Chiefs Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look - Page 2

**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.

O.city · 07-26-2013, 08:01 PM

He caught a pass down the seam against the Bills on SNF for a TD, IIRC.

However, I think it was a hot route.

Chiefs Pantalones · 07-26-2013, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

I must've missed that year where dante hall was more than a token receiver. Did he ever net 500 yards in a season? Were any of the "deep" passes he received in regular season games anything other than screens?

(These are legitimate questions; I have a terrible memory)

He caught a 60 plus yard TD pass against Buffalo in 03, seam pass. He caught a 50 yard TD pass against the Donkeys in 05 I believe. Didn't happen enough though I agree. That one against Denver was a busted coverage by Champ.

keg in kc · 07-26-2013, 08:10 PM

I would add to my prior comments that, based on what we've seen on the field the last three years, McCluster isn't anywhere close to Dante Hall. Which is part of my point I was trying to make: Dante Hall couldn't turn himself into a consistent receiving threat with a better quarterback, so I apologize for being skeptical about McCluster's ability to do it with a lesser skillset and Alex Smith.

Which would be why my first response to a 5'7 receiver without any kind of breakaway speed catching deep passes is a chuckle and doubt that I'll see that translated onto the field during the regular season.

But stranger things have happened.

Marcellus · 07-26-2013, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

I would add to my prior comments that, based on what we've seen on the field the last three years, McCluster isn't anywhere close to Dante Hall. Which is part of my point I was trying to make: Dante Hall couldn't turn himself into a consistent receiving threat with a better quarterback, so I apologize for being skeptical about McCluster's ability to do it with a lesser skillset and Alex Smith.

Which would be why my first response to a 5'7 receiver without any kind of breakaway speed catching deep passes is a chuckle and doubt that I'll see that translated onto the field during the regular season.

But stranger things have happened.

No reason to doubt Dex's ability to produce like that long term, I just wouldn't make shit up to try to make that point in the future.

Chief Roundup · 07-26-2013, 08:19 PM

Damn could you imagine if McCluster and Smith had good seasons. There is certain someone around here that would be in absolute misery.

HonestChieffan · 07-26-2013, 08:23 PM

No one even mentions Geno Whatshisname anymore.

keg in kc · 07-26-2013, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

No reason to doubt Dex's ability to produce like that long term, I just wouldn't make shit up to try to make that point in the future.

Yeah, because I "make shit up" all the time.

Try turning down the douche. Maybe people would treat you a little better.

Hammock Parties · 07-26-2013, 09:35 PM

New look Chiefs! Noodle armed QB throwing bombs to midgets! Who needs strong arms and tall, fast receivers?

NANANANANANANA

YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION

O.city · 07-26-2013, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Yeah, because I "make shit up" all the time.

Try turning down the douche. Maybe people would treat you a little better.

It's Marcellus. What do you expect? You said something bad about a Chief.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 07-26-2013, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

Regardless of how you feel about the trade or Alex Smith in general, who here wouldnt LOVE it if Ried turned him into beast.
I would say sweet dick Willie, but he was "Fully On board" with Cassel after the 10' Seattle game.

I'm fully on board with Bray. Smith can suck it, as can you.

Line Judge · 07-26-2013, 10:20 PM

A nickname for McCluster: The Scarlet Pimpernel

They seek him here. They seek him there.
Those Bronkos seek him everywhere.
Did he jink? Has he fell?
That damned, elusive Pimpernel.

With apologies to Baroness Orczy

Hammock Parties · 07-26-2013, 10:22 PM

Whoa, a lurker post.

I'm creeped out.

TEX · 07-26-2013, 10:45 PM

Davis as a return man will be a disaster. He fumbles and is an upright runner. Why do coaches like trying shit that will not work...

**Mav** · 07-26-2013, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

There's that word again. "Potential."

Why do we always have to use that word when we acquire 28-year old starting QBs? Shouldn't they have already reached their potential by the time we get them?

