Chiefs Chiefs News Etc 8/17/12 - Page 3

Ace Gunner · 08-17-2012, 08:12 AM

Slow day so far. Heard Sean Salsbury on the radio talking about the QB situation in KC and ATL. Sean said Matt Ryan is on fire again and the Chiefs will have their hands full from the very first game this season.

Then, they put on a couple of Chiefs cheerleaders and interviewed them. The cheerleaders said they have to pass a "football test" and one of the questions was "align each team logo with it's proper division". Like I said, slow news day.

So, here's a piece written for the Chiefs' site;

Running back has factored into Kansas City’s offense this preseason

St. Joseph, Mo. – If things went as planned, Shaun Draughn would probably be in Redskins camp right now.

That’s where he was at this time last year, eyeing a spot on Washington’s 53-man roster.

But things weren’t meant to be in Washington. Draughn received limited opportunities – just 11 preseason carries – and his 1.7-yard rushing average didn’t do the undrafted rookie any favors.

Shaun Draughn was just another name looking for work by the time September rolled around.

“I came up the rough side of the mountain,” Draughn said. “I was cut last year and had to come to a new team as a member of the practice squad.”

Draughn remained unemployed until early October when Kansas City took a midseason flier on the former North Carolina Tarheel. Rookie offensive lineman Butch Lewis was traded out for Draughn on the Chiefs eight-man practice squad.

It was on Kansas City’s practice squad that Draughn’s NFL career began to turn in a new direction.

“Actually, it was probably a blessing in disguise to go the practice squad route,” Draughn said. “I feel like I got so much better just practicing against our defense and learning form guys like Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. Thomas was a big mentor to me last year and was always encouraging me to keep pushing forward.”

He listened and kept working, running opponents’ offensive plays for the Chiefs scout team. It wasn’t long before Draughn started to get noticed.

Draughn’s practices became impressive enough that defensive line coach Anthony Pleasant sought out assistant head coach Maurice Carthon to make sure the former NFL running back wasn’t overlooking Draughn’s scout team production.

“Our defensive coaches were really impressed with his work on the scout team,” Carthon recalled. “Every other day Anthony Pleasant was saying, ‘hey, did you just see the move that kid made?’ So I started to take a closer look at him. He’s flashed throughout OTAs and here in training camp. Now I hope that he continues to grow.”

The Chiefs promoted Draughn to the active roster prior to last year’s regular season finale when Jackie Battle landed on injured reserve. Draughn would only play special teams against the Broncos, but it ensured him a spot on the Chiefs roster for at least the 2012 offseason program.

“It’s was a blessing,” Draughn said of the promotion. “I’m thankful for the organization giving me a chance. My approach has been to just keep doing what I’ve been doing. I’m focused on improving every day and trying to make this team.”

With Jamaal Charles, Peyton Hillis and sixth-round draft pick Cyrus Gray all competing for time in Kansas City’s backfield – not to mention a possible cameo from Dexter McCluster – Draughn slid under the radar for much of the offseason. But fans and media started to take notice during open training camp practices.

Draughn began stringing big plays together one after the other and scored a touchdown in last week’s preseason opener against Arizona.

“It was crazy when I scored,” Draughn said. “Even when I was in college I never heard the crowd. You kind of zone out when you score, but that time I kind of took it all in and took my time getting to the sideline. I wanted to stay out there as long as I could and celebrate with my teammates.”

Camp is closing and it’s been a successful three-week run for Draughn. He’s put himself in position to make a solid run at a roster spot over the final three preseason games. The Chiefs have given him looks running with the first-team offense and he’s already logged more carries than he did all of last preseason with the Redskins.

Saturday night represents another big test in St. Louis. Gray is sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving Draughn with more opportunities to show his progression. He’ll also be running on multiple special teams units in addition to an expanded offensive role.

“I just feel like I’m doing what I’m coached to do and when I get my chance I try to shine as best I can,” Draughn said. “What people don’t notice is that I probably go harder in special teams than anything else. That’s how I’ll make this football team. It’s going to be a big role that I’ll have to play.”

Kansas City’s backfield now appears more crowded than it did entering training camp. Carthon says it’s the deepest group of backs he’s coached since joining the Chiefs four seasons ago.

“I wish I could keep them all, not just four,” Carthon said. “They are all great guys, good people and are working hard. That’s exactly what they are and it’s good as a coach. It’s like being a kid in a candy store. You go in the morning and those guys are there mentally, you don’t hear too much talk-back from any of them and they are always ready to focus on the task at hand.”

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article...b-c9c4e63e222b

Quesadilla Joe · 08-17-2012, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Per #Chiefs web site, OL Ray Willis has retired. Willis was signed recently to replace Tony Ugoh ... who retired.

https://twitter.com/ProFootballWkly/...96082136338432

beach tribe · 08-17-2012, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

Ok so a gimmick play.....like a WR reverse ...are the only times DMC will be carrying the rock.

