Chiefs Mellinger article on Hill - Page 12

**jjchieffan** · 10-24-2016, 10:55 AM

DJ''s left nut, TTC, and Clay, you may want to avoid this thread. It may get your panties in a wad.

Five seconds on a perfect afternoon is all you need to see to know why. It's why the men in charge of the Chiefs put their own credibility on the line for an admitted domestic abuser. It's why they were willing to drag the franchise through another messy argument, at least temporarily turning much of what they say they stand for into laughable propaganda.

This is a column about football, not morals. But this is also a column about Tyreek Hill, which means the line is blurry. Tyreek Hill made the most exciting, most breathtaking play in the Chiefs' 27-21 win over the Saints on Sunday.

That sentence will make Chiefs fans feel, something. Maybe all you care about is the touchdown. Maybe you will never forgive Hill for his monstrous act two years ago, or the Chiefs for bringing him to Kansas City.

Maybe you're like me, and go sad and sick whenever you think about what he did, and are disappointed the franchise of Jovan Belcher drafted Hill, but think the blame should be less on a football team and more on a justice system shamefully light on sentencing for convicted abusers of women.

No matter where you are on that issue, this column is not intended to change your mind.

This is about why the Chiefs took that risk in the fifth round of the draft back in May, why they've made sure Hill attends his court-mandated counseling, and why they thought the muck would be worth it.

It’s because of these five seconds.

"He's still a rookie, but he's off to the right start," veteran receiver Jeremy Maclin said.

First and 10 at the Saints' 38, and this is a perfect time to throw deep. If it goes incomplete, you have two more downs, and you're already on the edge of field goal range. Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Alex Smith are famously reluctant to go downfield. You know that, they know that, the other team knows that.

So it's doubly important for them to take those shots, to at least show they can, because otherwise they're throwing tunnel screens against 11 men close to the line of scrimmage.

Hill is freakishly fast — 4.24 seconds in the 40 at his pro day — and could be the Chiefs' best deep threat since, what, J.J. Birden?

"He opens everything up for all of the rest of us," Maclin says.

So, about those five seconds. Smith sees the read he wants — single coverage on Hill, with no safety over the top. He takes a short drop back and makes a trust throw high and long, believing that his guy will win the play. When Smith throws, Saints cornerback Ken Crawley is three or four yards closer to the ball's landing spot than Hill.

"Alex just told me to run as fast as I can," Hill said.

At the 14, the ball still in the air, Crawley is still a yard or two ahead of Hill. From that moment to the goal line, Hill takes seven steps. He runs past Crawley around the 10. By the six, Hill is a step behind the corner. Crawley knows it, too. He starts tugging and shoving at Hill around the five.

Hill is small — 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, the third-smallest man on the roster — but he is also strong. Crawley's hands aren't effective. Receivers coach David Culley has talked about this moment all week, telling his guys they will have to fight downfield against a physical group of defensive backs.

Hill shakes off the coverage, plants his left foot at the 1, and leaps into the end zone. Smith's pass is perfectly placed, and in midair, Hill makes a one-handed basket catch with his left hand, rolling onto the ground with the touchdown.

There is nobody else on the roster who could've made this play. Nobody on any Chiefs roster in recent history could've made this play.

Maybe the Chiefs could've scored on this drive anyway. The Saints' defense stinks. But this was the Chiefs' one big play that was more about a singular talent than preparation or scheme, and the Chiefs won by six.

The front office did not take this kind of risk for a singles hitter.

"We're asking him to do a lot of different things," Reid said. "He's a sharp kid. So we've been able to give him maybe a little bit more than I thought as a rookie that you'd probably be able to do, but he's handled it."

Funny moment after the game. Someone asked Hill about Smith, and to be fair, Smith has played very well two games in a row — 36 for 46 for 438 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in two wins.

Tyreek Hill says extra work with Alex Smith paid off
Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill said extra work with quarterback Alex Smith paid off with a touchdown reception Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
Blair Kerkhoff The Kansas City Star
But, then, well, Hill said something of Smith that no serious person has said about Smith since, well, ever.

"He could be a future Hall of Famer, who knows?"

Well, Smith knows. Smith's family knows. His coaches know. You know. I know. But that's not the point. This is where Hill is at the moment, and it's who he's been with the Chiefs. He is eager. He is earnest. He calls everyone sir. Compliments his coaches constantly. Talks more about his mistakes than his successes, and more about his weaknesses than strengths.

