5 posts tagged “jamaal”
The Kansas City Chiefs have now lost their eighth straight game on the season. Also making it 19 losses in the last 20 games. Herm Edwards, Carl Peterson and Gunther Cunningham somehow maintain to keep their jobs. As much as I love Cunningham as a coach, it seems like he's not the good defensive coach he once was. It could be because of the lack of talent, however, giving over 400 total yards four times in the last five games and giving up 54 points to a struggling Buffalo Bills offense, is unacceptable. I realize the Chiefs defense had to go take over the field because of the turnovers, but I don't think this defense cannot allow 54 points. Most points allowed in Chiefs history.
There are several things you can make judgments on when you watch preseason games. For example, the play calling last week against Chicago was beautiful. It was better than anything last year. In the first drive, Brodie Croyle helped the Chiefs dominate in the first drive going five for five on third down. Croyle could not do it on his own, so he needed some help. Rookie players made an impact on that first drive. Croyle completed a pass to running back Jamaal Charles, tight end Brad Cottam and wide receiver Will Franklin. Croyle also found Dwayne Bowe in the first drive. After all the success in the first drive, the “centaur,” Larry Johnson got in the endzone after missing eight games from last season. However, there was a pretty big negative I need to point out that I think is okay to judge on despite it’s a preseason game. Larry Johnson’s blocking. It’s clear that LJ shows little to no effort while blocking. The good part is, Larry still has three games to improve in that area before it really matters.
See, you can make some clear assumptions for preseason games. Yes, preseason DOES MATTER! Do the wins? Absolutely not. For teams like Indianapolis, New England, Pittsburgh and several other teams, preseason is not a big deal to them as they only have few players to evaluate. And a majority of the players are from the third unit. Teams like Kansas City, a team that lost nine straight last season to finish the season, need the preseason to evaluate a lot of players. A couple wins in the preseason would be nice. But I know people who think the Chiefs will go 10-6 because of their performance against the Bears. So can I assume the Ravens will go 16-0 after beating the Patriots in a preseason game?
My point is, preseason victories are not a big deal. However, the performances of the players who are battling for a key spot on the team do matter. That’s why coaches like the preseason. They use that time to evaluate their players.
As for Chad Pennington, I said this on my show but, he would not come to Kansas City because it would not fit Herm’s youth movement and the fact that this has been shaped as Brodie Croyle’s football team. He is already given the spot. I would like Pennington still as I feel he would benefit the Chiefs as a backup, but Pennington wants to start and he will get that shot in Miami. And good job by the Packers for trading Favre. They promised Rodgers the starting spot and he has waited long enough.
I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow to talk about other Chiefs topics. Have a nice day!
Today is the day ladies and gentleman! A few teams have already kicked off their season earlier this week as they started training camp. Few have yet to begin. Today, the Kansas City Chiefs are going north to River Falls, WI. The bus heading to training camp will be full of young football players and few veterans. However, two players will not be on the bus as they will need their own personal transportation to River Falls.
Since I last made an entry, the Chiefs agreed to terms with Jamaal Charles from Texas, Brad Cottam from Tennessee, Brandon Flowers from Virginia Tech and Branden Albert drafted out of Virginia.
Jamaal Charles had one of the fastest 40-Yard Dash times as he ran a 4.38 time. That made him the fourth fastest running back entering the draft this year. In the 38 games Charles played, he started in 17games and was one of the most feared running backs in the Big XII. The former Longhorn started all 13 contests this past season carrying the ball 258 times for 1,619 yards with 18 TD’s. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry. Charles will bring his speed to Kansas City by helping out Larry Johnson carry the ball along with Kolby Smith as Charles looks to be competing for the backup spot. Head Coach Herm Edwards also wants to give Charles a shot at the kick return position. The Chiefs have not been so successful in screen plays with their running backs the past couple of years, but with the speed Charles contains, don’t be surprised if you see him involved in screen patterns. Charles will be a huge part in the renovating offense. Charles earned first team All-Big 12 honors and was named third-team All-America and was a two year member of the Texas track team.
