Chiefs Covitz: No surprise, Chiefs plan to run and run some more

Deberg_1990 · 10-10-2012, 06:37 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/10/09...an-to-run.html

It doesn’t matter whether it’s Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn or even Ricky Stanzi at quarterback; the Chiefs’ offensive game plan for the immediate future appears to be established.

Run the ball.

That might not be the most prudent plan of attack this Sunday at Tampa Bay, which ranks fourth in the NFL in rush defense, 32nd against the pass and has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in four games.

But the Chiefs called 49 running plays to 19 pass plays — or 73 percent runs — in last Sunday’s 9-6 loss to Baltimore, and the strategy kept them in the game, unlike the debacles that unfolded against Atlanta, Buffalo and San Diego.

As a team, the Chiefs rank No. 2 in the NFL in rushing. Jamaal Charles leads the league with 551 yards and is tied for third with 102 attempts; his 5.4-yard average ranks second among all backs with at least 48 carries.

Even in a pass-happy league, Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel doesn’t have a problem taking the air out of the ball … and out of his quarterback’s hands.

“If you can gain yards running, you can win running the ball,” Crennel said. “If you can’t gain yards running, and you continue running the ball, that might not be the best formula.”

Despite rushing for 214 yards against Baltimore, the Chiefs still didn’t put the ball in the end zone, though a fumble at the 1 prevented at least one touchdown.

“But we were in the game,” Crennel said. “We got three less points than the Ravens, which means we lose, and I understand that, but would you rather see a competitive game or would you rather see a 40-10 score?”

Charles, listed at 5-11, 199 pounds, is on pace to carry 326 times and have 374 touches, counting receptions, which would surpass his previous high of 275 touches (230 carries, 45 receptions) in 2010, when he ran for 1,467 yards.

Against Baltimore, the Chiefs spread the workload among Charles (30 carries, 140 yards rushing and three catches), Shaun Draughn (12-40 yards, one catch) and rookie Cyrus Gray (4-20, one catch).

And this week, they could have Peyton Hillis back from injury.

“We have a pretty good stable of running backs,” Crennel said. “Peyton happens to be injured at the moment, but going in, we felt that combination of Charles and Hillis would be a good combination. Then, with these young guys behind them, we felt pretty good about that position. When we get Peyton back, we’ll still feel pretty good about it.”

Gray, a sixth-round draft pick, saw his most extensive playing time of the season against Baltimore because Draughn was so involved on special teams, including returning three kickoffs for a 27.3-yard average.

Gray bobbled a pitch from Cassel that was called a fumble by the quarterback, though it clearly should have been handled.

“It was a loss of concentration,” Gray said. “I’m looking up to make a read …”
Gray was a featured back at Texas A&M, where he carried 200 times in 2010 and 198 in times in 2011. He said there was no magic number of carries for any of the Chiefs’ backs.
“If you’re a runner, you’re a runner,” he said. “It just depends on how the game goes, and how the game plan is.”

Tackle Eric Winston could have been speaking for offensive linemen everywhere when it comes to favoring the running game.

“We’ve gotten into such a pass-happy league, that now defenses are starting to catch up by putting faster, lighter guys on the field,” Winston said. “I don’t care how athletic you are at tackle, it’s tough to pass-block those guys because they’re not 270-pound run-stoppers anymore — those are 255-pound track guys who can move, have great length and do a lot of things.

“To me, the best way to combat that is to be a contrarian, and to go back to running, and to go back to getting after ’em and doing things they don’t want to do. And I guarantee you, they don’t want to see us coming after them. They like to see us backing up (to pass-block), and we hate backing up.”

Charles’ averaging 4.7 yards a carry against Baltimore kept the Chiefs in more favorable down-and-distance situations than the second- and third-and-10 situations created by incompletions. The Chiefs converted six of 13 third-downs for 46 percent, their best success rate since the season opener against Atlanta (11 of 16 for 69 percent).

“When you’re running the ball like that, short passes are going to open up, play-action passes are going to open up, you’re going to be much more successful on first down, and you’re not going to have to get to third down,” Winston said. “That’s important for your offense, I don’t care who’s playing quarterback. That’s the team we have to be to be successful here.”

Tampa Bay, under new coach Greg Schiano, is allowing just 3.2 yards per carry this season, third-best in the NFL. In their season-opening, 16-10 win over Carolina, the Bucs held the Panthers to 10 yards rushing.

“Schiano has put his stamp on that already,” Winston said. “He’s a defensive guy; he’s going to want to stop the run. We’re going to have to move them out of their gaps. Baltimore has been pretty good against the run, too.

“It comes down to a battle of wills in the trenches. If we can keep giving (offensive coordinator) Brian Daboll a reason to keep calling runs, he’s shown he’s going to do it. I look at it like it’s on us up front.”

AussieChiefsFan · 10-10-2012, 06:40 AM

Well, one upside. If Charles doesn't get run into the ground due to our horrible QBs / OC, he'll likely be the leading rusher after Week 17. And the Chiefs will likely be #1 in rushing... again.

