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:
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I cringed when you mentioned that we may have to hang on to Greg Wesley because you're probably right at this point. Jarrad Page is not even at the level he played at during the second half of last year. He has the potential. I just hope he shows it before we decide to keep Wesley around.
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:23 pmRight on about Turk McBride too. He needs to show us why he was a first day draft pick.
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:24 pmAdam did you just say what I think you did above… a *****LINBACKER WHO CANT TACKLE, *****…. I remember a few people who just voted for a LB , for the coat… and guess what *HE COULDNT TACKLE*
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:52 pmman like Dawson said *SAMMY if you cant catch a quick slant YOU CANT PLAY!!!*
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:03 pmHe TACKLED more QBs than any other Chief ever, despite his career being cut short.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:05 pmJarod…is a BEAST
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:16 pmoh I didnt realise we were seperating tackling QBs and good old fashioned ability of tackling…
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:17 pmI'll give to you on Harris, but DJ has not been bad. I thought he played fairly good actually. You must remember, we are playing basic defense. Just wait til Gunther lets them loose.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:18 pmoff the subject Adam I just saw where Emmitt was up for selection for next year 2008…pretty kool another chief in the hall we cant ever get enough of that…
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:20 pmI'll quit taking up all the space here, but man we need MAC back…yes the recievers need to hold onto the passes but dam if they could give the QBs some time….. and I liked the *D* ok for now. not worried there.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:28 pmso…..who said Croyle was our QB for the future….honestly i dont care if our offense gets done every week and we lose lots of games but atleast with printers it will be fun to watch.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:49 pmWe dont need a running back QB… we just need to get MAC back… people have said it alot… left tackles dont come from thr right side very often, and with out Mac thats all we got… and even svitick comes from the d side of the ball… he just isnt that agile… WE need MAC BACK.
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:28 pmEven having willie roaf back would make this game any prettier. Considering what opponents are seeing today, im not going to be suprised if i see 11 guys in the box on opening day.
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:38 pmno with roaf and shields it would be a better team… even at there age… but without an o-line LJ wont be that good either… but I actually think with mac and with LJ both back it will make a difference.and who knows there is still time to pick up a guy somebody drops…
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:28 pm