Chiefs and Rams - Well that sucked monkey balls!

It must nice to have a QB. Bradford completes his first 8 passes for 76 yards and 2 TDs, would have loved to have had that guy. Our amazing run defense got their asses handed to them. Our offensive line couldn't keep anybody off the QB, its all but guaranteed the O line is going to start this season very slow. Barry Richardson needs the fuck fired! 3 holding calls, un called for. I liked the accuracy of Stanzi, he looks the part for young QB. Houston showed up again last night. Just plain ass sucked.

The Kansas City Chiefs took on their cross state rivals last night. Many fans were disappointed with how the Kansas City offense started the game. But in the end the coaches and fans took away one very important lesson.

The offensive line is the foundation of an offense.

When you don't have a good day blocking then nothing happens. No first downs, no touchdowns, only bad things. So Chiefs fans can take away from this game the fact that the offensive line needs to do better. Sure, they had some bright spots. But its the mistakes, the holding penalties, and the pass blocking of the tackles that needs work.

Lets look at those offensive line grades for the first half only...

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Percent Scale

•Please refer to the Chiefs Preseason: Breaking Down The O-Line Tape - Primer at the bottom of this article for any inquiries into the method used to grade the lineman.

Team Run Blocking
Power Blocking
Power Blocking Score
2nd Level Blocks

Did the lineman get the job done or not? These grades are good for understanding value for a team and not necessarily for comparing across teams. A game in the mid 80s to 90% is a decent score.
How often did the offensive lineman dominate the block or how often did he get dominated? These scores are good for comparing across teams and finding the most dominant lineman in the league.
Anything over zero is a good score. The more over zero the more the lineman dominated the defender. Each lineman is scored a minus for being dominated, a zero for a draw, or a plus for dominating the defender.
The number of success over failures for the lineman when blocking linebackers and safeties on the second level. The lineman must be athletic to accomplish a high second level score.

Run Blocking Grades


Percent
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Power
2/Level
Pull


Grade
Blocking
Blocking
Blocks

Albert 62%

-1
0
0

Hudson 62%

-2
+2
0

Wiegmann 62%

-3
0
0

Asamoah 75%

-1
+2
0

Richardson 85%

0
0
0

Gaither
40%

0
0
+1

Run Blocking Notes:

•The first two passing plays of the game the Chiefs gave up pressure on the quarter back.
•The Chiefs gave the ball to LeRon McClain on a short yardage play to try and pick up a first down. the play was designed to go left but the problem was that Albert, Hudson, and Wiegmann all were stuffed. Luckily for the Chiefs Asamoah and Richardson had some great blocks that allowed McClain to cut back and get the first down.
•At 13:35 Albert trips on Hudson who is on the ground after missing a cut block. Both Hudson and Albert (especially Albert) needs to work on the cut blocks.
•On the play that Jamaal Charles scores...Asamoah gets a great reach/drive block so Wiegmann could scrape and pick up a middle backer. It will be fun watching that combination this year. Unfortunately Richardson Hudson, on the backside of the play, gets a holding call. Coaches really dislike, putting it mildly, when players gets penalties away from the play.
•Gaither has some trouble run blocking. In particular the reach blocking the Chiefs do when plays are going away from him.

Team Pass Blocking
Passing Power Blocking
Pressures Combo Help

Did the lineman get the job done or not? These grades are good for understanding value for a team and not necessarily for comparing across teams. A game in the 90% is a good score for pass blocking.
How often did the offensive lineman dominate the block or how often did he get dominated? Each lineman is scored a minus for being dominated, a zero for a draw, or a plus for dominating the block. How often did the offensive lineman give up pressure on the quarterback? Every once and a while a lineman can do his job but give up pressure on the QB. This stat will help glean more info from the line grades.
How often did the offensive coordinator provide help for a tough defender or a struggling lineman. Yea, two lineman ended up with the same grade...but how much help did either of them get?

