Chiefs Position Battles to Watch During Week 3 of the Pre-Season - Page 2

AussieChiefsFan · 08-22-2013, 05:36 AM

Heading into the 3rd week of the 2013 NFL pre-season, many position battles are still underway, even as we inch closer to the regular season. The following are some of the most intriguing and ‘must-watch’ position battles that are still underway.

The Battle for 3rd String Quarterback

As the pre-season moves forward, there still is not a distinct winner of the battle for the 3rd quarterback position, being fought between rookie Tyler Bray and 3rd year player Ricky Stanzi. Despite Bray’s unimpressive last outing, he still has the upper hand at winning the position. This is due to Stanzi having been drafted by the Pioli regime and not the Reid/Dorsey regime. An indicator of Stanzi’s dwindling chances of winning the battle is his absence from the most recent pre-season matchup, against the San Francisco 49ers last weekend. Stanzi’s absence from last week’s game was not due to illness or injury, but just for the reason that the coaches simply did not put him into the game. The game began with a healthy amount of playing time for starter Alex Smith, followed by Chase Daniel in the 3rd quarter and Tyler Bray in the 4th quarter to round out the game. This is the last thing Ricky Stanzi needs is to not be getting any game time, which is vital in proving he deserves the 3rd quarterback spot.

Two games still remain in this year’s pre-season, but time is rapidly running out for Ricky Stanzi. Regardless of the fact that Tyler Bray has not earned the 3rd roster spot as of yet, Stanzi will be required to be prepared to impress in the next two weeks if he is going to have any chance at snatching what is likely to be the last quarterback to survive the final roster cuts.

The Battle for starting Left Inside-Linebacker

The battle for the starting left Inside-Linebacker role is currently underway between former Philadelphia Eagles Linebacker Akeem Jordan and rookie Nico Johnson. Jordon, being the more experienced of the two, is currently listed as the main man at left Inside-Linebacker, however this decision is in no way final. If Johnson can make a showing in the next two weeks of pre-season, the tables could very well turn. At present, neither player has produced at a high enough level to overtake the other in the race for the starting job, which, if this trend were to continue, would indicate Jordan would manage to retain the starter role at least for the beginning of the regular season.

Though not as an exciting point of discussion as the other Linebacker positions, Akeem Jordon, a seasoned veteran and Nico Johnson, an anticipated rookie, make for an interesting situation. (Also keep in mind that Jordan and Johnson are both surrounded by pro-bowlers and established veterans, which will only assist them in becoming better players.)

The Battle for backup Running Back

With Jamaal Charles as the most proven and established player on the entire team as the starter at running back, that role is most definitely not up for grabs and won’t be for quite some time, but the spot just beneath him is. The role of backup running back has been up-in-the-air since Thomas Jones retired after the 2010 NFL season which has meant there has been a fairly frequent rotation of players coming and going from the backup running back position. Rookie Knile Davis and 3rd year player Shaun Draughn are the two most productive candidates fighting it out for the backup role. Draughn was the official backup to Jamaal Charles during the 2012 season, however did not receive much playing time due to Charles’ much improved health. What Draughn did show though, was potential as a reliable backup. Whether this potential carries over into the current season will be determined by Draughn’s performance in the two remaining pre-season matchups before the regular season arrives.

Knile Davis, while an injury risk himself, has shown an impressively fluid transition to the professional level so far. In last week’s matchup versus the San Francisco 49ers, Davis flashed his speed and quickness while averaging over 3.5 yards per carry over 10 attempts for a combined total of 37 yards for the day. Again, this position battle is not settled, but Davis has seemed to be pulling ahead of his competition, and if this trend continues, will likely end up being named the official backup to Jamaal Charles by September.

The Battle for 2nd string Tight End

Former Miami Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano was signed this off-season to come in and make an immediate impact and he has done just that by just about securing the starting job at tight end. One spot down the depth chart, 2nd string, is a competition, where rookie tight Travis Kelce and 4th year player Tony Moeaki are battling for that 2nd string spot. The most disappointing fact in all this is that former starter Tony Moeaki has dropped (unofficially) all the way to 3rd on the depth chart, even by rookie Travis Kelce. Moeaki being a constant injury concern has meant the coaches have slowly lost faith in his ability to stay on the field for an adequate number of games during the regular season. If Moeaki continues to show his capabilities on the field and avoid injury, it would not be at all surprising to see him retake the 2nd string position, especially as Kelce has not had the prolific pre-season one would have hoped for him to have.

