Chiefs Special teams coach thinks Dexter McCluster has unlocked potential as a returner - Page 5

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-01-2013, 12:09 AM

Chiefs’ new special teams coach thinks Dexter McCluster has unlocked potential as a returner
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
Dexter McCluster brought back a punt 94 yards for a touchdown in his first NFL game for the Chiefs in 2010, sparking hope he could surpass Chicago’s Devin Hester as the NFL’s next great return specialist.

That hasn’t happened yet, but the Chiefs aren’t giving up on the idea. This offseason they hired away the Bears’ Dave Toub, the special teams coach who worked with Hester and helped him become one of the all-time greats with 17 career return touchdowns.

And Toub is a fan of McCluster’s.

“McCluster is somebody that’s very intriguing to me,’’ Toub said. “He can really make you miss and I just think he’s got a lot of untapped potential as a punt returner.’’

A McCluster revival is just part of what the Chiefs have planned for their return game. They’re also looking at rookie running back Knile Davis to return kickoffs, though Davis never brought back a kick in college at Arkansas.

That plan, too, is part of the effort to awaken a long dormant return game. The Chiefs haven’t returned a kickoff for a touchdown since 2009 or a punt for a score since McCluster did it in the season-opening game in 2010 against the Chargers.

The Chiefs traded one of their main return specialists from the past couple of seasons, Javier Arenas. They have others working in the mix, including wide receiver Devon Wylie. But for the time being, at least, they appear to have settled on McCluster and Davis.

McCluster hasn’t had many chances to return punts since his rookie season in part to keep the 5-foot-8, 170-pound McCluster fresh for offensive plays. But the new coaching staff led by Andy Reid doesn’t have that idea.

“We’re kind of dusting him off in that area,’’ Toub said. “He has all the skills that you like to see as a punt returner.’’

Davis is an interesting option as a kickoff returner. He hasn’t returned a kick in a live game since he was in high school and was a frequent fumbler at running back last season.

But the Chiefs see a fast runner with a big body who could be difficult for opponents to bring down in the open field.

“He’s a big guy and he can run (fast),’’ McCluster said. “He just needs a little more repetition and I think he’ll be really good.’’

Reid said Davis has good vision, which is key for a returner.

“That position, you want the guys that are willing to hit it up the field,” Reid said. “We’ll see how he does. I’m not saying he’s the guy necessarily right now. But he’s working at it and we’ll see how he does through training camp.’’

Judging from offseason practice, Davis will get plenty of work at running back in the regular season even though Jamaal Charles is the starter. But he said returning kickoffs would be another way for him to contribute.

“Any way I can touch the field,’’ he said. “It’s no fun sitting on the sideline.

“I like the idea. The biggest difference from college to the league is that here, they want you to catch it forward so you can have that momentum going up the field.

“The key is hitting it full speed. But it’s a lot harder to judge it and catch it that way. You’ve got to judge it just right or it will be a big mistake. In college, you can kind of stand there and judge it and catch it on your back leg. I’ve pretty much got it down, for the most part.’’

The Chiefs are withholding judgment on that last part.

“We’ve got a long way to go,’’ Toub said. “We’ve got to find out when the (games) start whether this guy will be able to hold on to the ball. That’s going to be the key for him on kickoff return.’’

“There’s a lot for him to learn. It’s a totally different feel (than at running back). He’s got the ball in his hand like at running back but still it’s totally different. It’s about closing the distance. It’s about (getting up the field) real quick. There are a lot of collisions out there. You’ve got guys running 10, 15 yards running full speed at you. There will be a learning curve for him.’’

chiefzilla1501 · 06-01-2013, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

when McCluster is getting 3 yard screen passes and takes them for -2 yards on 3rd down that should be going to Charles, I wont be happy.

I just think hes going to be taking balls from Charles in the short passing game and that's pretty much it.

