Who Is No. 1 On Defense? … Monday Cup O’Chiefs
The Chiefs return to the practice field on Monday and the biggest question after whether QB Matt Cassel is ambulatory is how will the No. 1 defense line up?
When the Chiefs final pre-season game was over in St. Louis last week, the major positive that Todd Haley saw in the loss was the play of his defense. Starting in that game were safeties Jon McGraw and Mike Brown, rookie CB Donald Washington and Demorrio Williams was at ILB with Corey Mays. On the bench was LB Derrick Johnson and at home were CB Brandon Flowers with his shoulder injury and safeties Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard, with unknown problems.
Well, now Pollard is gone and when Johnson and Page show up for work, the question will be where do they stand and just what will be the Chiefs starting defense look like in Baltimore for the season opener.
“We’ll have to see,” Haley said with a smile after the game.
There is no doubt that the defense has been the strongest of the three sides of the football in the pre-season. Among the league’s 32 teams, the Chiefs defense was ranked 19th in yards allowed, giving up 3234.5 yards per game, including ninth in rushing yards allowed at just 97 yards per game and 3.1 yards per carry. The pass defense was ranked 27th allowing 227.5 yards per game. The defense allowed six touchdowns.
There was also a semblance of a pass rush, as the Chiefs took the passer down seven times. That was a sack every 19.8 passing plays. That’s not a league leading number, but it’s certainly better than the ratio of one sack every 33.3 pass plays from last year.
But one thing the defense did not do is produce takeaways. They had just two interceptions over four games and remarkably did not recover any of the five fumbles by the opponents.
It did not look like defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast pulled his punches in the pre-season. Certainly, there’s more in the playbook, but Pendergast didn’t hesitate to send five, six, seven and one time even eight people after the quarterback. They did this without getting gashed on the run; the longest carry given up in four games was 14 yards. In the last couple of seasons those long runs just killed the Chiefs.
Flowers should reclaim his spot when healthy; he had one of the best pre-seasons of anybody on the roster. In his chance to start and play significant time last week, Washington showed that he’s got some physical skills to play the position. That gives the Chiefs four very competent corners.
Johnson played with the second team defense against the Rams and was all over the place making tackles and plays. Whether that was an indication of his understanding his demotion or a poor Rams second unit on offense is subject for debate. More than likely it was a combination of both factors.
One of the great Lazarus performances of the NFL pre-season was Williams going from an extended time on the rehab team to the starting lineup in St. Louis. We know little about the injury Williams was dealing with, other than you can see when he runs even now there’s a hitch in his get along.
If Williams wasn’t the best example of going from roster death, to roster life, then it would have to be S DaJuan Morgan. After three days of training camp, he went to the rehab team and didn’t return for over two weeks. But in the last two games, Morgan has flashed his speed and hitting ability. Ironically, he looks like a younger version of Pollard.
And, will Page be able to get back into the starting lineup, or will McGraw keep that spot? Against Seattle, McGraw struggled. Against St. Louis, McGraw was very good, with some big hits breaking up passes and good overall coverage.
For Haley, the decisions on defense have to rank as good ones compared to some of the situations he must decipher on the offensive side.
No matter who starts on the Chiefs defense, it seems pretty apparent they are going to have to carry this football team until Cassel can get back into the lineup. It’s been years since the Chiefs relied on their defense, but right now they don’t have a choice.
SIGNINGS, TRADES, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
- BROWNS – claimed DB Marquis Floyd (Seahawks), RB Cedric Peerman (Ravens), CB DeAngelo Smith (Cowboys) and OT Phil Trautwein (Rams) on waivers.
- BRONCOS – reinstated WR Brandon Marshall to the active roster from his suspension.
- BUCCANEERS – claimed DE Maurice Evans (Giants) and CB William Middleton (Falcons) on waivers.
- COLTS – activated S Bob Sanders from the PUP List; claimed LB Cody Glenn on waivers (Redskins); released S Matt Giordano.
- COWBOYS – claimed SS Marvin White on waivers (Bengals).
- CHARGERS – OLB Shawne Merriman was arrested early Sunday on battery and false imprisonment charges after he was accused by TV reality show hostess and model Tila Tequila of chocking her and restraining her from leaving his home.
- DOLPHINS – claimed TE Davon Drew on waivers (Ravens); released TE David Martin.
- EAGLES – released QB A.J. Feeley; claimed DT Antonio Dixon on waivers (Redskins).
