Chiefs PFF First Impressions – Chiefs @ Ravens

Hammock Parties · 08-20-2011, 03:29 AM

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog...chiefs-ravens/

f you like defenses that can stop the run and like seeing passes end up on the ground instead of in receivers’ hands, you would have enjoyed watching this game. Both were playoff teams last year, but neither offense could find a rhythm. The teams stayed away from their ground game strengths and tried instead to get their passing games going, but too many balls were a little off target.
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Changes to each defense in the offseason will require replacements to step up. Games like this – that wound up being very much in favor of the D – are encouraging in that they offer a hint of the pieces fitting together.
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Kansas City Chiefs – Three Things of Note
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● The Chiefs featured Dwayne Bowe and Tony Moeaki as their top receiving targets last year. The preseason should be a good time to test some of the others that may see significant playing time in the coming year, but the Chiefs went against this approach early. On their first three possessions, each of Matt Cassel’s throws went to either Bowe or Moeaki. The passing game generally looked to be very much off: Cassel threw a pass too low to Bowe, one too high, and another behind him and the attempt in Moeaki’s direction was dropped. These were followed by a ball thrown behind Thomas Jones, and two quick slants to Jerheme Urban that failed to connect. Cassel ended with a few very short completions to pad his statistics, but none of it led to points. More play like that from the Chiefs’ passing game and there’s no hope for a return trip to the playoffs.
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● Based on how the Chiefs used their running backs in this game, the days of complaining about the Thomas Jones’ playing time might be over. The Chiefs added Le’Ron McClain in free agency and went to him once as a rusher and once again as a receiver. They also gave converted wide receiver Dexter McCluster a number of snaps as he also got a run and a catch with the first team offense. Neither found much success, but it’s hard to play well against the Baltimore’s run defense; not even Jamaal Charles could get much of anything going. The one time Cassel was sacked, McCluster looked terrible in blitz pick-up – something he will need to work on in order to get a regular sniff at passing downs work. McClain and McCluster do look like they’ll take some of Jones’ action. Jones, whose average yards per run of 3.6 last year was just slightly ahead of Jamaal Charles’ yards after contact average of 3.2.
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● One of the Chiefs’ strengths in 2010 turned out to be their defensive line’s specialization. On run plays, Glenn Dorsey, Ron Edwards and Shaun Smith all saw positive run defense ratings while Wallace Gilberry would come in and Tamba Hali would move to the defensive line when passing downs came about. Since last season, Kansas City has lost both Edwards and Smith to free agency which might present a problem when it comes to stopping the run. They, however, brought in Kelly Gregg who was a big help against his former team in this game with a tackle for a loss and three other tackles for small gains. Able to keep the Ravens to under three yards per carry until Ray Rice’s touchdown run (at that point the Chiefs had gone to their bench while Baltimore was still running their first team), the Chiefs’ run D was certainly up to the task.
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Baltimore Ravens – Three Things of Note
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● With the release of Derrick Mason and Todd Heap and the addition of Lee Evans and Torrey Smith, the Ravens’ passing game gave the fans something to keep an eye on. Baltimore didn’t look any better than the Chiefs in this aspect of the game. It seemed the timing of Joe Flacco was off all night as he completed just half of his passes. On the plus side, we saw three first down catches by Lee Evans in his Ravens debut. On the down side, rookie receiver Torrey Smith and new starting tight end Ed Dickson never got a chance to succeed. They each had a few targets, but those rarely came on well-placed passes or put them in situations to do anything after the catch. On a player-usage note, it looks like Smith has secured the other outside receiving spot on three receiver sets while Boldin goes to the slot.
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● Because Marshal Yanda was unavailable, Oniel Cousins moved over to right guard and rookie Jah Reid got the start at right tackle. When the Ravens ran the ball, it was typically to the left behind their more experienced blockers, but when given the chance, both looked solid in run blocking. The problem came in pass protection, where Reid regularly saw players get past him, and at times bring pressure to Flacco. It wasn’t even the more dangerous pass rushers Tamba Hali or Wallace Gilberry bringing the pressure, it was Tyson Jackson and Andy Studebaker. Both Jackson and Studebaker had negative pass rush ratings in 2011; allowing them to consistently get pressure is clearly a problem. I would not expect Reid to be starting come the beginning of the season.
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● With the loss of Josh Wilson and Dawan Landry, I expected the Ravens secondary to get taken advantage of by players like Bowe. I was wrong. The combination of rookie first round pick Jimmy Smith and inexperience Cary Williams played very well. The Chiefs went after Smith early and often, with four of the first five throws to Bowe while Smith covered him. Though he allowed two catches for first downs, the other two passes fell incomplete. I would expect the Ravens to give Smith a little more help in the regular season if he is asked to cover someone of Bowe’s calibre. Making the most of his three chances, Williams broke up a pass to Bowe, nearly intercepted the first slant to Urban, and prevented another quick slant from being completed. Not bad at all for someone with 59 career defensive snaps.
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Both of these teams have the potential to have great offenses. They have two of the best running backs in the league, average to above average quarterbacks, at least one star receiver, and solid offensive lines. Unfortunately, we probably won’t glimpse this potential until the regular season starts.