Other Noteworthy situations

Right Tackle

Rookie tackle and number one overall draft pick Eric Fisher has been a large topic of discussion as he has not produced at a high level as immediately as was hoped. Having said this, Fisher is playing at a position which he has never played at. Naturally, Fisher is a left tackle, but due to the Chiefs’ situation at left tackle, Fisher has been forced to play on the right side, at least for now. At this stage there is really no need for concern by the fans.

Wide Receiver

With the recent trading of Jon Baldwin, former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donnie Avery has been promoted to a starting role beside established veteran Dwayne Bowe. Avery proved he could produce at a high level while in Indianapolis and now with this perfect opportunity in Kansas City, is primed to show off his blazing speed.

Defensive Line

So far this pre-season, the entire defensive line has really stepped up their game. Tyson Jackson has had success eating up blockers, making way for the faster hard-hitting linebacking core consisting of Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and more. Former New York Jets defensive end Mike DeVito has made an incredible transition to a new defense, showing power and speed off the line. Finally, 2nd year defensive tackle and scouting combine phenomenon Dontari Poe has begun to show why he was drafted so highly in 2012, pushing the opposing guards and centres backwards and, like his teammates, paving the way to the quarterback for the all-pro linebacking core that the Chiefs have.

While most of the starters are set along the defensive line, expect to see a rotation of players going on this season. This defensive line may be turning into what fans have been waiting for, for so long.

Kick/Punt Returner

Wide Receivers Dexter McCluster and Devon Wylie and Safety Quintin Demps are all sharing reps at kick and punt returner this pre-season. Wylie and McCluster have both shown improvement in their return production and are competing for a permanent punt returner role.

Safety Quintin Demps has been the stand-out player in recent weeks, scoring a touchdown from a 49ers kick-off last weekend, among other impressive performances has made Demps a known name among the fans. Demps, Wylie and McCluster all seem to be competing for the permanent job at kick returner, but who will be the main man or whether the kick return formation will feature duel kick returners is uncertain and will most likely remain unknown until September.

AussieChiefsFan · 08-22-2013, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

Bray hasn't shown anything that has impressed me. But if after 2 years in Stanzi can't even lock down the #3 spot out of the gates, I see no reason to keep him.

Pretty much. Even if Bray turns out no better than Stanzi, it's always going to happen; out with the old, in with the new.

Rasputin · 08-22-2013, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

FYI, for some reason nobody seems to be aware of this, but Fisher actually has played right tackle. He started 4 games there in 2010. He also started 2 games at right guard, and 3 at LT that season.

It shouldn't matter. I don't want to hear excuses for our 1.1 RT. He was picked to play and be an impact player as the number one pick. I figure Dorsey and Reid know what they are doing, I'm expecting results.

keg in kc · 08-22-2013, 07:42 AM

Stanzi's had 3 offseasons to show...something. Anything. Hell, he hasn't even shown enough to get playing time in a preseason game this year. There's literally nothing going for him. Drafted by the previous GM, nothing special in terms of physical tangibles. I don't care if Bray has been "unimpressive", you keep him because of what he has the potential to be. We've already seen what Stanzi has the potential to be, and it's exactly what he is.

AussieChiefsFan · 08-22-2013, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Stanzi's had 3 offseasons to show...something. Anything. Hell, he hasn't even shown enough to get playing time in a preseason game this year. There's literally nothing going for him. Drafted by the previous GM, nothing special in terms of physical tangibles. I don't care if Bray has been "unimpressive", you keep him because of what he has the potential to be. We've already seen what Stanzi has the potential to be, and it's exactly what he is.

Pretty much.

keg in kc · 08-22-2013, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

It shouldn't matter. I don't want to hear excuses for our 1.1 RT. He was picked to play and be an impact player as the number one pick. I figure Dorsey and Reid know what they are doing, I'm expecting results.

I'm not sure how you were interpreting that as me giving him an excuse. It was the opposite. The whole "he's never played RT" line has been thrown around all offseason and it's simply not true. It's never been true. In fact, I believe (but don't quote me on this...) that he actually played every position aside from center in a game at CMU, and he actually started at RT for 4 games. So it's definitely not something he's never done before.

Sandy Vagina · 08-22-2013, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieChiefsFan

Pretty much. Even if Bray turns out no better than Stanzi, it's always going to happen; out with the old, in with the new.

