It seems appropriate for this week's blog to include what I'm thankful for. Of course family, friends, and health are foremost. But there has to be some part of the 2008 season we can all find to be thankful for...
.
..
...
....
oh! Cornerbacks!
Personally, I'm content with Ty Law getting a chance for post season play with Brett Farve - mainly because .... HE'S NOT HERE!!!!! I think one task we have definitely accomplished this year is finding two quality - young cornerbacks. It's probably too early to tell...but based on last week, Maurice Leggett maybe a third.
I'm also thankful for the promise of Tyler Thigpen. Yes, I'm still voting for Thigpen. IMHO, Thigpen really only made one mistake last week against the Bills. Now before you reach for the mouse to tell me 3...three....III....turnovers by Thigpen....keep this in mind: The two interceptions are on curl routes that are a three step drop and fire. Thigpen spends all three drops selling, than looks and fires. As Mitch Holthus put it...that route has a problem!
Looking back through the games to Atlanta, the film showed receiver's nearly getting this on almost every instance of it. In some cases the corner gets it, but can't hang on to it. While Thigpen got the credit for NOT throwing an interception - coach's should have known this was coming. Either its design or execution has been sketchy from the onset of Thigpen starting. After all, flip a coin enough times, it will land on the other side! Before you place this on Chan, the receivers aren't helping this route. These curls could be bread & butter for us, but not until our receivers learn to get separation.
There! I said it.
How about SHOWing us some separation. I could also go into a complete rant about catching balls that hit you in the hands, but that's just not in keeping with the Thanksgiving "Glass-Half-Full" spirit. (You've have no idea - how hard that was to type)
One last thing. I keep hearing about how young this team is. And I believe there is truth in the "rookie wall." And for the 2008 Chiefs, that isn't going to be just a guy or two. But here is what is killing me. Derek Johnson is in his fourth year of pro-football. In fact, he is in a contract year. If ever there was a time to show (I mean, SHOW) coaches what you're made of .... it's a contract year.
After the Bills Trent Edwards crossed the line of scrimmage last week, he became a running back. Why then was Derek Johnson still backing up 2, 3, to 4 yards deep in the end-zone? Why? You can't tell me that Gunther needs to explain to him how the rules work. Chalk it up to sluggish return, his girl-friend having a baby, the flu, whatever. But if you can't feel the game...you better be the most studied guy on the field. That TD was unacceptable. Come on DJ. We need you. Shows us what you are made of.
Boy...this was my warm-fuzzy! At least I left the Special-Teams alone.
Turkey day, then its off to Oakland. The land of Italian cookies. I love SF. Tough game though, expect the Raiders to play a lot of Man-to-man and continue to pry on our run coverage. Best o'luck to Herm and his men. We're going to talk pretty in depth about what the Chiefs can expect with Kendall and Len on pre-game from Oakland.
Till then...Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
When the Saints Came Marching In
There are a couple of items from the Chiefs 20-30 loss to the Saints that stand out to me. The first of these is field position. Shortening the field on the NFL's number one offense was not the Special Teams finest moments. We also seemed to lose the battle at the line of scrimmage when it counted. And bad officiating didn't help. (Yes - I know they only had one camera angle. So, does that make it bad broadcasting? Give me a break - it's bad officiating whether it is on the field or in the reply booth - it's bad officiating. They can't fine me! Bad...bad...bad!!!)
And dropped passes...what kind of SHOW is that?
Enter the silver lining....Tyler Thigpen success in this league may just be tied to his health. If he is fortunate enough to stay healthy, I believe Tyler will become a playmaking quarterback that we haven't seen here in KC in some time. There are two plays in particular I would like to point out:
The first was a design option play. Tyler makes a quick post-snap read on the middle line-backer and defensive line. When I say quick...I mean quick. Within the span of 9 frames of video (which is approximately 1/3 of a second), Thigpen assess whether or not the middle linebacker breaks on the Y receiver's route...AND...if the defensive line is stunting or not. During the Saints game, the Chiefs ran this play twice. Thigpen read it perfectly for a short completion and for a huge QB keeper. The first part that amazes me is how quick this read must be made. And even if you want to believe he guessed right both times - he still beat the corner to the outside on the keeper. THAT IS PLAYMAKING!
