RAND: A tough spot for Croyle

[C-Mac]

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2007/11...ot_for_croyle/

RAND: A tough spot for Croyle
Nov 13, 2007, 1:50:54 AM by Jonathan Rand - FAQ


Chiefs coach Herm Edwards doesn’t have a great choice between quarterbacks Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle. But a change became inevitable in a 27-11 loss to the Broncos.

Perhaps because of the punishment he’s absorbed to his body and confidence, Huard has regressed in two straight home losses. He’s committed five turnovers, including two that set up touchdowns and two returned for touchdowns.

So it’s time for Croyle, in his second season, to lead the Chiefs’ offense. That’s putting him in a tough spot unless the Chiefs can find a way to protect him from the wolves.

A quarterback making his first NFL start will have his best shot to succeed when supported by at least a solid cast. Then he can begin with a limited role and not get overwhelmed. But the Chiefs’ offense ranks 30th in the NFL, mainly because its line hasn’t generated much of a running game or protected its quarterback. Yet they’ll be asking Croyle to make a difference.

This is exactly the situation you don’t want for any quarterback, especially not a youngster. NFL history is littered with young blue-chip passers who got stuck with weak offenses and never learned their crafts because they were always on their backs.

Croyle was on track to start opening day before throwing those awful interceptions in the preseason. The job was his to lose all summer because any coach would rather play a quarterback with a promising upside than a journeyman who’s as good as he’ll get.

Huard won the job partly by default but also because he minimized his mistakes and made key plays while leading the Chiefs to a 5-3 record in his starts last season. He remained reliable this year, too, while the Chiefs won four of five games after an 0-2 start. But now that his turnovers have become frequent and costly, he’s lost his edge over Croyle.

Sadly enough for the Chiefs, this switch isn’t likely to make a difference soon. The offense’s collapse shouldn’t be blamed mainly on Huard, yet quarterback is the last offensive spot left where Edwards can shake things up.

Croyle is more nimble than Huard, but he’ll still be running for his life, given protection that’s allowed 29 sacks. Croyle also whips the ball more quickly than Huard and his quick, short throws are difficult to defend.

Croyle’s crisp passes helped him methodically move the Chiefs to a field goal, their lone scoring drive once he took over against the Broncos early in the third quarter. But it’s difficult for a quarterback to nickel and dime his way down the field without a respectable running game.

Defenses facing the Chiefs generally load up against the run and dare the quarterback to beat them. Croyle should expect more of the same.

Edwards saw a quarterback change, from veteran Vinny Testaverde to youngster Chad Pennington, boost the New York Jets from a 1-4 team to a playoff qualifier in 2002. There’s always a chance that a new quarterback’s talent and leadership can wake up a sluggish attack. Given the problems around him, however, that’s too much to ask of Croyle.

But the Chiefs right now have no better option, and little left to lose.

[FAX]

"Chiefs coach Herm Edwards doesn’t have a great choice between quarterbacks Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle."

I'm generally okay with the idea of Carl's PR Machine lowering expectations for the young quarterback, but this kind of crap is just insulting to Croyle. God, I hope he lights up Indy's D.

The only unfortunate side effect is that it would make Herm and Carl look smart.

FAX

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by TRR

I really believe that Croyle will help the offensive line. Nobody can argue that Croyle gets the ball out faster than Huard does...But one thing I really have noticed is how quickly Croyle gets back into his drop. Huard's drop was painfully slow, and made the O Line hold even longer. A lot of people blame the O Line for Huard's bad play. I blame Huard for the O Line's bad play. He was just too slow in everything that he did.

There was one play in particular where the Broncos brought a blitz from Croyle's right side. The play looked like it was going to be a sure sack for about a 10 yard loss. Croyle not only got the pass away, but completed it for about an 8 yard gain or so. I'm not sure that play ever happens with Huard at the QB spot.

I can not wait for Sundays game. I'm not expecting a miracle either. Just can't wait to see if our offense starts to wake up from the season long slumber.

