Baldwin struggling.

[chiefsrule]

First-round pick Jonathan Baldwin has reportedly shown an "absolute inability" to deal with press coverage so far in Chiefs camp.


Observed Nick Wright of 610 Kansas City, "When he's been jammed, I haven't seen him catch one." Wright concedes that Baldwin has impressed when faced with off coverage, but defensive coordinators aren't dumb enough to let him get a running start. It's notable that the K.C. Star has predicted Jerheme Urban will start opposite Dwayne Bowe this season. Steve Breaston would be the slot receiver, relegating Baldwin to a No. 4 receiver role.

[loyalchief91]

Terrible news. This is our first round draft pick too. Boy, I hope this kid isn't a bust.

[tornadospotter]

Seems about right to me, the kid needs to learn the pro game, better learning comes from building your way up, than having it all, then drop plenty of balls, till you finally get it.

[matthewschiefs]

Happens with a lot of rookies. This year is extra tuff on the due to the lockout they missed time with the coaches. It will take time for him to pick it up like any rookie.

[chiefsrule]

......

[Connie Jo]

......


:lol:

[GarH]

Rookies struggle when they have the playbook for 3 months, have OTA and the three months before training camp starts. I'm not about to be worried at this point.

[GarH]

Another reason I like the Colbert pick-up is he is a veteran with coaching experience to help mentor Baldwin.

[SIC J]

Why be worried? Chiefs got Haley to teach him some things. Look what he did with Fitzgerald and Bowe.

[Connie Jo]

Why be worried? Chiefs got Haley to teach him some things. Look what he did with Fitzgerald and Bowe.

Indeed!! The past is a good indicator of the future, this is fact.

[rodu]

I'm not worried

[TopekaRoy]

First round draft picks (especially Wide Receivers) often struggle in their rookie year. While there are those rare exceptions, most WRs pretty much ride the bench their rookie season, show flashes of potential their 2nd year, and only in their 3rd year start to thrive.

It seems a lot of people here think that because Baldwin is a first round draft pick he will be a superstar starting in week 1. It doesn't usually work out that way. Remember he has only been practicing with the Chiefs for about 2 weeks. I would give him at least until the 2nd half of the season before we start labeling him as a "bust" or a disappointment. And while I am optimistic and have high hopes for him, we may have to be patient and not expect too much from a rookie.

[ctchiefsfan]

First round draft picks (especially Wide Receivers) often struggle in their rookie year. While there are those rare exceptions, most WRs pretty much ride the bench their rookie season, show flashes of potential their 2nd year, and only in their 3rd year start to thrive.

It seems a lot of people here think that because Baldwin is a first round draft pick he will be a superstar starting in week 1. It doesn't usually work out that way. Remember he has only been practicing with the Chiefs for about 2 weeks. I would give him at least until the 2nd half of the season before we start labeling him as a "bust" or a disappointment. And while I am optimistic and have high hopes for him, we may have to be patient and not expect too much from a rookie.

YUP!!!!!! You don't expect rookies to be big time producers in their first season. Even 1st rounders. Instead you look for commitment and attitude and occassional flashes of brilliance. Those flashes of brilliance that get you a TD when you need it most.

Let the kid learn the NFL. So long as his attitude is good, we probably have a winner. If his attitude is bad, then kick him to the curb.

[doobs_05]

Come one guys, look at all the WR we ever drafted and how they turned out.....we will be fine

[Ryfo18]

That was his knock coming out of college, so it's really not that surprising. He'll learn though.

[ctchiefsfan]

First-round pick Jonathan Baldwin has reportedly shown an "absolute inability" to deal with press coverage so far in Chiefs camp.


Observed Nick Wright of 610 Kansas City, "When he's been jammed, I haven't seen him catch one." Wright concedes that Baldwin has impressed when faced with off coverage, but defensive coordinators aren't dumb enough to let him get a running start. It's notable that the K.C. Star has predicted Jerheme Urban will start opposite Dwayne Bowe this season. Steve Breaston would be the slot receiver, relegating Baldwin to a No. 4 receiver role.

Why is EVERYTHING you post negative Mr. http://www.chiefscrowd.com/forums/images/imported/2011/08/2.jpg

[AkChief49]

Although he struggled at times (dropping numerous passes), ????impressed the NFL in his rookie season for the 49ers in 1985, especially after a 10-catch, 241-yard game against the St. Louis Rams in December. For that rookie season, he recorded 49 catches for 927 yards, averaging 18.9 yards per catch and was named NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year.
That man's name was Jerry Rice. I think we all know how he turned out!

