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Posted on Sun, Oct. 25, 2009 11:00 PM
Chiefs blitz | Sproles’ happy homecoming
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Sproles’ happy homecoming
Former Kansas State and Olathe North star Darren Sproles had reached the end zone at Arrowhead Stadium in the Big 12 championship game win over Oklahoma, but his 58-yard touchdown reception was his first at Arrowhead in four appearances with the Chargers.
“You dream of that as a kid when you grow up here,” Sproles said, “so it felt real good to finally get a score here.”
The Chargers caught the Chiefs in a blitz, and Sproles, as the hot receiver, caught the ball at the 30. He put a move on Chiefs safety Jon McGraw, a former K-State teammate, and outran McGraw and Brandon Carr to the end zone.
Earlier in the game, McGraw, a special-teams standout, and Sproles exchanged handshakes after a kick return by Sproles.
“It’s all love … one Wildcat to another,” Sproles said.
What can the Chiefs take from Sunday’s 37-7 drubbing?
The goal-line stands were nice. The Chiefs’ defense didn’t have much to crow about Sunday, surrendering six plays of 20 yards or longer, but Kansas City did prevent the Chargers from scoring touchdowns on two trips near the goal line. Ron Edwards looks legit as the team’s nose tackle, and linebacker Corey Mays was solid. Otherwise, the Chiefs couldn’t run, couldn’t pass, couldn’t block and couldn’t defend. The throwback uniforms looked good, though.
Is it time to look for someone besides Larry Johnson to be the team’s featured rusher?
As the weeks pass and LJ’s rushing average remains less than 3 yards per carry, the Chiefs should begin phasing Johnson out of the team’s primary offense. Second-year player Jamaal Charles isn’t an every-down back, but it’s time for Charles to get more chances.
Why couldn’t quarterback Matt Cassel get it together Sunday?
He isn’t — and might never be — the type to be counted on for big plays and huge numbers. But he will be expected to protect the ball. Cassel had gone four games between interceptions, but he threw three of them Sunday. Cassel is under constant pressure, but only he is responsible for his decision-making and quickness.
So what did that win against Washington accomplish?
Not as much as the Chiefs would’ve liked. The things that worked at Washington — special teams and defense — burned Kansas City on Sunday.
What’s the condition of the Chiefs’ offensive line?
Bad but slowly improving — at least regaining left tackle Branden Albert is considered an improvement. Albert should return from his ankle injury after the open date, but center Rudy Niswanger suffered a knee injury Sunday. An unreliable group continues to lack consistency and attract bad luck.
What was Todd Haley thinking Sunday when the Chiefs tried to convert fourth and 1 from their 41?
Haley has, in consecutive weeks, tried to convert fourth-down plays, and neither worked. The Chiefs’ offense isn’t polished enough to expect success in ordinary situations, let alone high-pressure scenarios. As much as he might want to force something to happen, the repeated failure will only harm Kansas City’s confidence.
6 That’s the number of big plays the Chiefs surrendered Sunday, meaning San Diego gains that went for 20 yards or more.
“This is what this organization has been doing since I’ve been here. This is my third head coach in the seven years I’ve been here. It seems like this is what we keep doing: going back to the drawing board. We bring in new coaches, new organization, new schemes, new mentality, new attitude. I don’t know.”
| Chiefs running back Larry Johnson (right, with LaDainian Tomlinson) was clearly frustrated Sunday, nothing new after an unproductive loss, but his words are telling. Johnson might not be the only player who is getting tired of the combination of change, harsh working conditions and losing.
| Randy Covitz, rcovitz@kcstar.com | Kent Babb, kbabb@kcstar.com
Posted on Sun, Oct. 25, 2009 11:00 PM
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