He spent training camp driving an enormous old clunker, literally getting around in what his coaches saw as a symbol of humility.

Hill still has much to clean up. He made a mistake with the Chiefs leading late in the fourth quarter, going out of bounds on an end-around, stopping the clock. His teammates say his route running is more advanced than he's shown in games, but so far he's been limited mostly to screens and go routes.

DEFENSE STEPS UP, CHIEFS HOLD ON FOR 27-21 WIN OVER SAINTS

The rest of it may or may not come, of course. He's still young. His ultimate success or failure will be digested by many fans and media as a statement of his character. That will be misguided. It will only be a statement of his ability to play in the NFL. We don't know how any of that will work out.

All we know now is that he's doing the right things, and showing enough to see why the Chiefs took on this significant risk in the first place.

"I feel pretty good," he said. "I'm laughing, each and every day. I'm having fun with these guys. The guys are starting to trust me, and I'm starting to trust them. Once you get that down, you're comfortable."

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

BryanBusby · 10-24-2016, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

The point is there is evidence that concern here is warranted. Same reason why setting poe get a pass and the next goal line having ware get a screen is concern that Andy gets in his own way on goal line situations. The one thing Andy should have learned from that horror in Indy 2013 is not to **** around.

In a vacuum what happened yesterday isn't concerning. That it has happened a number of times and could in future big games certainly is.

I'm looking at the decision, in a vacuum. It wasn't an awful call, for that day.

Andy is gonna do Andy shit and it's never gonna change. I'm not concerned because I know it's gonna happen, and I've just accepted that it's just gonna be a thing.

NJChiefsFan · 10-24-2016, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

I'm looking at the decision, in a vacuum. It wasn't an awful call, for that day.

Andy is gonna do Andy shit and it's never gonna change. I'm not concerned because I know it's gonna happen, and I've just accepted that it's just gonna be a thing.

I'm there with you. Some things aren't gonna change. Still hard sometimes to watch this team be loose with play calls and clock/game management.

BryanBusby · 10-24-2016, 10:34 PM

What concerns me more is how this team ****s up fundamental things week in and week out every single week.

JohnnyHammersticks · 10-24-2016, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

People make mistakes. Especially young people. Im sure we've all done something we regret. Some of us probably did some very asshole-things, yet our lives moved on.

Let his life move on. We don't need to bury him every time his name is mentioned.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 10-25-2016, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjchieffan

Holy crap you are a totally worthless shitbag poster. I don't mind Clay near as much as you. At least he adds something of value to the site with his gifs, but you. All you do is troll and insult anyone who has a positive outlook for this franchise. If we had a top 10 list of posters needing to be banned, you would be number 1. And as shitty as some of the other posters are, they would all be a distant second to your negative, sorry butch ass!!

Come on mang, you getting there! You finally learning how to play the game!

Marcellus · 10-25-2016, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

I've made mistakes in my past, I'm not good enough at football for them to be glossed over.

As for being judged by strangers, I'm not in a career that literally centers on the approval of strangers.

Newsflash, neither is he.

Rasputin · 10-25-2016, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldSchool

You act like Smith has never won against tough defenses before.

Just how many playoff games has Alex Smith won in 11 seasons?

The guy is not a world beater is he?

I'd like to think we can go far this season and I'd love to win a Super Bowl but we shall see if that's possible with Alex Smith I'd love it but have my doubts and I think they are warranted doubts.

Mr. Laz · 10-25-2016, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

Just how many playoff games has Alex Smith won in 11 seasons?

The guy is not a world beater is he?

I'd like to think we can go far this season and I'd love to win a Super Bowl but we shall see if that's possible with Alex Smith I'd love it but have my doubts and I think they are warranted doubts.

Alex Smith has 2 wins, 3 losses in the playoffs

****ing colts game

Ranks 13th in active QBs ... better than stafford,bridgewater,dalton,matt ryan and tony romo

beach tribe · 10-25-2016, 06:04 AM

I believe in 2nd chances. People make huge mistakes. Especially when they are young.

You people can act high and mighty and judge all you want, but one mistake cannot define a man IMO.

jspchief · 10-25-2016, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Newsflash, neither is he.

Actually he is. That's what spectator sports is.

