Seven
11-13-2012, 07:53 AM
A win is a win. The standard is the standard.
Quarterbacks Play: Missing Ben for any amount of time is going to hurt. But don't dwell on it. Let's move on. Leftwich is a solid option and I fully believe he played through a concussion last night to help this team win. Charlie Batch continues to surprise me with how well his arm and game in general has aged every time he sees the field. We have two solid pieces at the position that we can win games with.
Runningback Play: Jon Dwyer and Isaac Redman (particularly Redman) were useless at times of this game. Dwyer finished with 19 carries for 56 yards and a 2.9 yard average, while Redman started the game only to be pulled for a fumble then returned to the game getting stopped on a crucial 4th down attempt. He finished the night with 8 carries for 21 yards and a 2.5 yard average. As I've said all this past week, you can't count on Redman to put two strong games together back to back. Dwyer didn't do too hot either, but at least he took what the offensive line created for him. The team had 95 yards rushing total which isn't an awful day, but a run from Ben and another from Sanders helped pad that stat a little. As of right now Jonathan Dwyer appears to be the only player in our backfield capable of touting the rock without routinely taking losses on plays.
Up Back Play: Heath Miller had an outstanding night in the passing game as well as in the blocking game. Did not notice any major errors from him during my first viewing of this game. Dave Paulson and Will Johnson made their fair share of errors (fumble, dropped passes) but both played solid games otherwise. I have no comment on Leonard Pope.
Receivers: To me, this was where we really almost lost last night’s game. Anyone still think Antonio Brown is overpaid? The receivers could not get any separation all night. Apart from Brandon Flowers, our group of wideouts should have been able to destroy the Chiefs' corners. Wallace made that spectacular catch but apart from that had no impact (3/8 for 14). Sanders did more whining to the officials than he did playmaking (2/7 for 30). And Cotchery only made the most of one reception on 4 targets for 22 yards.
Offensive Line Play: The tackles had a rough day against Hali & Houston. That's probably the best game I've seen Houston play as a pro and I think much of it is due to the fact that he was up against Mike Adams who has been struggling on passing downs when he doesn't receive any help. On the interior most snaps were hit or miss. I thought Ramon Foster probably played his worst game of the season but Pouncey and Colon held their own for the most part.
Defensive Front: The line played really bad. Cam Heyward seemed to provide somewhat of a spark but Hampton and Hood gave up way too much ground. McLendon and Woods didn't help much when they saw the field. James Harrison was largely invisible but considering the Chiefs didn't hammer it to his side very often I don't really have much to say about that. With the exception of a couple plays I thought LaMarr Woodley lacked hustle in this game. Larry Foote played with passion but maybe too much, seemed like he was pressing to make a play. Timmons played a great game. Held up against the run probably the best of the four and had three huge difference making plays (pass defensed, sack, interception).
Defensive Backfield: I believe the defensive backs played exceptionally well all things considered. Despite a lack of pass rush for most of the game Lewis, Clark and Allen held their assignments like glue after we go out of the awful zone schemes we were running the first couple of defensive series'. Taylor had a fair game but there were several occasions where I don't know what he was doing. I'm starting to worry about Ike. He's one of my favorite players but sometimes it seems like he just freezes anymore. That fourth down conversion to Bowe stands out as an example.
Special Teams Play: No major mistakes. The squad seems to be cutting back on penalties which is good. Was hoping for more impact plays from Gilreath and Rainey in the return game.
Moving Forward
Offense: If we're moving forward with Leftwich under center Haley's gameplans have to change. We can't throw receiver screens because his delivery will be a dead giveaway and result in the play getting blown up. I would suggest moving to a more Arians-esque passing game but with better protection - probably max protect. Run deep crossing patterns & deep comebacks with our speedy receivers and Lefty's arm should be able to get it there as long as he has the time. The running game is going to have to be better than it was last night. Find out who the hot hand is early and stick with him.
Defense: The pass rush has to improve or we are toast. I would do anything to ramp up pressure on the quarterback. Hell, I'd swap Timmons and Harrison on some downs at this point. Let LT get after the quartberback and put James on run-stuffing assignments inside. Blitz more DBs. Run more overload blitzes but cover your ass on the other side of the field. I don't think we can afford giving a better team as much time in the pocket as we gave the Chiefs & Cassel last night.
It's going to be interesting. I plan on re-watching the game either today or tomorrow. These are simply observations I made live that I wanted to put out there. If you see it a different way, let me know!