Dr. Johnny Fever · 08-20-2011, 03:35 AM

Pre-season football is serious business!

Hog's Gone Fishin · 08-20-2011, 06:25 AM

I hate preseason . It's only practice.

**Smed1065** · 08-20-2011, 08:08 AM

solid offensive line.. ?

Fish · 08-20-2011, 08:20 AM

A little harsh on Cassel's throws. I was more disappointed in Cassel's feet. He looked hurried and uncomfortable the entire time. Most times he had no reason to be.

MIAdragon · 08-20-2011, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

A little harsh on Cassel's throws. I was more disappointed in Cassel's feet. He looked hurried and uncomfortable the entire time. Most times he had no reason to be.

He's ALWAYS been that way, I dont see him getting better at this stage in the game.

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-20-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

I hate preseason . It's only practice.

perfect practice makes perfect ( that's a saying from my Martial Arts instructor)

TRR · 08-20-2011, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

A little harsh on Cassel's throws. I was more disappointed in Cassel's feet. He looked hurried and uncomfortable the entire time. Most times he had no reason to be.

Disagree. He knew exactly where he wanted to go with the ball. He looked more decisive in his throws. My problem with Cassel is that he seems to not know where he wants to go with the ball. He looked good in reading coverage and knowing where he wanted to go.
Posted via Mobile Device

LiveSteam · 08-20-2011, 08:46 AM

Happy feet=What a waist of money

Fish · 08-20-2011, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRR

Disagree. He knew exactly where he wanted to go with the ball. He looked more decisive in his throws. My problem with Cassel is that he seems to not know where he wants to go with the ball. He looked good in reading coverage and knowing where he wanted to go.
Posted via Mobile Device

He knew exactly where he wanted to go alright. So much so that he almost had a pick because he made it so clear where he wanted to go. He's never scanned the field well, and hasn't shown much improvement there.

Halfcan · 08-20-2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiveSteam

Happy feet=What a waist of money

I think Cassel just got a new nickname-lol

boogblaster · 08-20-2011, 10:51 AM

we looked better all around .. till the scrubs took over .. our depth needs improved .. and Haley usually brings in some every season ....

Demonpenz · 08-20-2011, 11:26 AM

why in the world would you ever ask Dexter Mcluster to pick up the blitz.

MoreLemonPledge · 08-20-2011, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiveSteam

Happy feet=What a waist of money

milkman · 08-20-2011, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

perfect practice makes perfect ( that's a saying from my Martial Arts instructor)

That ****er must be really old, cause that saying has been around since before I was born.