That and Wildcat looks like the only times. We'll see though.

**bevischief** · 08-17-2012, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFace

I don't think we'll see him lining up back there frequently, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them line him up at WR and then motion back to RB on occasion. It seems like Dabol wants to incorporate a bit of the Saunders trickeration, so I'm sure McC will end up back there from time to time just to throw defenders off.

Agreed as well.

Sofa King · 08-17-2012, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

https://twitter.com/ProFootballWkly/...96082136338432

I guess Denver better prepare for Clady to retire. Hali is ending careers. Everyone knows how bad Hali owned Clady.

Chiefnj2 · 08-17-2012, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

https://twitter.com/ProFootballWkly/...96082136338432

backup OL for KC is like finding a drummer for Spinal Tap

O.city · 08-17-2012, 10:21 AM

Dexter hasn't worked at RB any this year. Solely at WR, and has had a good camp at WR.

On the other hand, we have 4 RB"s who have had a really good camp and are fighting it out for carries. Why would Dexter take carries away from one of them?

durtyrute · 08-17-2012, 10:24 AM

Saying the Falcons suck on the road because of the past few years is like saying we suck period because of the last few years.

Brock · 08-17-2012, 10:27 AM

They've never won at Arrowhead, it isn't going to start now.

LOCOChief · 08-17-2012, 10:38 AM

They didn't look very stout against the run. I'm sure they'll fix that before they get to Arrowhead though.

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-17-2012, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by durtyrute

Saying the Falcons suck on the road because of the past few years is like saying we suck period because of the last few years.

Until the Falcons actually win something, they're just a mediocre team.

If they were a great or "feared" team, they wouldn't have needed to replace both coordinators this off-season (and before you say "Mularkey was hired by Jax", the Falcons were going to replace him, regardless).

Ace Gunner · 08-17-2012, 10:55 AM

There was a lot of (radio) talk on Ricki Stanzi this morning. Word is, Stanzi is having trouble reading defense and adjusting pre snap. I saw the same when at TC this year, at one point Romeo raised some hell with Stanzi after a play and it looked like Stanzi made the wrong call and didn't know it. He's struggling to get it all going on the field this season. Tomorrow could be an indication of this, he will likely get to field the #1 offense during some of the game. Salsbury made the point some QB's don't practice as well as they play, could be Stanzi.

tooge · 08-17-2012, 10:57 AM

Matt Ryan is 13-10 outdoors with a qb rating of 82.3
He is 30-11 indoors with a qb rating of 91.4

Being at Arrowhead bodes well for us in many ways

Chiefnj2 · 08-17-2012, 10:57 AM

KC got torched through the air last year by Fitzpatrick, Moore and Sanchez, yet KC fans are selling Ryan and the Falcons short?

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

the more success DMC has at WR the less likely they are to use him at RB. IMO

also we have so many more options at RB that i'm not sure there's room for him.

Charles
Hillis
Draughn
Gray

who would you suggest be replaced by McCluster?

I don't think he needs to be carried as a RB to be used as one.
In fact, that makes him all the more valuable to the offense.
His ability to be used in different ways.

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

Because we're keeping 5 backs if you include Bannon and he hasn't played any snaps at RB?

Why does his being a WR, in name, mean he can't be used in the backfield at different points throughout the season?

