Can Reid fix Bray?
One player already on the Chiefs is a fan of Tennessee's Tyler Bray.
"That’s my dawg," Berry said on kcchiefs.com.
Being at the OTA's I've kept an eye out for Bray, the comparisons to Chase Daniel and Ricky Stanzi.
Right now Bray has Daniel and Stanzi on stature and arm, no doubt about that. Experience is what Bray is gaining with each OTA.
"I know he's going to come and do great things for the Chiefs," says Berry. "Right now, I can't really get him out of the hotel because he's been studying his playbook and watching film, so, he's pretty much locked in and focused."
My impression of Bray after first talking to the media during the recent rookie minicamp was good. Bray came across as a decent guy trying to now do and say the right things. Bray understands the opportunity he has with Andy Reid in Kansas City.
Though Stanzi had a good practice Wednesday, you just know Bray will outgun him for that QB spot. Funny, but watching Daniel... he just doesn't look like that "typical" NFL QB. Still, it's up to Bray.
"He just needs to continue to improve, that's what he needs to do, learn the offense and handle it the right way and do the right things," said Andy Reid after the Chiefs first rookie minicamp. "He understands that. He knows the places he made mistakes at Tennessee, but he was a pretty good football player there. It’s important that he learns our system and takes positive steps forward and not negative steps backwards."
Personally, I'm cheering for the guy. I'm a sucker for a good comeback story.
Good day, Chiefs fans!
What was lacking last season besides scoring, consistency and wins?
Communication...
When I talk about it, I do my job better. Things get fixed with effective communication.
Fundamentals break down with no communiqué.
The talent is there for the Kansas City Chiefs, but what to do with that talent hasn't been. Last season the players kept saying they had to get better, to do better, but they had nobody telling them how.
Players weren't talking to each other.
Communication is part of being a good teacher, something that Clark Hunt said he wanted with his new head coach. Andy Reid is known for being a teacher, communicator and motivator.
Reid has already begun to alter how players talk to each other.
I noticed while attending the Chiefs 2013 draft party that something was different about the locker room.
Players have been moved.
I've been covering the Chiefs now for the Independence Examiner going on four seasons, Reid has changed the locker room arrangement from the way Todd Haley and Romeo Crennel had it.
With Haley and Crennel player lockers were where they wanted to be, there was no rhyme or reason for why a players locker was located where it was.
Never made sense to me why Justin Houston was across the room away from teammate and fellow linebacker Tamba Hali who had his locker by the door.
The locker room isn't a quiet place, hard to communicate that away.
As fans took pictures excited about seeing Derrick Johnson's shoulder pads and posing in front of Dwayne Bowe's locker I noticed players had been rearranged by positions.
Linebackers are with linebackers, receivers with receivers and tight ends with tight ends.
The last two seasons the only position that was that away was kicker Ryan Succop and punter Dustin Colquitt.
Talking to somebody who works for the Chiefs, it's a lot more like Dick Vermeil had it when he was here. Instead of Hali being across the room Reid has him next to Houston... all the linebackers are. Every position is with their position.
It's part of that systematic approach the players say Reid has. It makes sense that a player should be next to a fellow player playing at that same position.
When they're getting dressed for practice they're talking, when they're on the field practicing they're talking, when they come back to change they're talking and on the way out the door they're talking.
Result? A whole lot more communicating than there has been over the last several seasons.
Marty Schottenheimer was a great communicator, a big strength of his coaching his team. Dick Vermeil had his offense on the same page.
My hope is Andy Reid is a good balance between offense and defense. All three phases of the game.
But it starts by talking to one another. Understanding the game plan and having that common bond.
While fans were taking pictures of the locker room excited to be in the locker room, I noticed something already that I think will make a big impact for Kansas City.
Communication.
Good day, Chiefs fans!
Still working, Chiefs make move on offense… Andy Reid widening the path for Jamaal Charles.
The Chiefs trade cornerback Javier Arenas to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for fullback Anthony Sherman, sources told NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Wednesday.
With Sherman in and Arenas out 45 of the 90 Chiefs are new this season. Remember, John Dorsey wants that solid 43.
“This is a trade where, based on Kansas City’s acquisitions at the cornerback position, we were actively pursuing,” Arenas agent Hadley Engelhard told Rapoport,” Arenas is happy with the deal. “With the trade made, we’re happy it’s to the Arizona Cardinals.”
