Will Matt Cassel find Dexter McCluster multiple times in this game? That’s something to watch for.
KCCD Editor: Jason Madson
Game 2 for the Chiefs in preseason play is tonight. It’s the battle for the Governor’s Cup. The opponent is obviously the STL Rams, and the Chiefs should destroy them. The Rams are coached by Jeff Fisher, and although he is a great coach, he hasn’t had enough time to turn this team around. This should be a game the Chiefs starters and depth dominate from start to finish. Feel free to leave some comments on what you’ll be watching for and check back during the game as I’ll be using this as an open thread for game chatter as well. Here is what I will be watching for tonight:
Chiefs Pass Rush Continues to Dominate
-Last week the Chiefs had 7 sacks and many more QB pressures. I want to see this continue. Over the past week at camp I saw multiple sets and plays with Eric Berry or Kendrick Lewis blitzing, along with Derrick Johnson. This might be something that is worked in more for tonight’s game. The right tackle for St Louis is a familiar face, Barry Richardson. He mentioned he’d cut block Tamba Hali a few days ago. we’ll see if he gets his QB hurt for making such stupid comments. Comments or not, I think Justin Houston has a heyday and gets multiple sacks.
Another thing to watch is the pass rushing from the sub packages. Dontari Poe and Allen Bailey up front in the first group and Ropati Pitoitua and Jerrell Powe up front in the other. I really think the second unit could out produce the first.Pitoitua has been a man possessed the last week or two in camp. He’s really opened some eyes and could pass Bailey for first group snaps. Watch big #77 when he enters the game, he was impressive vs the Cardinals as well.
Backups Jockeying For Position
We’re 8 days away from the first roster cuts, when a team goes from 90 to 75 players. This is the one of the last chances to make an impression in game action. This team has roughly 47 of its spots on the 53 man roster locked up, but those last few spots could call for some big time effort and competition.
Battles I’m watching are defensive backs, WR and linebackers. Defensive backs because of the youth and athleticism. Plus with Menzie sitting out, another rookie or vet could steal the show and get one of the open spots. The WR position is deep with young talent as well. Josh Bellamy might have a slight edge in this battle, but it’s close with Jamar Newsome and Brandon Kinnie. The linebackers are in a similar spot with guys like Andy Studebaker, Cameron Sheffield, Edgar Jones and Gabe Miller all vying for a spot on this team. Sheffield falls a step behind with the last week off camp and missing tonight’s game.
Get Matt Cassel Going
Andrew Luck shredded this defense last week. I don’t see how the Chiefs can’t do the same. Cassel has been taking what the defense gives him, and it’s working great. Throws going to McCluster, Breaston , Bowe and Wylie make life easier for the QB. Just get them the ball in space and watch out.
Cassel’s been a whipping boy throughout the KC area, even by me. But as I look at him go thru practice, I see a confident play caller and decision maker. Brian Daboll and Jim Zorn have been exactly what Cassel needed. He’ll be above average this year, but not much. Give Cassel a chance this year, if he fails I’ll be the first to admit it and you all will be back here in draft season, trying to find out the latest news on the top ranked QB.
Dwayne Bowe Signed
-We all knew he wasn’t going to the sign his tender immediately, due to the 9.5 million he is owed. There isn’t anything to watch for here, but I’m just happy to have the chance to report this story. Bowe will open the entire field up for the Chiefs plethora of good receivers.
Stay Healthy
-Most important on this list.
Tags: Andy Studebaker, Dexter McCluster, Jonathan Baldwin, Matt Cassel
Who do you think will end up being our backup QB this year? Of the one you pick, do you think he’ll eventually end up getting the starting spot over Cassel?