Chiefs Devard Darling ready to reclaim starting job - Page 4

Hammock Parties · 06-09-2009, 12:51 PM

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Darling Chases Starting Spot … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs

Todd Haley says there are no starting jobs assured on the 2009 Chiefs right now.

That’s OK with Devard Darling. He’s more than willing to keep working for a starting job. He’s just excited that right now, he’s running with the first team offense as the other receiver with Dwayne Bowe.

It was Bowe who got all the attention on Monday as the Chiefs started another week of OTA workouts. Haley talked about Bowe, and then the wide receiver spoke to the media, something he’s done very little of during this off-season.

On the other side of the room was the team’s other starting receiver – at least for now. As always, Darling did not draw a lot of attention. It’s probably one of the biggest surprises of the new season so far that a guy considered an unrestricted free agent bust last year, has pushed himself into the mix in the Chiefs offense. A starting job in June does not mean he goes back to Baltimore in September and takes the field for the first offensive play.

But right now, Darling is getting the chance to build rapport with QB Matt Cassel, thanks to those reps with the first team.

“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Darling said. “It’s too early to think things are set. There’s a lot of work left to do, then training camp. I’m just going out and working as hard as I can every day that I’m here. That’s what I’ve done through this whole off-season and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.”

In a Chiefs passing game that has struggled in the last week or so to get things done, Darling has been very consistent and very productive.

“You hear from the coaches all the time that they are evaluating,” said Darling. “So I try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.”

People forget that Darling started last year in the Chiefs offense. It was a spot he held for the first five games of the season. He caught just four passes in those games and the only one to remember was the 68-yard play where he split the Patriots defense in the fourth quarter and gave the Chiefs a chance to beat New England. Right after Darling catch and run, Bowe dropped a TD pass in the end zone and the Chiefs racked up the first of their 14 defeats.

That play should have been Darling’s ticket to more action in the Chiefs offense. But something got in his way. First, it was the problems at quarterback and first Brodie Croyle and then Damon Huard were injured. Through the first five weeks, Darling caught just four passes, none longer than 11 yards.

That’s when Darling lost his starting job, as Mark Bradley advanced to the first unit after being signed off the waiver wire. Darling did not start again until Bradley was injured late in the season.

And it was in the last month that Tyler Thigpen found him again, as Darling caught seven passes in the final three games, including a 33-yard TD catch against Miami.

So what happened between the 68-yarder against the Patriots and the 33-yard catch against the Dolphins? Darling would like to know.

“I can’t really tell you what happened,” he said. “Nobody ever said anything to me. I didn’t get a lot of opportunities.”

Darling ended the season with 17 catches for 247 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers were all less than what he’d done in the 2007 season with Baltimore (18 for 326 and 3 TDs.) He did contribute 11 special teams tackles last season, which was second on the team.

“It was a bad year, the worst season I was part of in my career,” Darling said. “It wasn’t just that I didn’t get a chance in the offense. It was the losing. It was just awful.”

Like everyone else that returns from the 2-14 debacle, Darling is looking for an opportunity to wash that sour taste out of his mouth.

“We have a chance to overcome that,” said Darling. “That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to get better every day and help this team win some games.”

Hammock Parties · 06-09-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

well after all the bullshit YOU threw at this board about DVD i would expect much more. the guy cant run hard for 100 yards?

Dude most players can't maintain top-end speed over 70 yards let alone 100.

**SAUTO** · 06-09-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

Dude most players can't maintain top-end speed over 70 yards let alone 100.

deltha didnt have that problem, mo greene didnt, michael johnson didnt. dvd is supposedly a track guy, he should have been able to get there. hedidnt even make it 60 yards IIRC

Hammock Parties · 06-09-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

deltha didnt have that problem

He wasn't running flat out from the snap. He was playing cornerback. In a zone. Hello?

**SAUTO** · 06-09-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

He wasn't running flat out from the snap. He was playing cornerback. In a zone. Hello?

keep making excuses. watch the play, he got out ran by a 32 year old nickel back, and 90000 year old harrison was catching him too.

**Bwana** · 06-09-2009, 05:45 PM

chiefzilla1501 · 06-09-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claythan

Just because the quarterback in the shotgun does not mean it is the same offense. Or even remotely the same. I have explained this over and over.