On another play, Thigpen scrambles right. He is setting, pumping, and doing everything he can to cause the defense to balk. Seeing no safety in the middle of the field, and Will Franklin breaking, Tyler throws across his body for a 40 plus yard gain. Now every coach out there will tell you, Quarterbacks cannot throw back across their body while running the other direction. Quarterbacks, maybe not...PLAYMAKERS...OH YEAH!
I truly believe an average quarterback, with only 6 games experience would have thrown this ball away. Thigpen waits to the last second and then makes a perfectly safe throw to an area where only a Chief could catch it.
Here's hoping he finds his first win against the Bills this weekend.
And dropped passes...what kind of SHOW is that?
Enter the silver lining....Tyler Thigpen success in this league may just be tied to his health. If he is fortunate enough to stay healthy, I believe Tyler will become a playmaking quarterback that we haven't seen here in KC in some time. There are two plays in particular I would like to point out:
The first was a design option play. Tyler makes a quick post-snap read on the middle line-backer and defensive line. When I say quick...I mean quick. Within the span of 9 frames of video (which is approximately 1/3 of a second), Thigpen assess whether or not the middle linebacker breaks on the Y receiver's route...AND...if the defensive line is stunting or not. During the Saints game, the Chiefs ran this play twice. Thigpen read it perfectly for a short completion and for a huge QB keeper. The first part that amazes me is how quick this read must be made. And even if you want to believe he guessed right both times - he still beat the corner to the outside on the keeper. THAT IS PLAYMAKING!
On another play, Thigpen scrambles right. He is setting, pumping, and doing everything he can to cause the defense to balk. Seeing no safety in the middle of the field, and Will Franklin breaking, Tyler throws across his body for a 40 plus yard gain. Now every coach out there will tell you, Quarterbacks cannot throw back across their body while running the other direction. Quarterbacks, maybe not...PLAYMAKERS...OH YEAH!
I truly believe an average quarterback, with only 6 games experience would have thrown this ball away. Thigpen waits to the last second and then makes a perfectly safe throw to an area where only a Chief could catch it.
Here's hoping he finds his first win against the Bills this weekend.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Can you feel it?
Never has losing had an allure of success. But there is something about this team. Watching the parade of players try to march in step last week at San Diego was a little unnerving. But despite the look of disarray, each man found a way to contribute. A young team finding a way to be competitive against San Diego was impressive. But a rag-tag young team, that practically had to introduce themselves to one another on the field during the game - well...that was special IMHO.
Monday night I'm fortunate enough to spend some one-on-one time with Herm Edwards. Throughout the last nine weeks, it has been almost a constant evolution of "what could go wrong!" Undaunted, Herm keeps slowly sewing seams in the fabric of problems that plague his team week in and out - as well as patching the latest rips caused from the previous games.
But the last three weeks have each reinforced this feeling inside me that something special is going to happen. And I've come to trust some of this intuition.
In 2003, the Chiefs were 9-0. Everyone was clawing their way on to the bandwagon. It was as if we were on an unprecedented path to greatness. Yet the entire time, I felt we were undeserving of this record. Not that we weren't a good team, but we got lucky a few times. And that made us look GREAT...instead of the reality of just good. And as the law of averages often do, they applied themselves to the remaining 7 games and post-season play. Don't think about it, it will just depress you again.
In our ultimate desire to win a Super Bowl, our 13-3 record did nothing but send us to the bottom of the draft and hand us a difficult 2004 schedule. And don't say..."Yes, but it was entertaining!" Because, if you have been watching the last three weeks and haven't been entertained, go immediately to an urgent care facility!
In much the same way the 2003 Chiefs weren't 9-0 perfect, the 2008 Chiefs are not 1-8 losers. And I believe that just as the 2003 record bore little resemblance to the 2004 Chiefs, our current 1-8 record doesn't provide any indication of the Chiefs of 2009. Trust your gut!
THE OFFENSIVE LINE
Another decent week for the offensive line. There are still problems, but the solid play of Tyler and the revolving running backs seem to be getting it done. It will be interesting to throw Larry Johnson back into the mix this week. Larry may have to find a way to fit into the place the offense has gone to.
TYLER THIGPEN
I think it's early to call Tyler a franchise player. But he has no doubt earned the phrase "it's his to lose." Three solid outings without one interception. I also think he has earned a "get out of jail free" card for a game that goes south on him.
