Pollard to replace Bell next year??? - Page 4

recxjake · 11-29-2006, 12:02 PM

'Don’t be surprised if during the coming off-season, Pollard doesn’t get some work at weak side linebacker."

GRETZ: Bookends Of The '06 Draft
Nov 29, 2006, 8:37:52 AM by Bob Gretz - FAQ

It was last February and like the rest of the NFL, the Chiefs were holed up in Indianapolis for the league’s annual Scouting Combine.

Herm Edwards took his defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham and secondary coach David Gibbs to lunch. Did the trio head for someplace fancy like Indy’s famous steakhouse St. Elmo’s? Not hardly.

Herm and the boys grabbed burgers to go at Johnny Rockets and headed back inside the RCA Dome.

“The safeties were working out that day and I remember sitting up in the stands with this giant burger in my lap and that’s when I first noticed Jarrad Page,” Cunningham said. “He looked big, like a coverage linebacker rather than a defensive back.

“Then, he started to move around and he showed his athletic ability and I remember looking at them (Edwards and Gibbs) and thinking, ‘Wow, what do we have here’.”

As they sat there munching burgers, the Chiefs coaches already knew about Tamba Hali. They had identified the Penn State defensive end as the type of player they were looking to add to the revamped defense: high intensity, good work habits, intelligent and they would find out, a lot faster than the times we posted at the Combine.

Almost nine months later, Hali and Page serve as bookends to the Chiefs 2006 Draft Class. Both have played big roles in on of the league’s most improved defenses. After 11 games, the Chiefs rank 12th in yards allowed (13th against the run, 12th against the pass), giving up an average of 308 yards per game. The Chiefs rank ninth in points allowed, giving up an average of 18.6 points per game. In the previous five seasons, the Chiefs allowed an average of 357 yards and 22.9 points per game.

Just in the last two victories, the bookend rookies have made big plays. It was Page’s interception in the end zone in the final seconds that sealed the victory over Oakland and in the Thanksgiving game against Denver, Hali had a pair of sacks that helped shutdown Jake Plummer and the Broncos offense.

Hali has been a contributor since his first days of off-season work and about the only thing that has slowed him down are a couple of injuries (ribs during the pre-season and a hip pointer in the last month.) He’s seventh on the team with 51 tackles and second with 5.5 sacks, just a half-sack behind Jared Allen. Hali has also forced five fumbles. He ranks among the best rookie pass rushers in the league.

Page started the Oakland game for the injured Greg Wesley, but otherwise has played as a fill-in for veteran Sammy Knight. Early in the season, he made some mistakes in coverage and some poor tackling. But over the last month, he’s elevated his play. He’s learned from his mistakes and against Miami and Oakland, he ranged wide and deep to knock down long passes. Overall, Page has 25 tackles and an interception. He’s also added six tackles in the kicking game.

Not bad for a seventh-round draft choice, the 228th player taken in the ‘06 Draft.

“He lasted that long because he didn’t time very well,” said Edwards. “But in watching him in person and then the tape from UCLA, you could see he had great anticipation. He had a real feel for coverage.”

So far, Hali and Page have made the only major contributions from the class of ‘06. Hali has started all 11 games, while Page has two starts. The only other rookie who has played in all 11 games is second-round safety Bernard Pollard, who has done most of his work on special teams. Don’t be surprised if during the coming off-season, Pollard doesn’t get some work at weak side linebacker.

Third-round quarterback Brodie Croyle has seen mop-up action in two games, while sixth-round wide receiver Jeff Webb has played in seven games, mostly on special teams. He has three catches for 23 yards, seven kick returns for a 24.1-yard average and four tackles in the kicking game.

Fifth-round cornerback Marcus Maxey has played in just one game, after leaving the team for several weeks when Chicago signed him off the practice squad. Eventually, the Bears released him and he re-signed with the Chiefs. Sixth-round guard Tre Stallings has not played in any games to date.

The Chiefs have gotten some production out of undrafted rookies DT Stephen Williams, OL Rudy Niswanger and RB Derrick Ross. Williams, who re-joined the active roster on Tuesday after spending a couple weeks on the practice squad, has five tackles and a fumble recovering in limited playing time. Niswanger has played in two games on special teams and Ross has played in three games, with three carries for eight yards and two special teams tackles.

htismaqe · 11-30-2006, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spicy McHaggis

Good comparison. Davis probably doesn't have more than a few pounds on Pollard and although Davis was atrocious at safety last year he seems to be doing well at LB. Hopefully Pollard could make a similar transition. The Chiefs would be young and quite talented and dare I say deep at LB for a good while if it all pans out.