I don't believe Darling was even given a chance when they switched the offense last year.

The offense won't be the same. But the point you were trying to make was that Darling didn't get looks because the spread pretty much designs the offense around 1 or 2 options before the QB gets rid of the ball. And my counter was that Bradley had success that Darling did not in the same offense. Again, I understand your point that the offensive approach may not be suited to Darling's strengths. But so far, he failed to make an impact with the Ravens' offense, and he failed in two different offenses for the Chiefs. There's only so many offenses you can run before you realize that the scheme isn't the problem.

I like Darling because I think he can contribute to special teams. But he's been around long enough that it should be seriously in doubt as to whether he can ever be anything beyond a 500 yard receiver.

BarrySPAMAID · 06-09-2009, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Seriously?

He had to run the whole length of the field? He got caught by Rodney Harrison! That's like getting caught by a fast offensive lineman.

The length that some people go is pathetic.

I cant believe you think this wasn't a good play? He still made the play. Your right, the length that some go is quite pathetic. It works both ways.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Krab's

One WPI guy agreeing with another. I'm shocked.

Who said I was a WP guy? See Sig below? Duh?

**SAUTO** · 06-09-2009, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarrysKOOLAID

I cant believe you think this wasn't a good play? He still made the play. Your right, the length that some go is quite pathetic. It works both ways.

Who said I was a WP guy? See Sig below? Duh?

it WASNT a good play, he was wide ****ing open and caught the ball, thats what he's SUPPOSED to do. then he ran(according to your boy he is FAST) and got caught, no ran down from behind, by a 32 year old nickel. AND 9000 year old, and since has retired, harrison was closing fast. watch that play again.

**Skip Towne** · 06-09-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

well after all the bullshit YOU threw at this board about DVD i would expect much more. the guy cant run hard for 100 yards?

Darling is a great example of what a waste of money it is to send Claythan to TC. He can't tell a scrub from a superstar.

**SAUTO** · 06-09-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

Darling is a great example of what a waste of money it is to send Claythan to TC. He can't tell a scrub from a superstar.

but but he does so much great reporting, just ask him

BarrySPAMAID · 06-09-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

it WASNT a good play, he was wide ****ing open and caught the ball, thats what he's SUPPOSED to do. then he ran(according to your boy he is FAST) and got caught, no ran down from behind, by a 32 year old nickel. AND 9000 year old, and since has retired, harrison was closing fast. watch that play again.

I will admit, than when the play "initially" took place, I was disappointed that Devard didn't get the score. Really Jason, I see you're point.

Davard still has to make the team. Here we are talking about him as a potential starter? He should be trying to just make the team! The only reason I recalled the play, was because there wasn't many plays like that out of the offense last season, so even this turd looks good. I see your point. I still think Devard can make the team. That's my only argument. If he doesn't? Oh well.

ModSocks · 06-09-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarrysKOOLAID

I will admit, than when the play "initially" took place, I was disappointed that Devard didn't get the score. Really Jason, I see you're point.

Davard still has to make the team. Here we are talking about him as a potential starter? He should be trying to just make the team! The only reason I recalled the play, was because there wasn't many plays like that out of the offense last season, so even this turd looks good. I see your point. I still think Devard can make the team. That's my only argument. If he doesn't? Oh well.

If he makes it, then maybe haley sees what we don't. But I would rather see what lawrence or taurus johnson can do in that spot.

And I doubt dvd is taking bradley's spot. Same way legget probably won't start over carr and biesel won't start over vrabel.
Posted via Mobile Device

**SAUTO** · 06-09-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarrysKOOLAID

I will admit, than when the play "initially" took place, I was disappointed that Devard didn't get the score. Really Jason, I see you're point.

Davard still has to make the team. Here we are talking about him as a potential starter? He should be trying to just make the team! The only reason I recalled the play, was because there wasn't many plays like that out of the offense last season, so even this turd looks good. I see your point. I still think Devard can make the team. That's my only argument. If he doesn't? Oh well.

i never once said to cut the guy.

BarrySPAMAID · 06-09-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

If he makes it, then maybe haley sees what we don't. But I would rather see what lawrence or taurus johnson can do in that spot.