THE DEFENSE
Interestingly enough, much of the rag-tag make-shift defense did pretty good with gap protection - stopping a very good player in LT. In particular, I thought John McGraw and Rocky Boiman stepped up. I'll also state for the record, I believe Bernard Pollard had his finest game of the season thus far. Also for the record - Bernard Pollard needed to have his finest game of the season thus far!!
Monday night I'm fortunate enough to spend some one-on-one time with Herm Edwards. Throughout the last nine weeks, it has been almost a constant evolution of "what could go wrong!" Undaunted, Herm keeps slowly sewing seams in the fabric of problems that plague his team week in and out - as well as patching the latest rips caused from the previous games.
But the last three weeks have each reinforced this feeling inside me that something special is going to happen. And I've come to trust some of this intuition.
In 2003, the Chiefs were 9-0. Everyone was clawing their way on to the bandwagon. It was as if we were on an unprecedented path to greatness. Yet the entire time, I felt we were undeserving of this record. Not that we weren't a good team, but we got lucky a few times. And that made us look GREAT...instead of the reality of just good. And as the law of averages often do, they applied themselves to the remaining 7 games and post-season play. Don't think about it, it will just depress you again.
In our ultimate desire to win a Super Bowl, our 13-3 record did nothing but send us to the bottom of the draft and hand us a difficult 2004 schedule. And don't say..."Yes, but it was entertaining!" Because, if you have been watching the last three weeks and haven't been entertained, go immediately to an urgent care facility!
In much the same way the 2003 Chiefs weren't 9-0 perfect, the 2008 Chiefs are not 1-8 losers. And I believe that just as the 2003 record bore little resemblance to the 2004 Chiefs, our current 1-8 record doesn't provide any indication of the Chiefs of 2009. Trust your gut!
THE OFFENSIVE LINE
Another decent week for the offensive line. There are still problems, but the solid play of Tyler and the revolving running backs seem to be getting it done. It will be interesting to throw Larry Johnson back into the mix this week. Larry may have to find a way to fit into the place the offense has gone to.
TYLER THIGPEN
I think it's early to call Tyler a franchise player. But he has no doubt earned the phrase "it's his to lose." Three solid outings without one interception. I also think he has earned a "get out of jail free" card for a game that goes south on him.
THE DEFENSE
Interestingly enough, much of the rag-tag make-shift defense did pretty good with gap protection - stopping a very good player in LT. In particular, I thought John McGraw and Rocky Boiman stepped up. I'll also state for the record, I believe Bernard Pollard had his finest game of the season thus far. Also for the record - Bernard Pollard needed to have his finest game of the season thus far!!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Good morning Gil. I SAID, GOOD MORNING GIL!!!
Perhaps everything you need to know about life, you can learn from Bill Murray movies. In particular, "What About Bob?!" Bob Wiley had three simple mechanisms for combating life's fears and difficulties:
• "If I fake it, I don't have it!"
• "Baby Stepping"
• "Death Therapy"
Last Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs continued to baby step their way!
The Chiefs had five areas plaguing them game in and game out throughout September and October. These were:
1) Poor defending 3rd downs
2) Can't stop the run
3) Play of the Offensive line
4) Quarterback position
5) Special Teams coverage
That last two weeks, they have performed much better on third downs. The last two weeks, Tyler Thigpen has done more than expected and enough to say he deserves the starting quarterback role.
This week against Tampa Bay, the offesensive line had their best game of this season. And FINALLY, the chiefs play a game in which the oppponets longest run is only 10 yards.
That just leaves special teams coverage. Page Coach Priefer. Coach Mike Priefer, please report to fan accommodations.
TYLER THIGPEN
Against the Jets, the play of OUR number 4, was a welcome surprise. But this surprise came with a certain amount of skepticism. Mainly, could he do it again? This time, against a better team with film study that New York didn't have (save Atlanta). The answer was yes.
Thigpen seems to be a very complete player. He's physical, mechanically sound, fundamentally strong, and mentally prepared. Several weeks ago Tyler and Len Dawson began discussing Tyler's play in the locker room and on the team charter. While Lenny certainly has a lot to teach, Tyler reaching out to Len indicates his desire to learn and improve.
Thigpen's play against the Bucs was prepared and poised. Proof he is studying and learning. He is doing his homework. If there is one lesson I've learned from 20 years with Lenny...it is players can get beat physically; players can get beat mentally; but it is tough to beat a player both ways.
