Teicher- KC uneasy at cornerback

Wile_E_Coyote · 08-20-2005, 05:03 AM

The Chiefs hope to settle their remaining questions tonight in their preseason home opener.

BY ADAM TEICHER

Kansas City Star

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - KC uneasy at cornerback
They say the best attribute for an NFL cornerback is a short memory. If you get beat or have a bad play, forget about it and move on.
Evidently, Dexter McCleon has that quality. That's a good thing for McCleon and the Chiefs after a disastrous 2004 season.

"That's over," McCleon said. "I'm putting it behind me and moving forward. I'm not dwelling on that anymore. It's a new season, a brand new year. I'm looking forward to good things happening."

If only the Chiefs were infected with that attitude. But after a rotten 2004 season and then a training camp in which only Patrick Surtain distinguished himself at cornerback, uneasy is probably the best way to describe their feelings toward the position.

Tonight's preseason game against Arizona at Arrowhead Stadium provides the Chiefs another chance to assess. They would not only like to see a big game from McCleon, but also that young Benny Sapp and veterans Ashley Ambrose and Dewayne Washington play better than in last week's loss to Minnesota.

"There's still a lot of competition," coach Dick Vermeil said, referring to the third, fourth and fifth cornerback spots. "It'll probably take two more preseason games to determine."

If training camp was any indication, the Chiefs were wise to send their No. 2 pick to Miami and give a sizable chunk of their bank account to Surtain. He almost single-handedly ended a two-minute drill at camp this week by deflecting two passes away from Eddie Kennison as the defense enjoyed a four-play victory.

Surtain gives the Chiefs peace of mind at cornerback like nobody since James Hasty.

Nobody emerged in camp to challenge McCleon as the other starter in the absence of Eric Warfield, who will miss the first four games because of NFL suspension.

Perhaps because they have no other alternative, the Chiefs are showing an extraordinary amount of faith in McCleon after his season last year. He was benched at one point, and after a particularly awful game in Jacksonville, the Jaguars admitted to going after McCleon because they believed he was a weak link.

"It was an injury thing, and we put too much pressure on him," Vermeil said. "The emphasis on press coverage and the safeties not getting there to help him... you gradually find out what certain people can do and handle. People would audible against our blitz looks and man looks and take a shot at him and he'd have his guy covered and the guy would be 2 or 3 inches taller and the safety wouldn't get there to help him. We've adjusted that a little bit to help the entire scheme, let alone Dexter."

In his defense, McCleon played much of last season with nagging injuries, including a bad shoulder that needed off-season surgery.

"The main thing is to get back healthy and get my shoulder back as close to 100 percent as possible so I can get back to doing the things I'm capable of doing, the things I was limited on last year," he said.
Ideally, the Chiefs would prefer to leave McCleon as their nickelback. He probably will move back to that role when Warfield returns, but for now, the Chiefs don't have that option.

He figures to see plenty of action in the first four games as opponents throw away from Surtain.

"People throw the ball a ton in the NFL, so you'd better expect that no matter who you are," McCleon said. "As a corner, you can't shy away from anybody. I've been in this situation before playing with Aeneas Williams and Todd Lyght (with St. Louis). It won't be any different for me.

"In this league, you've got so many great players. Guys are going to make their plays, and you're going to make some plays."

Sapp is the nickelback. The Chiefs also have Ambrose and Washington, and at least one probably will make the opening day roster.

Also in the mix are rookies Alphonso Hodge and Justin Perkins. Both have shown some promise.

Then there's Warfield, who missed some practice time this week because of a sore back and may not play tonight. The Chiefs walked the delicate line in camp between getting Warfield enough work to last him through the suspension -- he can't practice during that time --and getting ready for those first four games.

Warfield received little work early in camp and more as time went on until the back soreness.

"It's not going to be enough," Warfield said. "I just need to stay with it in the time I do have off. Right now, I don't know whether I'm going to Arizona or Colorado because (his agents) have workout programs out there for professional athletes.

"We'll make that decision when the time comes. Right now, I've just got to make the best of the preseason games and whatever practice time I get."

Warfield, a four-year starter, is used to getting matched up against big-time receivers like Randy Moss and Cris Carter when the Chiefs play the Vikings. Last week, he was sent out with the other backups to play against receivers he'd never seen or heard of.

"Going up against guys that are threes and fours (on the depth chart) doesn't give you a lot of motivation to go out and give your best," he said. "I can't say I did bad. But I'm not going to say it was my best. I have to take advantage of this time. I have to do better."

chop · 08-20-2005, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wile_E_Coyote

"Going up against guys that are threes and fours (on the depth chart) doesn't give you a lot of motivation to go out and give your best," he said. "I can't say I did bad. But I'm not going to say it was my best. I have to take advantage of this time. I have to do better."

