Rams @ Chiefs Post-Game Report: Charles In Charge
This No. 25 doesn’t whiff–he makes tacklers do that!
What a night, huh? My post-game report was a bit delayed by a big fantasy draft and this itsy, bitsy speech you might have heard about. But that’s not all bad news. Why? Because I just got my NFL Direct Ticket and DVR hooked up, so now I can go back through each Chiefs game and report back with the most thorough, in-depth analysis you’ll find anywhere on these here interwebs.
I enjoyed CurtMerzFan’s post a lot, and think he’s indeed on the right track. But he wants to move the wrong player. There’s an old adage that goes “sell high, buy low.” We’d be selling Larry Johnson low right now (he’s also my second favorite Chief, and arguably the best hard-nosed RB in the NFL). Same with Jamaal Charles. That leaves Kolby Smith. I think Kolby could net us a third-round pick. I honestly do. If that’s the case, I say let’s move him.
I was wrong about Kolby (I told you guys Bizarro Adam was coming out). Actually, I was one of his first backers when he was drafted, but I kind of went to the other side after Chiefs fans got a little carried away about his play late last season. The Kolby-is-better-than-L.J. talk was just preposterous. But Kolby can be an every-down back. He is more Priest Holmes than Larry Johnson, but that still works. There are plenty of teams (Houston is one) who desperately need a running back.
Meanwhile, I foresee Jamaal Charles becoming our Maurice Jones-Drew. He is definitely not an every-down back, but his electrifying speed makes him the perfect change-of-pace back to compliment Iron Man. As much as I like Smith, he’s not what this offense needs. This offense needs an explosive playmaker, a gamebreaker. Charles can be that guy. We have to find a way to get this kid 10 touches a game.
By the way, isn’t it nice to see a No. 25 with dreds who isn’t utterly worthless?
T.J. “Action” Jackson is a player. He absolutely has to make this team. The guy is a disruptive force with an excellent motor. He really impressed me while watching tape.
Brian Johnston both impressed me and disappointed me. He’s all over the place, and that’s a good thing. He also gets pushed all over the place, and that’s a bad thing.
Now, on to the Bobby Sippio-Jeff Webb debate. Prepare yourself, because Bizzaro Adam is now in full force…
Webb deserves to make the team. I loved his special teams play, and actually believe he is better there than as a receiver. Because of that, he makes the team. Webb will never be more than a No. 3 WR, though. As Andre 3000 says…”neva, eva, eva, eva.”
You can’t say that about Bobby. Sipp has the tools and the talents to become a possession receiver, a No. 2 guy. I can seriously see him becoming a bigger version of another Bobby–Bobby Engram. Sipp has to make the team. As he showed last night, he is a devastating redzone option. I mean, how in the hell do you cover him, Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez at the same time? All three are among the best I’ve seen at coming down with fade routes/jump balls. Both Sipp and Webb have blocked well and performed on special teams. Because of that, Maurice Price might actually have to kick it on the taxi squad.
Speaking of fade routes, credit where credit is due–Damon Huard threw a great one. Brodie Croyle, however, did not. What’s the use of that big arm if you don’t use it? And it’s not that I don’t like Huard, I just think it would be better for both parties if he played for a contender. He’s a solid back-up, but our emphasis needs to be on developing quarterbacks (notice that’s plural, with an “S”). While we’re discussing developing QBs, it’s time to give up on Tyler Thigpen. Andre’ Woodson, Chris Simms and John Beck have all been mentioned on this site. Let’s go out and get one of them. Love or hate Croyle, no one can call him a sure thing yet. And I think we all agree that it’s time to stick a fork in Thiggy Smalls.
Wade Smith is a fighter. I love his mean streak and the way he plays. Gritty. Old school. He impressed me a lot while watching the tape. I wonder how he’d fare against stiffer competition, though. Still, I think he could potentially replace Adrian Jones should he struggle.
