Chiefs
Chatter
Play
action should be KC's best friend
Where was
it on Sunday at Denver? Find it against San Fran
Posted
9/21/06
by
Eric Lewis of The Landmark staff
•Despite not having Trent Green, Edwards’s
offensive approach to Sunday’s, 9-6 heartbreaker
to the Denver Broncos was excellent. The Chiefs first
drive was exactly how I saw it going, give L.J and Michael
Bennett the ball, to tire out the relentless speed of
that Denver D. L.J’s 27 rushes for 126 yards where
hard earned. His relentless ability to overcome fatigue
after running and catching the ball two consecutive plays.
Showed to everyone that this kid can handle the pressure
of being the Chiefs go to guy on offense. They chewed
off the clock, and if it were not for the L.J fumble in
the red zone, a rare happening at that, the first drive
would have no doubt been for 6.
•Since Green was not playing and the not so experienced
Huard was at the realm, Edwards took fewer chances, which
led to field goals or loss of possessions. Too many lost
chances in Sunday’s game showed me his lack of faith
in the play-making bility that I feel can be made.
•I don’t think Huard is any where near the
caliber of Trent Green, but he is the guy taking the snaps
now. And as a coach, Edwards should have put more faith
in his ability and not be so afraid to let him make some
plays. If he wants to win out the next few games until
Green’s return, let Huard throw some balls deep,
keep the defense honest. Since it's not obvious the offense
is very one sided at the moment.
-The running game was phenomenal with the one two punch
of L.J and Bennett proved to be affective. Even with Denver
expecting such a scheme. The run blocking from the line
looked like the good ol' days. Guards pulling left and
right. Double tight end sets to power L.J off the edge.
This is something the Chiefs will have to capitalize on
in order to bounce back from a 0-2 start.
-With such a solid running game, a decent passing game
should emerge. Such strong play from the backs will force
the defense to put 8 or 9 guys in the box to try and handle
the power of the Chiefs running attack. This will free
up receivers down field and let's not forget about future
Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez, who only caught
two passes on Sunday. The play action pass will be KC's
best friend in the upcoming games.
-Huard showed a strong arm on Sunday’s game and
with the defense playing soft to handle the run. He could
make some big throws downfield against a shaky San Francisco
secondary.
Also this is giving rookie QB Brodie Croyle an opportunity
to show Edwards and the Chiefs just what he’s made
off. I have followed Coyle’s career at Alabama and
I like what I see from him. If he indeed is the future
of this franchise this is his chance to shine as the definite
number two guy behind Huard. And with Edwards taking a
liking to the young QB, we may see more of him if Huard
cant make any plays.
-As far as the defense goes, I applaud the entire unit
for such relentless hard-nosed football. Everyone was
making big plays, holding Tatum Bell to just 69 yards.
Greg Wesley picked off Plummer, who only threw for 173
yards, in a huge defensive stand. The defense came up
big every time, and with great kicks from Dustin Colquitt
the Broncos were denied heavily throughout the game.
-The defense really stepped it up, something Edwards
was wanting since the first day he arrived. They were
hurting the Broncos, flying to the ball and not giving
up any big plays, something the Chiefs' defense has not
been used to in the past.
•With the bye week, KC will have a chance to rest
and recover from the anguish of the past two weeks. Now
they can reflect on what they have accomplished despite
their losses, and build off any mistakes that were made
in the first part of the season. Also it gives Trent Green
some more time to recover from his injury. Green now undergoing
neurological tests will be recovering in baby steps.
•If the defense can keep it up and continue its
strong play, we could easily be one of the tope defenses
in the league. Once again I might just be dreaming, but
I think we have the players to do it, and now they seem
to have the will. Chiefs fan I can’t think this season
is over with a 0-2 record and the loss of our all-pro
QB. There is still a chance of us pushing into the post
season.
-So if the offense can hold it together, continue running
the ball well, and try and open up some kind of passing
game. Maybe we could win out until Green’s highly
anticipated return, which will hopefully send an emotional
charge to the Chiefs players into a playoff run.
-Catch the action Sunday, Oct. 1, 12:00 noon on Fox.
Chiefs vs. 49ers!
(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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