Chiefs Teicher: Chiefs safeties are ready to take it up a notch - Page 3

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-12-2009, 10:37 PM

Chiefs safeties are ready to take it up a notch
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

RIVER FALLS, Wis. | The play was the kind seen far too infrequently by the Chiefs in recent seasons, so it touched off a Super Bowl worthy celebration among their defenders, even if it happened during a recent training-camp practice.

Free safety Jarrad Page knocked a pass away from rookie running back Javarris Williams on a fourth-down play during a 2-minute drill, giving the Chiefs’ defense its feel-good moment.

The Chiefs are counting on Page and strong safety Bernard Pollard to deliver many similar plays when the regular season begins. The Chiefs drafted both players in 2006, Pollard in the second round and Page in the seventh, and in doing so envisioned a day when they would be pillars of a defense that was competitive or better.

They are hopeful this is the year. Page is already there, having given the Chiefs many such plays in his two seasons as a starter. The wait for Pollard has been longer and at times painful but could be over if his training-camp play is any indication.

“When we came here, we both wanted to create a certain identity about what we wanted to get done on the field,” Page said. “We’ve gotten to that point. People kind of know what to expect from us. We have identities. That’s a good thing. Now what we have to do is build on it.”

The Chiefs signed veteran safety Mike Brown shortly before camp to challenge Pollard for his starting spot. The competition hasn’t materialized and may in fact be finished.

“I’m definitely out here competing but I realize my role,” said Brown, who played nine seasons for Chicago but became a free agent when the Bears made no effort to re-sign him.

“Those are their spots. I’m just here in case something happens to them. I’ll be able to come in and play a high level. I’m here to provide some depth. If there’s any insight I can give, I’m willing to do that.

“They’re two young, extremely good safeties and I enjoy watching them play. They both bring a little something different to the table. Bernard is extremely physical and has great power. Page is the great free safety with range and incredible hands and incredible athletic ability.”

Those are the identities Page referred to, and while they are well-earned, they don’t tell the whole story. Page can at times be a sloppy tackler while Pollard’s problems in pass coverage had the Chiefs’ former administration and coaching staff occasionally wondering whether he would be better off as a linebacker.

The switch to the 3-4 system and coordinator Clancy Pendergast’s system could benefit Pollard.

“I really love it because it kind of gets me (closer) to the line of scrimmage,” Pollard said. “I won’t have to line up and play cover 2 every snap or stay back. I’m able to come up and get closer and make plays. That’s what I did in college. That’s more my game.

“I’m happy with where I am and I’m happy with the changes and the new scheme and the new system. I’m ready to play some ball.”

Page played a lot as a rookie and became a starter two seasons ago. He preserved Chiefs victories several times with late-game heroics and now appears ready to move forward in his professional development.

“Being a veteran doesn’t mean you can’t get better,” Page said. “It just means that you’ve seen some things. I feel I’ve seen a lot of things and I feel I’m a really good student of the game. I feel I understand offensive schemes and I understand why Clancy wants us to do certain things out there. It’s my job to get other guys on board with that. Sometimes the younger guys don’t understand. I need to show them.

“That’s what a veteran does.”

The play of Page and Pollard hasn’t left anything for the 31-year-old Brown, who has been strictly a second-teamer on defense. Recent injuries and advancing age scared off other safety-needy teams.

He said he’s at full strength but had a hard time convincing teams of that until the Chiefs came along in June.

“I didn’t have too many takers,” he said. “This role has obviously been an adjustment. Everything is new for me.

“Obviously, I’m older now and probably not as fast as I used to be. But I still feel I can play good football.”

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-13-2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

By plunging to new depths of suckitude...

I heard your boy learned how to pick up a blitz and block it. And it only took what, 7 years?

Pass this on:

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-13-2009, 10:11 AM

Eric Berry and Taylor Mays should be on the Chiefs radar, regardless.
Posted via Mobile Device

B_Ambuehl · 08-13-2009, 12:11 PM

Jesus Christ. I swear I've read that same article every year the past 4 years. I can't believe anybody on this forum would still believe anything written by anyone covering the chiefs. The day they stop trying to sell Page and Pollard as a viable safety tandem is the day that change finally arrives.

Mecca · 08-13-2009, 12:13 PM

Yea this bill of good has been sold I believe 3 years in a row now?

