6 posts tagged “thigpen”

I am sorry for the lack of posting. I have recently been dealing with personal issues, now I am dealing with laptop issues. No fun, and keep in mind, I am not getting paid for this as I am a student and a broadcaster as well and hopefully interning at Metro Sports soon.

As far as the Chiefs picking up a victory, good for them! About time! I also think Chiefs fans need to consider giving Tom Cable a thank you card. He designed two great plays, and it's only considered great if your a Chiefs fan. On 4th and 10 on a fake field goal attempt, the plan was for the holder to throw the ball backwards to a huge and slow kicker and make him get a first down. What a wonderful idea! Even better, the ball was poorly thrown causing a fumble picked up by Maurice Legget taking it back for a touchdown. On 4th and 2, the Raiders decided to go for all the marbles by throwing the ball into the endzone. The pass is over thrown, turnover on downs! The Raiders had to thank Tyler Thigpen because the only time Oakland was able to score a touchdown was by intercepting a pass from Thigpen. The interception was taken back all the way to the one yard line, setting up a one-play touchdown run.

Speaking of Tyler Thigpen, he did not play such a good game as he threw many bad passes throughout the beggining of the game. Thigpen did have a successful second half helping the Chiefs score a touchdown and get into field goal range to pick up the win. Let's hope the Chiefs can pick up some impressive wins.

Tonight's prediction:

OAK @ SD -- SD

With so many bumps and bruises left and right, the Chiefs once again had another shot at winning the game. It came to a point where Herm Edwards had to make a decision. Go for two, or kick the field goal and go to overtime. Herm made his players play to win the game, not tie it. I have no problem with the call despite the Chiefs could not succeed. What I do have a problem with is the fact that Edwards could have made the right play calls earlier with Chan Gailey and they would have never gotten to the point where they would have to force a two point conversion. Don’t get me wrong, when the Chiefs are not playing, I love watching tight football games in overtime. But as a fan, I don’t like seeing the Chiefs in overtime. The Chiefs have had bad luck in overtime the past couple of years. Winning the coin toss doesn’t win you the game, but teams do a very good job of taking advantage by scoring on the first drive in overtime.

If you’re not sold on Tyler Thigpen, then you better get used to hearing his name because he is starting to get some attention. 124 pass attempts without an INT in these last three starts along with six touchdowns. Can you ask for anything else out of Thigpen right now? I just feel bad for the kid that he has to come through in the final drive when he has done his job in the beginning. The defense breaks and they allow opponents to take the lead and Thigpen has to score on the final drive under pressure. Tyler Thigpen has to be the quarterback of the future. Expect me to return to that topic in the off season. For now, the Chiefs are still losing games.

Many people are being soft on the Chiefs this week and mainly that is because of the injury bug that has spread throughout this team. Offense, defense, special teams, heck, even one of our staff members got hurt. Remember the pre-season in which players ran into the Chiefs doctor? I have no idea why people are going easy on the Chiefs. They called the wrong plays in the second half. I credit this defense a little bit for forcing turnovers and limiting their opponents in scoring. However, the amount of yards they give up is ludicrous. They have forced nine turnovers in the last three games, but still give up over 300 total yards and quarterbacks in the last three games have thrown at least 290 yards. How high could those numbers be if the Chiefs were not able to force turnovers? Not to mention the Chiefs have only turned the ball over once in the last three games. A 9-1 victory in turnover battles usually helps you win games, but that hasn’t been the case for the Chiefs and that is no excuse, even with injuries.

I know how all you Chiefs fans feel right now. I am just as frustrated as every die-hard fan at Arrowhead. Herm Edwards and Chan Gailey can be good together. They have shown it in the last three weeks. Herm Edwards has been on the doubtful side for everyone and he had a shot to prove me and everyone else wrong, but he failed. I have more on my mind I want to discuss later.

