Perspective

[DrunkHillbilly]

Shaky preseason makes Chiefs mystery heading to opener

Sep. 4, 2007
CBSSports.com wire reports


KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Sure, Larry Johnson had just three meaningless carries and quarterback Damon Huard hardly played at all. And yes, everyone knows head coach Herm Edwards is partial to defense.
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But, come on. Two touchdowns in four exhibition games? Four winless exhibition games?
Is this the offense the Kansas City Chiefs will trot out in Sunday's season opener in Houston?
"I don't think they should be worried," said right guard John Welbourn. "You have to remember, we kept everything pretty vanilla. We didn't really do anything. We showed about 10 percent of our arsenal."
Perhaps, but not one aspect of the offense showed any flow or consistency in losses to New Orleans, St. Louis, Miami and Cleveland.
Second-year quarterback Brodie Croyle, handed an opportunity to win the job, failed. His three turnovers elevated Huard, a career-long backup who played well in eight starts last year in place of departed Trent Green.
The running game, with Pro Bowler Johnson working out in Arizona during a contract dispute, was terrible. The only big play on offense all summer was a long run by rookie Kolby Smith.
Rookie first-round draft pick Dwayne Bowe made one good catch at wide receiver, but dropped another ball and failed to crack the starting lineup.
The offense scored only two touchdowns, and rookie kicker Justin Medlock struggled so much the Chiefs had six kicking prospects in camp on Monday.
Johnson, who has broken the team rushing record each of the past two years, is back now. So is left tackle Damion McIntosh, who practiced on Monday for the first time since injuring his knee on Aug. 1. Backup tight end Jason Dunn, a terrific blocker who had been held out with an injury, also returned Monday.
For the record, Monday was the first time the Chiefs had all 11 offensive starters on the field together since minicamp.
"It's nice to have your running back again," said Welbourn, who has moved from tackle to guard, his more natural position. "I'm sure we'll take a little bit of time, but we're not worried. Preseason is a poor indicator. How many times have you seen a team go 4-0 in the preseason and then go 5-11? I don't put much stock in the preseason."
A winless preseason and dismal offensive stats are not a source of confidence

[carlfromcali]

Will you eat crow pie with me in Jan when their playing Jax at Arrowhead?

[Canada]

Shaky preseason makes Chiefs mystery heading to opener

Sep. 4, 2007
CBSSports.com wire reports


KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Sure, Larry Johnson had just three meaningless carries and quarterback Damon Huard hardly played at all. And yes, everyone knows head coach Herm Edwards is partial to defense.
Advertisement
But, come on. Two touchdowns in four exhibition games? Four winless exhibition games?
Is this the offense the Kansas City Chiefs will trot out in Sunday's season opener in Houston?
"I don't think they should be worried," said right guard John Welbourn. "You have to remember, we kept everything pretty vanilla. We didn't really do anything. We showed about 10 percent of our arsenal."
Perhaps, but not one aspect of the offense showed any flow or consistency in losses to New Orleans, St. Louis, Miami and Cleveland.
Second-year quarterback Brodie Croyle, handed an opportunity to win the job, failed. His three turnovers elevated Huard, a career-long backup who played well in eight starts last year in place of departed Trent Green.
The running game, with Pro Bowler Johnson working out in Arizona during a contract dispute, was terrible. The only big play on offense all summer was a long run by rookie Kolby Smith.
Rookie first-round draft pick Dwayne Bowe made one good catch at wide receiver, but dropped another ball and failed to crack the starting lineup.
The offense scored only two touchdowns, and rookie kicker Justin Medlock struggled so much the Chiefs had six kicking prospects in camp on Monday.
Johnson, who has broken the team rushing record each of the past two years, is back now. So is left tackle Damion McIntosh, who practiced on Monday for the first time since injuring his knee on Aug. 1. Backup tight end Jason Dunn, a terrific blocker who had been held out with an injury, also returned Monday.
For the record, Monday was the first time the Chiefs had all 11 offensive starters on the field together since minicamp.
"It's nice to have your running back again," said Welbourn, who has moved from tackle to guard, his more natural position. "I'm sure we'll take a little bit of time, but we're not worried. Preseason is a poor indicator. How many times have you seen a team go 4-0 in the preseason and then go 5-11? I don't put much stock in the preseason."
A winless preseason and dismal offensive stats are not a source of confidence

Is this supposed to be supporting your argument that we are going to have a bad year??

[Chiefster]

Stats and paper match-ups are fine, but the games are played on the field.

[rbedgood]

Stats and paper match-ups are fine, but the games are played on the field.

That's true...but there are some stats that are tell-tale signs to success. Particularly turnover ratios, rushing success, and your QB efficiency.

With LJ back on the field the assumption would be that the running game should return to form for the regular season. As for the QB efficiency, Huard should be okay...not as spectacular as Croyle's capabilities, but without the mental issues. Finally turnovers, the Chiefs with another year of the cover2 should improve and get turnovers. Giving up some points won't be a major issue if they can win the turnover battle.

[DrunkHillbilly]

Is this supposed to be supporting your argument that we are going to have a bad year??

No No. I just posted it because it had some interesting quotes from Welbourn.

Easy boy! I can see your ready for a fight!!!!

[Chiefster]

That's true...but there are some stats that are tell-tale signs to success. Particularly turnover ratios, rushing success, and your QB efficiency.

With LJ back on the field the assumption would be that the running game should return to form for the regular season. As for the QB efficiency, Huard should be okay...not as spectacular as Croyle's capabilities, but without the mental issues. Finally turnovers, the Chiefs with another year of the cover2 should improve and get turnovers. Giving up some points won't be a major issue if they can win the turnover battle.

Agreed; but stats do not tell the entire story. See last years Pittsburgh game. There are those instances were you just have a really bad day; for me it just all boils down to "who wants it more", and "anyone can beat anyone else on any given day". Sorry for the cliché but it was the best way I knew to explain my point of view; simply put "take nothing for granted".

[Chiefster]

No No. I just posted it because it had some interesting quotes from Welbourn.

Easy boy! I can see your ready for a fight!!!!

Agreed!

[rbedgood]

Agreed; but stats do not tell the entire story. See last years Pittsburgh game. There are those instances were you just have a really bad day; for me it just all boils down to "who wants it more", and "anyone can beat anyone else on any given day". Sorry for the cliché but it was the best way I knew to explain my point of view; simply put "take nothing for granted".

We see the world the same. There are exceptions to every rule, however if you look at a 16 game stretch, if a team consistently wins on the 3 factors I mentioned, they'll consistently win games. There will be the one or two as you mentioned that get away, but there will also be the one or two they get that should've gotten away.

p.s. good post rep back at ya...

[peekaboo224]

Maybe they were holding back during the preseason so other teams would not know how great they are. I say our boys will blow everyone away.

Or is that wishful thinking?