08-20-2011, 03:29 AM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4740478	PFF First Impressions – Chiefs @ Ravens http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog...chiefs-ravens/ f you like defenses that can stop the run and like seeing passes end up on the ground instead of in receivers’ hands, you would have enjoyed watching this game. Both were playoff teams last year, but neither offense could find a rhythm. The teams stayed away from their ground game strengths and tried instead to get their passing games going, but too many balls were a little off target. . Changes to each defense in the offseason will require replacements to step up. Games like this – that wound up being very much in favor of the D – are encouraging in that they offer a hint of the pieces fitting together. . . . Kansas City Chiefs – Three Things of Note . ● The Chiefs featured Dwayne Bowe and Tony Moeaki as their top receiving targets last year. The preseason should be a good time to test some of the others that may see significant playing time in the coming year, but the Chiefs went against this approach early. On their first three possessions, each of Matt Cassel’s throws went to either Bowe or Moeaki. The passing game generally looked to be very much off: Cassel threw a pass too low to Bowe, one too high, and another behind him and the attempt in Moeaki’s direction was dropped. These were followed by a ball thrown behind Thomas Jones, and two quick slants to Jerheme Urban that failed to connect. Cassel ended with a few very short completions to pad his statistics, but none of it led to points. More play like that from the Chiefs’ passing game and there’s no hope for a return trip to the playoffs. . ● Based on how the Chiefs used their running backs in this game, the days of complaining about the Thomas Jones’ playing time might be over. The Chiefs added Le’Ron McClain in free agency and went to him once as a rusher and once again as a receiver. They also gave converted wide receiver Dexter McCluster a number of snaps as he also got a run and a catch with the first team offense. Neither found much success, but it’s hard to play well against the Baltimore’s run defense; not even Jamaal Charles could get much of anything going. The one time Cassel was sacked, McCluster looked terrible in blitz pick-up – something he will need to work on in order to get a regular sniff at passing downs work. McClain and McCluster do look like they’ll take some of Jones’ action. Jones, whose average yards per run of 3.6 last year was just slightly ahead of Jamaal Charles’ yards after contact average of 3.2. . ● One of the Chiefs’ strengths in 2010 turned out to be their defensive line’s specialization. On run plays, Glenn Dorsey, Ron Edwards and Shaun Smith all saw positive run defense ratings while Wallace Gilberry would come in and Tamba Hali would move to the defensive line when passing downs came about. Since last season, Kansas City has lost both Edwards and Smith to free agency which might present a problem when it comes to stopping the run. They, however, brought in Kelly Gregg who was a big help against his former team in this game with a tackle for a loss and three other tackles for small gains. Able to keep the Ravens to under three yards per carry until Ray Rice’s touchdown run (at that point the Chiefs had gone to their bench while Baltimore was still running their first team), the Chiefs’ run D was certainly up to the task. . Baltimore Ravens – Three Things of Note . ● With the release of Derrick Mason and Todd Heap and the addition of Lee Evans and Torrey Smith, the Ravens’ passing game gave the fans something to keep an eye on. Baltimore didn’t look any better than the Chiefs in this aspect of the game. It seemed the timing of Joe Flacco was off all night as he completed just half of his passes. On the plus side, we saw three first down catches by Lee Evans in his Ravens debut. On the down side, rookie receiver Torrey Smith and new starting tight end Ed Dickson never got a chance to succeed. They each had a few targets, but those rarely came on well-placed passes or put them in situations to do anything after the catch. On a player-usage note, it looks like Smith has secured the other outside receiving spot on three receiver sets while Boldin goes to the slot. . ● Because Marshal Yanda was unavailable, Oniel Cousins moved over to right guard and rookie Jah Reid got the start at right tackle. When the Ravens ran the ball, it was typically to the left behind their more experienced blockers, but when given the chance, both looked solid in run blocking. The problem came in pass protection, where Reid regularly saw players get past him, and at times bring pressure to Flacco. It wasn’t even the more dangerous pass rushers Tamba Hali or Wallace Gilberry bringing the pressure, it was Tyson Jackson and Andy Studebaker. Both Jackson and Studebaker had negative pass rush ratings in 2011; allowing them to consistently get pressure is clearly a problem. I would not expect Reid to be starting come the beginning of the season. . ● With the loss of Josh Wilson and Dawan Landry, I expected the Ravens secondary to get taken advantage of by players like Bowe. I was wrong. The combination of rookie first round pick Jimmy Smith and inexperience Cary Williams played very well. The Chiefs went after Smith early and often, with four of the first five throws to Bowe while Smith covered him. Though he allowed two catches for first downs, the other two passes fell incomplete. I would expect the Ravens to give Smith a little more help in the regular season if he is asked to cover someone of Bowe’s calibre. Making the most of his three chances, Williams broke up a pass to Bowe, nearly intercepted the first slant to Urban, and prevented another quick slant from being completed. Not bad at all for someone with 59 career defensive snaps. . . Both of these teams have the potential to have great offenses. They have two of the best running backs in the league, average to above average quarterbacks, at least one star receiver, and solid offensive lines. Unfortunately, we probably won’t glimpse this potential until the regular season starts.
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08-20-2011, 03:35 AM	#2
Dr. Johnny Fever stax of wax Join Date: Feb 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	Pre-season football is serious business!
Posts: 34,865

08-20-2011, 06:25 AM	#3
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1730477	I hate preseason . It's only practice.
Posts: 40,336

08-20-2011, 08:08 AM	#4
Smed1065 Supporter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Returning From Hell Casino cash: $8003673	solid offensive line.. ?
Posts: 9,779

08-20-2011, 08:20 AM	#5
Fish Ain't no relax! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $2308919	A little harsh on Cassel's throws. I was more disappointed in Cassel's feet. He looked hurried and uncomfortable the entire time. Most times he had no reason to be. __________________
Posts: 47,488

08-20-2011, 08:46 AM	#9
LiveSteam The Constitutional Choo choo Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: homeof43conferencetitles Casino cash: $2235432	Happy feet=What a waist of money __________________ Progressivism.. The Politically Correct way of saying "I'm a Communist slash Nazi" depending on what the issue of the day is?
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08-20-2011, 10:51 AM	#12
boogblaster MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Verdigris Valley Campsite Casino cash: $10004900	we looked better all around .. till the scrubs took over .. our depth needs improved .. and Haley usually brings in some every season .... __________________ WR or S please
Posts: 10,305

08-20-2011, 11:26 AM	#13
Demonpenz I got Rice cookin in the micro Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $3152136	why in the world would you ever ask Dexter Mcluster to pick up the blitz. __________________
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