Chiefs Teicher: Moeaki looks good at tight end, while O’Connell struggles

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-13-2010, 01:28 AM

Chiefs notebook: Moeaki looks good at tight end, while O’Connell struggles
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

The Chiefs selected a tight end in each of the last two drafts — and those players appear headed in different directions.

This year’s rookie, third-round pick Tony Moeaki, is having a solid offseason. He has shown good hands, is able to get downfield well and had another big day in the afternoon practice at Saturday’s minicamp.

The Chiefs thought enough last year of Jake O’Connell that they traded back into the seventh round to get him. He was even on the field last year for the last few plays when they were futilely trying to rally during an early-season loss to Oakland.

Judging by his play in offseason practices and again on Saturday, O’Connell may have a difficult time making the roster. He had dropped several passes, including two in Saturday afternoon’s practice.

The problem was so bad early last week that after one O’Connell drop, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis yelled, “That’s getting old, Jake.”

Croyle has hot hand

QB Brodie Croyle was still withheld from throwing during the full-squad workout because of his sore throwing hand.

But during a morning seven-on-seven passing drill when the Chiefs use no linemen on either side of the ball, Croyle was sharp.

On a set of plays from inside the 20, Croyle made three straight crisp throws that resulted in touchdowns, one going to Dwayne Bowe, another to Tim Castille and the last to rookie Jeremy Horne.

Mixing up the lineups

The Chiefs will occasionally shake up the starting lineup at many positions on both sides of the ball, even at positions where they is no true competition for the job. It hasn’t been unusual to see backups working with the first unit, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines.

“Sometimes when you just stay the same and nobody changes, you’re going against (the same player) every single snap,” coach Todd Haley said. “They get to know each other and they get to know each other’s little tricks and moves and steps.

“Just by moving guys in and out, now you create different matchups across the board. That’s really all we’re trying to do.”

06-13-2010, 01:28 AM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3067187	Teicher: Moeaki looks good at tight end, while O’Connell struggles Chiefs notebook: Moeaki looks good at tight end, while O’Connell struggles By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The Chiefs selected a tight end in each of the last two drafts — and those players appear headed in different directions. This year’s rookie, third-round pick Tony Moeaki, is having a solid offseason. He has shown good hands, is able to get downfield well and had another big day in the afternoon practice at Saturday’s minicamp. The Chiefs thought enough last year of Jake O’Connell that they traded back into the seventh round to get him. He was even on the field last year for the last few plays when they were futilely trying to rally during an early-season loss to Oakland. Judging by his play in offseason practices and again on Saturday, O’Connell may have a difficult time making the roster. He had dropped several passes, including two in Saturday afternoon’s practice. The problem was so bad early last week that after one O’Connell drop, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis yelled, “That’s getting old, Jake.” Croyle has hot hand QB Brodie Croyle was still withheld from throwing during the full-squad workout because of his sore throwing hand. But during a morning seven-on-seven passing drill when the Chiefs use no linemen on either side of the ball, Croyle was sharp. On a set of plays from inside the 20, Croyle made three straight crisp throws that resulted in touchdowns, one going to Dwayne Bowe, another to Tim Castille and the last to rookie Jeremy Horne. Mixing up the lineups The Chiefs will occasionally shake up the starting lineup at many positions on both sides of the ball, even at positions where they is no true competition for the job. It hasn’t been unusual to see backups working with the first unit, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. “Sometimes when you just stay the same and nobody changes, you’re going against (the same player) every single snap,” coach Todd Haley said. “They get to know each other and they get to know each other’s little tricks and moves and steps. “Just by moving guys in and out, now you create different matchups across the board. That’s really all we’re trying to do.”
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