|
Chiefs Pulse
|
Chiefs Post Preseason Update |
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(845x295:847x297)/taylor-swift-cheering-for-travis-092523-tout-e65ac2c156ff46b581ebd4e9f53ba386.jpg? auto=webp&s=c91cda7199369a1d4fe2dde419bdb4c964c95dfe)
Yeah, we’re just as annoyingly excited as you are, b*tch
The season’s right around the corner and the excitement is building around the team that is looking to take their success to another level and make a deep postseason run. The front office and players are doing everything to help avoid the disappointment that last year ended with.
Hustle Hard….
The team trainers have made progress with a few players this offseason. MLB Kendell Beckwith has improved his SPD and ACC +1 to bring it to 90/95. He is expected to take a leap this season and make the run defense much better than it was last year. SS Sheldrick Redwine added +1 SPD and ACC too, making it 98 and 95 respectively. The rookie has shown off his excellent worth ethic thus far in making strides so soon. 7th overall pick of 2018, WR Jaleel Scott, also added some speed, taking his to 97. ROLB Tremaine Edmunds added to his SPD as well, +1 to 90. We’re getting a bit freaky here now.
The extra training camp work this year as given to MLB Kendell Beckwith, WR Jaleel Scott, and CB Byron Murphy. Beckwith improved his AWR +1(70) and his TAK +2(83). Scott and Murphy also both added +1 to their AWR(53 and 74). Scott took extra jug machine reps and his CTH is now 82) Murphy was there too, adding +1 to his CTH as well(62). His TAK technique got better as well(+1 to 57). GM Mendez considered an extra slot for the 9th overall pick, SS Redwine but ultimately decided against it as he will get plenty of action and a mentor to help bring him along.
In another move aimed at improving their run defense, the team signed veteran DE Kendrick Ellis to a veteran minimum contract. The 340lb vet will help anchor the 34 defense and should be a significant upgrade at the position. Ellis, now 31, played last season for the division-rival Raiders, and notched an impressive 14 tackles for a loss. The team could sure use some extra big-man help along the defensive front.
Mixing It Up
The Chiefs connected with the Redskins in making a deal that send talented young reserves to get some burn in exchange for draft capital. Here’s the breakdown:
Chiefs receive: 2020 Bucs 2nd round pick, 2020 Redskins 3rd round pick
Redskins receive: OLB Fred Warner, SS Tre Flowers, HB Leonard Fournett, Chiefs 2020 5th and 6th round picks
Warner was among the best talents in a reserve role in the league and now he will get the playing time he deserves. SS Flowers was better than average last season in his short time starting and has the tools to be a long term starter. HB Fournett took over the #2 role late last season for the Chiefs and they had a big role carved out for him this year. He’ll now back up beastly Redskins HB James Connor but should get considerable work anyway.
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines
Here’s a look at the starting lineup to open up the season at home vs the rival Chargers, who beat KC thrice last season to win the division.
Offense:
QB Chandler Harnish
Harnish was underwhelming coming over from the Broncos in year 1.. The former MVP candidate has been spending extra time with his receivers in hoping to build the rapport up to hit the ground running this year.
HB Charles Sims
Sims hasn’t lived up to his own expectations, but the talented back seemed to have turned a corner late last season, displaying the vision and decisiveness that could finally result in contesting for his dream, a rushing title.
FB Cullen Gillaspia
Gillaspia was picked up during free agency but the front office is so high on him, he’s earned the starting FB job out of the gate. Gillaspia burst and aggressiveness won over coaches as he fought for his roster spot.
WR Tyler Lockett
Lockett spent extra time this offseason healing and taking preventative measures to ensure his health this year. He will start at WR and also handle kick returning duties again, where he is always dangerous.
WR Justin Hunter
The young vet hasn’t had his signature season yet but this might be the time. He’s put in more time in the film room and improved his already advanced awareness.
WR Jaleel Scott
Scott was seen often this offseason at the team facilities, practically living with a jug machine from where he caught endless passes. His hands are noticeably better and he’s been itching to show everyone that.