Pass Blocking Grades


Percent
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Power
Pressures
Sacks
Combo


Grade
Blocking
Allowed
Allowed
Help

Albert 78%

-1
2
0
0

Hudson 89%

-1
1
0
4

Wiegmann 84%

-2
0
0
9

Asamoah 94%

0
0
0
5

Richardson 68%

-7
3
0
2

Gaither
85%

+2
0
0
0


Pass Blocking Notes:

•The first two passing plays of the game the Chiefs gave up pressure on the quarter back.
•Hudson misses blitzing linebacker at 14:14. Didn't turn to pick him up until he was 3 steps past him.
•Hudson and Albert pick up twist stunt at 11:11 in the second quarter. Hudson may be raw but he is coming along nicely as a rookie guard (which is what he played in the first half).
•On a third and goal the Chiefs hike the ball and Albert doesn't even move out of his stance. Needless to say his defender raced by him on his way to pressure the Matt Cassel. Luckily Matt spun back and away from the rushing defender and avoided the sack.
•Two holding calls for Barry Richardson.
•Gaither pass blocks very well. In fact, I'll put out an article about it on Pro Football Spotlight later this week.

Sam Bradford, Rams' starters shine as Chiefs remain winless
Rams Hold Off Chiefs


1st Downs 21 16
Passing 1st downs 11 12
Rushing 1st downs 9 3
1st downs from Penalties 1 1
3rd down efficiency 10-17 3-14
4th down efficiency 0-0 2-2
Total Plays 72 61
Total Yards 321 309
Passing 151 251
Comp-Att 17-31 21-39
Yards per pass 4.9 6.4
Rushing 170 58
Rushing Attempts 40 20
Yards per rush 4.3 2.9
Red Zone (Made-Att) 2-2 0-2
Penalties 5-30 8-55
Turnovers 2 0
Fumbles lost 0 0
Interceptions thrown 2 0
Defensive / Special Teams TDs 0 0
Possession 32:38 27:22
Passing Leaders
St. Louis C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT RATING
Bradford 9/16 95 5.9 2 1 87.2
Feeley 8/13 64 4.9 0 1 41.8

Kansas City C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT RATING
Stanzi 8/14 121 8.6 1 0 109.5
Palko 7/12 92 7.7 0 0 82.6
Rushing Leaders
St. Louis CAR YDS AVG TD LG
Jackson 15 72 4.8 0 25
Williams 12 53 4.4 0 15

Kansas City CAR YDS AVG TD LG
Battle 13 43 3.3 0 12
Jones 2 4 2.0 0 2
Receiving Leaders
St. Louis REC YDS AVG TD LG TGTS
Kendricks 2 26 13.0 1 15 2
Avery 2 26 13.0 0 18 5

Kansas City REC YDS AVG TD LG TGTS
Slate 2 50 25.0 1 32 2
Horne 2 46 23.0 0 29 4
Scoring SummaryFIRST QUARTER STL KAN
TD 07:08 Mike Sims-Walker 6 Yd Pass From Sam Bradford (Josh Brown Kick) 7 0
TD 00:48 Lance Kendricks 11 Yd Pass From Sam Bradford (Josh Brown Kick) 14 0
SECOND QUARTER STL KAN
FG 10:33 Ryan Succop 26 Yd 14 3
THIRD QUARTER STL KAN
TD 00:08 Cody Slate 32 Yd Pass From Ricky Stanzi (Ryan Succop Kick) 14 10
Research NotesChiefs Preseason tids: * Outscored 70-23 * Have almost as many punts (22) as points (23) * 9-41 3rd down conv (3-14 on Friday) * 79.3 Rush yds PG (164.2 Rush yds PG led NFL last season)

ESPN Stats & Information

Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Sam Bradford was lights out. So was Arrowhead Stadium.


As for the Chiefs, well, the light still hasn't come on this preseason.

Bradford led St. Louis to a pair of touchdowns on its first two series, Steven Jackson churned up the Kansas City defense and the Rams rolled to a 14-10 preseason victory Friday night.

"That was one of the things I said last week I was really looking for our offense to do, just get into a rhythm and establish some longer scoring drives," said Bradford, who started 8 of 8 for 76 yards with two TD passes. "To come out and do that on the opening two series was really nice to see."

Especially since it was downright hard to see.