All things rather equal, you easily shoose the QB with the much better arm-strength.

Rasputin · 08-22-2013, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

I'm not sure how you were interpreting that as me giving him an excuse. It was the opposite. The whole "he's never played RT" line has been thrown around all offseason and it's simply not true. It's never been true. In fact, I believe (but don't quote me on this...) that he actually played every position aside from center in a game at CMU, and he actually started at RT for 4 games. So it's definitely not something he's never done before.

Oh no lol. I wasn't interpreting what you said as excuses. I was really agreeing with you and am already tired of the excuses. That's why I said that.

AussieChiefsFan · 08-22-2013, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

All things rather equal, you easily shoose the QB with the much better arm-strength.

No question Bray has the better arm strength.

**Lzen** · 08-22-2013, 07:57 AM

I watched the Saints game at a friend's house and didn't get to really focus so I don't know real well how some players performed. That being said, I noticed many people dogging on Davis. He may have looked a little shaky against the Saints, but I thought he looked pretty good against the 49ers. That's a good sign.

Smith, while not having a great game, was better than some give him credit for. Keep in mind when looking at his numbers that 3 or 4 of those passes were drops. The biggest disappointment I had with him was the blitzes not being recognized. Or even if they were the ball was not out quickly (hot routes or audibles). But that seemed to be an issue with every one of our QBs in that game. Obviously, that is an area that they need work.

I do love seeing this defense, and particularly the front seven being aggressive. We didn't see that much under Crennel.

Don't know how they did in the Saints game but Jordan looked like the starter against the 9ers. Would love for Johnson to take that spot but if Jordan is outperforming then so be it. The best player should be the starter, period.

As for 3rd string QB and as others have stated, I like Bray for that spot. Sure, he's struggled at times. But he has a lot more potential, IMO. I like Stanzi but he pretty much sealed his fate last preseason when he stunk it up. He had an opportunity to be the 2nd stringer QB (and eventually start when Cassel was benched) but he absolutely sucked.

AussieChiefsFan · 08-22-2013, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

I watched the Saints game at a friend's house and didn't get to really focus so I don't know real well how some players performed. That being said, I noticed many people dogging on Davis. He may have looked a little shaky against the Saints, but I thought he looked pretty good against the 49ers. That's a good sign.

Smith, while not having a great game, was better than some give him credit for. Keep in mind when looking at his numbers that 3 or 4 of those passes were drops. The biggest disappointment I had with him was the blitzes not being recognized. Or even if they were the ball was not out quickly (hot routes or audibles). But that seemed to be an issue with every one of our QBs in that game. Obviously, that is an area that they need work.

I do love seeing this defense, and particularly the front seven being aggressive. We didn't see that much under Crennel.

Don't know how they did in the Saints game but Jordan looked like the starter against the 9ers. Would love for Johnson to take that spot but if Jordan is outperforming then so be it. The best player should be the starter, period.

As for 3rd string QB and as others have stated, I like Bray for that spot. Sure, he's struggled at times. But he has a lot more potential, IMO. I like Stanzi but he pretty much sealed his fate last preseason when he stunk it up. He had an opportunity to be the 2nd stringer QB (and eventually start when Cassel was benched) but he absolutely sucked.

Well said. And definitely agree on Knile Davis, he started a little shaky, but he really impressed me vs the 49ers. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do this weekend.

L.A. Chieffan · 08-22-2013, 11:06 AM

Id rather have Stanzi and Bray over Daniels completely.

Dayze · 08-22-2013, 11:11 AM

I believe Nico will end up starting.

BlackHelicopters · 08-22-2013, 11:16 AM

Bray should be the starter from day one. No discussion needed. Let the kid grow and learn.

Setsuna · 08-22-2013, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theelusiveeightrop

Bray should be the starter from day one. No discussion needed. Let the kid grow and learn.

Just stop. We don't need Clowney that bad.

**Mav** · 08-22-2013, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theelusiveeightrop

Bray should be the starter from day one. No discussion needed. Let the kid grow and learn.

Fabulous......

