If Bolt wore full pads and a helmet with football cleats on a grass field......?

Doubt they would race that way.

They kept 4 last year

Also people act like all you gotta do is play the “trade down card” and another team is forced to trade you.

When you’re picking in the 30-32 range you have to find someone who wants to trade up to what is essentially a 2nd round pick.

That’s probably a lot harder than it sounds.

Races are good and fun.



Until one of our guys hurts himself that is

People tend to forget. You have to have a partner to trade. If you’re determined to make a deal that isn’t there, you’ll get ripped off.

The key is to just get good players. Whatever it takes. Get good ones.

Someone should ask him how well New England did when they stockpiled mid round picks.

He needs to get in on specials or he's screwed.

Why do they even need Bell on this team. He can't catch and his blocking is suspect. Fortson is a playmaker and a match-up nightmare.

Bell was the #1 rated blocking TE last year playing for Dallas. Just FYI

I’d rather keep 4 TEs and drop Burton. Bell could probably play his role. Gray can play H-Back too.

Bell also plays on specials...

Why do you guys listen to radio? Why not a good Chiefs podcast if your looking for Chief news and discussion? Just curious.

I was driving, it was easy.

Glutton for punishment

17 game schedule too. AND if they are 14-15 and 0 the players are going to pressure him to let them play despite having HFA all sewn up.

not judging or anything. I Bluetooth the podcasts when I’m out driving, walking, exercising whatever. Way better listening to RGR than Petro.

You realize that the Chiefs probably won't get more than two drives in the first quarter, which translates to about 10-15 plays, right? They'll hardly break a sweat.

Guys act like he's a china doll or something. He needs game time with this new line.

Seriously.

I'd kind of like to see Mahomes get three decent drives in this game. But I doubt that'll happen.

Darren Waller took four years between 2015 when he was drafted in the 6th round as a WR, to 2019 when he got picked up by the Raiders and changed to TE to realise his potential. Jody has the same physical profile as Waller in height and weight, plus both were WR's coming into the league. Jody makes tough catches under pressure and just keeps finding space underneath which is a nightmare to deal with when defenses are already staying super deep to combate Tyreek and Mecole. I'd be stunned if he doesn't make the roster tbh as Dave Toub already spoke about him the other day and so has Veach. We simply can't afford to make the same mistake the Ravens made with Waller.

The Ravens gave up on Waller because he was a drug addict...

Then BAL FO is populated by morons. Because Waller is a top 3 TE now.

He's a REALLY good blocker.

He was clean by the time the Raiders stole him from their practice squad...smh what a terrible mistake by them.

Yeah, Baltimore is really hurting at TE. :LOL:

I'm all for this. In fact, I'd kind of like Andy to install a couple plays out of the old T formation. Two TEs and Kelce and Fortson or Gray in the backfield. Maybe a little Martyball to demonstrate we'll score any time and any way we want to. As much as I liked Sherman, his contribution last year was mostly ST (2 targets, 3 rushes), so use Fortson or Gray in his place. Surely one of them can wear a mohawk with style.

Waller had gotten his shit together off the field and was on the PS when gruden nabbed him. then it took half a season and a full offseason to come together on the field. It's not like BAL just completely wiffed. If anything they deserve a lot of credit for getting him help and keeping him in house.

https://www.nfl.com/news/darren-wall...r-and-his-life

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nf...253418519.html

It's practice. We didnt have any pre-season games last year and there wasn't a huge jump in injuries, We ended up having the best record ever. Let the low level talent play for spots on the roster.

The bare minimum plays and risk should be applied to our core players.

When I was so kindly blessed by Twisted Chief with the opportunity to go to the private dinner/drinks night with the players and the Clarks, Mahomes raved about a guy on the PS that is good enough to be a starter on half the other teams in the NFL. He was talking about Fortson. I've been disappointed he hasn't made an impact/gotten his chance yet, but it sounds like this is his best shot yet. Gotta love the measurements on the kid and the feedback thus far.

1. Will rookies Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith and Lucas Niang all be starting Week 1? — John K.



Well, those rookie offensive linemen are going to start Saturday’s game, which is a really positive sign this early in the preseason; they’re still a month away from their season opener against the Cleveland Browns.

Humphrey, whom the Chiefs selected in the second round of the NFL Draft, has taken all of his repetitions with superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the first-team offense. Smith, a sixth-round pick, has been mauling his teammates throughout camp and is emerging as a possible late-round steal. My understanding is that Humphrey and Smith are the clear starters at center and right guard, respectively, and both the coaching staff and the player personnel staff are expecting them to perform well in the preseason.

