Chiefs Babb: With Moeaki, McCluster and Charles, Cassel doesn’t need to be perfect

**Tribal Warfare** · 10-02-2010, 02:15 AM

With Moeaki, McCluster and Charles, Cassel doesn’t need to be perfect
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tony Moeaki was holding a football in the locker room this week, and someone brought up the subject of his one-handed touchdown catch Sunday.

It was all over the television highlights. Did he see himself? Moeaki, a soft-spoken rookie tight end, shook his head. Not really, he said, though he heard some talk about the play on some TVs near the team’s meeting rooms. Heck, he wasn’t even sure that the ball he was palming was or wasn’t the one he caught; someone just put a football in his locker, so he might as well hold it.

“I wasn’t going into the play trying to catch a one-handed pass,” he said, “but it just happened that way. It was just coincidence.”

Fine. But the part that clearly isn’t coincidence is that Moeaki is among several new toys for the Chiefs’ offense — weapons the team lacked throughout most of last season, and targets that ease pressure on quarterback Matt Cassel. Kansas City hasn’t been perfect on offense this season, even amid a 3-0 start, and Cassel has occasionally struggled. But with options like Moeaki, Dexter McCluster and Jamaal Charles, who needs perfect?

During Sunday’s 31-10 thrashing of San Francisco, the Chiefs took full advantage of their playmakers. Moeaki, McCluster and Charles combined for 266 of the team’s 457 total offensive yards, and that doesn’t even include McCluster’s 59 yards on kick returns. Combined with veteran running back Thomas Jones and wide receivers Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers, Kansas City’s offense has begun to look like a formidable unit.

The Chiefs emphasized those players more often against the 49ers, and Cassel’s numbers reflected it — 250 passing yards, including touchdown passes to McCluster and Moeaki.

“It was a fun play,” Moeaki said of his touchdown, which ESPN chose as its most outstanding play of the weekend. If he won’t elaborate, there are plenty of teammates who will. Offensive lineman Brian Waters said he noticed that, on Sunday, things just went more smoothly; players seemed more comfortable. And he definitely didn’t think Moeaki’s play was a coincidence.

“He’s a very good pass catcher,” Waters said. “Those are things we haven’t had. We didn’t have it last year, and then you add the different types of personalities. We have a different group, in that we can throw so many looks at (defenses) right now, and that’s a plus for us. We think that’s going to continue to grow.

“The key is that our coaches did a good job of going out and finding some guys who can do a lot of different things, and I think that’s really helped us a lot. We’ve got guys who are a very versatile group, who can play a lot of different positions.”

San Francisco found that out the hard way on a single play. It came in the third quarter, when Jones lined up at quarterback in the Wildcat formation. Cassel was split wide. Jones took the snap and ran left before pitching it to McCluster, who tossed to Cassel, who zipped a pass 45 yards to Bowe in the end zone.

Coach Todd Haley said this week that a play like that brings with it plenty of risk; the more players who handle the football, the more chance that one of them makes a mistake. On that play, everything worked.

“Those packages and what you’re seeing,” Waters said, “that’s what we want. We know what that does to defenses. When we throw all that at them, we prefer that because we know that keeps them off-balance.”

Waters acknowledged that, last season, the Chiefs just didn’t have these kinds of playmakers on offense. Tony Gonzalez was traded to Atlanta in April 2009, and Bowe missed four games because of a failed test for performance-enhancing drugs. It wasn’t until running back Larry Johnson was cut and Charles took over that Kansas City realized it could move the ball with consistency.

Now, Waters said, the group is gaining a confidence that it lacked a year ago. Yes, even Moeaki, who admitted that he’s not always so quiet.

“Everyone flips a switch when they’re out there,” he said. “That’s just the way it is. If you’re the same guy on and off the field, you might have a heart attack. I guess you’ve got to experience it. When you’re on the field, you’re just in a zone.

“I just feel different.”

For the first time in a while, so do the Chiefs.

HIChief · 10-02-2010, 04:11 AM

It's intriguing to see Waters so talkative, particularly when Pioli and Haley supposedly tuned him out last season. I reckon it's a good sign that he's had a turn around in attitude and outlook concerning the team, coaches, and management. Still, I thought most trench warriors prefer to remain quiet, and let their play do the talking.