I know they write feel good camp stories and all but many of these seem like just that nothing but feel good camp stories.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-13-2009, 12:22 PM

Oh boo-****ing-hoo; we're running a new scheme, and the reports from camp are consistent between different writers and fans regarding the performance of the safeties and DB's.

And the big bad Jesus Mike Brown is no where to be seen with the first squad because he's a ****ing back up.

Deal with it.

Hammock Parties · 08-13-2009, 12:33 PM

No, he's not working with the first team because Pollard and Page clearly need ALL THE WORK THEY CAN GET.

Should they falter, Mike Brown, former Pro Bowler, will be ready.

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-13-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Yea this bill of good has been sold I believe 3 years in a row now?

I know they write feel good camp stories and all but many of these seem like just that nothing but feel good camp stories.

Which is just another reason why some people feel that the Chiefs will win at least 7 games this year and maybe 10.

So many people just don't get it: Either you can play football or you can't.

Jared Allen could play football. Larry Johnson could play football. Will Shields could play football. Brian Waters could play football. Zach Thomas could play football. And on and on.

Bernard Pollard can't play football. No amount of coaching will give this guy the instincts he needs to succeed.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-13-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

No, he's not working with the first team because Pollard and Page clearly need ALL THE WORK THEY CAN GET.

Should they falter, Mike Brown, former Pro Bowler, will be ready.

I was wondering what this weeks line of bullshit would be, and lo and behold; YOU DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-13-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

No, he's not working with the first team because Pollard and Page clearly need ALL THE WORK THEY CAN GET.

Should they falter, Mike Brown, former Pro Bowler, will be ready.

Yeah.

Ready to go on IR after two plays.

BigChiefFan · 08-13-2009, 12:36 PM

Good, I'm ready for them to actually play like professionals. I don't think I can take another season of Pollard playing out of position and giving up big plays in the process.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-13-2009, 12:37 PM

You three are all high. ****ing high. UnGODLY ****ing high.

Hammock Parties · 08-13-2009, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Yeah.

Ready to go on IR after two plays.

Maybe so. But they will be two GLORIOUS plays before we are returned to our regularly schedule Pollard suckfest.

Eat me, ROR.

Fish · 08-13-2009, 12:38 PM

Hate the Cover 2.... but don't hate Pollard.

All ****in day ******.....

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-13-2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Fish

Hate the Cover 2.... but don't hate Pollard.

All ****in day ******.....

BOO-YA!

Hammock Parties · 08-13-2009, 12:44 PM

missin' tackles ALL ****IN DAY ****A!

And ROR posts an image from Purdue....where Pollard could actually play.

