Chiefs Chiefs News Etc 8/17/12 - Page 5

Ace Gunner · 08-17-2012, 08:12 AM

Slow day so far. Heard Sean Salsbury on the radio talking about the QB situation in KC and ATL. Sean said Matt Ryan is on fire again and the Chiefs will have their hands full from the very first game this season.

Then, they put on a couple of Chiefs cheerleaders and interviewed them. The cheerleaders said they have to pass a "football test" and one of the questions was "align each team logo with it's proper division". Like I said, slow news day.

So, here's a piece written for the Chiefs' site;

Running back has factored into Kansas City’s offense this preseason

St. Joseph, Mo. – If things went as planned, Shaun Draughn would probably be in Redskins camp right now.

That’s where he was at this time last year, eyeing a spot on Washington’s 53-man roster.

But things weren’t meant to be in Washington. Draughn received limited opportunities – just 11 preseason carries – and his 1.7-yard rushing average didn’t do the undrafted rookie any favors.

Shaun Draughn was just another name looking for work by the time September rolled around.

“I came up the rough side of the mountain,” Draughn said. “I was cut last year and had to come to a new team as a member of the practice squad.”

Draughn remained unemployed until early October when Kansas City took a midseason flier on the former North Carolina Tarheel. Rookie offensive lineman Butch Lewis was traded out for Draughn on the Chiefs eight-man practice squad.

It was on Kansas City’s practice squad that Draughn’s NFL career began to turn in a new direction.

“Actually, it was probably a blessing in disguise to go the practice squad route,” Draughn said. “I feel like I got so much better just practicing against our defense and learning form guys like Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. Thomas was a big mentor to me last year and was always encouraging me to keep pushing forward.”

He listened and kept working, running opponents’ offensive plays for the Chiefs scout team. It wasn’t long before Draughn started to get noticed.

Draughn’s practices became impressive enough that defensive line coach Anthony Pleasant sought out assistant head coach Maurice Carthon to make sure the former NFL running back wasn’t overlooking Draughn’s scout team production.

“Our defensive coaches were really impressed with his work on the scout team,” Carthon recalled. “Every other day Anthony Pleasant was saying, ‘hey, did you just see the move that kid made?’ So I started to take a closer look at him. He’s flashed throughout OTAs and here in training camp. Now I hope that he continues to grow.”

The Chiefs promoted Draughn to the active roster prior to last year’s regular season finale when Jackie Battle landed on injured reserve. Draughn would only play special teams against the Broncos, but it ensured him a spot on the Chiefs roster for at least the 2012 offseason program.

“It’s was a blessing,” Draughn said of the promotion. “I’m thankful for the organization giving me a chance. My approach has been to just keep doing what I’ve been doing. I’m focused on improving every day and trying to make this team.”

With Jamaal Charles, Peyton Hillis and sixth-round draft pick Cyrus Gray all competing for time in Kansas City’s backfield – not to mention a possible cameo from Dexter McCluster – Draughn slid under the radar for much of the offseason. But fans and media started to take notice during open training camp practices.

Draughn began stringing big plays together one after the other and scored a touchdown in last week’s preseason opener against Arizona.

“It was crazy when I scored,” Draughn said. “Even when I was in college I never heard the crowd. You kind of zone out when you score, but that time I kind of took it all in and took my time getting to the sideline. I wanted to stay out there as long as I could and celebrate with my teammates.”

Camp is closing and it’s been a successful three-week run for Draughn. He’s put himself in position to make a solid run at a roster spot over the final three preseason games. The Chiefs have given him looks running with the first-team offense and he’s already logged more carries than he did all of last preseason with the Redskins.

Saturday night represents another big test in St. Louis. Gray is sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving Draughn with more opportunities to show his progression. He’ll also be running on multiple special teams units in addition to an expanded offensive role.

“I just feel like I’m doing what I’m coached to do and when I get my chance I try to shine as best I can,” Draughn said. “What people don’t notice is that I probably go harder in special teams than anything else. That’s how I’ll make this football team. It’s going to be a big role that I’ll have to play.”

Kansas City’s backfield now appears more crowded than it did entering training camp. Carthon says it’s the deepest group of backs he’s coached since joining the Chiefs four seasons ago.

“I wish I could keep them all, not just four,” Carthon said. “They are all great guys, good people and are working hard. That’s exactly what they are and it’s good as a coach. It’s like being a kid in a candy store. You go in the morning and those guys are there mentally, you don’t hear too much talk-back from any of them and they are always ready to focus on the task at hand.”

