The Anti-Whitlock Posnanski: Start Croyle Now!

Deberg_1990 · 09-16-2007, 11:19 PM

I guess he wants to start a QB controversy...

http://www.kansascity.com/180/story/278351.html

CHICAGO | Chiefs coach Herm Edwards smiled just a little after I asked him the question. “You going to start a quarterback controversy?” he asked.

Sure. Why not? Here it is: It’s time. Bench Damon Huard. Start Brodie Croyle.

A few things became clear Sunday afternoon as the sun set over Soldier Field. One, the Chiefs have absolutely no idea how to tackle Devin Hester. Two, the only way the Chiefs’ offense can score touchdowns these days is to have a receiver run the wrong route. They might want to put that crazy Dwayne-Bowe-takes-the-ball-away-from-Tony-Gonzalez play in the playbook (although in that case Bowe might run a different wrong route). Three, a Bears opponent is never completely out of the game as long as Rex Grossman is the quarterback.

And four, the big one, it’s time for the Chiefs to go with Croyle.

This doesn’t have anything to do with panic. OK, well, yeah, it might have a little something to do with panic. The Chiefs are 0-2. They should feel a little panic. They are the only team in the NFL that hasn’t won a game yet going back to the preseason. They have looked miserable on offense. Hopeless. This is a team heading for a long, dry season unless something drastic happens.

As Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez said, “Something’s gotta be done.”

Well, what can be done? The Chiefs are not exactly a team overflowing with options. They could let “Hard Knocks” star Bobby Sippio play a little receiver. They could have angel of death Ray Farmer walk through the locker room carrying a scythe. They could cut another kicker. Edwards could unleash another classic, “You play to win the game,” rant — those are always entertaining.

None of those things, though, seems likely to make a difference. No, the Chiefs are not stalling. They are freefalling. It’s time to break the emergency glass. It’s time to bring in Brodie Croyle.

But this isn’t just about shaking things up. The Chiefs have lost faith in Huard. There’s no doubt about that. The reason Edwards went with Huard to start the season is because he’s a veteran guy, he’s been there before, he played well much of last year, he supposedly has that mystical ability to, as coaches say, “manage the game.” Edwards had wanted to go with Croyle, but the guy looked dazed and confused all during the preseason. Edwards felt like he had no choice. Croyle was given a chance to win the job. He did not win it. Edwards figured that Huard had been through a few football wars.

“He gives us our best chance to win right now,” Edwards would say.

Well, that quote has been turned inside out. The Chiefs played Sunday as if they believed that Huard had no chance to win the game. You didn’t need Bill Belichick’s secret film crew to predict what that Chiefs’ offense was going to do. The whole offensive game plan was built around draw plays, 3-yard slant passes to Jeff Webb and dump-offs to Kris Wilson. It was surprising that Huard didn’t have training wheels on his shoes.

And for most of the second half it looked as if the Chiefs were simply trying to keep the score respectable. Three times on third and long — when trailing by more than a touchdown — the Chiefs ran the football. That’s high school stuff.

The irony, of course, is that on third and 1 in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs did give Huard a chance to throw. He made a bad decision — he tried to float a fade pattern pass to Samie Parker (generously listed at 5 feet 11 in your Chiefs media guide). The ball was knocked away and then intercepted. That ended things. Privately (and not so privately) Chiefs coaches and players were upset. This is exactly the kind of game-killing decision they were hoping to avoid by starting the veteran Huard.

With about three and a half minutes left in the game, Brodie Croyle came in. Instantly, things were electric, exciting, he hit all five of his passes, he drove the Chiefs down the field, there was energy and hope. Croyle threw a beautiful 34-yard pass to Webb — the longest pass play of the game for either team. Now, nobody is kidding anybody here — it was the end of the game, the Bears were in a prevent defense, the game was more or less over, it was all pretty meaningless. Croyle understood that.

He still looked awfully good.

“Obviously, in that situation, we’re two scores down, they’re going to play a certain kind of defense,” Croyle said. “But it was a step forward for me personally.”

Hey, nobody is saying that Croyle is ready to step in and be a young Joe Namath. He would undoubtedly make mistakes, force bad throws, take bad sacks — there would be some pain. But there’s plenty of pain now. Croyle’s got that great arm, that enthusiasm, that charisma — he might make some plays and change the mood.

One thing is clear: The Chiefs can’t keep going the way they’re going. The defense is getting frustrated with the offense. The offensive stars — Larry Johnson and Gonzalez in particular — are losing patience. The older guys and younger guys on the team are beginning to splinter. This season is dying. Herm Edwards can’t let the season die without at least trying the bold move.

“Are you ready to start Brodie Croyle?” I asked Herm Edwards as he was walking out of the locker room.

