Chiefs Babb: Chiefs learn more about themselves in 17-13 win over Green Bay

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-02-2010, 11:10 PM

Chiefs learn more about themselves in 17-13 win over Green Bay
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Arrowhead Stadium was mostly empty by the second half, most of the starters barely made an appearance, and both teams appeared to be looking more toward their regular-season openers.

Yes, this was the fourth preseason game, and the Chiefs won it 17-13. And meaningless or not, they’ll take a victory of any kind, especially after losing their first three exhibitions.

But these four games have, if nothing else, been about self-education for the Chiefs. Kansas City learned what it’ll be, for better or worse, in 2010. They now know what they have, and that includes some strengths and plenty of promise, but there remains a worry that a most important position could be a weakness.

Here’s what Kansas City learned the last four weeks:

Kansas City can run the ball. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are serious threats, and when Jackie Battle can break a 50-yarder, some encouraging things are happening in the Chiefs’ backfield.

The defense hasn’t looked so bad either, and who would’ve seen that coming two weeks ago in a loss at Tampa Bay? Whatever adjustments coordinator Romeo Crennel made, they’ve worked. Whatever the team did to invigorate linebacker Demorrio Williams, who had his third sack in two games, it’s impressive. And the faith Kansas City has in its young and talented secondary is warranted.

And the Chiefs’ group of kick returners look like game-changers. Rookie Javier Arenas had a 44-yard punt return, and at least one big return per game seems to be becoming the expectation.

Kansas City made its discoveries, and it’s happy with many of them. But there is the matter of reality, and it must be addressed. Quarterback Matt Cassel proved nothing Thursday night, and he did himself no favors if he hopes to quiet the concerns that intensified this preseason: that he might not be up to the job.

Cassel didn’t play much Thursday, but when he did, the comfortable thing was to look away. He missed his first three passes, and two of those weren’t close, overthrowing Jerheme Urban and passing behind Dwayne Bowe. Then there was the matter of his interception on Kansas City’s next possession, when Cassel spoiled a promising drive — the Chiefs ran the ball six consecutive times for 40 yards — before throwing behind Bowe again, and this time, cornerback Jarrett Bush was there. Sure, he led a touchdown drive before Brodie Croyle relieved him, but most of Cassel’s passes on that possession were low-risk throws that let the receivers do the heavy lifting.

The Chiefs learned this preseason what they have, but one question the team didn’t answer was whether it has a quarterback it can believe in — especially as other parts of the offense seem to be improving. Dwayne Bowe? Yep, he still looks reliable. Charles? Sure, he has his shortcomings — he nearly fumbled Thursday on a catch and run, but he was ruled down — but the kid is exciting. More than that, he’s effective; Charles had 26 yards on two catches in limited duty. And Kansas City rushed for nearly 150 yards, most of them after Jones and Charles ended their nights.

It was Cassel who hung around longer than expected, and maybe that was because the Chiefs needed to see him more than the others. See how he responded. See if he could gather himself against a mediocre defense. And he never did, not Thursday and not this preseason.

In an exhibition game that’s traditionally used to give a team’s starters a peek at the field and then a long look from the sideline, Cassel played three series. He completed four of nine passes for 58 yards, and 30 of those came in one completion to Bowe. Green Bay’s quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, didn’t even suit up for the game.

The Chiefs believe — or at least they say publicly that they believe — that Cassel is improving. Of all the Chiefs learned this preseason, here’s one thing they knew before the first exhibition: Cassel is their man.

The exhibitions are finished, and the second season of a long project is ahead. Some of the Chiefs’ plans appear to be making progress. Now Kansas City has to learn during the regular season whether Cassel can catch up.

Rasputin · 09-02-2010, 11:36 PM

Exactly, we want a QB we can believe in. We have none. Wasn't impressed with eather QB. They both had a few good throws but for the most part they both ****ing SUCK!!! Yes you Brodie you suck and I thought you would have played much better than that. You suck becouse you didn't do enough to show the coaches you should replace Cassel. Brodie be the best back up QB you can be. Fine I am going to root for our QB this year becouse I have no choice, but that doesn't mean I have to like it or him.

