Football There's Football Inside - Page 6

**Iowanian** · 07-28-2014, 01:55 PM

Too many topics to combine to a single thread and too many worthy topics get lost.

This thread will contain facts, notes, topics and comments that deserve mention and discussion. Feel free to contribute in any meaningful way.

**Iowanian** · 07-30-2014, 12:26 PM

Teicher's Day 7 Camp report

Pussilism running through camp like Ebola in Liberia.....and Sean Smith sucks now.

http://espn.go.com/blog/kansas-city-...p-report-day-7

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- A daily review of the hot topics coming out of Kansas City Chiefs training camp at Missouri Western State University:
Rookie De'Anthony Thomas had perhaps his best practice at training camp so far. Thomas lines up as a running back or a receiver and made several big plays, the best being when he caught a deep fade from quarterback Alex Smith for a touchdown. That Thomas is having an impact after a week of training camp is no surprise. He missed a lot of offseason practice because of NFL rules prohibiting rookies from participating if their college was still in session, as Oregon was. He had daily Skype sessions with running backs coach Eric Bieniemy to go over what he was missing in Kansas City, but he was still behind in learning the offense and is only now catching up. The Chiefs are also a little late in figuring out what they can and can’t do with Thomas.
Safety Sanders Commings, who had a strained foot, practiced for the first time at training camp but didn’t finish the session. He was in the unfortunate position of having to tackle Jamaal Charles in the open field. Charles put a move on Commings that sent him crumpling to the ground. Commings was soon carted off to the locker room with a right ankle injury. The Chiefs were hopeful Commings could play as an extra defensive back in passing situations, but a second injury is ruining those chances.
The backups got the better of the starters in an interesting goal-line drill. The starting defense allowed four touchdowns on four plays to the No. 2 offense. One of the touchdowns was a Tyler Bray pass to an uncovered Richard Gordon in the end zone. The starting offense scored just once in four plays against the backup defense, the score coming on a Knile Davis run. The offense should have had another touchdown, but tight end Demetrius Harris inexplicably wasn’t looking for Smith’s pass.
Undrafted rookie wide receiver Albert Wilson is making a strong bid for a roster spot. Wilson received several snaps with the first team, a sign the Chiefs are encouraged about what they have in him. Wilson has been utilized both in the slot and as an outside receiver and is not only fast but has shown the ability to elude coverage. “He just looks so smooth with his routes, and he’s able to really create some space and make some friendly throwing (lanes) for us," quarterback Aaron Murray said.
Things remain tough for cornerback Sean Smith. A former starter, Smith is now running second team. Then reserve wide receiver Mark Harrison beat him to a jump-ball catch. After making the catch, Harrison taunted Smith by flipping the ball at him.

Halfcan · 07-30-2014, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankotank

welp....guess he's pretty accurate!

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-sh...022407618.html

Top 5 all time.

**Easy 6** · 07-30-2014, 03:32 PM

I would honestly feel horrible for Buffalo fans if they lost that team, they're kinda like KC in that they full on support that team through thick and thin... good fans, they deserve to keep their team.

**Iowanian** · 07-31-2014, 08:50 AM

NFL is placing "tracking devices" into player pads to track their location, movement and speeds.

They say it's to enhance the fan experience and provide teams with more information about their player movements, but lets' face it, it's part of a work release concession by the Raiders.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11...nce-statistics

Hoping to keep up with the fans' insatiable appetite for player statistics, the NFL will install real-time location systems in 17 of its stadiums this year.

[+] EnlargeNFL device
Courtesy NFL
The NFL hopes to use tracking devices to enhance player statistics.
Receivers, placed in the players' shoulder pads, will work in tandem with radio frequency identification transmitters to turn player movement into meaningful measurements.

The league, in its announcement Thursday, said that it hopes being able to track distance and speed will not only enhance the fan experience but allow the teams to learn more about their players from a competitive standpoint.

The NFL said the RFID technology will be installed in the home stadiums of the 15 teams (Atlanta, Baltimore, Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Green Bay, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, New England, Oakland, San Francisco, St. Louis and Washington) that will host Thursday Night Football this year, as well as Detroit and New Orleans.

The league is doing this in partnership with tracking company Zebra Technologies, whose business tracks everything from player movements to hospital patients to police tickets.

**Iowanian** · 08-01-2014, 08:20 AM

Andy Reid addresses injuries from yesterday
http://www.810whb.com/common/more.php?m=49&r=20

Chiefs Quotes, Training Camp, July 31
Aug 01, 2014 -- 7:12am
HEAD COACH ANDY REID

OPENING STATEMENT: “Alright, this is what you’ve got: As far as injuries, Sanders Commings is having surgery today on his ankle. We’ll have further information for you later. Berry had a sore ankle. It’s not an Achilles tear or anything like that, but they’re evaluating. They’re just seeing what it is. So, A.J. had a tight hamstring as did Cooper. They got a little bit of practice time in, most of practice they were a little tired. I thought overall the work was good. It was a long practice and guys came out and busted their tail to work through it. Got a lot of situations done that we needed work on, red zone included. Again, I appreciate the effort from them. They’re challenging each other and we’re getting better.”

Q: What about Mike Catapano?

REID: “Mike Catapano is sick.”

Q: What do you think about the red zone work today?

REID: “I thought there were some good things on both sides. It kind of traded back and forth. We did all one versus one, two versus two, three versus three work. I thought overall there were some good things. There are some things we need to work on for both sides.”

Q: How serious is Commings injury?

REID: “I think he’s going to be back tomorrow. No, listen, I don’t know. Shoot, we’ll see. Normally when you break a bone, it takes a while.”

Q: Did Rick have a sense of how long Berry would be out?

REID: “No, he’s evaluating it now. See how he does.”

Q: At what point do you get concerned with guys in the secondary getting injured?

REID: “It happens. It happens as you go through camp, your legs get tired. You get those camp strings, those tight hamstrings. We’ll be fine. You push through it.”

Q: Are the wide receiver jobs the jobs that can be won?

REID: “Absolutely, sure. I’ve seen some good things. I feel that out there. Play the best guys.”

Q: You have a lot of bodies there and at defensive back. How do you give them enough time to do a valid evaluation?

REID: “Just keep playing them. You see everyone’s playing out here. We give them as many reps as we can. Everybody’s going to play once we get to the first preseason game. It takes a little time. We evaluate them and play the best guys.”

Q: Do those guys sort themselves out?

REID: “Yes, as time goes on. Yeah, they will. You’re seeing it right now. One day.. one.. then another one shows. That’s how it works and then you go with who we feel are the best guys.”

Q: What about Zach Fulton?

REID: “Zach’s a tough kid. He’s young, he’s learning, but he sure is ahead of what you think a rookie would be ahead of.”

Q: Can you talk about the young offensive line?

REID: “I’d say the same thing we just talked about. The secondary, they’re working through, rotating guys in, giving everybody opportunities at different spots and then we’ll come out with the five best guys and we’re rolling.”

Q: What are you seeing out of Kyle Williams, A.J. Jenkins through seven days of camp?

