Chiefs Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look - Page 23

**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.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

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

Maybe for some.

Not me. Have you ever seen me or keg say I told you so? Bump old threads?

Hell pgm asked me if I was waiting to bump a thread about something the other day and I told him I wouldn't need to. I know what was said in it.

Now clay on the other hand...
Posted via Mobile Device

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

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.

This.

Ascending as a player.

That's like being proud of a kid who scored 11 on his ACT, then got a 14 the next time he took it. Better than bad does not equal good.

We're looking for 30+ here.

Hammock Parties · 07-27-2013, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

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.

Usually high YPA is an indicator that a guy is throwing the ball down the field.

That's why it's a positive.

This is not so in Alex's case, so it's a worthless indicator for him.

**BossChief** · 07-27-2013, 02:56 PM

But but but

"Even quarterbacks like Brad Johnson won the superbowl"

Haha yeah, when his defense gets 5 interceptions and takes 3 of them to the house for tds and his head coach used to coach the opposing team that was still using his signals and plays.

Let's bank on that happening for when Romeo becomes the head coach of the team we will play in the superbowl.

Or should we discuss Trent Dilfer?

**DeezNutz** · 07-27-2013, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

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

No, it's not. The people who believe Smith will be "meh" would be wrong. They wouldn't have "won" shit, since their analysis will have been completely off-base.

It doesn't mean they cannot be happy for the team's success.

This is the problem. It seems that True Fans want this to be about "who is right," and this has absolutely nothing to do with how I approach my analysis of the team.

But herein lies the problem. I don't think many fans want to analyze anything. They treat sports like a summer thrill-fest movie. Sit back. Enjoy the ride. Thinking optional.

That's cool. I understand that approach.

It's just not mine.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

No, it's not. The people who believe Smith will be "meh" would be wrong. They wouldn't have "won" shit, since their analysis will have been completely off-base.

It doesn't mean they cannot be happy for the team's success.

This is the problem. It seems that True Fans want this to be about "who is right," and this has absolutely nothing to do with how I approach my analysis of the team.

But herein lies the problem. I don't think many fans want to analyze anything. They treat sports like a summer thrill-fest movie. Sit back. Enjoy the ride. Thinking optional.

That's cool. I understand that approach.

It's just not mine.

Couldn't agree more.

**DeezNutz** · 07-27-2013, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Couldn't agree more.

And to add: this doesn't make these people "dumb." Far from it. There are enough stresses in life to understand why someone sure as **** wouldn't want to make sports potentially one of them.

The irony, then, of these individuals participating in a sports message board where opinions of all sorts must drive the site, yet claiming that some are "ruining the fun," is amazing.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

And to add: this doesn't make these people "dumb." Far from it. There are enough stresses in life to understand why someone sure as **** wouldn't want to make sports potentially one of them.

The irony, then, of these individuals participating in a sports message board where opinions of all sorts must drive the site, yet claiming that some are "ruining the fun," is amazing.

Again, we're in 100% agreement.

BTW, you still haven't PM'd me that new email for the FF league.

**DeezNutz** · 07-27-2013, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Again, we're in 100% agreement.

BTW, you still haven't PM'd me that new email for the FF league.

Sorry, haven't even created it. By the end of the day tomorrow, promise.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Sorry, haven't even created it. By the end of the day tomorrow, promise.

No rush, I'm just concerned I'll forget about it.

KCSLC2008 · 07-27-2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

Knile "I'll never fumble again" Davis?

Yep, it's football season.

If he never catches the ball and lines up incorrectly so that he can't get the ball, he'll never fumble.

P.S. I'm referencing a report that he's dropped a few passes each practice.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 07-27-2013, 04:12 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.

I guess it depends on what you define as "playing well", but in any case, it's a long-term tragedy for the franchise if he does.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

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.

This. The window is closing on good players who have soldiered through this shit-house of a franchise. They deserve better. ****, the FANS deserve better.

