Chiefs
Chatter
Chiefs'
defense shows potential
And Webb,
Croyle could be factors in the future
Posted
9/1/06
by
Eric Lewis of The Landmark staff
In the fourth and final pre season game the Chiefs'
defense actually showed some promise in a 10-9 victory
at Arrowhead over New Orleans.
On the first offensive play for the Saints, the former
heisman trophy winner Reggie Bush was met by Jarred Allen
and stuffed for negative yards. Just a few plays later,
Reggie was hammered by Gregg Wesley a wake-up call not
just to the NFL but also to the punishment the Chiefs
defense is capable of.
The Chiefs seemed to show strong play, which one would
think can only get better as the season continues. On
the other hand, I have yet to see a definite team leader
emerge which is essential to a dominant defense.
Some of the younger players like Bernard Pollard and
Keyaron Fox have stepped up and made some huge plays that
can only mean a bright future for the Chiefs. I think
we will see more four linebacker sets on defense due to
the team's strong depth at the linebacker position.
•On the offensive side of the ball, Michael Bennett
a former pro bowler, proved to be a great pre season pick
up. His speed and versatility will give the Chiefs' running
game another look, a two headed beast if you will. With
the power of L.J and the speed of Bennett, the Chiefs'
running game will be a force to be reckoned with.
•As far as the depth goes at receiver, I have had
some doubts, but last night a young man by the name of
Jeff Webb showed up with something to prove to the coaches.
. .that he can make some plays. His one- handed snag showed
the capabilities this young man has to be a deep threat
guy, something the Chiefs have been needing with the aging
Kennison and the yet proven Samie Parker. Webb could be
someone to keep an eye on this year.
•The third round draft pick quarterback Brodie Croyle
looks to be improving on his pocket presence and delivery.
He made some very accurate throws, displaying a strong
NFL- caliber arm. He also made a great scramble for a
first down try in which he laid out completely and just
missed the line by inches. But this kind of play shows
that he has a desire to make plays. If he can keep this
up and mold behind one of the best quarterbacks in the
NFL in Trent Green, Croyle could very well be the future
of this franchise.
•On the whole, I give the Chiefs performance a B-.
The defense did step it up on a goal line stand in the
fourth quarter, which fired up the sidelines. The interception
from Kris Griffin sealed the deal. And a smile from Gunther
Cunningham in the booth showed his satisfaction.
The offense, despite not putting up more points, showed
some progress, the shaky offensive line I think is still
an issue. The hope is that some of the these guys like
Kyle Turley, a player that has not seen too much NFL action
lately, will be able to step up and make some plays for
our dominate backfield.
•Let's get ready for some football. The season opener
against the scrappy Cincinnati Bengals, a promised playoff
caliber team will be a huge test for the Chiefs on Sunday
Sept. 10th at 12 noon on CBS.
(Eric Lewis provides Chiefs' commentary
for The Landmark. Reach him at Platte County's most powerful
newspaper by emailing eric@plattecountylandmark.com)
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