Covitz:Chiefs QB Smith likes what he has seen from McCluster

[Tribal Warfare]

Chiefs QB Smith likes what he has seen from McCluster
By RANDY COVITZ
The Kansas City Star
If there’s one player who has stood out for Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith during the team’s offseason program, it’s been slot receiver Dexter McCluster.

McCluster spent his first three seasons trying to find a niche in the Chiefs’ offense, and new head coach Andy Reid is looking for new ways to exploit his speed and quickness.

“Not knowing much about Dexter McCluster … he was the running back/receiver, and seeing how fluid he is, going in and out of those roles has been impressive for me to watch,” Smith said after Wednesday’s practice. “It’s easy to talk about in the meeting room to say let’s put (a ) receiver in and have him run routes and be natural at it and then put him back in the backfield to do a multitude of things …

“It’s another thing to see it live. He’s a special guy, and he’s really taken it on.”

Smith said the players have responded to the wrinkles the coaches keep adding to the offense in preparation for the season opener at Jacksonville.

“I like the volume; I like how much they’re throwing at us for an offseason,” he said. “I like how much the coaches are demanding of us, continuing to push us, expecting a lot out of us. I think it’s going to make a difference in the fall.

“We need a lot practices to get ready for Jacksonville. We’ve got to play a lot of catch-up. We don’t have the luxury of having been together for four or five years and been the same system. We’ve got to make up ground. This is what this time is for: finding out what our strengths are, trying to work on our weaknesses. “

Hungry to hit

There’s no contact during the offseason program, and Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Johnson is just itching to hit somebody.

“The offensive guys prance around, make plays, and catch balls,” Johnson said, “and you look at them and say, ‘I could’ve tore you up right there … ’’’

Johnson took out some of his frustration during a seven-on-seven drill when he intercepted a pass by Smith and returned it for a touchdown.

“We’re definitely competing against the offense,” said Johnson, who did not intercept a pass in 2012 but has nine picks in his career, including three for touchdowns. “Whenever we get a chance to get our hands on the ball defensively, you got to take it to the house. Hopefully I can save that one for game day.”

Second time around

A year ago, nose tackle Dontari Poe felt lost as the club’s first-round draft pick. This spring he feels comfortable as a veteran.

“I know what to expect now,” Poe said. “I’m not coming in as a rookie shaking in my boots. I’m coming in knowing what is expected of me, and knowing how to get there. I’m just excited about second time around. “

Secondary moves

The Chiefs signed a pair of defensive backs and released two others on Wednesday.

The club signed unrestricted free agent safety Quintin Demps, who spent three seasons at Houston and two with Philadelphia, where he played for Chiefs coach Andy Reid. Demps has three career interceptions, one sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 48 NFL games.

The Chiefs also signed rookie free agent safety Malcom Bronson, who played at McNeese State, released two college free agents: safety Justin Glenn of Washington and cornerback James Rogers of Michigan.

[Rain Man]

He initially commented on McCluster's speed going deep, but was then corrected that McCluster wasn't really deep. He just always looks small.

[the Talking Can]

Covitz: X likes what he has seen from Y

[KCUnited]

Chiefs Coach Reid likes what he has seen from Gates

[Deberg_1990]

Covitz likes what he's seen of his cushy job writing Chiefs fluff pieces.

[Rain Man]

I like what I've seen from this thread so far.

[KC Tattoo]

I like what DJ had to say

[Bo's Pelini]

Chiefs: water and sun is what makes the arrowhead grass green. Covitz

[Hog Farmer]

We're gonna kick Jacksonvilles ass !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bewbies]

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

We're gonna kick Jacksonvilles ass !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Branden Albert's Huge Balls]

[Branden Albert's Huge Balls]

Johnson took out some of his frustration during a seven-on-seven drill when he intercepted a pass by Smith and returned it for a touchdown.

Shitty ass QB.

**** you.

[Mr. Laz]

Small guys like McCluster almost always looks better before the hitting starts

wait until he has to make someone missed and gets destroyed



that said .... i expect the system to make everyone better this year, including McCluster.

[Bump]

OFF SEASON ALL PRO! DMC

[theelusiveeightrop]

How does Baldwin look?