It’s reported the exchange “made sense” for all. New Cardinals coach Bruce Arians has little need for a fullback in his pass-first system, but Reid will use Sherman in his West Coast Offense.
The Chiefs also drafted K-State FB Braden Wilson in the 6th Round (204th Overall). Second-year player Nate Eachus is also on the roster, but small for a FB.
Reid’s wanting a lead blocker for Charles, get Charles into open-space, but experts say it’s “a skill set still in progress” for Sherman. ProFootballFocus graded him 19th out of 25 fullbacks as a road grader in 2012.
Reid said there would be competition; honestly I knew the writing was on the wall for Arenas. He didn’t make much sense to me, another Scott Pioli pick down.
Good day, Chiefs fans!
It's getting fun.
We know Miami agreed. Branden Albert wants a deal worth $50 million plus. Shocker, but the Dolphins like something about Albert that they didn't with Jake Long. Long signed a lesser deal with the St. Louis Rams that Miami said no to.
It's like the football gods are smiling on the KC Chiefs, because most everything has went Kansas City's way... which is a team accepting Albert's ridiculous asking price and Kansas City getting back into the second round. Some feel Albert is truly a top 12-15 tackle, but hey... have fun with that Miami.
But wait! There's more!
Not sure what this one's about, because most think Floyd wouldn't fit the 3-4.
"It could very easily mean nothing, but draft-week maneuvering is always more noteworthy than the months of visits and speculation that comes before it," says rotoworld.com. "Floyd wouldn't be an inconceivable reach at No. 1, but it could be a sign the Chiefs believe they're in position to trade down. Floyd could go in the top-five, but may free-fall if he gets past Oakland at No. 3. Floyd isn't a good fit for 3-4 defenses."
No offense Mr. Dorsey, but Chief fans have had the square pegs... looking for the perfect fit.
Not fitting the defense was the knock on departed Glenn Dorsey. Mike DeVito (a guy who wasn't drafted) will fill Dorsey's spot, but DeVito is a 3-4 guy.
"Floyd could line up as a defensive end in the five-technique and be okay, but Floyd doesn't possess the length, or motor I am looking for in a defensive end," said arizonasports.com. "He plays too high at times, has short arms and can be bodied up by offensive linemen after initial contact.
"Floyd was beaten consistently by Larry Warford in the Kentucky match up, and despite his impressive quickness, he wasn't a skilled pass rusher. I am also concerned with his inability to stay on the field. Floyd played in less than 70% of the Gators' defensive snaps in 2012 and that isn't what you want out of player that you're likely to take at seventh overall."
**
"Are the Chiefs preparing to shock the world with the No. 1 pick when most predict Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel or Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher will be selected?" ...Asked NFL.com.
Ah, I hope not!
Good day, Chiefs fans!
Minicamp Day-1
Better! Much better!
I'm not just saying that because it was the first practice or it's been a while since we've seen Chiefs’ football, but there was a real sense of urgency and energy compared to last season at this time.
I’ve been able to follow this team for the last three seasons and attend these types of practices. I honestly saw improvement out the gate. Andy Reid is running the ship different than Todd Haley and definitely not the same as Romeo Crennel.
First off, Reid’s a coach that will give each player attention on offense, especially the quarterbacks.
Andy Reid would stop his offense, reel them in and teach.
He's a teacher, it seemed he would ask his quarterback what they just did, then you’d see the quarterback explain his decision and why. I would see Andy Reid use hand motions to describe the proper route to his receivers telling them which way they should go.
It didn't matter which player it was, whether it was Dwayne Bowe, Jamaal Charles or FB Ryan D’Imperio… Reid is schooling his guys.
Brandon Flowers said after practice that the coaching staff is very detailed, very up tempo compared to last season. Said Coach Reid wants it a certain way, the same with new defensive coordinator Bob Sutton.
Flowers is right, I saw it.
John Dorsey was on the field as well, wearing his red Chiefs’ hoodie and usual Chief hat.
All these guys, it just feels like they’re football people, that's what they are. Watching and knowing that made me feel good about the Chiefs and 2013. The Chiefs are in capable hands, with guys who know football.