08-12-2009, 10:37 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3087187	Teicher: Chiefs safeties are ready to take it up a notch Chiefs safeties are ready to take it up a notch By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star RIVER FALLS, Wis. \| The play was the kind seen far too infrequently by the Chiefs in recent seasons, so it touched off a Super Bowl worthy celebration among their defenders, even if it happened during a recent training-camp practice. Free safety Jarrad Page knocked a pass away from rookie running back Javarris Williams on a fourth-down play during a 2-minute drill, giving the Chiefs’ defense its feel-good moment. The Chiefs are counting on Page and strong safety Bernard Pollard to deliver many similar plays when the regular season begins. The Chiefs drafted both players in 2006, Pollard in the second round and Page in the seventh, and in doing so envisioned a day when they would be pillars of a defense that was competitive or better. They are hopeful this is the year. Page is already there, having given the Chiefs many such plays in his two seasons as a starter. The wait for Pollard has been longer and at times painful but could be over if his training-camp play is any indication. “When we came here, we both wanted to create a certain identity about what we wanted to get done on the field,” Page said. “We’ve gotten to that point. People kind of know what to expect from us. We have identities. That’s a good thing. Now what we have to do is build on it.” The Chiefs signed veteran safety Mike Brown shortly before camp to challenge Pollard for his starting spot. The competition hasn’t materialized and may in fact be finished. “I’m definitely out here competing but I realize my role,” said Brown, who played nine seasons for Chicago but became a free agent when the Bears made no effort to re-sign him. “Those are their spots. I’m just here in case something happens to them. I’ll be able to come in and play a high level. I’m here to provide some depth. If there’s any insight I can give, I’m willing to do that. “They’re two young, extremely good safeties and I enjoy watching them play. They both bring a little something different to the table. Bernard is extremely physical and has great power. Page is the great free safety with range and incredible hands and incredible athletic ability.” Those are the identities Page referred to, and while they are well-earned, they don’t tell the whole story. Page can at times be a sloppy tackler while Pollard’s problems in pass coverage had the Chiefs’ former administration and coaching staff occasionally wondering whether he would be better off as a linebacker. The switch to the 3-4 system and coordinator Clancy Pendergast’s system could benefit Pollard. “I really love it because it kind of gets me (closer) to the line of scrimmage,” Pollard said. “I won’t have to line up and play cover 2 every snap or stay back. I’m able to come up and get closer and make plays. That’s what I did in college. That’s more my game. “I’m happy with where I am and I’m happy with the changes and the new scheme and the new system. I’m ready to play some ball.” Page played a lot as a rookie and became a starter two seasons ago. He preserved Chiefs victories several times with late-game heroics and now appears ready to move forward in his professional development. “Being a veteran doesn’t mean you can’t get better,” Page said. “It just means that you’ve seen some things. I feel I’ve seen a lot of things and I feel I’m a really good student of the game. I feel I understand offensive schemes and I understand why Clancy wants us to do certain things out there. It’s my job to get other guys on board with that. Sometimes the younger guys don’t understand. I need to show them. “That’s what a veteran does.” The play of Page and Pollard hasn’t left anything for the 31-year-old Brown, who has been strictly a second-teamer on defense. Recent injuries and advancing age scared off other safety-needy teams. He said he’s at full strength but had a hard time convincing teams of that until the Chiefs came along in June. “I didn’t have too many takers,” he said. “This role has obviously been an adjustment. Everything is new for me. “Obviously, I’m older now and probably not as fast as I used to be. But I still feel I can play good football.”
Posts: 43,464

08-13-2009, 10:11 AM	#32
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	Eric Berry and Taylor Mays should be on the Chiefs radar, regardless. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 88,960

08-13-2009, 12:11 PM	#33
B_Ambuehl Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Casino cash: $9705405	Jesus Christ. I swear I've read that same article every year the past 4 years. I can't believe anybody on this forum would still believe anything written by anyone covering the chiefs. The day they stop trying to sell Page and Pollard as a viable safety tandem is the day that change finally arrives.
Posts: 2,613

08-13-2009, 12:13 PM	#34
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-782950	Yea this bill of good has been sold I believe 3 years in a row now? I know they write feel good camp stories and all but many of these seem like just that nothing but feel good camp stories.
Posts: 115,406

08-13-2009, 12:22 PM	#35
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	Oh boo-**ing-hoo; we're running a new scheme, and the reports from camp are consistent between different writers and fans regarding the performance of the safeties and DB's. And the big bad Jesus Mike Brown is no where to be seen with the first squad because he's a ing back up. Deal with it. __________________ 1. Merciless, severe. 2. Given freely and generously. 100% refusal to overrate 20 year Head Coaches with ZERO ing rings as a Head Coach. CP's Official Professor of 'Dem Blues for 2019/2020!**
Posts: 77,135

08-13-2009, 12:33 PM	#36
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $710478	No, he's not working with the first team because Pollard and Page clearly need ALL THE WORK THEY CAN GET. Should they falter, Mike Brown, former Pro Bowler, will be ready. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,626

08-13-2009, 12:36 PM	#40
BigChiefFan MVP Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: In the Top 10 Casino cash: $9924205	Good, I'm ready for them to actually play like professionals. I don't think I can take another season of Pollard playing out of position and giving up big plays in the process. __________________ A 35 year drought can make you thirsty.
Posts: 15,777

08-13-2009, 12:37 PM	#41
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	You three are all high. **ing high. UnGODLY ing high. __________________ 1. Merciless, severe. 2. Given freely and generously. 100% refusal to overrate 20 year Head Coaches with ZERO ing rings as a Head Coach. CP's Official Professor of 'Dem Blues for 2019/2020!**
Posts: 77,135

08-13-2009, 12:38 PM	#43
Fish Ain't no relax! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $-1521081	Hate the Cover 2.... but don't hate Pollard. All **in day ****..... __________________
Posts: 48,905

08-13-2009, 12:44 PM	#45
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $710478	missin' tackles ALL **IN DAY **A! And ROR posts an image from Purdue....where Pollard could actually play. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,626