I'm exited, I am pumped for our running game and our defense is making strides. Special teams **** YEA I love our kick return game (don't want to see it that often if you know what I mean) We got several young players on this team that rock n roll!!!

'Hamas' Jenkins · 09-02-2010, 11:41 PM

Croyle played pretty well. He was poised, but missed a couple of throws.

Cassel lacked poise and accuracy.

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-03-2010, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Croyle played pretty well. He was poised, but missed a couple of throws.

Cassel lacked poise and accuracy.

I believe that Cassel regress even more if he believes that his job is in jeopardy,

Chiefs4TheWin · 09-03-2010, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

I believe that Cassel regress even more if he believes that his job is in jeopardy,

In a nut shell this.

**Bane** · 09-03-2010, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

I believe that Cassel regress even more if he believes that his job is in jeopardy,

Yeah but is there any scenario other than Cassel getting injured that would put his starting spot in jeopardy in your opinion?
Posted via Mobile Device

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-03-2010, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bane_58

Yeah but is there any scenario other than Cassel getting injured that would put his starting spot in jeopardy in your opinion?
Posted via Mobile Device

Executive order by Clark to draft a possible franchise QB, he's been saying this the past couple of years. If Clark gets pissed off like he did after the SD game with Herm, heads are going to role in the Pioli regime after this year which includes a record of 8-8 or above. Saying that as I inferred prior, don't be shocked if KC attempt to trade for Clausen because of the Weis factor.

milkman · 09-03-2010, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Executive order by Clark to draft a possible franchise QB, he's been saying this the past couple of years. If Clark gets pissed off like he did after the SD game with Herm, heads are going to role in the Pioli regime after this year which includes a record of 8-8 or above. Saying that as I inferred prior, don't be shocked if KC attempt to trade for Clausen because of the Weis factor.

JFC

The Chiefs are not going to make a trade for Clausen, you dipshit.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 09-03-2010, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Croyle played pretty well. He was poised, but missed a couple of throws.

Cassel lacked poise and accuracy.

Croyle was rusty, but that did not stop him from achieving "Cassel-ness" within a play or two, and then exceeding it.

Though not by a whole lot, just to be honest.

That said, if he were taking the majority of the snaps and didn't get hurt, there's no doubt whatsoever who the Better Man is.

The debate...

Is...

Ovah.

CaliforniaChief · 09-02-2010, 11:44 PM

I'm sure TW will post Mellinger's commentary about Cassel, but I thought it was pretty good. Here's my favorite line:

"There are small things to build on here. Cassel is tough. By every account, he is working as hard as possible. But without some production this season — and the sooner the better — those compliments become something like: “She’s got a good personality.”

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/09/02...ne-cassel.html

Rasputin · 09-03-2010, 12:08 AM

I'l say this, Croyle did ok but he didn't do any thing to show the coaches he should be starting over Cassel. He needed to make a first down in the last two minutes of the game and not give the ball back to the Packers. They ran two times and on third down he needed to make a first down and failed, giving the packers a chance to win. You can't do that & expect the defense to bail you out. I had more expectations for Croyle to seize the starting job than most around here. He missed two games that hurt his chances more than any thing. It was up to Brodie & he failed. The confidence is not there for the team mates, coaches or even fans that he can stay healthy so tonight he had to play better than any one could imagine. Yea he did ok & to me he still looks better than Cassel but damnet he had to prove it this preseason, he didn't do enough.

I do hope to see Brodie finesh this season & hope for the best with him. I don't have any more expectations for him unless down the road they make the switch. Then he is just going to have to play & not get hurt.

Neither QB has the elite wow about them and at this point in there careers they both should be on a higher level of play, they both have been in the legue long enough for NO EXCUSES.

We got away with a win WOOT!!!