REID: “I like what I see. A.J. didn’t finish practice today, but Kyle did. Did some nice things. A.J.’s been doing a consistent job which is good. He’s catching the ball well. I like what I’ve seen from both of them.”

Q: What about Sorensen?

REID: “I like that he went to BYU. He was a good, solid player in college. Smart kid, tough, comes from a family of football players. He’s the youngest of the bunch. Good, solid player. That’s what I could tell you about him.”

Q: Is that one of those players that could be drafted, then you’re surprised when he’s not?

REID: “I wasn’t sure about that at the time, if he’d get drafted or not. At that position, you can come in and be a good special teams player and a role player in the secondary. You can make somebody’s team. That’s kind of how we felt about him.”

Snapplez · 08-01-2014, 08:42 AM

Lions may regret tabling the Suh contract talks...

"Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley was given a six-month suspended sentence in an Alabama court Thursday, resolving a DUI charge from 2012, according to WALA-TV in Mobile, Ala.

Fairley practiced with the Lions on Thursday, even though, according to WALA, he was ordered to be in court.

Fairley’s attorney, Sid Harrell, told the TV station that he did not inform Fairley of the court date.

Along with his suspended sentence, Fairley was given one year’s probation, ordered to pay $750 in court fees and fines and take a statutory class for the DUI charge and another for a reckless-driving ticket.

Fairley was arrested twice in a span of less than two months during the Lions’ troubled 2012 off-season.

He was cited for possession of marijuana in April 2012, after Mobile police said they found two partially smoked joints in the ashtray of his Cadillac Escalade. He then was arrested on Memorial Day weekend that year for driving under the influence of alcohol and going 100 m.p.h.

The marijuana charge against Fairley was dismissed after he passed a drug test.

Fairley, entering his fourth NFL season, slimmed down this off-season, after the Lions challenged him to lose weight and play more consistently.

He’s listed at 308 pounds, about 15 fewer than he played at last year, and said he has seen noticeable improvements in his conditioning and stamina since undergoing sleep apnea surgery in May.

Lions general manager Martin Mayhew praised Fairley this week.

“Nick’s had a good off-season thus far,” Mayhew said. “You guys may have forgotten: He had an injury at the end of 2012. It took him awhile to get over that, which kind of set him back a little bit, in terms of his preparation. But this year, he’s been healthy, he’s been engaged, he’s been in the weight room, doing things that we’ve asked him to do. So I’ve been happy with what he’s done to date.”

A league spokesperson did not immediately return an email seeking comment on whether Fairley still could be subjected to league discipline for his DUI case, which WALA said is subject to appeal."

Coochie liquor · 08-01-2014, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankotank

welp....guess he's pretty accurate!

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-sh...022407618.html

I liked Brees until I read this article. He doesn't smoke weed?? Eff him, he's dead to me!

**Iowanian** · 08-07-2014, 09:00 AM

Eagles Corner thinks the Patriots are the Broncos......because they always cheat.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11...eaters-opinion

Williams Still Believes Patriots Are 'Cheaters'

ESPN NFL analyst Herm Edwards discusses Eagles CB Cary Williams' comments about the Patriots being "cheaters."
Tags: NFL, Cary Williams, Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cary Williams said Tuesday he stands by his opinion that the New England Patriots are "cheaters" and said he isn't afraid he will be targeted for retribution by New England when the teams hold joint practices next week.

[+] EnlargeCary Williams
Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles' Cary Williams says he isn't afraid of catching heat from the Patriots next week for his opinion that they are "cheaters."
Williams first made his opinion on the Patriots known last week, saying "they are cheaters" because of the 2007 Spygate scandal in which the team was punished for filming New York Jets coaches' defensive signals during a September game. The Patriots were subsequently stripped of a first-round draft pick and fined $250,000 by commissioner Roger Goodell, while Patriots coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000.

"I give them all the credit in the world, but one fact remains: They haven't won a Super Bowl since they got caught," Williams said last week.

On Tuesday, Williams stood by his comments.

"Did I say the wrong thing? No," Williams said, according to the News Journal. "I stand firm on what my beliefs are, and that's just that. I didn't tell a lie. At the end of the day, that did happen. It's in the history books. As far as I'm concerned, I made a comment about it and that's that."

The Eagles and Patriots will hold joint practices in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Aug. 12 and 13. Williams said last week he thought the sessions are "unnecessary" since the teams will play Aug. 15. Eagles coach Chip Kelly thanked Williams for his "input" on Sunday while explaining why he thinks the joint practices will benefit his team.

Williams was asked Tuesday if he feared the Patriots might target him next week because of his outspoken views on their team.

"I don't care," he said, according to the News Journal. "That's the whole point. I don't care if they come after me or not. That doesn't scare me. My mentality is I've never been a punk, never been a sissy, never been a guy that's going to be a scared guy. I don't play this game in fear at all. I don't fear no man. As far as I'm concerned, you put your pants on as well as I put my pants on. We're going to man up when we get there."

Williams also criticized the Patriots last year after he was removed from one of the team's joint practices for getting into a scuffle with receiver Aaron Dobson.

Halfcan · 08-07-2014, 09:03 AM

"I give them all the credit in the world, but one fact remains: They haven't won a Super Bowl since they got caught," Williams said last week.

true dat brother man

**Iowanian** · 08-07-2014, 09:07 AM

Broncos have Blue Balls.

3. The blue ball is in play -- a football with a blue covering -- to emphasize ball security after the team led the league in lost fumbles last season. The Broncos also dropped their fair share of passes in 2013, including a seven-drop game against the New England Patriots and a six-drop game against the Tennessee Titans. It has been a front-burner issue all through camp, but they have still put the ball on the ground on occasion in workouts, especially on special teams. It will bear watching as they move through the preseason and into the regular season.

http://espn.go.com/blog/denver-bronc...denver-broncos

THREE REASONS FOR PESSIMISM

1. Until they square up in a game that counts, there is at least some question if a slightly revamped offensive line is going to make it happen in the run game. The Broncos don’t want to be some outdated, 50-50 run-pass affair, but they do want to be able to pound the ball to close out games and keep the heat off Manning when needed. Thus far, in limited full-contact work, it’s been a spotty effort with flashes of potential. It will be a key piece in keeping opposing defenses honest and giving the Broncos some other options in the scoring zone.

2. Somebody, anybody, has to step up in the return game. As camp has rolled on, the Broncos have simply mishandled too many kickoffs and punts. They would prefer to not have to use starters if they don’t have to, and wide receiver Andre Caldwell and defensive back Omar Bolden have been the most consistent in kickoff returns so far. At punt return, however, things are still open with Wes Welker, who suffered two concussions last season, currently listed at the top of the team’s depth chart. Because of the concussion risk, Welker is not the player the Broncos want catching punts beyond any deep-in-their-own-territory fair catches. So it is a chance for a young player such as wide receiver Jordan Norwood or rookie Isaiah Burse.