LT Donovan Smith
Smith flirted with free agency, and the Chiefs flirted with replacing him when they drafted OT Trey Pipkins in the 3rd round. Ultimately, both sides were not ready to part way so Smith is back and will slowly groom the rookie into his future role.
LG Cyril Richardson
C Pat Eflein
The cerebral Eflein lived up to his bookworm reputation, reportedly watching more film than most if not all coaches in the offseason. His awareness is said to have taken quite a significant leap, and the team has all-pro aspirations for the young center.
RG Chance Warmack
RT Kaleb McGary
McGary has huge shoes to fill for the traded RT Eric Fisher, who is among the elite at the position. The 325lb tackle is going to undoubtedly have his growing pains but the team hopes he gets things sorted early in his career, as he is slated to get thrown into the fire starting week 1
Defense:
LE Kendrick Ellis
NT Kenny Clark
Clark enters a contract year and the hope is that it translates into a huge year. He’s got all the physical tools to do so, it’s just a matter of putting it all together. Come get this money Kenny!
RE Derek Barnett
Barnett held onto his defensive end job although he had an underwhelming season where the highlight was blasting the Titans starting QB into injury. That was fun but we need more. The coaching staff still has faith he’ll be a consistent producer.
LOLB Bud Dupree
MLB Kiko Alonso
The former 4th round pick in GM Mendez’ first draft is now 29 and could be playing his last season on the club. Alonso has had a productive career and we hope this will the the best yet.
MLB Kendell Beckwith
It will be interesting to see the jump the young stud will make in year 3. The sky’s the limit for the elite athlete.
ROLB Tremaine Edmunds
Last year’s 1st round selection is out with something to prove after his DROY snub.
CB Will Davis
Another former 4th round pick from GM Mendez’ first draft, Davis returns from season-ending injury last season as the leader of the pack in the otherwise extremely young CB room.
CB Kenny Moore II
Speedy Gonzalez looks to up his pick-six totals this year. Rumors are the team is looking into getting him some offensive snaps on gadget plays.
CB Byron Murphy
This year’s 4th round selection has apparently won the NCB role out of the gate in a close competition. The coaching staff says it’s a matchup specific approach they’re going to takewith the young CBs however.
FS Deoindre’ Hall
SS Sheldrick Redwine
Redwine’s pairing with Hall makes for an intriguing backfield. We’re all for the need of this kind of speed. |
|
Forum Discussion
(by Rod_Mendez on 07/03/2024)
|
Replies - 0 :: Views - 10 |
|
Chiefs 2019 Draft Recap |
Reinforcements have arrived..
1.9 SS Sheldrick Redwine
While Marquise Blair was the target headed into the draft process given his size, Redwine didn’t end up too far behind, and may have caught up to Blair before the homework was all said and done. Besides having a pretty cool name, Redwine will possess 99 SPD in his sophomore year and potentially 98 ACC shortly after. That would make the 23-year old the fastest safety in the league overall. His TAK is certainly lacking but he should be able to get to plays no other safety could—and it doesn’t take much to trip someone up from behind and prevent a long touchdown. He’ll start with a low OVR which will also allow him to get in multiple training camps to bring that AWR and TAK up sooner rather than later. A mentor could go a long way in his development. Overall, the team is pleased with the selection as he fits the defensive scheme very well.
2.17 OT Kaleb McGary
The Chiefs traded a future 2nd rounded to move into the spot to select the_____ product.McGary has plus size at 6’6”, 325lbs and moves with the weight exceptionally well, which is necessary to be successful vs the LE pass rushers. He’s still a bit raw with his awareness and technique and also needs to get a little stronger but the base is there to be a successful starting tackle in the league.
2.25 TE Drew Sample
The class was deep at tight end and Sample was in the mix among the top with his advanced awareness, solid speed and good acceleration. The Chiefs signed former 1st round pick TE Tyler Kroft long term so they must have 2-TE packages they would like to run, or, as others have speculated, Sample may take over at FB after David Njoku was dealt to the Jaguars earlier in the offseason.
3.21 OT Trey Pipkins
Pipkins have plus awareness and speed overall, and could slide right in to take over the current free agent Donovan Smith. He lacks a quick first step but once he gets moving, watch out. His 99 STR and 70+ SPD should serve up some pancakes early in his career, but when that awareness gets up after a couple of seasons, he should be among the better LTs in the league.
