Chiefs Teicher: Flowers working to have breakout season

LaChapelle · 04-03-2010, 03:45 PM

Flowers working to have a breakout season
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

Brandon Flowers intercepted five passes last season, but he admitted he should have had twice that many.

It hasn’t escaped the notice of talented Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers that one of the league’s top players at his position, Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets, made a huge leap in 2009.

“It was his third year and he just exploded on the scene last year, separated himself from the pack,” Flowers said. “He wasn’t content to be just an NFL starter.”

Flowers intends to make a similar jump in 2010, his third NFL season. If so, he could become the first Chiefs cornerback to reach the Pro Bowl since James Hasty in 1999.

His work toward that end started in earnest this week when the Chiefs convened for the first time this year for their offseason conditioning program.

“People say the more years you play in the league, the slower you get,” Flowers said. “But I feel you can always train harder, get your endurance up even more. I haven’t been eating as well as I should these past few years. This year, I plan on eating all the way right the whole season. That will help prevent injuries. All that fried food, fried chicken, all that soul food, you’ve got to throw that out the window. Eat a lot of baked foods. Stay on a chicken and fish diet.

“Then, get smart in the film room. Seventy-five percent of the game is just knowing where your teammates are.”

Flowers was arguably the Chiefs’ best defensive player last season. He started 15 games, missing only the season opener because of injury. Flowers led the Chiefs in interceptions with five.

“When a play comes to me this year, I’ve got to make it,” he said. “I dropped a lot of interceptions last year. If I just make those plays, I could have come away with nine or 10 interceptions last year. Then people would be looking at me as a whole different ballplayer. Even if plays don’t come my way, just dominate my side of the field. Be more aggressive with the receiver. Do something positive for the team on every play.

“I left some plays on the field. I could have had a lot more interceptions to give the ball back to the offense so they could score some points. You can always get better. I think I had a solid season, but I’m ready to turn it up for this season.

“I just can’t wait to get out there and show people what I can do when I’m healthy.”

Flowers was never quite right physically last season after injuring a shoulder while scoring a touchdown in a preseason game. He missed that first regular-season game, and though he returned the next week, the injury bothered him all season and occasionally prevented him from practicing.

He gained plenty of respect from his coaches and teammates for his refusal to shut down his season, even late in the year when the Chiefs were hopelessly out of playoff contention.

“To be honest, I didn’t (ask out of the lineup) because all the guys that I went through training camp, all these offseason workouts with, they’d been with me through this whole time,” Flowers said. “I think it would have been selfish for me to just sit down and just say you guys can finish the last two games just because I want to rest my shoulder and make sure I’m all right. I just wanted to go out there, put my blood, sweat and tears into it with my brothers that I grind it out with during the offseason.”

Chiefs coach Todd Haley said: “Brandon showed some things that really left me encouraged about what’s ahead for him. He’s a very competitive guy that played hurt most of the year and still was able to play at a pretty high level.

“Brandon has set the bar high. He’s not going to be content to just be another guy. He wants to stand out and be a special player and be on a team that wins a lot of games.”

Flowers was drafted by former coach Herm Edwards and former general manager Carl Peterson, but he bought in quickly to the methods of their successors, Haley and Scott Pioli. Flowers isn’t a natural leader, but his biggest task off the field is to persuade more of his teammates to embrace the new ways.

“You’ve got to accept change,” Flowers said. “I think I accepted change so well because in high school a whole new coaching staff came in. In college, I had a certain position coach and another one came in. I’ve always had change.

“I think I lead by example more than being vocal. I’m a laid-back guy, but once I get on the field, I pride myself on not trying to make mistakes and trying to get the guys riled up to go out on the field and have fun.”

To reach Adam Teicher, call 816-234-4875 or send e-mail to ateicher@kcstar.com

Posted on Sat, Apr. 03, 2010 01:51 AM

04-03-2010, 03:45 PM	Topic Starter
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	Teicher: Flowers working to have breakout season Flowers working to have a breakout season By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Brandon Flowers intercepted five passes last season, but he admitted he should have had twice that many. It hasn’t escaped the notice of talented Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers that one of the league’s top players at his position, Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets, made a huge leap in 2009. “It was his third year and he just exploded on the scene last year, separated himself from the pack,” Flowers said. “He wasn’t content to be just an NFL starter.” Flowers intends to make a similar jump in 2010, his third NFL season. If so, he could become the first Chiefs cornerback to reach the Pro Bowl since James Hasty in 1999. His work toward that end started in earnest this week when the Chiefs convened for the first time this year for their offseason conditioning program. “People say the more years you play in the league, the slower you get,” Flowers said. “But I feel you can always train harder, get your endurance up even more. I haven’t been eating as well as I should these past few years. This year, I plan on eating all the way right the whole season. That will help prevent injuries. All that fried food, fried chicken, all that soul food, you’ve got to throw that out the window. Eat a lot of baked foods. Stay on a chicken and fish diet. “Then, get smart in the film room. Seventy-five percent of the game is just knowing where your teammates are.” Flowers was arguably the Chiefs’ best defensive player last season. He started 15 games, missing only the season opener because of injury. Flowers led the Chiefs in interceptions with five. “When a play comes to me this year, I’ve got to make it,” he said. “I dropped a lot of interceptions last year. If I just make those plays, I could have come away with nine or 10 interceptions last year. Then people would be looking at me as a whole different ballplayer. Even if plays don’t come my way, just dominate my side of the field. Be more aggressive with the receiver. Do something positive for the team on every play. “I left some plays on the field. I could have had a lot more interceptions to give the ball back to the offense so they could score some points. You can always get better. I think I had a solid season, but I’m ready to turn it up for this season. “I just can’t wait to get out there and show people what I can do when I’m healthy.” Flowers was never quite right physically last season after injuring a shoulder while scoring a touchdown in a preseason game. He missed that first regular-season game, and though he returned the next week, the injury bothered him all season and occasionally prevented him from practicing. He gained plenty of respect from his coaches and teammates for his refusal to shut down his season, even late in the year when the Chiefs were hopelessly out of playoff contention. “To be honest, I didn’t (ask out of the lineup) because all the guys that I went through training camp, all these offseason workouts with, they’d been with me through this whole time,” Flowers said. “I think it would have been selfish for me to just sit down and just say you guys can finish the last two games just because I want to rest my shoulder and make sure I’m all right. I just wanted to go out there, put my blood, sweat and tears into it with my brothers that I grind it out with during the offseason.” Chiefs coach Todd Haley said: “Brandon showed some things that really left me encouraged about what’s ahead for him. He’s a very competitive guy that played hurt most of the year and still was able to play at a pretty high level. “Brandon has set the bar high. He’s not going to be content to just be another guy. He wants to stand out and be a special player and be on a team that wins a lot of games.” Flowers was drafted by former coach Herm Edwards and former general manager Carl Peterson, but he bought in quickly to the methods of their successors, Haley and Scott Pioli. Flowers isn’t a natural leader, but his biggest task off the field is to persuade more of his teammates to embrace the new ways. “You’ve got to accept change,” Flowers said. “I think I accepted change so well because in high school a whole new coaching staff came in. In college, I had a certain position coach and another one came in. I’ve always had change. “I think I lead by example more than being vocal. I’m a laid-back guy, but once I get on the field, I pride myself on not trying to make mistakes and trying to get the guys riled up to go out on the field and have fun.” To reach Adam Teicher, call 816-234-4875 or send e-mail to ateicher@kcstar.com Posted on Sat, Apr. 03, 2010 01:51 AM
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