Chiefs Baldwin emerges as the Chiefs’ go-to receiver in single coverage - Page 5

Hammock Parties · 05-30-2012, 12:29 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/05/29...he-chiefs.html

Jonathan Baldwin established a reputation for making the near-impossible catch last year with an around-the-defender grab of a pass against the Denver Broncos.

He solidified it at the Chiefs’ practice on Tuesday, when he made a one-handed diving grab of a Matt Cassel pass for a touchdown over cornerback Stanford Routt. Baldwin’s ability to go up and get a pass has prompted Cassel and other Chiefs quarterbacks to attempt throws to Baldwin in one-on-one coverage that they might not make to other receivers.

By now, they’re aware the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Baldwin has a distinct size advantage over most cornerbacks and will win most jump-ball opportunities.

“He’s a guy that likes to go up and compete,” Cassel said, “and there’s not a lot of corners in the league that can go up vertically with him.

“Guys like that, you have to give them an opportunity to make a play. He’s such a big target, and he’s so physical that you just kind of have to put it in the vicinity and try not to overthrow him. Just give him an opportunity to go up and out-battle somebody for the ball.”

In this case, that somebody was Routt, who, at 6-foot-1, is tall for a cornerback. But he was no match for Baldwin on this particular play.

Routt, left alone with Baldwin down the sideline, wrestled with the bigger receiver as the ball was on its way.

In a game, Routt probably would’ve been called for pass interference. He wound up pinning one of Baldwin’s arms against his body as the receiver reached for the pass.

Routt’s biggest mistake was in not pinning both of Baldwin’s arms. Baldwin made the catch one-handed, and all Routt could do afterward was shake his head.

“It happens,” Routt said. “I’m not worried about it. It’s football. Sometimes you make the play, and sometimes he makes the play.”

The catch came with just seconds remaining in a two-minute drill near the end of practice and was just the kind of thing the Chiefs envisioned when they made Baldwin their first-round draft pick last year.

“It was a two-minute situation and the coach is always talking about making plays,” Baldwin said. “I just had to step up and make a play.

“As receivers, we always want to go and make the play. I just want to make every play I possibly can. I was fortunate to make the play.”

Count Cassel among the impressed.

“The one against Denver was pretty impressive last year,” Cassel said. “But it was a great catch. Those are the kind of plays you need, especially in a two-minute drill.”

In addition to his reception against the Broncos, which was erased by a penalty not involving Baldwin, the Chiefs got a taste of his knack for the big catch in a Monday night win over the San Diego Chargers. Baldwin went over cornerback Marcus Gilchrist to catch a 39-yard touchdown pass.

Otherwise, the Chiefs mostly failed last season to use Baldwin to their advantage. That was his only touchdown as a rookie and the longest play among his 21 receptions.

But plays like the one in practice Tuesday suggest the Chiefs will try harder to find ways to get Baldwin matched up in single coverage.

“When you have a guy like Jon, there’s a bigger window,” reserve quarterback Ricky Stanzi said. “He’s a big body, and he has great hands. You always want to put the ball right on him, but you do have a better chance if you do miss for him to come up and make a play. He can make your mistakes look really good.”

Routt now knows that as well as anyone. While with the Raiders last season, he played twice against Baldwin and the Chiefs. But Baldwin had just two catches against Oakland, the longest going for 14 yards.

“It’s the same thing when you have to defend any tall receiver,” Routt said. “Obviously, (be aware of) the jump ball. Obviously, you’ve got to be a little more physical with him because he’s a bigger target.

“He uses his body pretty good. On that catch, he did a pretty good job. I know last year, he was a rookie and he was young. But you can tell he’s definitely taken some strides since last year.”

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/05/29...#storylink=cpy

**Tribal Warfare** · 05-30-2012, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

Brandon Marshall could outrape Dwayne Bowe any day of the week.

getting stabbed by girlfriends doesn't help.

**RealSNR** · 05-30-2012, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

Dear god man listen to yourself.

Prove me wrong, troll. I dare you.

Show me somebody who can put a safety on his ass like Bowe does. I already acknowledged Megatron does it better. Who else? There is nobody.

And get that Brandon Marshall garbage out of here, Knowmo.

vailpass · 05-30-2012, 12:14 PM

Don't know what "put a safety on his ass" quantifies as but some WR's I'd rather have include Fitz, Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson, Roddy White. Can think of more if you want.
It's great you back your own guy but Megatron he isn't.