[figcrostic]

First-round pick Jonathan Baldwin has reportedly shown an "absolute inability" to deal with press coverage so far in Chiefs camp.


Observed Nick Wright of 610 Kansas City, "When he's been jammed, I haven't seen him catch one." Wright concedes that Baldwin has impressed when faced with off coverage, but defensive coordinators aren't dumb enough to let him get a running start. It's notable that the K.C. Star has predicted Jerheme Urban will start opposite Dwayne Bowe this season. Steve Breaston would be the slot receiver, relegating Baldwin to a No. 4 receiver role.

Let's wait until he actually plays a "REAL GAME" before we start *****ing. I don't care if he is horrible in practice and terrible in the preseason as long as he plays good in the regular season I'm happy, and honestly the lock out has hurt all rookies so if he's not amazing this season I'm not gonna dog the guy out.

[TopekaRoy]

Let's wait until he actually plays a "REAL GAME" before we start *****ing. I don't care if he is horrible in practice and terrible in the preseason as long as he plays good in the regular season I'm happy, and honestly the lock out has hurt all rookies so if he's not amazing this season I'm not gonna dog the guy out.
It's funny, I was just thinkin' about this. There are players who look lethargic and just don't perform well in practice. But at game time. with the crowd cheering and the adrenaline flowing, they get pumped up and excel. I don't know if Baldwin is that type of player or not, but he could be.

Sometimes a player will struggle consistently and then all of a sudden something "clicks" and they improve dramatically from that point on. Baldwin didn't face an NFL pro secondary in college. He's learning a new playbook, getting to know his QB and new teammates and he may just need some time to adjust.

Or he may just be a bust. Time will tell.

[#58ChiefsFan]

Well I'd be a whole lot more concerned if he was destroying our secondary. We do have one hell of a group back there with an even better coordinator. Give the kid some time to be coached.

[IslandKing77]

New guy is new.

[rodu]

Are any of our rookies working with the starters?

[wildcat]

Saying that Baldwin is struggling is like saying the Chiefs haven't won a single game this season. It's too soon for either statement to carry any weight, even though both are probably true at this point in the season.

We should revisit this thread after the Chiefs have played 16 games or so.

[Xploder]

I'm not worried at all we will pick up

[Jrudi]

Another case of us fans having unrealistic expectations for our 1st rounders way to soon!

Yes give him time, IMO you can't lable a first round pick as a bust until they've got at least 3 seasons under their belt. Then we can re-visit this conversation.

I actually thought he didn't do to bad in the game last night. Made that amazing adjustment on the sideline for a horrible pass that was thrown behind the D-back. Catch was ruled incomplete because when he did maintain control he was out of bounds, but It was an impressive adjustment and catch.

let's give him time!

[chiefsrule]

Saying that Baldwin is struggling is like saying the Chiefs haven't won a single game this season. It's too soon for either statement to carry any weight, even though both are probably true at this point in the season.

We should revisit this thread after the Chiefs have played 16 games or so.


Well we haven't played a game yet so we don't know what he will do in a game but the writer stated he is struggling with press coverage in practice. I just thought it is interesting where Jerheme Urban is at right now. He had a great preseason last year then got injured so I kind of forgot about him.

[Connie Jo]

First round draft picks (especially Wide Receivers) often struggle in their rookie year. While there are those rare exceptions, most WRs pretty much ride the bench their rookie season, show flashes of potential their 2nd year, and only in their 3rd year start to thrive.

It seems a lot of people here think that because Baldwin is a first round draft pick he will be a superstar starting in week 1. It doesn't usually work out that way. Remember he has only been practicing with the Chiefs for about 2 weeks. I would give him at least until the 2nd half of the season before we start labeling him as a "bust" or a disappointment. And while I am optimistic and have high hopes for him, we may have to be patient and not expect too much from a rookie.

It's been a while, but I read a few articles on this very subject when I became a defender of all things Bowe in 2009, LOL. In my NFL WR research I came across many offensive WR coaches & other so called experts, who stated it takes between 3-5 yrs. for a WR to reach his peak. Bowe is just one example of proving such.


Although he struggled at times (dropping numerous passes), ????impressed the NFL in his rookie season for the 49ers in 1985, especially after a 10-catch, 241-yard game against the St. Louis Rams in December. For that rookie season, he recorded 49 catches for 927 yards, averaging 18.9 yards per catch and was named NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year.
That man's name was Jerry Rice. I think we all know how he turned out!

Jerry Rice is one of the WR's mentioned often when I was reasearching knowledge on WR abilities & career accomplishments/stats. By comparison to that of other legendary WR's...Bowe is evolving right on course of a NFL WR reaching peak performance.