Branden Albert: Being there and seeing what the players go through I also realized what Albert is missing. When folks say it's just business and it's “just” voluntary I don't think they understand. Being at this first practice I witnessed what the players did, the way they reacted to each other and what was said after practice.
It’s more than that, these first practices are important because it’s a new regime.
Branden Albert is missing a lot, even if it is voluntary. A rabbit trail that crossed my mind yesterday at minicamp day-1.
ALEX SMITH
If you're thinking Chase Daniel will give Alex Smith a run for his money, then you're wrong.
If you're thinking Alex Smith is the same as Matt Cassel, then wrong again.
Even at a practice I could tell Cassel wasn't the guy, you just know. There are guys who practice the way they play; Cassel was one of those guys.
Already I see that Alex Smith has more zip to his throws. He doesn't lock in on a guy.
Reid’s offense is about finding a target and getting someone the ball quick. Smith does that putting the ball in a spot where his receiver can catch it keeping the defender away.
Too many times with Cassel I saw him throw a ball to a spot that the receiver had to come back to and get the ball or the defender had a better play on it than the receiver.
Just the first practice, but Smith is different in a good way than Cassel.
Smith is fast on his feet too, he moves around in the pocket well, so he's more mobile than Cassel.
Alex Smith is a thinker. You can tell Smith goes from one read to the next quickly and is always looking to get the ball out before taking a sack.
Alex Smith's throws are on point.
Smith throws across his body well too, so there was a lot I liked from Smith in this first practice.
Jamaal Charles: Charles looked good on minicamp day-1. He was running looking anxious. Another thing, but if Charles and Alex Smith get those 6-7-yard catches down out the backfield, they'll be money.
I can tell that Reid wants Charles to catch the ball often.
Like I said, Alex Smith to Jamaal Charles will pick up 6-7 yards easy.
Jamaal Charles lined up as a wide receiver a few times in practice too, so Andy Reid is changing the offense up. New offensive plays are coming.
Will be fun, yes… better than 13.2 points a game!
DON’T GIVE UP ON JON BALDWIN!
Some didn’t walk away impressed, but I don’t think they were paying attention.
Yes, Jon Baldwin was doing his usual superstar practice, but one particular play got my consideration.
Baldwin was lined up against new Chief DB Dunta Robinson. Baldwin went out for pass from Alex Smith gave Dunta a move then preceded straight ahead. Dunta was running with Baldwin, but at the end Baldwin reached out and took the ball out racing Dunta Robinson for the score.
Baldwin made sure he let Dunta know about it too.
I'm not giving up on Baldwin, Baldwin had a good practice yesterday, and Andy Reid noticed it too.
"I would tell you this, Jon is working hard," said Reid after practice when asked if he can turn Baldwin into a productive receiver. "You saw him out there today. Jon is a unique specimen being as big as he is. He can do some things that people can't do just because of size and strength if he puts himself in the position to do that. He's working hard at it. He had a good day today."
It will be up to Baldwin to make it happen. Fans have seen the great practices before, which I thought Baldwin had day-1 of minicamp, but like Reid said… he'll need to do it himself.
"He'll do it himself," said Reid on Baldwin. "He’'l do that. He wants to do a good job. That’s the mindset that he's in right now. It's important that he just continues to do that."
SIDE NOTES:
After the first 20 minutes we no longer could take pictures or video so it was back to pen and paper.
Looking spry and ready to go was Dexter McCluster, Dwayne Bowe, #19 Devon Wylie, #32 Cyrus Gray and #70 Mike DeVito.
Mike DeVito I noted will be a motivating force on the team. Not just the defense, but to the entire team. Has a great attitude about him, a real positive locker room guy.
Allen Bailey, you don’t realize how big that guy is until you see him alongside the other defensive lineman. He's not fat, not an ounce of fat on him, but he's just as large as a Dontari Poe.
No joke, but if Bailey shows up, he'll be a force. One big dude!
RODNEY HUDSON LOOKS HEALTHY
Rodney Hudson looks good to go. He was hitting the sled with every other offensive lineman, no big deal. Was able to get Hudson talking to the media after practice, be sure to see that on chiefconcerns.com.
