RAND: A tough spot for Croyle

C-Mac · 11-13-2007, 08:23 AM

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2007/11...ot_for_croyle/

RAND: A tough spot for Croyle
Nov 13, 2007, 1:50:54 AM by Jonathan Rand - FAQ

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards doesn’t have a great choice between quarterbacks Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle. But a change became inevitable in a 27-11 loss to the Broncos.

Perhaps because of the punishment he’s absorbed to his body and confidence, Huard has regressed in two straight home losses. He’s committed five turnovers, including two that set up touchdowns and two returned for touchdowns.

So it’s time for Croyle, in his second season, to lead the Chiefs’ offense. That’s putting him in a tough spot unless the Chiefs can find a way to protect him from the wolves.

A quarterback making his first NFL start will have his best shot to succeed when supported by at least a solid cast. Then he can begin with a limited role and not get overwhelmed. But the Chiefs’ offense ranks 30th in the NFL, mainly because its line hasn’t generated much of a running game or protected its quarterback. Yet they’ll be asking Croyle to make a difference.

This is exactly the situation you don’t want for any quarterback, especially not a youngster. NFL history is littered with young blue-chip passers who got stuck with weak offenses and never learned their crafts because they were always on their backs.

Croyle was on track to start opening day before throwing those awful interceptions in the preseason. The job was his to lose all summer because any coach would rather play a quarterback with a promising upside than a journeyman who’s as good as he’ll get.

Huard won the job partly by default but also because he minimized his mistakes and made key plays while leading the Chiefs to a 5-3 record in his starts last season. He remained reliable this year, too, while the Chiefs won four of five games after an 0-2 start. But now that his turnovers have become frequent and costly, he’s lost his edge over Croyle.

Sadly enough for the Chiefs, this switch isn’t likely to make a difference soon. The offense’s collapse shouldn’t be blamed mainly on Huard, yet quarterback is the last offensive spot left where Edwards can shake things up.

Croyle is more nimble than Huard, but he’ll still be running for his life, given protection that’s allowed 29 sacks. Croyle also whips the ball more quickly than Huard and his quick, short throws are difficult to defend.

Croyle’s crisp passes helped him methodically move the Chiefs to a field goal, their lone scoring drive once he took over against the Broncos early in the third quarter. But it’s difficult for a quarterback to nickel and dime his way down the field without a respectable running game.

Defenses facing the Chiefs generally load up against the run and dare the quarterback to beat them. Croyle should expect more of the same.

Edwards saw a quarterback change, from veteran Vinny Testaverde to youngster Chad Pennington, boost the New York Jets from a 1-4 team to a playoff qualifier in 2002. There’s always a chance that a new quarterback’s talent and leadership can wake up a sluggish attack. Given the problems around him, however, that’s too much to ask of Croyle.

But the Chiefs right now have no better option, and little left to lose.

**Donger** · 11-13-2007, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-Mac

But the Chiefs’ offense ranks 30th in the NFL, mainly because its line hasn’t generated much of a running game or protected its quarterback.

Why did he leave out the "and Huard sucks" part?

Reerun_KC · 11-13-2007, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

Why did he leave out the "and Huard sucks" part?

All the media in KC is blaming everyone but Horrid....

Pushead2 · 11-13-2007, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

All the media in KC is blaming everyone but Horrid....

It's ok because we all know who to blame....

Reerun_KC · 11-13-2007, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pushead2

It's ok because we all know who to blame....

Regardless, Horrid singlehandly cost us the Denver game and many others....

MVChiefFan · 11-13-2007, 09:49 AM

I think a lot of young QB's start their careers with a cast that's not very good. That's because they get drafted early to suck-ass teams. You've got to take your lumps sometime, it might as well be now.

Pushead2 · 11-13-2007, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Regardless, Horrid singlehandly cost us the Denver game and many others....

can't argue with that

xbarretx · 11-13-2007, 09:53 AM

regardless, its good to finially know that we will learn what Brody has and if what he has is what the Chiefs need

Chiefnj2 · 11-13-2007, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pushead2

can't argue with that

Huard allowed 100+ yards rushing? Huard didn't open up lanes for Priest? Huard ran poor routes that prevented everyone except Bowe to get open?

**Rausch** · 11-13-2007, 10:00 AM

Our offensive problems start with the offensive line.

Anyone who thought Shields retiring wouldn't have much of an impact can

now. Our running game is $#at (though improved with Priest in there) and no one has time to pass.

Croyle, welcome to "Troy Aikman: the Early Years..."

**Dave Lane** · 11-13-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

Regardless, Herm singlehandly cost us the Denver game and many others....

Fixed your post...

Dave

Reerun_KC · 11-13-2007, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

Huard allowed 100+ yards rushing? Huard didn't open up lanes for Priest? Huard ran poor routes that prevented everyone except Bowe to get open?

Well he cant throw and catch the ball too...

**Nzoner** · 11-13-2007, 10:23 AM

At least Freeney is out but alas I don't think it's going to matter that much.