It's funny, I was just thinkin' about this. There are players who look lethargic and just don't perform well in practice. But at game time. with the crowd cheering and the adrenaline flowing, they get pumped up and excel. I don't know if Baldwin is that type of player or not, but he could be.

Sometimes a player will struggle consistently and then all of a sudden something "clicks" and they improve dramatically from that point on. Baldwin didn't face an NFL pro secondary in college. He's learning a new playbook, getting to know his QB and new teammates and he may just need some time to adjust.

Or he may just be a bust. Time will tell.

Completely agree, and made the same comments related to Bowe when he was so heavily criticized by fans, especially during the 2009 season. It takes an average of 3-5 yrs. for an NFL WR to reach a level of excellence, career peak, so to speak.


Another case of us fans having unrealistic expectations for our 1st rounders way to soon!

Yes give him time, IMO you can't lable a first round pick as a bust until they've got at least 3 seasons under their belt. Then we can re-visit this conversation.

I actually thought he didn't do to bad in the game last night. Made that amazing adjustment on the sideline for a horrible pass that was thrown behind the D-back. Catch was ruled incomplete because when he did maintain control he was out of bounds, but It was an impressive adjustment and catch.

let's give him time!

Completely agree! I was at the pre-season game Friday night & was impressed overall with Baldwin considering all factors.


Well we haven't played a game yet so we don't know what he will do in a game but the writer stated he is struggling with press coverage in practice. I just thought it is interesting where Jerheme Urban is at right now. He had a great preseason last year then got injured so I kind of forgot about him.

You are correct, it has been reported that Baldwin has been struggling at training camp some, especially when covered heavily by defenders. That said, he didn't do to bad Friday night at the game, and I was somewhat impressed. :)

[azchiefsfan]

Has anyone knocking Baldwin thought about the fact that he has had our playbook for all of 3 weeks? I took longer than that to study the danged driving manual for my drivers license test. Every NFL player on ESPN and NFL Network said it would be a steep learning curve for the rookies because of the lockout. If he is functional for the 1st regular season game, I'll be excited. If he can catch a pass, I'll be ecstatic. He showed some serious ball catching skill. Now let's give him some time to learn the system.

[Pittguy]

Guys, I'm coming here as a hardcore Pitt fan to tell you about Baldwin. I regret to tell you that I do not think this pick is going to work out for your team. Of couse I could be wrong.

I watched Baldwin play his entire college career. Even at his best, he was a raw athlete who didn't have a clue how to play reciever.

He did none of the little things. He was a one trick pony, just run down the field and chuck it.

Worst of all though, his attitude sucked and his effort was poor. He absolutely quit on his team last year. He was constantly quitting on plays. Any self-respecting coaching staff would have benched his ***. Wannstedt was a fiasco, but I digress.

Coming out, I felt strongly that whomever drafted this kid would regret it. I know it's enticing to see a good athlete that size, but I think he is sorely lacking in crucial attributes that make a good professional.

[OPLookn]

Guys, I'm coming here as a hardcore Pitt fan to tell you about Baldwin. I regret to tell you that I do not think this pick is going to work out for your team. Of couse I could be wrong.

I watched Baldwin play his entire college career. Even at his best, he was a raw athlete who didn't have a clue how to play reciever.

He did none of the little things. He was a one trick pony, just run down the field and chuck it.

Worst of all though, his attitude sucked and his effort was poor. He absolutely quit on his team last year. He was constantly quitting on plays. Any self-respecting coaching staff would have benched his ***. Wannstedt was a fiasco, but I digress.

Coming out, I felt strongly that whomever drafted this kid would regret it. I know it's enticing to see a good athlete that size, but I think he is sorely lacking in crucial attributes that make a good professional.

It's kind of funny actually because I said the same things watching Josh Freeman at K-State. He would quit on his team and took plays off. But now he's kicking some serious butt in Tampa.

People that have that much raw talent skirt by in high school and college because they have enough talent to do so. That just won't happen in the NFL. I'm sure that he's had a rude awakening and is going to have to start putting in some effort and developing those raw skills. What the Chiefs have on their side is Haley. I think Haley will take this kid under his wing, develop those raw skills while at the same time not putting up with an ounce of ego (see the D-Bowe show for example..now just Bowe).

While any player is a risk I'm not as worried about this one as most and think that in a couple of years he'll start showing his potential. In the mean time I think we as fans all got spoiled with Berry coming in last year and immediately producing. Nice, but not the norm.

[azchiefsfan]

Same thing was said about Moss in regard to taking plays off and bad attitude. I don't see this guy being that way. I could be wrong, but this still makes me scratch my head and wonder why this is even being talked about when he doesn't have a single play under his belt in a real NFL season. Let's revisit this at game 8 when we have some context by which we can measure.