Hudson didn't go into great detail about his leg, but talking to Hudson before his injury, he's not one to give you much. Not much of a talker, but Hudson looked good hitting the sled with full force. No limp or brace.
Hudson looked 100 percent normal.
Well, two more days left starting with day-2 today.
Will give out the info as I get it!
Go Chiefs!
Good day, Chiefs fans!
Andy Reid has a way about him, he really does. With people and players.
I was watching something on the NFL Network on the top-10 coaches to not win a Super Bowl and Reid was at No.7.
One person said that if Philly were to let Reid go another team would hire him the next day, the Chiefs wasted no time in bringing Andy Reid to Kansas City. Clark Hunt along with several staff boarded a plane and talked to Reid for hours to convince him that he needed to look no further than the Chiefs.
It worked, Clark Hunt got his coach. In return Reid is bringing players to Kansas City.
Alex Smith used Reid as a big reason for wanting to play in KC, free agents DE Mike DeVito and TE Anthony Fasano said the same things. Dwayne Bowe believes in Reid. Dunta Robinson told the media that talking to Reid isn't like talking to a football coach, but Reid talked to him like a man.
It was personal Robinson said.
"I sat down and the conversations he and I had were very personal, he wasn't talking to me like a football coach, but talking to me man-to-man," said Dunta Robinson on the Chiefs first official day of the 2013 offseason. "When you can come in and develop those kind of relationships you understand, it makes you say this is the kind of guy I want to play for this is the kind of guy I want to go to war for. I talked to some of the guys that he coached in Philadelphia in the past years and they didn't have anything negative to say about him. That's kind of rare this day and age and in this league. With all that being said and understanding his passion to win that helped me make the decision to come here."
I've noticed Reid when handling the media isn't intimidated, he's in control. I think Reid is like that in everything he does, but he'll give you a wink before he manages the situation... like trust me, I got this.
To finish the special on NFL Network and before moving on to No.6 on their list of coaches, the last guy said that eventually Reid will win one. My hope is that's with Kansas City... because eventually you'd think KC would win another Super Bowl too.
Good day, Chief fans!
Today was interesting, "the next rookie sensation"... star of NFL Network’s Super Bowl XLVII advertisement Leon Sandcastle (Deion Sanders) met with the KC media.
Before actually meeting Leon (Deion) the media wasn't quite sure what to ask, if they'd be told... or just go with it.
When it was over, some media looked confused... felt a little weird (maybe a bit silly), but it was fun.
Leon isn't worried about not being picked first... Leon has never been second in anything. Oh, and Leon was born with a mustache.
**
Before meeting with Leon Sandcastle at 2:15 the media was invited to the pressbox for an "off the record" luncheon at noon with the Chief PR folks, coaching staff, Andy Reid and General Manager John Dorsey.
Right away I was impressed with Reid, he's real people. He took charge, directed the start of things and cracked some jokes. Immediately Reid put folks at ease, the mark of a leader. Not forced, made up or dishonest... but straightforward stuff.
Each person available from the coaching staff seemed on the same page, very easy going. It was different than last year the first time the Chiefs had this luncheon with the media. More coaches were involved today and everyone seemed to really enjoy the transparency of it all.
Offensive coordinator Doug Pederson was very sociable, talked with myself, Joel Thorman of Arrowhead Pride and Nick Athan of Warpaint Illustrated for several minutes.
It was personal, believable and left me feeling good about where the offense in 2013 is headed.
I asked two things of Pederson...get back to beating the Raiders and please, please score more than 13 points per game this season.
There's a good feeling, there always is this time of year. Same thing was happening last season with what the Chiefs were doing. I can say this time is different, but doesn't mean it will be.
What I do know from my day at Arrowhead today are these guys... the new leadership acts like people. They're likeable, real and sound like they have a good plan.
This is what I know right now.
Good day, Chiefs fans!
Fan reaction on Chief Concerns Facebook Page
Niner coaches Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary decided to go in different directions; after two seasons so did Jim Harbaugh with Alex Smith.
Why? How come Smith didn't continue with those three?
Before Smith was officially traded to Kansas City I read something that stayed with me, a quote where Mike Nolan said he picked Smith over Aaron Rodgers in 2005 because Smith was more “congenial".
Friendly, pleasant, good-natured and hospitable… all types of being congenial, that’s Smith.
