Chiefs Chiefs News Etc 8/17/12 - Page 6

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

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

and using your 3rd,4th,5th best RB when you have so many other options is...well...a complete waste.

let's just run our 4th string QB out there in every game just to use them and not be 'silly'

you play your best players on ever snap unless they need a break ... we have plenty of RB's that can keep Charles fresh without using DMC.

You know that Draughn and Gray are better today.
I don't. I believe they will be, but I haven't seen either of them produce in a real game. Until such time...there is ZERO reason to strike McCluster from the conversation.

Hell I'm not even arguing he should get 50 carries this season.
I never set a number to it. I just think it's a little crazy to think he won't get any carries from the backfield this year. He has the skillset. Why wouldn't they utilize it every now and again?

O.city · 08-17-2012, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

The argument here is that no play should go to anyone other than your very best skill players at the position.

So Devon Wylie will just have to understand when Cassel looks to Bowe and Breaston on every offensive pass play.

Yep, exactly the same thing.

Nice edit, btw.

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Yep, exactly the same thing.

Nice edit, btw.

I realized I hadn't made an equal analogy.
Sue me.

End of the day... In his rookie season, he got 1 carry a game, as a WR.
He had two better backs ahead of him then...
Why are you certain that won't happen this year?

Mr. Laz · 08-17-2012, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

The argument here is that no play should go to anyone other than your very best skill players at the position.

So Devon Wylie will just have to understand when Cassel looks to Bowe and Breaston on every offensive pass play.

that's not the same and you know it

when you send multiple receivers out then you find the open guy

but sending your 3rd/4th/5th string RB out there 'just because' is silly.

you don't get enough offensive snaps to just run guys out there.

hey ... maybe we will have a dominant offense and DMC can gets some carries in the 4th quarter when we are up by 40.

But tbh even then i would probably give Gray the leftover stuff.

O.city · 08-17-2012, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

I realized I hadn't made an equal analogy.
Sue me.

End of the day... In his rookie season, he got 1 carry a game, as a WR.
He had two better backs ahead of him then...
Why are you certain that won't happen this year?

Because I believe we have better guys in front of him at running back that should take that carry.

I have no problem using him in the slot. I think he has looked pretty good in that spot this year.

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

that's not the same and you know it

Because pass plays are never designed to go to a certain WR.
What was I thinking?

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Because I believe we have better guys in front of him at running back that should take that carry.

I have no problem using him in the slot. I think he has looked pretty good in that spot this year.

We can agree to disagree.

Mr. Laz · 08-17-2012, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Because pass plays are never designed to go to a certain WR.
What was I thinking?

RB vrs WR is completely different

one is GOING to get the ball, the other is an OPTION to get the ball.

but yes, the offense should target Bowe,Baldwin and Breaston first ... always.

McCluster/Wylie/Copper should be alternative options

if Charles/Hillis/Draughn/Gray get hurt then we can go to the DMC option at running back.

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

RB vrs WR is completely different. one is GOING to get the ball, the other is an OPTION to get the ball.

Holy shit!
I gotta write this down.

Mr. Laz · 08-17-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

Holy shit!
I gotta write this down.

hey buddy ... we kept this civil until now.

don't make me turn this car around

Micjones · 08-17-2012, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

hey buddy ... we kept this civil until now.

don't make me turn this car around

**BossChief** · 08-17-2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tooge

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

His completion% drops off even further on the road, playing on grass.

...

As far as Dexter as a running back...he is probably our 4th or 5th best back, but didn't he average like 4.5 per rush?

That's not as bad as some of you are making it out to be.

Especially when we bitched about Haley using him to run up the middle so much.

saphojunkie · 08-17-2012, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

His completion% drops off even further on the road, playing on grass.

...

As far as Dexter as a running back...he is probably our 4th or 5th best back, but didn't he average like 4.5 per rush?

That's not as bad as some of you are making it out to be.

Especially when we bitched about Haley using him to run up the middle so much.

Sure, but it was 3rd and 9, and those 4.5 yards didn't move the chains. I'm less interested in a RB YPC and more interested in their conversion rate for first downs.

Mr. Laz · 08-17-2012, 02:24 PM

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Death2CasselFans · 08-17-2012, 02:31 PM

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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
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08-17-2012, 02:24 PM	#89
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Jamaal Charles ‏@jcharles25 On our way to STL about to take off✈✈✈... Collapse Reply Retweet Favorite __________________
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08-17-2012, 02:31 PM	#90
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