Chiefs Teicher: Chiefs safeties are ready to take it up a notch

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-12-2009, 10:37 PM

Chiefs safeties are ready to take it up a notch
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

RIVER FALLS, Wis. | The play was the kind seen far too infrequently by the Chiefs in recent seasons, so it touched off a Super Bowl worthy celebration among their defenders, even if it happened during a recent training-camp practice.

Free safety Jarrad Page knocked a pass away from rookie running back Javarris Williams on a fourth-down play during a 2-minute drill, giving the Chiefs’ defense its feel-good moment.

The Chiefs are counting on Page and strong safety Bernard Pollard to deliver many similar plays when the regular season begins. The Chiefs drafted both players in 2006, Pollard in the second round and Page in the seventh, and in doing so envisioned a day when they would be pillars of a defense that was competitive or better.

They are hopeful this is the year. Page is already there, having given the Chiefs many such plays in his two seasons as a starter. The wait for Pollard has been longer and at times painful but could be over if his training-camp play is any indication.

“When we came here, we both wanted to create a certain identity about what we wanted to get done on the field,” Page said. “We’ve gotten to that point. People kind of know what to expect from us. We have identities. That’s a good thing. Now what we have to do is build on it.”

The Chiefs signed veteran safety Mike Brown shortly before camp to challenge Pollard for his starting spot. The competition hasn’t materialized and may in fact be finished.

“I’m definitely out here competing but I realize my role,” said Brown, who played nine seasons for Chicago but became a free agent when the Bears made no effort to re-sign him.

“Those are their spots. I’m just here in case something happens to them. I’ll be able to come in and play a high level. I’m here to provide some depth. If there’s any insight I can give, I’m willing to do that.

“They’re two young, extremely good safeties and I enjoy watching them play. They both bring a little something different to the table. Bernard is extremely physical and has great power. Page is the great free safety with range and incredible hands and incredible athletic ability.”

Those are the identities Page referred to, and while they are well-earned, they don’t tell the whole story. Page can at times be a sloppy tackler while Pollard’s problems in pass coverage had the Chiefs’ former administration and coaching staff occasionally wondering whether he would be better off as a linebacker.

The switch to the 3-4 system and coordinator Clancy Pendergast’s system could benefit Pollard.

“I really love it because it kind of gets me (closer) to the line of scrimmage,” Pollard said. “I won’t have to line up and play cover 2 every snap or stay back. I’m able to come up and get closer and make plays. That’s what I did in college. That’s more my game.

“I’m happy with where I am and I’m happy with the changes and the new scheme and the new system. I’m ready to play some ball.”

Page played a lot as a rookie and became a starter two seasons ago. He preserved Chiefs victories several times with late-game heroics and now appears ready to move forward in his professional development.

“Being a veteran doesn’t mean you can’t get better,” Page said. “It just means that you’ve seen some things. I feel I’ve seen a lot of things and I feel I’m a really good student of the game. I feel I understand offensive schemes and I understand why Clancy wants us to do certain things out there. It’s my job to get other guys on board with that. Sometimes the younger guys don’t understand. I need to show them.

“That’s what a veteran does.”

The play of Page and Pollard hasn’t left anything for the 31-year-old Brown, who has been strictly a second-teamer on defense. Recent injuries and advancing age scared off other safety-needy teams.

He said he’s at full strength but had a hard time convincing teams of that until the Chiefs came along in June.

“I didn’t have too many takers,” he said. “This role has obviously been an adjustment. Everything is new for me.

“Obviously, I’m older now and probably not as fast as I used to be. But I still feel I can play good football.”

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-12-2009, 10:55 PM

And once again, Wendler eats a big shite-sandwich.

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-12-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raised On Riots

And once again, Wendler eats a big shite-sandwich.

Wendler? What about Billay? He's been saying that Mike Brown will be a difference maker this season.

Sorry, Bill.

**Buehler445** · 08-12-2009, 11:00 PM

Wow.

Good news.

Hopefully their solidification of their positions has come through IMPROVEMENT and not a lack of better options.

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-12-2009, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Wow.

Good news.

Hopefully their solidification of their positions has come through IMPROVEMENT and not a lack of better options.

Honestly, I think it's a little bit of both

**Buehler445** · 08-12-2009, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Honestly, I think it's a little bit of both

Well, we know McGraw doesn't bring a lot to the table, but if Brown is healthy and playing well, and Pollard is shining, it could....maybe....possibly...be optimistic.

I'm holding out judgement though. I do believe he was not meant for Cover 2.

Hijacking a bit, I'm very anxious to see how some of these underachievers perform in the next year or two now that the suck that was Herm is gone.

We've all said that he was terrible. It will be interesting to see how it translates.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-12-2009, 11:04 PM

A worthy life is one defined by the ability to stop and savor the little details that make it so worthwhile.

Let's do some savoring:

Quote:

The Chiefs signed veteran safety Mike Brown shortly before camp to challenge Pollard for his starting spot. The competition hasn’t materialized and may in fact be finished.

“I’m definitely out here competing but I realize my role,” said Brown, who played nine seasons for Chicago but became a free agent when the Bears made no effort to re-sign him.

“Those are their spots. I’m just here in case something happens to them. I’ll be able to come in and play a high level. I’m here to provide some depth. If there’s any insight I can give, I’m willing to do that.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-12-2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

"Mike Brown is just another interloper brought in to light fires under asses".

-ROR, prior to commencement of 2009 camp.

big nasty kcnut · 08-12-2009, 11:20 PM

Bonecrusher!
Posted via Mobile Device

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-12-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big nasty kcnut

Bonecrusher!
Posted via Mobile Device

FTW!