Marcellus · 10-25-2016, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

Actually he is. That's what spectator sports is.

Nah, his ability to work is mainly dependant on his ability to perform and do what is asked of him by coaches and teammates.

There are tons of assholes in the NFL and NBA, and MLB. Sure you can asshole yourself out of the league like Gregg Hardy but really you have to work at it.

dtrain · 10-25-2016, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BryanBusby

Neat, we're having a conversation from May again.

**Anyong Bluth** · 10-25-2016, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

There are some things more important than the outcome of a football game.

And the the Hill issue is not solely about Hill, because the Chiefs aren't just a team in a vacuum. Jim Tyrer killed his wife. Jovan Belcher murdered the mother of his girlfriend less than four years ago. And the team with those stains on its history still saw it fit to draft someone that choked and beat his pregnant girlfriend.

I just don't want to hear the Chiefs say anything about domestic violence or promote awareness against it, because their actions demonstrate that they really don't care. I'd have more respect for the organization if someone would just say, "We don't care if you beat on women."

I'm surprised, Hamas. You understand context, nuance, and perception vs reality as well as, if not far better than, anyone around here.
Didn't anticipate absolutism.

lcarus · 10-25-2016, 08:28 AM

I'm a believer in second chances, whether a person is a clerk at a gas station or a successful NFL quarterback. I've made plenty mistakes in my life, though not anything violent, and I'd hate if people constantly reminded me of them when years have passed and I've taken all the steps to make myself better. Especially considering the people that remind me of my blunders have made more than I have.

gonefishin53 · 10-25-2016, 01:24 PM

Sometimes you have to let the justice system work. The victim and prosecutor in Hill's case believed it would be best for all concerned if Hill were allowed to pursue a career in a job he was well qualified to do. Chiefs management did their homework and trusted the judgment of the victim and prosecutor in the case. So will I.