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article...b-c9c4e63e222b

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

sure he can help ..... AS A WR.

every chiefs fan needs to cross their fingers and hope that DMC can use his quickness to be our wes welker or Desean Jackson.

leave all the RB stuff to the good RB's

I personally wouldn't minimize him in anyway.
He averaged 4.5 ypc last season.
Why limit him?

Would I give him 10 carries per game? No, but I also wouldn't box him up.

Mr. Laz · 08-17-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Not like you couldn't have both he and Charles in the backfield.
But okay.

or you could have Hillis and Charles both in the backfield

one power
one quick
both catch
both run
both block

jd1020 · 08-17-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

sure he can help ..... AS A WR.

every chiefs fan needs to cross their fingers and hope that DMC can use his quickness to be our wes welker or Desean Jackson.

leave all the RB stuff to the good RB's

McCluster is never going to be DeSean Jackson. He's not nearly fast enough.

O.city · 08-17-2012, 11:23 AM

Dexter can be utilized as the 4 WR. Now you can argue that the 4th wr in a run happy offense won't get much thrown his way, and I'd agree.

But I tend to think we are a little more pass happy this year than we previously have been.

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

or you could have Hillis and Charles both in the backfield

one power
one quick
both catch
both run
both block

Or you could have multiple two back sets, with interchangeable parts.

Mr. Laz · 08-17-2012, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Or you could have multiple two back sets, with interchangeable parts.

why?

why use a lesser player when you have two better players available? Maybe even more than two better players.

unless there is an injury, DMC shouldn't see a single snap at RB.

i suppose you can pretend to have him RB and then motion him to WR to have an extra WR. But only for formation purposes.

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

why?

why use a lesser player when you have two better players available? Maybe even more than two better players.

unless there is an injury, DMC shouldn't see a single snap at RB.

Oh I don't know...Because we're going to use more than Charles and Hillis in the backfield anyway?

You can argue that he SHOULDN'T get carries, but the idea that he won't because there are two better backs in front of him is...well...silly.

He got carries in his rookie season with two better backs in front of him (as a WR).
Why wouldn't he this year?

Chiefnj2 · 08-17-2012, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Because we're going to use more than Charles and Hillis in the backfield anyway?

You can argue that he SHOULDN'T get carries, but the idea that he won't because there are two better backs in front of him is...well...silly.

He got carries in his rookie season with two better backs in front of him.
Why wouldn't he this year?

There is better depth right now (per 1 preseason game and camp reports).

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

There is better depth right now (per 1 preseason game and camp reports).

Hell of a sample size.

O.city · 08-17-2012, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Because we're going to use more than Charles and Hillis in the backfield anyway?

You can argue that he SHOULDN'T get carries, but the idea that he won't because there are two better backs in front of him is...well...silly.

He got carries in his rookie season with two better backs in front of him (as a WR).
Why wouldn't he this year?

Because there aren't 2 better backs in front of him, there are 3 maybe 4.

You think he's better than either of the 4 we have out there right now?

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Because there aren't 2 better backs in front of him, there are 3 maybe 4.

Based on training camp and ONE pre-season game?

Mr. Laz · 08-17-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Because we're going to use more than Charles and Hillis in the backfield anyway?

You can argue that he SHOULDN'T get carries, but the idea that he won't because there are two better backs in front of him is...well...silly.

He got carries in his rookie season with two better backs in front of him.
Why wouldn't he this year?

and using your 3rd,4th,5th best RB when you have so many other options is...well...a complete waste.

let's just run our 4th string QB out there in every game just to use them and not be 'silly'

you play your best players on ever snap unless they need a break ... we have plenty of RB's that can keep Charles fresh without using DMC.

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:34 AM

The argument here is that no play should go to anyone other than your very best skill players at the position.

So Devon Wylie will just have to understand when Cassel looks to Bowe and Breaston on every offensive pass play.

O.city · 08-17-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Based on training camp and ONE pre-season game?

And the fact that our RB coach said we were keeping 4 RB's and Dexter hasn't had one carry this TC or preseason game.

Mr. Laz · 08-17-2012, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Based on training camp and ONE pre-season game?

of course things can change

maybe it was a one game fluke and the whole team turns to shit

but as of right now .......

there is no reason to use DMC at RB at all.