**Buehler445** · 10-02-2010, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HIChief

It's intriguing to see Waters so talkative, particularly when Pioli and Haley supposedly tuned him out last season. I reckon it's a good sign that he's had a turn around in attitude and outlook concerning the team, coaches, and management. Still, I thought most trench warriors prefer to remain quiet, and let their play do the talking.

The biggest thing I saw from Waters that suggested a change in attitude was the ref pulling him off of some San Doucher player while Waters was trying to tear his head off.

I would have never thought that Waters would do that. Not that I condone figfhting, but I thought it was outstanding that Waters was showing some intensity.
Posted via Mobile Device

Marcellus · 10-02-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

The biggest thing I saw from Waters that suggested a change in attitude was the ref pulling him off of some San Doucher player while Waters was trying to tear his head off.

I would have never thought that Waters would do that. Not that I condone figfhting, but I thought it was outstanding that Waters was showing some intensity.
Posted via Mobile Device

I remember when Waters was used as an example of how Haley and Pioli didn't know how to treat players and were going to lose the team etc.....

Pitt Gorilla · 10-02-2010, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

I remember when Waters was used as an example of how Haley and Pioli didn't know how to treat players and were going to lose the team etc.....

Eh, I remember when there were 17 TEs in the draft "better" than Moaki and we shouldn't trade up a bit to get him.

RINGLEADER · 10-02-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HIChief

It's intriguing to see Waters so talkative, particularly when Pioli and Haley supposedly tuned him out last season. I reckon it's a good sign that he's had a turn around in attitude and outlook concerning the team, coaches, and management. Still, I thought most trench warriors prefer to remain quiet, and let their play do the talking.

Winning has a way of doing that...

michaelj_58 · 10-02-2010, 06:26 AM

I can't wait to see dmc and JC on artificial turf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jerm · 10-02-2010, 06:33 AM

I think I'm going to write an article...

"With ESPN, The NFL Network, and Fox Sports, Babb doesn't need to exist"

WhitiE · 10-02-2010, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerm

I think I'm going to write an article...

"With ESPN, The NFL Network, and Fox Sports, Babb doesn't need to exist"

lol nice

Rasputin · 10-02-2010, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerm

I think I'm going to write an article...

"With ESPN, The NFL Network, and Fox Sports, Babb doesn't need to exist"

Be sure to use proper grammer, and use words like Anti-freeze and Aids tree.

**the Talking Can** · 10-02-2010, 08:20 AM

With Moeaki, McCluster and Charles, Cassel doesn’t need to earn his $63 million contract

Valiant · 10-02-2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

With Moeaki, McCluster and Charles, Cassel doesn’t need to earn his $63 million contract

No shit.. If everyone else busts their asses Cassel does not have to try..

Red Dawg · 10-03-2010, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

With Moeaki, McCluster and Charles, Cassel doesn’t need to earn his $63 million contract

**luv** · 10-02-2010, 09:07 AM

No, he doesn't have to be perfect. I'd settle for good or consistent.

Until we find someone else.

Rasputin · 10-02-2010, 09:13 AM

He doesn't need to be perfect, but would be nice if he played up to his $63mill contract.