Shouldn't pride in what you do be motivation enough?

**the Talking Can** · 08-20-2005, 05:46 AM

"People would audible against our blitz looks and man looks and take a shot at him and he'd have his guy covered (right......) "

it's going to be deja-vu all over again the first 4 games....

**Bob Dole** · 08-20-2005, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Then there's Warfield, who missed some practice time this week because of a sore back and may not play tonight.

Wasn't the back his excuse all of last season?

"Back pain": the universal excuse for drawing workers comp and ****ing up.

**Saul Good** · 08-20-2005, 08:37 AM

How many teams in the NFL break camp saying, "We're very confident in our #2 and #3 corners." It's a concern that everyone has for their team. Hopefully we can mask it by rotating a safety over to help McCleon until Warfield gets back.

jiveturkey · 08-20-2005, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobzen

Wasn't the back his excuse all of last season?

I don't remember Warfield making excuses last year???

Zebedee DuBois · 08-20-2005, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chop

Shouldn't pride in what you do be motivation enough?

I found that quote of his a little troubling, as well.

**the Talking Can** · 08-20-2005, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chop

Shouldn't pride in what you do be motivation enough?

I'll let Jr. Siavii field that question....

**Saul Good** · 08-20-2005, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiveturkey

I don't remember Warfield making excuses last year???

I don't either. He was one of the only bright spots on our defense last year.

ROYC75 · 08-20-2005, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobzen

Wasn't the back his excuse all of last season?

"Back pain": the universal excuse for drawing workers comp and ****ing up.

Me thinks you have 2003 and 2004 confused ?

SDChief · 08-20-2005, 09:44 AM

sounds to me like warfield is pouting. He needs to get over it. I'm sure he's seen the commercials on TV: You drink, You drive, You LOSE. I just hope that someone can hold down the fort on his side till he gets back, and that he comes back ready when his suspension is over.

**alanm** · 08-20-2005, 09:47 AM

Teicher- KC uneasy at cornerback.

Well gee... There's a revelation of earth shattering proportions right there in that headline. I don't know how Teicher does it.

**Rain Man** · 08-20-2005, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wile_E_Coyote

"Going up against guys that are threes and fours (on the depth chart) doesn't give you a lot of motivation to go out and give your best," he said. "I can't say I did bad. But I'm not going to say it was my best. I have to take advantage of this time. I have to do better."

Holy hall of fame. You should be devouring those guys and spitting out the bones if you're a starter. You should be proving that you're going to help the team when you come back. You should be doing everything you can to offset the damage and humiliation of not playing for the first four games. Sheesh.

oldandslow · 08-20-2005, 10:04 AM

Yeah, that's pretty poor.

We are going to have problems at the #2.

Moss (high or not) and Porter are licking their chops.

jynni · 08-20-2005, 10:07 AM

Our only hope is that someone can kill the QB before he has a chance to throw the ball.