I'll bet Drew Brees didn't go to the Saints and talk about "potential." I'll bet Peyton Manning didn't go to the Donks and say "potential."

sighs. No one knew what they were getting with Drew Brees when he signed with the Saints. The Chargers kicked him to the curb, the Dolphins didn't want him. New Orleans was his 3rd option.

Of course Alex Smith can realize his potential at this point. He wouldn't be the first to be a late bloomer now would he?

Understand the CONTEXT of what I am saying.

Rich Gannon, and Kurt Warner. No, not saying that Alex Smith can be either one of those, but, Alex has a very similar skill set to Gannon. Mobility, their plusses as qbs being short accuracy, and being very smart.

Its amazing what situation and place can do for a guys career.

**Mav** · 07-26-2013, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

New look Chiefs! Noodle armed QB throwing bombs to midgets! Who needs strong arms and tall, fast receivers?

NANANANANANANA

YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION

All off season, you have been saying that you wanted a qb to throw the ball. Now, Andy Reid calls it, Alex Smith delivers it, and you spit on it.

Make up your ****ing mind. Alex Smith is not noodle armed either dick head.

Its average, but its not Christian Ponder, or Colt McCoy weak either.

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.
Posts: 42,023

07-26-2013, 08:01 PM	#16
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	He caught a pass down the seam against the Bills on SNF for a TD, IIRC. However, I think it was a hot route.
Posts: 81,174

07-26-2013, 08:10 PM	#18
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	I would add to my prior comments that, based on what we've seen on the field the last three years, McCluster isn't anywhere close to Dante Hall. Which is part of my point I was trying to make: Dante Hall couldn't turn himself into a consistent receiving threat with a better quarterback, so I apologize for being skeptical about McCluster's ability to do it with a lesser skillset and Alex Smith. Which would be why my first response to a 5'7 receiver without any kind of breakaway speed catching deep passes is a chuckle and doubt that I'll see that translated onto the field during the regular season. But stranger things have happened.
Posts: 58,682

07-26-2013, 08:19 PM	#20
Chief Roundup Admitted Planet Junky Join Date: Oct 2000 Casino cash: $2151627	Damn could you imagine if McCluster and Smith had good seasons. There is certain someone around here that would be in absolute misery. __________________ Fanaticism is nowhere. There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
Posts: 19,190

07-26-2013, 08:23 PM	#21
HonestChieffan Seeking the Truth daily Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the Country in MO Casino cash: $2314309	No one even mentions Geno Whatshisname anymore. __________________ “Make no mistake. If you try anything to raise the cost of vishessavatubs, I will veto it.” - Joe Biden, SOTU 2023
Posts: 53,299

07-26-2013, 09:35 PM	#23
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4800478	New look Chiefs! Noodle armed QB throwing bombs to midgets! Who needs strong arms and tall, fast receivers? NANANANANANANA YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,451

07-26-2013, 10:20 PM	#26
Line Judge I can see clearly now Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: End of the Line Casino cash: $9771263	A nickname for McCluster: The Scarlet Pimpernel They seek him here. They seek him there. Those Bronkos seek him everywhere. Did he jink? Has he fell? That damned, elusive Pimpernel. With apologies to Baroness Orczy __________________ When the Chiefs lose and I am sad I always think of the last words of my favorite uncle. "LOOK! A TRUCK!"
Posts: 286

07-26-2013, 10:22 PM	#27
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4800478	Whoa, a lurker post. I'm creeped out. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,451

07-26-2013, 10:45 PM	#28
TEX Out Gunning CP's Fandom Police Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Laguna Beach, CA Casino cash: $2443127	Davis as a return man will be a disaster. He fumbles and is an upright runner. Why do coaches like trying shit that will not work... __________________ "The CHIEFS, HAVE THEIR DYNASTY!"
Posts: 34,640