Chiefs Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look - Page 12

**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.

Chief Roundup · 07-27-2013, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Really?

I'd say spending two early R2 picks on the guy is a rather large commitment.

Can't be 2 early 2cd round picks. If we suck that bad it will be a 3rd rounder.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Your attitude does not = many others attitude nor their actions.

There aren't a dozen guys here calling this season a failure already.
Posted via Mobile Device

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Perspective.

I don't believe Reid was the right hire, and I don't believe in Smith.

So there isn't any "true" reason for optimism.

Those are both fair. Here is why. If you get Andy Reid, that was coaching during the 5 straight NFCCG appearnaces, you win. If you get the burnt out andy reid of the past 4. Fail. I too, don't know what he sees in Alex Smith. I have no idea what is up with that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

You have to love niners fans telling everybody how to be a fan. You guys are front running pillowbiters, always have been.

Yeah, we have never known struggle. Get the **** over yourself......

Quote:

Originally Posted by PGM

I still find opposing fans spending so much time on a board to be REALLY creepy

Its a message board. Its free to anyone. What you think on the niners boards there aren't fans of other teams? Who gives a shit. This board is always busy, and a lot of people here are pretty cool to talk to, and bullshit with. Who gives a damn what fan we are of. At least we have the decency to talk about the team of the board we are on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

I hope the Niners go through what the Chiefs have gone through since 1994.

THEN you can talk to me about this bullshit. And no, the Erickson/Nolan/Singletary years DON'T count. That shit was over within 5 years. They're a tiny slump you guys suffered on a path of consistent wins and championships.

Get that shit the **** out of here.

Dude, I think you underestimate the amount of garbage we watched. Watching MOOCH get fired for Dennis Erickson, that was one thing, but to have your owner basically take a shit on Bill Walsh, was another.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

This above all is what I hate about trading for another team's qb. The goddamn moron fans who show up to tell us how great he is. We still haven't gotten rid of the shithead patriots fans who were here telling us the same ****ing thing 4 years ago.

What 49er fan said he was great? Name one...It certainly wasn't me, did we list his positives? Sure, I also named his negatives, and been very frank with it. Not my problem that you cant comprehend things. Alex Smith is a great leader, and an average football player. IM REALLY TALKING HIM UP......at least us morons, can comprehend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by -King-

Even if he was great, I don't get why you would follow a player to another team and post on their messgae boards. Are there Chiefs fans posting on Viking boards because of Jared Allen? I honestly don't get it.
Posted via Mobile Device

Again, does it matter? when the alex smith trade was announced, there was a link to this board posted under a thread of go here to make fun of the Chiefs. There are respectable fans, who didn't like the way Alex Smith got treated, and decided to go to that board, hoping to have some football talk about a guy they have watched for almost a decade. I personally didn't realize that there were so many cry baby whiny bitches here that couldn't have football talk, and only knew what someone else had said, and didn't really have any actual information on the guy. that's the only reason I came. And again. Its a message board, free to anyone. Hell, I personally was telling the Admin of the 49ers board who had signed up there from here, to get them activated. Like I gave a crap?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

I have a feeling Andy Reid's ego told him he could win with Alex Smith, and it's going to kill us in the end.

No matter what they say there is always tremendous ego in anyone holding a position of power in the NFL.

However, it is nice these guys don't seem to be total psychotic dicks like Pioli.

I told you from the beginning. Alex Smith was here to be a place holder, and to mold a young qb to take over for him if he fails. That guy appears to be Tyler Bray. He has all the skills. He just needs to learn mechanics, and work ethic, both of which alex smith is really polished on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Why are you even here?

Who cares.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

One, my wife has several clients in the KC area that has offered her tickets. I'm not paying for shit.

Second, even if I needed to pay for tickets, I would do so to see some guys I haven't seen in a long time, as well as meet some folks I've been wanting to meet. Football is secondary.

Third, do you know the exact date you became such a whining ****?

Probably about the same time you because a menstruating whiny asshole.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Exactly.

They didn't like the QB's in the draft? Fine.

But if that's the case, and it were up to me, I would have saved those two early 2nd round picks and picked up another stopgap and started building for the future.

Instead, they chose to overspend on a guy that an elite team has been trying to get rid of for three years. They've made nothing but "win now" moves. You're goddamn right I expect them to win now.

If they are in win mode now, and have a developemental qb right now, in Alex Smith, and can do both. The qb of development, being Bray, then why only choose one? Why not both. The 49ers did it......

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

There aren't a dozen guys here calling this season a failure already.
Posted via Mobile Device

No, just the same select few saying it over and over again.....

keg in kc · 07-27-2013, 01:15 PM

I'm skeptical as to whether they could consistently win at a championship game level (conference or league) with him, but I think he could ride the team to wild card or division wins if everything is built strongly enough around him. That said, I don't expect we'd ever see anything like last offseason's performance by Flacco out of him, though.

Sandy Vagina · 07-27-2013, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

There aren't a dozen guys here calling this season a failure already.
Posted via Mobile Device

That's fine. I could be wrong on that. Maybe it just feels that way, but no problem. I can accept that the dozen could be many less. Maybe the repetitious negativity creates that illusion.

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

There aren't a dozen guys here calling this season a failure already.
Posted via Mobile Device

I tell you what, I will remove any preconceived attitudes and start from scratch and see if I can tell the difference.

O.city · 07-27-2013, 01:16 PM

If we are in win now mode, awesome I'm ready to win now.

But if that's the case, if you go win 6 games, it was a huge failure.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

So you think 7-9 is a success?

After going 2-14?

It wood be a success and a failure.

There ultimate goal of any team is a championship. So while out would be a more successful year than the last one it would ultimately also be a failure
Posted via Mobile Device

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

That's fine. I could be wrong on that. Maybe it just feels that way, but no problem. I can accept that the dozen could be many less. Maybe the repetitious negativity creates that illusion.

Maybe its your attitude that makes people come off that way
Posted via Mobile Device

O.city · 07-27-2013, 01:18 PM

Less than .500 this year is a failure IMO.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Messier

Yes I do. If he underwhelms, I honestly think he won't be here longer that two years. Assuming this is just another SP and Cassell tied at the hip situation is a stretch.

Just to clarify, I think Smith will play well, and probably will get an extension.

Two years is a goddamn eternity. That's two years of Charles, Flowers, Bowe, Hali and DJ we're wasting. That's two years we're not developing a potential franchise QB.

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

If we are in win now mode, awesome I'm ready to win now.

But if that's the case, if you go win 6 games, it was a huge failure.

I don't think there is a person in the Chiefs organization from Clark hunt, to the ball boy, that thinks this is a 6 win team. I don't think there is a person in the Chiefs organization that would see this season as anything but a failure if they didn't make the playoffs.

Guaranteed.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

No, just the same select few saying it over and over again.....

Who besides clay has called this season a failure already?
Posted via Mobile Device

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

So you think 7-9 is a success?

I don't, but I believe an overwhelming majority of the fanbase would be accepting of it.

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: 42,026

07-27-2013, 01:15 PM	#170
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	I'm skeptical as to whether they could consistently win at a championship game level (conference or league) with him, but I think he could ride the team to wild card or division wins if everything is built strongly enough around him. That said, I don't expect we'd ever see anything like last offseason's performance by Flacco out of him, though.
Posts: 58,682

07-27-2013, 01:16 PM	#173
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	If we are in win now mode, awesome I'm ready to win now. But if that's the case, if you go win 6 games, it was a huge failure.
Posts: 81,176

07-27-2013, 01:18 PM	#176
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2834064	Less than .500 this year is a failure IMO.
Posts: 81,176