Last week: 7-7

Season: 73-69

NYJ @ NE – NE

DEN @ ATL – ATL

DET @ CAR – CAR

PHI @ CIN – PHI

NO @ KC – KC

BAL @ NYG – NYG

MIN @ TB – MIN

OAK @ MIA – OAK

CHI @ GB – GB

HOU @ IND – HOU

STL @ SF – STL

ARI @ SEA – ARI

TEN @ JAC – TEN

SD @ PIT – PIT

DAL @ WAS – DAL

CLE @ BUF – CLE

Forget about the nice touchdown grab by Dwayne Bowe, forget about Kolby Smith scoring the touchdown with Larry Johnson out, forget about the trick play with Tyler Thigpen catching a touchdown and forget about the fact that we now have a kicker. The Chiefs put up 27 points against a team that was second in the NFL in points allowed this season. “It just shows what our offense can do.” Thigpen told me. “It really feels good going up against a tough defense and moving the ball. We need to look at that and build on it.” That was not expected from the Chiefs. Thigpen played a great game against the Jets, but would he do it against a defense that is in the top 10 in every major defensive statistical category? He did, in the first half. The Chiefs were in full control in the first half as the offense chose to do whatever they wanted to do as they were leading 24-3. The Chiefs forced three fumbles and Brandon Carr also got an interception, giving him a total of two on his rookie season. However, when things were looking bright in Arrowhead, the light began to fade away.

With five minutes remaining in the first half, the Buccaneers kick returner, Clifton Smith, came through with a 97 yard kick return for a touchdown. Matt Bryant also kicked another field goal to decrease the deficit to 11 points heading into halftime. After a very quiet first quarter, the Buccaneers began to strike as they reached the redzone. The Chiefs were able to force a fumble inside their five as they recovered. But rookie running back Jamaal Charles fumbled without any force, giving the Buccaneers field position at the two yard line. Tampa Bay got the easy touchdown with a trick play as Earnest Graham threw the touchdown pass to Alex Smith. Jamaal Charles did make up for his error by taking his team to the redzone allowing Conner Barth to extend the lead to eight in the fourth quarter. Charles also got over 100 yards (106 to be exact) for the first time in his career as Kolby Smith left the game early due to a knee injury and will not return this season. Tampa Bay was able to strike back yet again and succeeded on a two point conversion, giving the Chiefs only 14 seconds after the kickoff to win the game. After Thigpen was forced to throw the ball away with seven seconds left, Herm Edwards decided to knee the ball and send it into overtime. Maybe he doesn’t realize that in overtime, the winner of the coin toss scores on the first drive. The snake bit Herm as the Buccaneers won the toss and closed the game up with a chip shot field goal by Matt Bryant.

I don’t know where to go with this. I really don’t. It’s frustrating enough when this team has a 1-15 record in their last 16 games heading into this game. Fortunately, that goes back to last season. But there is a good chance for the Chiefs to have a one win season. Everyone in the locker room felt that this team was un-conservative in the second half. In this game, the Chiefs were not as conservative as usual, but they didn’t succeed in the fourth quarter with the lead. Yes, there was another awful call on Tony Gonzalez by the one and only, Ed Hochuli. Hochuli is having a more difficult than season than Herm Edwards. He had to correct himself three times in overtime for a ball placement. And to be fair, he even threw some bad flags on Tampa Bay. Hochuli deserves a fine/suspension, however, it’s really hard to blame the officiating of the game when you win the turnover battle, fumble at your own two yard line, give up an easy kick return for a touchdown and when your team simply cannot tackle. The Buccaneers created the biggest comeback in franchise history and I applaud them. They show why a team should never give up no matter what the scoreboard says. But in the end, it’s the Chiefs who beat themselves and just like Tony Gonzalez said, “It’s starting to get old.”

Arrowhead Stadium was 90% full. However, fans did not bother coming early to tailgate despite the bueatiful weather on a November 2nd. Will this be the last time we see Arrowhead that full? Here is what I want to know. How will fans take this? Have the fans lost faith after blowing a 21 point lead, or do they see signs of improvement with Thigpen after two very good starts? The only game that will host a full house at Arrowhead will be the Kansas and Missouri game later this month. That tells what path the Chiefs are on.

