Gonzo on Croyle

**the Talking Can** · 12-16-2007, 11:18 PM

Croyle’s latest start ends in defeat against Titans
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Brodie Croyle faced the questions, his body intact but his ego and his outlook bruised.

What are the Chiefs’ problems? Why have they lost seven consecutive games? How can the team make it right?

And is Croyle the quarterback to do it?

Croyle, the Chiefs’ second-year quarterback, lost again Sunday. This time it was a 26-17 defeat against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium.

He is 0-4 since replacing Damon Huard in the starting lineup Nov. 18. It is a worst-case scenario for Croyle, a quiet youngster charged with leading the Chiefs out of their worst funk in 22 years.

“I thought we would win by now, but we haven’t,” said Croyle, a third-round pick in the 2006 NFL draft. “It’s reality. You deal with it.

“This is extremely frustrating.”

Ask around. This season is lost. The Chiefs clung this past week to bright spots anywhere they could find them. Encouraging practices. Offseason changes. Next year.

Another of those bright spots appears to be Croyle. He is one of the few remaining investments the Chiefs have this season, one of the few things to play for.

Coach Herm Edwards said after Sunday’s game that the staff will spend the offseason building the team around Croyle. In Kansas City’s final two games, road contests against Detroit and the New York Jets, the staff will continue identifying Croyle’s talents, his shortcomings and what the former Alabama standout needs to be successful. It is in those games that Croyle will be tested and questioned and forced to grow, even as the Chiefs collapse.

But as questions continue to plague the Chiefs, Croyle’s teammates say the quarterback’s job security is not among them.

“I think he’s growing,” wide receiver Eddie Kennison said. “That’s what the organization wants to see. That’s why they drafted him. Every young guy has to progress in some way. He’s definitely showing them. They said they want him to be the future of this organization, and I think he will be.”

Croyle took his longest steps yet toward the future Sunday. He was 25 of 43 for 217 yards and two touchdowns. All of those statistics were career highs. He also avoided a sack for the first time in his four starts.

Still, Croyle found little to be encouraged about.

“I took some steps forward,” Croyle said, “but I took some steps backward.”

Croyle’s steps in reverse Sunday came in two second-half interceptions — the second of which he admitted not seeing linebacker David Thornton. But the misfires came after Croyle led scoring drives on consecutive possessions in which he was nine of 16. He showed patience and poise against a Titans pass rush that hurried him twice and knocked him down once.

It was his mistakes, though, that will raise questions about Croyle’s stock. The Chiefs’ seven consecutive losses are the most since 1985. They are 4-10 and are in prime position to possess a top-10 draft pick in April’s draft. With star quarterbacks such as Boston College’s Matt Ryan and Louisville’s Brian Brohm expected to be top-10 picks, Edwards and Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson might be tempted to spend the team’s first pick to silence the questions surrounding Croyle.

At least two of Croyle’s favorite targets, Kennison and tight end Tony Gonzalez, said such a move would be a mistake.

“Brodie, he is the quarterback,” Gonzalez said. “A lot of people are saying, ‘This draft, go out there and get a quarterback.’ Nah. Brodie is the guy.”

Croyle’s performance Sunday was the first example that he is ready for the responsibility. He made mistakes, sure, but Edwards said none of them was beyond the coach’s expectations for a young quarterback.

Edwards said one of the team’s top priorities is to protect Croyle. Another draft possibility is a solid left tackle. But the team’s more immediate priority is to protect Croyle’s confidence. Kennison said he is close with Croyle and already has begun studying the 24-year-old quarterback for signs his poise has been shaken. So far, Kennison said, he hasn’t detected any signs.

“Brodie’s a tough kid, man,” Kennison said. “This won’t make him or break him.”

Still, Croyle faced the questions after the Chiefs’ most recent loss. More are certain to follow if the Chiefs lose one or both of their final games.

But the losses and the questions and how he answers it all will define Croyle’s career, Gonzalez said. That Croyle’s ego and outlook are bruised might not be all bad, Gonzalez said.

“It’s good for him to go through this. Honestly. It is,” Gonzalez said. “Anything in life — you’ll never know how sweet the mountaintop is unless you go through some valleys. And right now, he’s going through a little valley. All of us are. I do hope that next year is going to be better.

“He’s going to come around. He’s got a great arm. He’s got a good future. He’s definitely the guy for this job.”

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/406887.html

Rasputin · 12-16-2007, 11:28 PM

If Tony says so then HELL YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's all I need to hear. Brodie is the man. Brodie is going to be an awesome QB for us for a long time. Brodie needs help and some confidense. He has the skill and mindset to become a leader on this team he will become an elite QB in this leage I just know it.

