Tribal Warfare
12-25-2008, 12:05 AM
notebook: Bengals also have had QB problems (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/952037.htmlChiefs)
Like the Chiefs, Cincinnati has had its share of quarterback issues. Star passer Carson Palmer has missed most of this season because of an injury to his throwing elbow, and that has moved an unlikely quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, into the starting role.
Edwards said Wednesday that the Bengals’ problems reminded him of what the Chiefs have faced this season, when Kansas City’s top two quarterbacks, Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard, suffered season-ending injuries. That sent Tyler Thigpen, another unlikely starter, into the lineup.
“It’s kind of like he’s been thrown into the fire,” Edwards said of Fitzpatrick. “Kind of like Tyler. I said, ‘I felt your pain and know how you feel.’ ”
Edwards said he called Bengals coach Marvin Lewis earlier this season to express his sympathy. Cincinnati has lost all but four of Fitzpatrick’s 11 starts, and one of those was a tie against Philadelphia. Thigpen is 1-9 as the Chiefs’ starter.
Injury report
Cornerback Maurice Leggett (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday’s practice, and defensive end Alfonso Boone (thigh) was a full participant.
Playing for pride
The other thing Kansas City and Cincinnati have in common is that their playoff hopes died weeks ago, and now there just aren’t many incentives to win — other than pride.
Chiefs players said this week they’re trying to end this season on a positive note, even against a team that doesn’t have many more wins than the Chiefs. Edwards has his reasons, too.
“You coach not only for pride; you want to win,” he said. “Does it bother me? Yeah, a lot. But I don’t walk around with a frown on my face like the world’s coming to an end. It bothers me and hurts your gut every day you wake up to have to go through this.
“This would be a good game to win and to end the season that way, and it gives you a little pep going into next year.”
Like the Chiefs, Cincinnati has had its share of quarterback issues. Star passer Carson Palmer has missed most of this season because of an injury to his throwing elbow, and that has moved an unlikely quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, into the starting role.
Edwards said Wednesday that the Bengals’ problems reminded him of what the Chiefs have faced this season, when Kansas City’s top two quarterbacks, Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard, suffered season-ending injuries. That sent Tyler Thigpen, another unlikely starter, into the lineup.
“It’s kind of like he’s been thrown into the fire,” Edwards said of Fitzpatrick. “Kind of like Tyler. I said, ‘I felt your pain and know how you feel.’ ”
Edwards said he called Bengals coach Marvin Lewis earlier this season to express his sympathy. Cincinnati has lost all but four of Fitzpatrick’s 11 starts, and one of those was a tie against Philadelphia. Thigpen is 1-9 as the Chiefs’ starter.
Injury report
Cornerback Maurice Leggett (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday’s practice, and defensive end Alfonso Boone (thigh) was a full participant.
Playing for pride
The other thing Kansas City and Cincinnati have in common is that their playoff hopes died weeks ago, and now there just aren’t many incentives to win — other than pride.
Chiefs players said this week they’re trying to end this season on a positive note, even against a team that doesn’t have many more wins than the Chiefs. Edwards has his reasons, too.
“You coach not only for pride; you want to win,” he said. “Does it bother me? Yeah, a lot. But I don’t walk around with a frown on my face like the world’s coming to an end. It bothers me and hurts your gut every day you wake up to have to go through this.
“This would be a good game to win and to end the season that way, and it gives you a little pep going into next year.”