Chiefs Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look - Page 22

**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.

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

another perfect post
Posted via Mobile Device

**** yea it perfect, it is already setting up this scenario -

A. Smith succeeds, I am happy as a lark, ****ing A!

B. Smith fails, "I told you so! You dumbasses!"

That's a damn tough situation to be in.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

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.

sorry for the dumbass. Thought it was maverick I was responding to. He's a dumbass.

But it is hope. You hope Reid is right in his assessment and hope Smith will perform like a franchise qb.
Posted via Mobile Device

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

**** yea it perfect, it is already setting up this scenario -

A. Smith succeeds, I am happy as a lark, ****ing A!

B. Smith fails, "I told you so! You dumbasses!"

That's a damn tough situation to be in.

If Smith succeeds would you want him to be pissed?

the post illustrates how dumb it is for some to act as though we are rooting for this team to fail
Posted via Mobile Device

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

sorry for the dumbass. Thought it was maverick I was responding to. He's a dumbass.

But it is hope. You hope Reid is right in his assessment and hope Smith will perform like a franchise qb.
Posted via Mobile Device

You hope the same thing.

The difference is I believe it because I think he is ascending as a player which he has shown the last 2 years and I think he is in the right situation to keep ascending.

Nothing that happened Smiths last 26 games or so shows he isn't capable. Yea he struggled against the Giants, so has Tom Brady and countless other QB's.

Clay has tried to dismiss leading the league in YPA which is the most ridiculous thing on the planet. Its like people want to ignore the positives and focus on negatives.

And BTW I have posts supporting Smith before he was ever a Chief so this isn't blind homerism because he is now a Chief.

O.city · 07-27-2013, 02:31 PM

If guys like OTWP and leg want to be negative or pessimistic, IMO, that's fine because I know if they are wrong they'll come here and admit it and actually enjoy the success.

Like they've said, they don't want these things to happen, it's what they think will happen.

Hammock Parties · 07-27-2013, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Clay has tried to dismiss leading the league in YPA which is the most ridiculous thing on the planet.

No it's not.

It's a worthless statistic based on lies.

He led the league in YPA because his completion percentage was high on short passes, not because he threw the ball down the field.

Not surprisingly, his yards per completion was near the bottom of the league, which lends credence to my analysis.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 02:31 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?

Quickest way to spot a guy with a low football IQ:

1.) Uses QB rating to back up their opinion.

A QB can go 5/10 for 35 yards and a TD while losing 34-7 and have a 91 QBR.

Matt Cassel had a game against Philly a few years ago where he got curbstomped, threw for under 100 yards but had like a 114 rating.

One of the most useless statistics in sports.

A guy who put the team on his back, wins, and goes 25/40 for 425 yards, 5 TD's and 3 INT has a rating of 107, while the guy that plays not to lose, loses, going 20/25 for 180 yards, 1 TD and no INT's - has a 121 rating.

I'll take my chances with the first guy every time.

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

If Smith succeeds would you want him to be pissed?

the post illustrates how dumb it is for some to act as though we are rooting for this team to fail
Posted via Mobile Device

So you dont get my point that its a win win scenario?

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

You hope the same thing.

The difference is I believe it because I think he is ascending as a player which he has shown the last 2 years and I think he is in the right situation to keep ascending.

Nothing that happened Smiths last 26 games or so shows he isn't capable. Yea he struggled against the Giants, so has Tom Brady and countless other QB's.

Clay has tried to dismiss leading the league in YPA which is the most ridiculous thing on the planet. Its like people want to ignore the positives and focus on negatives.

And BTW I have posts supporting Smith before he was ever a Chief so this isn't blind homerism because he is now a Chief.

Fair enough.

There aren't many like you though, I think you realize that too.
Posted via Mobile Device

**DeezNutz** · 07-27-2013, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

You hope the same thing.

The difference is I believe it because I think he is ascending as a player which he has shown the last 2 years and I think he is in the right situation to keep ascending.

Nothing that happened Smiths last 26 games or so shows he isn't capable. Yea he struggled against the Giants, so has Tom Brady and countless other QB's.

Clay has tried to dismiss leading the league in YPA which is the most ridiculous thing on the planet. Its like people want to ignore the positives and focus on negatives.

And BTW I have posts supporting Smith before he was ever a Chief so this isn't blind homerism because he is now a Chief.

He's 29. Pretty tough to claim that he's ascending when he should be in his prime, and it's not like he's been buried on the bench behind a HOFer. And in his best year, he average 175 YPG. This, to me, strongly suggests that his success is due to being highly protected.

We saw similar success from Cassel in '10.

Given that they're statistical twins, I'm expecting much the same type of treatment from the coaching staff in order to put Smith in positions to succeed.

GoChargers · 07-27-2013, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

If guys like OTWP and leg want to be negative or pessimistic, IMO, that's fine because I know if they are wrong they'll come here and admit it and actually enjoy the success.

Like they've said, they don't want these things to happen, it's what they think will happen.

Seriously - I had the same argument a million times with Chargers homers who used to blindly defend Norv and AJ. Negative predictions are generally brought on by a negative track record, not by someone being a "bandwagon fan" or "wanting the team to fail."

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

No it's not.

It's a worthless statistic based on lies.

He led the league in YPA because his completion percentage was high on short passes, not because he threw the ball down the field.

Not surprisingly, his yards per completion was near the bottom of the league, which lends credence to my analysis.

Clay it doesn't matter how long the passes were. If you get the most yards out of each attempt, that's the ultimate ****ing goal.

GoChargers · 07-27-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

Take the passer ratings of those seasons

LOL. Let me guess, you judge pitchers by their win/loss record too?

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

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.

Success with QB's?

I posted the numbers right after he was announced the HC.

Reid had success with the #2 overall pick.

Otherwise, the average numbers for every other QB he's "hand-picked" have been ****ing brutal:

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Yep.

Combined numbers for QB starts under Andy Reid NOT named Donovan McNabb:

38-44 record (.463)
55% completion percentage
112 TD's
94 INT's
70 QBR.

And those numbers are inflated due to Vick, who was a #1 overall pick.

keg in kc · 07-27-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

**** yea it perfect, it is already setting up this scenario -

A. Smith succeeds, I am happy as a lark, ****ing A!

B. Smith fails, "I told you so! You dumbasses!"

That's a damn tough situation to be in.

When have I ever said "I told you so"? About anything?

I am much, much more likely to admit that I'm wrong about something than I am to ever gloat about being right.

If Alex Smith did happen to succeed, I would be happy, certainly, but I'd also be saying "wow, I never saw that coming" a lot.

But at the end of the day, what you can't seem to figure out, is that this has nothing to do with me. I don't have any kind of personal stake in this, other than the joy/sorrow of gameday. And I don't know why you have such a hard time understanding that. It's not about being right. It's never about that.

07-26-2013, 07:24 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $902813	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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07-27-2013, 02:31 PM	#320
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2734064	If guys like OTWP and leg want to be negative or pessimistic, IMO, that's fine because I know if they are wrong they'll come here and admit it and actually enjoy the success. Like they've said, they don't want these things to happen, it's what they think will happen.
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