Fish · 09-03-2010, 12:22 AM

I'll be honest. I've been a Croyle supporter since we drafted him. But tonight, it became quite evident that he doesn't have what it takes to be a NFL starter. And that hurts. It culminated the moment Croyle almost took a delay of game penalty deep in KC territory, and Haley saved him with a time out. Croyle walked off the field shaking his head, and came right next to Haley, and Haley wouldn't even acknowledge him. I'm not sure why but that seemed like a defining moment right then, and Croyle took a seat.

**BossChief** · 09-03-2010, 02:22 AM

With all due disrespect to Cassel, the interception wasn't completely his fault. Bowe slipped when he made his cut and didn't make it to the spot on a timing pattern where Cassels job was to get the ball to a spot.

But, other than that one play that wasn't his fault, the rest of the crap he was flinging around the field was all his.

Croyle looked decent and his stat line was above average.

11/16 119 yards
7.4 ypa
69%

I wouldn't be surprised if there is a controversy by week 4 of the regular season.

I didnt see the second half yet, but the first half looked like we would have steam rolled em if we had a quarterback, or if Croyle had played the whole first half.

googlegoogle · 09-03-2010, 02:46 AM

pretty sure the wr slipped for the int.

**BossChief** · 09-03-2010, 03:01 AM

what a damn joke of a leader...

Chiefs vs Packers
QB MATT CASSEL
An evaluation of yourself over the entire preseason? “It’s hard to evaluate the whole preseason right now, but I think overall as an offense we made a lot of progress throughout the preseason. I think we ran the ball extremely well, we had a lot of production out of our no-huddle offense and I’m excited to get ready and I’m just looking forward to getting the season going and getting it underway.”

Anything specifically that you are happy with and that you want to work on? “I think I made great strides throughout the preseason and I was happy to stay healthy throughout the preseason and I feel like throughout the preseason I had great command of the offense and understood and knew what I wanted to do with the ball. I think in the preseason we worked on a lot of different things and were able to accomplish a lot and now it’s time to get ready to start the real stuff, the real games.”

Talk about the 30-yard cross to WR Dwayne Bowe that ended up setting up the touchdown. It seems like he’s playing faster this year than last year? “I’ve said it all along throughout camp that Dwayne’s come in, he had a great camp, he had a great off-season which I think is what has put him in a great position to come in and play well this year and you can see it on the field, you can see it in production throughout the preseason, Dwayne’s doing a great job for us.”

As far as the offense goes, from the beginning of preseason until now, how confident are you now in where you guys want to be? “I’m excited where we are offensively. I think the coaches have set up the weekly game plans to try to emphasize different things and I think we’ve got a lot of positives coming out of this preseason. I think we’ve moved the ball, we’ve scored points, the one thing we haven’t done is start fast but again this is a 16-game season and it might not happen in the first preseason game but you know what, eventually this thing’s going to get on the right track early in the game and I’m excited about that.”

