The Anti-Whitlock Posnanski: Start Croyle Now! - Page 3

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.

PastorMikH · 09-17-2007, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sure-Oz

Huard is pretty awesome completing 2-5 yard routes that are thrown at the snap!

Especially when it's 3rd and 6

Raiderhater · 09-17-2007, 11:41 AM

What a difference a year makes....

crazycoffey · 09-17-2007, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie Bunker

Its gonna get real ugly Sunday. 80,000 people ready to show the viewing population inside an 80 mile radius of KC how pissed off they are.

FYP...

Wilson · 09-17-2007, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PastorMikH

Stat-wise, Huard did not appear to have that bad of a game yesterday. He hit 67% of his passes, and had a low 80s QB rating. But if you saw the game, GEEESH!!!! There were times I was working hard to resist the urge to root for chicago's DL to pounce on him, not hurt him bad or anything, just rough him up so he had to come out.

Croyle showed more poise in that one drive that Huard has shown all season. His passes were quick and desicive. He showed he can go through progressions and hit the checkdown guys without dumping off to the RB. He showed the ability to do a three step drop and send the ball flying downfield - most importantly he showed the ability to go downfield and HIT A WR.

How can the Chiefs NOT go with Croyle at this point? I don't think they will, I think Huard will keep getting the nod for a while, but how in the world can they justify NOT playing Croyle at this point?

The same reason a GM that hasn't won a playoff game in 14 years is still starting: stupidity, greed, stuborness and the peter principle.

Archie Bunker · 09-17-2007, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazyCoffey

FYP...

Thanks

pikesome · 09-17-2007, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

No more than 1 or 2 but still they have no right to bitch. The majority of the offense that played during those times are still here.

The D has every right to bitch. There's only so much that can be done if Huard and Co are going to go 25 mins between 1st downs. Maybe someone important will hear it and grow the required nads to make something happen on offense.

Raiderhater · 09-17-2007, 12:01 PM

If I am on the offense and one of the guys from the D starts in on the O I would quickly remind them of the Cleveland game just last year and tell them to mind their own damn business. The offense did their best to support the D the past several years, now it's the D's turn to show support.

Leave the calling out to the coaches and us.

'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?

Hog's Gone Fishin · 09-17-2007, 01:10 PM

Someone needs to tell Solari if he's gonna script the first 12 plays for our offense that he should not include every fourth play a punt.

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!

talastan · 09-17-2007, 01:23 PM

I want Brodie to step up and take the reins of this team. As far as the wait until the time is right method for bringing in Croyle, **** that!! I want a QB who can handle pressure, who can recover against a top five defense, like Chicago or Sandy Eggo. I want a QB who if he plays badly, even after being booed by the home crowd, will recover and drive the offense down the field to score. Croyle must prove all of this and more if he is indeed the QBotF. Because only if he can do all of this will he be able to lead this team to a championship!!

As for the Defense calling out the Offense, Hell yeah!! The Offense called out the Defense for over the past six years. This is a team!!! Both sides of the ball must play strong in order for us to CONSISENTLY win games. I'm all for the Defense holding the Offense accountable for how they play.

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....

bobbything · 09-17-2007, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raiderhader

If I am on the offense and one of the guys from the D starts in on the O I would quickly remind them of the Cleveland game just last year and tell them to mind their own damn business. The offense did their best to support the D the past several years, now it's the D's turn to show support.

Actually, I think they're even steven after the 90's.

Chief Henry · 09-17-2007, 01:54 PM

Run draw plays on 3rd and Long.
Herm said he liked "matchups" on the draw plays.
Wow, what matchups do our coach's think we have on our offensive line going against the
Bears Defense. Nice job coach's on your game planning and player personel observations.

Now picking the #1 draft choice for this years draft,
the KC Chiefs. We'll prolly **** that up too.

**BigRedChief** · 09-17-2007, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Henry

Now picking the #1 draft choice for this years draft,
the KC Chiefs. We'll prolly **** that up too.

Wellll we did screw up the #6 pick. We should be able to step up our screw ups to that level.

09-16-2007, 11:19 PM
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

09-17-2007, 11:41 AM	#32
Raiderhater Tried it on and it fit Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: A Webb of chaos Casino cash: $-1337979	What a difference a year makes.... __________________ "Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, and disregard of all the rules." -- George Orwell, Shooting an Elephant
Posts: 29,526

09-17-2007, 12:01 PM	#37
Raiderhater Tried it on and it fit Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: A Webb of chaos Casino cash: $-1337979	If I am on the offense and one of the guys from the D starts in on the O I would quickly remind them of the Cleveland game just last year and tell them to mind their own damn business. The offense did their best to support the D the past several years, now it's the D's turn to show support. Leave the calling out to the coaches and us. __________________ "Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, and disregard of all the rules." -- George Orwell, Shooting an Elephant
Posts: 29,526

09-17-2007, 01:10 PM	#39
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $-1399523	Someone needs to tell Solari if he's gonna script the first 12 plays for our offense that he should not include every fourth play a punt.
Posts: 40,645

09-17-2007, 01:23 PM	#41
talastan Manning, we're coming for you! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Springfield, Mo Casino cash: $10004950	I want Brodie to step up and take the reins of this team. As far as the wait until the time is right method for bringing in Croyle, ** that!! I want a QB who can handle pressure, who can recover against a top five defense, like Chicago or Sandy Eggo. I want a QB who if he plays badly, even after being booed by the home crowd, will recover and drive the offense down the field to score. Croyle must prove all of this and more if he is indeed the QBotF. Because only if he can do all of this will he be able to lead this team to a championship!! As for the Defense calling out the Offense, Hell yeah!! The Offense called out the Defense for over the past six years. This is a team!!! Both sides of the ball must play strong in order for us to CONSISENTLY win games. I'm all for the Defense holding the Offense accountable for how they play. __________________ Can we please just draft AND DEVELOP a QB - est. since 1983 Check out my band:** Truett and the Traitors
Posts: 4,815

09-17-2007, 01:54 PM	#44
Chief Henry MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: IOWA Casino cash: $10005088	Run draw plays on 3rd and Long. Herm said he liked "matchups" on the draw plays. Wow, what matchups do our coach's think we have on our offensive line going against the Bears Defense. Nice job coach's on your game planning and player personel observations. Now picking the #1 draft choice for this years draft, the KC Chiefs. We'll prolly **** that up too. __________________ Patrick Mahomes...The only QB to ever play in the NFL with at least 5,000 passing yards in a single season and 5,000 passing yards in a single college season.
Posts: 8,361