No one ever took shit away from Shady McCoy he ran between the tackles and took the dump offs. I expect the same from Charles and not trying to fit a square midget gadget peg in a round hole but forcing him into plays

I dont' see that as his role at all. He's going to be used as misdirection for Charles and he'll run more of the receiver routes Charles can't run (Charles is not a good receiver. He is, as you say, a pure screen and dump off guy). If anybody is going to be a change-of-pace back, it will be Knile Davis. I'm expecting Charles to get about 200 carries and 50+ receptions, which is standard for any Reid back.

keg in kc · 06-01-2013, 12:28 PM

The only thing Dex makes anyone miss is Dante Hall.

mcaj22 · 06-01-2013, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I dont' see that as his role at all. He's going to be used as misdirection for Charles and he'll run more of the receiver routes Charles can't run (Charles is not a good receiver. He is, as you say, a pure screen and dump off guy). If anybody is going to be a change-of-pace back, it will be Knile Davis. I'm expecting Charles to get about 200 carries and 50+ receptions, which is standard for any Reid back.

so you think McCluster will play more slot/WR hybrid than RB/screen/dump off?

in that case then, one of the WRs loses a spot on the depth chart to McCluster, its either Avery or Baldwin, pick your poison

cause then you are essentially running 2 WRs, McCluster, Charles, and at least 1 TE and 1 FB or 2 TEs

really there are not enough balls in the entire state of kansas for Fasano, Kelce/Moeaki, Bowe/Baldwin/Avery/McCluster then Charles/Davis

there is going to be an odd man out standing on the sidelines with a very low snap count this season, I just dont know who that will be.

chiefzilla1501 · 06-01-2013, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

so you think McCluster will play more slot/WR hybrid than RB/screen/dump off?

in that case then, one of the WRs loses a spot on the depth chart to McCluster, its either Avery or Baldwin, pick your poison

cause then you are essentially running 2 WRs, McCluster, Charles, and at least 1 TE and 1 FB or 2 TEs

really there are not enough balls in the entire state of kansas for Fasano, Kelce/Moeaki, Bowe/Baldwin/Avery/McCluster then Charles/Davis

there is going to be an odd man out standing on the sidelines with a very low snap count this season, I just dont know who that will be.

Not really. McCluster will probably see less action on running downs, where you might want that extra tight end, an extra back, or a fullback in there. On some of those running downs, you might see him swap in for the fullback just to give some more creative running options.

If McCluster plays well, there's a role for him to get plenty of snaps where he's a valuable guy to have on the field. That's a big "if" as he has to play a lot better than he has to date.

Hammock Parties · 06-01-2013, 01:10 PM

How is McCluster valuable in any way?

Does he provide big plays?

Does he make people miss?

Does he pick up first downs?

Does he score touchdowns?

Does the scare the defense in any way?

The answer to all of those questions...is no.

chiefzilla1501 · 06-01-2013, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Branden Albert's Huge Balls

How is McCluster valuable in any way?

Does he provide big plays?

Does he make people miss?

Does he pick up first downs?

Does he score touchdowns?

Does the scare the defense in any way?

The answer to all of those questions...is no.

We have the best special teams coach in the NFL and a bunch of good offensive minds that disagree with you.

I haven't seen him to it yet on the NFL level. I know he has to improve a ton. But I also think it's silly that we're so convinced he has nothing to offer. What I've seen of him in college and in the combine is he has tremendous quick twitch agility but he just hasn't used it well in the NFL. I'm not sold on him yet, but I also think it's far too soon to say he's through.

Hammock Parties · 06-01-2013, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

We have the best special teams coach in the NFL and a bunch of good offensive minds that disagree with you.

There are lots of dumb people in the NFL.

Anyone who thinks McCluster is an asset beyond "warm body" is obtuse.

Players don't improve on their ability to make people miss at this stage in their careers.

Time to flush McTurd or we'll just be wasting touches on him.

chiefzilla1501 · 06-01-2013, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Branden Albert's Huge Balls

There are lots of dumb people in the NFL.

Anyone who thinks McCluster is an asset beyond "warm body" is obtuse.

Players don't improve on their ability to make people miss at this stage in their careers.

Time to flush McTurd or we'll just be wasting touches on him.