Quarterbacks Play: Missing Ben for any amount of time is going to hurt. But don't dwell on it. Let's move on. Leftwich is a solid option and I fully believe he played through a concussion last night to help this team win. Charlie Batch continues to surprise me with how well his arm and game in general has aged every time he sees the field. We have two solid pieces at the position that we can win games with.
Runningback Play: Jon Dwyer and Isaac Redman (particularly Redman) were useless at times of this game. Dwyer finished with 19 carries for 56 yards and a 2.9 yard average, while Redman started the game only to be pulled for a fumble then returned to the game getting stopped on a crucial 4th down attempt. He finished the night with 8 carries for 21 yards and a 2.5 yard average. As I've said all this past week, you can't count on Redman to put two strong games together back to back. Dwyer didn't do too hot either, but at least he took what the offensive line created for him. The team had 95 yards rushing total which isn't an awful day, but a run from Ben and another from Sanders helped pad that stat a little. As of right now Jonathan Dwyer appears to be the only player in our backfield capable of touting the rock without routinely taking losses on plays.
Up Back Play: Heath Miller had an outstanding night in the passing game as well as in the blocking game. Did not notice any major errors from him during my first viewing of this game. Dave Paulson and Will Johnson made their fair share of errors (fumble, dropped passes) but both played solid games otherwise. I have no comment on Leonard Pope.
Receivers: To me, this was where we really almost lost last night’s game. Anyone still think Antonio Brown is overpaid? The receivers could not get any separation all night. Apart from Brandon Flowers, our group of wideouts should have been able to destroy the Chiefs' corners. Wallace made that spectacular catch but apart from that had no impact (3/8 for 14). Sanders did more whining to the officials than he did playmaking (2/7 for 30). And Cotchery only made the most of one reception on 4 targets for 22 yards.
Offensive Line Play: The tackles had a rough day against Hali & Houston. That's probably the best game I've seen Houston play as a pro and I think much of it is due to the fact that he was up against Mike Adams who has been struggling on passing downs when he doesn't receive any help. On the interior most snaps were hit or miss. I thought Ramon Foster probably played his worst game of the season but Pouncey and Colon held their own for the most part.
Defensive Front: The line played really bad. Cam Heyward seemed to provide somewhat of a spark but Hampton and Hood gave up way too much ground. McLendon and Woods didn't help much when they saw the field. James Harrison was largely invisible but considering the Chiefs didn't hammer it to his side very often I don't really have much to say about that. With the exception of a couple plays I thought LaMarr Woodley lacked hustle in this game. Larry Foote played with passion but maybe too much, seemed like he was pressing to make a play. Timmons played a great game. Held up against the run probably the best of the four and had three huge difference making plays (pass defensed, sack, interception).
Defensive Backfield: I believe the defensive backs played exceptionally well all things considered. Despite a lack of pass rush for most of the game Lewis, Clark and Allen held their assignments like glue after we go out of the awful zone schemes we were running the first couple of defensive series'. Taylor had a fair game but there were several occasions where I don't know what he was doing. I'm starting to worry about Ike. He's one of my favorite players but sometimes it seems like he just freezes anymore. That fourth down conversion to Bowe stands out as an example.
Special Teams Play: No major mistakes. The squad seems to be cutting back on penalties which is good. Was hoping for more impact plays from Gilreath and Rainey in the return game.
Moving Forward
Offense: If we're moving forward with Leftwich under center Haley's gameplans have to change. We can't throw receiver screens because his delivery will be a dead giveaway and result in the play getting blown up. I would suggest moving to a more Arians-esque passing game but with better protection - probably max protect. Run deep crossing patterns & deep comebacks with our speedy receivers and Lefty's arm should be able to get it there as long as he has the time. The running game is going to have to be better than it was last night. Find out who the hot hand is early and stick with him.
Defense: The pass rush has to improve or we are toast. I would do anything to ramp up pressure on the quarterback. Hell, I'd swap Timmons and Harrison on some downs at this point. Let LT get after the quartberback and put James on run-stuffing assignments inside. Blitz more DBs. Run more overload blitzes but cover your ass on the other side of the field. I don't think we can afford giving a better team as much time in the pocket as we gave the Chiefs & Cassel last night.
It's going to be interesting. I plan on re-watching the game either today or tomorrow. These are simply observations I made live that I wanted to put out there. If you see it a different way, let me know!