Paylor: DE Mike Catapano is bulkier and more motivated than ever

[Tribal Warfare]

Chiefs defensive end Mike Catapano is bulkier and more motivated than ever (http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article640833.html)

For a pass-rushing defensive end like Mike Catapano, the Chiefs’ first-round playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts last season should have been a dream scenario.

Guided by one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Andrew Luck, the Colts — who trailed 38-10 in the third quarter — basically spent the entire game throwing the ball out of its three-receiver set.

That game, however, soon morphed into a nightmare for the prideful Catapano, who was trapped on the sideline as the 28-point lead melted away in a discouraging 45-44 loss.

Although Catapano wasn’t playing, he became angry at himself. He’d worked very hard to get to this level, sure, and effort was never a question. But he also knew he wasn’t playing because he simply wasn’t good enough yet, and that really burned him.

“I remember sitting there and watching, thinking I’m never going to be sitting and watching ever again,” said Catapano, who logged all of two defensive snaps in the loss. “I wanted to be out there hunting.”

So this offseason, Catapano — a seventh-round pick in 2013 who contributed on special teams and logged four tackles and a sack in 15 games as a rookie — has been preparing himself for a big sophomore campaign.

“That’s on me, to build the coaches’ trust in me,” Catapano said. “They want to know I’m not a liability against the run. They want to know I’m rocking and rolling on all cylinders.”

When he arrived in Kansas City last May, the 6-foot-4 Catapano weighed about 270 pounds because he figured he might still play outside linebacker. Catapano thrived at the position at Princeton, where he was named the Ivy League’s defensive player of the year as a senior.

But once it became clear to Catapano that the Chiefs saw him as an inside player in their 3-4 scheme, he set about adding muscle to better hold up against the run. He gained 10 pounds and played last season at 281. And he’s gained more weight for the upcoming season. He says he checked in at 291 pounds when organized training began in May.

“A clean 10 pounds, by the way,” he added with a laugh.

Most importantly, Catapano said he was able to maintain his speed and quickness, which he knows he’ll still need to rush the passer in the NFL.

“It’s unbelievable that jump he’s made from last year to this year,” said veteran defensive end Mike DeVito. “Usually, you see a guy put on 10-15 pounds and slow down a bit. It’s not the case (here). He’s more explosive and faster than ever. Mike’s going to be a dangerous weapon, and I’m glad we have him on our side.”

Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton also praised Catapano, who even earned a few first-team reps during OTAs, for the work he put in this offseason.

“He’s worked very hard and stayed in great condition while gaining weight and strength,” Sutton said. “He also has some natural pass-rush ability, a feel for that part of the game. He gives us another piece we can move around. He’s capable of playing inside or outside, and he’s got enough old linebacker skills that you can drop him some. He’s a very versatile guy for us.”

Sutton’s praise for Catapano doesn’t surprise former Atlanta Falcons star Chuck Smith, a pass-rushing mentor of Catapano’s who is also very familiar with Sutton’s defense and philosophy.

Smith, who racked up 58 1/2 sacks of his own during his nine-year career, spent the 2009 season as a pass-rush specialist and assistant defensive-line coach with the New York Jets, where Sutton was the senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach. Smith thinks Catapano is uniquely positioned to have a breakout season.

“He’s an effort guy, and Bob is the kind of guy who likes that,” Smith said. “Guys who give effort are rewarded in that defense … he puts defensive linemen in position to win by bringing one more blitzer than you can block.”

Which means that if the Chiefs’ defensive linemen can also win one-on-one battles, that will puts constant pressure on the quarterback. Smith specializes in helping linemen win those one-on-one battles via his Football 365 training system, which he operates out of Atlanta. Smith is extremely high on the work ethic and potential of Catapano, who started training with him before his senior season at Princeton.

“There’s never been a player I can remember that has ever put in the effort and trained like Mike Catapano,” Smith said. “I have a 100-percent belief that Mike is going to be an absolute huge fan favorite out there with effort he gives and the way he plays.”