And I doubt dvd is taking bradley's spot. Same way legget probably won't start over carr and biesel won't start over vrabel.
Posted via Mobile Device

That is a good point. I like both of those kids too. They can play. Beisel will help our special teams too, as Darling could. With players like Jackie Battle added to that, our special teams could be solid this year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

i never once said to cut the guy.

I know. Just no the starter. I can agree with that. Maybe Haley has ideas, who knows.

ModSocks · 06-09-2009, 06:57 PM

Haley is probably just seeing what dvd can do in that spot. He has already seen bradley do it. Hell, webb might be next to start opposite bowe
Posted via Mobile Device

06-09-2009, 12:51 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4540478	Devard Darling ready to reclaim starting job Recognize the talent and wait for the DVD revolution. http://www.bobgretz.com/chiefs-footb...%99chiefs.html Darling Chases Starting Spot … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs Todd Haley says there are no starting jobs assured on the 2009 Chiefs right now. That’s OK with Devard Darling. He’s more than willing to keep working for a starting job. He’s just excited that right now, he’s running with the first team offense as the other receiver with Dwayne Bowe. It was Bowe who got all the attention on Monday as the Chiefs started another week of OTA workouts. Haley talked about Bowe, and then the wide receiver spoke to the media, something he’s done very little of during this off-season. On the other side of the room was the team’s other starting receiver – at least for now. As always, Darling did not draw a lot of attention. It’s probably one of the biggest surprises of the new season so far that a guy considered an unrestricted free agent bust last year, has pushed himself into the mix in the Chiefs offense. A starting job in June does not mean he goes back to Baltimore in September and takes the field for the first offensive play. But right now, Darling is getting the chance to build rapport with QB Matt Cassel, thanks to those reps with the first team. “I’m excited about the opportunity,” Darling said. “It’s too early to think things are set. There’s a lot of work left to do, then training camp. I’m just going out and working as hard as I can every day that I’m here. That’s what I’ve done through this whole off-season and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.” In a Chiefs passing game that has struggled in the last week or so to get things done, Darling has been very consistent and very productive. “You hear from the coaches all the time that they are evaluating,” said Darling. “So I try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.” People forget that Darling started last year in the Chiefs offense. It was a spot he held for the first five games of the season. He caught just four passes in those games and the only one to remember was the 68-yard play where he split the Patriots defense in the fourth quarter and gave the Chiefs a chance to beat New England. Right after Darling catch and run, Bowe dropped a TD pass in the end zone and the Chiefs racked up the first of their 14 defeats. That play should have been Darling’s ticket to more action in the Chiefs offense. But something got in his way. First, it was the problems at quarterback and first Brodie Croyle and then Damon Huard were injured. Through the first five weeks, Darling caught just four passes, none longer than 11 yards. That’s when Darling lost his starting job, as Mark Bradley advanced to the first unit after being signed off the waiver wire. Darling did not start again until Bradley was injured late in the season. And it was in the last month that Tyler Thigpen found him again, as Darling caught seven passes in the final three games, including a 33-yard TD catch against Miami. So what happened between the 68-yarder against the Patriots and the 33-yard catch against the Dolphins? Darling would like to know. “I can’t really tell you what happened,” he said. “Nobody ever said anything to me. I didn’t get a lot of opportunities.” Darling ended the season with 17 catches for 247 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers were all less than what he’d done in the 2007 season with Baltimore (18 for 326 and 3 TDs.) He did contribute 11 special teams tackles last season, which was second on the team. “It was a bad year, the worst season I was part of in my career,” Darling said. “It wasn’t just that I didn’t get a chance in the offense. It was the losing. It was just awful.” Like everyone else that returns from the 2-14 debacle, Darling is looking for an opportunity to wash that sour taste out of his mouth. “We have a chance to overcome that,” said Darling. “That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to get better every day and help this team win some games.”
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06-09-2009, 05:45 PM	#50
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06-09-2009, 06:57 PM	#60
ModSocks Needs more middle fingers Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego Casino cash: $4144563	Haley is probably just seeing what dvd can do in that spot. He has already seen bradley do it. Hell, webb might be next to start opposite bowe Posted via Mobile Device
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