If we had a franchise Qb we'd be unstoppable. :/

**the Talking Can** · 10-10-2012, 06:41 AM

Quote:

would you rather see a competitive game or would you rather see a 40-10 score?

the Pioli Era summed up

PRIEST · 10-10-2012, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

the Pioli Era summed up

This

What a joke

Deberg_1990 · 10-10-2012, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieChiefsFan

Well, one upside. If Charles doesn't get run into the ground due to our horrible QBs / OC, he'll likely be the leading rusher after Week 17. And the Chiefs will likely be #1 in rushing... again.

If we had a franchise Qb we'd be unstoppable. :/

Charles is going to get hurt later in the season if he continues on this pace or wear down significantly. Bank on it.

**007** · 10-10-2012, 06:44 AM

RRRP followed by R2P2 and then RRRP

Micjones · 10-10-2012, 06:44 AM

As they should. This team has one of the league's best ground games.
I think I'd utilize Draughn and Gray more often though. They've both proven that they can do positive things as well. Keep Charles' touches down. Hopefully we'll have Hillis back soon.

You just have to be able to throw the ball effectively (at the right times) to keep defenses honest.

stonedstooge · 10-10-2012, 06:46 AM

I don't understand the reasoning that if we didn't run the ball as much, we wouldn't have lost by 3 but would have lost by 30. So Roleo is saying we would have given them 27 more points by passing?

bishop_74 · 10-10-2012, 06:46 AM

At least Quinn has a threatening depp ball unlike Cassel. Hopefully that will keep Tampa a bit honest, and they do not stack the line.

BlackHelicopters · 10-10-2012, 06:46 AM

30 rushes and 4 or 5 catches per game? Dude is gonna get maimed.

King_Chief_Fan · 10-10-2012, 06:49 AM

with a game plan like this it doesn't matter who the QB is-- Winston is right about that.
It is a shame that we can't design an offense to take advantage of TB poor pass defense because we don't have a QB.
This sounds like Herm though to me...we are going to do what everyone expects us to do and hope they don't stop us...

Deberg_1990 · 10-10-2012, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stonedstooge

I don't understand the reasoning that if we didn't run the ball as much, we wouldn't have lost by 3 but would have lost by 30. So Roleo is saying we would have given them 27 more points by passing?

yea, is he saying his defense sucks?

Chiefs Pantalones · 10-10-2012, 06:50 AM

This house can't get cleaned soon enough.

el borracho · 10-10-2012, 06:52 AM

I would rather see a 40-10 game, assuming we have the 40. Isn't that also a possibility, Romeo?

htismaqe · 10-10-2012, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bishop_74

At least Quinn has a threatening depp ball unlike Cassel. Hopefully that will keep Tampa a bit honest, and they do not stack the line.

For about 5 minutes, until they realize that we're not going to throw no matter what they do.