4.23 CB Byron Murphy
Murphy lacks acceleration, which is why he fell so far. However, he does have long speed at 94 currently, but after his rookie season and some AP love, 97 SPD is possible. His 73 AWR gives him a pretty safe floor that should help him garner some snaps early in his career. He projects to have a long career as a reserve at the very least with plus starter upside. I think he was pretty good value late in the 4th round.
4.25 DE PJ Johnson
Johnson is raw but boy can he move for a 320lb man. His acceleration beats anyone his size(91), and fits the Chiefs 34 defense. He needs to work on his pretty much everything but his pass rushing upside has intrigued the front office enough to give him a fighting chance to make it out of the preseason a starting defensive end.
4.27 CB Amari Oruwariye
The Penn State product was a gem pick mostly, as he has good size (6’1) and solid starting awareness for his age (21). He speed related attributes didn't skew up but he was still enough to make the roster as a developmental prospect—for now. Let’s see if he can hold onto his spot.
5.12 DE John Comisky
Comisky decent size at 6’5 275lbs and will compete for a reserve DE role. He’s got decent speed and might be the cheap answer to the RE #2 behind another former 5th round pick, Derek Barnett, who is entering his make-or-break junior year.
6.25 QB Devlin Hodges
The team was pleasantly surprised with landing Hodges in the 6th round as he has tremendous upside. His awareness skews up to 70, which is a great starting point. With a mentor, rookie and sophomore progression, a minimum of two(maybe 3) training camps, Hodges would have 85-86 AWR. The fact that he’s slow as heck with little other high attributes in typically useless categories for a QB helps a lot, as he starts off just 66 OVR. Factor in a little game time action, or a lot, and you’re looking at 90+ awareness as he hits age 25. 6th round pick like you know who! |
|
Forum Discussion
(by Rod_Mendez on 06/22/2024)
|
Replies - 0 :: Views - 11 |
|
Chiefs News and Notes—v11,12,13 |
Pablo E.
Chiefs Beat Writer
Week 11
The game was over pretty early, way before most fans accepted the home beat down to the Cards, 34-7. Nothing seemed to work nor go their way as the team came out flat versus the energized Arizona team.
QB Chandler Harnish was atrocious, throwing under 50% in accuracy, with two interceptions. His 40.3 rating was the 3rd worst this season. The rushing attack was decent enough with Sims averaging 5.3 yards per carry on 17 rushes. He also added a rushing touchdown.
Not much else was going on for the offense this disappointing Sunday.
Defensively, things weren’t much better. Former Chiefs running back Trent Richardson ran for 108 yards, and QB Matt Barkley threw for 4 touchdowns with no interceptions as he made multiple big plays on the way to the blowout win. Arizona had 446 yards of total offense.
Week 12 will have the Chiefs visiting Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Who will start for the Seahawks remain the biggest question for the Chiefs prospects of winning. If rookie Rosen gets the nod, hope is strong. If the vet Thigpen ends up behind center, chances decreases dramatically. Either way, the team needs to pick up the pieces and put up a much better effort next week to redeem itself after such an embarrassment.
Week 12
Lady Luck was on Kansas City’s side today as the Seahawks thankfully started the rookie QB Josh Rosen, who was overwhelmed with the speed the Chiefs defense played at. QB Chandler Harnish played at the level he’s expected to so those two factors combined led to a surprisingly easy win on the road in Seattle.
The offense chucked it often and it resulted in 383 passings yards and 4 touchdowns for QB Chandler Harnish. The touchdowns were spread evenly among 4 pass catchers. WR Tyler Lockett led the way with 110 receiving yards on 5 catches with one of those TDs. HB Charles Sims almost had his 1st 100 yard rushing game of the season, but he was pulled more often late and ended up with 96. He did also grab two passes for 47 yards with a touchdown through the air.