09-02-2010, 11:10 PM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3097187	Babb: Chiefs learn more about themselves in 17-13 win over Green Bay Chiefs learn more about themselves in 17-13 win over Green Bay By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star Arrowhead Stadium was mostly empty by the second half, most of the starters barely made an appearance, and both teams appeared to be looking more toward their regular-season openers. Yes, this was the fourth preseason game, and the Chiefs won it 17-13. And meaningless or not, they’ll take a victory of any kind, especially after losing their first three exhibitions. But these four games have, if nothing else, been about self-education for the Chiefs. Kansas City learned what it’ll be, for better or worse, in 2010. They now know what they have, and that includes some strengths and plenty of promise, but there remains a worry that a most important position could be a weakness. Here’s what Kansas City learned the last four weeks: Kansas City can run the ball. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are serious threats, and when Jackie Battle can break a 50-yarder, some encouraging things are happening in the Chiefs’ backfield. The defense hasn’t looked so bad either, and who would’ve seen that coming two weeks ago in a loss at Tampa Bay? Whatever adjustments coordinator Romeo Crennel made, they’ve worked. Whatever the team did to invigorate linebacker Demorrio Williams, who had his third sack in two games, it’s impressive. And the faith Kansas City has in its young and talented secondary is warranted. And the Chiefs’ group of kick returners look like game-changers. Rookie Javier Arenas had a 44-yard punt return, and at least one big return per game seems to be becoming the expectation. Kansas City made its discoveries, and it’s happy with many of them. But there is the matter of reality, and it must be addressed. Quarterback Matt Cassel proved nothing Thursday night, and he did himself no favors if he hopes to quiet the concerns that intensified this preseason: that he might not be up to the job. Cassel didn’t play much Thursday, but when he did, the comfortable thing was to look away. He missed his first three passes, and two of those weren’t close, overthrowing Jerheme Urban and passing behind Dwayne Bowe. Then there was the matter of his interception on Kansas City’s next possession, when Cassel spoiled a promising drive — the Chiefs ran the ball six consecutive times for 40 yards — before throwing behind Bowe again, and this time, cornerback Jarrett Bush was there. Sure, he led a touchdown drive before Brodie Croyle relieved him, but most of Cassel’s passes on that possession were low-risk throws that let the receivers do the heavy lifting. The Chiefs learned this preseason what they have, but one question the team didn’t answer was whether it has a quarterback it can believe in — especially as other parts of the offense seem to be improving. Dwayne Bowe? Yep, he still looks reliable. Charles? Sure, he has his shortcomings — he nearly fumbled Thursday on a catch and run, but he was ruled down — but the kid is exciting. More than that, he’s effective; Charles had 26 yards on two catches in limited duty. And Kansas City rushed for nearly 150 yards, most of them after Jones and Charles ended their nights. It was Cassel who hung around longer than expected, and maybe that was because the Chiefs needed to see him more than the others. See how he responded. See if he could gather himself against a mediocre defense. And he never did, not Thursday and not this preseason. In an exhibition game that’s traditionally used to give a team’s starters a peek at the field and then a long look from the sideline, Cassel played three series. He completed four of nine passes for 58 yards, and 30 of those came in one completion to Bowe. Green Bay’s quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, didn’t even suit up for the game. The Chiefs believe — or at least they say publicly that they believe — that Cassel is improving. Of all the Chiefs learned this preseason, here’s one thing they knew before the first exhibition: Cassel is their man. The exhibitions are finished, and the second season of a long project is ahead. Some of the Chiefs’ plans appear to be making progress. Now Kansas City has to learn during the regular season whether Cassel can catch up.
Posts: 43,464

09-02-2010, 11:36 PM	#2
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $-44579	Exactly, we want a QB we can believe in. We have none. Wasn't impressed with eather QB. They both had a few good throws but for the most part they both **ing SUCK!!! Yes you Brodie you suck and I thought you would have played much better than that. You suck becouse you didn't do enough to show the coaches you should replace Cassel. Brodie be the best back up QB you can be. Fine I am going to root for our QB this year becouse I have no choice, but that doesn't mean I have to like it or him. I'm exited, I am pumped for our running game and our defense is making strides. Special teams ** YEA I love our kick return game (don't want to see it that often if you know what I mean) We got several young players on this team that rock n roll!!!
Posts: 56,937

09-02-2010, 11:41 PM	#3
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7129572	Croyle played pretty well. He was poised, but missed a couple of throws. Cassel lacked poise and accuracy. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 75,083

09-02-2010, 11:44 PM	#10
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $10455899	I'm sure TW will post Mellinger's commentary about Cassel, but I thought it was pretty good. Here's my favorite line: "There are small things to build on here. Cassel is tough. By every account, he is working as hard as possible. But without some production this season — and the sooner the better — those compliments become something like: “She’s got a good personality.” http://www.kansascity.com/2010/09/02...ne-cassel.html
Posts: 17,474