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

No, it's not. The people who believe Smith will be "meh" would be wrong. They wouldn't have "won" shit, since their analysis will have been completely off-base.

It doesn't mean they cannot be happy for the team's success.

This is the problem. It seems that True Fans want this to be about "who is right," and this has absolutely nothing to do with how I approach my analysis of the team.

But herein lies the problem. I don't think many fans want to analyze anything. They treat sports like a summer thrill-fest movie. Sit back. Enjoy the ride. Thinking optional.

That's cool. I understand that approach.

It's just not mine.

Ah I see, I am an uniformed non thinker when it comes to the Chiefs because I dont look at just the negatives and look at what could happen in a positive way.

Gotcha.

Like YPA, leading the league is a good thing - ME

YPA , Uh its a trick it doesn't mean what it means in THIS case - Clay

Hammock Parties · 07-27-2013, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Like YPA, leading the league is a good thing - ME

YPA , Uh its a trick it doesn't mean what it means in THIS case - Clay

If you can't objectively analyze this guy's play, that's not my problem.

8 ypa is nice and all but it's meaningless since his yards per completion have always been low, because he literally throws the ball down the field less than Matt ****ing Cassel.

Ugly Duck · 07-27-2013, 04:39 PM

Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson: The new breed of NFL QB..... the read-option quarterback. Does Oakland now have to play Terrell Pryor just to counter KC's use of Alex Smith as a mobile read-option QB?

July 27
By RANDY COVITZ
The Kansas City Star

Chiefs testing read-option plays

Chiefs fans weren’t imagining things on the practice fields at Missouri Western.

The Chiefs were indeed running read-option plays. Quarterbacks Alex Smith and Chase Daniel were faking handoffs to fullbacks and sprinting to the outside, keeping the ball or pitching it to trailing halfbacks.

Just like college football. And just like the read options that were run by several other NFL teams last year, including the San Francisco 49ers, where new Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith started nine games before Colin Kaepernick finished the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl.

“It’s a change-up for us,” said Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson. “It’s something we’re going to continue to work on. If it gives us an advantage at game time, then it’s something that can definitely help us.

“All of our quarterbacks are capable of doing the zone read, the option, some of the things we saw (Saturday). Alex reads it very well. He has a lot of experience doing it, from not only at San Francisco but back to his college days (at Utah).”

07-26-2013, 07:24 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $1032813	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: 42,015

07-27-2013, 02:56 PM	#334
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1974088	But but but "Even quarterbacks like Brad Johnson won the superbowl" Haha yeah, when his defense gets 5 interceptions and takes 3 of them to the house for tds and his head coach used to coach the opposing team that was still using his signals and plays. Let's bank on that happening for when Romeo becomes the head coach of the team we will play in the superbowl. Or should we discuss Trent Dilfer? __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,091

07-27-2013, 04:39 PM	#345
Ugly Duck MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Petaluma, CA, USA Casino cash: $9955920	Alex Smith, Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson: The new breed of NFL QB..... the read-option quarterback. Does Oakland now have to play Terrell Pryor just to counter KC's use of Alex Smith as a mobile read-option QB? July 27 By RANDY COVITZ The Kansas City Star Chiefs testing read-option plays Chiefs fans weren’t imagining things on the practice fields at Missouri Western. The Chiefs were indeed running read-option plays. Quarterbacks Alex Smith and Chase Daniel were faking handoffs to fullbacks and sprinting to the outside, keeping the ball or pitching it to trailing halfbacks. Just like college football. And just like the read options that were run by several other NFL teams last year, including the San Francisco 49ers, where new Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith started nine games before Colin Kaepernick finished the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl. “It’s a change-up for us,” said Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson. “It’s something we’re going to continue to work on. If it gives us an advantage at game time, then it’s something that can definitely help us. “All of our quarterbacks are capable of doing the zone read, the option, some of the things we saw (Saturday). Alex reads it very well. He has a lot of experience doing it, from not only at San Francisco but back to his college days (at Utah).”
Posts: 10,146

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