10-24-2016, 10:55 AM
jjchieffan Supporter Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highlandville, MO Casino cash: $3162247	Mellinger article on Hill DJ''s left nut, TTC, and Clay, you may want to avoid this thread. It may get your panties in a wad. Five seconds on a perfect afternoon is all you need to see to know why. It's why the men in charge of the Chiefs put their own credibility on the line for an admitted domestic abuser. It's why they were willing to drag the franchise through another messy argument, at least temporarily turning much of what they say they stand for into laughable propaganda. This is a column about football, not morals. But this is also a column about Tyreek Hill, which means the line is blurry. Tyreek Hill made the most exciting, most breathtaking play in the Chiefs' 27-21 win over the Saints on Sunday. That sentence will make Chiefs fans feel, something. Maybe all you care about is the touchdown. Maybe you will never forgive Hill for his monstrous act two years ago, or the Chiefs for bringing him to Kansas City. Maybe you're like me, and go sad and sick whenever you think about what he did, and are disappointed the franchise of Jovan Belcher drafted Hill, but think the blame should be less on a football team and more on a justice system shamefully light on sentencing for convicted abusers of women. No matter where you are on that issue, this column is not intended to change your mind. This is about why the Chiefs took that risk in the fifth round of the draft back in May, why they've made sure Hill attends his court-mandated counseling, and why they thought the muck would be worth it. It’s because of these five seconds. "He's still a rookie, but he's off to the right start," veteran receiver Jeremy Maclin said. First and 10 at the Saints' 38, and this is a perfect time to throw deep. If it goes incomplete, you have two more downs, and you're already on the edge of field goal range. Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Alex Smith are famously reluctant to go downfield. You know that, they know that, the other team knows that. So it's doubly important for them to take those shots, to at least show they can, because otherwise they're throwing tunnel screens against 11 men close to the line of scrimmage. Hill is freakishly fast — 4.24 seconds in the 40 at his pro day — and could be the Chiefs' best deep threat since, what, J.J. Birden? "He opens everything up for all of the rest of us," Maclin says. So, about those five seconds. Smith sees the read he wants — single coverage on Hill, with no safety over the top. He takes a short drop back and makes a trust throw high and long, believing that his guy will win the play. When Smith throws, Saints cornerback Ken Crawley is three or four yards closer to the ball's landing spot than Hill. "Alex just told me to run as fast as I can," Hill said. At the 14, the ball still in the air, Crawley is still a yard or two ahead of Hill. From that moment to the goal line, Hill takes seven steps. He runs past Crawley around the 10. By the six, Hill is a step behind the corner. Crawley knows it, too. He starts tugging and shoving at Hill around the five. Hill is small — 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, the third-smallest man on the roster — but he is also strong. Crawley's hands aren't effective. Receivers coach David Culley has talked about this moment all week, telling his guys they will have to fight downfield against a physical group of defensive backs. Hill shakes off the coverage, plants his left foot at the 1, and leaps into the end zone. Smith's pass is perfectly placed, and in midair, Hill makes a one-handed basket catch with his left hand, rolling onto the ground with the touchdown. There is nobody else on the roster who could've made this play. Nobody on any Chiefs roster in recent history could've made this play. Maybe the Chiefs could've scored on this drive anyway. The Saints' defense stinks. But this was the Chiefs' one big play that was more about a singular talent than preparation or scheme, and the Chiefs won by six. The front office did not take this kind of risk for a singles hitter. "We're asking him to do a lot of different things," Reid said. "He's a sharp kid. So we've been able to give him maybe a little bit more than I thought as a rookie that you'd probably be able to do, but he's handled it." Funny moment after the game. Someone asked Hill about Smith, and to be fair, Smith has played very well two games in a row — 36 for 46 for 438 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in two wins. Tyreek Hill says extra work with Alex Smith paid off Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill said extra work with quarterback Alex Smith paid off with a touchdown reception Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Blair Kerkhoff The Kansas City Star But, then, well, Hill said something of Smith that no serious person has said about Smith since, well, ever. "He could be a future Hall of Famer, who knows?" Well, Smith knows. Smith's family knows. His coaches know. You know. I know. But that's not the point. This is where Hill is at the moment, and it's who he's been with the Chiefs. He is eager. He is earnest. He calls everyone sir. Compliments his coaches constantly. Talks more about his mistakes than his successes, and more about his weaknesses than strengths. He spent training camp driving an enormous old clunker, literally getting around in what his coaches saw as a symbol of humility. Hill still has much to clean up. He made a mistake with the Chiefs leading late in the fourth quarter, going out of bounds on an end-around, stopping the clock. His teammates say his route running is more advanced than he's shown in games, but so far he's been limited mostly to screens and go routes. DEFENSE STEPS UP, CHIEFS HOLD ON FOR 27-21 WIN OVER SAINTS The rest of it may or may not come, of course. He's still young. His ultimate success or failure will be digested by many fans and media as a statement of his character. That will be misguided. It will only be a statement of his ability to play in the NFL. We don't know how any of that will work out. All we know now is that he's doing the right things, and showing enough to see why the Chiefs took on this significant risk in the first place. "I feel pretty good," he said. "I'm laughing, each and every day. I'm having fun with these guys. The guys are starting to trust me, and I'm starting to trust them. Once you get that down, you're comfortable." Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt...#storylink=cpy
Posts: 12,621

10-24-2016, 10:34 PM	#168
BryanBusby In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2006 Casino cash: $3719900 VARSITY	What concerns me more is how this team ****s up fundamental things week in and week out every single week.
Posts: 22,230

10-25-2016, 06:04 AM	#174
beach tribe Keep doubting J MFing Houston Join Date: May 2007 Location: ft.lauderdale Casino cash: $4728036	I believe in 2nd chances. People make huge mistakes. Especially when they are young. You people can act high and mighty and judge all you want, but one mistake cannot define a man IMO.
Posts: 21,429

10-25-2016, 08:28 AM	#179
lcarus Everybody Lies. Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: 22 Acacia Avenue Casino cash: $1569928	I'm a believer in second chances, whether a person is a clerk at a gas station or a successful NFL quarterback. I've made plenty mistakes in my life, though not anything violent, and I'd hate if people constantly reminded me of them when years have passed and I've taken all the steps to make myself better. Especially considering the people that remind me of my blunders have made more than I have.
Posts: 17,353

10-25-2016, 01:24 PM	#180
gonefishin53 Starter Join Date: Dec 2010 Casino cash: $10011999	Sometimes you have to let the justice system work. The victim and prosecutor in Hill's case believed it would be best for all concerned if Hill were allowed to pursue a career in a job he was well qualified to do. Chiefs management did their homework and trusted the judgment of the victim and prosecutor in the case. So will I.
Posts: 746