3. The blue ball is in play -- a football with a blue covering -- to emphasize ball security after the team led the league in lost fumbles last season. The Broncos also dropped their fair share of passes in 2013, including a seven-drop game against the New England Patriots and a six-drop game against the Tennessee Titans. It has been a front-burner issue all through camp, but they have still put the ball on the ground on occasion in workouts, especially on special teams. It will bear watching as they move through the preseason and into the regular season.

OBSERVATION DECK
With the additions of Sanders and rookie Cody Latimer to an offense that already includes Demaryius Thomas, Welker and Julius Thomas, the Broncos feature an array of pass-catchers who can all play, with equal comfort, on the outside or in the slot. It gives them plenty of size to create some matchup problems against more aggressive defenses. Even the most aggressive defensive backs are going to have a difficult time manhandling them all as the Broncos have spent plenty of time considering how to consistently get their pass-catchers the free release they need off the line.
Manning, and his receivers have said as much, has shown a little more pop in his arm through offseason workouts and camp and has pushed the ball down the field with ease.
Of the team’s draft class, cornerback Bradley Roby is, at minimum, going to play in the nickel and dime, Latimer will be in the rotation on offense, and Lamin Barrow figures to get special-teams work and could work his way into some of the specialty packages on defense.
In recent seasons, the Broncos have consistently had a late free-agent signing, a veteran who signs a one-year deal, come in and contribute in a big way. This year it looks like that guy is going to be defensive tackle Marvin Austin. He had back surgery in the past year, and the former second-round pick by the Giants has caught the Broncos’ eye.
It’s early with plenty of road to be traveled, but the most improved players from a year ago look to be running back Ronnie Hillman and guard Ben Garland, who was switched from defensive tackle in the offseason and is pushing hard for one of the final roster spots allotted for the offensive line. Hillman has shown the big-play potential the offense needs at the position, especially as it looks to improve its impact on runs between the tackles against the bevy of nickel and dime formations used to stop the Broncos' passing game.

**Iowanian** · 08-07-2014, 09:11 AM

Chargers fret as Flowers suffering early season pussilism

http://espn.go.com/blog/san-diego-ch...diego-chargers

THREE REASONS FOR PESSIMISM

1. While San Diego has not suffered any significant injuries, two of the team’s top three corners (Verrett and Flowers) are not expected to play Thursday against Dallas. Verrett has been wearing a red jersey in practice, a sign that he is not fully recovered from March surgery to repair a torn labrum. And Flowers is resting an undisclosed injury, although he played last season for Kansas City with a balky knee most of the year. If those injuries continue to linger, it will affect what the Chargers can do defensively during the regular season.

2. Along with defensive back, the Chargers also have some concerns with depth and experience along the offensive line. Rookie Chris Watt is the projected starting right guard with Clary out. Although the third-round selection out of Notre Dame has looked solid in training camp, Watt still has not played a meaningful snap in a regular-season game. The Chargers also have question marks behind left tackle King Dunlap and right tackle D.J. Fluker. Mike Harris was solid when called upon last season, starting in two games at left tackle. However, he finished the 2013 season on injured reserve with an ankle injury and has yet to test the issue in a game.

[+] Enlarge Ryan Mathews
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Ryan Mathews rushed for a career-high 1,255 yards last season.
3. The Chargers' projected starter at nose tackle is Sean Lissemore, a versatile performer who played 208 snaps last season. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 303 pounds, Lissemore is not a typical run-stuffing nose tackle in a 3-4 defensive front. Lissemore’s backup is Kwame Geathers, who played all of 27 snaps as a rookie last season. Both are expected to anchor a San Diego defense that gave up an average of 4.6 rushing yards per attempt last season, 27th in the NFL. Run-first teams Seattle and Buffalo are among the Chargers' September opponents, so the middle of the defense will be tested early.

OBSERVATION DECK
A point of emphasis for the Chargers during training camp has been creating more turnovers. San Diego finished with just 17 turnovers in 2013, third worst in the NFL. However, the Chargers forced six turnovers during the postseason, second only to the Seattle Seahawks. Weddle has two interceptions for touchdowns during training camp, and middle linebacker Donald Butler returned an interception for a score during a controlled scrimmage at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers are focused not only on creating more turnovers but also taking them back for touchdowns.
At an average of 6-6 and 322 pounds, San Diego has one of the beefiest offensive lines in the NFL. So it’s no wonder the Chargers were so effective clearing rushing lanes for Mathews last season. Mathews finished with a career-high 1,255 rushing yards last season. The goal for the offensive line is to create a similar mindset so the team can run against anyone in 2014. “Last year we started off coming out every day and being consistent and working together,” guard Chad Rinehart said. “We need to get back to that point. Unfortunately, I don’t feel like we’re there right now. But each day we’ve shown a little bit of improvement going into the season.”
Don’t expect much change from a scheme standpoint in San Diego’s offense with Frank Reich taking over as offensive coordinator. Reich worked as the team’s quarterbacks coach under Ken Whisenhunt, who left to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. Reich and Rivers have a good relationship. Reich will lean on the veteran quarterback even more to run the no-huddle offense and call plays at the line of scrimmage. But the team’s core philosophy of running the ball and leaning on the short passing game remains the same.
While Green will be featured more in the offense, veteran Antonio Gates will remain the most targeted tight end on San Diego’s roster. Gates has been the most targeted receiver for the Chargers two of the last three seasons. While NFL observers believe he has lost a step, the 34-year-old Gates can still beat one-on-one coverage in the middle of the field, particularly in the red zone.
One player to watch for during preseason play is undrafted rookie free-agent cornerback Chris Davis. The star of the Iron Bowl for Auburn last season with his return of a missed field goal for the winning score against Alabama, Davis has made handful of interceptions and pass breakups during camp. At 5-10 and 201 pounds, Davis is built more like a running back, but he has shown an ability to play physically and keep up with speedy receivers on vertical routes.

**Iowanian** · 08-07-2014, 09:14 AM

Raiders ready to be the raiders
http://espn.go.com/blog/oakland-raid...akland-raiders

THREE REASONS FOR PESSIMISM

1. D.J. Hayden and his surgically repaired right foot being a fixture on the sideline has cost the second-year cornerback valuable practice time. Granted, Chimdi Chekwa has stepped in admirably, but Hayden’s stress fracture tests the depth of the Raiders’ cornerbacks, and it has shown in camp. Allen said he expects to see Hayden on the field before the end of the preseason, but would anyone be shocked if Hayden actually started the regular season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which would mean he is lost for at least six games?

2. The Raiders’ receiving corps is seemingly made up by a gaggle of No. 2 and No. 3 receivers on any other team. Schaub is used to having a prototypical No. 1 pass-catcher in the mold of Andre Johnson. There is no Andre Johnson on this team, rather, there is Andre Holmes, who has exceeded expectations as a big and physical receiver but still needs experience. Other than Denarius Moore, whose knack for shining and then disappearing in regular-season games has reared its head in camp, the Raiders’ receivers all seem like the same guy.