The defense forced two turnovers from the rookie Seahawk QB. 3rd round selection, FS Tarvarious Moore had one of those interceptions and the other was by MLB Kendell Beckwith. LOLB Bud Dupree was disruptive with his two sacks. Rookie ROLB Tremaine Edmunds had a sack and a TFL as well as a pass deflection. The unit got 5 sacks on the day and held the Seahawks to 0 3rd down conversions on 13 attempts. It was a major reason why the Chiefs won the time of possession battle by nearly twofold.
The Chiefs are now 8-3 with 5 left to play. 10 wins may not be enough to secure a playoff spot, so the team needs to grab at least 2 more Ws to think about securing a postseason ticket. They’ve got division rivals coming up, first the Broncos at home, then the 1st place Chargers on the road. 1-1 is the target. The Rams, Titans and Raiders are the remaining opponents after that. I think the chances of securing one win versus those 3 are pretty decent. Let’s take care of business KC.
Week 13
The young defense took care of business on Sunday, limiting the visiting Denver Broncos to just two field goals all afternoon. The offense was a different story yet the same as it sputtered more than it should have. It’s a bit surprising the sporadic play has taken them this far—9 wins with 4 left to play.
QB Chandler Harnish was the lesser version, throwing two interceptions against just 1 touchdown with just 185 total passing yards. The unit was saved by HB Charles Sims, who ran for 76 yards on 12 carries with a touchdown on the ground, and also caught another TD through the air. One wonders when the offense will put it all together consistently, as it was supposed to be the team’s strength entering the season.
The highlight reel play of the day was provided by sophomore CB Kenny Moore, who picked off Lamar Jackson in the end zone, taking the pass all the way back 101 yards for a score. He also defended two other throws. MLB Kendell Beckwith had 10 tackles, 3 for a loss. The team had 10 tackles behind the line and was very disruptive. Rookie SS Tre Flowers batted down 4 passes as well and has surpassed expectations thus far after taking over the starting gig when Sabby Piscitelli was dealt to Tampa Bay a few weeks prior to the recent week 12 trade deadline.
It was shutting down a rookie QB, but the defense still looks good. Next week will be a much stiffer challenge trying to slow down the division-leading Chargers at their house. San Diego has won 9 straight—so optimistically, they’re about due for a loss. Calling the MVP Chandler Harnish…come in… |
|
Forum Discussion
(by Rod_Mendez on 04/26/2024)
|
Replies - 0 :: Views - 11 |
|
Chiefs Week 10 News and Notes |
Pablo E.
Chiefs Beat Writer
KC went a mile high and came away with their 4th consecutive win versus the Broncos, 20-10. The offense had some moments but it was the defense that did the heavy lifting, forcing turnovers when it was needed most. The team remains tied for 1st place with the San Diego Chargers.
If the defense had an MVP, it’d be FS Deiondre’ Hall. He recorded 4 tackles, 2 pass deflections, recovered a fumble, and best of all, snagged an interception in the end zone when the Broncos were knocking on the TD door late in the 4th quarter. Hall took it back 58 yards, barely tripped up from behind as he was poised to make it a pick-six. CB Kenny Moore II also picked off a Tannehill pass late, ending a drive that was headed to the red zone. DT Kenny Clark had 4 stops, a tackles for a loss and a sack. MLB Kendell Beckwith finished with 7 tackles, one for a loss, and a forced fumble. The defense bent but didn’t break, clamping down in the red zone (Broncos were 0-2) and on 3rd(Broncos were 2-10). The youngins somehow continue to get the job done with now-traded FS Sabby Piscitelli and injured star CB Will Davis.
The offense did just enough to finish the job. QB Chandler Harnish was 13 for 21 for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns. HB Charles Sims rushed 23 times for an inefficient 78 yards and no scores. WR Tyler Lockett once again led the team with receptions (6) and yards (8 to go with a touchdown. The impending free agent made his presence known on 3rd down, helping the team convert multiple times(KC was 5-12). Eric Fisher had 7 pancakes, tops on the team. Harnish was only sacked one time on the day where he held onto the ball for much too long.
