid delivered a not-so-subtle message Friday with the first play at Chiefs training camp. He had quarterback Alex Smith heave a pass deep down the middle that was hauled in for a touchdown by wide receiver Dexter McCluster. The play served notice that after two seasons with a dormant passing attack, the Chiefs intend to revive it in a big way. “I wasn’t ready for that,” Smith said. “I came up and I got a good look for it. Crowd pleaser.” Much more needs to happen before the passing game can be called successful. But the intent is obviously there. Smith completed another deep pass to McCluster a few plays later. As much as Reid enjoyed the big plays, he liked the consistency of the passing game. Smith, who completed 70 percent of his passes for the 49ers last season, went several plays into practice before throwing his first incompletion. “There weren’t a lot of balls on the ground, and it looked like the defense had people covered,” Reid said. “They were in position.” The trade for Smith was the biggest of the offseason moves aimed at revitalizing a sluggish offense. Smith, the first pick in the 2005 draft and San Francisco’s long-time starter, is used to such pressure. “I’m much better equipped to handle it now,” Smith said. “When you’re a young guy and coming in and playing early, I dwelled on (negative things) too much. I let it affect my play too much. I tried to please everybody. “I’m going to play my game. I’m going to try to work as hard as I can to get as good as I can and try to reach my potential and win a bunch of games. That’s the goal. I’m not worried about a bunch of other things.” Smith received another peek at the expectations waiting for him at the end of practice, when a fan called to him asking Smith to be the Chiefs’ savior. “That’s a strong word,” Smith said. “That’s a great example. When I was younger, I would have taken that literally. I tried to make every single throw and I tried to prove to everybody on every single play that, yeah, I could do this.” That McCluster was on the receiving end of Smith’s long passes was another bonus for the Chiefs. They practiced without their most accomplished receiver, Dwayne Bowe, who is on the non-football injury list with a viral condition. Bowe may return to practice as soon as Saturday. But no matter when he plays, the Chiefs are still in search of a consistent threat to go along with him. The diminutive McCluster has long tantalized the Chiefs with his big-play ability, but he has delivered precious few such plays since arriving as a rookie in 2010. He bounced from receiver to running back and again to receiver, never seeming to find a comfortable spot. While it’s far too early to call him a changed player in Reid’s offense, it’s a start. “It’s always good to start a first practice … with a big one,” McCluster said. “I’m happy I held on to the ball.” Reid’s arrival could rescue McCluster’s career, which stalled last season under coach Romeo Crennel. Reid, then coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, was intrigued by McCluster when he was available in the 2010 draft. The Chiefs got to him first, but Reid began making plans for McCluster shortly after arriving in Kansas City in January. “He gives you a little flexibility,” Reid said. “You can move him around a Iittle. We’ll use him here and there.” During offseason practice and again on Friday, McCluster lined up in a variety of spots. “I don’t know where he couldn’t line up, to be honest, as far as skill positions go,” Smith said. “He’s got that many tools in the belt.” Another offensive player the Chiefs are counting on is rookie running back Knile Davis. The Chiefs hope he can be turned into a kickoff return specialist, even though he never returned a kick during a game in college at Arkansas. That process got off to a rough start Friday when Davis, who was a frequent fumbler in college, dropped a kickoff. “We’ll get that fixed,” Reid said.
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