Thomas Davis, if you've watched him play, is a natural LB. I don't think Pollard is at all.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 11-30-2006, 09:55 AM

Am I still the only one of the opinion that Wesley sucks and that Page should be his replacement as Pollard should be for Knight???

recxjake · 11-30-2006, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hummus' Jenkins

Am I still the only one of the opinion that Wesley sucks and that Page should be his replacement as Pollard should be for Knight???

I agree, but it sounds like they are happy with Wesley and will have Page play SS.... they want Pollard on the field so lb might have to do.

siberian khatru · 11-30-2006, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hummus' Jenkins

Am I still the only one of the opinion that Wesley sucks and that Page should be his replacement as Pollard should be for Knight???

Sounds like the Chiefs think:

Page > Wesley

Wesley > Knight

Wesley > Pollard

Pollard > Bell

**the Talking Can** · 11-30-2006, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

I don't have an explanation. I personally don't like the idea.

I just remembered you being a big Pollard fan...I honestly have no idea where he fits or what they think he can do....

Archie Bunker · 11-30-2006, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hummus' Jenkins

Am I still the only one of the opinion that Wesley sucks and that Page should be his replacement as Pollard should be for Knight???

I have been happy with Wesley's play this year. Page and Wesley is the Chiefs best safety duo IMO.

Mr. Laz · 11-30-2006, 10:13 AM

the curse of the 2nd round pick

**Dave Lane** · 11-30-2006, 10:14 AM

I'd say really this shows that Pollard is a dolt that can't hack it at this level as a safety so lets try something else.

I thought this pick was a bad one at the time and it appears i may well have been right.

Dave

**Dave Lane** · 11-30-2006, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

the curse of the 2nd round pick

What Laz said...

Dave

htismaqe · 11-30-2006, 10:18 AM

Time for the sky to fall in 3...2...1...

Chiefnj · 11-30-2006, 10:30 AM

As far as I'm concerned Bell can keep the starting job. He's not flashy, he's not making jacked up, but he's part of unit that is @ 11th in the NFL in points against, and he hasn't been repeatedly burnt or given up a lot of bad plays. I'm fine with defensive players who quietyly do their job. In fact his pass coverage last week was much improved.

Mr. Laz · 11-30-2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Time for the sky to fall in 3...2...1...

Nobody even said anything romotely close to that, Polly.

Fish · 11-30-2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj

As far as I'm concerned Bell can keep the starting job. He's not flashy, he's not making jacked up, but he's part of unit that is @ 11th in the NFL in points against, and he hasn't been repeatedly burnt or given up a lot of bad plays. I'm fine with defensive players who quietyly do their job. In fact his pass coverage last week was much improved.

Except for those pesky TEs in the red zone.... he could use a little work there....

Chiefs Pantalones · 11-30-2006, 10:45 AM

The only way Bell is going to stay next year is if we switch to a 3-4, IMO, and back to ILB

dtebbe · 11-30-2006, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj

As far as I'm concerned Bell can keep the starting job. He's not flashy, he's not making jacked up, but he's part of unit that is @ 11th in the NFL in points against, and he hasn't been repeatedly burnt or given up a lot of bad plays. I'm fine with defensive players who quietyly do their job. In fact his pass coverage last week was much improved.

If he could just get his head around in the endzone he'd probably have at least 2 interceptions. He gets owned in the redzone....