08-22-2013, 05:36 AM
AussieChiefsFan MVP Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Casino cash: $5688501	Position Battles to Watch During Week 3 of the Pre-Season Heading into the 3rd week of the 2013 NFL pre-season, many position battles are still underway, even as we inch closer to the regular season. The following are some of the most intriguing and ‘must-watch’ position battles that are still underway. The Battle for 3rd String Quarterback As the pre-season moves forward, there still is not a distinct winner of the battle for the 3rd quarterback position, being fought between rookie Tyler Bray and 3rd year player Ricky Stanzi. Despite Bray’s unimpressive last outing, he still has the upper hand at winning the position. This is due to Stanzi having been drafted by the Pioli regime and not the Reid/Dorsey regime. An indicator of Stanzi’s dwindling chances of winning the battle is his absence from the most recent pre-season matchup, against the San Francisco 49ers last weekend. Stanzi’s absence from last week’s game was not due to illness or injury, but just for the reason that the coaches simply did not put him into the game. The game began with a healthy amount of playing time for starter Alex Smith, followed by Chase Daniel in the 3rd quarter and Tyler Bray in the 4th quarter to round out the game. This is the last thing Ricky Stanzi needs is to not be getting any game time, which is vital in proving he deserves the 3rd quarterback spot. Two games still remain in this year’s pre-season, but time is rapidly running out for Ricky Stanzi. Regardless of the fact that Tyler Bray has not earned the 3rd roster spot as of yet, Stanzi will be required to be prepared to impress in the next two weeks if he is going to have any chance at snatching what is likely to be the last quarterback to survive the final roster cuts. The Battle for starting Left Inside-Linebacker The battle for the starting left Inside-Linebacker role is currently underway between former Philadelphia Eagles Linebacker Akeem Jordan and rookie Nico Johnson. Jordon, being the more experienced of the two, is currently listed as the main man at left Inside-Linebacker, however this decision is in no way final. If Johnson can make a showing in the next two weeks of pre-season, the tables could very well turn. At present, neither player has produced at a high enough level to overtake the other in the race for the starting job, which, if this trend were to continue, would indicate Jordan would manage to retain the starter role at least for the beginning of the regular season. Though not as an exciting point of discussion as the other Linebacker positions, Akeem Jordon, a seasoned veteran and Nico Johnson, an anticipated rookie, make for an interesting situation. (Also keep in mind that Jordan and Johnson are both surrounded by pro-bowlers and established veterans, which will only assist them in becoming better players.) The Battle for backup Running Back With Jamaal Charles as the most proven and established player on the entire team as the starter at running back, that role is most definitely not up for grabs and won’t be for quite some time, but the spot just beneath him is. The role of backup running back has been up-in-the-air since Thomas Jones retired after the 2010 NFL season which has meant there has been a fairly frequent rotation of players coming and going from the backup running back position. Rookie Knile Davis and 3rd year player Shaun Draughn are the two most productive candidates fighting it out for the backup role. Draughn was the official backup to Jamaal Charles during the 2012 season, however did not receive much playing time due to Charles’ much improved health. What Draughn did show though, was potential as a reliable backup. Whether this potential carries over into the current season will be determined by Draughn’s performance in the two remaining pre-season matchups before the regular season arrives. Knile Davis, while an injury risk himself, has shown an impressively fluid transition to the professional level so far. In last week’s matchup versus the San Francisco 49ers, Davis flashed his speed and quickness while averaging over 3.5 yards per carry over 10 attempts for a combined total of 37 yards for the day. Again, this position battle is not settled, but Davis has seemed to be pulling ahead of his competition, and if this trend continues, will likely end up being named the official backup to Jamaal Charles by September. The Battle for 2nd string Tight End Former Miami Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano was signed this off-season to come in and make an immediate impact and he has done just that by just about securing the starting job at tight end. One spot down the depth chart, 2nd string, is a competition, where rookie tight Travis Kelce and 4th year player Tony Moeaki are battling for that 2nd string spot. The most disappointing fact in all this is that former starter Tony Moeaki has dropped (unofficially) all the way to 3rd on the depth chart, even by rookie Travis Kelce. Moeaki being a constant injury concern has meant the coaches have slowly lost faith in his ability to stay on the field for an adequate number of games during the regular season. If Moeaki continues to show his capabilities on the field and avoid injury, it would not be at all surprising to see him retake the 2nd string position, especially as Kelce has not had the prolific pre-season one would have hoped for him to have. Other Noteworthy situations Right Tackle Rookie tackle and number one overall draft pick Eric Fisher has been a large topic of discussion as he has not produced at a high level as immediately as was hoped. Having said this, Fisher is playing at a position which he has never played at. Naturally, Fisher is a left tackle, but due to the Chiefs’ situation at left tackle, Fisher has been forced to play on the right side, at least for now. At this stage there is really no need for concern by the fans. Wide Receiver With the recent trading of Jon Baldwin, former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donnie Avery has been promoted to a starting role beside established veteran Dwayne Bowe. Avery proved he could produce at a high level while in Indianapolis and now with this perfect opportunity in Kansas City, is primed to show off his blazing speed. Defensive Line So far this pre-season, the entire defensive line has really stepped up their game. Tyson Jackson has had success eating up blockers, making way for the faster hard-hitting linebacking core consisting of Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and more. Former New York Jets defensive end Mike DeVito has made an incredible transition to a new defense, showing power and speed off the line. Finally, 2nd year defensive tackle and scouting combine phenomenon Dontari Poe has begun to show why he was drafted so highly in 2012, pushing the opposing guards and centres backwards and, like his teammates, paving the way to the quarterback for the all-pro linebacking core that the Chiefs have. While most of the starters are set along the defensive line, expect to see a rotation of players going on this season. This defensive line may be turning into what fans have been waiting for, for so long. Kick/Punt Returner Wide Receivers Dexter McCluster and Devon Wylie and Safety Quintin Demps are all sharing reps at kick and punt returner this pre-season. Wylie and McCluster have both shown improvement in their return production and are competing for a permanent punt returner role. Safety Quintin Demps has been the stand-out player in recent weeks, scoring a touchdown from a 49ers kick-off last weekend, among other impressive performances has made Demps a known name among the fans. Demps, Wylie and McCluster all seem to be competing for the permanent job at kick returner, but who will be the main man or whether the kick return formation will feature duel kick returners is uncertain and will most likely remain unknown until September.
Posts: 13,760