Hammock Parties · 12-16-2007, 11:44 PM

I don't like Babb's writing style.

BigChiefFan · 12-16-2007, 11:51 PM

Tony also sad Herm is the right man for the job. Great athlete, but I don't take what he says as the gospel.

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-16-2007, 11:52 PM

It pisses me off with these insinuations by media heads that KC should burn their 1st round pick on a QB when we already have one.

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-17-2007, 12:16 AM

Another thing, at least 3 plays were called back when Croyle made on good play after another, and thus killing momentum.

philfree · 12-17-2007, 12:28 AM

Croyle is the guy and we also have Thigpin what we need is good #2 behind Croyle. I'd say signing Pennington after he is released would be a good move. Some will disagree I'm sure but I think he would help Croyle and Thigpin become better players and he'd be decent off the bench if needed.

PhilFree

a1na2 · 12-17-2007, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philfree

Croyle is the guy and we also have Thigpin what we need is good #2 behind Croyle. I'd say signing Pennington after he is released would be a good move. Some will disagree I'm sure but I think he would help Croyle and Thigpin become better players and he'd be decent off the bench if needed.

PhilFree

If we are going to do a rebuild and stick with the youth Pennington should be out. Huard needed to be gone last year but we kept him and slowed the progress of Croyle. He needed to be thrown into the fire.

philfree · 12-17-2007, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a1na2

If we are going to do a rebuild and stick with the youth Pennington should be out. Huard needed to be gone last year but we kept him and slowed the progress of Croyle. He needed to be thrown into the fire.

So we want three inexperienced QBs on the roster? We will still be getting younger even if we sign a vet as a back up. Doesn't have to be Pennington but we need at least one experienced single caller as well as a good young QB coach.

PhilFree

a1na2 · 12-17-2007, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philfree

So we want three inexperienced QBs on the roster? We will still be getting younger even if we sign a vet as a back up. Doesn't have to be Pennington but we need at least one experienced single caller as well as a good young QB coach.

PhilFree

We know that Huard sucks. We also know that Pennington is not a great QB, but only a buddy of the HC. I don't have any confidence in the HC and his decisions are suspect at best.

I would rather go with three untested QB's rather than to have someone there that would be a crutch that wouldn't get us any closer to the SB. At least with the inexperienced guys there we might have a chance of developing one into a perpetual Pro-bowl caliber QB. (seemed to have worked for Aikman in Dallas)

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-17-2007, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a1na2

We also know that Pennington is not a great QB, but only a buddy of the HC.

He has the smarts for the position, but not the athletic ability.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 12-17-2007, 12:47 AM

Brodie Croyle can lead an NFL team, and do it well.

a1na2 · 12-17-2007, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

He has the smarts for the position, but not the athletic ability.

OK, make him the QB coach. It would cost less.

el borracho · 12-17-2007, 01:09 AM

I like what I have seen of Croyle so far. I really hope we do not take a QB early in the draft.

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-17-2007, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el borracho

I like what I have seen of Croyle so far. I really hope we do not take a QB early in the draft.

They at least have to give a Croyle a full year's chance like St. Huard, and in my opinion they will