“You going to start a quarterback controversy?” he asked back.

“Yes,” I said.

“I have faith in Damon,” he said finally. “But I do believe Brodie is our future.”

Consider the controversy started.

AZChief · 09-16-2007, 11:30 PM

Only in KC would a coach try to rebuild with a 34 year old QB...pathetic.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 09-16-2007, 11:33 PM

I'm trying to figure out how a team blitzes in a prevent D.

bobbything · 09-17-2007, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I'm trying to figure out how a team blitzes in a prevent D.

Yes. Cosign and cosign.

FAX · 09-17-2007, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I'm trying to figure out how a team blitzes in a prevent D.

Good point, right there. Good point.

FAX

mcan · 09-17-2007, 04:50 AM

When we hit that pass my friend Curt looked at me and asked, "What's going on, are they in a prevent or something?"

"Nope, they just blitzed the crap out of us, and the announcers just got done talking for 3 minutes about how awesome the Bears' defensive coordinator is for getting everybody up on the line of scrimmage and bringing the heat."

The fact is, the pass was easier to make because when you put everybody on the line, you get man coverage and the safety was playing the middle of the field and not that sideline. Croyle got a bit of protection and BAM... A great throw.

My advice:
Don't get used to it.

Hootie · 09-17-2007, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I'm trying to figure out how a team blitzes in a prevent D.

so JoPo and even Croyle himself admit it was a prevent D, but old Hamas doesn't think so...

'Hamas' Jenkins · 09-17-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hootie

so JoPo and even Croyle himself admit it was a prevent D, but old Hamas doesn't think so...

What would you call a team rushing more than 4 down lineman?

If it's not a blitz, what is it? Are the defenders being welcomed as liberators?

orange · 09-17-2007, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

What would you call a team rushing more than 4 down lineman?

If it's not a blitz, what is it? Are the defenders being welcomed as liberators?

The "Surge" defense!

crazycoffey · 09-17-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

What would you call a team rushing more than 4 down lineman?

If it's not a blitz, what is it? Are the defenders being welcomed as liberators?

a Base 5-3 or 6-2, silly....

SPchief · 09-16-2007, 11:36 PM

Bold prediction: CROYLE WILL START NEXT WEEK

RustShack · 09-16-2007, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPchief

Bold prediction: CROYLE WILL START NEXT WEEK

We can only hope! Huards a turd

SBK · 09-17-2007, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustShack

We can only hope! Huards a turd

perhaps he should be called hTurd?

crazycoffey · 09-17-2007, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPchief

Bold prediction: CROYLE WILL START NEXT WEEK

that's not so bold. I agree, Croyle Vs. the Vikes....

big nasty kcnut · 09-16-2007, 11:41 PM

Hell yeah we need a gunslinger.

