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.

Titty Meat · 08-13-2009, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

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

Sorry, Bill.

Meh Pollard can be the training camp champion if he wants. All I know is when the games count Mike Brown is solid we haven't been able to say the same about Pollard thus far.

Hammock Parties · 08-13-2009, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billay

Meh Pollard can be the training camp champion if he wants. All I know is when the games count Mike Brown is solid we haven't been able to say the same about Pollard thus far.

Mike Brown is the failsafe.

If Pollard continues to be one of the WORST goddamn run support safeties in the league, Brown will take his job in a week.

Hammock Parties · 09-19-2009, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

Mike Brown is the failsafe.

If Pollard continues to be one of the WORST goddamn run support safeties in the league, Brown will take his job in a week.

big pimpin

Hammock Parties · 08-13-2009, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raised On Riots

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

Did you MISS this line, asshole?

Quote:

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.

The day Pollard nuts up and becomes a consistent playmaker on this defense is the day I have a steady girlfriend.

And he has played well in camp before. Hell, I thought he was ready to break out last year after attending camp for 2 weeks.

HE ****ING SUCKED.

BigRock · 08-13-2009, 04:44 PM

BRING BACK GREG WESLEY

Hammock Parties · 08-13-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRock

BRING BACK GREG WESLEY

M'fer could play.

BigRock · 08-13-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

M'fer could play.

Why isn't Jesse Jackson demanding to know why Wesley can't get a job, that's what I want to know.

beach tribe · 08-14-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

M'fer could play.

You must be joking. I guess that's why he can't even get a roster spot on ANY team.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-14-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

You must be joking. I guess that's why he can't even get a roster spot on ANY team.

All this talk from GoChiefs reminds me of game threads last year when he would make a comment about someone like Quinn Gray being awesome, and then proceed to get a massive intrawebs beat down for the next 40 posts.

**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.

08-12-2009, 10:37 PM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3067187	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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08-13-2009, 04:44 PM	#8
BigRock Pritay Pritay Pritay Good Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The State of Euphoria Casino cash: $665412	BRING BACK GREG WESLEY
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08-12-2009, 11:00 PM	#13
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $-1665266	Wow. Good news. Hopefully their solidification of their positions has come through IMPROVEMENT and not a lack of better options.
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