08-20-2005, 05:03 AM
Wile_E_Coyote avatar down for remodel Join Date: Jul 2001 Casino cash: $10004900	Teicher- KC uneasy at cornerback The Chiefs hope to settle their remaining questions tonight in their preseason home opener. BY ADAM TEICHER Kansas City Star KANSAS CITY, Mo. - KC uneasy at cornerback They say the best attribute for an NFL cornerback is a short memory. If you get beat or have a bad play, forget about it and move on. Evidently, Dexter McCleon has that quality. That's a good thing for McCleon and the Chiefs after a disastrous 2004 season. "That's over," McCleon said. "I'm putting it behind me and moving forward. I'm not dwelling on that anymore. It's a new season, a brand new year. I'm looking forward to good things happening." If only the Chiefs were infected with that attitude. But after a rotten 2004 season and then a training camp in which only Patrick Surtain distinguished himself at cornerback, uneasy is probably the best way to describe their feelings toward the position. Tonight's preseason game against Arizona at Arrowhead Stadium provides the Chiefs another chance to assess. They would not only like to see a big game from McCleon, but also that young Benny Sapp and veterans Ashley Ambrose and Dewayne Washington play better than in last week's loss to Minnesota. "There's still a lot of competition," coach Dick Vermeil said, referring to the third, fourth and fifth cornerback spots. "It'll probably take two more preseason games to determine." If training camp was any indication, the Chiefs were wise to send their No. 2 pick to Miami and give a sizable chunk of their bank account to Surtain. He almost single-handedly ended a two-minute drill at camp this week by deflecting two passes away from Eddie Kennison as the defense enjoyed a four-play victory. Surtain gives the Chiefs peace of mind at cornerback like nobody since James Hasty. Nobody emerged in camp to challenge McCleon as the other starter in the absence of Eric Warfield, who will miss the first four games because of NFL suspension. Perhaps because they have no other alternative, the Chiefs are showing an extraordinary amount of faith in McCleon after his season last year. He was benched at one point, and after a particularly awful game in Jacksonville, the Jaguars admitted to going after McCleon because they believed he was a weak link. "It was an injury thing, and we put too much pressure on him," Vermeil said. "The emphasis on press coverage and the safeties not getting there to help him... you gradually find out what certain people can do and handle. People would audible against our blitz looks and man looks and take a shot at him and he'd have his guy covered and the guy would be 2 or 3 inches taller and the safety wouldn't get there to help him. We've adjusted that a little bit to help the entire scheme, let alone Dexter." In his defense, McCleon played much of last season with nagging injuries, including a bad shoulder that needed off-season surgery. "The main thing is to get back healthy and get my shoulder back as close to 100 percent as possible so I can get back to doing the things I'm capable of doing, the things I was limited on last year," he said. Ideally, the Chiefs would prefer to leave McCleon as their nickelback. He probably will move back to that role when Warfield returns, but for now, the Chiefs don't have that option. He figures to see plenty of action in the first four games as opponents throw away from Surtain. "People throw the ball a ton in the NFL, so you'd better expect that no matter who you are," McCleon said. "As a corner, you can't shy away from anybody. I've been in this situation before playing with Aeneas Williams and Todd Lyght (with St. Louis). It won't be any different for me. "In this league, you've got so many great players. Guys are going to make their plays, and you're going to make some plays." Sapp is the nickelback. The Chiefs also have Ambrose and Washington, and at least one probably will make the opening day roster. Also in the mix are rookies Alphonso Hodge and Justin Perkins. Both have shown some promise. Then there's Warfield, who missed some practice time this week because of a sore back and may not play tonight. The Chiefs walked the delicate line in camp between getting Warfield enough work to last him through the suspension -- he can't practice during that time --and getting ready for those first four games. Warfield received little work early in camp and more as time went on until the back soreness. "It's not going to be enough," Warfield said. "I just need to stay with it in the time I do have off. Right now, I don't know whether I'm going to Arizona or Colorado because (his agents) have workout programs out there for professional athletes. "We'll make that decision when the time comes. Right now, I've just got to make the best of the preseason games and whatever practice time I get." Warfield, a four-year starter, is used to getting matched up against big-time receivers like Randy Moss and Cris Carter when the Chiefs play the Vikings. Last week, he was sent out with the other backups to play against receivers he'd never seen or heard of. "Going up against guys that are threes and fours (on the depth chart) doesn't give you a lot of motivation to go out and give your best," he said. "I can't say I did bad. But I'm not going to say it was my best. I have to take advantage of this time. I have to do better."
Posts: 6,009

08-20-2005, 05:46 AM	#3
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	"People would audible against our blitz looks and man looks and take a shot at him and he'd have his guy covered (right......) " it's going to be deja-vu all over again the first 4 games.... __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

08-20-2005, 08:37 AM	#5
Saul Good Quit your bullshit Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bored of winning Casino cash: $10052799	How many teams in the NFL break camp saying, "We're very confident in our #2 and #3 corners." It's a concern that everyone has for their team. Hopefully we can mask it by rotating a safety over to help McCleon until Warfield gets back. __________________ Today is not a good day to be a pussy.
Posts: 41,870

08-20-2005, 09:44 AM	#11
SDChief Starter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Rapid City, SD USA Casino cash: $9997775	sounds to me like warfield is pouting. He needs to get over it. I'm sure he's seen the commercials on TV: You drink, You drive, You LOSE. I just hope that someone can hold down the fort on his side till he gets back, and that he comes back ready when his suspension is over.
Posts: 292

08-20-2005, 09:47 AM	#12
alanm Feeling Victorian Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Nebraska/Wyoming/Colorado Casino cash: $1846436	Teicher- KC uneasy at cornerback. Well gee... There's a revelation of earth shattering proportions right there in that headline. I don't know how Teicher does it. __________________ It bears repeating, ** Herm, Pioli, Haley, and Crennel for ing up my franchise for a goddamn decade. Buehler 445**
Posts: 33,613

08-20-2005, 10:04 AM	#14
oldandslow Veteran Join Date: Apr 2004 Casino cash: $5533149	Yeah, that's pretty poor. We are going to have problems at the #2. Moss (high or not) and Porter are licking their chops.
Posts: 4,562

08-20-2005, 10:07 AM	#15
jynni Starter Join Date: Oct 2003 Casino cash: $2336331	Our only hope is that someone can kill the QB before he has a chance to throw the ball.
Posts: 884