[+] EnlargeKhalil Mack
AP Photo
Expectations are high for rookie linebacker Khalil Mack.
3. Schaub's confidence level has been downplayed all camp, and early on he was extremely sharp. Then came a blip when he threw four interceptions in three practices, getting picked off three times by free safety Charles Woodson and once by linebacker Miles Burris. Schaub’s accuracy issues against his own team are sure to surface against opponents, no? And when they do, how will he handle the hardship? In camp, he responded with some of his best throws of the preseason. And therein lies the key for a QB who insists he never lost his mojo.

OBSERVATION DECK
Rookie second-string quarterback Derek Carr may have a stronger arm than Schaub, but Carr, who played his last three years at Fresno State in the shotgun in a spread offense, seems to hold onto the ball in the pocket too long while patting the ball a la Dan Pastorini looking for an open receiver. NFL pass-rushers come much quicker than your run-of-the-mill Mountain West Conference sack master.
Mack simply has a nose for the ball. The No. 5 overall draft pick has a high motor and is all over the field. In one play, he looks like a Von Miller clone. In the next, he is the second coming of Clay Matthews. It will be fun to see what Mack does when the tackling is live and to the ground.
No surprise here, but Jones-Drew looks more effective running between the tackles than McFadden, who is more dangerous in space.
Two-time Pro Bowl fullback Marcel Reece has dropped 17 pounds but gained an added dimension as a pass-catcher. He has been going out for passes down the sidelines and coming down with jump balls. Remember, he was a receiver in college at Washington.
Two early predictions for the practice squad? Try running back/kick returner George Atkinson III and receiver Mike Davis.

**Iowanian** · 08-07-2014, 04:08 PM

Butter, Onion, Garlic Salt, you're accidentally readying about football.

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...le1069848.html

Five things to watch for in tonight’s preseason opener against the Bengals:

Battle of backup QBs

Starter Alex Smith will play the first quarter, and then the free-for-all begins. Chase Daniel will get the second quarter, and his play has been spotty in training camp. But Daniel, whose job is clearly on the line, is one of those gamers who appears to play better in game conditions than in practice. Second-year man Tyler Bray will open the third quarter, and he needs to show some composure and decision-making ability. The preseason performances of Bray and fifth-round pick Aaron Murray, who will get the fourth quarter, will determine whether the Chiefs go with a youngster behind Smith and keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.

Standing on the corner

Related Stories

Chiefs hope parking changes alleviate game-day crunch at Arrowhead Stadium
Chiefs will keep it simple on offense vs. Bengals, but the expectations don’t change
Chiefs’ depth chart
Brandon Flowers is gone to San Diego, and Sean Smith has been banished to the second team. So how will second-year man Marcus Cooper and journeyman Ron Parker fare as the starters if the Bengals choose to challenge them with the likes of talented A.J. Green, who caught 11 TD passes last year, and Marvin Jones, who had 10? Newcomer Chris Owens will defend the slot receiver, and the Bengals’ Mohamed Sanu can be a handful.

Changing of the guards

The Chiefs have rotated rookie Zach Fulton and veterans Ricky Henry and Rishaw Johnson at the right guard spot vacated by free agents Jon Asamoah and Geoff Schwartz, and the rookie has had the edge. He’ll get tested by the Bengals’ Geno Atkins if the Bengals decide he’s sufficiently recovered from season-ending knee surgery from last year. The Bengals ranked fifth against the run last season, so all three guards also will be tested on the second level. (Keep an eye on Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher, while you’re at it.)

Getting their kicks

The competition at place kicker is on. You don’t think the Chiefs’ staff still remembers Ryan Succop’s 41-yard miss at the end of that San Diego game last year? Rookie Cairo Santos, the Lou Groza Award winner at Tulane in 2012, has displayed a strong foot in camp and is a serious challenger to Succop, the club’s kicker since his rookie year of 2009. But kicking in camp and kicking in a game are two different things. The two-game experiment of kicking extra points from 33 yards out will add to the drama.

Where’s DAT guy?

Running back De’Anthony Thomas, the diminutive speedster from Oregon, has electrified training camp with his playmaking ability. The Chiefs have lined him up as a single back, as a twin back with Jamaal Charles and in the slot as a receiver. He’s dangerous wherever he gets the ball. A fourth-round draft pick, he will also return punts and appears to be a huge upgrade over Dexter McCluster as the little man who can make big plays.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...#storylink=cpy

**Iowanian** · 08-11-2014, 10:10 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt...le1188329.html

Chiefs sign a safety to replace Gregory, Johnathan Amaya

signed safety Jonathon Amaya on Sunday night.

Amaya, 25, is listed at 6 feet 2 and 205 pounds. He racked up 37 tackles and a forced fumble in 38 games with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins from 2010 to 2012.

He signed a free-agent deal with the Arizona Cardinals in March 2013 but was released during training camp and sat out the 2013 season.

Amaya will compete with fellow safeties Eric Berry, Husain Abdullah, Daniel Sorensen, Jerron McMillian and Malcolm Bronson for playing time.

The Chiefs found themselves one player short at the position when Gregory, 31, decided to retire less than two weeks after he signed a free-agent deal with the club.

To reach Terez A. Paylor, call 816-234-4489 or send email to tpaylor@kcstar.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/TerezPaylor.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt...#storylink=cpy

**Iowanian** · 08-11-2014, 10:11 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...le1186864.html

A few days ago, Devan Walker was sitting in his living room when his phone finally rang. It was his agent.

“Next day, you know,” Walker said, “I’m here.”

By here, Walker means Missouri Western, where the 24-year-old outside linebacker is one of 90 players battling it out to make the Chiefs’ roster or practice squad.

There’s a certain pressure that comes along with that, but it’s nothing like being a free agent, unsure where — or if — that next football opportunity will come from.

“It just gives you confidence that somebody believes in your talent,” Walker said.

Walker, who is listed at 6 feet 3 and 250 pounds, went undrafted out of Southeastern Louisiana in 2013 after a college career in which he had 15 sacks in 42 games. Walker signed with the San Diego Chargers but was waived-injured last August after suffering a knee injury.

“I was getting promoted on special teams; I was making a name for myself,” Walker said. “Unfortunately, I ran a little inside stunt in practice, got to the quarterback, and they blew the play dead but I fell right on my knee. I got up and walked off the field, came back and finished practice. But once I got an MRI later that day, I realized I had a partial tear in my lateral meniscus.”

Walker said he’d worked his way up from the fourth-team punt squad to the third team, with a few reps on the second team. He ended up having surgery on the day of the Chargers’ first preseason game.

Walker healed up and landed a tryout with the Chiefs during their three-day rookie minicamp in May.

“I came with a positive mindset, thinking I’m gonna give it everything I’ve got and leave it on the field,” Walker said. “(I figured) if it’s God’s will for me to be here, I’ll be here. It all happened for a reason, it all worked out.”

Walker said the Chiefs kept him on their shortlist after the camp. He did what he could to stay in shape and finally got the call he’d been waiting for this week, albeit after the Chiefs needed a replacement for outside linebacker Dezman Moses, who injured his elbow and was waived.