- FALCONS – signed DB Brian Williams (Jaguars).
- JAGUARS – released QB Todd Bouman.
- JETS – acquired QB Kevin O’Connell from the Lions; claimed punter A.J. Trapasso (Titans). TE Matthew Mulligan (Titans) and FB Jason Davis (Bears) on waivers; released RB Danny Woodhead, P Reggie Hodges, OT Mike Kracalik and LB Brandon Renkart.
- LIONS – claimed CB Marcus McCauley (Vikings), DE Copeland Bryan (Bills), CB Kevin Hobbs (Seahawks) and WR Yamon Figurs (Ravens) on waivers; traded QB Kevin O’Connell to the Jets; released DE Ikaika Alama-Francis.
- PANTHERS – claimed RB Tyrell Sutton (Packers) and DE Ra’shon Harris (Steelers) on waivers.
- PATRIOTS – signed G Kendall Simmons; traded DL Richard Seymour to the Raiders for a 2011 first-round draft choice.
- RAIDERS – released DT William Joseph.
- RAMS – claimed DT LaJuan Ramsey (Titans) and FS Anthony Smith (Packers) on waivers; released WR Nate Jones and LB Quinton Culberson.
- SEAHAWKS – claimed OT Brandon Frye on waivers (Dolphins); released OT Kyle Williams.
FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY
On September 7, 1973, the Chiefs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 16-7 in a pre-season game at Busch Stadium. RB Jeff Kinney had a five-yard TD run and K Jan Stenerud had FGs of 16, 43 and 47 yards. QB Len Dawson was 10 of 15 for 118 yards. RB Terry Metcalf of the Cardinals had eight catches for 126 yards and six carries for 17 yards. Chiefs CB James Marsalis had an interception.
On September 7, 1980, the Chiefs lost their season opener to the Oakland Raiders 27-14 at Arrowhead Stadium. The Raiders defense and punter Ray Guy were more than the Chiefs could handle in this game. QB Steve Fuller was sacked five times, threw three interceptions and the Kansas City offense had just 276 yards in the game. RB Ted McKnight scored on a seven-yard run and TE Tony Samuels caught a four-yard TD pass from Fuller. Guy had seven punts and averaged 51.7 yards. Oakland QB Dan Pastorini and WR Bob Chandler hooked up for a pair of TD passes in the game. LB Matt Millen, S Odis McKinney and CB Lester Hayes had interceptions.
On September 7, 1986, the Chiefs won their season opener, beating the Cincinnati Bengals 24-14, at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs got this going in the right direction in the first quarter, when S Mark Robinson blocked a Bengals punt that was recovered by S Deron Cherry in the end zone for a touchdown. Cincinnati tied the score before half-time with a 15-yard TD pass from QB Boomer Esiason to WR Cris Collinsworth. But the Chiefs got a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter as RB Jeff Smith caught a 15-yard scoring pass from QB Todd Blackledge and TE Walt Arnold recovered a fumble in the end zone. K Nick Lowery added a FG. WR Stephone Paige led the Chiefs with five catches for 93 yards.
On September 7, 2003, the Chiefs won their season opener, beating San Diego 27-14 at Arrowhead Stadium. A crowd of 78,048 watched the Chiefs jump to a 24-0 first-half lead on the legs of RB Priest Holmes. He scored first on a 24-yard TD run and came back moments later with a five-yard scoring scamper. Holmes finished the game with 85 yards rushing on 18 carries and he caught seven passes for 98 yards. WR Johnnie Morton caught a 20-yard TD pass from QB Trent Green and K Morten Andersen added two FGS. Green was 21 of 32 for 282 yards. DE Vonnie Holliday had three sacks for the Chiefs defense, while S Greg Wesley and S Shaunard Harts each had an interception.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on September 7, 1948 in Brooklyn, New York was RB John Brockington. He joined the Chiefs during the 1977 season, after playing six seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Brockington appeared in 10 games with the Chiefs, running 54 times for 161 yards and a TD. He caught 19 passes for 222 yards and a TD.
Born on September 7, 1972 in Fontana, California was TE Willy Tate. He joined the Chiefs in 1998 and appeared in one game. Tate did not have a catch with the Chiefs. He played in 13 games during the’96 season with Tampa Bay.
I’m surprised that the Chiefs weren’t more active with waiver wire claims.
Hummmmmmmm,
Go Chiefs!