And while that might sound like hyperbole, consider this: Smith says he has worked with a number of young defensive linemen over the past few years, including early-round guys from this year like Aaron Donald, Louis Nix, Timmy Jernigan, Stephon Tuitt and yes, even Chiefs first-rounder Dee Ford.

“We spent hours in the Georgia sun,” Smith said of Catapano. “Hours, man. Doing the same moves over and over, running 100-yard gassers with a pop-up dummy placed every 10 yards where we do a swim move, spin move or a rip move past them. He can do all that stuff, man.”

Catapano says most of Smith’s tutelage has been focused on understanding the mental side of pass rushing.

“We talk about the details, as far as steps and hand placement and really getting down to the nitty-gritty,” Catapano said. “In the NFL (your technique) has to be perfect. Sometimes physical freaks can get away with not having it, but (getting there) is a lot faster when you do it right.”

To that end, Catapano is confident that he has a number of pass-rush moves he can go to this season.

“Pass-rushing is a lot like pitching,” he said. “You’ve got your fastball that you rely on, and a curveball to use when people catch on to the fastball and then a change-up every now and then.”

Catapano, however, knows words are just that, words. So with the memory of the way last season ended — with him on the bench and the Chiefs blowing a huge lead — still fresh in his mind, he’s looking forward to showing how much better he’s gotten, and doing so right when training camp begins in mid-July.

“People sometimes think my goals are crazy, even since I was little,” Catapano said. “I was saying when I was nine that I was gonna go in the NFL and people were looking at me like I was weird. But the goal in everything since I was little was to be the best, whether it be school — and that’s how I got into Princeton — or pass rushing — that’s how I got to this level. You don’t get to this level without believing in yourself.

“So I have a goal (for this season), and it’s definitely a high goal. People say ‘Oh, you made the team, you played substantially last year,’ and I just roll my eyes at that stuff. People have no idea what’s gonna come. I’m excited.”

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Clean 10 pounds....He reads the planet

[Sandy Vagina]

Have to figure Catapano is in my top 5 of most exciting enigmas to watch in the coming months. I thought KC got a 7th rd steal in him, and it would not surprise me to see him work his way to being a locked in starter for 2015. :)

[Dunerdr]

Clean 10lbs-looks towards fisher.

[Hammock Parties]

WOOOOOO CRAZY CORNFED WHITEBOYS FROROM DA BURB

[Hammock Parties]

WOOOOO LOVVVE THEM DOWN HHOME COOUNNTTRY BOYS THEY GGOT THE PASSION

[Hammock Parties]

WOOOO IITS DA WILL NOT DDA SKILL

[Saccopoo]

That Indy loss should be eating at every member of the defense the way it's getting at Catapano.

And it's good to see/hear about somebody making the strides to rectify the situation. I hope Cat's effort is positively affecting the other members of the defense.

[King_Chief_Fan]

That Indy loss should be eating at every member of the defense the way it's getting at Catapano.

And it's good to see/hear about somebody making the strides to rectify the situation. I hope Cat's effort is positively affecting the other members of the defense.

Alex haters to come and blame the offense for that loss in 3-2-1

[mikey23545]

That Indy loss should be eating at every member of the defense the way it's getting at Catapano.

And it's good to see/hear about somebody making the strides to rectify the situation. I hope Cat's effort is positively affecting the other members of the defense.


X 1000

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

“There’s never been a player I can remember that has ever put in the effort and trained like Mike Catapano,” Smith said. “I have a 100-percent belief that Mike is going to be an absolute huge fan favorite out there with effort he gives and the way he plays.”


If he evolves into a good rusher we'll have at least 4. 4 fucking kick ass rushers !!!!! 4

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

Alex haters to come and blame the offense for that loss in 3-2-1

If smith had just thrown one more fucking TD we would have won that game. Just 1 !

[the Talking Can]

Mike Mazlowski Catapano

[Fish]

Truefan™ boner.

[BlackHelicopters]

Fluff piece is fluffy

[Loneiguana]

Truefan™ boner.

He says the right things and seems to have the right attitude. That is always a very important step in improving.

I'll always like someone who tells me he's pissed off sitting on the sideline and then works hard to improve himself. I hope it pans out.