“Unfortunately somebody went down, and you never wish injury on anyone,” Walker said Sunday. “But I’m here.”

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...#storylink=cpy

07-28-2014, 01:55 PM
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	There's Football Inside Too many topics to combine to a single thread and too many worthy topics get lost. This thread will contain facts, notes, topics and comments that deserve mention and discussion. Feel free to contribute in any meaningful way.
Posts: 61,556

07-30-2014, 12:26 PM	#76
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	Teicher's Day 7 Camp report Pussilism running through camp like Ebola in Liberia.....and Sean Smith sucks now. http://espn.go.com/blog/kansas-city-...p-report-day-7 ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- A daily review of the hot topics coming out of Kansas City Chiefs training camp at Missouri Western State University: Rookie De'Anthony Thomas had perhaps his best practice at training camp so far. Thomas lines up as a running back or a receiver and made several big plays, the best being when he caught a deep fade from quarterback Alex Smith for a touchdown. That Thomas is having an impact after a week of training camp is no surprise. He missed a lot of offseason practice because of NFL rules prohibiting rookies from participating if their college was still in session, as Oregon was. He had daily Skype sessions with running backs coach Eric Bieniemy to go over what he was missing in Kansas City, but he was still behind in learning the offense and is only now catching up. The Chiefs are also a little late in figuring out what they can and can’t do with Thomas. Safety Sanders Commings, who had a strained foot, practiced for the first time at training camp but didn’t finish the session. He was in the unfortunate position of having to tackle Jamaal Charles in the open field. Charles put a move on Commings that sent him crumpling to the ground. Commings was soon carted off to the locker room with a right ankle injury. The Chiefs were hopeful Commings could play as an extra defensive back in passing situations, but a second injury is ruining those chances. The backups got the better of the starters in an interesting goal-line drill. The starting defense allowed four touchdowns on four plays to the No. 2 offense. One of the touchdowns was a Tyler Bray pass to an uncovered Richard Gordon in the end zone. The starting offense scored just once in four plays against the backup defense, the score coming on a Knile Davis run. The offense should have had another touchdown, but tight end Demetrius Harris inexplicably wasn’t looking for Smith’s pass. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Albert Wilson is making a strong bid for a roster spot. Wilson received several snaps with the first team, a sign the Chiefs are encouraged about what they have in him. Wilson has been utilized both in the slot and as an outside receiver and is not only fast but has shown the ability to elude coverage. “He just looks so smooth with his routes, and he’s able to really create some space and make some friendly throwing (lanes) for us," quarterback Aaron Murray said. Things remain tough for cornerback Sean Smith. A former starter, Smith is now running second team. Then reserve wide receiver Mark Harrison beat him to a jump-ball catch. After making the catch, Harrison taunted Smith by flipping the ball at him.
Posts: 61,556

07-30-2014, 03:32 PM	#78
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $3467775	I would honestly feel horrible for Buffalo fans if they lost that team, they're kinda like KC in that they full on support that team through thick and thin... good fans, they deserve to keep their team.
Posts: 91,957

07-31-2014, 08:50 AM	#79
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	NFL is placing "tracking devices" into player pads to track their location, movement and speeds. They say it's to enhance the fan experience and provide teams with more information about their player movements, but lets' face it, it's part of a work release concession by the Raiders. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11...nce-statistics Hoping to keep up with the fans' insatiable appetite for player statistics, the NFL will install real-time location systems in 17 of its stadiums this year. [+] EnlargeNFL device Courtesy NFL The NFL hopes to use tracking devices to enhance player statistics. Receivers, placed in the players' shoulder pads, will work in tandem with radio frequency identification transmitters to turn player movement into meaningful measurements. The league, in its announcement Thursday, said that it hopes being able to track distance and speed will not only enhance the fan experience but allow the teams to learn more about their players from a competitive standpoint. The NFL said the RFID technology will be installed in the home stadiums of the 15 teams (Atlanta, Baltimore, Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Green Bay, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, New England, Oakland, San Francisco, St. Louis and Washington) that will host Thursday Night Football this year, as well as Detroit and New Orleans. The league is doing this in partnership with tracking company Zebra Technologies, whose business tracks everything from player movements to hospital patients to police tickets.
Posts: 61,556

08-01-2014, 08:20 AM	#80
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	Andy Reid addresses injuries from yesterday http://www.810whb.com/common/more.php?m=49&r=20 Chiefs Quotes, Training Camp, July 31 Aug 01, 2014 -- 7:12am HEAD COACH ANDY REID OPENING STATEMENT: “Alright, this is what you’ve got: As far as injuries, Sanders Commings is having surgery today on his ankle. We’ll have further information for you later. Berry had a sore ankle. It’s not an Achilles tear or anything like that, but they’re evaluating. They’re just seeing what it is. So, A.J. had a tight hamstring as did Cooper. They got a little bit of practice time in, most of practice they were a little tired. I thought overall the work was good. It was a long practice and guys came out and busted their tail to work through it. Got a lot of situations done that we needed work on, red zone included. Again, I appreciate the effort from them. They’re challenging each other and we’re getting better.” Q: What about Mike Catapano? REID: “Mike Catapano is sick.” Q: What do you think about the red zone work today? REID: “I thought there were some good things on both sides. It kind of traded back and forth. We did all one versus one, two versus two, three versus three work. I thought overall there were some good things. There are some things we need to work on for both sides.” Q: How serious is Commings injury? REID: “I think he’s going to be back tomorrow. No, listen, I don’t know. Shoot, we’ll see. Normally when you break a bone, it takes a while.” Q: Did Rick have a sense of how long Berry would be out? REID: “No, he’s evaluating it now. See how he does.” Q: At what point do you get concerned with guys in the secondary getting injured? REID: “It happens. It happens as you go through camp, your legs get tired. You get those camp strings, those tight hamstrings. We’ll be fine. You push through it.” Q: Are the wide receiver jobs the jobs that can be won? REID: “Absolutely, sure. I’ve seen some good things. I feel that out there. Play the best guys.” Q: You have a lot of bodies there and at defensive back. How do you give them enough time to do a valid evaluation? REID: “Just keep playing them. You see everyone’s playing out here. We give them as many reps as we can. Everybody’s going to play once we get to the first preseason game. It takes a little time. We evaluate them and play the best guys.” Q: Do those guys sort themselves out? REID: “Yes, as time goes on. Yeah, they will. You’re seeing it right now. One day.. one.. then another one shows. That’s how it works and then you go with who we feel are the best guys.” Q: What about Zach Fulton? REID: “Zach’s a tough kid. He’s young, he’s learning, but he sure is ahead of what you think a rookie would be ahead of.” Q: Can you talk about the young offensive line? REID: “I’d say the same thing we just talked about. The secondary, they’re working through, rotating guys in, giving everybody opportunities at different spots and then we’ll come out with the five best guys and we’re rolling.” Q: What are you seeing out of Kyle Williams, A.J. Jenkins through seven days of camp? REID: “I like what I see. A.J. didn’t finish practice today, but Kyle did. Did some nice things. A.J.’s been doing a consistent job which is good. He’s catching the ball well. I like what I’ve seen from both of them.” Q: What about Sorensen? REID: “I like that he went to BYU. He was a good, solid player in college. Smart kid, tough, comes from a family of football players. He’s the youngest of the bunch. Good, solid player. That’s what I could tell you about him.” Q: Is that one of those players that could be drafted, then you’re surprised when he’s not? REID: “I wasn’t sure about that at the time, if he’d get drafted or not. At that position, you can come in and be a good special teams player and a role player in the secondary. You can make somebody’s team. That’s kind of how we felt about him.”
Posts: 61,556