Two banks of lights went out at Arrowhead Stadium in the first half, although there was just enough daylight that the teams managed to keep playing. Backup generators at the stadium kicked in and the lights came back on, but the Chiefs never found a jolt of electricity to get them going.

Quarterback Matt Cassel was 6 of 13 for 59 yards and was sacked for an 11-yard loss, while their top-ranked rushing attack produced just 14 yards on six first-half attempts. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, who combined for 2,363 yards rushing in 2010, each carried twice for 8 total yards.

Jackson had that much after his first carry.

He finished with 15 carries for 72 yards, including a 25-yard scamper on the opening play of the game. The three-time Pro Bowl running back, who managed only 10 yards on six attempts last week against Tennessee, played the entire first half along with the rest of the Rams' starters.

"We definitely wanted to come out and set the tone for the game, get into a rhythm for the offense, especially the running game," Jackson said. "We really wanted to get out and set a tone."

They sure accomplished that.

The only highlight in the first half for the Chiefs was linebacker Derrick Johnson, who dropped several would-be interceptions a year ago. He leaped in front of Bradford's misguided pass late in the first quarter and held on at the Rams 7. Kansas City wound up going a single yard -- in the opposite direction -- before settling for Ryan Succop's 26-yard field goal.

As poorly as the Chiefs played, they still had a chance to win the game.

AFC West blog
ESPN.com's Bill Williamson writes about all things AFC West in his division blog.

• Blog network: NFL Nation


They drove inside the Rams 5 with just over 3 minutes left, but three straight passes by backup quarterback Tyler Palko were broken up. Succop came on to attempt a field goal -- which would have only made it 14-13 -- to a round of boos from the sparse home crowd.

The kick was promptly blocked.

Then there were the penalties, which derailed several promising drives. Offensive tackle Barry Richardson was called for holding three times, only one of which was accepted, and rookie guard Rodney Hudson also was caught holding after Johnson's interception set up prime field position.

"We have to be more disciplined," Cassel said. "We can't have the penalties because that puts us in a tough spot, because you get yourself in third-and-long situations. It's hard to convert in this league on third-and-long. We just have to do a better job offensively trying to stay out of those situations and be more disciplined."

With their big offensive line clearing holes, the Rams pounded out 170 yards rushing one week after getting stuffed by the Titans. Even when they faced third-and-19 on their opening series, a bad breakdown in coverage allowed Bradford to connect with Brandon Gibson for a first down.

Bradford found Mike Sims-Walker from 6 yards out moments later for a 7-0 lead. The Chiefs went three-and-out on their next possession, and the Rams marched 60 yards for another score. This time, Bradford connected with rookie tight end Lance Kendricks on an 11-yard TD pass.

"We got that game going in the wrong direction defensively," said Todd Haley, 1-10 in preseason games as the Chiefs' head coach. "We just couldn't get settled in for the first two drives."

Things got marginally better for Kansas City in the second half, though by that point the starters had their helmets off and the outcome was left to backups trying to make the team.

Backup cornerback Travis Daniels foiled a promising drive by St. Louis when he picked off A.J. Feeley's pass midway through the third quarter.

Fifth-round draft pick Ricky Stanzi, who is battling Palko for the Chiefs' backup quarterback job, led Kansas City on an 81-yard drive that he capped with a 32-yard TD pass to tight end Cody Slate.

Palko was 7 of 12 for 92 yards, while Stanzi finished 8 of 14 for 121 yards and a score.

"We've got limited time left," Haley said, alluding to the first round of roster cuts due Tuesday. "I believe in our guys. I believe in the group we have. But some things are going to have to improve here pretty quickly. ... I believe if we do that, we'll have a chance to be a competitive team."

Game notes
St. Louis gained 44 yards rushing vs Tennessee. Jackson surpassed that total in his first series. ... P Dustin Colquitt might have been the Chiefs' top performer. He put four punts inside the 10. "The punter continued to do a good job," Haley said. ... Chiefs WR Jonathan Baldwin, their first-round draft pick, missed his second straight preseason game because of a thumb injury.

