Chiefs Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look - Page 18

**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.

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunKC

This season will rely on a lot more than just Alex Smith. Our DL is a dumpster fire, our interior OL is completely unknown, our CB's are unknown, our #2 WR is unknown. Everything is unknown.

I think it depends on how well Alex Smith does personally that will determine this deal.
I think we have some good talent, but not quite enough to make the playoffs for sure.

Do you think we have as much overall talent as a team than the Bengals, Ravens, Steelers, Texans or Colts? Because 3 of those teams will be our challenge to make the playoffs as a wildcard.

How does a team that went 8-8 and lost more than they replaced in the steelers factor into this equation? Not to mention, that three of those teams, are in the same division and will beat the hell out of each other.

GoChargers · 07-27-2013, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

Alex was willing to sign for cheaper than Aaron Rodgers. Alex Smith was seen as more of a yes man than Aaron Rodgers.

Those are both horrible criteria for picking.... well, anyone, but especially your franchise quarterback.

Quote:

Anyone thinking that if the 49ers would of drafted Aaron Rodgers, over Alex Smith, and that everything would be the same.

You're right, everything wouldn't have been the same. The Niners wouldn't have had a parade of shit quarterbacks from 2005 to 2011, for one.

Quote:

He wouldn't of lasted as long in SF as Alex did.

It's funny how you whine about hypotheticals when they don't favor Alice, but then throw a hypothetical like that out there.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

Alex was willing to sign for cheaper than Aaron Rodgers. Alex Smith was seen as more of a yes man than Aaron Rodgers.

Anyone thinking that if the 49ers would of drafted Aaron Rodgers, over Alex Smith, and that everything would be the same. Is simple, and silly. Had this talk before too. Aaron Rodgers, is very thinned skinned. He was very fortunate to be able to sit behind Brett Favre, and fortunate to land in a Ferrari of an offense in Green bay. He wouldn't of lasted as long in SF as Alex did. He takes everything personally. Alex Smith doesn't have a mean bone in his body, and honestly, that hurts him a lot.

Got a link to the fact that Smith was drafted due to wanting less money than Rodgers?
Posted via Mobile Device

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

He has me there, for sure. Not at all worried about admitting it. I stress my opinion about what Chiefs fans should feel and think. All the while knowing that it's just an opinion.

When a fan comes over to a team's forum that trades for their player... and says, "hey guys, you all should be happy to have him! He can do some good things for you."

The mature response should be something like, "well, I have my doubts, but thanks for giving your opinion!"

See? that's what happens in the grown up world of self respect and civility.

Only here? it's more like, "Oh **** off and die in a fiery aids tree, asshole! That player sucks and will always suck and now my team will suck! So take your ass out of here mutha****a!"

... and there you have it. Worlds apart.

Then I stand corrected. Yes, I realize how it should work, but when you get pansies behind a computer screen, they will say whatever without worry of having their teeth knocked out. Its sissfying America.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

And that's fine. You berate anyone who doesn't take your shitty attitude.

You rip anyone who posts positively, with your little laughing emoticons. Now you want to pretend like you don't antagonize this shit.

Lol. You are a chump.

Wow, hypocrite much?

keg in kc · 07-27-2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Indignant? Hardly.

And had you quoted him I would have caught it, but fact is it sounds like a typical Keg post anyway.

In context it makes sense though.

Keep tuning that douche level back. You're not quite there yet.

Sandy Vagina · 07-27-2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Got a link to the fact that Smith was drafted due to wanting less money than Rodgers?
Posted via Mobile Device

I don't remember anything about money. But he's right that Alex tipped the scale in his favor by being more malleable than Aaron. Nolan wanted someone to do what he wanted... he didn't want a QB to stray from his "grand" plan at all. That's what he got. Young Alex was always "the good soldier following orders." Young Aaron was a cocky, maverick personality.

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

HUGE difference in getting "hammered" because your opinion is full of holes, and getting pissed at people, turning into a whining ****.

What opinion do I have that's full of holes? That Alex Smith can improve under Reid?

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

Then I stand corrected. Yes, I realize how it should work, but when you get pansies behind a computer screen, they will say whatever without worry of having their teeth knocked out. Its sissfying America.

I'm the exact same guy in real life. I'll tell you to go **** yourself to your face.

Still have all my teeth. No one has been able to knock any out this far in my life.
Posted via Mobile Device

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChargers

Those are both horrible criteria for picking.... well, anyone, but especially your franchise quarterback.

You're right, everything wouldn't have been the same. The Niners wouldn't have had a parade of shit quarterbacks from 2005 to 2011, for one.

It's funny how you whine about hypotheticals when they don't favor Alice, but then throw a hypothetical like that out there.

First, Im not whining about anything.

I agree on the Criteria of drafting. I didn't agree on anything under John York, who was making the decisions at the time.

See, you are predicting that everything would of been the same. aaron Rodgers would still be great. That's just stupid bullshit.

I don't care how things could of been with Alex. Its just truth. The 49ers franchise was in such shit shape that the outcome for just about any qb, was going to be the same. That's just truth. Hell, Green bay fans, after aaron Rodgers ended up on the IR his first two seasons, was considered a bust, and soft, and a lot of Packers fans wanted him gone..........

How do you think Mike Nolan would of handled that? he trashed alex smith for having a legitimate injury gotten in a game, yet, Aaron Rodgers, ends up on the IR twice while holding a clip board. You have no facts to go with.

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Keep tuning that douche level back. You're not quite there yet.

Nothing douchey about my post Keg, just cold hard fact. Did I call you names or something and I missed it?

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Keep tuning that douche level back. You're not quite there yet.

Meanwhile, I see the other Niner troll just rolled in on his passive-aggressive high horse to tell us what the "mature response" would have been to him and his ilk.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

I don't remember anything about money. But he's right that Alex tipped the scale in his favor by being more malleable than Aaron. Nolan wanted someone to do what he wanted... he didn't want a QB to stray from his "grand" plan at all. That's what he got. Young Alex was always "the good soldier following orders." Young Aaron was a cocky, maverick personality.

then why respond to my post? I didn't ask about attitude. I asked about the link to money issues.
Posted via Mobile Device

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Wow, hypocrite much?

Not at all. YOu have shown no interest nor inclination to have a civilized conversation with me. So, I treat you, how you treat me.

You have been a prick to me since the moment I got here, why would I talk politely and respectfully to you? I came here politely, talking nicely, and got trashed for it. Some have come around, some haven't. JasonsAuto was one of those that was very hostile towards me. We don't get along persey, but we can talk civilly

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Meanwhile, I see the other Niner troll just rolled in on his passive-aggressive high horse to tell us what the "mature response" would have been to him and his ilk.

**** him.

They got the correct response. The one they deserved.
Posted via Mobile Device

07-26-2013, 07:24 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $962813	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.
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