The right tackle position, I believe, is still a competition. Niang, who opted out of last season, has shown improvement in camp. If the Chiefs are looking for steady play and experience, then Mike Remmers, a nine-year veteran, could be the starter when the season begins. But if Niang is impressive in the preseason, then the Chiefs might feel comfortable with him starting in his NFL debut.

I've really wondered what the deal was with him. Everytime we've seen him in the preseason he's balled out. I know it's only preseason but if Mahomes is saying stuff like that it must be real. I saw him live when the Chiefs came to Green Bay in the preseason a few years ago and he looked like a man amongst boys at that point already. Granted he was playing with the backups, but still. He stood out big time.

Now we've got Gray and Bell ahead of him so how does he get a chance? He seems a little bitter and I don't really blame him when Andy is keeping guys on the roster like Nick Keizer over him. It must be infuriating. Putting on 20 pounds of muscle takes some series work ethic. I'd love to see him get a shot to make an impact.

2. Who is the player you’re most interested in seeing in real game situations? Who do you think will surprise the most? — Donald R.



Great question, Donald. Several players come to mind, honestly. My top two are tackles Niang and Orlando Brown Jr. Although they’re expected to play just a quarter, Niang and Brown should get a few snaps to display their pass-blocking skills while Mahomes attempts a few passes. This is the first time Niang and Brown will be blocking for Mahomes, so their performances will be instructive, in part, on how quickly the Chiefs’ offensive line has jelled since camp began.

Meanwhile, Chris Jones, the Chiefs’ top defensive player, has been dominant in camp, and I’m fascinated to see if he’ll play Saturday’s game as just a defensive end — his new position — or move between the edge and the interior of the Chiefs’ defensive line.

My two candidates for who will produce the biggest surprise Saturday are veteran running back Jerick McKinnon and rookie tight end Noah Gray. Both players just fit the Chiefs’ offense so well.

3. What’s your feeling on the linebacker rotation? Has rookie Nick Bolton adjusted well? — Paul W.



Some fans may be surprised by this, but Ben Niemann, the four-year veteran, has performed well in camp. Niemann has deflected passes and shown improved strength from last season. In the one-on-one drill between tight ends and running backs against linebackers and safeties Thursday, Niemann overwhelmed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire in two repetitions.

I believe the Chiefs have four linebackers you can trust in Anthony Hitchens, Willie Gay, Bolton and Niemann.

Before Gay entered the league’s concussion protocol, he was having the best camp among the defensive players. In the past 10 days, Bolton has flashed several times, showing his athleticism, coverage skills and power when tackling. At some point this season, perhaps in late October, I think the Chiefs will want Hitchens, Gay and Bolton to play the majority of the snaps.

All of this leads to our next question …

4. What position group is most vulnerable to injury attrition? — Kevin M.




With just four trusted linebackers, the Chiefs can’t really afford to have two of those players miss significant time this season. I’ve said this before, but one of the most underrated parts of the Chiefs winning Super Bowl LIV is that their four main linebackers that season — Hitchens, Niemann, Reggie Ragland and Damien Wilson — all remained healthy and effective. These Chiefs will likely need a similar result to become champions again.

On offense, the Chiefs could have injury attrition and still put up close to 30 points on the scoreboard each week. And on defense, coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has a plethora of linemen and defensive backs.

In the preseason, the Chiefs will hope that linebackers Dorian O’Daniel and Darius Harris each have strong highlights to demonstrate their improvement in Spagnuolo’s system.

5. With the revamped offensive line, will Reid implement a more run-oriented offense? — Sean D.



You’re on the right track, Sean. Reid, especially with Mahomes, will always be a pass-first coach, which is the right philosophy to have in this pass-happy era of the NFL. The mission for Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is to get the Chiefs’ offense to be more balanced at times during games or in certain areas of the field.

In a 17-game season, the Chiefs should try to give Edwards-Helaire enough opportunities for him to record at least 1,000 rushing yards. A bigger offensive line from a year ago should benefit Edwards-Helaire in the red zone and on short-yardage plays. More balance on the play calls from Reid and Bieniemy will help protect Mahomes and allow the Chiefs to perhaps be even more unpredictable.

Imagine if the Chiefs don’t have to get creative on third-and-1 and can convert with ease by having their offensive line bully the opposing defensive line.

6. With the Chiefs moving Greg Lewis from receivers assistant to running back assistant, I think they plan to get Edwards-Helaire involved more in the passing game. What ways have you seen that in camp? — Joel S.