12:05PM ETEmailPrintComments23By Bill WilliamsonRandom thoughts of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 14-10 loss to visiting St. Louis on Friday night:

•It is clear Kansas City coach Todd Haley doesn’t put a premium on the preseason. The Chiefs are now 1-10 in the preseason in three seasons under Haley. The Chiefs take the preseason simply as a time to get some repetitions. I can’t blame Haley nor do I think it is a bad sign of things to come. I have never been a believer in the importance of winning in the preseason. I can’t be counted among those who are freaked out by the lack of spunk shown by the defending AFC West champions in this string of August football.

•The Chiefs clearly weren’t interested in being the kings of summer Friday night. The Rams were better on both sides of the ball. Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel was 6-of-13 for 59 yards and running back Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones -- who led the way for the NFL’s No.1 run offense last season -- were held to a total of eight yards on four carries.

•Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ defense allowed Sam Bradford to pass for 95 yards in a limited duty and it allowed Steven Jackson 72 yards on the ground. The Chiefs’ first-team defense allowed the Rams’ only two scores. Are these offensive and defensive deficiencies cause for concern? Time, of course, will tell, but I don’t think so. It is obvious Haley doesn’t like to show much this time of year.

•What I do take seriously in the preseason is penalties. It is a matter of discipline. That tone has to be set early. The Chiefs had eight penalties for 55 yards. That needs to be cleaned up.

•Running back/receiver Dexter McCluster continued to get a lot of action. He had five catches for 37 yards. Expect to see him a lot third down.

•Rookie Ricky Stanzi made strides as he pushes Tyler Palko. Stanzi led the Chiefs’ only touchdown drive. He threw for 121 yards. Palko also had a solid game as he threw for 92 yards. It was the second decent games for both players as they try to convince the Chiefs not to go out and get a veteran backup for Cassel.

•The Chiefs’ offensive line improved. The Rams had just two sacks. Last week, the Chiefs allowed five sacks against Baltimore.

•Jared Gaither played some at left tackle. That is a good sign. If he can stay healthy, expect him to be in starting lineup at some point.

•Third-round pick Justin Houston continued to look impressive. Expect him to be in the mix for serious playing time early in the season.

•It was a good learning night for second-round pick Rodney Hudson. He played the first half at left guard and he played the second half at center. He is going to have a role and his versatility will help the line.

•Underrated Kansas City punter Dustin Colquitt was his usual fantastic self. He pinned the Rams inside their own 10-yard line four times.

It was yet another disappointing trip to Arrowhead Stadium for myself this weekend. Preseason games are an awkward time for a fan who'd prefer to scream his head off on every defensive snap. To yell or not to yell? My surroundings tell me yes, but my brain tells me to save the energy. I usually end up semi-yelling, more under my breath than anything, but still going through the motions.

You know, just like the players on the field.

It really IS preseason for everybody. Oh well, at least there is still tailgating, which I got to enjoy next to a family of St. Louis Rams fans. I'd like to think it was their first exposure to some tailgating action (unless they do so before Cardinals games).

Best impression made on neighboring Rams tailgaters - A lady member of my party bonging a beer in under 9 seconds. She's a keeper.



Worst impression made on neighboring Rams tailgaters - Myself, getting embarrassed 15-0 in the first game of Bags on the night. Oy vey.



On to the goods….



Chiefs v. Rams: The Best and the Worst:






Worst time to be a Kansas City Chiefs fan - The preseason. Not only for the reasons stated in my opening monologue, but my god, how bad are the Chiefs in preseason football? Looking back, I don't remember my opinion on the team ever receiving a boost from their four exhibition games. They have won one of 11 games under Todd Haley's reign. They are 3-16 in the last five preseasons. I'm not the kind of guy to overreact to preseason results (however, I tend to think they are more telling than most people), but it would be nice to open a season without that worry creeping on the mind (no matter how far back it may be).



Best observation heard from a fan that obviously had no idea what she was talking about - "It's just practice? Well, why don't they practice winning?" At first I laughed, but after it marinated, I was preaching the brilliance of it.