No offense, buddy. I'm in no ways an apologist for Andy Reid. But I trust he knows a little more about offense and that Toub knows a little more about special teams than you do.

Reid has a proven track record of knowing offense. Toub is the best in the game at special teams. Of course these guys can and have made mistakes. But again, these guys have a good enough track record that you can't just chalk it up to them being dumb.

Hammock Parties · 06-01-2013, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

No offense, buddy. I'm in no ways an apologist for Andy Reid. But I trust he knows a little more about offense and that Toub knows a little more about special teams than you do.

Reid has a proven track record of knowing offense. Toub is the best in the game at special teams. Of course these guys can and have made mistakes. But again, these guys have a good enough track record that you can't just chalk it up to them being dumb.

Here we go again.

"X is in the NFL, therefore he is more knowledgeable than you!"

Andy Reid is the same maroon who thought Freddie Mitchell was a BAMF, so these guys can and do make mistakes.

Reid was enamored with Dex coming out in the draft so it's not surprise he wants to give him a shot now.

Soon as he starts shitting out every orifice of his body again, he'll be toast.

And I will raise a toast.

chiefzilla1501 · 06-01-2013, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Branden Albert's Huge Balls

Here we go again.

"X is in the NFL, therefore he is more knowledgeable than you!"

Andy Reid is the same maroon who thought Freddie Mitchell was a BAMF, so these guys can and do make mistakes.

Reid was enamored with Dex coming out in the draft so it's not surprise he wants to give him a shot now.

Soon as he starts shitting out every orifice of his body again, he'll be toast.

And I will raise a toast.

I am pointing out that Andy Reid has coached offenses for years and he has coached them well. Yes, they make mistakes and yes you can disagree with their decisions, but claiming they're stupid and you're right is another thing.

This is different from Alex Smith where they were maybe taking whatever options they could get. This is an example of a guy Reid could have easily cut or taken out of his plans, and he chose not to.

Hammock Parties · 06-01-2013, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

This is an example of a guy Reid could have easily cut or taken out of his plans, and he chose not to.

The Chiefs have shit and poop at WR. Dex is only on the roster because of that. The lone fact he had one game above 80 yards receiving last year means he makes the roster.

Mother****erJones · 06-01-2013, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Branden Albert's Huge Balls

How is McCluster valuable in any way?

Does he provide big plays? One

Does he make people miss? NO

Does he pick up first downs? Half yards

Does he score touchdowns? One

Does the scare the defense in any way?

The answer to all of those questions...is no.

He sucks

Hammock Parties · 06-01-2013, 01:39 PM

I still remember that third and 1 play where we threw it to Dex and he got a half yard.

That's who he is.

OrtonsPiercedTaint · 06-01-2013, 01:41 PM

He needs to follow Tamba's lead and shave his head. Mofo mojo

**RealSNR** · 06-01-2013, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I am pointing out that Andy Reid has coached offenses for years and he has coached them well. Yes, they make mistakes and yes you can disagree with their decisions, but claiming they're stupid and you're right is another thing.

This is different from Alex Smith where they were maybe taking whatever options they could get. This is an example of a guy Reid could have easily cut or taken out of his plans, and he chose not to.

Bright coaches get unnecessary chubbies for bad players all the time. It happens. You're going to make mistakes in player evaluations. The truly great ones are the guys who flush those mistakes the quickest and move on from their mistakes.

Pioli never did that, and that's one of the big reasons why we were 2-12 last year.

Reid can give McCluster one last chance. I'm fine with that. But when McCluster inevitably disappoints like he does every year, it's Andy Reid's job to fix that mistake and move on. If he doesn't fix it and keeps trying to make it work, guess what he's being?

He's being stupid.

That's true for ANY ****ing coach. I don't give a shit if you're Romeo Crennel or Vince ****ing Lombardi.

