Kansas City Chiefs vs Carolina Panthers: Game Notes
Aug 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Cyrus Gray (32) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Fourth Quarter:
* What Albert Wilson was to the first preseason game, Frankie Hammond is to this second game. Hammond looked like a great weapon both on kick returns and catching passes. With Hemingway dinged up again and other WRs not producing (more on that in a second) it looks like Hammond has a legit shot and is absolutely making the most of it. I’d like to see him get some first team reps, especially with Bowe out for the opener.
* AJ Jenkins may be in trouble. I thought he was virtually a lock to make the roster before training camp, but Albert Wilson and Frankie Hammond have just flat out outplayed him. Plus, Jenkins doesn’t have near the special teams upside, both in terms of coverage and return ability. I think Kyle Williams and he are the basically the same guy and Williams is playing better than he is too. I would not have Jenkins on my 53 man roster today.
* While we’re on wide receivers, is Weston Dressler even on this team anymore? I had to go back and check to see if maybe he was inactive tonight after the game was over. After seeing just how small he was at training camp and how little of playing time he’s seeing in these games, I’d say he has little to no chance to make this team. Also worth noting is that despite Hemingway’s injury, Albert Wilson not playing, and Dressler’s disappearing act, we still didn’t hear anything from Mark Harrison either. My WRs at this point would be Bowe, Avery, Williams, Wilson, Hammond, and Hemingway (plus DAT).
* Vance Walker has flashed some playing against reserve players. I feel really good about a six man defensive line rotation of Powe, DeVito, Bailey, Howard, Catapano, and Walker.
* Question, if you put DeMarcus Van Dyke on the field in place of Ron Parker would the results be better or worse? Late in the game on a deep ball that was remarkably similar to the one that Parker was flagged for PI on early in the game, Van Dyke played the ball and caused an incompletion. With his great speed, he’s another guy I’d like to see get a few snaps earlier in the game to see how he would respond.
* I actually think Charcandrick West would be an excellent third RB and could probably produce if given the chance. Unfortunately for him, he’s on a team that is insanely stacked at running back so he has almost zero chance of making the team. Don’t be surprised if he gets snatched up by someone after the Chiefs eventually have to cut him.
I think those are my main thoughts from the game. What do you think Addicts? Do you disagree with anything that I observed? Did I miss anything major? Are you concerned, optimistic, or a little of both? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!