Some thoughts on the skinny use of the waiver wire thus far by the Chiefs:
1) IT’s THE ECONOMY. Certainly cannot be ignored what with TV blackouts being forecast in various NFL markets. Coming off two horrid seasons, a major renovation of Arrowhead, paying off Herm’s and CP’s contracts ALL add to the softness of the cash flow.
2) SURVIVAL MODE. Realistically, Pioli/Haley may be simply moving toward the team and roster they hope to field as early at 2010 but, probably, 2011. They know the ‘win now’ philosophy isn’t feasible for now, so why not gather the pieces over a controlled space of say, two years?
Given the above AND the murderer’s row of a schedule for 2009, we should all get comfortable that the ride for this season will be adventurous, perhaps even thrilling for a few games, but the reality of the situation based on concepts 1) and 2) above relegate the Chiefs to back in the pack status for the upcoming season.
I’m surprised there hasn’t been more activity with the waiver wire as well. BUT….the way they are approaching things…(the right players rather than the best players)….I guess I can understand….just because some of these guys look better than what we have does not automatically mean that they fit this football team. On the other hand….we have a great shot at a losing record with some of the guys we have so why not take a chance? What more could we lose? Realistically I know that the Chiefs aren’t going to be much record wise by the end of the season. But Hope always over-rides realistic and so I’m looking forward to winning every game and going to the Superbowl.
I’m a little surprised, too. Interesting that the Pats are very active in deals without Pioli. Pioli seems to be very conservative in his moves– not that there’s anything wrong with that!
If the Chiefs don’t pick up anyone from a practice squad or any free agents, then Pioli is not as active as advertised. That’s fine, but the Chiefs are talent-challenged. The 6th round pick given up for the Miami linemen doesn’t look like any great deal at this point in time.
Pioli gets every benefit of the doubt from me for a good while, but I am surprised at the lack of movement……..to date.
CHASE DANIELS IS ON THE WIRE!!! Not only is he good…but he would sell tickets!!
Economy didn’t have anything to do with the Chiefs not being active in the waiver wire. It just wasn’t much talent in areas where this team needed help out there. This team still has plenty of money left under the cap even after signing Jackson and Cassell to long term contract.
As for the defense I think the starting lineups if all guys are healthy will be
Defensive line: Dorsey, Tank, and Jackson
Line backers: Vrabel, Johnson, Mays, and Hali
Def Backs: Flowers, Carr, Page, and Brown
patience is not a virtue for no reason. Pioli I believe is methodical by design, and one cannot underestimate his experience with a WINNING organization. Not afraid to release 2 starters. and he will be the first to admit misfires (lelie?). Haley must not of liked some aspect of his play or work ethic. Let’s see how goes…
Harold C:
What the Chief’s have to lose is the new team’s culture. It is pretty clear that Pioli/Haley will not tolerate a bad attitide; rather they want to set up a mentality that it’s Cief’s 24/7 and that those bad apples can rot elsewhere.
With this mindset, losing good talent can be a temporary setback, but when the talent eventually arrives, the mentality is ready.
I think that Randy Moss even liked and bought into the Ptriot’s Way. The right mentality can be a drawing card and even cause some to change their ways when they come on board…
The economy doesn’t have anything to do with the Chiefs being relatively inactive on the waiver wire, Ed? You’re not writing the checks, looking at attendance/season ticket and anticipated concession and merchandise sales projections.
Nor am I. But I have to think those numbers are far softer than they were during the revenue salad days of the 90s. Network TV money only goes so far when the players are getting 60% of the revenue streams so don’t be so sure that spending more money on players isn’t as easy as you might think it to be.
Anyone think the Chiefs are going to sell out the majority of their games in 2009, especially if they hold the line on pricing? Anyone?
I still am wondering if we HAVE to spend a certain amount…I thought you had to use up 88 percent or something.
“when Johnson and Page show up for work, the question will be where do they stand”
- probably in the corner with the promise of no supper based on how plays with his toys- then when he ‘breaks’ one of them he’ll run off to his daddy whimpering: “none of them work any more – why don’t they like me papa?”
“and just what will be the Chiefs starting defense look like in Baltimore for the season opener.”
- a few words come to mind – most of which Rin cannot or more accurately will not use here in this one big happy ‘family’ football forum. Uh, think “four letters” various combos…
“We’ll have to see” Haley said with a smile after the game.”
