Pre-Game Rundown: New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs (Preseason Game 3)

Brodie Croyle. Tonight all eyes are on you, brother. Better step up. I think all of us are eagerly anticipating Brodie’s first full half of Chiefs football. That’s not all, though. Much to my brother’s chagrin (and probably much to the chagrin of guys like Gretz, Kietzman and Whitlock, too), I’ll be watching No. 1 like Jack Byrnes watched Focker. Hopefully, Casey Printers will continue to build on his improved play and make us feel a whole lot better about our long-term depth at the quarterback position.

I’m also hoping that our defense does a better job of tackling than last Thursday. Seriously, Derrick Johnson and Co. made Ronnie Brown look like Jim Brown last week. The New Orleans Saints have some great backs, so if we don’t wrap up, hold on, gang tackle and drive them down, then Deuce McCallister and Reggie Bush will make our guys look straight foolish. Drew Brees is playing, but the Saints offense will be without its best wideout — Marques Colston. That’s good news. We don’t need Pat Surtain or Ty Law pulling a hammy trying to keep up with the young stud.

A couple other players will be under the microscope tonight:

Samie Parker - Should he stay or should he go? If he drops any more passes, then his job will be in jeopardy.

Dwayne Bowe – If he can come on now, then he’ll likely be able to start the season strong and give our offense a much needed boost.

Jarrad Page – In my eyes, he’s played poorly during the Chiefs first two preseason games. Pollard’s running mate really needs to step up, otherwise we’ll have to hold onto G-Wes for sure.

The Offensive Tackles – These guys are going to have to continue to step up in Dame Mac’s absence. Will Smith is no joke, so we’ll see if our Big Will can block the Saints’ Big Will. I’m actually kind of doubting that Will Svitek can at the moment.

Turk McBride – The Tank has lived up to his moniker thus far, but The Turk can’t seem to get himself going. I think he’ll be more comfortable tonight, and won’t press as much as a result. That should allow him to play much better. He’s a thinker, but he needs to stop thinking and start reacting.

The Starting Linebackers – Only Donnie Edwards has really brought it thus far. I don’t care what Bob Gretz is smokin’ — D.J. looked like garbage last week. A linebacker who can’t tackle is as useless as a receiver who can’t catch, or a back with a fumbling problem. Or an asshole on your elbow, as my grandfather used to say. D.J. and Napoleon Harris, it’s time for you two to turn it up a notch and start hittin’ people.

More on tonight’s game:

• Arrowhead Pride
• Kansas City Chiefs Official Site