Next up is the gigantic 6’8” tight end out of Tennessee, Brad Cottam. He started 38 games but started nine. However, he still got a lot of playing time despite the low amount of starts. Cottam told me that it’s a privilege as a rookie to be mentored by the best tight end in NFL history, Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez last season broke the record for most touchdowns by any tight end in an NFL career and with four years remaining on his contract can set the bar high. Gonzalez is a great receiver and an outstanding blocker. Cottam only caught 21 passes and one touchdown in his three year career at Tennessee. Cottam however was known for his blocking. He told me he feels that during his career, he may be used as a blocker at first but he’ll develop his way into being a receiver after a couple years. With the new offensive tackles in Kansas City, Cottam’s main purpose will be to help block the defensive ends with the tackles. In the NFL today, there are a lot of great pass rushers in the defensive end spot. Cottam would help Brodie Croyle a lot by giving him more time to throw.
Many started to believe the Chiefs would have the best draft once they took Brandon Flowers out of Virginia Tech out of the second round. Flowers was projected to be drafted in the first round, but due to his height, he fell short. But Herm doesn’t see anything wrong about the 5’9” cornerback who was a key reason why the Hokies made the Orange Bowl. Edwards drafted the former hokie because of his physicality Flowers brings on the gridiron. In 41 games, Flowers got 158 tackles and 10 interceptions for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Flowers also recorded 17 stops for -71 yards. Flowers was a big pick up for the Chiefs in the second round and will be a huge part of the team as he fits Herm’s requirements as he is a physical. Flowers was the fifth cornerback taken in the draft.
Last but most important was guard/tackle, Branden Albert. Albert was known to be one of the best offensive lineman in the draft. The Chiefs contained the fifth pick in the draft and received the 17th pick after trading Jared Allen to Minnesota. The Chiefs were prepared to take Albert with the fifth pick, until they could not resist but take Glenn Dorsey who astonishingly fell to the fifth pick in the draft. The Detroit Lions were on the clock with the 15th pick, however, the Chiefs swapped first round picks and gave a couple draft picks to Detroit to get the 15th pick as they feared the Arizona Cardinals would have taken Albert with the 16th pick. The Chiefs do the unthinkable and get some of the best players on the board available. Branden Albert was one of those guys. The Kansas City Chiefs were last place in running with the football last year, that’s very rare to see in Kansas City as the offensive line could not create a whole and give space for running backs last season. The offensive line spot is the number one on the Chiefs priority list for things to improve on, and with Branden Albert, they will improve. It’s very rare that you see Branden Albert get beat by a defensive lineman in college. Albert has outstanding pass protection as he stays balanced on his feet and keeps his hands in front of himself. The former cavalier started nine games at guard and two games at tackle his senior year. As a guard, Albert would run to the outside and would take down linebackers and even defensive backs to give running backs space to run. This is a great addition for the Chiefs as Albert will help out Larry Johnson bounce back and repeat his 2006 performance. Albert will play tackle for the Chiefs. Keep in mind, Larry Johnson loves to go behind offensive tackles and attack the outside, so Albert would be a big weapon for LJ as he will block alongside with Brian Waters.
The Kansas City Chiefs were at Arrowhead as 300 fans showed up to give their farewell to the team as they prepare to go on a journey to River Falls, WI and change things around. However, one player was not at Arrowhead and that was Glenn Dorsey. Carl Peterson has yet to sign the first draft pick. Will Glenn Dorsey hold out, or will the LSU standout come and replace Jared Allen’s key role on the defensive line?
I was on the sidelines at Arrowhead Stadium this Saturday during the Chiefs practice. I will talk about the practices and who has made a big impression later this week. For today, I wanted to talk about Larry Johnson and why I think he will have a better year.
Last year heading into training camp, Larry Johnson was discontented with his contract as he was scheduled to make just below $2,000,000. Johnson and general manager, Carl Peterson both came to an agreement to make Larry Johnson the highest paid running back in NFL History. Johnson was coming off of back to back 1,700 yard performances. In 2006, he broke the record for most carries in a single season. However, that is not a record Chiefs fans were thrilled to see. Many running backs end up having a disappointing career after carrying the ball that many times. Johnson eventually made training camp, but he missed out on the trip to River Falls as the Chiefs were wrapping up camp in Kansas City. When I asked Herm how he feels Johnson will bounce back, he simply said “that he’s already done that.” He added that Johnson realizes that he is the key impact player on the team, because that is how this team is shaped.
