Chiefs Chiefs preseason: Observations from the first game

Mr. Laz · 08-17-2015, 12:07 PM

Chiefs preseason: Observations from the first game
by Chris Clark 38m ago

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Watching the Kansas City Chiefs play against the Arizona Cardinals was rough for the first 10 minutes of the game. Arizona came out and took the ball down the field against the Chiefs defense in a way that we didn’t see last year.

A long 57-yard pass play on a short underneath route by Andre Ellington put the Cardinals in position for first and goal. Three plays later the Cardinals ran the ball across the goal line when Marcus Peters was just a split-second slow filling the hole to stop Ellington short of the goal line.

– The first play on offense saw Alex Smith target Jeremy Maclin deep down the left sideline and just missing him. After a first down to Travis Kelce the Chiefs offense sputtered and Smith threw an interception while a delayed blitzing linebacker hit him. For all Smith’s faults over the past two years, he showed more trust in his receivers on Saturday than he has ever before with Kansas City

– Eric Berry was the story of the night in Phoenix. The Cardinals welcomed him back to the NFL with a sign on their replay board before the game started. Berry didn’t play much of the game only seeing nine snaps, but to come back from lymphoma and radiation therapy only eight months after the initial diagnosis is remarkable.

He is not starting currently as the Chiefs are easing him into playing and seeing how his body responds. Berry was named one of the Chiefs captains for the game and shared a touching moment on the sideline with his mother before the game started. He is an inspiration to all with the passion he plays the game and the love he has for what he does.

NEXT: Players that stood out on offense

– When the second-string offense came into the game the Chiefs started to move up and down the field. Chase Daniel played the best game I’ve seen him play as a Chief, showing how much he’s grown and progressed in Reid’s offense. Daniel had almost as many touchdowns to receivers (3) as he did incomplete passes (4) throwing for 189 yards.

– Fred Williams played like he has much throughout training camp. He got open down the field and allowed a great window for throws from Daniel. Williams proved he has the ability to separate from corners and even proved he is cognizant that blocking downfield helps the team. While he currently sits behind Frankie Hammond on the depth chart for both receiver and special teams, a couple more games like Saturday night and he could really make it hard for the Chiefs to let him go.

– Another offensive player that shined on Saturday night was Charcandrick West. With Knile Davis leaving the game early with a knee injury, West stepped in and showed great decisiveness with his cuts and vision to see the holes. West is also a much better receiver than Davis out of the backfield but will need to work on his ability to pick up blitzes properly if he wants to see playing time on Sunday’s.

NEXT: Players that stood out on defense

– While we are used to watching Derrick Johnson fill holes and tackle the ball-carrier behind the line of scrimmage, seeing him continue to do it after returning from an Achilles injury is quite amazing. On the second play from scrimmage, DJ hit the running back for a very short gain and the second play from the goal line DJ ended up tripping up the running back two yards deep in the backfield. If it wasn’t for Berry coming back from cancer, DJ’s return would be the story of the night from me because he looks to be the same player he was before.

Of all the defenders, the Chiefs linebackers had the best showing. Both Ramik Wilson and Justin March showed why the Chiefs are excited about them. Wilson had an interception that he almost took back for a touchdown and made several other great fills before he walked off with an injury in the third quarter. March also continued to show the coaches what they have seen from him while in St. Joe. He is usually in the right place and did his best DJ impression on a couple of plays in the second quarter.

Both Dee Ford and Dezman Moses showed their ability to get after the QB but need to work on bringing him to the ground. Moses had six pressures last night and stepped up trying to make the team as the fourth outside linebacker. Before last night’s game I would have assumed the Moses was going to have trouble making the team as Josh Martin played well last year and has shown pass rush ability during camp, but Moses showed he is a very capable edge rusher and could make Martin expendable.

http://arrowheadaddict.com/2015/08/1...rdinals-recap/

**Lzen** · 08-17-2015, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

[B]

– Eric Berry was the story of the night in Phoenix. The Cardinals welcomed him back to the NFL with a sign on their replay board before the game started.

That's very classy.

Scooter LaCanforno · 08-17-2015, 03:47 PM

Marcus Peters was just a split-second slow filling the hole to stop Ellington short of the goal line.

Peters showed me a lot on that play. He's not afraid to hit a running back with a full head of steam. There's quite a few DB's in the League that shy away from that contact.

Halfcan · 08-17-2015, 03:49 PM

The first play on offense saw Alex Smith target Jeremy Maclin deep down the left sideline and just missing him.

It was not even close. I am sure Maclin will lead the league in "almost" yards from weak throws by Alex.

**Anyong Bluth** · 08-18-2015, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halfcan

The first play on offense saw Alex Smith target Jeremy Maclin deep down the left sideline and just missing him.

It was not even close. I am sure Maclin will lead the league in "almost" yards from weak throws by Alex.

