Chambers Glad To Be Back
From the Truman Sports Complex
“It felt so good to come into a locker room that I know.”
That was just part of the excitement WR Chris Chambers experienced on Monday as he joined the rest of his teammates for the first day of the Chiefs off-season strength and conditioning program.
And that was one of the reasons Chambers signed so early in the free agency period. After he injected some life into their offense over the second half of the ‘09 season the Chiefs wanted him back. And after being released by the Chargers last year, Chambers wanted to sign with a team that wanted him.
That made the three-year deal for just under $15 million easy to accept for the 31-year old, 10-year NFL veteran.
“I didn’t want to go somewhere I had to start over and learn a different system,” Chambers told the media. “I’m glad to be around the guys again.”
Not that anything was easy for the veteran receiver as he became a free agent for the first time in his career. In fact, Chambers called it an “ordeal.” Throughout the last three months, he was in contact with QB Matt Cassel and credits his teammate with helping him through the situation.
“He gave me some good advice on how to handle myself during this process,” Chambers said. “We talked back and forth and it was good today to see his face and be able to hang out a little bit more.”
Chambers expects changes to the offense this year with the addition of Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator. He also thinks there are parts of the puzzle that still must be added to the attack.
“At some point we are going to have to have a receiver in there, a third receiver, who can make some plays,” he said. “Somebody is going to have to play inside in the slot, since I would imagine that Dwayne (Bowe) and I will play outside.”
But he thinks the attitude is in place for the ‘10 Chiefs offense to have great productivity and efficiency.
“We know the direction we are going and in this off-season, everybody knows where we are going,” he said. “We don’t have to think about what we are doing, we can just go do it. We were a step slow (last year).
“We are all on the same page, and then it gets back to execution.”
Lets Hope that the Chiefs find ways to win this year and get to the playoffs.
Got to like Chambers. He reps what I look to in a pro player. If age or injury does rear its ugly head, a plus for the Chiefs. Doubt anyone else on roster will out preform him.
Chambers attitude represents “he’s all in” speaks well to what the Chiefs are doing (or going) & Haley’s coaching philosophy. Matt Cassel obviously has his respect as well.
Even during the off season, I’m surprised how little the Chiefs players talk too or make comments to the press. I’m beginning to think we have alot of mini me’s resembling Scott Pioli running around Arrowhead. Anyhow, positive feedback from the players is a good thing.
Go Chiefs.
I wonder how “all in” he’ll be with the program if the Chiefs pick up a better WR make him the slot guy.
Other than Dez Bryant in the draft, just who do you suggest? TO would make a good slot but WR?? Who you go in mind?
By the by, Dez has issues about his character so Pioli might pass. And you have got to have one receiver who will catch the ball, you like “no hands” Bowe?
Might want to do some homework before embracing Chris Chambers as a pro and dismissing Dez Bryant because of character issues. Both perform well on the field. Off the field, Bryant lied about a meeting with Deon Sanders. Chambers got caught in an affair (not his first) with a psycho who then stalked him and his now ex-wife. I hope that both get their lives straightened out…but let’s be real here when looking at character.
Also going back to when Chambers was in Miami he didn’t have the greatest hands in the world. He also only went over 1,000 yards once in his career in 2005 and the same year he had the most catches of his career with 82. I know Bowe has already topped the reception total.
There’s Decker out of Minnesota that’d make a great slot receiver. Not a speed position it’s about running great routes, good hands and making tough catches in traffic. Les Welker is the slot receiver’s role model. We get the O-line fixed along with the 2 J’s in the backfield … not that far from having a pretty decent offense.
el cid says:
“you like “no hands” Bowe?”
Actually, I do. Although I prefer to call him Dwayne “get your head in the game” Bowe. In my opinion…the only thing keeping Dwayne Bowe from being one of the best receivers in the league, is Dwayne Bowe himself. I think this a “make or break” year for this kid. As a Chief, anyway. The only question (in my mind) is whether or not he wants to be average, or really good. I firmly believe that it is strictly up to him. And I can see it going either way.
Chambers? Meh. I like the guy. Seems like a decent guy and a good teammate. But…being a “stand out” among what we currently have as WR’s? Doesn’t impress me much. I’m glad we were able to resign him. But, only because we didn’t get someone better. And honestly? I doubt very seriously if he had any other offers. Let’s face it…there are probably only a couple of teams in the league that Chambers would even make the roster, let alone start for. Unfortunately…we’re one of them.