10-02-2010, 02:15 AM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3037187	Babb: With Moeaki, McCluster and Charles, Cassel doesn’t need to be perfect With Moeaki, McCluster and Charles, Cassel doesn’t need to be perfect By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star Tony Moeaki was holding a football in the locker room this week, and someone brought up the subject of his one-handed touchdown catch Sunday. It was all over the television highlights. Did he see himself? Moeaki, a soft-spoken rookie tight end, shook his head. Not really, he said, though he heard some talk about the play on some TVs near the team’s meeting rooms. Heck, he wasn’t even sure that the ball he was palming was or wasn’t the one he caught; someone just put a football in his locker, so he might as well hold it. “I wasn’t going into the play trying to catch a one-handed pass,” he said, “but it just happened that way. It was just coincidence.” Fine. But the part that clearly isn’t coincidence is that Moeaki is among several new toys for the Chiefs’ offense — weapons the team lacked throughout most of last season, and targets that ease pressure on quarterback Matt Cassel. Kansas City hasn’t been perfect on offense this season, even amid a 3-0 start, and Cassel has occasionally struggled. But with options like Moeaki, Dexter McCluster and Jamaal Charles, who needs perfect? During Sunday’s 31-10 thrashing of San Francisco, the Chiefs took full advantage of their playmakers. Moeaki, McCluster and Charles combined for 266 of the team’s 457 total offensive yards, and that doesn’t even include McCluster’s 59 yards on kick returns. Combined with veteran running back Thomas Jones and wide receivers Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers, Kansas City’s offense has begun to look like a formidable unit. The Chiefs emphasized those players more often against the 49ers, and Cassel’s numbers reflected it — 250 passing yards, including touchdown passes to McCluster and Moeaki. “It was a fun play,” Moeaki said of his touchdown, which ESPN chose as its most outstanding play of the weekend. If he won’t elaborate, there are plenty of teammates who will. Offensive lineman Brian Waters said he noticed that, on Sunday, things just went more smoothly; players seemed more comfortable. And he definitely didn’t think Moeaki’s play was a coincidence. “He’s a very good pass catcher,” Waters said. “Those are things we haven’t had. We didn’t have it last year, and then you add the different types of personalities. We have a different group, in that we can throw so many looks at (defenses) right now, and that’s a plus for us. We think that’s going to continue to grow. “The key is that our coaches did a good job of going out and finding some guys who can do a lot of different things, and I think that’s really helped us a lot. We’ve got guys who are a very versatile group, who can play a lot of different positions.” San Francisco found that out the hard way on a single play. It came in the third quarter, when Jones lined up at quarterback in the Wildcat formation. Cassel was split wide. Jones took the snap and ran left before pitching it to McCluster, who tossed to Cassel, who zipped a pass 45 yards to Bowe in the end zone. Coach Todd Haley said this week that a play like that brings with it plenty of risk; the more players who handle the football, the more chance that one of them makes a mistake. On that play, everything worked. “Those packages and what you’re seeing,” Waters said, “that’s what we want. We know what that does to defenses. When we throw all that at them, we prefer that because we know that keeps them off-balance.” Waters acknowledged that, last season, the Chiefs just didn’t have these kinds of playmakers on offense. Tony Gonzalez was traded to Atlanta in April 2009, and Bowe missed four games because of a failed test for performance-enhancing drugs. It wasn’t until running back Larry Johnson was cut and Charles took over that Kansas City realized it could move the ball with consistency. Now, Waters said, the group is gaining a confidence that it lacked a year ago. Yes, even Moeaki, who admitted that he’s not always so quiet. “Everyone flips a switch when they’re out there,” he said. “That’s just the way it is. If you’re the same guy on and off the field, you might have a heart attack. I guess you’ve got to experience it. When you’re on the field, you’re just in a zone. “I just feel different.” For the first time in a while, so do the Chiefs.
Posts: 43,455

10-02-2010, 04:11 AM	#2
HIChief Since '70 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hawaii Casino cash: $10004997	It's intriguing to see Waters so talkative, particularly when Pioli and Haley supposedly tuned him out last season. I reckon it's a good sign that he's had a turn around in attitude and outlook concerning the team, coaches, and management. Still, I thought most trench warriors prefer to remain quiet, and let their play do the talking.
Posts: 296

10-02-2010, 06:26 AM	#7
michaelj_58 Starter Join Date: Aug 2009 Casino cash: $10005231	I can't wait to see dmc and JC on artificial turf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posts: 389

10-02-2010, 06:33 AM	#8
Jerm Mahomes > God Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $4378996	I think I'm going to write an article... "With ESPN, The NFL Network, and Fox Sports, Babb doesn't need to exist"
Posts: 10,225

10-02-2010, 08:20 AM	#11
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9122208	With Moeaki, McCluster and Charles, Cassel doesn’t need to earn his $63 million contract __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

10-02-2010, 09:07 AM	#14
luv You think you can get by this? Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $-1250000	No, he doesn't have to be perfect. I'd settle for good or consistent. Until we find someone else.
Posts: 63,567

10-02-2010, 09:13 AM	#15
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $5421	He doesn't need to be perfect, but would be nice if he played up to his $63mill contract.
Posts: 56,933