10-10-2012, 06:37 AM
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3824454	Covitz: No surprise, Chiefs plan to run and run some more http://www.kansascity.com/2012/10/09...an-to-run.html It doesn’t matter whether it’s Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn or even Ricky Stanzi at quarterback; the Chiefs’ offensive game plan for the immediate future appears to be established. Run the ball. That might not be the most prudent plan of attack this Sunday at Tampa Bay, which ranks fourth in the NFL in rush defense, 32nd against the pass and has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in four games. But the Chiefs called 49 running plays to 19 pass plays — or 73 percent runs — in last Sunday’s 9-6 loss to Baltimore, and the strategy kept them in the game, unlike the debacles that unfolded against Atlanta, Buffalo and San Diego. As a team, the Chiefs rank No. 2 in the NFL in rushing. Jamaal Charles leads the league with 551 yards and is tied for third with 102 attempts; his 5.4-yard average ranks second among all backs with at least 48 carries. Even in a pass-happy league, Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel doesn’t have a problem taking the air out of the ball … and out of his quarterback’s hands. “If you can gain yards running, you can win running the ball,” Crennel said. “If you can’t gain yards running, and you continue running the ball, that might not be the best formula.” Despite rushing for 214 yards against Baltimore, the Chiefs still didn’t put the ball in the end zone, though a fumble at the 1 prevented at least one touchdown. “But we were in the game,” Crennel said. “We got three less points than the Ravens, which means we lose, and I understand that, but would you rather see a competitive game or would you rather see a 40-10 score?” Charles, listed at 5-11, 199 pounds, is on pace to carry 326 times and have 374 touches, counting receptions, which would surpass his previous high of 275 touches (230 carries, 45 receptions) in 2010, when he ran for 1,467 yards. Against Baltimore, the Chiefs spread the workload among Charles (30 carries, 140 yards rushing and three catches), Shaun Draughn (12-40 yards, one catch) and rookie Cyrus Gray (4-20, one catch). And this week, they could have Peyton Hillis back from injury. “We have a pretty good stable of running backs,” Crennel said. “Peyton happens to be injured at the moment, but going in, we felt that combination of Charles and Hillis would be a good combination. Then, with these young guys behind them, we felt pretty good about that position. When we get Peyton back, we’ll still feel pretty good about it.” Gray, a sixth-round draft pick, saw his most extensive playing time of the season against Baltimore because Draughn was so involved on special teams, including returning three kickoffs for a 27.3-yard average. Gray bobbled a pitch from Cassel that was called a fumble by the quarterback, though it clearly should have been handled. “It was a loss of concentration,” Gray said. “I’m looking up to make a read …” Gray was a featured back at Texas A&M, where he carried 200 times in 2010 and 198 in times in 2011. He said there was no magic number of carries for any of the Chiefs’ backs. “If you’re a runner, you’re a runner,” he said. “It just depends on how the game goes, and how the game plan is.” Tackle Eric Winston could have been speaking for offensive linemen everywhere when it comes to favoring the running game. “We’ve gotten into such a pass-happy league, that now defenses are starting to catch up by putting faster, lighter guys on the field,” Winston said. “I don’t care how athletic you are at tackle, it’s tough to pass-block those guys because they’re not 270-pound run-stoppers anymore — those are 255-pound track guys who can move, have great length and do a lot of things. “To me, the best way to combat that is to be a contrarian, and to go back to running, and to go back to getting after ’em and doing things they don’t want to do. And I guarantee you, they don’t want to see us coming after them. They like to see us backing up (to pass-block), and we hate backing up.” Charles’ averaging 4.7 yards a carry against Baltimore kept the Chiefs in more favorable down-and-distance situations than the second- and third-and-10 situations created by incompletions. The Chiefs converted six of 13 third-downs for 46 percent, their best success rate since the season opener against Atlanta (11 of 16 for 69 percent). “When you’re running the ball like that, short passes are going to open up, play-action passes are going to open up, you’re going to be much more successful on first down, and you’re not going to have to get to third down,” Winston said. “That’s important for your offense, I don’t care who’s playing quarterback. That’s the team we have to be to be successful here.” Tampa Bay, under new coach Greg Schiano, is allowing just 3.2 yards per carry this season, third-best in the NFL. In their season-opening, 16-10 win over Carolina, the Bucs held the Panthers to 10 yards rushing. “Schiano has put his stamp on that already,” Winston said. “He’s a defensive guy; he’s going to want to stop the run. We’re going to have to move them out of their gaps. Baltimore has been pretty good against the run, too. “It comes down to a battle of wills in the trenches. If we can keep giving (offensive coordinator) Brian Daboll a reason to keep calling runs, he’s shown he’s going to do it. I look at it like it’s on us up front.”
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10-10-2012, 06:40 AM	#2
AussieChiefsFan MVP Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Casino cash: $6358501	Well, one upside. If Charles doesn't get run into the ground due to our horrible QBs / OC, he'll likely be the leading rusher after Week 17. And the Chiefs will likely be #1 in rushing... again. If we had a franchise Qb we'd be unstoppable. :/
Posts: 13,751

10-10-2012, 06:44 AM	#6
007 Shaken. Not stirred. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: London Casino cash: $13990126 VARSITY	RRRP followed by R2P2 and then RRRP __________________ My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done. Such as, drinking Dom Perignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs.
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10-10-2012, 06:44 AM	#7
Micjones Whose house? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $10005180	As they should. This team has one of the league's best ground games. I think I'd utilize Draughn and Gray more often though. They've both proven that they can do positive things as well. Keep Charles' touches down. Hopefully we'll have Hillis back soon. You just have to be able to throw the ball effectively (at the right times) to keep defenses honest. __________________ It's like when I'm right I'm right, when I'm wrong I could been right, so I'm still right cause I coulda been wrong.
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10-10-2012, 06:46 AM	#8
stonedstooge Arf! Arf! Arf! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Casino cash: $5894173	I don't understand the reasoning that if we didn't run the ball as much, we wouldn't have lost by 3 but would have lost by 30. So Roleo is saying we would have given them 27 more points by passing? __________________ 2013 ADOPT A CHIEF Eric Kush "Often is a word I seldom use"--JP
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10-10-2012, 06:46 AM	#9
bishop_74 Veteran Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Denver, CO. USA Casino cash: $8674993	At least Quinn has a threatening depp ball unlike Cassel. Hopefully that will keep Tampa a bit honest, and they do not stack the line.
Posts: 3,642

10-10-2012, 06:46 AM	#10
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $2530588	30 rushes and 4 or 5 catches per game? Dude is gonna get maimed.
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10-10-2012, 06:49 AM	#11
King_Chief_Fan Praise Him Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: none ya Casino cash: $5875486	with a game plan like this it doesn't matter who the QB is-- Winston is right about that. It is a shame that we can't design an offense to take advantage of TB poor pass defense because we don't have a QB. This sounds like Herm though to me...we are going to do what everyone expects us to do and hope they don't stop us...
Posts: 12,181

10-10-2012, 06:50 AM	#13
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $7888717	This house can't get cleaned soon enough. __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
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10-10-2012, 06:52 AM	#14
el borracho In Pat We Trust Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Albuquerque, NM Casino cash: $6189148	I would rather see a 40-10 game, assuming we have the 40. Isn't that also a possibility, Romeo?
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