Tribal Warfare
08-22-2010, 12:43 AM
Chiefs preseason blitz
(http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/21/2165954/chiefs-preseason-blitz.html)
Highlight
The Chiefs are trying to be casual about Javier Arenas’ ability as a kick returner, but they’re excited about the possibilities and it’s obvious why. His 54-yard kickoff return in the first quarter was a big-time play and it gave the Chiefs advantageous field position for their only touchdown drive of the first half. It’s not too early to call Arenas their best returner since Dante Hall.
Lowlight
Thomas Jones fumbled on the game’s opening possession and Tampa Bay recovered. The Bucs then drove for a field goal. It’s not been a stellar preseason for Jones, who has been outplayed as a runner by both Jamaal Charles and Dexter McCluster.
What we learned
There’s life in what last week was a lethargic starting offense. The Chiefs were no irresistible force but made progress from what they showed in Atlanta. They converted half of their third-down chances, including the 6-yard Matt Cassel-to-Jeremy Horne touchdown pass. The night would have been much better had they scored a touchdown at the end of the first half rather than settle for a field goal.
Next question
Are the Chiefs ready for prime time? Friday night’s game against Philadelphia at Arrowhead Stadium is the third of the preseason and the one in which the starters play the most. It’s a good sign if the Chiefs can handle a formidable opponent like the Eagles, even if the game doesn’t count.
The hot seat
Cornerback Brandon Flowers allowed the big play of the first half, a 53-yard touchdown pass from Josh Johnson to Micheal Spurlock. Flowers went for the interception along the sideline, missed badly and no teammate was there to catch Spurlock. The Chiefs have no viable candidate to replace Flowers, but he was nonetheless immediately yanked from the game in favor of Maurice Leggett.
Stock watch
•Going up: The Chiefs put Jeremy Horne in the game in the first quarter and the rookie free agent wide receiver didn’t disappoint. Horne not only caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Matt Cassel but got open in the end zone on a previous play when Cassel went elsewhere with the ball. Horne’s got a long way to go before he’s a regular contributor but he has plenty of ability to work with.
•Going down: The Chiefs were dreadful on third downs defensively in the first half. They allowed the Bucs to convert on four of seven tries. The Bucs didn’t face gimme situations, either. It’s more of a problem considering the Chiefs faced a backup quarterback in Josh Johnson for most of the half.
•Staying the same: Cassel was far more efficient than he was last week, going 14 for 19 for 125 yards and the touchdown. His night ended with a downer when the Chiefs had to settle for a field goal on the last play of the first half. Inside the two-minute warning, the Chiefs settled for a series of short gains rather than going for a big chunk down the field and the drive eventually stalled.
(http://www.kansascity.com/2010/08/21/2165954/chiefs-preseason-blitz.html)
Highlight
The Chiefs are trying to be casual about Javier Arenas’ ability as a kick returner, but they’re excited about the possibilities and it’s obvious why. His 54-yard kickoff return in the first quarter was a big-time play and it gave the Chiefs advantageous field position for their only touchdown drive of the first half. It’s not too early to call Arenas their best returner since Dante Hall.
Lowlight
Thomas Jones fumbled on the game’s opening possession and Tampa Bay recovered. The Bucs then drove for a field goal. It’s not been a stellar preseason for Jones, who has been outplayed as a runner by both Jamaal Charles and Dexter McCluster.
What we learned
There’s life in what last week was a lethargic starting offense. The Chiefs were no irresistible force but made progress from what they showed in Atlanta. They converted half of their third-down chances, including the 6-yard Matt Cassel-to-Jeremy Horne touchdown pass. The night would have been much better had they scored a touchdown at the end of the first half rather than settle for a field goal.
Next question
Are the Chiefs ready for prime time? Friday night’s game against Philadelphia at Arrowhead Stadium is the third of the preseason and the one in which the starters play the most. It’s a good sign if the Chiefs can handle a formidable opponent like the Eagles, even if the game doesn’t count.
The hot seat
Cornerback Brandon Flowers allowed the big play of the first half, a 53-yard touchdown pass from Josh Johnson to Micheal Spurlock. Flowers went for the interception along the sideline, missed badly and no teammate was there to catch Spurlock. The Chiefs have no viable candidate to replace Flowers, but he was nonetheless immediately yanked from the game in favor of Maurice Leggett.
Stock watch
•Going up: The Chiefs put Jeremy Horne in the game in the first quarter and the rookie free agent wide receiver didn’t disappoint. Horne not only caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Matt Cassel but got open in the end zone on a previous play when Cassel went elsewhere with the ball. Horne’s got a long way to go before he’s a regular contributor but he has plenty of ability to work with.
•Going down: The Chiefs were dreadful on third downs defensively in the first half. They allowed the Bucs to convert on four of seven tries. The Bucs didn’t face gimme situations, either. It’s more of a problem considering the Chiefs faced a backup quarterback in Josh Johnson for most of the half.
•Staying the same: Cassel was far more efficient than he was last week, going 14 for 19 for 125 yards and the touchdown. His night ended with a downer when the Chiefs had to settle for a field goal on the last play of the first half. Inside the two-minute warning, the Chiefs settled for a series of short gains rather than going for a big chunk down the field and the drive eventually stalled.