Chiefs Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look - Page 29

**Tribal Warfare** · 07-26-2013, 07:24 PM

On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
Andy Reid delivered a not-so-subtle message Friday with the first play at Chiefs training camp. He had quarterback Alex Smith heave a pass deep down the middle that was hauled in for a touchdown by wide receiver Dexter McCluster.

The play served notice that after two seasons with a dormant passing attack, the Chiefs intend to revive it in a big way.

“I wasn’t ready for that,” Smith said. “I came up and I got a good look for it. Crowd pleaser.”

Much more needs to happen before the passing game can be called successful. But the intent is obviously there. Smith completed another deep pass to McCluster a few plays later.

As much as Reid enjoyed the big plays, he liked the consistency of the passing game. Smith, who completed 70 percent of his passes for the 49ers last season, went several plays into practice before throwing his first incompletion.

“There weren’t a lot of balls on the ground, and it looked like the defense had people covered,” Reid said. “They were in position.”

The trade for Smith was the biggest of the offseason moves aimed at revitalizing a sluggish offense. Smith, the first pick in the 2005 draft and San Francisco’s long-time starter, is used to such pressure.

“I’m much better equipped to handle it now,” Smith said. “When you’re a young guy and coming in and playing early, I dwelled on (negative things) too much. I let it affect my play too much. I tried to please everybody.

“I’m going to play my game. I’m going to try to work as hard as I can to get as good as I can and try to reach my potential and win a bunch of games. That’s the goal. I’m not worried about a bunch of other things.”

Smith received another peek at the expectations waiting for him at the end of practice, when a fan called to him asking Smith to be the Chiefs’ savior.

“That’s a strong word,” Smith said. “That’s a great example. When I was younger, I would have taken that literally. I tried to make every single throw and I tried to prove to everybody on every single play that, yeah, I could do this.”

That McCluster was on the receiving end of Smith’s long passes was another bonus for the Chiefs. They practiced without their most accomplished receiver, Dwayne Bowe, who is on the non-football injury list with a viral condition.

Bowe may return to practice as soon as Saturday. But no matter when he plays, the Chiefs are still in search of a consistent threat to go along with him. The diminutive McCluster has long tantalized the Chiefs with his big-play ability, but he has delivered precious few such plays since arriving as a rookie in 2010.

He bounced from receiver to running back and again to receiver, never seeming to find a comfortable spot. While it’s far too early to call him a changed player in Reid’s offense, it’s a start.

“It’s always good to start a first practice … with a big one,” McCluster said. “I’m happy I held on to the ball.”

Reid’s arrival could rescue McCluster’s career, which stalled last season under coach Romeo Crennel. Reid, then coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, was intrigued by McCluster when he was available in the 2010 draft.

The Chiefs got to him first, but Reid began making plans for McCluster shortly after arriving in Kansas City in January.

“He gives you a little flexibility,” Reid said. “You can move him around a Iittle. We’ll use him here and there.”

During offseason practice and again on Friday, McCluster lined up in a variety of spots.

“I don’t know where he couldn’t line up, to be honest, as far as skill positions go,” Smith said. “He’s got that many tools in the belt.”

Another offensive player the Chiefs are counting on is rookie running back Knile Davis. The Chiefs hope he can be turned into a kickoff return specialist, even though he never returned a kick during a game in college at Arkansas.

That process got off to a rough start Friday when Davis, who was a frequent fumbler in college, dropped a kickoff.

“We’ll get that fixed,” Reid said.

Hammock Parties · 07-27-2013, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakemall

Alex was hurt in the beginning of the 4th game. He was 2 and 1 going into the game. The injury was season ending. He tried to tough it out and played like crap before going on IR. What part of this do you struggle to comprehend?

Why did you lie and attribute games played by Dilfer to Alex?

I didn't.

Just pointed out that the 49ers sucked that year and Alex sucked in his 7 games.

He's not a guy who can "elevate" his teammates.

**notorious** · 07-27-2013, 08:17 PM

We had shit QBs and the most horrifically reeruned offensive staff in football history last year.

I plan on seeing vast improvement from McCluster and other players like him.

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

I didn't.

Just pointed out that the 49ers sucked that year and Alex sucked in his 7 games.

He's not a guy who can "elevate" his teammates.

All of these absolutes. I prefer to wait and see them play the games.

Jakemall · 07-27-2013, 08:28 PM

BS.

He played 7 games total. He was hurt in the 4th game and did not ot play after the 1st qtr. He played 3 more games hurt before deciding that he was a liability with the injury. He did not produce 8-8 as you imply. He was 2-1 healthy. He didnt play much the 4th game. Played 3 more games injured because Nolan pushed.

