Chiefs Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look - Page 20

**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.

Sandy Vagina · 07-27-2013, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

some of these guys act like hope is facts.
Posted via Mobile Device

You kids are just pissy with us because we have more faith in your team than you do. Pussy.

( okay, now I am just being overtly obnoxious because you deserve it, lol )

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

To what level? Do you believe that Alex Smith provides the Chiefs with a legit chance to win a SB without constructing a defense like the Dilfer-led Ravens or Johnson-led Bucs?

It's fine to say "yes" to the above, but I honestly don't believe that anyone could answer in this manner without resting much of his argument on hope and hope alone.

Hope?

I think Smith could take a team with a top half defense and top half offense to the SB.

Last year the Ravens ranked 16 and 17th in yards on Offense and defense but 10 and 12 on scoring offense and defense.

None of that is out of the realm of possibility for this team.

Before you jump all over me saying Smith is as good as Flacco I am not saying that, I am saying Flacco had a horseshoe up his ass in the playoffs though.

Smith just needs to do whats needed and score points in the offense.

GoChargers · 07-27-2013, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

I am saying Flacco had a horseshoe up his ass in the playoffs though.

No he didn't - he just finally had a supporting cast that didn't choke. He had been good enough to win it all since at least 2010.

Sandy Vagina · 07-27-2013, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

I am saying Flacco had a horseshoe up his ass in the playoffs though.

THIS for sure. We were all shocked. He played well beyond his normal.. props to him for that.. but the contract he got will be laughed at soon enough. (as if it isn't laughed at already by many)

**DeezNutz** · 07-27-2013, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

And they act like we "negative" guys are posting what we hope will happen, rather than what we hope won't, but expect will.

And why do we expect for Smith to be a game manager? Because the statistics, the facts, allow for no other conclusion.

keg in kc · 07-27-2013, 02:13 PM

He's got a championship ring. There won't be much laughing by anyone in Baltimore.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

You kids are just pissy with us because we have more faith in your team than you do. Pussy.

( okay, now I am just being overtly obnoxious because you deserve it, lol )

that's like saying the new girl you are dating would never cheat and I'm dumb for knowing she will.

I've only dated her for thirty years...
Posted via Mobile Device

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

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

Was speaking generally, not directly about you.

There's no doubt he can improve statistically. Hell, he should improve statistically. He'll be throwing the ball more, mainly dumpoffs and short routes, which will rack up YAC and make him look better than he is - Cassel 2010-esque.

Defenses didn't have to respect anything past 15 yards with Cassel, and I highly doubt they will need to with Smith.

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

And they act like we "negative" guys are posting what we hope will happen, rather than what we hope won't, but expect will.

Perfect post.
Posted via Mobile Device

Sandy Vagina · 07-27-2013, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

And why do we expect for Smith to be a game manager? Because the statistics, the facts, allow for no other conclusion.

His collective stats over his early years allowed for no other conclusion than to say he'd be a career backup or out of the league already. Same for others like Steve Young.

Oooooppps. So much for those concrete conclusions, eh?

**SAUTO** · 07-27-2013, 02:16 PM

[QUOTE=OnTheWarpath58;9838438

Defenses didn't have to respect anything past 15 yards with Cassel, and I highly doubt they will need to with Smith.[/QUOTE]
There isn't anything, other than hope, to make you feel any different
Posted via Mobile Device

Marcellus · 07-27-2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

some of these guys act like hope is facts.
Posted via Mobile Device

You do not want to compare who is talking opinion vs fact dude it goes both ways.

Nobody knows whats going to happen this season.

You are telling me you know what offense we are going to run and how its going to play out? Reid had a spread offense coordinator and an expert on the pistol offense on his staff in Philly?

You knew when Rich Gannon came to KC as a journeyman QB he was going to be a league MVP and lead his team to a SB a few years later?

Sandy Vagina · 07-27-2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

that's like saying the new girl you are dating would never cheat and I'm dumb for knowing she will.

I've only dated her for thirty years...
Posted via Mobile Device

so now you gave up on girls and only **** dudes? Hmmmm.... gross.

**DeezNutz** · 07-27-2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

His collective stats over his early years allowed for no other conclusion than to say he'd be a career backup or out of the league already. Same for others like Steve Young.

Oooooppps. So much for those concrete conclusions, eh?

Are you serious?

**OnTheWarpath15** · 07-27-2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

To what level? Do you believe that Alex Smith provides the Chiefs with a legit chance to win a SB without constructing a defense like the Dilfer-led Ravens or Johnson-led Bucs?

It's fine to say "yes" to the above, but I honestly don't believe that anyone could answer in this manner without resting much of his argument on hope and hope alone.

This.

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: 42,030

07-27-2013, 02:13 PM	#291
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	He's got a championship ring. There won't be much laughing by anyone in Baltimore.
Posts: 58,682

07-27-2013, 02:16 PM	#296
SAUTO Shit Join Date: Jun 2008 Casino cash: $10039067	[QUOTE=OnTheWarpath58;9838438 Defenses didn't have to respect anything past 15 yards with Cassel, and I highly doubt they will need to with Smith.[/QUOTE] There isn't anything, other than hope, to make you feel any different Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 55,715