Chiefs vs. Rams: What Do You Want To See In The Governor’s Cup?
AA staff writer Lyle mentioned in his Armchair Addict column today that he wanted to see the Chiefs come out and lay the smackdown on the St. Louis Rams on Friday night.
I’m not sure how much or little a strong performance by the good guys on Friday night will help the Chiefs when the Buffalo Bills come to town on September 11th but a little extra confidence never hurt anyone.
While I definitely want the Chiefs to bring home the Governor’s Cup this weekend, I really want to see the Chiefs offense show some life. We saw a little out of Thomas Jones in the first preseason game. We saw a little bit out of Dwayne Bowe, Dexter McCluster and Verran Tucker in the second game. On the whole, however, the Chiefs offense looked out of synch.
I want to see them come out on Friday and show a little bit of their stuff. They don’t have to open up the entire playbook but I would like to see Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki and Steve Breason move the ball up and down the field. I want to see Jerheme Urban either catch a dang ball or I want to see him on the bench. If he’s not going to catch a ball, I want to see Verran Tucker show up two weeks in a row and prove he’s becoming a more consistent receiver worthy of starting consideration. I want to see Jon Baldwin on the sideline sharing a laugh with Thomas Jones.
On defense, I’d like to see Tyson Jackson continue to shed blockers and get into the backfield. I also wouldn’t mind seeing Justin Houston getting a few snaps with the starters in obvious passing situations. I think after his performance last week he’s earned it.
As for the rest of the defense, I am not too worried about them. I know Brandon Flowers, Brandon Carr, Eric Berry, Derrick Johnson, Kendrick Lewis and Kelly Gregg can all play. As far as those guys are concerned, I want to see them walk off the field and not be carried. If they do that, I’ll be happy.
The third preseason game is traditionally the closest thing to an actual game. Starters generally play into the third quarter and coaches often open up their playbooks a little bit. The fourth preseason game is usually a time to give the young guys one last look before the team makes their major cuts. Friday night will be the closest glimpse we’ll get of the “real Chiefs” before the games start to count.
I am sure we are all searching for a little peace of mind heading into the season. What are you hoping to see this Friday night? Other than Todd Haley hoisting the Governor’s Cup of course.