Glad we got this settled finally. I was worried it might be lingering over us all season, but I'm glad we got this firmly established and outta the way before the 2nd preseason game.

**J Diddy** · 08-18-2015, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halfcan

The first play on offense saw Alex Smith target Jeremy Maclin deep down the left sideline and just missing him.

It was not even close. I am sure Maclin will lead the league in "almost" yards from weak throws by Alex.

Um...He did just miss him.

Also bear in mind that he threw from the 13 and the ball travelled to the 39--48 yards

**YayMike** · 08-18-2015, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Diddy

Um...He did just miss him.

Also bear in mind that he threw from the 13 and the ball travelled to the 39--48 yards

I thought it was a good throw, and I think we will take a lot of shots like this. Especially with Charles in and establishing the run, I am excited.

I really hope we find a way to keep Williams. Let Junior go, we know what he is....nothing special. Williams could be a nice 4th/5th WR and maybe take Avant's spot next year, or step in if there is an injury.

Maybe its just me...but even without Conley, our WR looked LIGHTYEARS better (granted one Pre-season game) than last year.

KCTitus · 08-18-2015, 07:46 AM

I say this every year...I'd like to see gradual improvement by the first team throughout the preseason and it *never* seems to happen.

I appreciate what the backups and backups backups do on the field, but ultimately, it's the first team that must show gradual improvement.

Ultimately, if KC can get out of preseason with no injuries, I really have no complaint.

**J Diddy** · 08-18-2015, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YayMike

I thought it was a good throw, and I think we will take a lot of shots like this. Especially with Charles in and establishing the run, I am excited.

I really hope we find a way to keep Williams. Let Junior go, we know what he is....nothing special. Williams could be a nice 4th/5th WR and maybe take Avant's spot next year, or step in if there is an injury.

Maybe its just me...but even without Conley, our WR looked LIGHTYEARS better (granted one Pre-season game) than last year.

I thought it was too. That is why I searched for the replay after the assertion that it was not. People will see what they want to see is my official response to "it wasn't even close."

Not big on Junior thus far. If Fred is younger and has an upside I'm all about him.

**J Diddy** · 08-18-2015, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCTitus

I say this every year...I'd like to see gradual improvement by the first team throughout the preseason and it *never* seems to happen.

I appreciate what the backups and backups backups do on the field, but ultimately, it's the first team that must show gradual improvement.

Ultimately, if KC can get out of preseason with no injuries, I really have no complaint.

I look at it like this: The 1st teamers don't really get a lot of reps so I don't really pay much attention other than the repeated huge glaring mistake. I do like seeing our 2nd teamers dominate though. In years past our lack of depth plagued us and now it's not.

Now if we can only sort out the line...

**ChiTown** · 08-18-2015, 07:57 AM

I love West's game. If I had to choose between West and Davis, it would emphatically be West

**J Diddy** · 08-18-2015, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiTown

I love West's game. If I had to choose between West and Davis, it would emphatically be West

West impressed for sure. Hopefully he gets an opportunity in the regular season to solve the "who is better? Davis or West," debate.

philfree · 08-18-2015, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiTown

I love West's game. If I had to choose between West and Davis, it would emphatically be West

His style is different from both Charles and Davis I think that makes him a great change of pace from what we all ready have.

KCTitus · 08-18-2015, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Diddy

I look at it like this: The 1st teamers don't really get a lot of reps so I don't really pay much attention other than the repeated huge glaring mistake. I do like seeing our 2nd teamers dominate though. In years past our lack of depth plagued us and now it's not.

Now if we can only sort out the line...

True...I think last week definitely showed that this team has some really decent depth. I guess maybe my point was I hate seeing both sides of the ball come out looking flat every preseason game...it doesnt really prepare the team for week 1 if they dont attempt to execute at a high level.

This clubs record for week 1's since 2000 is 6-9...including a loss to begin last year when a win would have put KC in the playoffs. The team was flat because it had been flat throughout the preseason.

**J Diddy** · 08-18-2015, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCTitus

True...I think last week definitely showed that this team has some really decent depth. I guess maybe my point was I hate seeing both sides of the ball come out looking flat every preseason game...it doesnt really prepare the team for week 1 if they dont attempt to execute at a high level.

This clubs record for week 1's since 2000 is 6-9...including a loss to begin last year when a win would have put KC in the playoffs. The team was flat because it had been flat throughout the preseason.

They definitely need more fire. Maybe because there is no real starter competition going on? Or at least none that is hyped.