The team keeps doing it, so we’ll keep the faith in the 2018 season. If the team is going to make a run and secure themselves a playoff spot, the upcoming 3 games might be the best time to make such moves. Next week the Chiefs face off against the Cardinals at home, Josh Rosen’s Seahawks on the road, then comes back home for another pimp slapping on the Broncos. The playoff push continues… |
|
Forum Discussion
(by Rod_Mendez on 04/12/2024)
|
Replies - 0 :: Views - 8 |
|
Chiefs Week 9 News and Notes |
Pablo E.
Chiefs Beat Writer
Charles “Billy” Sims feeds Raiders defensive back a snack he’ll remember as he forced his way into the end zone…
Wins are sweet, but road wins against a divisional rival are definitely more filling. The Chiefs headed out west to Oakland and made those dirty pirates walk their own plank, 22-17. It was competitive throughout but late interceptions by QB Chad Henne ended the second half field goal fest.
QB Chandler Harnish took what the defense gave him, throwing for 293 yards with just one touchdown, but zero turnovers. HB Charles Sims had 88 yards on the ground with a TD on 18 carries. The standout was WR Tyler Lockett, who needed just 5 receptions to get 149 yards and a TD. He’s scored in back-to-back games with more opportunities in his contract year. Overall, the offense was lackluster but clean. It’ll need more than that going forward as the young defense has the occasional growing pains.
MLB Kendell Beckwith led the team with 8 tackles, including one for a loss, a sack and a forced fumble. The young LB displayed his elite speed on a few plays as he filled the stat line. Rookie LB Tremaine Edmunds also had a tackle for a loss, a sack and forced fumble. Rookie SS Tre Flowers got his first interception of his career, an important one the ended a drive that had reached field goal range. LOLB Bud Dupree sealed the deal with an INT late in the 4th along the sideline that Henne threw while facing pressure. The newb secondary held its own and limited the talented Raiders receivers.
Another week, another dub for our Chiefs. Next week brings in the basement dwelling Broncos. QB Harnish seeks some revenge in his homecoming to Denver, the team that drafted him. Will they get former Chiefs QB Tannehill in a battle of the revenge game? Or does rookie QB Lamar Jackson make things slightly easier for the Chiefs to continue their win steak? It’s been an interesting season thus far with the most important portions yet to come. |
|
Forum Discussion
(by Rod_Mendez on 04/12/2024)
|
Replies - 0 :: Views - 5 |
|
At A Glance
| INJURY REPORT |
| PLAYER |
POS |
OVR |
LENGTH |
| AFC West |
| RNK |
TEAM |
W-L-T |
PCT |
DIV |
| #16 |
 y-Chiefs |
9-7-0 |
0.563 |
4-2 |
| #9 |
 Chargers |
9-7-0 |
0.563 |
3-3 |
| #18 |
 Raiders |
8-8-0 |
0.500 |
3-3 |
| #19 |
 Broncos |
8-8-0 |
0.500 |
2-4 |
| CHIEFS SCHEDULE |
| Preseason |
| WK |
DATE |
OPPONENT |
SCOUT/RESULT |
| P1 |
Sat |
at  Texans #30 |
Match-up |
| P2 |
Thu |
at  Giants #6 |
Match-up |
| P3 |
Sat |
vs  Rams #23 |
Match-up |
| P4 |
Thu |
vs  Saints #22 |
Match-up |
| Regular Season |
| 1 |
Sun |
vs  Bengals #17 |
|
| 2 |
Sun |
at Broncos #19 |
|
| 4 |
Sun |
vs  49ers #24 |
|
| 5 |
Sun |
at  Cardinals #4 |
|
| 6 |
Sun |
at  Steelers #15 |
|
| 7 |
Sun |
vs Chargers #9 |
|
| 8 |
Sun |
vs  Seahawks #21 |
|
| 9 |
Sun |
at Rams #23 |
|
| 10 |
Sun |
at  Dolphins #1 |
|
| 11 |
Sun |
vs Raiders #18 |
|
| 12 |
Thu |
vs Broncos #19 |
|
| 13 |
Sun |
at  Browns #31 |
|
| 14 |
Sun |
vs  Ravens #14 |
|
| 15 |
Sun |
at Chargers #9 |
|
| 16 |
Sat |
at Raiders #18 |
|
| 17 |
Sun |
vs  Jaguars #25 |
|
|