Damion McIntosh is not a fighter. He just had more talent than everyone else when he played at K-State. At this level, however, where the talent is generally pretty equal, he doesn’t have the temperament to be a standout tackle. I’m sick of seeing him Tinkerbell around out there. At the same time, Brian Waters has been a bit of a ballerina himself. Not finishing plays, not putting his nose in there, not playing physically. Maybe it’s just a preseason thing? Cross your fingers.
LeRue Rumph is a nasty player. I’m not gonna lie–I kind of dig it. If he can learn some discipline, he might turn into a player. Unfortunately, after last night it could be for another team.
Napoleon Harris is not just a preseason thing. What could he possibly have been barking at Donnie Edwards for like half a minute last night? Let’s cut our losses.
Herb Taylor and Mike Cox both continued to impress. Both absolutely deserve to be Week One starters for the Red and Gold.
Pat Thomas looked pretty damn good during that opening defensive series. Maybe he can handle the MLB job?
Brandon Carr has the wheels and the will to become a very good corner. I’m now sold on him. I’m a Brandons Believer now across the board.
Bernard Pollard is a special player. I love DaJaun Morgan, too. I think mixing them up might be the way to go. Pollard on obvious rushing downs and blitzes, and Morgan on obvious passing downs or when Pollard needs a blow. Bonecrusher is also the best punt blocker I have ever seen at any level. Dead serious. Anyway, with B.P. ripping out fumbles and the Torpedo hauling in INTs, we could be set a strong safety.
This is going to hurt, even if I’m still Bizarro Adam…B.J. Sams makes the team. Dantrell Savage does not. Bye, bye Macho Man. As much as our offense will struggle anyway, we need someone we can trust back there. Stepping out at the two-yard line or coughing up the rock will not give Brodie and Co. the opportunities they need to develop. Maybe Kevin Robinson, or K-Throb, can finally play and take that job over? Or maybe Charles can handle the kick return duties? This all will also depend on Sams’ hammy.
I also think that A.A. guys Dimitri Patterson and Turk McBride earned themselves significant roles moving forward. Love my boys!
After cuts, this is what we need to import:
- Another Quarterback
- Linebackers
- Offensive Linemen
- A Kick Returner
My players of the game where…
Offensive Co-Players of the Game: Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith
Runners-Up: Bobby Sippio and Mike Cox
Defensive Player of the Game: Bernard Pollard
Runners-Up: Pat Thomas and T.J. Jackson
What are everybody else’s thoughts on last night’s preseason finale?
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I’m glad you’re finally warming up to Jeff Webb a bit. He contributed on special teams last night and his hands and his awareness have been pretty good this preseason. You’re right that he’ll never be more than a slot, and I think with out corps, he’s a 4th WR at best, more likely a #5 (Bowe, DVD, Franklin, Sipp in front). But he is a better fifth reciever than most teams have at #4.
I have to disagree with your assessment of Thiggy Smalls. I think he has shown some promise this preseason, bouncing back from INTs and leading scoring drives at the end of a couple of games. Is he ready to play this year? No. Damon Huard is the #2 and proved with his play this preseason that he can come in and carry the offense along. For Huard, last season sucked because he had the pressure of starter on his back with the anointed one chasing him down. Huard is meant to come out of the bullpen, the same way he has been all his life, and if called upon due to Brodie getting injured, I expect Huard will return to his 2006 fill-in form and surprise some people again. So with our #2 set at QB, I say we hold Thiggy and let him develop. Some of you are gonna call me crazy, but I see traces of Romo in him. Give that guy a few years of preseasons and mop-up duty and he will be a player in this league. I want nothing to do with either Simms or Woodson (I think woodson is way overrated). Although I might consider Beck.
The rest of your observations seem pretty spot on. Can’t wait to see that Brandon Tandem at CB (although I think Dmitri can also compete for that #2 spot). And Pat Thomas had been unimpressive to me in run support most of the preseason until last night. He got wheels. I’m starting to feel a little more comfortable with our D (which is not something I could say a few days ago with the memory of Chad Pennington scrambling for 20 yards replaying in my baffled head).
