PFF Chiefs vs Steelers

[Hammock Parties]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...reseason-wk-3/

Kansas City – Three Performances of Note

Strong Defense Up Front

So, where better to start than with the Chiefs’ front seven. For a team that has spent such a high number of draft picks, and high picks at that, on their defensive front seven they didn’t get anywhere near the sort of performances required and expected from them last season. However, with the change of coaching staff Chiefs’ fans will be hoping that this is a season for change, and on last night’s evidence the likes of Tyson Jackson (+3.5 run defense) and Dontari Poe (+1.3 run defense) are ready for much better years this fall. Poe was plenty busy last night, registering four tackles (two stops), and Jackson contributed two run stops as well. Poe and Jackson had plenty of fun against the right side of the Steelers’ offensive line, and that set up Derrick Johnson (+3.0) who had a strong night all-around with four stops across his run defense and pass coverage, and even added a sack into the mix. With Tamba Hali adding five pressures (1 Ht, 4 Hu) this is precisely the sort of form the Chiefs need to see as they look for improvements in 2013.

Efficiency Remains

The biggest question for Alex Smith coming to Kansas City was whether he could translate the efficient, turnover-free football that he was producing in San Francisco’s run-first offense to Andy Reid’s often pass-happy offense. If you check Smith’s passing map, not only from this game but from preseason as a whole, then things don’t look terribly different in terms of Smith’s aim and efficiency, even if the volume might increase. Thus far in preseason Smith has targeted only two passes more than 20 yards downfield (both incompletions) and neither of those were in his 24 targeted passes last night in Pittsburgh. While Smith may never be a difference-making quarterback, and he might never have the run of form that set Joe Flacco up with a Super Bowl ring and a $100 million dollar contract, he can provide an upgrade, comfortably, on Matt Cassel. Last night Smith was 12 of 15 on short passes (+0.3), taking his preseason totals to 21 of 27 (+1.8). Above average and solid will be a big step in the right direction at quarterback for the Chiefs.

Jones and Zombo State Their Case

Once the dress rehearsal is done for the starters, preseason moves on to people fighting for a job, and one of the battles we saw play out on Kansas City’s defense was at outside linebacker. Playing behind Justin Houston and Tamba Hali neither Frank Zombo nor Edgar Jones is going to see a great deal of playing time unless one of the Chiefs’ big stars get hurt, but there are jobs to be won here. Both excelled in different areas in this game, with former Packer Zombo showing his ability to rush the passer (+1.8 pass rushing), while former Raven Jones put in a strong showing as a run defender (+2.3). Each played 35 snaps, with Zombo netting four pressures (1 Sk, 1 Ht, 2 Hu), while Jones picked up three stops in run defense. The only differentiator on special teams was Zombo collecting a holding penalty in the first quarter. There may be a roster spot for both, but these guys will be fighting hard to be the next man up should anything happen to Houston or Hali.

Game Notes

- A better showing from Eric Fisher this week, as the No. 1 overall pick played a preseason high 39 snaps, surrendered only one hurry, and earned a +0.9 overall grade.

- When Jon Asamoah left after seven snaps with a calf strain, Geoff Schwartz got his chance to work with the first-team and recorded 32 snaps at right guard, before playing 41 snaps at right tackle with the second-team.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Sweet Daddy Hate

In both cases, it's a burning desire to see KC break it's 40+years of insanity.

But, like I said; go ahead and fire up the grill, and enjoy getting your happy ass handed to you in the usual wild card outing.

Usual?

This team has made the playoffs three times in 15 years.

How is that "usual"?

Just HOW ****ing reeruned are you?

Are your Internet sessions supervised?

[Anyong Bluth]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

It's easy to flush something based on nothing.

With Reid, it's the first time that most of these guys have ever really been coached from an offensive point of view.

To add to the learning curve for everyone let's also not discount that it takes time for the QB and receivers to gel and develop a sense of timing and awareness with your guys. Also stands to reason your deeper routes and plays that take longer to develop will naturally take a bit longer to execute crisply.
Finally, ya its preseason and that means vanilla shit and a healthy dose of bread and butter stuff which in the west coast offense means a play book that's heavy in short and intermediate routes. Those same formations I can assure you have plenty of check with me at the line to take deep strikes when Smith comes to the line and sees something- remember many regard him as one of if not the top play action passer currently in the NFL.

Ya, I understand there's not going to be the air-c, martz aerial circus, but nobody has even seen what sorts of wrinkles they're going to flash out there until they button up and play one that actually goes on the record books.

[Anyong Bluth]

Originally Posted by O.city

Last night was the best OL performance they've had up to date. They were pretty solid, save for a few plays.

Guess we watched a different game.