08-17-2012, 08:12 AM
Ace Gunner First Overall Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: kcmo Casino cash: $10007271	Chiefs News Etc 8/17/12 Slow day so far. Heard Sean Salsbury on the radio talking about the QB situation in KC and ATL. Sean said Matt Ryan is on fire again and the Chiefs will have their hands full from the very first game this season. Then, they put on a couple of Chiefs cheerleaders and interviewed them. The cheerleaders said they have to pass a "football test" and one of the questions was "align each team logo with it's proper division". Like I said, slow news day. So, here's a piece written for the Chiefs' site; Running back has factored into Kansas City’s offense this preseason St. Joseph, Mo. – If things went as planned, Shaun Draughn would probably be in Redskins camp right now. That’s where he was at this time last year, eyeing a spot on Washington’s 53-man roster. But things weren’t meant to be in Washington. Draughn received limited opportunities – just 11 preseason carries – and his 1.7-yard rushing average didn’t do the undrafted rookie any favors. Shaun Draughn was just another name looking for work by the time September rolled around. “I came up the rough side of the mountain,” Draughn said. “I was cut last year and had to come to a new team as a member of the practice squad.” Draughn remained unemployed until early October when Kansas City took a midseason flier on the former North Carolina Tarheel. Rookie offensive lineman Butch Lewis was traded out for Draughn on the Chiefs eight-man practice squad. It was on Kansas City’s practice squad that Draughn’s NFL career began to turn in a new direction. “Actually, it was probably a blessing in disguise to go the practice squad route,” Draughn said. “I feel like I got so much better just practicing against our defense and learning form guys like Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. Thomas was a big mentor to me last year and was always encouraging me to keep pushing forward.” He listened and kept working, running opponents’ offensive plays for the Chiefs scout team. It wasn’t long before Draughn started to get noticed. Draughn’s practices became impressive enough that defensive line coach Anthony Pleasant sought out assistant head coach Maurice Carthon to make sure the former NFL running back wasn’t overlooking Draughn’s scout team production. “Our defensive coaches were really impressed with his work on the scout team,” Carthon recalled. “Every other day Anthony Pleasant was saying, ‘hey, did you just see the move that kid made?’ So I started to take a closer look at him. He’s flashed throughout OTAs and here in training camp. Now I hope that he continues to grow.” The Chiefs promoted Draughn to the active roster prior to last year’s regular season finale when Jackie Battle landed on injured reserve. Draughn would only play special teams against the Broncos, but it ensured him a spot on the Chiefs roster for at least the 2012 offseason program. “It’s was a blessing,” Draughn said of the promotion. “I’m thankful for the organization giving me a chance. My approach has been to just keep doing what I’ve been doing. I’m focused on improving every day and trying to make this team.” With Jamaal Charles, Peyton Hillis and sixth-round draft pick Cyrus Gray all competing for time in Kansas City’s backfield – not to mention a possible cameo from Dexter McCluster – Draughn slid under the radar for much of the offseason. But fans and media started to take notice during open training camp practices. Draughn began stringing big plays together one after the other and scored a touchdown in last week’s preseason opener against Arizona. “It was crazy when I scored,” Draughn said. “Even when I was in college I never heard the crowd. You kind of zone out when you score, but that time I kind of took it all in and took my time getting to the sideline. I wanted to stay out there as long as I could and celebrate with my teammates.” Camp is closing and it’s been a successful three-week run for Draughn. He’s put himself in position to make a solid run at a roster spot over the final three preseason games. The Chiefs have given him looks running with the first-team offense and he’s already logged more carries than he did all of last preseason with the Redskins. Saturday night represents another big test in St. Louis. Gray is sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving Draughn with more opportunities to show his progression. He’ll also be running on multiple special teams units in addition to an expanded offensive role. “I just feel like I’m doing what I’m coached to do and when I get my chance I try to shine as best I can,” Draughn said. “What people don’t notice is that I probably go harder in special teams than anything else. That’s how I’ll make this football team. It’s going to be a big role that I’ll have to play.” Kansas City’s backfield now appears more crowded than it did entering training camp. Carthon says it’s the deepest group of backs he’s coached since joining the Chiefs four seasons ago. “I wish I could keep them all, not just four,” Carthon said. “They are all great guys, good people and are working hard. That’s exactly what they are and it’s good as a coach. It’s like being a kid in a candy store. You go in the morning and those guys are there mentally, you don’t hear too much talk-back from any of them and they are always ready to focus on the task at hand.” http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article...b-c9c4e63e222b
Posts: 10,580

08-17-2012, 10:21 AM	#36
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $-795936	Dexter hasn't worked at RB any this year. Solely at WR, and has had a good camp at WR. On the other hand, we have 4 RB"s who have had a really good camp and are fighting it out for carries. Why would Dexter take carries away from one of them?
Posts: 84,266

08-17-2012, 10:24 AM	#37
durtyrute MVP Join Date: Mar 2011 Casino cash: $5476085	Saying the Falcons suck on the road because of the past few years is like saying we suck period because of the last few years.
Posts: 5,831

08-17-2012, 10:27 AM	#38
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	They've never won at Arrowhead, it isn't going to start now.
Posts: 47,314

08-17-2012, 10:38 AM	#39
LOCOChief True Chiefs Fan Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bull Bay Casino cash: $6605791	They didn't look very stout against the run. I'm sure they'll fix that before they get to Arrowhead though.
Posts: 5,453

08-17-2012, 10:55 AM	#41
Ace Gunner First Overall Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: kcmo Casino cash: $10007271	There was a lot of (radio) talk on Ricki Stanzi this morning. Word is, Stanzi is having trouble reading defense and adjusting pre snap. I saw the same when at TC this year, at one point Romeo raised some hell with Stanzi after a play and it looked like Stanzi made the wrong call and didn't know it. He's struggling to get it all going on the field this season. Tomorrow could be an indication of this, he will likely get to field the #1 offense during some of the game. Salsbury made the point some QB's don't practice as well as they play, could be Stanzi. __________________ The Greatest
Posts: 10,580

08-17-2012, 10:57 AM	#42
tooge MVP Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Liberty, MO Casino cash: $554112	Matt Ryan is 13-10 outdoors with a qb rating of 82.3 He is 30-11 indoors with a qb rating of 91.4 Being at Arrowhead bodes well for us in many ways
Posts: 17,241

08-17-2012, 10:57 AM	#43
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $6654388	KC got torched through the air last year by Fitzpatrick, Moore and Sanchez, yet KC fans are selling Ryan and the Falcons short? __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,541