August 29th, 2008 at 3:21 pmI’m on board with your Sippio talk! Gonzales, Bowe, & Sippio to contend with at the same time, yeah. What the hell has Devard Darling done? Same with Savage.
August 29th, 2008 at 3:33 pm%50 he gets us to the 30-35 yd. line, %50 he steps out at the two, or fumbles-giving the the other team the ball with 20-25 yards to go to the endzone!
We don’t need this guy around at ALL!
I’m glad the pre-season is over. I’m getting tired of the Chiefs pre-season announcers putting WAY too much stock in wins that pitted our starters up against 2nd stringers!
I totally agree about Wade Smith… he was a beast last night. In fact, the Oline solution might be to start Wade at RG and Herb at RT once Albert comes back. The two of them certainly looked good together on the left side!
Bernard Pollard has a whole new gear this year and I think it can be attributed to his obvious weight loss. He’s just a hell of a lot faster getting there, and the impact of his arrivals seems to be up a notch or two as well.
I have to say mgmt did an incredible job of drafting and recruiting FA talent these past two years. There are a number of new guys; BJohnston, TJ Jackson, Dacus, Niswanger, Lokay, Kuale… not all of these guys will make the team… but to get contributors of this ability - including a starting center is simply a phenomenal job. Credit where it’s due.
August 29th, 2008 at 3:38 pmThiggy Smalls is a homeless man’s Casey Printers, and a short one. Send him packing! He needs to start catching balls from the JUGS machine becuase his only chance to stick in the NFL is as a wideout. 0-6 last night? Just awful…he’s been bad all preseason if you ask me…
August 29th, 2008 at 3:41 pmBrandon Carr has been absolutely stunning this preseason. As a 5th rounder, I’d have to say he was our biggest steal of the draft. It’s only a matter of time before he’s the starter.
Beyond D-Bowe and Franklin, I don’t see how you can make the call at WR. I agree that Webb and Sippio add something and I actually agree that Webb will probably never be anything more than
a 3# WR. But, come on Adam, Sippio as a #2? Methinks the Kool-Aid runneth over too much in thy Sippio cup! Sippio opposite Bowe would not add any dimension to our passing game other than in the red zone. We need some wheels in our WR corps.
Speaking of the red zone, how can you not help but love the fact that we’ve at least 2 RBs, 2 big TE’s with hands, a FB, and at least 2 big WRs we can go to through the air when we’re down there? Or, we can just punch it in! Game plan that shit beyotches!!
Also very pleased with what I saw from MLB PT Bruiser. Even Nap Harris showed up. Maybe our Gunther and our LBs are beginning to put all the pieces in place?
Good all around take Adam.
August 29th, 2008 at 3:43 pmThanks, DD. I’m liking the PT Bruiser moniker, by the way.
And I think in a lot of sets, especially three receiver sets, Sippio could absolutely be the No. 2. I do Sipp the Kool-Aid, but a lot of people Sipp the Haterade.
August 29th, 2008 at 3:54 pmBrandon Flowers, Brandon Carr, Bernard Pollard. The Killer B’s! LOL.
August 29th, 2008 at 3:55 pmThiglet = Romo? In what sport, beer pong?
August 29th, 2008 at 4:04 pmThiggy as a homeless man’s Casey Printers?!?!?! You gotta be kidding me. How many snaps did Thiggy fumble? Because I think I remember seeing Casey Printers fumble 3 snaps….. on a single play.
DD, If you’ll recall, Romo was another 7th rounder out of a D-II school. He spent three years doing mop ups and preseasons while he learned the game. Thiggy has potential, more than any of the other options that Adam targeted other than maybe John “I’m a loser, baby” Beck.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:20 pmOne more thing, everyone here seems to be anti-DVD (while Adam is also anti-BluRay). But its not like Darling dropped anything. He simply didnt get any good throws sent his way. But I’ll tell you one area that DVD is coming up huge, downfield blocking (Mr. Awesome could use a little instruction there).
August 29th, 2008 at 4:22 pmMr. Awesome was actually awesome blocking last night. That stood out when I reviewed the tape.