TRR · 11-13-2007, 10:26 AM

I really believe that Croyle will help the offensive line. Nobody can argue that Croyle gets the ball out faster than Huard does...But one thing I really have noticed is how quickly Croyle gets back into his drop. Huard's drop was painfully slow, and made the O Line hold even longer. A lot of people blame the O Line for Huard's bad play. I blame Huard for the O Line's bad play. He was just too slow in everything that he did.

talastan · 11-13-2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRR

I really believe that Croyle will help the offensive line. Nobody can argue that Croyle gets the ball out faster than Huard does...But one thing I really have noticed is how quickly Croyle gets back into his drop. Huard's drop was painfully slow, and made the O Line hold even longer. A lot of people blame the O Line for Huard's bad play. I blame Huard for the O Line's bad play. He was just too slow in everything that he did.

I agree, though it was a combination of the two. Croyle will hopefully be able to help one side of this diliema. Hopefully the Line can try to shore it up.

11-13-2007, 08:23 AM
C-Mac Lurker Extraordinaire Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wally World Casino cash: $2333699	RAND: A tough spot for Croyle http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2007/11...ot_for_croyle/ RAND: A tough spot for Croyle Nov 13, 2007, 1:50:54 AM by Jonathan Rand - FAQ Chiefs coach Herm Edwards doesn’t have a great choice between quarterbacks Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle. But a change became inevitable in a 27-11 loss to the Broncos. Perhaps because of the punishment he’s absorbed to his body and confidence, Huard has regressed in two straight home losses. He’s committed five turnovers, including two that set up touchdowns and two returned for touchdowns. So it’s time for Croyle, in his second season, to lead the Chiefs’ offense. That’s putting him in a tough spot unless the Chiefs can find a way to protect him from the wolves. A quarterback making his first NFL start will have his best shot to succeed when supported by at least a solid cast. Then he can begin with a limited role and not get overwhelmed. But the Chiefs’ offense ranks 30th in the NFL, mainly because its line hasn’t generated much of a running game or protected its quarterback. Yet they’ll be asking Croyle to make a difference. This is exactly the situation you don’t want for any quarterback, especially not a youngster. NFL history is littered with young blue-chip passers who got stuck with weak offenses and never learned their crafts because they were always on their backs. Croyle was on track to start opening day before throwing those awful interceptions in the preseason. The job was his to lose all summer because any coach would rather play a quarterback with a promising upside than a journeyman who’s as good as he’ll get. Huard won the job partly by default but also because he minimized his mistakes and made key plays while leading the Chiefs to a 5-3 record in his starts last season. He remained reliable this year, too, while the Chiefs won four of five games after an 0-2 start. But now that his turnovers have become frequent and costly, he’s lost his edge over Croyle. Sadly enough for the Chiefs, this switch isn’t likely to make a difference soon. The offense’s collapse shouldn’t be blamed mainly on Huard, yet quarterback is the last offensive spot left where Edwards can shake things up. Croyle is more nimble than Huard, but he’ll still be running for his life, given protection that’s allowed 29 sacks. Croyle also whips the ball more quickly than Huard and his quick, short throws are difficult to defend. Croyle’s crisp passes helped him methodically move the Chiefs to a field goal, their lone scoring drive once he took over against the Broncos early in the third quarter. But it’s difficult for a quarterback to nickel and dime his way down the field without a respectable running game. Defenses facing the Chiefs generally load up against the run and dare the quarterback to beat them. Croyle should expect more of the same. Edwards saw a quarterback change, from veteran Vinny Testaverde to youngster Chad Pennington, boost the New York Jets from a 1-4 team to a playoff qualifier in 2002. There’s always a chance that a new quarterback’s talent and leadership can wake up a sluggish attack. Given the problems around him, however, that’s too much to ask of Croyle. But the Chiefs right now have no better option, and little left to lose.
Posts: 5,632

11-13-2007, 09:49 AM	#6
MVChiefFan Veteran Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Here Casino cash: $1594975	I think a lot of young QB's start their careers with a cast that's not very good. That's because they get drafted early to suck-ass teams. You've got to take your lumps sometime, it might as well be now. __________________ I haven’t slept for ten days straight… because that would be way too long.
Posts: 3,483

11-13-2007, 09:53 AM	#8
xbarretx The Freeze! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Prosper, TX (DFW) Casino cash: $9795000	regardless, its good to finially know that we will learn what Brody has and if what he has is what the Chiefs need __________________ p.s. - VonneMarie is ALL woman!
Posts: 2,860

11-13-2007, 10:23 AM	#13
Nzoner a haw haw haw Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: MIZZOU Casino cash: $26365802	At least Freeney is out but alas I don't think it's going to matter that much. __________________ *Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.*
Posts: 27,111

11-13-2007, 10:26 AM	#14
TRR The Priest and I Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: CO Casino cash: $9870185	I really believe that Croyle will help the offensive line. Nobody can argue that Croyle gets the ball out faster than Huard does...But one thing I really have noticed is how quickly Croyle gets back into his drop. Huard's drop was painfully slow, and made the O Line hold even longer. A lot of people blame the O Line for Huard's bad play. I blame Huard for the O Line's bad play. He was just too slow in everything that he did.
Posts: 7,261