[CaliforniaChief]

I do like that his feeling during the Indy game wasn't "Put me in, I'm better" but "I've gotta get better so they'll put me in."

Other than that, we'll wait and see what the results are.

[nychief]

“A clean 10 pounds, by the way,” he added with a laugh.




The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

[Bwana]

Good for him, hopefully his attitude is contagious.

[SAUTO]

Wanted to be out there hunting. Lol
Posted via Mobile Device

[KCrockaholic]

I'm pretty excited about Catapano actually. I think there's a chance he becomes a very good player as quick as this year.

[Dante84]

I want to read a story about Bailey being yoked now too.

[ThaVirus]

I want to read a story about Bailey being yoked now too.


He's been jacked.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Paylor makes me yearn for Teicher. Everything is a fluff piece about some no-count motherfucker.

[Dante84]

He's been jacked.

Yeah but... he looks like a completely different human this year.

Seriously.

[Dante84]

Paylor makes me yearn for Teicher. Everything is a fluff piece about some no-count motherfucker.

meh, I'll take fluff over obvious.

Obvious is super frustrating.

[BigBeauford]

Has there ever been a franchise with more articles and media attention placed on OL, DL, and generally non skill players than the Chiefs?

[mcaj22]

It's going to be funny if Bob Sutton still refuses to rotate the D-line and you see guys like Catapano never getting any run. Threads will be exploding around here of why these type of players can't crack the lineup on Sundays.

[MTG#10]

We need a fluff smiley

[kcxiv]

after last years fucking epic almost one of a kind fucking choke job. This team needs some fluffy along with an attack8ing offense and defense.

I never been so down after a damn sporting event ever. At halftime i was like this is finally a fucking 100 percent win, its over, we did it, then fuck! lol Someone lost it.


Anyways, hope this season is good, even though i dont expect it to be. Chiefs never have back to back good years.

[OldSchool]

2015 nickel pass rushers:

Ford - Poe - Catapano - Houston

[RunKC]

That Indy loss should be eating at every member of the defense the way it's getting at Catapano.

And it's good to see/hear about somebody making the strides to rectify the situation. I hope Cat's effort is positively affecting the other members of the defense.

I think it really has. Mike DeVito saw the writing on the wall when Catapano was taking his snaps because he couldn't effectively rush the passer, so his solution was getting a nutritionalist this offseason and losing weight to get more speed/stamina and working on his pass rush moves.

Bailey got bigger and stronger. Then you have guys like Marcus Cooper and Ron Parker who seem to be busting their asses to get better.

It really does seem like that left a horrid taste in their mouths. I hope this team plays angry with the attitude the Seahawks had last year.

[Pitt Gorilla]

I think it really has. Mike DeVito saw the writing on the wall when Catapano was taking his snaps because he couldn't effectively rush the passer, so his solution was getting a nutritionalist this offseason and losing weight to get more speed/stamina and working on his pass rush moves.

Bailey got bigger and stronger. Then you have guys like Marcus Cooper and Ron Parker who seem to be busting their asses to get better.

It really does seem like that left a horrid taste in their mouths. I hope this team plays angry with the attitude the Seahawks had last year.http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/cheapseats_8900.jpg

?

[Hammock Parties]

I bet Catapano has less than 10 sacks in his entire career when it's all said and done.

Anyone know what Andy Studebaker is doing these days?

[Hammock Parties]

C-Mac is a poster here.

[CoMoChief]

It would be HUUUUGE, if he's able to rush the QB from the DE spot.

Going from someone who can't rush the passer at all (TJax) to someone who can would make a world's difference in this defense.

I hope in passing situations we have Hali, Ford, DJ, Houston, Poe, Catapano, Bailey all on the field at the same time in our front-7.

[RunKC]

I bet Catapano has less than 10 sacks in his entire career when it's all said and done.

Anyone know what Andy Studebaker is doing these days?

Man, you really despise this franchise.

[CoMoChief]

Man, you really despise this franchise.

Can you blame him? Or anyone for that matter?

It's a love/hate relationship.

[kcxiv]

Man, you really despise this franchise.