When I asked Johnson himself how confident he felt heading into training camp, he responded saying that he is really confident and he is excited to head back into River Falls because of his absence last season. I also wanted his inputs on his confidence on this offensive line and he feels that with a young offensive line, things will look better for him when he takes the ball.
The second of two first rounders, Branden Albert, was here to change this dreadful offensive line. Albert has played left guard in college, but he and the Chiefs are convinced he can play the left tackle spot. While playing in Virginia, a lot of Albert’s big blocks came through when he made big blows to line backers and even safeties on the outside. Albert has also been given advice from former pro-bowler, Brian Waters, who will be playing left guard. Those are two proven lineman on this team that many have faith in.
Last season, LJ’s support team was not at it’s best. Michael Bennet has always had great speed, but the Chiefs were unpleased with his stamina and health issues as they sent him to Tampa Bay in exchange for draft picks. Priest Holmes did not play in the NFL in nearly two years due to injuries. When Holmes was out of action, Johnson stepped up and took over. But it was Holmes who made an attempt to step up while the number one running back in Kansas City got hurt. But it wasn’t long until Holmes suffered another injury on the neck which forced him to retire. Kolby Smith, a fifth round selection coming out of Louisville in the 2007 draft, had an outstanding performance as he made his first ever NFL start against the Oakland Raiders. But many questioned if Smith could continue the success, due to Oakland’s poor run defense, ranked second to last in the NFL. Smith also had thirty-one carries, which was also a concern. Smith lead all NFL running backs in yards rushing in week thirteen, but Smith was never able to execute another big game like that again. Smith eventually went out with an injury, having the Chiefs stick in their fourth running back. The Chiefs had five key running backs throughout the season.
The Chiefs feel like they have a solution as they added the “home run hitter,” Jamaal Charles, who was a big pickup for the Kansas City in the third round of the 2008 draft. Charles was named as one of the fastest backs heading into the draft coming out of Texas. The Chiefs also have Jackie Battle and Kolby Smith on this roster. But in the end, head coach Herm Edwards feels this is a good supporting cast to give Johnson relief.
Johnson has had legal issues in the past while being a Chief as he has been on probation for attacking his ex-girlfriend at a local bar outside of the Kansas City Plaza. Many reports described Johnson as a “cancer” in the locker room. From my experiences walking into the locker room and watching Chiefs practices on the sidelines, Johnson talks to many players on the team in the locker room and on the field. Before this year, a lot of veterans were around Johnson, but this year, there are a lot of young and new players who have never been around LJ before, and from my experience, he has been talkative to his teammates on the field and in the locker room.
Larry Johnson has a contract he is delighted with. The former Penn State running back also has a better offensive line and a better group of running backs behind him. He’s slowly building close relationships with several of the new players in the locker room. He is now a player many look up to. This is Larry Johnson’s year to get in and rebound. In the interview, Johnson made a statement saying that he’s ready to get this team back in the playoffs. Not many people are firm if the “centaur” is ready for a 1,700 yard season, but he has the tools to do so. Many say the Chiefs may be a team that runs more than passes, and that could be very well the case. Johnson is a skilled running back and he has a lot of weapons around him. He can use them to not only help himself get better, but to help this team improve. The Chiefs finished last place in rushing last season. Lets see what Larry Johnson can do this year.
Hello everyone. Please forgive me for my long hiatus. I did not forget about you guys J. I’ve been involved in OTA’s and mini-camps and I have interviewed players for my internet radio show and for an article I will write for 435 South Magazine. But on with that, I will be posting on here daily or every other day. But with all of that said, lets move on to the draft review.