Saw some tape breakdown and the Steelers did not play just a straight up dline, lots of twists and stunts, etc, and the analysis speaks to the fact that the line did a pretty good job against one of the top ds in the NFL. Not perfect but way better than the previous games.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Usual?

This team has made the playoffs three times in 15 years.

How is that "usual"?

Just HOW ****ing reeruned are you?

Are your Internet sessions supervised?

Yeah, you're correct; they can't even get THAT right. More retreads please!

[el borracho]

I don't recall ever saying even one of those things, Saccopoo. Not even one.

Listen, Alex Smith was a number one pick and has been in the league for nearly a decade. I am sure he has talent and I am sure there are some highlight videos somewhere that illustrate his ability. It's just silly to select a video where the defender slips and then the receiver has to slow down and reach back to catch the ball as evidence of Smith's deep-throwing ability.

About the only thing you got right was my pessimism. And why shouldn't I be? I would like for the Chiefs to identify, acquire and develop a top 5 QB. Alex Smith will never be a top 5 QB in the categories that matter- touchdowns and yards. His biggest strength seems to be efficiency, which would be far more impressive if he were actually moving the ball and scoring. But he isn't... Alex Smith averages less than 200 yards per game and less than two touchdowns per game. That is pathetic, really.

Alex Smith is 2010 Cassel; he is the guy who is just good enough to prevent the team from drafting a legit prospect. The 49ers sold the Chiefs pyrite at a premium price and Andy Reid, et al are running around claiming they are rich.

[Sandy Vagina]

Originally Posted by el borracho

Alex Smith averages less than 200 yards per game and less than two touchdowns per game. That is pathetic, really.

It's actually not, if you are able to consider that this was the 49ers way.

From Nolan... to Singletary... to Harbaugh. We are talking about conservative offenses... built around power running, field position, and leaning on an excellent defense and STs.

Can you get that?

The next thing needed to consider:

NFL lockout in 2011... bottom 5 RG and C play.. lack of deep threat WRs.. an OL built for power run but were not terribly good at pass protection. Building any new scheme, guess what part of the offense evolves last? The pass game... particularly a deep pass game... WCO.

Even in 2012, the 49ers went with roughly the same method of conservative play... because it nearly always worked.. Even when Kaepernick took over at QB....

The difference between the two QBs is microscopic. It seems Harbaugh’s preference is the only reason Kaepernick is playing QB now that Smith is concussion free, because all of the skills that Kaepernick is supposed to have that are better than Smith seemingly have not been converted into points and productivity.
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/2012/...nd-alex-smith/

Kaep put up a bit more yardage... but at the cost of efficiency.

So Alex was the efficient manager. Should he be punished (harshly judged on stat production) just because his coaches and strong D/STs didn't strive for bigger production?

With Reid and a likely lesser (still good) defense, Alex will probably produce bigger numbers. So no, he probably won't have the highest passer rating in the NFL of 104.1. He will likely be in the 88-95 passer rating range... so unless KC completely sucks around him? The Chiefs will be looking good this season and likely even better the next.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by gochiefs(exceptQB)

THANK GOD FOR THAT 1-MINUTE TD DRIVE!!!!!!!!

I'm pretty happy about that. The 2 minute drill is not something I expected him to perform well in.

You can't take sacks and dump it off for 5 yards and expect many last minute come backs...

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by Anyong Bluth

Saw some tape breakdown and the Steelers did not play just a straight up dline, lots of twists and stunts, etc, and the analysis speaks to the fact that the line did a pretty good job against one of the top ds in the NFL. Not perfect but way better than the previous games.

In 2012, the Steelers were the #1 defense overall; # 1 passing defense, #2 rushing defense. I'd say the Chiefs did pretty good against them.

In 2012, the Steelers defense only allowed 185.2 yards of passing per game. Alex Smith hung 158 yards on them in the first half. Was it flashy? No. Were there a lot of long balls all the Alex haters say is needed for the Chiefs to be successful? No. ASmith was just doing what Reid wanted him to do. And before you say, "Oh it was just preseason..." consider that the Steelers had the #2 rushing defense; they held Jamaal to 10 yards on 7 carries and that Polamalu rocked Smith pretty hard. Preseason game 3 is every team's practice game for the regular season. I'm cautiously optimistic based on what I saw against the Steelers.

[Sandy Vagina]

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

I'm cautiously optimistic based on what I saw against the Steelers.

... AND doing it @ Pittsburgh. Road games can be very tough for a team with many new pieces needing to gel.

[jerryforeverrice80]

i have a video of alex smith but it won't let post links since im new to cp.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Pittsburgh sucks and should not be taken seriously in any way, shape, or form/Dane McCloud.