Best outcome - The linebacking corps. Derrick Johnson has been the best player on the field for the Chiefs this preseason. He was a man on a mission in the first half, and it wasn't only his interception (always seems to catch those tough ones, and drop the ones between the numbers) and his sack. The way he was shedding blocks in the running game and making plays in the backfield was very impressive. On top of DJ, Justin Houston showed he could get after the quarterback yet again, and Cam Sheffield continues to show flashes. My biggest worry is Andy Studebaker, who lost outside containment one too many times on Steven Jackson. I was also impressed with…



Best performance by a player in competition for a starting job - Jovan Belcher. While his only actual true competition, Brandon Siler, is lost for the season, I saw Belcher make a few great plays in the backfield. Despite his physical limitations (he should never be 1-on-1 with a TE like he was for the Rams' second TD), I believe Belch has the ability to play, and start, in this league (which most of you may disagree with).



Worst aspect of the team according to Herm Edwards - The lack of starting competition. While Herm was all about creating competition at every position, this team has very little of that. Assuming Kendrick Lewis is a lock along with Belcher, the only potential competition is at outside linebacker, wide receiver, and right tackle. It remains to be seen if this is a good or a bad strategy. After all, Herm only won six games in his final two seasons as Chiefs head coach (although I would place at least some of that blame on the Chiefs going all in with Vermeil at the helm, leaving Herm with a bare cupboard).



Worst performance by a player in competition for a starting job - Barry Richardson. 3 holding penalties, 'nuff said.



Worst outcome - 14 rushing yards in the first half. We have yet to see Charles come up with a good play this preseason (one that actually counted that is). His longest run is 4 yards. It's definitely not time to freak out about the best player on our team, but that doesn't mean we should feel good about it either. And you have to wonder if the departure of Charlie Weis could have a negative impact on the running game. He is seen as more of a QB guru, however if I remember right, the Patriots running game depreciated after Weis left.



Best jersey sighting - Grant Wistrom #98 Rams jersey. Go Huskers!



Worst jersey sighting - Tony Gonzalez #88 Atlanta Falcons jersey. Not sure what this guy was trying to prove exactly. Is he a Chiefs hater? A huge Tony G fan? I threw a hot dog at him before I got a chance to find out.



Best/Worst of the week (in search of a sponsor for this weekly segment - something that is both the best and the worst at the same time - suggestions welcome) - Haley's decision to accept a holding penalty after forcing the Rams offense into a 4th down. I liked the call (especially in the preseason) because it pushed them out of field goal range, but the defense couldn't come through, and may have lost some of his trust in the process. This may have a carry over effect into the regular season.



Best tactical watch for the 2011 season - Developing a strategy to take advantage of the new kickoff rules. Can somebody come up with anything better than just booting the kick into the end zone every time? Maybe a higher kick landing inside the 5, with hopes of stopping them short of the 20? Or possibly a short squib kick that bounces around enough to give the kicking team a chance to recover? You'd be wrong if you think NFL coaches aren't already brainstorming this.



Worst side of the stadium to sit on - East side. The Rams dominated the first quarter, scoring both TD's opposite the side I was seated. DJ's interception and the Chiefs lone TD both occurred on that side as well. The East side folk didn't get any action until the Chiefs' late game failure to score. Speaking of which…



Worst coaching decision - Haley attempting a field goal down four points, with just over three minutes left in the game. In the preseason. We couldn't leave fast enough after that.



Best coaching decision - Haley's insertion of Tyler Palko with the starters on offense. You want to get an idea of how your backup QB looks with the starters in on both offense and defense. And it's best to do so at a random time, because that is exactly how it would happen if Matt Cassel were to go down to injury. And Palko did alright with it, aside from the fact that he makes nearly every throw off of his back foot.



Worst play - Cassel 2 yard completion to Dexter McCluster on 3rd and 9 with 12:30 left in the 2nd quarter. Why you ask? On this particular 3rd and 9 play, the Chiefs put five eligible receivers out into routes. Leonard Pope was the only receiver to run his route past the first down sticks. In fact, the other four WR's were all more than five yards short of that magic yellow line. It was baffling. Why was this play called?



Worst performance by a player on the fringe of the roster - Verran Tucker. Saw two more drops from last season's starting WR. He bounced back from a rough first game to play pretty well last week, but if he can't catch the ball, there is no point in having him on the team.



