Mr. Laz
09-11-2015, 01:27 PM
Chiefs Week 1 - Reid Has Full Range of Weapons
By Ryan Tracy
53 minutes ago
The 2015 season kicks off with injuries corrected on both defense and offense for the Kansas City Chiefs. Andy Reid has all options available.
Ryan Tracy | Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports
Andy Reid is in a rare position heading into the season opener in Houston.
After a preseason that saw a high number of injuries both minor and serious, the turnaround came this week. Andy Reid has his entire roster available for the opening game against the Texans. At least for one week, Reid is a chess master with all of his pieces. He can gameplan to do anything he can dream up on the grease board. The only question will be can the players execute the plan.
It is significant that the full roster is available and practicing. It opens doors. However, there are a few players that need to be shown some caution before putting them back into the fray.
Dontari Poe & Eric Berry
Poe is back to practice and is progressing by all indications. Impressive as it is to have recovered to this point, it is still something to monitor. The team should want to protect Poe from returning too early. They may find that they decide to hold him out of game one for fear of stressing that back injury. Dr. David Chao gave a medical opinion worth considering, but the final decision will be made with the Chiefs Medical staff, Red and Poe himself.
Berry will play in Houston. However, there seems to be a bit a caution as to how much. The team may decide to be protective of his recovery and use him only sporadically. While that would likely be a frustration for Berry
Jeff Allen
On Monday, Reid stated to the press “He went through the 10-10-10 yesterday, but we’re just kind of easing him back in just to see how he does here. Again, like I said, he’s not quite as far along as where Fish was.” Reid seems to ride momentum and would like to see the current lineup against the Texans.
Allen’s progress would be helped by another week or two of rest. The state of the offensive line is such that dressing him for the Texans contest is an insurance policy, but don’t expect Allen to play.
Albert Wilson, De’Anthony Thomas & Jason Avant
Chris Conley got a lot of attention in getting needed reps over the last few weeks. The core of the receiver group happened to be banged up. While it was crucial for Conley to get some experience, it is just an important that the team has all its options ready for Sunday.
The receiver trio has been cleared and is ready to go for the Houston. Collectively they bring speed, separation and experience to the Reid passing game. That is a boon for both Alex Smith and Jeremy Maclin. Individually, they represent three different aspects that the Texans have to plan to defend. Wilson’s outside speed will push the Texan’s rookie cornerback. Thomas will provide a speed matchup inside versus a Texan linebacker group that is better playing downhill than in space. Expect Reid to mix up the personnel groupings and find the advantages.
Demetrius Harris
At once the biggest question mark and an exciting option for the game plan. Harris played on 11 snaps in the preseason. Yet, he is likely the #2 TE in the 3-TE formations that Reid loves to use. His experience with the bunch TE concepts go a long way to making him critical in their use.
If Healthy enough to play the full game, Harris could be a bright spot. Travis Kelce isn’t going to sneak up on anyone in 2015. But with an off-season under his belt and nearly zero preseason film, Harris could be a useful go-to for Alex Smith. The passing game will be under scrutiny to start the season. Harris could be in position to help it develop.
The team has to hope they can exit the contest with Houston as healthy as they enter it but in the NFL, that is a longshot. For now, let Andy Reid enjoy having all the pieces to his puzzle.
http://profootballspot.com/index.html/nfl/afc-west/kansas-city-chiefs/chiefs-week-1-reid-has-full-range-of-weapons-r12463/
Ryan Tracy is a NFL Featured Analyst for Pro Football Spot
Follow @RyanTracyNFL for more NFL Analysis.
By Ryan Tracy
53 minutes ago
The 2015 season kicks off with injuries corrected on both defense and offense for the Kansas City Chiefs. Andy Reid has all options available.
Ryan Tracy | Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports
Andy Reid is in a rare position heading into the season opener in Houston.
After a preseason that saw a high number of injuries both minor and serious, the turnaround came this week. Andy Reid has his entire roster available for the opening game against the Texans. At least for one week, Reid is a chess master with all of his pieces. He can gameplan to do anything he can dream up on the grease board. The only question will be can the players execute the plan.
It is significant that the full roster is available and practicing. It opens doors. However, there are a few players that need to be shown some caution before putting them back into the fray.
Dontari Poe & Eric Berry
Poe is back to practice and is progressing by all indications. Impressive as it is to have recovered to this point, it is still something to monitor. The team should want to protect Poe from returning too early. They may find that they decide to hold him out of game one for fear of stressing that back injury. Dr. David Chao gave a medical opinion worth considering, but the final decision will be made with the Chiefs Medical staff, Red and Poe himself.
Berry will play in Houston. However, there seems to be a bit a caution as to how much. The team may decide to be protective of his recovery and use him only sporadically. While that would likely be a frustration for Berry
Jeff Allen
On Monday, Reid stated to the press “He went through the 10-10-10 yesterday, but we’re just kind of easing him back in just to see how he does here. Again, like I said, he’s not quite as far along as where Fish was.” Reid seems to ride momentum and would like to see the current lineup against the Texans.
Allen’s progress would be helped by another week or two of rest. The state of the offensive line is such that dressing him for the Texans contest is an insurance policy, but don’t expect Allen to play.
Albert Wilson, De’Anthony Thomas & Jason Avant
Chris Conley got a lot of attention in getting needed reps over the last few weeks. The core of the receiver group happened to be banged up. While it was crucial for Conley to get some experience, it is just an important that the team has all its options ready for Sunday.
The receiver trio has been cleared and is ready to go for the Houston. Collectively they bring speed, separation and experience to the Reid passing game. That is a boon for both Alex Smith and Jeremy Maclin. Individually, they represent three different aspects that the Texans have to plan to defend. Wilson’s outside speed will push the Texan’s rookie cornerback. Thomas will provide a speed matchup inside versus a Texan linebacker group that is better playing downhill than in space. Expect Reid to mix up the personnel groupings and find the advantages.
Demetrius Harris
At once the biggest question mark and an exciting option for the game plan. Harris played on 11 snaps in the preseason. Yet, he is likely the #2 TE in the 3-TE formations that Reid loves to use. His experience with the bunch TE concepts go a long way to making him critical in their use.
If Healthy enough to play the full game, Harris could be a bright spot. Travis Kelce isn’t going to sneak up on anyone in 2015. But with an off-season under his belt and nearly zero preseason film, Harris could be a useful go-to for Alex Smith. The passing game will be under scrutiny to start the season. Harris could be in position to help it develop.
The team has to hope they can exit the contest with Houston as healthy as they enter it but in the NFL, that is a longshot. For now, let Andy Reid enjoy having all the pieces to his puzzle.
http://profootballspot.com/index.html/nfl/afc-west/kansas-city-chiefs/chiefs-week-1-reid-has-full-range-of-weapons-r12463/
Ryan Tracy is a NFL Featured Analyst for Pro Football Spot
Follow @RyanTracyNFL for more NFL Analysis.