Chambers was a great addition last year and I hope he continues to perform at a high level. His production during his half season with us last year would have translated to 1300 yards over a 16 game span. I’m not expecting THAT, but I do think he will provide Cassel a reliable target who should rack up 800-1000 yards this year. Unless Bowe stops dropping so many balls, I can’t imagine him doing much more than equal those numbers.
Slot receivers? Urban will get a shot, as will Quentin Lawrence. In the draft, Jordan Shipley, Dexter McCluster and Taylor Price all look like nice additions in the 2nd round. Also, it’s hard not to get a little excited about Brandon Banks and Trindon Holliday. They may be undersized, but they can flat out FLY!!!
Chris Chambers may not be the league’s greatest WR, but I love his enthusiasm and desire to play for the Chiefs. He and Cassel seem to have great rapport, both on and off the field, and that’s a major plus. He’s proven himself to the Chiefs, and I expect him to have a solid season in 2010.
My Dez comment was only pointing out this is not a super year for WR out of college or at least any future great ones are not making a name for themselves in college.
As for “no hands” Bowe, if I was Cassel (and had time to throw), I would be looking for Chambers first, TE second, slot if used and Bowe last. While Bowe make a super catch many times, if he is open look out, he drops to many. How good would he have been if he was aware of the need to catch every ball thrown his way?
You can like or dislike him for whatever reasons you want but he definitely made a huge difference in our offense last year. He is an effective pro receiver and was our best receiver who made our offense better. Resigning him was an important decision for our anemic offense and definitely a priority moving forward. Do we need more help? Of course, but Chambers was NOT part of our problems and improved our team from the time he joined us.
fairfaxjohn,
Well said, I totally agree.
I agree, too. That’s what makes it so sad, though…that an almost over-the-hill WR on the last leg of his career can come in and immediately be our best receiver. I like the guy, and respect the job he did for us last year. I hope he can continue to be productive. But it doesn’t solve any of our WR problems. It only prevented the problem from becoming worse.
I think D. Bowe has painted himself into a corner , if he dose’nt do a 180 and catch almost every throw ( like Tony G. ) did , Haley will paint him GONE !
Well what do you guys think of McNabb possibly going to the Raiders? I really hope the Raiders bumble this one…
arrowhead1978,
If it turns out to be true…then I feel sorry for the guy. I always kinda’ liked McNabb. For the Eagles to trade him off to the Raiders? That’s ruthless.
Wherever he ends up, I have a feeling the Eagles are going to be sorry they didn’t keep him.
echo Mad Chief.
Might be a good personnel move for the Eagles to get something while they can. But have a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the guy.
yeah is kinda stupid, a year ago they were saying how they need to get more talent around him and they could win the superbowl, recievers that is, now they may trade him and start over at that position.
Maybe I missed it…since I don’t generally watch the Eagles play. But what exactly did Kolb do to convince the Eagles that he’s a better option at QB than McNabb…tear up the Chiefs? Because it’s not like that was really difficult.
Maybe the Raiders trade for McNabb, draft Dez Bryant, and sign T.O. They could win the West next year. Scary thought. But, it could happen.
Mad Chief. That would be a lot of talent on the team, but It seems like they already have a lot of talent on the team and aren’t doing much with it. Last year when Jamarcus stated that he never worried about the starting position not being his clued me in on some of the Raiders problems. This was after a string of terrible performances. My feeling is that they need a Todd Haley type to demand better from the players. How can you be so laid back after playing so horribly? That wouldn’t fly in Chiefs land which leads me to believe that even with McNabb, TO, and Dez Bryant I would far rather be on the Chiefs with Bowe, Chambers, and Urban. The attitude is you better bring nothing less than your best. Haley even benched Derrick Johnson. I think that creates an urgency in the team. I really like Haley, who flat out will not accept mediocrity from his players. It’s human nature, the higher the expectations, the more likely you are to perform to your potential… and on Chambers, like John from Fairfax stated….I don’t care what everyone else thinks, the guy came in and helped our offense tremendously, he has a heart to be a chief, and he seems committed. He may not be a star to the rest of the league but he is for us…
And as far as Chambers, I will quote Haley on this one….. it’s the right 53. You can have a lot of Chiefs with no role playing indians……I would rather have 53 true CHIEFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“But…being a “stand out” among what we currently have as WR’s?”
The thing is…all he has to do is play as a #2 WR in this offense. The real burden is on Mr. Bowe to step it up. Both of these guys have chances to go over 1,000 yards.