Best performance by a player on the fringe of the roster - Travis Daniels. While he was the frontrunner for the fifth cornerback position already, he all but locked it up with two nice pass deflections and an interception. Runner up goes to Cody Slate, who looks like he could be a mismatch at the tight end position.



Thanks for all the kind words from last week, be sure to keep the comments flowing again this week.

It was yet another disappointing trip to Arrowhead Stadium for myself this weekend. Preseason games are an awkward time for a fan who'd prefer to scream his head off on every defensive snap. To yell or not to yell? My surroundings tell me yes, but my brain tells me to save the energy. I usually end up semi-yelling, more under my breath than anything, but still going through the motions.

You know, just like the players on the field.

It really IS preseason for everybody. Oh well, at least there is still tailgating, which I got to enjoy next to a family of St. Louis Rams fans. I'd like to think it was their first exposure to some tailgating action (unless they do so before Cardinals games).

Best impression made on neighboring Rams tailgaters - A lady member of my party bonging a beer in under 9 seconds. She's a keeper.

Worst impression made on neighboring Rams tailgaters - Myself, getting embarrassed 15-0 in the first game of Bags on the night. Oy vey.

On to the goods….

Chiefs v. Rams: The Best and the Worst:

Worst time to be a Kansas City Chiefs fan - The preseason. Not only for the reasons stated in my opening monologue, but my god, how bad are the Chiefs in preseason football? Looking back, I don't remember my opinion on the team ever receiving a boost from their four exhibition games. They have won one of 11 games under Todd Haley's reign. They are 3-16 in the last five preseasons. I'm not the kind of guy to overreact to preseason results (however, I tend to think they are more telling than most people), but it would be nice to open a season without that worry creeping on the mind (no matter how far back it may be).


Best observation heard from a fan that obviously had no idea what she was talking about - "It's just practice? Well, why don't they practice winning?" At first I laughed, but after it marinated, I was preaching the brilliance of it.

Best outcome - The linebacking corps. Derrick Johnson has been the best player on the field for the Chiefs this preseason. He was a man on a mission in the first half, and it wasn't only his interception (always seems to catch those tough ones, and drop the ones between the numbers) and his sack. The way he was shedding blocks in the running game and making plays in the backfield was very impressive. On top of DJ, Justin Houston showed he could get after the quarterback yet again, and Cam Sheffield continues to show flashes. My biggest worry is Andy Studebaker, who lost outside containment one too many times on Steven Jackson. I was also impressed with…

Best performance by a player in competition for a starting job - Jovan Belcher. While his only actual true competition, Brandon Siler, is lost for the season, I saw Belcher make a few great plays in the backfield. Despite his physical limitations (he should never be 1-on-1 with a TE like he was for the Rams' second TD), I believe Belch has the ability to play, and start, in this league (which most of you may disagree with).

Worst aspect of the team according to Herm Edwards - The lack of starting competition. While Herm was all about creating competition at every position, this team has very little of that. Assuming Kendrick Lewis is a lock along with Belcher, the only potential competition is at outside linebacker, wide receiver, and right tackle. It remains to be seen if this is a good or a bad strategy. After all, Herm only won six games in his final two seasons as Chiefs head coach (although I would place at least some of that blame on the Chiefs going all in with Vermeil at the helm, leaving Herm with a bare cupboard).

Worst performance by a player in competition for a starting job - Barry Richardson. 3 holding penalties, 'nuff said.

Worst outcome - 14 rushing yards in the first half. We have yet to see Charles come up with a good play this preseason (one that actually counted that is). His longest run is 4 yards. It's definitely not time to freak out about the best player on our team, but that doesn't mean we should feel good about it either. And you have to wonder if the departure of Charlie Weis could have a negative impact on the running game. He is seen as more of a QB guru, however if I remember right, the Patriots running game depreciated after Weis left.

Best jersey sighting - Grant Wistrom #98 Rams jersey. Go Huskers!

Worst jersey sighting - Tony Gonzalez #88 Atlanta Falcons jersey. Not sure what this guy was trying to prove exactly. Is he a Chiefs hater? A huge Tony G fan? I threw a hot dog at him before I got a chance to find out.