After the Damon guard fiasco he's not been the same lol. That's what u get when u put everything into guard. He's broke him

[Discuss Thrower]

Was JAG. Is JAG. Will be JAG.

[Coochie liquor]

It's amazing that some "fake fans" on here think they're the only ones who've suffered with this team. And the others who absolutely hate this team, and need to get laid.... By a WOMAN!!

[Mav]

Has there ever been a franchise with more articles and media attention placed on OL, DL, and generally non skill players than the Chiefs?
Is been an andy reid and sutton thing. When the eagles were at their best, their d and o lines were toss in the league. The jets are built on their front 7. Andy s draft history should of clued everyone in

[beach tribe]

Clean 10 pounds....He reads the planet

:LOL:

[beach tribe]

Clean 10lbs-looks towards fisher.

Meant to quote this post.
funny shit.

[Dave Lane]

I bet Catapano has less than 10 sacks in his entire career when it's all said and done.

Anyone know what Andy Studebaker is doing these days?

Catapano is Studebacker, just with a mask.

[hometeam]

roids

[RealSNR]

All he's missing right now is a training camp diary blog from kcchiefs.com

[chiefzilla1501]

Catapano is Studebacker, just with a mask.

They don't even play the same position.

I bet he also reminds you of Chris Kelsay, Chris long, and Jim gaffigan.

[Braincase]

Won't so us any good if our D takes two steps forward while our O takes three steps back.

[SAUTO]

roids

He said a clean ten pounds
Posted via Mobile Device

[BeeHo]

He said a clean ten pounds
Posted via Mobile Device

http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/500x/47291891.jpg

[Simply Red]

I will say this - Although I don't know much about Mike Catapano - he seems to work really hard. I seem to keep hearing that - So that much is good.

[Chiefshrink]

I will say this - Although I don't know much about Mike Catapano - he seems to work really hard. I seem to keep hearing that - So that much is good.

Jared Allen II baby !!:D

Who knows? I'm rooting for the guy no doubt:thumb:

[DTLB58]

Fluff piece is fluffy

Unless you're covering the 90's Cowboys and there are drug/pimp houses right off the practic field what else do you expect?

The internet is an open forum, write one yourself. :thumb:

[chiefzilla1501]

I will say this - Although I don't know much about Mike Catapano - he seems to work really hard. I seem to keep hearing that - So that much is good.

And he's also playing a position where it's okay to be huge, but a little bit slower. It's also not critical he be a game changer. If Catapano becomes very good rotational depth, at a 7th round pick, that's great. He can probably do the same things DeVito does, which is to lunch pail and work his way into being an effective run stopper. But he has upside because maybe he can rush the passer better than DeVito. In either event, the goal right now is to get good enough to feel comfortable getting rid of DeVito's contract.

[UK_Chief]

With the title of this thread all I keep picturing is the episode of the Simpsons when Homer gains 150 pounds so he can work from home...

[Halfcan]

Have to figure Catapano is in my top 5 of most exciting enigmas to watch in the coming months. I thought KC got a 7th rd steal in him, and it would not surprise me to see him work his way to being a locked in starter for 2015. :)

Yep it too bad the whole team didn't have this kind of attitude in the off season. Really like this guy!!

[Dante84]

With the title of this thread all I keep picturing is the episode of the Simpsons when Homer gains 150 pounds so he can work from home...

"Your fingers are too fat to dial on this phone"

[Reerun_KC]

This thread is like a tribute to Knowmo, Craptano is gonna be the bestest eva....

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Yay.

[ModSocks]

My dick is bulkier and more motivated than ever.

[WhiteWhale]

Kinda tired of this hype train.

Shut up and show me.

Every OTA/minicamp/training camp all star for KC end up sucking. McCluster was some ultimate weapon apparently. Baldwin was unstoppable. Blah blah blah. Do it on sundays.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

My dick is bulkier and more motivated than ever.

You jelq brah?

[lcarus]

Catapano gained weight because he browses all the god damn food threads here.