08-22-2013, 07:42 AM	#18
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	Stanzi's had 3 offseasons to show...something. Anything. Hell, he hasn't even shown enough to get playing time in a preseason game this year. There's literally nothing going for him. Drafted by the previous GM, nothing special in terms of physical tangibles. I don't care if Bray has been "unimpressive", you keep him because of what he has the potential to be. We've already seen what Stanzi has the potential to be, and it's exactly what he is.
Posts: 58,682

08-22-2013, 07:57 AM	#24
Lzen Banded Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Oz Casino cash: $-669308	I watched the Saints game at a friend's house and didn't get to really focus so I don't know real well how some players performed. That being said, I noticed many people dogging on Davis. He may have looked a little shaky against the Saints, but I thought he looked pretty good against the 49ers. That's a good sign. Smith, while not having a great game, was better than some give him credit for. Keep in mind when looking at his numbers that 3 or 4 of those passes were drops. The biggest disappointment I had with him was the blitzes not being recognized. Or even if they were the ball was not out quickly (hot routes or audibles). But that seemed to be an issue with every one of our QBs in that game. Obviously, that is an area that they need work. I do love seeing this defense, and particularly the front seven being aggressive. We didn't see that much under Crennel. Don't know how they did in the Saints game but Jordan looked like the starter against the 9ers. Would love for Johnson to take that spot but if Jordan is outperforming then so be it. The best player should be the starter, period. As for 3rd string QB and as others have stated, I like Bray for that spot. Sure, he's struggled at times. But he has a lot more potential, IMO. I like Stanzi but he pretty much sealed his fate last preseason when he stunk it up. He had an opportunity to be the 2nd stringer QB (and eventually start when Cassel was benched) but he absolutely sucked. __________________ Conversation would be vastly improved by the constant use of four simple words: I do not know.
Posts: 42,484

08-22-2013, 11:06 AM	#26
L.A. Chieffan PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: American Gardens Building Casino cash: $2688654	Id rather have Stanzi and Bray over Daniels completely.
Posts: 17,400

08-22-2013, 11:11 AM	#27
Dayze Resident Glue Sniffer Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $1739358	I believe Nico will end up starting. __________________ Life is 99% inspiration, 1% Perspiration, and 1% Attention to Detial. RIP & Godspeed: Saccoppo Lonewolf Ed Fire Me Boy
Posts: 37,460

08-22-2013, 11:16 AM	#28
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $-909412	Bray should be the starter from day one. No discussion needed. Let the kid grow and learn. __________________ "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family." "Fredo. You are my brother, and I love you. But never take sides against the Family again. Ever." 2019 Adopt a Chief - Travis Kelce #87
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