Best/Worst of the week (in search of a sponsor for this weekly segment - something that is both the best and the worst at the same time - suggestions welcome) - Haley's decision to accept a holding penalty after forcing the Rams offense into a 4th down. I liked the call (especially in the preseason) because it pushed them out of field goal range, but the defense couldn't come through, and may have lost some of his trust in the process. This may have a carry over effect into the regular season.


best tactical watch for the 2011 season - Developing a strategy to take advantage of the new kickoff rules. Can somebody come up with anything better than just booting the kick into the end zone every time? Maybe a higher kick landing inside the 5, with hopes of stopping them short of the 20? Or possibly a short squib kick that bounces around enough to give the kicking team a chance to recover? You'd be wrong if you think NFL coaches aren't already brainstorming this.

Worst side of the stadium to sit on - East side. The Rams dominated the first quarter, scoring both TD's opposite the side I was seated. DJ's interception and the Chiefs lone TD both occurred on that side as well. The East side folk didn't get any action until the Chiefs' late game failure to score. Speaking of which…

Worst coaching decision - Haley attempting a field goal down four points, with just over three minutes left in the game. In the preseason. We couldn't leave fast enough after that.

Best coaching decision - Haley's insertion of Tyler Palko with the starters on offense. You want to get an idea of how your backup QB looks with the starters in on both offense and defense. And it's best to do so at a random time, because that is exactly how it would happen if Matt Cassel were to go down to injury. And Palko did alright with it, aside from the fact that he makes nearly every throw off of his back foot.

Worst play - Cassel 2 yard completion to Dexter McCluster on 3rd and 9 with 12:30 left in the 2nd quarter. Why you ask? On this particular 3rd and 9 play, the Chiefs put five eligible receivers out into routes. Leonard Pope was the only receiver to run his route past the first down sticks. In fact, the other four WR's were all more than five yards short of that magic yellow line. It was baffling. Why was this play called?

Worst performance by a player on the fringe of the roster - Verran Tucker. Saw two more drops from last season's starting WR. He bounced back from a rough first game to play pretty well last week, but if he can't catch the ball, there is no point in having him on the team.

Best performance by a player on the fringe of the roster - Travis Daniels. While he was the frontrunner for the fifth cornerback position already, he all but locked it up with two nice pass deflections and an interception. Runner up goes to Cody Slate, who looks like he could be a mismatch at the tight end position.


Thanks for all the kind words from last week, be sure to keep the comments flowing again this week.

Tidbit from the Donks and Hawks preseason game.

"Denver had five sacks. Rookie linebacker Von Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, is showing immense potential. He had two sacks. He has three sacks in the past two games. Miller hit the quarterback four times against Seattle. Elvis Dumervil added 1.5 sacks. Dumervil led the NFL with 17 sacks in 2009 before missing all of last season. Dumervil has excelled this camp at defensive end.

Miller and Dumervil took over this game. If that continues during the season, Denver could have something nice on its hands defensively."



This is not good to hear, especially with our OTs licking thier own asses right now.

Yeah I missed the game. I drank way too much all weekend.

I never saw the game either. And if I ever feel very ambitious, I'll go back and read that novel you've posted up above. I am definitely concerned about the lack of offense, but I also realize that the preseason is mostly worthless. Haley's not trying to score points or put up big yardage numbers. He's just making sure the players are doing as they're told and trying as hard as they can. Once the games count, playcalling and intensity from the coaches will change dramatically.

And I'm not worried about the Denver Donks. Von Miller is not gonna dominate in the 4-3, especially if teams like the Chiefs never have to throw it. The middle of their D-line is non-existent. Passing on Marcell Dareus might be the dumbest thing Elway ever does. Trading Orton would have been the second dumbest.

my concern was the defense. the rams run and passed at will, luckily the rams took out thier starters after they scored 2 TDs and it didn' take very long to do it. This would have been a damn slaughter had it been a real game.

Same thing for the defense. Romeo Crennel is not going to gameplan for the opposing team. He only will gameplan to find who fits his system and is willing to give great effort.