**RealSNR** · 05-30-2012, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

Don't know what "put a safety on his ass" quantifies as but some WR's I'd rather have include Fitz, Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson, Roddy White. Can think of more if you want.
It's great you back your own guy but Megatron he isn't.

Do you speak ****ing English?

Go back to Mexico.

vailpass · 05-30-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Do you speak ****ing English?

Go back to Mexico.

Que? I'm sorry if I didn't answer your question, I wasn't clear on what you were asking.

**RealSNR** · 05-30-2012, 12:21 PM

You do realize that there are different types of WRs with different types of skill sets, right? Ed McCaffrey wasn't Rod Smith, and Brandon Marshall isn't Eric Decker. Surely you realize that, yes? Just because Wes Welker outran defenders 80 yards for a TD doesn't mean he can do what Bowe does.

Are you following me? Do I have to explain further?

Sorter · 05-30-2012, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

Baldwin needs to learn how to be a receiver. As it stands now, all he can do is run in a straight line and jump really high. This is why I feel letting go of Haley was a mistake. He was a mastermind at coaching WR's.

Yes, as it stands right now, he is a one tick pony. However, Sirani(sp) has a pretty good reputation. I'm confident that while Baldwin may never reach elite status, he still has a more than adequate chance of being a true #1 for us. As others have pointed out, DT was very similar coming out.

And to those ripping on Routt, he is going to be fine. There aren't that many corners who will consistently win 1-1 jump ball situations with Baldwin, period.

vailpass · 05-30-2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

You do realize that there are different types of WRs with different types of skill sets, right? Ed McCaffrey wasn't Rod Smith, and Brandon Marshall isn't Eric Decker. Surely you realize that, yes? Just because Wes Welker outran defenders 80 yards for a TD doesn't mean he can do what Bowe does.

Are you following me? Do I have to explain further?

I'm sure Welker could clap his skillets together and drop passes if he wanted to.

**RealSNR** · 05-30-2012, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

I'm sure Welker could clap his skillets together and drop passes if he wanted to.

Somebody should write and illustrate a goddamn children's book for you so you can understand this concept.

Sorter · 05-30-2012, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

Don't know what "put a safety on his ass" quantifies as but some WR's I'd rather have include Fitz, Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson, Roddy White. Can think of more if you want.
It's great you back your own guy but Megatron he isn't.

Fitz, Andre, and Megatron are far and away the best 3 wide outs imo. Jennings, Roddy, Dwanye, AJ Green, Lloyd, Steve Smith, Marshall, Holmes, Johnson (Bills), VJackson, Nicks, Dez, Miles Austin, and Britt are all #1's who are roughly around the same skill/talent level. AJ Green probably has the highest ceiling along with Dez, and Dwayne imo, but they are not in the same league yet as the previous 3. I would rather have AJ Green than Dwayne, but thats probably about it, minus the top 3 guys.

**BossChief** · 05-30-2012, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

Don't know what "put a safety on his ass" quantifies as but some WR's I'd rather have include Fitz, Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson, Roddy White. Can think of more if you want.
It's great you back your own guy but Megatron he isn't.

Fitz and Andre, absolutely.

No way in hell I'd trade Bowe for White, Johnson or Jennings.

vailpass · 05-30-2012, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorter

Fitz, Andre, and Megatron are far and away the best 3 wide outs imo. Jennings, Roddy, Dwanye, AJ Green, Lloyd, Steve Smith, Marshall, Holmes, Johnson (Bills), VJackson, Nicks, Dez, Miles Austin, and Britt are all #1's who are roughly around the same skill/talent level. AJ Green probably has the highest ceiling along with Dez, and Dwayne imo, but they are not in the same league yet as the previous 3. I would rather have AJ Green than Dwayne, but thats probably about it, minus the top 3 guys.

Well stated assessment.

vailpass · 05-30-2012, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Fitz and Andre, absolutely.

No way in hell I'd trade Bowe for White, Johnson or Jennings.

You are Chiefs Front Office material, no question.

Sorter · 05-30-2012, 12:50 PM

It is crazy to think that Steve Smith is a legit #1 for being so short too. He's not an exclusive slot guy like Welker and is the same size. What a ****ing monster.

DBOSHO · 05-30-2012, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

And Champ held Bowe to 2 catches for 17 yards the game before that. Bowe isn't a big play WR. How many times has Bowe taken a 15 yard pass 80 yards to the house?

Bowe is too slow. He will take a 5 yard pass and take it 10-15 but that's it.

Lol colts last year. Tenn in 2010. I realize he will never be half the reciever demarious is, but cmon.