It was unexpected of Tyler Thigpen to do well this week as the top two QB's and Larry Johnson were all unavailable for this past weeks game. Credit Tyler Thigpen who out played future hall-of-fame quarterback, Brett Favre. But it wasn't all about out playing Favre, it was just playing well and that is what Thigpen did. Imagine if he had a smarter coaching staff, he (and maybe Croyle) could have had some wins under their belt. There is nothing more anyone could have asked out of Tyler Thigpen.

While Tyler Thigpen was throwing interceptions and incompletions, but Matt Ryan was throwing to his receivers and celebrating all game long. While Larry Johnson was getting a lot of rushing yards, being the fourth best running back Sunday, Michael Turner got into the endzone three times and celebrating all game long.

It took a while before either team could find a first down in the first quarter as both teams kept going three and out. Once the Falcons found their rhythm, they began to tear the Chiefs apart. The Falcons had a total of 186 rushing yards, not as awful as the previous Sunday giving up 300, but it was good enough to dominate as the Falcons won 38-14. Don’t forget Matt Ryan either. The Rookie quarterback played a great game going 12/18 for 192 yards and a touchdown. Despite Ryan hasn’t faced many great defenses, he’s only a rookie and you cannot ask anything more out of him right now.  Michael Turner is on fire as well in Atlanta. These two young studs have the ability to create a strong QB-RB duo in the NFL in a couple years.

Defensively, the Falcons just knew what to do against a number three quarterback. Erik Coleman led the Falcons in tackles and he also had an interception and a forced fumble. John Abraham had two huge sacks and a forced fumble as well. Brent Grimes and Chris Houston both had one interception as well.

It was nice to see Larry Johnson be in the top five this week in rushing and get over 100 yards. That will not occur a whole lot this year. The Chiefs are usually on top of things when LJ is over the 100 yard mark as they have an overall record of 21-7 when LJ goes over 100 rushing yards. I’m not here to bash Tyler Thigpen though. There is a reason Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle beat him on the depth chart this year. There is a reason he was on the Vikings practice squad when the Minnesota drafted him last year. Herm Edwards stated that he will put Damon Huard in for Tyler Thigpen if Thigpen struggles. Herm said the same exact thing in the 2007 playoff game against the Colts addressing that if Trent Green struggled, Huard would enter the game.

I’ll admit that I was a believer in Herm Edwards. After the great draft, I backed off on the front office hoping they would move this team forward. Herm has been to the playoffs four times in his career and he is one of few coaches that start slow, but he finished the season strong. Edwards and the entire front office and coaching staff decided to rebuild through the draft. The Chiefs came out with the best draft out of any other team, but they still have a lot of inexperienced players on this team. And I slowly continue to realize why Herm Edwards is not the right person to coach these young and outstanding athletes.

Above I mentioned a statement from Edwards saying he would bring Huard to the game Thigpen struggled. Thigpen first five drives were all three-and-outs as Thigpen went 14/36 for 128 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. Thigpen struggled and he never came out for Huard. Herm is always sensitive when people call him a liar. He cannot escape it this time! Herm is a liar! This may seem controversial to some of you and that’s fine as we all have our own opinions, but it’s controversial enough that you don’t keep your promises. Heading into the 2007 season, Edwards told the media that he is a man of his word and he will do what he says. Sorry, but that’s a big lie as well. I don’t mean to make it look like I am calling out an NFL head coach. What I am trying to do is state the facts.

This team is in the laughing stock at the moment, and it keeps becoming more laughable each week. It will be even more laughable when the 0-3 Chiefs host the 3-0 Broncos at Arrowhead. I wonder how many people will show up to that game?