What part do you want to deny?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

You know what happens when Alex Smith plays with a running game and defense in the bottom 10?

You get this abortion.

Shit, this guy played with the 4th ranked defense and produced an 8-8 season.

Hammock Parties · 07-27-2013, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakemall

BS.

He played 7 games total. He was hurt in the 4th game and did not ot play after the 1st qtr. He played 3 more games hurt before deciding that he was a liability with the injury. He did not produce 8-8 as you imply. He was 2-1 healthy. He didnt play much the 4th game. Played 3 more games injured because Nolan pushed.

What part do you want to deny?

He played in 10 games and had a 5-5 record on an 8-8 team.

Stats here. 2009 season. Did you get confused?

http://www.pro-football-reference.co...s/sfo/2009.htm

I'm pretty sure he was shitty as **** while the 4th ranked defense cursed his name ever night.

Jakemall · 07-27-2013, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

He played in 10 games and had a 5-5 record on an 8-8 team.

Stats here. 2009 season. Did you get confused?

I'm pretty sure he was shitty as **** while the 4th ranked defense cursed his name ever night.

2007. You are trying to change dates. Damn, you are good.

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

He played in 10 games and had a 5-5 record on an 8-8 team.

Stats here. 2009 season. Did you get confused?

http://www.pro-football-reference.co...s/sfo/2009.htm

I'm pretty sure he was shitty as **** while the 4th ranked defense cursed his name ever night.

he didn't play bad in 2009. That was the best hes ever played actually.

Jakemall · 07-27-2013, 08:40 PM

Mav would you quote the first post of page 26 for me. I can't quote links.

**Mav** · 07-27-2013, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

You know what happens when Alex Smith plays with a running game and defense in the bottom 10?

You get this abortion.

http://www.pro-football-reference.co...s/sfo/2007.htm

Shit, this guy played with the 4th ranked defense and produced an 8-8 season.

here it is.

Hammock Parties · 07-27-2013, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

he didn't play bad in 2009. That was the best hes ever played actually.

Played well enough to get a team with a #4 defense to 8-8.

Holy ****ing shit.

There's your ceiling, folks!

Sweet Daddy Hate · 07-27-2013, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

Played well enough to get a team with a #4 defense to 8-8.

Holy ****ing shit.

There's your ceiling, folks!

Arguing with someone who can't argue back...

AdumbGuy · 07-27-2013, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

sighs. No one knew what they were getting with Drew Brees when he signed with the Saints. The Chargers kicked him to the curb, the Dolphins didn't want him. New Orleans was his 3rd option.

Of course Alex Smith can realize his potential at this point. He wouldn't be the first to be a late bloomer now would he?

Understand the CONTEXT of what I am saying.

Rich Gannon, and Kurt Warner. No, not saying that Alex Smith can be either one of those, but, Alex has a very similar skill set to Gannon. Mobility, their plusses as qbs being short accuracy, and being very smart.

Its amazing what situation and place can do for a guys career.

that's not true. Marty wanted to keep Brees. His GM wanted to move on with the younger Rivers. You know, the same idiot GM that fired marty after he went 14-2 and replaced him with the venerable Norv Turner. Brees was a legit non-game manager qb and he was still young at the time. CANNOT be compared to Alex "My best work in 7 years is as an efficient game manager" smith

GoChargers · 07-27-2013, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdumbGuy

You know, the same idiot GM that fired marty after he went 14-2 and replaced him with the venerable Norv Turner.

To be fair, firing Marty wasn't idiotic. He was choking away playoff games every year as usual (including the most idiotic challenge of all time during his last playoff game with the Chargers), he was insubordinate (the same reason he was fired in Washington), and he was trying to hook his family members up with jobs regardless of qualification. The time had come for a new coach.

Replacing Marty with Norv Turner was so dumb, it helped cripple the franchise for a very long time and cost AJ his job (AJ's shit drafts and cheapness played a role in that too).

And getting rid of Brees wasn't THAT idiotic. At the time, it was extremely questionable whether he'd ever play again because of his shoulder injury (brought on by, surprise surprise, Marty being stubborn). And Rivers ended up being an elite quarterback until the past couple years.

milkman · 07-28-2013, 05:06 AM

Tony Romo, much like Brett Favre was, is a dumbass with big time playmaking ability.

Mike Holmgren was able to reel Favre in early on, and won a SB, but his dumbassery through the following years cost the Packers further opportunities.

Romo's playmaking keeps the Cowboys competitive, but his dumbassery costs them equally.

I'd be no more happy to have traded for him than I am with Alex Smith.

The only real question, how do you want to lose your playoff games?

Jakemall · 08-10-2013, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

We're talking about yards per completion.