05-30-2012, 12:29 AM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4480478	Baldwin emerges as the Chiefs’ go-to receiver in single coverage http://www.kansascity.com/2012/05/29...he-chiefs.html Jonathan Baldwin established a reputation for making the near-impossible catch last year with an around-the-defender grab of a pass against the Denver Broncos. He solidified it at the Chiefs’ practice on Tuesday, when he made a one-handed diving grab of a Matt Cassel pass for a touchdown over cornerback Stanford Routt. Baldwin’s ability to go up and get a pass has prompted Cassel and other Chiefs quarterbacks to attempt throws to Baldwin in one-on-one coverage that they might not make to other receivers. By now, they’re aware the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Baldwin has a distinct size advantage over most cornerbacks and will win most jump-ball opportunities. “He’s a guy that likes to go up and compete,” Cassel said, “and there’s not a lot of corners in the league that can go up vertically with him. “Guys like that, you have to give them an opportunity to make a play. He’s such a big target, and he’s so physical that you just kind of have to put it in the vicinity and try not to overthrow him. Just give him an opportunity to go up and out-battle somebody for the ball.” In this case, that somebody was Routt, who, at 6-foot-1, is tall for a cornerback. But he was no match for Baldwin on this particular play. Routt, left alone with Baldwin down the sideline, wrestled with the bigger receiver as the ball was on its way. In a game, Routt probably would’ve been called for pass interference. He wound up pinning one of Baldwin’s arms against his body as the receiver reached for the pass. Routt’s biggest mistake was in not pinning both of Baldwin’s arms. Baldwin made the catch one-handed, and all Routt could do afterward was shake his head. “It happens,” Routt said. “I’m not worried about it. It’s football. Sometimes you make the play, and sometimes he makes the play.” The catch came with just seconds remaining in a two-minute drill near the end of practice and was just the kind of thing the Chiefs envisioned when they made Baldwin their first-round draft pick last year. “It was a two-minute situation and the coach is always talking about making plays,” Baldwin said. “I just had to step up and make a play. “As receivers, we always want to go and make the play. I just want to make every play I possibly can. I was fortunate to make the play.” Count Cassel among the impressed. “The one against Denver was pretty impressive last year,” Cassel said. “But it was a great catch. Those are the kind of plays you need, especially in a two-minute drill.” In addition to his reception against the Broncos, which was erased by a penalty not involving Baldwin, the Chiefs got a taste of his knack for the big catch in a Monday night win over the San Diego Chargers. Baldwin went over cornerback Marcus Gilchrist to catch a 39-yard touchdown pass. Otherwise, the Chiefs mostly failed last season to use Baldwin to their advantage. That was his only touchdown as a rookie and the longest play among his 21 receptions. But plays like the one in practice Tuesday suggest the Chiefs will try harder to find ways to get Baldwin matched up in single coverage. “When you have a guy like Jon, there’s a bigger window,” reserve quarterback Ricky Stanzi said. “He’s a big body, and he has great hands. You always want to put the ball right on him, but you do have a better chance if you do miss for him to come up and make a play. He can make your mistakes look really good.” Routt now knows that as well as anyone. While with the Raiders last season, he played twice against Baldwin and the Chiefs. But Baldwin had just two catches against Oakland, the longest going for 14 yards. “It’s the same thing when you have to defend any tall receiver,” Routt said. “Obviously, (be aware of) the jump ball. Obviously, you’ve got to be a little more physical with him because he’s a bigger target. “He uses his body pretty good. On that catch, he did a pretty good job. I know last year, he was a rookie and he was young. But you can tell he’s definitely taken some strides since last year.” Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/05/29...#storylink=cpy
Posts: 278,537

05-30-2012, 12:14 PM	#63
vailpass Psycho Bag Of Squanch Join Date: Sep 2001 Casino cash: $9594244	Don't know what "put a safety on his ass" quantifies as but some WR's I'd rather have include Fitz, Andre Johnson, Greg Jennings, Stevie Johnson, Roddy White. Can think of more if you want. It's great you back your own guy but Megatron he isn't. __________________ “Education is a weapon whose effect depends on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is aimed.” Joseph Stalin
Posts: 69,591

05-30-2012, 12:50 PM	#74
Sorter Caralho Join Date: Sep 2011 Casino cash: $9631474	It is crazy to think that Steve Smith is a legit #1 for being so short too. He's not an exclusive slot guy like Welker and is the same size. What a ****ing monster.
Posts: 18,453