[OldSchool]

Damn, people love hating on players who are working their asses off to help the team, lol. Catapano isn't trash; if his play in limited time last year was any indication of what he can potentially do for this team, I'm excited with the news that he hasn't lost his speed or explosiveness. His get off was on par with Houston at times, I could link you to a breakdown that points out his explosiveness on the line, but I'm too lazy to do that right now.

[Discuss Thrower]

Catapano gained weight because he browses all the god damn food threads here.

You just can't find this sort of post at a lot of places

[mikey23545]

Kinda tired of this hype train.

Shut up and show me.

Every OTA/minicamp/training camp all star for KC end up sucking. McCluster was some ultimate weapon apparently. Baldwin was unstoppable. Blah blah blah. Do it on sundays.

Would it be OK with you if he waits until the season starts so he can actually do that?

[Discuss Thrower]

Damn, people love hating on players who are working their asses off to help the team, lol. Catapano isn't trash; if his play in limited time last year was any indication of what he can potentially do for this team, I'm excited with the news that he hasn't lost his speed or explosiveness. His get off was on par with Houston at times, I could link you to a breakdown that points out his explosiveness on the line, but I'm too lazy to do that right now.

Unless he gets a thorough breakdown from GifHorse or Sorter, I'm going to stick the idea he's a JAG type of role player that wasn't good enough to get PT on a d-line sparse on playmakers outside of Poe.

It's possible he shows up in a big way in preseason and becomes a solid rotational guy that gets the nod in 3rd and long or nickel situations but as a 7th round guy outta the Ivy league it's not likely.

[gblowfish]

I'm bulkier, but not as motivated as I used to be....

[Rausch]

Brian Shay 2.0!

[Beef Supreme]

I'm bulkier, but not as motivated as I used to be....

Same, but I have the explosiveness part covered. At any given time, I'm about 48 hours either side of some diarrhea.

[Rausch]

Same, but I have the explosiveness part covered. At any given time, I'm about 48 hours either side of some diarrhea.

I don't care what that cute thick-assed woman says...LESS olive oil...

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Kinda tired of this hype train.

Shut up and show me.

Every OTA/minicamp/training camp all star for KC end up sucking. McCluster was some ultimate weapon apparently. Baldwin was unstoppable. Blah blah blah. Do it on sundays.

The fluff is truly insufferable. Year after year after year. I'm sure someone in Cinci wrote a few pieces about how Ray Maualuga was going to "destroy worlds this season" too, right?

[Rausch]

The fluff is truly insufferable. Year after year after year. I'm sure someone in Cinci wrote a few pieces about how Ray Maualuga was going to "destroy worlds this season" too, right?

We'd have to actually draft/sign someone worth a $3it for it not to be fluff...

[Saccopoo]

Holy shit...Catapano is totally fucking yoked up.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xK2_ilywT08" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[ThaVirus]

I'm convinced half of CP would blow this dude if he presented his cock

[jd1020]

I'm convinced half of CP would blow this dude if he presented his cock

Would be hard for him to present a cock when he's got a vagina.

[staylor26]

Holy shit...Catapano is totally ****ing yoked up.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xK2_ilywT08" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Holy fucking shit he's jacked. Our DL is ridiculously freakish.

[Hootie]

Holy shit...Catapano is totally fucking yoked up.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xK2_ilywT08" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

wow the highest profile Chief in that video was Chase Daniel LMAO

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Would be hard for him to present a cock when he's got a vagina.

He'd still crush you like a bug ROFL

[Reerun_KC]

Jesse Haynes.


Typical CP love affair with that diamond in the rough.

[ThaVirus]

1. Is Albert Wilson half Asian?

2. Cairo's sister or gf or whatever could get all this dick

[Bewbies]

Is there a shitty lineman on our team who doesn't put lots of weight (pure muscle) on every off-season? LMAO

[Rain Man]

Holy ****ing shit he's jacked. Our DL is ridiculously freakish.

Those muscles sticking up from his shoulders are bigger than my entire chest.

[staylor26]

Is there a shitty lineman on our team who doesn't put lots of weight (pure muscle) on every off-season? LMAO

You're right. Poe and Bailey are shitty and it didn't do a damn thing for them.

