Chiefs Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look - Page 27

**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.

**BossChief** · 07-27-2013, 05:52 PM

Romo has to constantly try to win shootouts and has put the team on his back for years now.

Id also like to believe that a change of scenery would do him well in helping to limit his distractions.

Coogs · 07-27-2013, 05:55 PM

Smith in 2 playoff games has 5 TD's and 0 INT's. That ain't bad.

And from all accounts has not looked bad in camp so far without having the teams best receiver on the field yet. Most all of the questionable throws he has had usually have Baldwin's name on the receiving end of things, so I see no real cause for alarm just yet.

He seems to have had no problem with Charles, McCluster, Kelce, and Hemmingway so far. If that is the case, put Bowe in with those guys, and things should be just fine. And from what I have read, Avery is running with the 2nd team, so he should be passing Baldwin up for some 1st team reps soon.

Chiefs Pantalones · 07-27-2013, 05:55 PM

Romo is 1-5 in must win games to either get to the playoffs or win in the playoffs. The one win coming in the 09 playoffs. The other five times he has shit the bed. Of all the QBs CP rags on he is deserving of it, IMO.

Chiefs Pantalones · 07-27-2013, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Romo has to constantly try to win shootouts and has put the team on his back for years now.

Id also like to believe that a change of scenery would do him well in helping to limit his distractions.

I think a change of scenery would do well for Romo as well. But I'm not gonna give him the excuse you just did. How many franchise QBs do we see year in and out that put their teams on their backs and lead them to victory? Only about 5, yes, but let's just call Romo what he is...a second tier QB that isn't big time...yet.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefs Pantalones

Romo is 1-5 in must win games to either get to the playoffs or win in the playoffs. The one win coming in the 09 playoffs. The other five times he has shit the bed. Of all the QBs CP rags on he is deserving of it, IMO.

He's the only reason they even get to a must-win situation.

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefs Pantalones

I think a change of scenery would do well for Romo as well. But I'm not gonna give him the excuse you just did. How many franchise QBs do we see year in and out that put their teams on their backs and lead them to victory? Only about 5, yes, but let's just call Romo what he is...a second tier QB that isn't big time...yet.

He puts up great stats. But his turnovers and propensity to lose any game that he has to win, and it usually has to do with a bone headed turnover that end up costing them. Hes a great fantasy qb. just not sure how big time of a qb he is.

**BigMeatballDave** · 07-27-2013, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

No disrespect, but that tells me you're a "play not to lose" type of guy and not a "play to win" type of guy.

Give me a guy who can sling it, throw for 4500 yards and the occasional 4-5 TD game. I can live with mistakes if you have that ability.

Dink and dunk, few mistakes, but can't put the team on your back or keep the defense honest?

No thanks.

Eh, Palmer threw for 4000 last season.

GoChargers · 07-27-2013, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

No disrespect, but that tells me you're a "play not to lose" type of guy and not a "play to win" type of guy.

Give me a guy who can sling it, throw for 4500 yards and the occasional 4-5 TD game. I can live with mistakes if you have that ability.

Dink and dunk, few mistakes, but can't put the team on your back or keep the defense honest?

No thanks.

I'm no Alice Smiff ballwasher, but that's a little ridiculous. You're making Romo sound like Favre or something. I'd be just as unenthusiastic with Romo under center as I'd be with Smiff.

Chiefs Pantalones · 07-27-2013, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

He's the only reason they even get to a must-win situation.

He's also a big part of the reason they go home. The best game I've seen him play was that 09 playoff game. I have to watch them a lot sadly due to my Cowboys fan devil wife. Lol

Jakemall · 07-27-2013, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

You know what happens when Alex Smith plays with a running game and defense in the bottom 10?

You get this abortion.

Shit, this guy played with the 4th ranked defense and produced an 8-8 season.

You get a shoulder injury that effectively ends your next 2 seasons? Yup. Well played sir, well played.

You know he only played 7 games that season..and 4 of them with the injury. He was 2 and 1 prior to being injured. So your commentary was actually on Dilfer.

People should be careful when they play with stats...they might get burned...

Chiefs Pantalones · 07-27-2013, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChargers

I'm no Alice Smiff ballwasher, but that's a little ridiculous. You're making Romo sound like Favre or something. I'd be just as unenthusiastic with Romo under center as I'd be with Smiff.

I just wanna win three games this year man. Baby steps lol.

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 06:16 PM

I think I understand now.

GoChargers · 07-27-2013, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefs Pantalones

I just wanna win three games this year man. Baby steps lol.

As long as the Chargers only win 2. #CollapseForClowney

We'll let you have Johnny Football or Bridgewater.

**Easy 6** · 07-27-2013, 06:21 PM

[QUOTE=Coogs;9838903]Smith in 2 playoff games has 5 TD's and 0 INT's. That ain't bad.]

Now you just shush! scat cat! thats not the popular narrative.

Chiefs Pantalones · 07-27-2013, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChargers

As long as the Chargers only win 2. #CollapseForClowney

We'll let you have Johnny Football or Bridgewater.

Anything more than 2 wins for me is gravy with what happened last year. Clowney could have a Bobby Bouche impact for whoever picks him lol.

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.
Posts: 42,029

07-27-2013, 05:52 PM	#391
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1914088	Romo has to constantly try to win shootouts and has put the team on his back for years now. Id also like to believe that a change of scenery would do him well in helping to limit his distractions. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,105

07-27-2013, 05:55 PM	#392
Coogs In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Northern Kansas Casino cash: $1654349	Smith in 2 playoff games has 5 TD's and 0 INT's. That ain't bad. And from all accounts has not looked bad in camp so far without having the teams best receiver on the field yet. Most all of the questionable throws he has had usually have Baldwin's name on the receiving end of things, so I see no real cause for alarm just yet. He seems to have had no problem with Charles, McCluster, Kelce, and Hemmingway so far. If that is the case, put Bowe in with those guys, and things should be just fine. And from what I have read, Avery is running with the 2nd team, so he should be passing Baldwin up for some 1st team reps soon.
Posts: 21,602

07-27-2013, 05:55 PM	#393
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $7938717	Romo is 1-5 in must win games to either get to the playoffs or win in the playoffs. The one win coming in the 09 playoffs. The other five times he has shit the bed. Of all the QBs CP rags on he is deserving of it, IMO. __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
Posts: 26,629

07-27-2013, 06:16 PM	#402
Mav XBOX GT MAVS ACE Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Wisconsin Casino cash: $10019303	I think I understand now. __________________ Resident Browns fan I’m not here to argue about Alex Smith. Fastest Ignore user on CP
Posts: 18,683

07-27-2013, 06:21 PM	#404
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $3777775	[QUOTE=Coogs;9838903]Smith in 2 playoff games has 5 TD's and 0 INT's. That ain't bad.] Now you just shush! scat cat! thats not the popular narrative.
Posts: 91,629