Hammock Parties
08-26-2006, 01:35 AM
5 things to keep in mind during tonight’s preseason game
DAVID EULITT | THE KANSAS CITY STAR
Are things really as bad as they looked last week?
Herm Edwards says no. After five years with the Jets, he’s discovered that there generally is no correlation between a winning preseason and a successful regular season. But Edwards understands how fans might panic after being shut out at New York, and he came close to promising that the Chiefs will look considerably better tonight. “I don’t panic,” he said. “I’ve done this for too long. If we weren’t practicing well and we weren’t doing the things that I see in practice, I’d be a little bit concerned.”
How much can Tamba Hali help?
Depends on how vanilla Edwards keeps the defense. The Chiefs played just two coverages against Houston and played one coverage 80 percent against the Giants. First-round pick Hali could finally help Kansas City put some heat on the quarterback, something that has been virtually nonexistent so far.
Will the real Chiefs offense please stand up?
After two preseason games, Edwards still hasn’t seen the high-flying offense that finished first in the NFL in 2004 and 2005. The first unit has accounted for just one touchdown, and the only thing that has really impressed Edwards was a 13-play, 71-yard touchdown drive in the first game against the Texans. With left guard Brian Waters back, and the starters playing longer, maybe things will change tonight.
Is everybody being too hard on Ryan Sims?
The former first-round draft pick had an animated conversation with Edwards this week after practice. Sims wanted to know where he stood, and he hopes it’s not with both feet pressed against the sideline. For at least two preseasons, Sims has believed that he’s ready to prove his detractors wrong. Tonight could be his first step.
Is Brodie Croyle the Chiefs’ QB of the future?
You won’t find that out tonight, but maybe the third-round pick from Alabama can do something that a backup quarterback in Kansas City hasn’t done in a while: successfully move the chains. This is Croyle’s first taste of the NFL after a shoulder injury in camp, and it will be interesting to see how he handles it.
DAVID EULITT | THE KANSAS CITY STAR
Are things really as bad as they looked last week?
Herm Edwards says no. After five years with the Jets, he’s discovered that there generally is no correlation between a winning preseason and a successful regular season. But Edwards understands how fans might panic after being shut out at New York, and he came close to promising that the Chiefs will look considerably better tonight. “I don’t panic,” he said. “I’ve done this for too long. If we weren’t practicing well and we weren’t doing the things that I see in practice, I’d be a little bit concerned.”
How much can Tamba Hali help?
Depends on how vanilla Edwards keeps the defense. The Chiefs played just two coverages against Houston and played one coverage 80 percent against the Giants. First-round pick Hali could finally help Kansas City put some heat on the quarterback, something that has been virtually nonexistent so far.
Will the real Chiefs offense please stand up?
After two preseason games, Edwards still hasn’t seen the high-flying offense that finished first in the NFL in 2004 and 2005. The first unit has accounted for just one touchdown, and the only thing that has really impressed Edwards was a 13-play, 71-yard touchdown drive in the first game against the Texans. With left guard Brian Waters back, and the starters playing longer, maybe things will change tonight.
Is everybody being too hard on Ryan Sims?
The former first-round draft pick had an animated conversation with Edwards this week after practice. Sims wanted to know where he stood, and he hopes it’s not with both feet pressed against the sideline. For at least two preseasons, Sims has believed that he’s ready to prove his detractors wrong. Tonight could be his first step.
Is Brodie Croyle the Chiefs’ QB of the future?
You won’t find that out tonight, but maybe the third-round pick from Alabama can do something that a backup quarterback in Kansas City hasn’t done in a while: successfully move the chains. This is Croyle’s first taste of the NFL after a shoulder injury in camp, and it will be interesting to see how he handles it.