08-01-2014, 08:42 AM	#81
Snapplez Starter Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ft. Worth, TX Casino cash: $10027795	Lions may regret tabling the Suh contract talks... "Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley was given a six-month suspended sentence in an Alabama court Thursday, resolving a DUI charge from 2012, according to WALA-TV in Mobile, Ala. Fairley practiced with the Lions on Thursday, even though, according to WALA, he was ordered to be in court. Fairley’s attorney, Sid Harrell, told the TV station that he did not inform Fairley of the court date. Along with his suspended sentence, Fairley was given one year’s probation, ordered to pay $750 in court fees and fines and take a statutory class for the DUI charge and another for a reckless-driving ticket. Fairley was arrested twice in a span of less than two months during the Lions’ troubled 2012 off-season. He was cited for possession of marijuana in April 2012, after Mobile police said they found two partially smoked joints in the ashtray of his Cadillac Escalade. He then was arrested on Memorial Day weekend that year for driving under the influence of alcohol and going 100 m.p.h. The marijuana charge against Fairley was dismissed after he passed a drug test. Fairley, entering his fourth NFL season, slimmed down this off-season, after the Lions challenged him to lose weight and play more consistently. He’s listed at 308 pounds, about 15 fewer than he played at last year, and said he has seen noticeable improvements in his conditioning and stamina since undergoing sleep apnea surgery in May. Lions general manager Martin Mayhew praised Fairley this week. “Nick’s had a good off-season thus far,” Mayhew said. “You guys may have forgotten: He had an injury at the end of 2012. It took him awhile to get over that, which kind of set him back a little bit, in terms of his preparation. But this year, he’s been healthy, he’s been engaged, he’s been in the weight room, doing things that we’ve asked him to do. So I’ve been happy with what he’s done to date.” A league spokesperson did not immediately return an email seeking comment on whether Fairley still could be subjected to league discipline for his DUI case, which WALA said is subject to appeal."
Posts: 588

08-07-2014, 09:00 AM	#83
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	Eagles Corner thinks the Patriots are the Broncos......because they always cheat. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11...eaters-opinion Williams Still Believes Patriots Are 'Cheaters' ESPN NFL analyst Herm Edwards discusses Eagles CB Cary Williams' comments about the Patriots being "cheaters." Tags: NFL, Cary Williams, Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cary Williams said Tuesday he stands by his opinion that the New England Patriots are "cheaters" and said he isn't afraid he will be targeted for retribution by New England when the teams hold joint practices next week. [+] EnlargeCary Williams Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports The Eagles' Cary Williams says he isn't afraid of catching heat from the Patriots next week for his opinion that they are "cheaters." Williams first made his opinion on the Patriots known last week, saying "they are cheaters" because of the 2007 Spygate scandal in which the team was punished for filming New York Jets coaches' defensive signals during a September game. The Patriots were subsequently stripped of a first-round draft pick and fined $250,000 by commissioner Roger Goodell, while Patriots coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000. "I give them all the credit in the world, but one fact remains: They haven't won a Super Bowl since they got caught," Williams said last week. On Tuesday, Williams stood by his comments. "Did I say the wrong thing? No," Williams said, according to the News Journal. "I stand firm on what my beliefs are, and that's just that. I didn't tell a lie. At the end of the day, that did happen. It's in the history books. As far as I'm concerned, I made a comment about it and that's that." The Eagles and Patriots will hold joint practices in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Aug. 12 and 13. Williams said last week he thought the sessions are "unnecessary" since the teams will play Aug. 15. Eagles coach Chip Kelly thanked Williams for his "input" on Sunday while explaining why he thinks the joint practices will benefit his team. Williams was asked Tuesday if he feared the Patriots might target him next week because of his outspoken views on their team. "I don't care," he said, according to the News Journal. "That's the whole point. I don't care if they come after me or not. That doesn't scare me. My mentality is I've never been a punk, never been a sissy, never been a guy that's going to be a scared guy. I don't play this game in fear at all. I don't fear no man. As far as I'm concerned, you put your pants on as well as I put my pants on. We're going to man up when we get there." Williams also criticized the Patriots last year after he was removed from one of the team's joint practices for getting into a scuffle with receiver Aaron Dobson.
Posts: 61,556

08-07-2014, 09:03 AM	#84
Halfcan In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7327995	"I give them all the credit in the world, but one fact remains: They haven't won a Super Bowl since they got caught," Williams said last week. true dat brother man
Posts: 43,200

08-07-2014, 09:07 AM	#85
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	Broncos have Blue Balls. 3. The blue ball is in play -- a football with a blue covering -- to emphasize ball security after the team led the league in lost fumbles last season. The Broncos also dropped their fair share of passes in 2013, including a seven-drop game against the New England Patriots and a six-drop game against the Tennessee Titans. It has been a front-burner issue all through camp, but they have still put the ball on the ground on occasion in workouts, especially on special teams. It will bear watching as they move through the preseason and into the regular season. http://espn.go.com/blog/denver-bronc...denver-broncos THREE REASONS FOR PESSIMISM 1. Until they square up in a game that counts, there is at least some question if a slightly revamped offensive line is going to make it happen in the run game. The Broncos don’t want to be some outdated, 50-50 run-pass affair, but they do want to be able to pound the ball to close out games and keep the heat off Manning when needed. Thus far, in limited full-contact work, it’s been a spotty effort with flashes of potential. It will be a key piece in keeping opposing defenses honest and giving the Broncos some other options in the scoring zone. 2. Somebody, anybody, has to step up in the return game. As camp has rolled on, the Broncos have simply mishandled too many kickoffs and punts. They would prefer to not have to use starters if they don’t have to, and wide receiver Andre Caldwell and defensive back Omar Bolden have been the most consistent in kickoff returns so far. At punt return, however, things are still open with Wes Welker, who suffered two concussions last season, currently listed at the top of the team’s depth chart. Because of the concussion risk, Welker is not the player the Broncos want catching punts beyond any deep-in-their-own-territory fair catches. So it is a chance for a young player such as wide receiver Jordan Norwood or rookie Isaiah Burse. 3. The blue ball is in play -- a football with a blue covering -- to emphasize ball security after the team led the league in lost fumbles last season. The Broncos also dropped their fair share of passes in 2013, including a seven-drop game against the New England Patriots and a six-drop game against the Tennessee Titans. It has been a front-burner issue all through camp, but they have still put the ball on the ground on occasion in workouts, especially on special teams. It will bear watching as they move through the preseason and into the regular season. OBSERVATION DECK With the additions of Sanders and rookie Cody Latimer to an offense that already includes Demaryius Thomas, Welker and Julius Thomas, the Broncos feature an array of pass-catchers who can all play, with equal comfort, on the outside or in the slot. It gives them plenty of size to create some matchup problems against more aggressive defenses. Even the most aggressive defensive backs are going to have a difficult time manhandling them all as the Broncos have spent plenty of time considering how to consistently get their pass-catchers the free release they need off the line. Manning, and his receivers have said as much, has shown a little more pop in his arm through offseason workouts and camp and has pushed the ball down the field with ease. Of the team’s draft class, cornerback Bradley Roby is, at minimum, going to play in the nickel and dime, Latimer will be in the rotation on offense, and Lamin Barrow figures to get special-teams work and could work his way into some of the specialty packages on defense. In recent seasons, the Broncos have consistently had a late free-agent signing, a veteran who signs a one-year deal, come in and contribute in a big way. This year it looks like that guy is going to be defensive tackle Marvin Austin. He had back surgery in the past year, and the former second-round pick by the Giants has caught the Broncos’ eye. It’s early with plenty of road to be traveled, but the most improved players from a year ago look to be running back Ronnie Hillman and guard Ben Garland, who was switched from defensive tackle in the offseason and is pushing hard for one of the final roster spots allotted for the offensive line. Hillman has shown the big-play potential the offense needs at the position, especially as it looks to improve its impact on runs between the tackles against the bevy of nickel and dime formations used to stop the Broncos' passing game.
Posts: 61,556

