The Morning Fix: Chiefs News From Around The Web

“I would say that playing special teams a lot in college definitely helped me,” said Brown, who earned the reputation as a top-notch special teams performer while playing at the University of Colorado.

“It’s tough to get the right mindset if you don’t have any special teams experience. Sometimes you think of special teams as a minor role and you don’t realize until you get into the NFL how important it is. You see all kinds of game-changing events occur on special teams and that when you realize it and see that the coaches realize how important you have to treat it.”

Josh Looney writes in today’s OTAs notebook at the Chiefs official site, “The Chiefs have yet to declare a primary backup to starter Matt Cassel and the handling of backup quarterbacks during OTAs suggest the team wants a training camp competition.”

The Chiefs already stated they wanted a competition at quarterback and apparently things did not work personnel wise to put any real pressure on the number one spot. However, that doesn’t mean that Stanzi will not get the chance to impress and don the No. 2 position on the depth chart. While it’s likely a pipe dream that Stanzi could supplant Cassel anytime soon, if he can strengthen the overall position in 2012, it’s a step forward.

Just like Poe, Ngata was drafted as a nose tackle. As Alen Dumonjic points out, Poe is being drafted to play the nose tackle position in Kansas City. Dumonjic believes that Poe will struggle to perform early on because, as he rightfully points out, he struggled to make an impact manning two gaps in college.

Dumonjic makes a great case against Poe early in his career, and he also writes a fascinating article about the scheme that the Chiefs run, but personally, I disagree with him. I don’t disagree that Poe cannot play the role that the Chiefs scheme asks its nose tackle to do, but I do disagree that Poe can’t have success in the NFL early on.

Baldwin’s rookie season was a disappointment after being drafted 26th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, where many people (including myself) thought he was a great value. He managed only 21 catches for 254 yards and a touchdown in 11 games (3 starts). With his physical ability, it’s hard to think that his poor numbers were due to anything but not knowing the playbook or a lack of effort. As far as not knowing the playbook, many young receivers take some time to get acclimated to their new offense and figure out where they should be and when. I can’t say I’ve watched enough of Baldwin as a pro to know if lack of effort has anything to do with his poor production, but I do know that he has gained a diva reputation.

Banks has resumed working out and he has expressed interest in exploring an NFL career. Count the Chiefs in on being interested.

Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli has never struck me as someone who is interested in novelties or participating in publicly stunts. If he is interested in giving Banks a chance to be a Chief, Pioli must think it is worth exploring.

There is no doubt the odds are against Banks making an impact in the NFL. But there’s little risk in giving him a chance.