Valiant · 08-12-2009, 11:27 PM

I hope it is just not more training camp buzz.. It needs to translate into the regular season..

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-12-2009, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valiant

I hope it is just not more training camp buzz.. It needs to translate into the regular season..

Oh I agree completely. That said, these two having an outstanding camp makes me remember what it felt like to go from beating up on your team mates( and vice-versa )during two a days, to actually getting on the field with an opponent and really firing up the war machine.

The thing with these two is that the athleticism, work ethic, and determination are there, but some of the finer points of the technical and mental aspects of the positions need shaping and polishing.

And that's where better coaching and an overhauled team culture come in.
Hot damn; I'm excited about Chiefs defense again!

kcxiv · 08-13-2009, 12:02 AM

Bonecrusher!

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-13-2009, 12:14 AM

Bonecrusher?

Hell, I just hope he's a bonehugger.

As in, making some ****ing tackles for once.

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-13-2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcxiv

Bonecrusher!

08-12-2009, 10:37 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3057187	Teicher: Chiefs safeties are ready to take it up a notch Chiefs safeties are ready to take it up a notch By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star RIVER FALLS, Wis. \| The play was the kind seen far too infrequently by the Chiefs in recent seasons, so it touched off a Super Bowl worthy celebration among their defenders, even if it happened during a recent training-camp practice. Free safety Jarrad Page knocked a pass away from rookie running back Javarris Williams on a fourth-down play during a 2-minute drill, giving the Chiefs’ defense its feel-good moment. The Chiefs are counting on Page and strong safety Bernard Pollard to deliver many similar plays when the regular season begins. The Chiefs drafted both players in 2006, Pollard in the second round and Page in the seventh, and in doing so envisioned a day when they would be pillars of a defense that was competitive or better. They are hopeful this is the year. Page is already there, having given the Chiefs many such plays in his two seasons as a starter. The wait for Pollard has been longer and at times painful but could be over if his training-camp play is any indication. “When we came here, we both wanted to create a certain identity about what we wanted to get done on the field,” Page said. “We’ve gotten to that point. People kind of know what to expect from us. We have identities. That’s a good thing. Now what we have to do is build on it.” The Chiefs signed veteran safety Mike Brown shortly before camp to challenge Pollard for his starting spot. The competition hasn’t materialized and may in fact be finished. “I’m definitely out here competing but I realize my role,” said Brown, who played nine seasons for Chicago but became a free agent when the Bears made no effort to re-sign him. “Those are their spots. I’m just here in case something happens to them. I’ll be able to come in and play a high level. I’m here to provide some depth. If there’s any insight I can give, I’m willing to do that. “They’re two young, extremely good safeties and I enjoy watching them play. They both bring a little something different to the table. Bernard is extremely physical and has great power. Page is the great free safety with range and incredible hands and incredible athletic ability.” Those are the identities Page referred to, and while they are well-earned, they don’t tell the whole story. Page can at times be a sloppy tackler while Pollard’s problems in pass coverage had the Chiefs’ former administration and coaching staff occasionally wondering whether he would be better off as a linebacker. The switch to the 3-4 system and coordinator Clancy Pendergast’s system could benefit Pollard. “I really love it because it kind of gets me (closer) to the line of scrimmage,” Pollard said. “I won’t have to line up and play cover 2 every snap or stay back. I’m able to come up and get closer and make plays. That’s what I did in college. That’s more my game. “I’m happy with where I am and I’m happy with the changes and the new scheme and the new system. I’m ready to play some ball.” Page played a lot as a rookie and became a starter two seasons ago. He preserved Chiefs victories several times with late-game heroics and now appears ready to move forward in his professional development. “Being a veteran doesn’t mean you can’t get better,” Page said. “It just means that you’ve seen some things. I feel I’ve seen a lot of things and I feel I’m a really good student of the game. I feel I understand offensive schemes and I understand why Clancy wants us to do certain things out there. It’s my job to get other guys on board with that. Sometimes the younger guys don’t understand. I need to show them. “That’s what a veteran does.” The play of Page and Pollard hasn’t left anything for the 31-year-old Brown, who has been strictly a second-teamer on defense. Recent injuries and advancing age scared off other safety-needy teams. He said he’s at full strength but had a hard time convincing teams of that until the Chiefs came along in June. “I didn’t have too many takers,” he said. “This role has obviously been an adjustment. Everything is new for me. “Obviously, I’m older now and probably not as fast as I used to be. But I still feel I can play good football.”
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08-12-2009, 10:55 PM	#2
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	And once again, Wendler eats a big shite-sandwich. __________________ 1. Merciless, severe. 2. Given freely and generously. 100% refusal to overrate 20 year Head Coaches with ZERO **ing rings as a Head Coach. CP's Official Professor of 'Dem Blues for 2019/2020!**
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08-12-2009, 11:00 PM	#4
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $-1655266	Wow. Good news. Hopefully their solidification of their positions has come through IMPROVEMENT and not a lack of better options.
Posts: 60,037

08-12-2009, 11:20 PM	#9
big nasty kcnut The pizza king of kansas Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Somewhere in the u.s.a. Casino cash: $-2289100	Bonecrusher! Posted via Mobile Device
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08-12-2009, 11:27 PM	#11
Valiant Valiant 'The Thread Killer' Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $4482380	I hope it is just not more training camp buzz.. It needs to translate into the regular season..
Posts: 18,562

08-13-2009, 12:02 AM	#13
kcxiv In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central Valley, Cali Casino cash: $8697996	Bonecrusher!
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08-13-2009, 12:14 AM	#14
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	Bonecrusher? Hell, I just hope he's a bonehugger. As in, making some ****ing tackles for once.
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