[chief31]

Guys, I'm coming here as a hardcore Pitt fan to tell you about Baldwin. I regret to tell you that I do not think this pick is going to work out for your team. Of couse I could be wrong.

I watched Baldwin play his entire college career. Even at his best, he was a raw athlete who didn't have a clue how to play reciever.

He did none of the little things. He was a one trick pony, just run down the field and chuck it.

Worst of all though, his attitude sucked and his effort was poor. He absolutely quit on his team last year. He was constantly quitting on plays. Any self-respecting coaching staff would have benched his ***. Wannstedt was a fiasco, but I digress.

Coming out, I felt strongly that whomever drafted this kid would regret it. I know it's enticing to see a good athlete that size, but I think he is sorely lacking in crucial attributes that make a good professional.

Thanks for the input.

Hopefully, Todd Haley's track record for helping WRs careers will trump any personality issues he may have.

[Hayvern]

I have not seen the kid play and I too think it is too early to start calling him a bust. Let's wait and see what happens. Three years, that is what most players get.

I am hoping that this is the break out year for Bowe, we have been saying that every year so far, but this year I hope is the one, he is out of his three years, so he should know what is going on now. Time to stop dropping passes and be that guy we all need him to be.

[Jrudi]

I have not seen the kid play and I too think it is too early to start calling him a bust. Let's wait and see what happens. Three years, that is what most players get.

I am hoping that this is the break out year for Bowe, we have been saying that every year so far, but this year I hope is the one, he is out of his three years, so he should know what is going on now. Time to stop dropping passes and be that guy we all need him to be.

Was last season not considered a breakout year??

If leading the NFL in Receiving touchdowns (15), and have over 1000+ yards, and i believe a career high in catches as well is not considered a breakout season, I'm not sure what is...

[ctchiefsfan]

Was last season not considered a breakout year??

If leading the NFL in Receiving touchdowns (15), and have over 1000+ yards, and i believe a career high in catches as well is not considered a breakout season, I'm not sure what is...

I'm kinda with you on that.

I don't think Bowe has lived up to his full potential yet and there WERE (IMO) a few glaring failures last year, but I think he upped his game and attitude substantially last year so at the very least I think he has earned the opportunity to prove what he can do when the offense has enough receiving weapons available that opposing defenses can't key on him so much.

IMO Bowe has more than proved that he deserves his position and that he can compete against the best defenses in the NFL.

I'm not sold on the idea that he is an elite receiver, but I certainly feel he has earned the right to prove that he is and that he is deserving of the kind of money he is going to want when his contract comes around.....

[Ryfo18]

Was last season not considered a breakout year??

If leading the NFL in Receiving touchdowns (15), and have over 1000+ yards, and i believe a career high in catches as well is not considered a breakout season, I'm not sure what is...

Ha, sometimes I just don't get the thinking of some people on this site. We could bring a guy like Fitzgerald in and he'd probably be a bust....with the same stats.

[tornadospotter]

Was last season not considered a breakout year??

If leading the NFL in Receiving touchdowns (15), and have over 1000+ yards, and i believe a career high in catches as well is not considered a breakout season, I'm not sure what is...
Yes last season was a break out year, but now is the year to build on that, one season, after the one he had prior to last, can he do it back to back. That is what we all want to know, and hope for.

[SAPHOJUNKIE]

Some of the people on here are just unfathomably moronic. Baldwin has had less than 15 practices.

Settle down. My god.

[AkChief49]

Well I'd be a whole lot more concerned if he was destroying our secondary. We do have one hell of a group back there with an even better coordinator. Give the kid some time to be coached.
No better training than against some of the better DB's-which will only make him better!:bananen_smilies046:

[chief31]

Was last season not considered a breakout year??

If leading the NFL in Receiving touchdowns (15), and have over 1000+ yards, and i believe a career high in catches as well is not considered a breakout season, I'm not sure what is...


Ha, sometimes I just don't get the thinking of some people on this site. We could bring a guy like Fitzgerald in and he'd probably be a bust....with the same stats.

For me, Bowe still has something to prove, and that is consistency.

I would call 2010 a breakout year for Bowe. But his major knock has to be how bad he can be.

Proving that he can be as good as the best is one thing. But getting past his history with absolutely horrible mistakes still needs to be addressed.

[Jrudi]

In no means am I ready to crown Bowe as one of the Elite WR's after one good season. If we want to do that he needs to have a couple more like he did last year, and continue to improve.

I'm just trying to give our guy the credit he deserves for doing a good job last year and working hard to get there.