08-07-2014, 09:11 AM	#86
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	Chargers fret as Flowers suffering early season pussilism http://espn.go.com/blog/san-diego-ch...diego-chargers THREE REASONS FOR PESSIMISM 1. While San Diego has not suffered any significant injuries, two of the team’s top three corners (Verrett and Flowers) are not expected to play Thursday against Dallas. Verrett has been wearing a red jersey in practice, a sign that he is not fully recovered from March surgery to repair a torn labrum. And Flowers is resting an undisclosed injury, although he played last season for Kansas City with a balky knee most of the year. If those injuries continue to linger, it will affect what the Chargers can do defensively during the regular season. 2. Along with defensive back, the Chargers also have some concerns with depth and experience along the offensive line. Rookie Chris Watt is the projected starting right guard with Clary out. Although the third-round selection out of Notre Dame has looked solid in training camp, Watt still has not played a meaningful snap in a regular-season game. The Chargers also have question marks behind left tackle King Dunlap and right tackle D.J. Fluker. Mike Harris was solid when called upon last season, starting in two games at left tackle. However, he finished the 2013 season on injured reserve with an ankle injury and has yet to test the issue in a game. [+] Enlarge Ryan Mathews Streeter Lecka/Getty Images Ryan Mathews rushed for a career-high 1,255 yards last season. 3. The Chargers' projected starter at nose tackle is Sean Lissemore, a versatile performer who played 208 snaps last season. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 303 pounds, Lissemore is not a typical run-stuffing nose tackle in a 3-4 defensive front. Lissemore’s backup is Kwame Geathers, who played all of 27 snaps as a rookie last season. Both are expected to anchor a San Diego defense that gave up an average of 4.6 rushing yards per attempt last season, 27th in the NFL. Run-first teams Seattle and Buffalo are among the Chargers' September opponents, so the middle of the defense will be tested early. OBSERVATION DECK A point of emphasis for the Chargers during training camp has been creating more turnovers. San Diego finished with just 17 turnovers in 2013, third worst in the NFL. However, the Chargers forced six turnovers during the postseason, second only to the Seattle Seahawks. Weddle has two interceptions for touchdowns during training camp, and middle linebacker Donald Butler returned an interception for a score during a controlled scrimmage at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers are focused not only on creating more turnovers but also taking them back for touchdowns. At an average of 6-6 and 322 pounds, San Diego has one of the beefiest offensive lines in the NFL. So it’s no wonder the Chargers were so effective clearing rushing lanes for Mathews last season. Mathews finished with a career-high 1,255 rushing yards last season. The goal for the offensive line is to create a similar mindset so the team can run against anyone in 2014. “Last year we started off coming out every day and being consistent and working together,” guard Chad Rinehart said. “We need to get back to that point. Unfortunately, I don’t feel like we’re there right now. But each day we’ve shown a little bit of improvement going into the season.” Don’t expect much change from a scheme standpoint in San Diego’s offense with Frank Reich taking over as offensive coordinator. Reich worked as the team’s quarterbacks coach under Ken Whisenhunt, who left to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. Reich and Rivers have a good relationship. Reich will lean on the veteran quarterback even more to run the no-huddle offense and call plays at the line of scrimmage. But the team’s core philosophy of running the ball and leaning on the short passing game remains the same. While Green will be featured more in the offense, veteran Antonio Gates will remain the most targeted tight end on San Diego’s roster. Gates has been the most targeted receiver for the Chargers two of the last three seasons. While NFL observers believe he has lost a step, the 34-year-old Gates can still beat one-on-one coverage in the middle of the field, particularly in the red zone. One player to watch for during preseason play is undrafted rookie free-agent cornerback Chris Davis. The star of the Iron Bowl for Auburn last season with his return of a missed field goal for the winning score against Alabama, Davis has made handful of interceptions and pass breakups during camp. At 5-10 and 201 pounds, Davis is built more like a running back, but he has shown an ability to play physically and keep up with speedy receivers on vertical routes.
Posts: 61,556