That includes YAC.

Alex Smith doesn't throw the ball down the field, and his receivers don't pick up a lot of YAC either.

Sorry to disappoint.

LOL...

07-26-2013, 07:24 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $1002813	Teicher:On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look On first play at camp, Chiefs show their new look By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Andy Reid delivered a not-so-subtle message Friday with the first play at Chiefs training camp. He had quarterback Alex Smith heave a pass deep down the middle that was hauled in for a touchdown by wide receiver Dexter McCluster. The play served notice that after two seasons with a dormant passing attack, the Chiefs intend to revive it in a big way. “I wasn’t ready for that,” Smith said. “I came up and I got a good look for it. Crowd pleaser.” Much more needs to happen before the passing game can be called successful. But the intent is obviously there. Smith completed another deep pass to McCluster a few plays later. As much as Reid enjoyed the big plays, he liked the consistency of the passing game. Smith, who completed 70 percent of his passes for the 49ers last season, went several plays into practice before throwing his first incompletion. “There weren’t a lot of balls on the ground, and it looked like the defense had people covered,” Reid said. “They were in position.” The trade for Smith was the biggest of the offseason moves aimed at revitalizing a sluggish offense. Smith, the first pick in the 2005 draft and San Francisco’s long-time starter, is used to such pressure. “I’m much better equipped to handle it now,” Smith said. “When you’re a young guy and coming in and playing early, I dwelled on (negative things) too much. I let it affect my play too much. I tried to please everybody. “I’m going to play my game. I’m going to try to work as hard as I can to get as good as I can and try to reach my potential and win a bunch of games. That’s the goal. I’m not worried about a bunch of other things.” Smith received another peek at the expectations waiting for him at the end of practice, when a fan called to him asking Smith to be the Chiefs’ savior. “That’s a strong word,” Smith said. “That’s a great example. When I was younger, I would have taken that literally. I tried to make every single throw and I tried to prove to everybody on every single play that, yeah, I could do this.” That McCluster was on the receiving end of Smith’s long passes was another bonus for the Chiefs. They practiced without their most accomplished receiver, Dwayne Bowe, who is on the non-football injury list with a viral condition. Bowe may return to practice as soon as Saturday. But no matter when he plays, the Chiefs are still in search of a consistent threat to go along with him. The diminutive McCluster has long tantalized the Chiefs with his big-play ability, but he has delivered precious few such plays since arriving as a rookie in 2010. He bounced from receiver to running back and again to receiver, never seeming to find a comfortable spot. While it’s far too early to call him a changed player in Reid’s offense, it’s a start. “It’s always good to start a first practice … with a big one,” McCluster said. “I’m happy I held on to the ball.” Reid’s arrival could rescue McCluster’s career, which stalled last season under coach Romeo Crennel. Reid, then coaching the Philadelphia Eagles, was intrigued by McCluster when he was available in the 2010 draft. The Chiefs got to him first, but Reid began making plans for McCluster shortly after arriving in Kansas City in January. “He gives you a little flexibility,” Reid said. “You can move him around a Iittle. We’ll use him here and there.” During offseason practice and again on Friday, McCluster lined up in a variety of spots. “I don’t know where he couldn’t line up, to be honest, as far as skill positions go,” Smith said. “He’s got that many tools in the belt.” Another offensive player the Chiefs are counting on is rookie running back Knile Davis. The Chiefs hope he can be turned into a kickoff return specialist, even though he never returned a kick during a game in college at Arkansas. That process got off to a rough start Friday when Davis, who was a frequent fumbler in college, dropped a kickoff. “We’ll get that fixed,” Reid said.
Posts: 42,023

07-27-2013, 08:17 PM	#422
notorious Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Who knows? Casino cash: $3015884	We had shit QBs and the most horrifically reeruned offensive staff in football history last year. I plan on seeing vast improvement from McCluster and other players like him.
Posts: 83,208

07-27-2013, 08:40 PM	#428
Jakemall Veteran Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Los Angeles Casino cash: $10010313	Mav would you quote the first post of page 26 for me. I can't quote links.
Posts: 2,454

07-28-2013, 05:06 AM	#434
milkman Dumbass! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Leading the Marty bashing Casino cash: $10029395	Tony Romo, much like Brett Favre was, is a dumbass with big time playmaking ability. Mike Holmgren was able to reel Favre in early on, and won a SB, but his dumbassery through the following years cost the Packers further opportunities. Romo's playmaking keeps the Cowboys competitive, but his dumbassery costs them equally. I'd be no more happy to have traded for him than I am with Alex Smith. The only real question, how do you want to lose your playoff games? __________________
Posts: 70,769