Red Zone Sputtering? OK…
I keep hearing about how inefficient the Chiefs were in the red zone last night. Now, I’m not defending the play of “you know who” (vow of silence), Chan Gailey’s mini-step backwards in playcalling or Herm Edwards‘ love for 9-6 snoozefests, but let’s not be silly. It was obvious, especially on the first drive, that Herm wanted to kick field goals and test out his kickers. I’ve laughed a couple times at some of the things I’ve read. They weren’t even trying to score TDs down there. C’mon! Open your eyes.
Everyone needs to remember that the preseason is an open competition amongst our own players first, and a competition against other teams second. The final score doesn’t really matter, so Herm wanted to see what his kickers were made of. Right now, Nick Novak has a very slight edge over Connor Barth, but it’s close. Let’s analyze that battle instead of overanalyzing this supposed red zone sputtering. For a young team with a ball-control offense, finding a steady kicker is going to be crucial. These guys need to kick early and often during the preseason.
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Outstanding post. I couldn’t agree more. I didn’t see the game, but multiple “analysts” are attacking the team and staff.
I’d say success in pre-season is coaches analyzing the players and giving each and every one the best opportunity to play in crucial scenarios they may see when it does matter. There is no other way to develop the “projects” and identify the keepers.
Thanks for the post and bringing sanity to those already in panic mode.
August 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pmYeah there’s no way the Chiefs couldn’t have scored at will against the Cards if they didn’t want it. I couldn’t believe it was only 6-6 at half. Your words couldn’t ring more true. Good game though! LJ is on his way back.
August 17th, 2008 at 3:58 pmI agree 100%. I was reading Gretz analyzing the red zone offense, and it read as if the starting offense was in there the whole time. It was clear that the coaches weren’t altogether concerned with putting it in the end zone on the first drive. Mind you, I wasn’t pleased with the call, but it seemed like a “If we get the first down, fine. If we don’t we’ll see what these kickers can do.” I can deal with that. Then, I’m sorry, but I could care less if the second string offense has trouble scoring in the red zone. Big deal. I think everyone is putting too much stock into what happened in the game as a whole, rather than the little things that matter in a preseason game.
August 17th, 2008 at 3:58 pmHey Adam! is it REALLY a “vow of silence” if you keep reminding us about it? LOL
As to Chans playcalling… I think it was a team decision to take a step back and create situations they specifically wanted to see certain players in.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:45 pmI just want everybody to know what I’m talking about. After a few days, I’ll just use “you know who” or YKW. Just want everyone to know what that means before I go to it, because I’m really not even saying homeboy’s name for a while. Not trying to be a drama queen, but people were acting ridiculous about the situation, and I was sick of betting lynched. Either way, time is my best ally on this one.
I’m not sure if I buy that about Chan, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt–it’s the preseason. There were times last night, however, where he gave us shades of Solari. Not good.
August 17th, 2008 at 5:53 pmI dont know about flashes of Solari…Though it makes me uncomfortable to think about, I think I agree that Herm was looking at the FGs as an oppurtunity to check his kickers…I hadn’t thought about it…I still think back to Herms words last year about how he keeps it vanilla in the preseason…hopefully that is true again…
August 17th, 2008 at 6:36 pmGreat Point. I was watching the first string offence on their first couple of drives and can really understand and appreciate their decisions.
Whats the most important aspect of this offense. Its going to be the power running game, ball control offense. They bought in a Off coor. who specialises in that just to emphasise the point. The offence play book is based primary on execution, not trickery and deception. Its not about crazy routes and risky throws. Look at the plays they attempted on third and long on the two opening drives. I think it was a Run of tackle to the right and a screen to the left. If you execute, both these plays can result in TD’s, regardless of your position. What i got out of these plays was not that the play calling was bland and un aggressive. I think they were happy with FG’s by the way. The reason they picked these plays in my oppinion was to test and practice the O-line. Thats the most important aspect of our offense in 08/09. We need a cohesive and jelled O-line that excells at the run game. What better way to do that, is try a Run on a 3rd and long? Sure its not going to always result in a TD or a big gain, but it allows the Line to practice a gametime situation in a non relevant game. Plus, if they dont get the first down, its a safe call in which your kickers can come in and practice too.
August 17th, 2008 at 7:43 pm