Tyler Thigpen gets the start Sunday for the Chiefs. In the first three games, there have been three different starting quarterbacks and the Chiefs are now on their third string QB. It’s really obvious the expectations are much lower than before, even though the Chiefs never had high expectations, but now it’s below rock bottom. Thigpen just cannot get into the rhythm, so just like everyone else, I’m not expecting much out of him. Expect a lot of three and outs. By the time that happens, the defense will have to stay on the field a lot and once they get worn down, Michael Turner has a shot at burning this Chiefs defense. Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan also has a shot catching attention from the national media as he has had a decent rookie year so far.

( ) = Last weeks ranking

1-Patriots (1): This team survived another close battle against a divisional opponent with Matt Cassel as the starting QB.

2-Cowboys (2): A great contest in Dallas as the Cowboys prevailed against the Eagles.

3-Steelers (3): Tough time scoring, but good enough to win under strong winds and against a divisional opponent on the road.

4-Titans (5): I have to credit the Titans after two unexpected wins against two very good offenses.

5-Giants (6): The Giants just had full control of the Rams all game long.

6-Colts (7): An outstanding comeback to beat the Vikings, but will Manning play like this all season?

7-Packers (14): Aaron Rodgers has with two huge divisional wins under his belt helps the Packers move up.

8-Chargers (4): I won’t drop them down by much because of the bad call. Those types of things happen in all of sports, but the Chargers had to play catch up against a divisional opponent. They do not want to find themselves in that situation again.

9-Bills (13): The Bills have defeated two very good teams so far. This could be the Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch era in Buffalo.

10-Eagles (8): Despite the key loss to Dallas, Donavon McNabb is the old Donavon McNabb we all knew. If he can stay healthy, then he is capable of being the best QB in the NFC.

11-Vikings (9): This is not the start Brad Childress had planned for the Vikings. Blowing a 15-0 lead is unacceptable.

12-Saints (10): After a close battle, the Saints could not come out on top over the Redskins and the NFC South favorites kickoff their season 0-2.

13-Jets (12): Losing to the Patriots is a common thing, but Matt Cassel winning the game is not.

14-Panthers (17): Another big comeback against a very good defense helps Carolina to go on top of the NFC South.

15-Broncos (18): The Chargers should have won, but bad calls happen in sports. Broncos may not have won fairly, but like I said, bad calls are unavoidable. The Broncos are on top of the AFC West, but I won’t bump them up that high.

16-Jaguars (14): What happened to this team? Is David Garrard going to be one of those players that only had one year of success? Garrard had three interceptions in the 12 games he started last year. After two games, he has three INT’s.

17-Cardinals (19): An impressive start and maybe it was a good idea after all to have Kurt Warner at QB.

18-Seahawks (16): Two shocking losses. Maybe someone else in this division will win the NFC West.

19-Buccaneaars (23): They stopped Matt Ryan and Michael Turner and earned a divisional win.

20-Redskins (26): After struggling against the Saints, they pulled it together and came out with a victory.

21-Texans (21): Ominous weather conditions kept the Texans out of action.

22- Browns (15): Had a chance to win it on national TV and gave it up to the Steelers.

23-Falcons (20): Where was the offense this week? Obviously not prepared.

24-Bengals (22): I know what Ocho Cinco is saying. Cero-dos

25-Ravens (25): See the Texans.

26-49ers (27): Maybe this team will move forward without Alex Smith. It seems like it so far.

27- Bears (24): They started off good with their defense against the Panthers, but it seemed as if they gave up.

28-Raiders (32): Darren McFadden is awesome, and thank goodness for Michael Bush and Justin Fargas.

29-Lions (29): Got beat up by the Packers. Luckily they’ll remain at 29.

30-Dolphins (30): Chad Pennington is still trying to find his rhythm and get things going with the Dolphins.

31-Rams (28): Al Saunders cannot get this offense going, but it’s not his fault. Will Stephen Jackson ever show up?

32-Chiefs (29): Just when it seems they hit rock bottom, they go even lower as they’ve lost 11 straight games.

My predictions will be out later tonight.