06-01-2013, 12:09 AM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $582813	Special teams coach thinks Dexter McCluster has unlocked potential as a returner Chiefs’ new special teams coach thinks Dexter McCluster has unlocked potential as a returner By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Dexter McCluster brought back a punt 94 yards for a touchdown in his first NFL game for the Chiefs in 2010, sparking hope he could surpass Chicago’s Devin Hester as the NFL’s next great return specialist. That hasn’t happened yet, but the Chiefs aren’t giving up on the idea. This offseason they hired away the Bears’ Dave Toub, the special teams coach who worked with Hester and helped him become one of the all-time greats with 17 career return touchdowns. And Toub is a fan of McCluster’s. “McCluster is somebody that’s very intriguing to me,’’ Toub said. “He can really make you miss and I just think he’s got a lot of untapped potential as a punt returner.’’ A McCluster revival is just part of what the Chiefs have planned for their return game. They’re also looking at rookie running back Knile Davis to return kickoffs, though Davis never brought back a kick in college at Arkansas. That plan, too, is part of the effort to awaken a long dormant return game. The Chiefs haven’t returned a kickoff for a touchdown since 2009 or a punt for a score since McCluster did it in the season-opening game in 2010 against the Chargers. The Chiefs traded one of their main return specialists from the past couple of seasons, Javier Arenas. They have others working in the mix, including wide receiver Devon Wylie. But for the time being, at least, they appear to have settled on McCluster and Davis. McCluster hasn’t had many chances to return punts since his rookie season in part to keep the 5-foot-8, 170-pound McCluster fresh for offensive plays. But the new coaching staff led by Andy Reid doesn’t have that idea. “We’re kind of dusting him off in that area,’’ Toub said. “He has all the skills that you like to see as a punt returner.’’ Davis is an interesting option as a kickoff returner. He hasn’t returned a kick in a live game since he was in high school and was a frequent fumbler at running back last season. But the Chiefs see a fast runner with a big body who could be difficult for opponents to bring down in the open field. “He’s a big guy and he can run (fast),’’ McCluster said. “He just needs a little more repetition and I think he’ll be really good.’’ Reid said Davis has good vision, which is key for a returner. “That position, you want the guys that are willing to hit it up the field,” Reid said. “We’ll see how he does. I’m not saying he’s the guy necessarily right now. But he’s working at it and we’ll see how he does through training camp.’’ Judging from offseason practice, Davis will get plenty of work at running back in the regular season even though Jamaal Charles is the starter. But he said returning kickoffs would be another way for him to contribute. “Any way I can touch the field,’’ he said. “It’s no fun sitting on the sideline. “I like the idea. The biggest difference from college to the league is that here, they want you to catch it forward so you can have that momentum going up the field. “The key is hitting it full speed. But it’s a lot harder to judge it and catch it that way. You’ve got to judge it just right or it will be a big mistake. In college, you can kind of stand there and judge it and catch it on your back leg. I’ve pretty much got it down, for the most part.’’ The Chiefs are withholding judgment on that last part. “We’ve got a long way to go,’’ Toub said. “We’ve got to find out when the (games) start whether this guy will be able to hold on to the ball. That’s going to be the key for him on kickoff return.’’ “There’s a lot for him to learn. It’s a totally different feel (than at running back). He’s got the ball in his hand like at running back but still it’s totally different. It’s about closing the distance. It’s about (getting up the field) real quick. There are a lot of collisions out there. You’ve got guys running 10, 15 yards running full speed at you. There will be a learning curve for him.’’
Posts: 42,161

06-01-2013, 12:28 PM	#62
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	The only thing Dex makes anyone miss is Dante Hall.
Posts: 58,682

06-01-2013, 01:10 PM	#65
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4380478	How is McCluster valuable in any way? Does he provide big plays? Does he make people miss? Does he pick up first downs? Does he score touchdowns? Does the scare the defense in any way? The answer to all of those questions...is no. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 278,874

06-01-2013, 01:39 PM	#73
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4380478	I still remember that third and 1 play where we threw it to Dex and he got a half yard. That's who he is. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 278,874

06-01-2013, 01:41 PM	#74
OrtonsPiercedTaint MVP Join Date: Dec 2012 Casino cash: $10004980	He needs to follow Tamba's lead and shave his head. Mofo mojo
Posts: 5,994

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