Tribal Warfare
08-25-2009, 01:18 AM
Chiefs make trade to bolster offensive line (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/1403806.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs’ concerns about protecting quarterback Matt Cassel became more evident Monday, when Kansas City traded a 2010 draft pick to Miami for two offensive linemen.
The Chiefs acquired guards Andy Alleman and Ikechuku Ndukwe and released offensive tackle Brian de la Puente and linebacker Vince Redd. Alleman, a third-round pick in 2007, also can play center.
Kansas City coach Todd Haley spoke to reporters Monday before the trade was official, but he indicated that any pending trade would have been made with the idea of creating more competition on the offensive line and perhaps forcing the team’s existing linemen to improve.
Haley wasn’t happy with the Chiefs’ line after Friday night’s preseason loss at Minnesota, when Cassel was sacked three times and had to scramble often in one half of participation.
“I wish we had more talent at spots to create more competition,” Haley said, “and that’s where over the next couple of weeks we might be able to improve that aspect of it.”
Derrick must deliver
Fifth-year linebacker Derrick Johnson “needs to get it going a little bit,” Haley said, after an unmemorable preseason so far.
Johnson, the Chiefs’ 2005 first-round pick, is expected to start at one of the inside linebacker spots in their 3-4 defense, but he hasn’t separated himself as a consistent playmaker or a source of leadership, both of which Kansas City needs.
“Derrick is a guy with a lot of ability that needs to show that ability every day,” Haley said, “and be the type of guy we’re looking for — the same guy every day who’s doing it how he’s supposed to be doing it and how he’s coached to do it. He’s definitely got the ability. He’s got to work at being the same guy as his ability lets him to be.”
Johnson didn’t deny that the Chiefs expect more from him. He said he expects more from himself, too.
“I’ve got a high standard for myself,” he said. “I want to move a little faster. I’m doing that now. Every day is a step.
“You have to put it all together.”
Thigpen could play
Third-year quarterback Tyler Thigpen returned to practice Monday and, according to Haley, should be cleared to play in Saturday night’s preseason game against Seattle at Arrowhead Stadium.
Thigpen, who started 11 games last year, suffered a ribcage injury in the preseason opener against Houston. He missed all of last week’s training-camp practices and didn’t participate in the Minnesota game.
Jackson needs time
Haley said rookie defensive end Tyson Jackson might need more time to develop than the team or its fans might hope, but the coach said Monday that could be reality for Jackson.
The Chiefs drafted Jackson with the No. 3 overall pick. He missed the first week of training camp while his contract was being completed.
“When you draft defensive linemen,” Haley said, “it is a real process with these guys. History shows that some of these high-round defensive linemen take some time to come into their own. It’s a work in progress with him.”
Haley admitted that Jackson’s absence from training camp dampened his early grasp of the playbook and his technique, something the rookie has acknowledged.
“Guys aren’t here, hold out, and then they get hurt,” Haley said. “It’s a recurring pattern all the time. Now, knock on wood, he’s kept himself in shape.”
Injury report
Running back Kolby Smith and linebacker Zach Thomas didn’t participate in Monday’s two sessions at Chiefs headquarters.
Running back Larry Johnson missed the afternoon session. He landed awkwardly while diving into the end zone during a morning goal-line drill.
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs’ concerns about protecting quarterback Matt Cassel became more evident Monday, when Kansas City traded a 2010 draft pick to Miami for two offensive linemen.
The Chiefs acquired guards Andy Alleman and Ikechuku Ndukwe and released offensive tackle Brian de la Puente and linebacker Vince Redd. Alleman, a third-round pick in 2007, also can play center.
Kansas City coach Todd Haley spoke to reporters Monday before the trade was official, but he indicated that any pending trade would have been made with the idea of creating more competition on the offensive line and perhaps forcing the team’s existing linemen to improve.
Haley wasn’t happy with the Chiefs’ line after Friday night’s preseason loss at Minnesota, when Cassel was sacked three times and had to scramble often in one half of participation.
“I wish we had more talent at spots to create more competition,” Haley said, “and that’s where over the next couple of weeks we might be able to improve that aspect of it.”
Derrick must deliver
Fifth-year linebacker Derrick Johnson “needs to get it going a little bit,” Haley said, after an unmemorable preseason so far.
Johnson, the Chiefs’ 2005 first-round pick, is expected to start at one of the inside linebacker spots in their 3-4 defense, but he hasn’t separated himself as a consistent playmaker or a source of leadership, both of which Kansas City needs.
“Derrick is a guy with a lot of ability that needs to show that ability every day,” Haley said, “and be the type of guy we’re looking for — the same guy every day who’s doing it how he’s supposed to be doing it and how he’s coached to do it. He’s definitely got the ability. He’s got to work at being the same guy as his ability lets him to be.”
Johnson didn’t deny that the Chiefs expect more from him. He said he expects more from himself, too.
“I’ve got a high standard for myself,” he said. “I want to move a little faster. I’m doing that now. Every day is a step.
“You have to put it all together.”
Thigpen could play
Third-year quarterback Tyler Thigpen returned to practice Monday and, according to Haley, should be cleared to play in Saturday night’s preseason game against Seattle at Arrowhead Stadium.
Thigpen, who started 11 games last year, suffered a ribcage injury in the preseason opener against Houston. He missed all of last week’s training-camp practices and didn’t participate in the Minnesota game.
Jackson needs time
Haley said rookie defensive end Tyson Jackson might need more time to develop than the team or its fans might hope, but the coach said Monday that could be reality for Jackson.
The Chiefs drafted Jackson with the No. 3 overall pick. He missed the first week of training camp while his contract was being completed.
“When you draft defensive linemen,” Haley said, “it is a real process with these guys. History shows that some of these high-round defensive linemen take some time to come into their own. It’s a work in progress with him.”
Haley admitted that Jackson’s absence from training camp dampened his early grasp of the playbook and his technique, something the rookie has acknowledged.
“Guys aren’t here, hold out, and then they get hurt,” Haley said. “It’s a recurring pattern all the time. Now, knock on wood, he’s kept himself in shape.”
Injury report
Running back Kolby Smith and linebacker Zach Thomas didn’t participate in Monday’s two sessions at Chiefs headquarters.
Running back Larry Johnson missed the afternoon session. He landed awkwardly while diving into the end zone during a morning goal-line drill.