Yes, yes, yes to your first statement, Joel. As for camp, the Chiefs have had Edwards-Helaire run more routes in the middle of the field the past few practices.

Edwards-Helaire is such a good receiver that it’s wise for the Chiefs to find more ways to pass him the ball this season. One of the best examples occurred Tuesday in a team period inside the red zone as Mahomes threw a touchdown pass to Edwards-Helaire on the perimeter.

“If you look back at last season and see how he was coming on strong right before he got that (hip and ankle) injury, I think you’re seeing that he’s gotten comfortable within the offense,” Mahomes said of Edwards-Helaire after Thursday’s practice. “He understands how to get himself open. Right before he got injured, he was really coming into his own. I think you’ll see that from the beginning this year.”

Expect Edwards-Helaire to run more sophisticated routes this season.

7. Is Mike Hughes the definite third cornerback or could Deandre Baker still be in the mix for that spot? — Jay S.




Honestly, Jay, I don’t have a feel for who has earned the third cornerback spot yet. That’s because I don’t think Spagnuolo knows the answer to that question. In camp, Spagnuolo has rotated several cornerbacks — Hughes, Baker, Rashad Fenton and BoPete Keyes — into that third spot when L’Jarius Sneed is the nickel and Charvarius Ward is on the opposite side of the field.

The only thing you can assume so far is that the cornerback who performs the best in the preseason will earn that third spot.

8. Besides Devon Key, who’s your other dark horse candidate to crack the 53-man roster? — Blake M.




Most folks who read my coverage of the Chiefs or listen to The Athletic’s “Time’s Ours” podcast should know this answer. It’s Jody Fortson. It’s always going to be Jody Fortson. In his third season with the Chiefs, Fortson has never looked better, as he knows the playbook and has performed well as an athletic tight end.

In a team period Thursday, Fortson leaped, twisted his body and made a juggling catch on a pass from backup quarterback Chad Henne that wasn’t even intended for him.

“He’s a freak athlete,” Henne said Tuesday of Fortson. “He can play it all. If he can get in the blocking scheme, which he’s shown in this training camp that he can do, he’s going to be a mismatch for a lot of linebackers and safeties. We’re just excited to see him in the preseason. If he can transition from practice to the game, he’s going to have a heck of a year for us.”

9. Any realistic free-agent signings or trades you’d like to see? — Bradley H.




Not at the moment, but that might change in a couple weeks, Bradley. The Chiefs are usually willing to discuss potential trades just before Aug. 31, which is cutdown day this year. The preseason should provide clarity of what the Chiefs believe they need before the start of the season. As in previous years, the Chiefs might be interested in adding another running back, cornerback or defensive lineman.

10. Am I a fool for holding out hope that the Chiefs re-sign free agent right tackle Mitchell Schwartz? — Wayne S.




You’re not a fool, Wayne. It’s a legitimate question, and I know many Chiefs fans are wondering the same thing. Based on when Schwartz had his back surgery (in late February), I always felt his projected return — unless he decides to retire — would likely come in late August or September.

By then, the Chiefs will have a better understanding of their roster, and Schwartz will have had more time to see how his body has recovered. One thing I heard is that the Chiefs are likely to receive the first phone call when Schwartz is ready to make his return. I don’t believe that has changed since camp started.

why would you not tell us who is answering these questions? That's kind of crucial.

Veach needs to be fired if Honey Badger ain’t extended

HB's body is about 2 years away from his body exploding so I think not.

Now your smarter than Veach? Show your math.

Nate Taylor.

You’re welcome.

See now I can take the answers seriously and not some stupid idiot on the internet.:thumb:

I like Nate but now sure how really plugged in he is. I often wonder.

Most folks who read my coverage of the Chiefs or listen to The Athletic’s “Time’s Ours” podcast should know this answer. It’s Jody Fortson. It’s always going to be Jody Fortson. In his third season with the Chiefs, Fortson has never looked better, as he knows the playbook and has performed well as an athletic tight end.

Veach is staring down the barrel of a gun with Eric Berry as the trigger man. He's probably trying to do a 2 year or so extension thats safe, while HB probably wants a 5 year top 3 contract.

Veach should be fired for not giving a big deal to an aging safety?

When has that ever bit the Chiefs in the ass before?

It's the nature of the beast. We cant pay every good player a top salary.
Hill is going to get the longest and biggest guaranteed money ever to a WR. Brown needs to be paid. The bill needs to be paid for all of our current riches. Choices need to be made starting this off season.