08-07-2014, 09:14 AM	#87
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	Raiders ready to be the raiders http://espn.go.com/blog/oakland-raid...akland-raiders THREE REASONS FOR PESSIMISM 1. D.J. Hayden and his surgically repaired right foot being a fixture on the sideline has cost the second-year cornerback valuable practice time. Granted, Chimdi Chekwa has stepped in admirably, but Hayden’s stress fracture tests the depth of the Raiders’ cornerbacks, and it has shown in camp. Allen said he expects to see Hayden on the field before the end of the preseason, but would anyone be shocked if Hayden actually started the regular season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which would mean he is lost for at least six games? 2. The Raiders’ receiving corps is seemingly made up by a gaggle of No. 2 and No. 3 receivers on any other team. Schaub is used to having a prototypical No. 1 pass-catcher in the mold of Andre Johnson. There is no Andre Johnson on this team, rather, there is Andre Holmes, who has exceeded expectations as a big and physical receiver but still needs experience. Other than Denarius Moore, whose knack for shining and then disappearing in regular-season games has reared its head in camp, the Raiders’ receivers all seem like the same guy. [+] EnlargeKhalil Mack AP Photo Expectations are high for rookie linebacker Khalil Mack. 3. Schaub's confidence level has been downplayed all camp, and early on he was extremely sharp. Then came a blip when he threw four interceptions in three practices, getting picked off three times by free safety Charles Woodson and once by linebacker Miles Burris. Schaub’s accuracy issues against his own team are sure to surface against opponents, no? And when they do, how will he handle the hardship? In camp, he responded with some of his best throws of the preseason. And therein lies the key for a QB who insists he never lost his mojo. OBSERVATION DECK Rookie second-string quarterback Derek Carr may have a stronger arm than Schaub, but Carr, who played his last three years at Fresno State in the shotgun in a spread offense, seems to hold onto the ball in the pocket too long while patting the ball a la Dan Pastorini looking for an open receiver. NFL pass-rushers come much quicker than your run-of-the-mill Mountain West Conference sack master. Mack simply has a nose for the ball. The No. 5 overall draft pick has a high motor and is all over the field. In one play, he looks like a Von Miller clone. In the next, he is the second coming of Clay Matthews. It will be fun to see what Mack does when the tackling is live and to the ground. No surprise here, but Jones-Drew looks more effective running between the tackles than McFadden, who is more dangerous in space. Two-time Pro Bowl fullback Marcel Reece has dropped 17 pounds but gained an added dimension as a pass-catcher. He has been going out for passes down the sidelines and coming down with jump balls. Remember, he was a receiver in college at Washington. Two early predictions for the practice squad? Try running back/kick returner George Atkinson III and receiver Mike Davis.
Posts: 61,556

08-07-2014, 04:08 PM	#88
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	Butter, Onion, Garlic Salt, you're accidentally readying about football. http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...le1069848.html Five things to watch for in tonight’s preseason opener against the Bengals: Battle of backup QBs Starter Alex Smith will play the first quarter, and then the free-for-all begins. Chase Daniel will get the second quarter, and his play has been spotty in training camp. But Daniel, whose job is clearly on the line, is one of those gamers who appears to play better in game conditions than in practice. Second-year man Tyler Bray will open the third quarter, and he needs to show some composure and decision-making ability. The preseason performances of Bray and fifth-round pick Aaron Murray, who will get the fourth quarter, will determine whether the Chiefs go with a youngster behind Smith and keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Standing on the corner Related Stories Chiefs hope parking changes alleviate game-day crunch at Arrowhead Stadium Chiefs will keep it simple on offense vs. Bengals, but the expectations don’t change Chiefs’ depth chart Brandon Flowers is gone to San Diego, and Sean Smith has been banished to the second team. So how will second-year man Marcus Cooper and journeyman Ron Parker fare as the starters if the Bengals choose to challenge them with the likes of talented A.J. Green, who caught 11 TD passes last year, and Marvin Jones, who had 10? Newcomer Chris Owens will defend the slot receiver, and the Bengals’ Mohamed Sanu can be a handful. Changing of the guards The Chiefs have rotated rookie Zach Fulton and veterans Ricky Henry and Rishaw Johnson at the right guard spot vacated by free agents Jon Asamoah and Geoff Schwartz, and the rookie has had the edge. He’ll get tested by the Bengals’ Geno Atkins if the Bengals decide he’s sufficiently recovered from season-ending knee surgery from last year. The Bengals ranked fifth against the run last season, so all three guards also will be tested on the second level. (Keep an eye on Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher, while you’re at it.) Getting their kicks The competition at place kicker is on. You don’t think the Chiefs’ staff still remembers Ryan Succop’s 41-yard miss at the end of that San Diego game last year? Rookie Cairo Santos, the Lou Groza Award winner at Tulane in 2012, has displayed a strong foot in camp and is a serious challenger to Succop, the club’s kicker since his rookie year of 2009. But kicking in camp and kicking in a game are two different things. The two-game experiment of kicking extra points from 33 yards out will add to the drama. Where’s DAT guy? Running back De’Anthony Thomas, the diminutive speedster from Oregon, has electrified training camp with his playmaking ability. The Chiefs have lined him up as a single back, as a twin back with Jamaal Charles and in the slot as a receiver. He’s dangerous wherever he gets the ball. A fourth-round draft pick, he will also return punts and appears to be a huge upgrade over Dexter McCluster as the little man who can make big plays. Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...#storylink=cpy
Posts: 61,556

08-11-2014, 10:10 AM	#89
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt...le1188329.html Chiefs sign a safety to replace Gregory, Johnathan Amaya signed safety Jonathon Amaya on Sunday night. Amaya, 25, is listed at 6 feet 2 and 205 pounds. He racked up 37 tackles and a forced fumble in 38 games with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins from 2010 to 2012. He signed a free-agent deal with the Arizona Cardinals in March 2013 but was released during training camp and sat out the 2013 season. Amaya will compete with fellow safeties Eric Berry, Husain Abdullah, Daniel Sorensen, Jerron McMillian and Malcolm Bronson for playing time. The Chiefs found themselves one player short at the position when Gregory, 31, decided to retire less than two weeks after he signed a free-agent deal with the club. To reach Terez A. Paylor, call 816-234-4489 or send email to tpaylor@kcstar.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/TerezPaylor. Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt...#storylink=cpy
Posts: 61,556

08-11-2014, 10:11 AM	#90
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $4638454	http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...le1186864.html A few days ago, Devan Walker was sitting in his living room when his phone finally rang. It was his agent. “Next day, you know,” Walker said, “I’m here.” By here, Walker means Missouri Western, where the 24-year-old outside linebacker is one of 90 players battling it out to make the Chiefs’ roster or practice squad. There’s a certain pressure that comes along with that, but it’s nothing like being a free agent, unsure where — or if — that next football opportunity will come from. “It just gives you confidence that somebody believes in your talent,” Walker said. Walker, who is listed at 6 feet 3 and 250 pounds, went undrafted out of Southeastern Louisiana in 2013 after a college career in which he had 15 sacks in 42 games. Walker signed with the San Diego Chargers but was waived-injured last August after suffering a knee injury. “I was getting promoted on special teams; I was making a name for myself,” Walker said. “Unfortunately, I ran a little inside stunt in practice, got to the quarterback, and they blew the play dead but I fell right on my knee. I got up and walked off the field, came back and finished practice. But once I got an MRI later that day, I realized I had a partial tear in my lateral meniscus.” Walker said he’d worked his way up from the fourth-team punt squad to the third team, with a few reps on the second team. He ended up having surgery on the day of the Chargers’ first preseason game. Walker healed up and landed a tryout with the Chiefs during their three-day rookie minicamp in May. “I came with a positive mindset, thinking I’m gonna give it everything I’ve got and leave it on the field,” Walker said. “(I figured) if it’s God’s will for me to be here, I’ll be here. It all happened for a reason, it all worked out.” Walker said the Chiefs kept him on their shortlist after the camp. He did what he could to stay in shape and finally got the call he’d been waiting for this week, albeit after the Chiefs needed a replacement for outside linebacker Dezman Moses, who injured his elbow and was waived. “Unfortunately somebody went down, and you never wish injury on anyone,” Walker said Sunday. “But I’m here.” Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...#storylink=cpy
Posts: 61,556