09-03-2010, 12:08 AM	#11
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $-44579	I'l say this, Croyle did ok but he didn't do any thing to show the coaches he should be starting over Cassel. He needed to make a first down in the last two minutes of the game and not give the ball back to the Packers. They ran two times and on third down he needed to make a first down and failed, giving the packers a chance to win. You can't do that & expect the defense to bail you out. I had more expectations for Croyle to seize the starting job than most around here. He missed two games that hurt his chances more than any thing. It was up to Brodie & he failed. The confidence is not there for the team mates, coaches or even fans that he can stay healthy so tonight he had to play better than any one could imagine. Yea he did ok & to me he still looks better than Cassel but damnet he had to prove it this preseason, he didn't do enough. I do hope to see Brodie finesh this season & hope for the best with him. I don't have any more expectations for him unless down the road they make the switch. Then he is just going to have to play & not get hurt. Neither QB has the elite wow about them and at this point in there careers they both should be on a higher level of play, they both have been in the legue long enough for NO EXCUSES. We got away with a win WOOT!!!
Posts: 56,937

09-03-2010, 12:22 AM	#12
Fish Ain't no relax! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $-1531081	I'll be honest. I've been a Croyle supporter since we drafted him. But tonight, it became quite evident that he doesn't have what it takes to be a NFL starter. And that hurts. It culminated the moment Croyle almost took a delay of game penalty deep in KC territory, and Haley saved him with a time out. Croyle walked off the field shaking his head, and came right next to Haley, and Haley wouldn't even acknowledge him. I'm not sure why but that seemed like a defining moment right then, and Croyle took a seat. __________________
Posts: 48,914

09-03-2010, 02:22 AM	#13
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $-1815912	With all due disrespect to Cassel, the interception wasn't completely his fault. Bowe slipped when he made his cut and didn't make it to the spot on a timing pattern where Cassels job was to get the ball to a spot. But, other than that one play that wasn't his fault, the rest of the crap he was flinging around the field was all his. Croyle looked decent and his stat line was above average. 11/16 119 yards 7.4 ypa 69% I wouldn't be surprised if there is a controversy by week 4 of the regular season. I didnt see the second half yet, but the first half looked like we would have steam rolled em if we had a quarterback, or if Croyle had played the whole first half. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,910

09-03-2010, 02:46 AM	#14
googlegoogle Banned Join Date: Nov 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	pretty sure the wr slipped for the int.
Posts: 4,700

09-03-2010, 03:01 AM	#15
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $-1815912	what a damn joke of a leader... Chiefs vs Packers QB MATT CASSEL An evaluation of yourself over the entire preseason? “It’s hard to evaluate the whole preseason right now, but I think overall as an offense we made a lot of progress throughout the preseason. I think we ran the ball extremely well, we had a lot of production out of our no-huddle offense and I’m excited to get ready and I’m just looking forward to getting the season going and getting it underway.” Anything specifically that you are happy with and that you want to work on? “I think I made great strides throughout the preseason and I was happy to stay healthy throughout the preseason and I feel like throughout the preseason I had great command of the offense and understood and knew what I wanted to do with the ball. I think in the preseason we worked on a lot of different things and were able to accomplish a lot and now it’s time to get ready to start the real stuff, the real games.” Talk about the 30-yard cross to WR Dwayne Bowe that ended up setting up the touchdown. It seems like he’s playing faster this year than last year? “I’ve said it all along throughout camp that Dwayne’s come in, he had a great camp, he had a great off-season which I think is what has put him in a great position to come in and play well this year and you can see it on the field, you can see it in production throughout the preseason, Dwayne’s doing a great job for us.” As far as the offense goes, from the beginning of preseason until now, how confident are you now in where you guys want to be? “I’m excited where we are offensively. I think the coaches have set up the weekly game plans to try to emphasize different things and I think we’ve got a lot of positives coming out of this preseason. I think we’ve moved the ball, we’ve scored points, the one thing we haven’t done is start fast but again this is a 16-game season and it might not happen in the first preseason game but you know what, eventually this thing’s going to get on the right track early in the game and I’m excited about that.” __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,910