If Thornhill or Key show promise this year to fill that opening, he's not getting a long term deal. Like others have said, they are probably offering a top 2 year deal to the honey badger but he wants a longer term contract.

LMAO

Every time i read the name Jody i think of that damn movie "Baby Boy".

JOOOOODY

You need to be fired into the sun.

HB will be 30 when the 2022 season starts.

Bart has every reason to be cautious with his extension.

Not that it would go over well, but the safety tag is about $10.6M.

We are going to **** him over and cut him the year after he blows a knee or something. LMAO

Hopefully starters don't play past first drive.

I don't think they can possibly try to tag him at that number, he would be absolutely livid. Obviously he won't play for that kind of money so they'd be better off just letting him walk and taking the 3rd round comp pick.

Honestly, if he ends up hitting the market he's as good as gone. The competition was already stiff when we first signed him and he's done nothing but increase his value. Even though he'll be 30 in 2022 there is some team out there that will throw the bank at him.

Such a tough call. You lose him and the swagger of this defense takes a huge blow.

hahahhahahhahahahhahahah

Nieman.

Typical good in practice guy. Sucks in games. Brings his lunchpail type of guy but when the lights come on his lack of athleticism clearly is apparent.

It’s a business and the players know that.

Mahomes is the only player on the team that needs to be a “Chief for life”. Every other player is trade-able at a certain point for the right compensation.

At a certain point, you have to just respect what someone did (past tense) for the franchise and move on.

You just have to trust Veach to find a replacement. Obviously, you’ll get worse at that position but you can use those resources to address several other positions.

We knew this when Mahomes signed his deal. You can’t pay everyone. Especially aging players.

I’ve long lamented their lack of investment at cornerback but they clearly have found a way to get by without high picks there. However, I’m concerned about safety going forward. HB and Sorensen both free agents after this year. Thornhill has been silent in camp and injured, it’s time for him to put up or shut up. They don’t have much in the way of long term solutions there unless maybe Key continues to impress.

Don't really care about the rest of the starters but I would like to see our offensive line go at least the first quarter. They need some game time experience together IMO.

Sounds like Jamal Adams may be available next year. That could be a younger version of HB that Veach could throw the money at...

All the reporters and podcasters that know their shit all have the same opinion..... Thornhill has looked great in camp. He was a beast in 2019. He got hurt. When fully healthy last year he looked great. He is where he is supposed to be in the schemes.

So why isnt he starting over Sorenson? No one knows of a legitimate reason. The consensus is that Spags just likes Sorenson so much, he'd take less talent on the field to play him. Has to be something there. Some kind of conflict with Spags at some point. Stuff thats never made it out of the locker room.

LMAO

Made up drama.

The answer is likely as simple as Thornhill simply not being as a consistent as Sorenson. Could also be that Sorenson is simply a better communicator, something Thornhill has expressed that he needs to work on.

I thought that the agreement to add the 17th game included adding roster spots. But I keep hearing 53 man roster, so I guess that I was mistaken. Too bad. I think that we have between 55-60 guys that deserve to make the roster this year. I just hope that Veach is able to trade a couple of them instead of just let them walk.

Also, “starting” isn’t really that important in the secondary. Snap counts matter much more.

Classic movie.

I watched it a few weeks ago after years and it's pretty bad but still good.

This.

People are making a big deal out of nothing. Thornhill will continue to play at least 70% of the snaps. He’s still basically a starter.

Everytime i read his name i hear Snoop's voice LMAO NSFW

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“Let me smell your dick”

hahaha

Was Gay ever diagnosed with a concussion? I know he was in the protocol a while back.

Damn if Schwartz is healthy and can play even at 80% of his old self the OL will be ****ing awesome.

Agreed but pulling your 80lb wife on a sled is a lot different than going against the likes of Jones.

53 man roster, 10 man PS. On game day, 55 active since you can bring up 2 players for the week and then put them back without having to waive them first. I think it is basically the same as last year. Don't remember all of the details.

There was talk at one time about going to a 55 or 57 man roster and that should be done. The rules this year include an expanded PS that can carry up to 6 2+ year vets (we all know 1 of those :banghead: ) and you can protect up to 4 from poaching by other teams. So you sort of have a 57 man roster. The key is getting those PS players past waivers.

I still think he’d be under utilized with that usage. If he’s healthy Thornhill has the talent to be a pro bowl, top 5-10 caliber safety. Sorensen doesn’t. It’s time to take the training wheels off.