Jamaal Charles—This is where things began to sky rocket for the Chiefs. Many talented football players were available on the draft board, and the Chiefs took advantage by taking Charles from Texas. Larry Johnson missed half of the season due to a severe foot injury. Now with Kolby Smith (drafted last year) and Jamaal Charles behind him, he won’t need to carry the load. There will be guys behind him to help carry the running game. Watch out for Charles this season. Expect Herm to use him in screen pass or third and long situations. Charles was the second fastest running back coming into the draft.
Brad Cottam—First the Chiefs get one of fastest players in the draft, now they receive the biggest blocker in the draft. When I interviewed Cottam, he said it’s a privilege to work with Tony Gonzalez his rookie year and get advice from him. When I asked Cottam how he thinks he will be developed in the NFL, he responded by saying, “Starting out in the NFL my primary role will be more blocking, but I think I’m capable of doing both.” Cottam at 6’8” may be doing a lot of blocking, but as he develops, he’ll be the key tight end in Kansas City once Tony Gonzalez begins stepping down.
DaJuan Morgan—Another talented football player available in the third round. Morgan is one hard hitter and has the speed to play the game of football. Third year safety Bernard Pollard says he has the all the abilities to play the safety position. Another third year safety, Jarred Page told me that he can play all three defensive back positions. Jarred Page and Bernard Pollard were the starting safeties last season and combined for five interceptions. Morgan will come in and try to help the Chiefs in the INT category (as well as Brandon Flowers.
Will Franklin—One of Chase Daniel’s favorite target last year in college. Franklin’s key role will be a reliever for guys like Dwayne Bowe and Devard Darling. Bowe was one of the best rookie receivers last year, so Franklin can digest a lot out of Bowe.
Brandon Carr—Carr is another good cornerback who was available in the fifth round on the board for Kansas City. Carr will be another relief player on this team as he may play the quarter position behind Surtain, Flowers and Brackenridge.
Barry Richardson—Richardson is possibly going to be a key player in the tackle position. The offensive line was the biggest concern for the Chiefs last year as they allowed fifty-four sacks. Larry Johnson loves attacking the outside, so the Chiefs will need their offensive tackles to stop up in the running game.
Kevin Robinson—Another wide receiver coming into Kansas City, however, Robinson may not see much playing time at the wide receiver spot. The Kansas City Chiefs return on special teams has not been the same the past couple of years with Dante Hall declining and Eddie Drummond coming off of a disappointing season. B.J. Sams was picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs from Baltimore to come in to repair the special teams. It is likely that Sams and Robinson will battle for the kick return spot heading into river falls in July, but regardless of who wins the battle, both guys may get a decent amount of returns off of kick offs and punts. Robinson is similar to Hall when it comes to small size, but Robinson does have the height advantage, but the question will be is if he has the speed like Hall.
Brian Johnston—Despite Johnston being selected in the seventh round, there may be an opportunity for him to start at the defensive end position late in the season. He’ll be learning from third year veteran, Tamba Hali who’s had fifteen and a half sacks in his first two years will be teaching Johnston a lot. Defensive line coach Tim Krumrie loves to get on everyone and always works to make a player get better, so that will be another bonus for the former Gardner-Webb defensive end.
Mike Merritt—Merritt is the last of a dozen draft picks for the Kansas City Chiefs. Merritt will be developmental type of player in the NFL. He’ll be learning a lot from Tony Gonzalez just like Cottam. Merritt has not been the best receiving tight end, but he’ll make some big holes for running backs on the outside. Expect him to be involved in goal line plays to help the offensive tackles to allow the Chiefs to succeed on quarterback sneaks.
The Chiefs had quarterback as a position of need, however, head coach Herm Edwards feels Brodie Croyle is a skilled player and instead of having another quarterback to compete with him, Edwards chose to bring in weapons to help out the new starting quarterback. From my views, the point of this draft was not only to build for the future, but it was also used to help Croyle. Croyle now has a lot of talented players around him, now it’s up to him to take advantage of that and lead his squad in this rebuilding season.
Be sure you check out my internet radio show, “The Chiefs Endzone Show” featured on TheSportsStuff.com and on the itunes music store. Everyone have a good day, I’ll be back with another entry tomorrow.