[jd1020]

He'd still crush you like a bug ROFL

Is that suppose to mean something?

[Pablo]

Soooo bulky and then sooo lean. Sky's the limit!

[ThaVirus]

Catapano's dick is veinier than ever!

[RealSNR]

I'd totally bang the shit out of Catapano's mom

[BigMeatballDave]

I'd totally bang the shit out of Catapano's mom

Is she a whore like Direckshun's?

[Sandy Vagina]

Is that suppose to mean something?

It means you are a flaming chump, and he would punk your whore mouth out before yanking off your shriveled cock and jamming it down your girly throat.

[Pablo]

It means you are a flaming chump, and he would punk your whore mouth out before yanking off your shriveled cock and jamming it down your girly throat.Is this your Alex day-dream?

Him filling your gullet with seed?

[Halfcan]

It means you are a flaming chump, and he would punk your whore mouth out before yanking off your shriveled cock and jamming it down your girly throat.

scary

[Beef Supreme]

It's kinda funny that this thread is from last year. They wrote the same article again this year and we have a thread on it, too.

[Halfcan]

It's kinda funny that this thread is from last year. They wrote the same article again this year and we have a thread on it, too.

Just wait until next year's article... Big Cat-will be even BIGGER and even more Motivated than he is in this years news story. He will have video's jumping over houses and lifting cars. His neck will be the size of a 50 gallon oil drum....just you wait and see.. :fear::fear:

[Infidel Goat]

When Aaron Murray was on the screen, I thought, "Why are they showing a golfer?"

[beach tribe]

Chase Daniel has a bears ass on his face. I'll bet that thing is chock full of fecal matter.

[Easy 6]

It's kinda funny that this thread is from last year. They wrote the same article again this year and we have a thread on it, too.

LMAO hilariously true, this thread actually had me confused for a few seconds the other day... "2014? this is the one I read just the other day".

Nevertheless, I do have a good feeling about this guy... he flashed pretty hard in limited action, and his desire to compete is certainly there considering that he's still around, looking all swoll and getting high praise from guys like Devito.

My money says he's going to shock people this year.

[Sandy Vagina]

My money says he's going to shock people this year.

CP, bruh... Don't think you are allowed to express such optimism. Especially for a player that's been a "broke-dick" since joining. Now go stand in the corner! :p

[Easy 6]

CP, bruh... Don't think you are allowed to express such optimism. Especially for a player that's been a "broke-dick" since joining. Now go stand in the corner! :p

Heh, people that have been around for a while seem to get more leeway than guys who came over for the most divisive player on the team.

You niner noobs just gotta grin and bear it, or better yet... gin and beer it.

[scho63]

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/0c/0cf2a1548c7caeea095749b71e42f76422af0e5d4b4e3667715b8126f2a8fc4f.jpg

[Discuss Thrower]

So much time discussing a guy who won't even be on the 53 man roster. :facepalm:

[Pablo]

So much time discussing a guy who won't even be on the 53 man roster. :facepalm:INCOMING 12 SACK SEASON!

You gonna eat that words about the BIG CAT!!!

[Easy 6]

So much time discussing a guy who won't even be on the 53 man roster. :facepalm:

LMAO I sure hope your persona when calling high school sports isnt as bad as it is here.

"Annnd theres #16 Andy Preston with the layup! good thing it was a layup because he sure as HELL wouldnt have made anything else, folks".

[RealSNR]

So much time discussing a guy who won't even be on the 53 man roster. :facepalm:

What?

Dude, who's going to beat out Catapano? We're better at DL than we are at most other position groups, but we're not exactly deep beyond the top 4 automatics (Poe, Bailey, DeVito, Howard).

The coaching staff knows what Catapano does on special teams and as pass rushing depth. That's a significant thing he's got going for him that the garbage rookie free agents simply don't have.

[Brock]

CP, bruh... Don't think you are allowed to express such optimism. Especially for a player that's been a "broke-dick" since joining. Now go stand in the corner! :p

Your team has 5 Super Bowl wins, fuck off with that noise.

[Mr. Kotter]

Good story if it's true...hope so.