Chiefs Teicher: Chiefs’ injuries creating opportunities for defensive linemen

**Tribal Warfare** · 11-29-2008, 12:04 AM

Chiefs’ injuries creating opportunities for defensive linemen
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

Defensive ends Jason Babin and Wallace Gilberry joined the Chiefs earlier this month knowing they might have to play because of the team’s burgeoning injury list.

They’re getting more than they bargained for. Babin, a four-year NFL veteran, played almost every defensive snap of last week’s game, and Gilberry, an undrafted rookie, has also been thrown into the lineup.

They could be the starting ends in Sunday’s game against the Raiders in Oakland. Tamba Hali didn’t practice for the second straight day because of a sore ankle, so the Chiefs on Friday were preparing to play without him.

While the injuries are easing in the secondary and at linebacker, it’s still a problem on the defensive line. Assuming Hali does not play, the eight defensive linemen who could suit up for the Chiefs on Sunday fall into one of three categories:

•1. Injury replacements. Four (Babin, Gilberry, Andy Studebaker and Antwon Burton) weren’t with the Chiefs when November started. Burton was promoted from the practice squad Friday, and linebacker Wes Dacus was released.

•2. Injured. Tank Tyler and Alfonso Boone missed practice time this week. Each was listed on the injury report as questionable for Sunday’s game.

•3. No excuses. Glenn Dorsey and Ron Edwards have been around from the start and have no debilitating ailments.

The Chiefs also listed wide receiver Mark Bradley and linebacker Pat Thomas as questionable for Sunday’s game and linebacker Donnie Edwards, cornerback Pat Surtain and offensive lineman Adrian Jones as out.

Safety Jarrad Page was removed from the injury report and will play.

Babin is a former first-round draft pick of the Texans. He’s only 28, so there’s still time for him to fulfill the lofty expectations set when he was made such a high selection.

“Oh, yeah, I can still be that kind of a player,” Babin said. “Houston drafted me, and then they put me at linebacker. I had never played there before. I’ve been wanting to get back to playing defensive end, and this is really the first time in five years I’ve had that chance, except for a little bit my last year with Houston.”

Babin had 13 sacks in three seasons with Houston. While that total was disappointing to the Texans, it would look good to the 1-10 Chiefs, who have only six sacks in 11 games.

Babin moved on to Seattle last year but didn’t play much, and the Seahawks released him early this season.

The Chiefs signed him when injuries ravaged their defensive line. Turk McBride and Brian Johnston are finished for the season.

“I didn’t know I’d be playing this much, but they told me it might be a lot,” Babin said. “That’s why I wanted to be here. I was with Seattle at the start of the season but I wasn’t playing.

“I didn’t want to go somewhere and have the same situation. I worked out for about 12 teams after I left Seattle, but the situation was never quite what it was here. The chance for some playing time made this the best fit.”

Babin doesn’t have a sack in his two games but got close to the quarterback a couple of times. He is signed for only the rest of this season, but if he plays well in the final five games, the Chiefs could be interested in keeping him as a situational pass rusher.

“He’s not a linebacker, and he’s not a big rush end,” coach Herm Edwards said. “But I think he’s got some juice in him. He can rush the quarterback. He’s like anybody else. He’s a better rusher when you’re getting a good rush (from the tackles). He could be more productive if the quarterback feels like he’s getting pressure from those guys.

“He can turn the corner, though. He’s got some talent.”

Gilberry is a developmental player who was on the Giants practice squad before joining the Chiefs. He had 10 1/2 sacks as a senior at Alabama.

11-29-2008, 12:04 AM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3007187	Teicher: Chiefs’ injuries creating opportunities for defensive linemen Chiefs’ injuries creating opportunities for defensive linemen By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Defensive ends Jason Babin and Wallace Gilberry joined the Chiefs earlier this month knowing they might have to play because of the team’s burgeoning injury list. They’re getting more than they bargained for. Babin, a four-year NFL veteran, played almost every defensive snap of last week’s game, and Gilberry, an undrafted rookie, has also been thrown into the lineup. They could be the starting ends in Sunday’s game against the Raiders in Oakland. Tamba Hali didn’t practice for the second straight day because of a sore ankle, so the Chiefs on Friday were preparing to play without him. While the injuries are easing in the secondary and at linebacker, it’s still a problem on the defensive line. Assuming Hali does not play, the eight defensive linemen who could suit up for the Chiefs on Sunday fall into one of three categories: •1. Injury replacements. Four (Babin, Gilberry, Andy Studebaker and Antwon Burton) weren’t with the Chiefs when November started. Burton was promoted from the practice squad Friday, and linebacker Wes Dacus was released. •2. Injured. Tank Tyler and Alfonso Boone missed practice time this week. Each was listed on the injury report as questionable for Sunday’s game. •3. No excuses. Glenn Dorsey and Ron Edwards have been around from the start and have no debilitating ailments. The Chiefs also listed wide receiver Mark Bradley and linebacker Pat Thomas as questionable for Sunday’s game and linebacker Donnie Edwards, cornerback Pat Surtain and offensive lineman Adrian Jones as out. Safety Jarrad Page was removed from the injury report and will play. Babin is a former first-round draft pick of the Texans. He’s only 28, so there’s still time for him to fulfill the lofty expectations set when he was made such a high selection. “Oh, yeah, I can still be that kind of a player,” Babin said. “Houston drafted me, and then they put me at linebacker. I had never played there before. I’ve been wanting to get back to playing defensive end, and this is really the first time in five years I’ve had that chance, except for a little bit my last year with Houston.” Babin had 13 sacks in three seasons with Houston. While that total was disappointing to the Texans, it would look good to the 1-10 Chiefs, who have only six sacks in 11 games. Babin moved on to Seattle last year but didn’t play much, and the Seahawks released him early this season. The Chiefs signed him when injuries ravaged their defensive line. Turk McBride and Brian Johnston are finished for the season. “I didn’t know I’d be playing this much, but they told me it might be a lot,” Babin said. “That’s why I wanted to be here. I was with Seattle at the start of the season but I wasn’t playing. “I didn’t want to go somewhere and have the same situation. I worked out for about 12 teams after I left Seattle, but the situation was never quite what it was here. The chance for some playing time made this the best fit.” Babin doesn’t have a sack in his two games but got close to the quarterback a couple of times. He is signed for only the rest of this season, but if he plays well in the final five games, the Chiefs could be interested in keeping him as a situational pass rusher. “He’s not a linebacker, and he’s not a big rush end,” coach Herm Edwards said. “But I think he’s got some juice in him. He can rush the quarterback. He’s like anybody else. He’s a better rusher when you’re getting a good rush (from the tackles). He could be more productive if the quarterback feels like he’s getting pressure from those guys. “He can turn the corner, though. He’s got some talent.” Gilberry is a developmental player who was on the Giants practice squad before joining the Chiefs. He had 10 1/2 sacks as a senior at Alabama.
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