Having a "chip on his shoulder" was Rodgers; Nolan didn't like that, so he passed on Rodgers.
Since 2005 Rodgers has won a Super Bowl, been an NFL MVP, has multiple Pro Bowls, was FedEx Air NFL Player of the Year in 2010, been the Associated Press Athlete of the Year 2011, set the highest career passer rating in NFL history (104.9) and has the highest career completion percentage in NFL history (65.7%).
In Rodgers nine seasons he has 171 TD's, 21,661 passing yards and a career passer rating of 104.9.
Nolan rejected Rodgers because Nolan perceived an attitude with Rodgers.
If Nolan could re-do his 2005 choice he might pick differently, having that "chip on the shoulder" isn't such a bad thing.
Folks wondered why Harbaugh ditched Smith (Smith was 6-2 prior to his concussion in 2012) and went with Kaepernick even after Smith was healthy. Simple, I think Kaepernick had the attitude Jim Harbaugh likes, fans know Harbaugh has attitude as a coach.
Harbaugh didn't want “nice”, but more swag.
Not saying Smith can't have swagger, but Smith was picked because he was an agreeable player, a very coachable player, that's why Mike Nolan liked him.
That outlook has caused Smith - the nice guy- to finish last. I like nice people, makes life easier, but assertive people get the job done. Being haughtier minded is sometimes necessary.
I want a Rodgers type, a QB who has the guts to tell his coach "I don't think so; I want to call it like this". That QB who's bold enough to put it on his shoulders and go for it, like a Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. Not just simply managing the game, but win the game if need be.
Do Chief fans want a "yes" man, or a QB?
Rodgers is a great QB, makes it happen, but the Green Bay Packers got a steal because others passed on him.
If Mike Nolan had been paying attention he would have picked up on Rodgers past and why he had the thinking he had. Rodgers overcame being told "no you can't" his entire life leading up to the NFL. Rodgers was told he was too short.
Two things, two items I submit as evidence that helps me think Smith can still succeed, overcome what some say about him now.
First, in talking to the media after being introduced Smith said he had a chip on his shoulder about what happened in San Francisco and wanted to prove he can still be a good quarterback.
Just maybe Smith has turned the corner, because now Smith definitely has something to prove, because he’s been traded... he's no longer "that guy" who was taken No.1 overall.
Smith is now "that guy" that people say doesn't have it, so it's up to Smith to prove he does. The right attitude can make it happen.
Second, John Dorsey was part of taking Aaron Rogers in Green Bay. Dorsey wasn't afraid of Rodgers, but picked him to take over after Brett Favre.
My hope is Dorsey sees something in Smith, that he can still be that QB he was drafted to be and that Andy Reid can get Smith to that position.
Jim Harbaugh did, Smith played good football for Harbaugh, but Harbaugh didn't agree with Smith's total package.
Reid's a nice guy, a player coach... so maybe it'll finally be the right combo for Smith.
It's not over for Smith, I have hope. But if there's anything I'd change with Kansas City, it'd be that nice guy persona. Stay pleasant, but Smith... turn up the attitude.
Be sure to check out Chief Concerns Facebook page when you can!
Good day, Chief fans!
Fans have faith Reid can restore order.
"Well, it is a great challenge," said Andy Reid Thursday on taking over the Kansas City Chiefs. "I have had a chance to meet some of the players, and they are anxious to move forward. I think Romeo did a nice job of building a good foundation there, and then it is my responsibility to build on that and take it to the next level. That is what we are doing. Is it similar to taking over in Philadelphia? Yes, it is similar. It is a challenge and I love that opportunity."
The Chiefs won just two games in 2012... seven in 2011. Four times in the last six seasons Kansas City has won four games or less. Finishing above .500 could qualify as the "next level" .
That would be a good first step by Reid.
Since 1998 Kansas City has won 10-plus games just three times. Dick Vermeil's 13 wins in 2003 was the last highlight, 1993 was the last time the Chiefs have won a playoff game.
It's been a long while, but Chiefs fans are loyal.
I think Reid has a bigger job to do in Kansas City versus when he first took over the Eagles in 1998. Reid came to an Eagles team that had had success with Ray Rhodes, Rich Kotite and Buddy Ryan before.