DVD is a good blocker, too.
I don’t like Blu-Ray as a nickname. It’s an insult to my Blu-Ray player. I prefer Bama Ray, but he has to earn it before I use it.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:27 pmThis pro-Thiggy talk is almost as bad as the 10-6 talk. Wow.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:28 pmSudden,
August 29th, 2008 at 4:32 pmI don’t think most folks around here are actually anti-DVD. If he’s all that, then I think we’d just like to have something to go on that would allow us to feel a little better about the fact that he’s been totally MIA this entire preseason. Seems a bit odd for an otherwise unproven #2 WR. My grassy knoll theory is that Chan has chosen to sandbag with the guy and I really, really hope I’m right about that!
Dude, Adam, you called him Casey Printers. I mean, even if he isn’t worthy of a roster spot, the guy hasn’t fumbled half the snaps he’s taken.
But now I’m gonna laugh if Brodie goes down early in the season and Thiggy comes in to lead this team to a 10-6 record. (note: I don’t even remotely entertain the possibility of such happening).
August 29th, 2008 at 4:35 pm“This pro-Thiggy talk is almost as bad as the 10-6 talk. Wow.”
August 29th, 2008 at 4:35 pmOh, so that’s how that it is. (2 fingers to the eyes and back atcha)
DD, you might be right about the sandbag theory. But even if not, I think we have one of the best and deepest recieving corps that I have ever seen in all my years as a Chiefs fan. And if the coaches have DVD ahead of Franklin, Sipp, Webb, Price, et al, there must be a reason.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:37 pmSudden, we have to give DVD a chance, but our coaches have been wrong on many occasions before. There must be a reason, but who knows if it’s the right one.
If Thigpen leads the Chiefs to a 10-6 record I will put “Thiggy Addict” on the banner for a month. I promise.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:44 pmWhat?! Zach, do something! Your brother has been taken by the body snatchers! Wait, he didn’t endorse Croyle, it might still be ok.
No, good points on all counts Adam.
1. I’d rather keep them all, but if one has to be shopped it should be Kolby.
2. Give Brian Johnston a couple years. He’s like most young d-linemen. He’s small this year. He’ll bulk up next year and continue to improve. In his 3rd or 4th year he’ll trim back down and really be a force. Think about Jared Allen for example (no I’m not comparing the two talent-wise). He was kind of small to begin with. Then he got bigger and better. Then before last year he trimmed down and was unstoppable. BJohn can do the same if given time. I was impressed.
3. Cut Thiggy. Yes, he’s a project but I think Pigpen hasn’t shown enough to merit hope for the future. At least not yet. I just don’t like his style.
One thing -
4. Even after last night I say cut Sams and give it to Savage. I want a long term solution here, not a stop gap. Sams had one good game. Savage has been consistently tearing around without abandon. Macho Man makes rookie mistakes right now, but I think he’s got way more drive and athleticism than B.J. If he can’t handle the job by the time KR gets back give it to him.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:52 pmI’d rather keep them all our top 3 RB’s, we need to slow down on trading players for picks right now, if he have someone looking good like Kolby to back up Larry thats a good thing because its 50/50 as far as Larry lasting all season IMO.
2. I also would like to end the Tyler Thigpen project, we have to go with what we got for QB’s this year but next year let Thiggy & Huard go, draft or try to find a deal on a free agent & open up competition again…
August 29th, 2008 at 6:39 pmI’m onboard with Thiggy as the 3rd stringer. Something Herm said a few weeks back: “Thigpen is Brodie Croyle last year”. In other words takes too many risks, doesn’t play within the system, etc. But the physical tools are there. He’s exactly the type of player you want in a 3rd stringer.
August 29th, 2008 at 8:42 pmYou think that’s going to convince anyone to not want to flush the toilet on this guy? Herm, Herm, Herm…
By that logic we’ll have a quarterback ready either six or seven years from now
August 29th, 2008 at 9:18 pmI am here. Just been really busy with the start of football season.
August 30th, 2008 at 10:42 am