Analyst says winning in the preseason is a good thing for young Chiefs
C hiefs fans, obviously starved for anything remotely encouraging from their team, may be overreacting a bit after the team’s solid showing in its first preseason game.
But then again, the more optimism the better, says Jayice Pearson, the team’s preseason TV analyst.
“This is a team that was 4-12 a year ago,” Pearson said. “This is a team that lost nine straight. It’s OK to go out and try to win some preseason games and get some confidence.
“It’s OK for the fans to get pumped up. You want some excitement and energy surrounding everyone.”
That’s especially the case with a young team.
“With young guys, it’s important to win games even in preseason,” Pearson said. “Maybe veterans don’t need to, but with young guys, get some confidence and get used to winning.
“And the other thing is that young guys really don’t know they’re not supposed to win or succeed. They get to the regular season with some wins and a great attitude and you never know. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can’t win.”
Pearson admits he wasn’t expecting the crispness in the Chiefs’ play in the win over the Bears.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” he said. “I really thought they might struggle. But I was impressed.
“I like the system they ran. I like the bootlegs and how it really makes the opposing defensive end think a little. It gets Brodie (Croyle) out on the edge, gets him moving, and that can help with an offensive line that may be new or inexperienced.”
While Pearson admits that the offensive line is still a big question mark, he liked what he saw from the skilled positions.
“The quickness and speed of the running backs really stood out,” he said. “You’ve got Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles and Jackie Battle and Dantrell Savage, who probably will have to make the team as a return guy or special-teams guy.
“But the depth of the running-back position is probably the deepest position on the team.”
Pearson on Fox
Pearson will be back in his third full season this fall as an analyst with Matt Vasgersian for Fox’s NFL games on Sunday. And he continues to improve in that role, getting more candid with his commentary each season.
“I think being candid or offering critiques just comes with being more comfortable on the job,” he said. “It’s like as a player you get a little more comfortable and confident the more you do it.
“It’s a little different doing Chiefs preseason games than it is doing national games. You don’t necessarily want to be a cheerleader doing Chiefs games, but you don’t just start ripping every thing, either. There are ways to get your point across without being too critical.”
For Buddy
Former Royals catcher Sal Fasano has played with nine major-league teams. His favorite manager?
“You have to like Joe Torre and Mike Scioscia,” he told the Akron Beacon Journal. “And I’d run through a wall for Buddy Bell. I really liked his intensity. Eric Wedge, too. He really understands how hard this game is and has a lot of compassion for players.”
To reach Jeffrey Flanagan, call 816-234-4492 and leave a message or send e-mail to jflanagan@kcstar.com