Tyler's growth is a process and I'm sure he'll have a moment of ... we'll... ugly (or two) before the season ends. After all, even Dawson still holds the record for most fumbles in a game (7 against San Deigo-1964: spooky huh?).
BERNARD POLLARD
I really want to like 49. I do. I do. No, I really do. But here is the problem. I'm genetically pre-disposed to be intolerant when no progress is evident. Here is an example from last week's game against the BUCs. In overtime, Tampa Bay is in the shotgun, 1st and 10 from their own 26. Jeff Garcia threw a short pass to Michael Clayton, who proceeded to bounce off 49 and YAC his way down to the KC 45.
BP is charging Clayton with his arms and head down. This is football 101. Always see what you are tackling, if for no other reason than safety!! Second, his arms at his side do absolutely no good. Had he even partially wrapped Clayton, the results would almost asurdely have prevented the YAC.
Although there were a half dozen different plays that could have swung the BUCs/CHIEFs contest. Pollard's lack of fundementals continue to hurt the defense.
KOLBY SMITH
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Kolby. Man, this is a sad injury. Kolby seems to be a team oriented player who finally got the chance to show some skills. And he was! One minute you're having a great game, and the next minute you through for the year. The toughest part of my day is worrying about lunch at halftime.
Perhaps everything you need to know about life, you can learn from Bill Murray movies. In particular, "What About Bob?!" Bob Wiley had three simple mechanisms for combating life's fears and difficulties:
• "If I fake it, I don't have it!"
• "Baby Stepping"
• "Death Therapy"
Last Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs continued to baby step their way!
The Chiefs had five areas plaguing them game in and game out throughout September and October. These were:
1) Poor defending 3rd downs
2) Can't stop the run
3) Play of the Offensive line
4) Quarterback position
5) Special Teams coverage
That last two weeks, they have performed much better on third downs. The last two weeks, Tyler Thigpen has done more than expected and enough to say he deserves the starting quarterback role.
This week against Tampa Bay, the offesensive line had their best game of this season. And FINALLY, the chiefs play a game in which the oppponets longest run is only 10 yards.
That just leaves special teams coverage. Page Coach Priefer. Coach Mike Priefer, please report to fan accommodations.
TYLER THIGPEN
Against the Jets, the play of OUR number 4, was a welcome surprise. But this surprise came with a certain amount of skepticism. Mainly, could he do it again? This time, against a better team with film study that New York didn't have (save Atlanta). The answer was yes.
Thigpen seems to be a very complete player. He's physical, mechanically sound, fundamentally strong, and mentally prepared. Several weeks ago Tyler and Len Dawson began discussing Tyler's play in the locker room and on the team charter. While Lenny certainly has a lot to teach, Tyler reaching out to Len indicates his desire to learn and improve.
Thigpen's play against the Bucs was prepared and poised. Proof he is studying and learning. He is doing his homework. If there is one lesson I've learned from 20 years with Lenny...it is players can get beat physically; players can get beat mentally; but it is tough to beat a player both ways.
Tyler's growth is a process and I'm sure he'll have a moment of ... we'll... ugly (or two) before the season ends. After all, even Dawson still holds the record for most fumbles in a game (7 against San Deigo-1964: spooky huh?).
BERNARD POLLARD
I really want to like 49. I do. I do. No, I really do. But here is the problem. I'm genetically pre-disposed to be intolerant when no progress is evident. Here is an example from last week's game against the BUCs. In overtime, Tampa Bay is in the shotgun, 1st and 10 from their own 26. Jeff Garcia threw a short pass to Michael Clayton, who proceeded to bounce off 49 and YAC his way down to the KC 45.
BP is charging Clayton with his arms and head down. This is football 101. Always see what you are tackling, if for no other reason than safety!! Second, his arms at his side do absolutely no good. Had he even partially wrapped Clayton, the results would almost asurdely have prevented the YAC.
Although there were a half dozen different plays that could have swung the BUCs/CHIEFs contest. Pollard's lack of fundementals continue to hurt the defense.
KOLBY SMITH
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Kolby. Man, this is a sad injury. Kolby seems to be a team oriented player who finally got the chance to show some skills. And he was! One minute you're having a great game, and the next minute you through for the year. The toughest part of my day is worrying about lunch at halftime.
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