DT

11-29-2006, 12:02 PM
recxjake MVP Join Date: Oct 2005 Casino cash: $10004900	Pollard to replace Bell next year??? 'Don’t be surprised if during the coming off-season, Pollard doesn’t get some work at weak side linebacker." GRETZ: Bookends Of The '06 Draft Nov 29, 2006, 8:37:52 AM by Bob Gretz - FAQ It was last February and like the rest of the NFL, the Chiefs were holed up in Indianapolis for the league’s annual Scouting Combine. Herm Edwards took his defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham and secondary coach David Gibbs to lunch. Did the trio head for someplace fancy like Indy’s famous steakhouse St. Elmo’s? Not hardly. Herm and the boys grabbed burgers to go at Johnny Rockets and headed back inside the RCA Dome. “The safeties were working out that day and I remember sitting up in the stands with this giant burger in my lap and that’s when I first noticed Jarrad Page,” Cunningham said. “He looked big, like a coverage linebacker rather than a defensive back. “Then, he started to move around and he showed his athletic ability and I remember looking at them (Edwards and Gibbs) and thinking, ‘Wow, what do we have here’.” As they sat there munching burgers, the Chiefs coaches already knew about Tamba Hali. They had identified the Penn State defensive end as the type of player they were looking to add to the revamped defense: high intensity, good work habits, intelligent and they would find out, a lot faster than the times we posted at the Combine. Almost nine months later, Hali and Page serve as bookends to the Chiefs 2006 Draft Class. Both have played big roles in on of the league’s most improved defenses. After 11 games, the Chiefs rank 12th in yards allowed (13th against the run, 12th against the pass), giving up an average of 308 yards per game. The Chiefs rank ninth in points allowed, giving up an average of 18.6 points per game. In the previous five seasons, the Chiefs allowed an average of 357 yards and 22.9 points per game. Just in the last two victories, the bookend rookies have made big plays. It was Page’s interception in the end zone in the final seconds that sealed the victory over Oakland and in the Thanksgiving game against Denver, Hali had a pair of sacks that helped shutdown Jake Plummer and the Broncos offense. Hali has been a contributor since his first days of off-season work and about the only thing that has slowed him down are a couple of injuries (ribs during the pre-season and a hip pointer in the last month.) He’s seventh on the team with 51 tackles and second with 5.5 sacks, just a half-sack behind Jared Allen. Hali has also forced five fumbles. He ranks among the best rookie pass rushers in the league. Page started the Oakland game for the injured Greg Wesley, but otherwise has played as a fill-in for veteran Sammy Knight. Early in the season, he made some mistakes in coverage and some poor tackling. But over the last month, he’s elevated his play. He’s learned from his mistakes and against Miami and Oakland, he ranged wide and deep to knock down long passes. Overall, Page has 25 tackles and an interception. He’s also added six tackles in the kicking game. Not bad for a seventh-round draft choice, the 228th player taken in the ‘06 Draft. “He lasted that long because he didn’t time very well,” said Edwards. “But in watching him in person and then the tape from UCLA, you could see he had great anticipation. He had a real feel for coverage.” So far, Hali and Page have made the only major contributions from the class of ‘06. Hali has started all 11 games, while Page has two starts. The only other rookie who has played in all 11 games is second-round safety Bernard Pollard, who has done most of his work on special teams. Don’t be surprised if during the coming off-season, Pollard doesn’t get some work at weak side linebacker. Third-round quarterback Brodie Croyle has seen mop-up action in two games, while sixth-round wide receiver Jeff Webb has played in seven games, mostly on special teams. He has three catches for 23 yards, seven kick returns for a 24.1-yard average and four tackles in the kicking game. Fifth-round cornerback Marcus Maxey has played in just one game, after leaving the team for several weeks when Chicago signed him off the practice squad. Eventually, the Bears released him and he re-signed with the Chiefs. Sixth-round guard Tre Stallings has not played in any games to date. The Chiefs have gotten some production out of undrafted rookies DT Stephen Williams, OL Rudy Niswanger and RB Derrick Ross. Williams, who re-joined the active roster on Tuesday after spending a couple weeks on the practice squad, has five tackles and a fumble recovering in limited playing time. Niswanger has played in two games on special teams and Ross has played in three games, with three carries for eight yards and two special teams tackles.
Posts: 5,133

11-30-2006, 09:55 AM	#47
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7139572	Am I still the only one of the opinion that Wesley sucks and that Page should be his replacement as Pollard should be for Knight??? __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 75,083

11-30-2006, 10:13 AM	#52
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	the curse of the 2nd round pick __________________
Posts: 95,626

11-30-2006, 10:14 AM	#53
Dave Lane Space Cadet and Aczabel Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kanab, UT, USA Casino cash: $9333275 VARSITY	I'd say really this shows that Pollard is a dolt that can't hack it at this level as a safety so lets try something else. I thought this pick was a bad one at the time and it appears i may well have been right. Dave __________________ Thanks, Trump for the civics lesson. We are learning so much about RICO, espionage, sedition, impeachment, the 25th Amendment, order of succession, nepotism, separation of powers, 1st Amendment, obstruction of justice, the emoluments clause, conflicts of interest, collusion, sanctions, oligarchs, money laundering and so much more.
Posts: 40,584

11-30-2006, 10:18 AM	#55
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $8109900	Time for the sky to fall in 3...2...1...
Posts: 104,421

11-30-2006, 10:30 AM	#56
Chiefnj MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Willis, Harris and Davis. Casino cash: $10004900	As far as I'm concerned Bell can keep the starting job. He's not flashy, he's not making jacked up, but he's part of unit that is @ 11th in the NFL in points against, and he hasn't been repeatedly burnt or given up a lot of bad plays. I'm fine with defensive players who quietyly do their job. In fact his pass coverage last week was much improved. __________________ "I always tell (the assistant coaches), 'Make it simple, 'cause I'm stupid,'" Edwards said. "This ain't computer football." Herm Edwards, 3-20-07 Q: Herm, back on December 25th you were asked if Trent Green was your starter going into next season and you said, ‘yeah, why wouldn’t he be?’ Have you changed your mind on that? EDWARDS: No, I have not.” (1-11-07)
Posts: 6,811

11-30-2006, 10:45 AM	#59
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $6868717	The only way Bell is going to stay next year is if we switch to a 3-4, IMO, and back to ILB __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
Posts: 26,653