08-17-2012, 08:12 AM
Ace Gunner First Overall Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: kcmo Casino cash: $10007271	Chiefs News Etc 8/17/12 Slow day so far. Heard Sean Salsbury on the radio talking about the QB situation in KC and ATL. Sean said Matt Ryan is on fire again and the Chiefs will have their hands full from the very first game this season. Then, they put on a couple of Chiefs cheerleaders and interviewed them. The cheerleaders said they have to pass a "football test" and one of the questions was "align each team logo with it's proper division". Like I said, slow news day. So, here's a piece written for the Chiefs' site; Running back has factored into Kansas City’s offense this preseason St. Joseph, Mo. – If things went as planned, Shaun Draughn would probably be in Redskins camp right now. That’s where he was at this time last year, eyeing a spot on Washington’s 53-man roster. But things weren’t meant to be in Washington. Draughn received limited opportunities – just 11 preseason carries – and his 1.7-yard rushing average didn’t do the undrafted rookie any favors. Shaun Draughn was just another name looking for work by the time September rolled around. “I came up the rough side of the mountain,” Draughn said. “I was cut last year and had to come to a new team as a member of the practice squad.” Draughn remained unemployed until early October when Kansas City took a midseason flier on the former North Carolina Tarheel. Rookie offensive lineman Butch Lewis was traded out for Draughn on the Chiefs eight-man practice squad. It was on Kansas City’s practice squad that Draughn’s NFL career began to turn in a new direction. “Actually, it was probably a blessing in disguise to go the practice squad route,” Draughn said. “I feel like I got so much better just practicing against our defense and learning form guys like Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. Thomas was a big mentor to me last year and was always encouraging me to keep pushing forward.” He listened and kept working, running opponents’ offensive plays for the Chiefs scout team. It wasn’t long before Draughn started to get noticed. Draughn’s practices became impressive enough that defensive line coach Anthony Pleasant sought out assistant head coach Maurice Carthon to make sure the former NFL running back wasn’t overlooking Draughn’s scout team production. “Our defensive coaches were really impressed with his work on the scout team,” Carthon recalled. “Every other day Anthony Pleasant was saying, ‘hey, did you just see the move that kid made?’ So I started to take a closer look at him. He’s flashed throughout OTAs and here in training camp. Now I hope that he continues to grow.” The Chiefs promoted Draughn to the active roster prior to last year’s regular season finale when Jackie Battle landed on injured reserve. Draughn would only play special teams against the Broncos, but it ensured him a spot on the Chiefs roster for at least the 2012 offseason program. “It’s was a blessing,” Draughn said of the promotion. “I’m thankful for the organization giving me a chance. My approach has been to just keep doing what I’ve been doing. I’m focused on improving every day and trying to make this team.” With Jamaal Charles, Peyton Hillis and sixth-round draft pick Cyrus Gray all competing for time in Kansas City’s backfield – not to mention a possible cameo from Dexter McCluster – Draughn slid under the radar for much of the offseason. But fans and media started to take notice during open training camp practices. Draughn began stringing big plays together one after the other and scored a touchdown in last week’s preseason opener against Arizona. “It was crazy when I scored,” Draughn said. “Even when I was in college I never heard the crowd. You kind of zone out when you score, but that time I kind of took it all in and took my time getting to the sideline. I wanted to stay out there as long as I could and celebrate with my teammates.” Camp is closing and it’s been a successful three-week run for Draughn. He’s put himself in position to make a solid run at a roster spot over the final three preseason games. The Chiefs have given him looks running with the first-team offense and he’s already logged more carries than he did all of last preseason with the Redskins. Saturday night represents another big test in St. Louis. Gray is sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving Draughn with more opportunities to show his progression. He’ll also be running on multiple special teams units in addition to an expanded offensive role. “I just feel like I’m doing what I’m coached to do and when I get my chance I try to shine as best I can,” Draughn said. “What people don’t notice is that I probably go harder in special teams than anything else. That’s how I’ll make this football team. It’s going to be a big role that I’ll have to play.” Kansas City’s backfield now appears more crowded than it did entering training camp. Carthon says it’s the deepest group of backs he’s coached since joining the Chiefs four seasons ago. “I wish I could keep them all, not just four,” Carthon said. “They are all great guys, good people and are working hard. That’s exactly what they are and it’s good as a coach. It’s like being a kid in a candy store. You go in the morning and those guys are there mentally, you don’t hear too much talk-back from any of them and they are always ready to focus on the task at hand.” http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article...b-c9c4e63e222b
Posts: 10,580

08-17-2012, 11:23 AM	#64
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $-775936	Dexter can be utilized as the 4 WR. Now you can argue that the 4th wr in a run happy offense won't get much thrown his way, and I'd agree. But I tend to think we are a little more pass happy this year than we previously have been.
Posts: 84,249

08-17-2012, 11:34 AM	#73
Micjones Whose house? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KCMO Casino cash: $10005180	The argument here is that no play should go to anyone other than your very best skill players at the position. So Devon Wylie will just have to understand when Cassel looks to Bowe and Breaston on every offensive pass play. __________________ It's like when I'm right I'm right, when I'm wrong I could been right, so I'm still right cause I coulda been wrong.
Posts: 15,344