09-16-2007, 11:19 PM	Topic Starter
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $374454	The Anti-Whitlock Posnanski: Start Croyle Now! I guess he wants to start a QB controversy... http://www.kansascity.com/180/story/278351.html CHICAGO \| Chiefs coach Herm Edwards smiled just a little after I asked him the question. “You going to start a quarterback controversy?” he asked. Sure. Why not? Here it is: It’s time. Bench Damon Huard. Start Brodie Croyle. A few things became clear Sunday afternoon as the sun set over Soldier Field. One, the Chiefs have absolutely no idea how to tackle Devin Hester. Two, the only way the Chiefs’ offense can score touchdowns these days is to have a receiver run the wrong route. They might want to put that crazy Dwayne-Bowe-takes-the-ball-away-from-Tony-Gonzalez play in the playbook (although in that case Bowe might run a different wrong route). Three, a Bears opponent is never completely out of the game as long as Rex Grossman is the quarterback. And four, the big one, it’s time for the Chiefs to go with Croyle. This doesn’t have anything to do with panic. OK, well, yeah, it might have a little something to do with panic. The Chiefs are 0-2. They should feel a little panic. They are the only team in the NFL that hasn’t won a game yet going back to the preseason. They have looked miserable on offense. Hopeless. This is a team heading for a long, dry season unless something drastic happens. As Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez said, “Something’s gotta be done.” Well, what can be done? The Chiefs are not exactly a team overflowing with options. They could let “Hard Knocks” star Bobby Sippio play a little receiver. They could have angel of death Ray Farmer walk through the locker room carrying a scythe. They could cut another kicker. Edwards could unleash another classic, “You play to win the game,” rant — those are always entertaining. None of those things, though, seems likely to make a difference. No, the Chiefs are not stalling. They are freefalling. It’s time to break the emergency glass. It’s time to bring in Brodie Croyle. But this isn’t just about shaking things up. The Chiefs have lost faith in Huard. There’s no doubt about that. The reason Edwards went with Huard to start the season is because he’s a veteran guy, he’s been there before, he played well much of last year, he supposedly has that mystical ability to, as coaches say, “manage the game.” Edwards had wanted to go with Croyle, but the guy looked dazed and confused all during the preseason. Edwards felt like he had no choice. Croyle was given a chance to win the job. He did not win it. Edwards figured that Huard had been through a few football wars. “He gives us our best chance to win right now,” Edwards would say. Well, that quote has been turned inside out. The Chiefs played Sunday as if they believed that Huard had no chance to win the game. You didn’t need Bill Belichick’s secret film crew to predict what that Chiefs’ offense was going to do. The whole offensive game plan was built around draw plays, 3-yard slant passes to Jeff Webb and dump-offs to Kris Wilson. It was surprising that Huard didn’t have training wheels on his shoes. And for most of the second half it looked as if the Chiefs were simply trying to keep the score respectable. Three times on third and long — when trailing by more than a touchdown — the Chiefs ran the football. That’s high school stuff. The irony, of course, is that on third and 1 in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs did give Huard a chance to throw. He made a bad decision — he tried to float a fade pattern pass to Samie Parker (generously listed at 5 feet 11 in your Chiefs media guide). The ball was knocked away and then intercepted. That ended things. Privately (and not so privately) Chiefs coaches and players were upset. This is exactly the kind of game-killing decision they were hoping to avoid by starting the veteran Huard. With about three and a half minutes left in the game, Brodie Croyle came in. Instantly, things were electric, exciting, he hit all five of his passes, he drove the Chiefs down the field, there was energy and hope. Croyle threw a beautiful 34-yard pass to Webb — the longest pass play of the game for either team. Now, nobody is kidding anybody here — it was the end of the game, the Bears were in a prevent defense, the game was more or less over, it was all pretty meaningless. Croyle understood that. He still looked awfully good. “Obviously, in that situation, we’re two scores down, they’re going to play a certain kind of defense,” Croyle said. “But it was a step forward for me personally.” Hey, nobody is saying that Croyle is ready to step in and be a young Joe Namath. He would undoubtedly make mistakes, force bad throws, take bad sacks — there would be some pain. But there’s plenty of pain now. Croyle’s got that great arm, that enthusiasm, that charisma — he might make some plays and change the mood. One thing is clear: The Chiefs can’t keep going the way they’re going. The defense is getting frustrated with the offense. The offensive stars — Larry Johnson and Gonzalez in particular — are losing patience. The older guys and younger guys on the team are beginning to splinter. This season is dying. Herm Edwards can’t let the season die without at least trying the bold move. “Are you ready to start Brodie Croyle?” I asked Herm Edwards as he was walking out of the locker room. “You going to start a quarterback controversy?” he asked back. “Yes,” I said. “I have faith in Damon,” he said finally. “But I do believe Brodie is our future.” Consider the controversy started.
Posts: 68,373

09-16-2007, 11:30 PM	#2
AZChief Starter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Casino cash: $9995025	Only in KC would a coach try to rebuild with a 34 year old QB...pathetic. __________________ Remember Kansas City's hero, Joe Delaney #37.
Posts: 682

09-16-2007, 11:33 PM	#3
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7299572	I'm trying to figure out how a team blitzes in a prevent D. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 75,077

09-17-2007, 04:50 AM	#6
mcan Apr 13,1949 – Dec 15, 2011 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $9996085	When we hit that pass my friend Curt looked at me and asked, "What's going on, are they in a prevent or something?" "Nope, they just blitzed the crap out of us, and the announcers just got done talking for 3 minutes about how awesome the Bears' defensive coordinator is for getting everybody up on the line of scrimmage and bringing the heat." The fact is, the pass was easier to make because when you put everybody on the line, you get man coverage and the safety was playing the middle of the field and not that sideline. Croyle got a bit of protection and BAM... A great throw. My advice: Don't get used to it.
Posts: 3,761

09-16-2007, 11:36 PM	#11
SPchief In Search of a Life Join Date: Feb 2004 Casino cash: $-1667095	Bold prediction: CROYLE WILL START NEXT WEEK __________________ Check out SPchief's fundraising page for Special Olympics Missouri - https://support.somo.org/fundraiser/5957339 ^^^^^^^^^^ Click here to help with a special cause. Please help me out
Posts: 36,176

09-16-2007, 11:41 PM	#15
big nasty kcnut The pizza king of kansas Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Somewhere in the u.s.a. Casino cash: $-1959100	Hell yeah we need a gunslinger. __________________ When it's grim, be the grim reaper and go get it. Adopt a chiefs Travis Kelce. You woke up the wrong mother****er!
Posts: 19,337