Prior to Reid (a 12 year span with three coaches) the Eagles won 108 games and two playoff wins. Before Reid the Eagles had been to the playoffs six times with Rhodes, Kotite and Ryan. Since Marty Schottenheimer (1998) Kansas City's won 98 games between Gunther Cunningham, Vermeil, Herman Edwards, Todd Haley and Romeo Crennel. Just three playoff appearances in 15 seasons for Kansas City.
Since 2006 Kansas City has been 25th or worst in scoring four times, the Eagles had been top-10 in scoring at least once with Rhodes, Kotite and Ryan before Reid. Since Marty the Chiefs have had Vermeil, but that's it.
Reid's coming into a much starved fan base. Famished for wins, success and a confident team.
I can't call it similar, really can't, because at least before Reid the Eagles had something resembling a hook to hang their hat on. Here in Kansas City?
Edwards, Haley and Crennel have all been part of the worst teams Chiefs fans have ever seen.
It's been beyond ugly for us in Kansas City, time for Reid to make it pretty. Reid has work to do, but hopefully the Chiefs forgettable run has been more about bad hires than terrible players.
Reid has good material to work with, Kansas City doesn't truly reflect I feel a two-win team.
Still, Reid might need to roll up his sleeves just a bit higher than when he first took over for the Eagles. Reid's 130 wins (most in Eagles history) proves he can do it. Reid won eight games or more 11 times in his 14 seasons with the Eagles, I like Reid's chances.
Good day, Chiefs fans!
"This is a production based business, and frankly, this may be the worst Chief’s team in history,” said Michael Farris on Chief Concerns Facebook page. “Definitely the worst team in the league this year. Four years into the Pioli regime. We’ve regressed. When we went 2-14 a few years back, we were young, inexperienced, and full of promise. Now we just look pathetic, disorganized, and heartless. The team gave up before the first month of the season was over. That’s more than coaching. It’s time for a full house cleaning. Because no one will visit a filthy house. And Arrowhead needs visitors…"
RAC gone... Pioli?
Crennel’s gone… most likely, but Scott Pioli? He might stay.
In 2008 Jamaal Charles, Branden Albert, Brandon Flowers and Glenn Dorsey were rookies. I’d include Brandon Carr, but he’s no longer with us.
A year before, in 2007, Dwayne Bowe was a rookie. Tamba Hali was picked in 2006 and Derrick Johnson in 2005.
When the Chiefs went 2-14 in 2008, like Chief’s fan Michael Farris mentioned, at least fans could reason that things were still fresh and new for these players.
Not in 2012, Johnson’s been in the league seven years. Hali six and Dwayne Bowe five seasons.
This thinking that the Chiefs are a young team, not so much. They are and they aren’t. Players like Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali in a couple seasons will be considered getting old. By NFL standards.
What happened this season, winning just two games, if I were boss would be unacceptable. Its offensive to the majority of Chiefs’ fans too.
Nothing short of Pioli getting fired by owner Clark Hunt will do. But will Mr. Hunt and do what fans want him to do? Not sure, not looking like it.
What we’re finding out about Clark Hunt is he’s slow footed, deliberate and not quick to action.
Being thoughtful can be a good thing, depending on the situation, but a bad thing when something so obvious to fans needs to happen.
This choice not only affects Chiefs’ fans, Scott Pioli remaining, but potential coaching options to help this team get better. Better fast.
Chief fans aren’t into long-term; they know this roster is better than that. With this team fans expect something to happen that will change their fortunes in the short-term. Fans still believe this team can win quickly with the right leadership.
If Pioli remains then the only people that will work with Pioli is somebody he knows. A coach Pioli likes. We saw that experiment with Romeo Crennel, it didn’t work.
Could Kansas City fans stomach a Josh McDaniels? There’s just a couple coaches that experts feel would work with Pioli, but again, that’s not good for fans.
If Pioli’s back fans are already talking about being done, even removing their tat’s. Fans have said they won’t renew their season tickets.
An all-time low? It’s coming if Pioli stays.
On the news Sunday night a Chief’s fan told a reporter: “Two Choices Clark Hunt, Pioli or the fan base”
It’s true, let’s hope Hunt picks the right one. US!
Good day, Chiefs’ fans!
Stephen Brown lives in Blue Springs, MO.