- translation: I still don’t have a clue what I’m doing … my 0-4 record should be a dead giveaway – like the rest of the season to come will be…
“Ironically, he (Morgan) looks like a younger version of Pollard.”
- Rin wonders as He wanders if DuJuan too will meet a similar fate as Bernard did? He will no doubt hope s – when last seen & asked where he was going Pollard said: “to Disneyland!” (most anythin seeming as vacation after summer spent Mengele’s funhouse…)
Interestingly, though the parallels are evident in that both players came out of college ‘early’ as twere fact is Morgan will turn 24 in October – Pollard will be the same, 24… ironic indeed.
&
Pioli had nothing to do with how NE ran there operation, it was all about belicheck, always has been.. They’re moves aren’t looking so bad, especially getting a first rounder for seymour, just goes to show you that Pioli had nothing to do with the personnel moves in NE…
Too as concerns the economy NFL future no one but Jr. knows for certain what he’s thinking in terms of his Kansas City effort$.
Beyond his normal everyday thoughts any: “hmm… should I wear my black soccer shirt trimmed with yellow (Columbus Crew), or my red one with white and blue highlights (FC Dallas)?” just what does the Chiefs owner think?
As soon as gives Jr. the ‘ok, all clear’ sign to give an interview, what might the latter tell us about his thoughts regards a possibility an upcoming uncapped year football?
If the economy is a problem today ‘with’ a cap in place – one KC is far below as a few other teams – what will an uncapped season less than 2 years from now portend? And with a losing football team now that has done every bit of nothing to suggest it is getting better, what fandom will be left to cheer unless be fandumb?
As Jr. was not so much on the cutting edge this past off season as concerns swift addressing of football situations (his Chiefs being last team to hire a new GM, last to hire new Head Coach & last to become aware their offensive line’s now the most popular cheese in all of Switzerland), chances are better than naught Jr.s still more concerned with his choice in polos. What Kaycee fans are left then should not be surprised with what Santa brings them their Chiefs stockings.
“No, think today I’ll just slip into my silver & black #16 jersey.”
Just win baby…
daddy-o
The fact that the Raiders have always been and still are stupid in regards to personnel moves shows us that Pioli had nothing to do with personnel moves in NE?
Try again, 1978…
arrowhead1978 says:
“Pioli had nothing to do with how NE ran there operation”
I have no idea how a sane person can believe that. But seriously, if you do? I have some oceanfront property I’m looking to sell…RIGHT HERE IN MISSOURI! You interested?
BHL,
You have to admit, since Pioli has been with the Chiefs he has yet to draft a first rounder and trade him to another team for a possibly higher draft pick two years from now. /non-Smiley smile/
That’s BEL, for the non-dyslexic.
I think they moved on a problem spot on the O-line at right tackle … I’m still concerned about center. Other than these 2 spots and Punt Returner, I think the Team looks solid. There’ve been a lot of decent players cut, in the last couple of days, so I’m sure Pioli is looking at them all. Get Cassell healthy, everyone on the same page and we could be in for a fun season.
uh huh…WR is certainly going to be a boom or- er, bust or bust position in 2009…
Man Rin you are an as***e but man you are funny. I just loved the Pioli happy face and I’m thinking you’re not too far off on Jr.s thoughts.What I do wonder is this. Do you not have anything else to do but sit in front of the computer waiting on new posts. I mean I can manage to get here every couple of days and I’m not loser enough to comment on every post. I suspect the ones who are are the same ones who call talk radio shows.
jonsey said
“Man Rin”
- to their effluvium the rest…
“you are an”
- brilliant man, yes; talent does what it can, mine genius as it must…
“as***e”
- I love ‘Wheel of Fortune’ – “astute” – Rin wins again!
“but man you are funny.”
- yes, I know…
“I just loved the Pioli happy face and I’m thinking you’re not too far off on Jr.s thoughts.”
- integrity be next to Rin-liness…
“What I do wonder is this. Do you not have anything else to do but sit in front of the computer waiting on new posts.”
- no, this is it – my entire life is predicated
on reading, typing and making precious internet paper disappear several chapters at a time…
“I mean I can manage to get here every couple of days and I’m not loser enough to comment on every post.”
- you underestimate yourself…
“I suspect the ones who are are the same ones who call talk radio shows.”
- Rin worked in radio as well other media so He is used to folks calling in as well calling Him out…as you, they too left unrequited/defeated.
&