[Wile_E_Coyote]

I still think he has plenty of adequate weapons. Gonzo, Bowe, Kennison, Parker, Wilson & Priest blocking instead of LJ. Webb I'm not sold on yet

[Micjones]

Huard can't be the only blameworthy person on this team.

Offensive line woes, poorly called games, the lack of a running game... All of those things factor in.

If you watch the game of football regularly you'd know that.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by Wile_E_Coyote

I still think he has plenty of adequate weapons. Gonzo, Bowe, Kennison, Parker, Wilson & Priest blocking instead of LJ. Webb I'm not sold on yet

I'm not sold on JW yet either, but I think Croyle could make something of him. His arm will make Bowe more dangerous. Could do the same for Webb (who I THINK is starting to put it all together).

[El Jefe]

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Regardless, Horrid singlehandly cost us the Denver game and many others....

I agree.

[Andoverer]

Originally Posted by Rausch

Croyle, welcome to "Troy Aikman: the Early Years..."

I'll take that as long as we get "Troy Aikman: the Later Years" as our reward

[Wile_E_Coyote]

I hope Eddie K. has one more season in him, but wouldn't blame him one bit if he wanted to call it quits.

[Micjones]

I wouldn't mind seeing Kennison push on into retirement. I think he'd be good for TV.

I would really like to see Webb developed and I think another year of platooning the #3 spot will only delay that process.

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by Coogs

There was one play in particular where the Broncos brought a blitz from Croyle's right side. The play looked like it was going to be a sure sack for about a 10 yard loss. Croyle not only got the pass away, but completed it for about an 8 yard gain or so. I'm not sure that play ever happens with Huard at the QB spot.

That was a designed screen pass. But your right, Huard wouldnt have been able to get the pass off.

[Wile_E_Coyote]

Huard really brought down Eddie's numbers last year. A chance to play with a QB who can get him the ball, may make him want to come back. Then again the growing pains of a new QB may be more than he wants to deal with.

edit:He is not all world by any means, but comfortable to have around

[FAX]

Originally Posted by Micjones

Huard can't be the only blameworthy person on this team.

Offensive line woes, poorly called games, the lack of a running game... All of those things factor in. ...

No question, Mr. Micjones. But Downfield was plenty blameworthy, nevertheless.

I see him as sort of like the zombie who is part of the big zombie crowd that surrounds and kills the unfortunate girl in the short skirt. She would have probably died anyhow, but he eats her brain.

FAX

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by FAX

No question, Mr. Micjones. But Downfield was plenty blameworthy, nevertheless.

What player is without fault on this football team?
Huard was better than most people will ever give him credit for being.
He was bad in the Green Bay game and worse this past Sunday, but he's not the turd some CP posters pretend he is.

You tell me in March that Johnson has just 559 yards in November, Kennison's been sidelined for 7-8 weeks and Chris Terry's your starter at Right Tackle the last 2 weeks...

I tell you we're 2-7.

[donkhater]

Yes the KC offense has many problems and Huard certainly isn't to blame for all of them.

But there ARE aspects of Huard's game that are limiting what KC can do. He has stared down recievers pretty frequently as of late. Croyle may as well, but he has a major assest that Huard doesn't and that is his arm strength. Croyle is also light years more athletic.

And when arguably your most explosive and dynamic weapon is Dwayne Bowe, you should play the QB best suited to get the ball in his hands.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by donkhater

Yes the KC offense has many problems and Huard certainly isn't to blame for all of them.

But there ARE aspects of Huard's game that are limiting what KC can do. He has stared down recievers pretty frequently as of late. Croyle may as well, but he has a major assest that Huard doesn't and that is his arm strength. Croyle is also light years more athletic.

And when arguably your most explosive and dynamic weapon is Dwayne Bowe, you should play the QB best suited to get the ball in his hands.

Looking at Bowe's numbers...
Huard had no trouble getting Bowe the ball.

I do think Croyle will make Bowe that much more dangerous because of his arm strength, but athleticism won't be the deciding factor.

Decision making will be.

We all know the kind of physical tools Croyle possesses.
That won't get him over. And it won't make defenses honest.
A live arm never does. A live arm with good decision making will though.