12-16-2007, 11:18 PM
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	Gonzo on Croyle Croyle’s latest start ends in defeat against Titans By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star Brodie Croyle faced the questions, his body intact but his ego and his outlook bruised. What are the Chiefs’ problems? Why have they lost seven consecutive games? How can the team make it right? And is Croyle the quarterback to do it? Croyle, the Chiefs’ second-year quarterback, lost again Sunday. This time it was a 26-17 defeat against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. He is 0-4 since replacing Damon Huard in the starting lineup Nov. 18. It is a worst-case scenario for Croyle, a quiet youngster charged with leading the Chiefs out of their worst funk in 22 years. “I thought we would win by now, but we haven’t,” said Croyle, a third-round pick in the 2006 NFL draft. “It’s reality. You deal with it. “This is extremely frustrating.” Ask around. This season is lost. The Chiefs clung this past week to bright spots anywhere they could find them. Encouraging practices. Offseason changes. Next year. Another of those bright spots appears to be Croyle. He is one of the few remaining investments the Chiefs have this season, one of the few things to play for. Coach Herm Edwards said after Sunday’s game that the staff will spend the offseason building the team around Croyle. In Kansas City’s final two games, road contests against Detroit and the New York Jets, the staff will continue identifying Croyle’s talents, his shortcomings and what the former Alabama standout needs to be successful. It is in those games that Croyle will be tested and questioned and forced to grow, even as the Chiefs collapse. But as questions continue to plague the Chiefs, Croyle’s teammates say the quarterback’s job security is not among them. “I think he’s growing,” wide receiver Eddie Kennison said. “That’s what the organization wants to see. That’s why they drafted him. Every young guy has to progress in some way. He’s definitely showing them. They said they want him to be the future of this organization, and I think he will be.” Croyle took his longest steps yet toward the future Sunday. He was 25 of 43 for 217 yards and two touchdowns. All of those statistics were career highs. He also avoided a sack for the first time in his four starts. Still, Croyle found little to be encouraged about. “I took some steps forward,” Croyle said, “but I took some steps backward.” Croyle’s steps in reverse Sunday came in two second-half interceptions — the second of which he admitted not seeing linebacker David Thornton. But the misfires came after Croyle led scoring drives on consecutive possessions in which he was nine of 16. He showed patience and poise against a Titans pass rush that hurried him twice and knocked him down once. It was his mistakes, though, that will raise questions about Croyle’s stock. The Chiefs’ seven consecutive losses are the most since 1985. They are 4-10 and are in prime position to possess a top-10 draft pick in April’s draft. With star quarterbacks such as Boston College’s Matt Ryan and Louisville’s Brian Brohm expected to be top-10 picks, Edwards and Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson might be tempted to spend the team’s first pick to silence the questions surrounding Croyle. At least two of Croyle’s favorite targets, Kennison and tight end Tony Gonzalez, said such a move would be a mistake. “Brodie, he is the quarterback,” Gonzalez said. “A lot of people are saying, ‘This draft, go out there and get a quarterback.’ Nah. Brodie is the guy.” Croyle’s performance Sunday was the first example that he is ready for the responsibility. He made mistakes, sure, but Edwards said none of them was beyond the coach’s expectations for a young quarterback. Edwards said one of the team’s top priorities is to protect Croyle. Another draft possibility is a solid left tackle. But the team’s more immediate priority is to protect Croyle’s confidence. Kennison said he is close with Croyle and already has begun studying the 24-year-old quarterback for signs his poise has been shaken. So far, Kennison said, he hasn’t detected any signs. “Brodie’s a tough kid, man,” Kennison said. “This won’t make him or break him.” Still, Croyle faced the questions after the Chiefs’ most recent loss. More are certain to follow if the Chiefs lose one or both of their final games. But the losses and the questions and how he answers it all will define Croyle’s career, Gonzalez said. That Croyle’s ego and outlook are bruised might not be all bad, Gonzalez said. “It’s good for him to go through this. Honestly. It is,” Gonzalez said. “Anything in life — you’ll never know how sweet the mountaintop is unless you go through some valleys. And right now, he’s going through a little valley. All of us are. I do hope that next year is going to be better. “He’s going to come around. He’s got a great arm. He’s got a good future. He’s definitely the guy for this job.” http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/406887.html
Posts: 51,585

12-16-2007, 11:44 PM	#3
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4700478	I don't like Babb's writing style. __________________ Chiefs game films
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12-16-2007, 11:51 PM	#4
BigChiefFan MVP Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: In the Top 10 Casino cash: $9924205	Tony also sad Herm is the right man for the job. Great athlete, but I don't take what he says as the gospel. __________________ A 35 year drought can make you thirsty.
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12-16-2007, 11:52 PM	#5
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $902813	It pisses me off with these insinuations by media heads that KC should burn their 1st round pick on a QB when we already have one. __________________
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12-17-2007, 12:16 AM	#6
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $902813	Another thing, at least 3 plays were called back when Croyle made on good play after another, and thus killing momentum. __________________
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12-16-2007, 11:28 PM	#2
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $3465421	If Tony says so then HELL YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's all I need to hear. Brodie is the man. Brodie is going to be an awesome QB for us for a long time. Brodie needs help and some confidense. He has the skill and mindset to become a leader on this team he will become an elite QB in this leage I just know it.
Posts: 54,963

12-17-2007, 12:28 AM	#7
philfree Indian Twitter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Free Agency Casino cash: $1636198	Croyle is the guy and we also have Thigpin what we need is good #2 behind Croyle. I'd say signing Pennington after he is released would be a good move. Some will disagree I'm sure but I think he would help Croyle and Thigpin become better players and he'd be decent off the bench if needed. PhilFree __________________ [/SIGPIC]
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12-17-2007, 12:47 AM	#12
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8009572	Brodie Croyle can lead an NFL team, and do it well. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
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12-17-2007, 01:09 AM	#14
el borracho In Pat We Trust Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Albuquerque, NM Casino cash: $6369148	I like what I have seen of Croyle so far. I really hope we do not take a QB early in the draft.
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