08-17-2015, 12:07 PM
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Chiefs preseason: Observations from the first game Chiefs preseason: Observations from the first game by Chris Clark 38m ago Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Watching the Kansas City Chiefs play against the Arizona Cardinals was rough for the first 10 minutes of the game. Arizona came out and took the ball down the field against the Chiefs defense in a way that we didn’t see last year. A long 57-yard pass play on a short underneath route by Andre Ellington put the Cardinals in position for first and goal. Three plays later the Cardinals ran the ball across the goal line when Marcus Peters was just a split-second slow filling the hole to stop Ellington short of the goal line. – The first play on offense saw Alex Smith target Jeremy Maclin deep down the left sideline and just missing him. After a first down to Travis Kelce the Chiefs offense sputtered and Smith threw an interception while a delayed blitzing linebacker hit him. For all Smith’s faults over the past two years, he showed more trust in his receivers on Saturday than he has ever before with Kansas City – Eric Berry was the story of the night in Phoenix. The Cardinals welcomed him back to the NFL with a sign on their replay board before the game started. Berry didn’t play much of the game only seeing nine snaps, but to come back from lymphoma and radiation therapy only eight months after the initial diagnosis is remarkable. He is not starting currently as the Chiefs are easing him into playing and seeing how his body responds. Berry was named one of the Chiefs captains for the game and shared a touching moment on the sideline with his mother before the game started. He is an inspiration to all with the passion he plays the game and the love he has for what he does. NEXT: Players that stood out on offense – When the second-string offense came into the game the Chiefs started to move up and down the field. Chase Daniel played the best game I’ve seen him play as a Chief, showing how much he’s grown and progressed in Reid’s offense. Daniel had almost as many touchdowns to receivers (3) as he did incomplete passes (4) throwing for 189 yards. – Fred Williams played like he has much throughout training camp. He got open down the field and allowed a great window for throws from Daniel. Williams proved he has the ability to separate from corners and even proved he is cognizant that blocking downfield helps the team. While he currently sits behind Frankie Hammond on the depth chart for both receiver and special teams, a couple more games like Saturday night and he could really make it hard for the Chiefs to let him go. – Another offensive player that shined on Saturday night was Charcandrick West. With Knile Davis leaving the game early with a knee injury, West stepped in and showed great decisiveness with his cuts and vision to see the holes. West is also a much better receiver than Davis out of the backfield but will need to work on his ability to pick up blitzes properly if he wants to see playing time on Sunday’s. NEXT: Players that stood out on defense – While we are used to watching Derrick Johnson fill holes and tackle the ball-carrier behind the line of scrimmage, seeing him continue to do it after returning from an Achilles injury is quite amazing. On the second play from scrimmage, DJ hit the running back for a very short gain and the second play from the goal line DJ ended up tripping up the running back two yards deep in the backfield. If it wasn’t for Berry coming back from cancer, DJ’s return would be the story of the night from me because he looks to be the same player he was before. Of all the defenders, the Chiefs linebackers had the best showing. Both Ramik Wilson and Justin March showed why the Chiefs are excited about them. Wilson had an interception that he almost took back for a touchdown and made several other great fills before he walked off with an injury in the third quarter. March also continued to show the coaches what they have seen from him while in St. Joe. He is usually in the right place and did his best DJ impression on a couple of plays in the second quarter. Both Dee Ford and Dezman Moses showed their ability to get after the QB but need to work on bringing him to the ground. Moses had six pressures last night and stepped up trying to make the team as the fourth outside linebacker. Before last night’s game I would have assumed the Moses was going to have trouble making the team as Josh Martin played well last year and has shown pass rush ability during camp, but Moses showed he is a very capable edge rusher and could make Martin expendable. http://arrowheadaddict.com/2015/08/1...rdinals-recap/
Posts: 95,626

08-17-2015, 03:47 PM	#3
Scooter LaCanforno Starter Join Date: Nov 2013 Casino cash: $6856947	Marcus Peters was just a split-second slow filling the hole to stop Ellington short of the goal line. Peters showed me a lot on that play. He's not afraid to hit a running back with a full head of steam. There's quite a few DB's in the League that shy away from that contact.
Posts: 912

08-17-2015, 03:49 PM	#4
Halfcan In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7327995	The first play on offense saw Alex Smith target Jeremy Maclin deep down the left sideline and just missing him. It was not even close. I am sure Maclin will lead the league in "almost" yards from weak throws by Alex.
Posts: 43,200

08-18-2015, 07:46 AM	#8
KCTitus Archivist Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: The Ethernet Casino cash: $9892732	I say this every year...I'd like to see gradual improvement by the first team throughout the preseason and it never seems to happen. I appreciate what the backups and backups backups do on the field, but ultimately, it's the first team that must show gradual improvement. Ultimately, if KC can get out of preseason with no injuries, I really have no complaint. __________________ Anything you post on this BB can and will be used against you...
Posts: 26,193

08-18-2015, 07:57 AM	#11
ChiTown Stroking to the SB Champs! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Flatlands of Kansas Casino cash: $3023962	I love West's game. If I had to choose between West and Davis, it would emphatically be West __________________
Posts: 39,360