SB Nation - Quinn Gray

Bringing a veteran QB into camp

shake n bake — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:02:34 -0000

Last year with Peyton Manning on the PUP the Colts brought in a pair of veteran backups, Quinn Gray and Jared Lorenzen. Now with Jim Sorgi out 2-3 weeks they may bring an experienced QB in again. There are still a few Quarterbacks with NFL experience remaining unsigned.

Free Agents

UFL (I don't know if there is an arrangement for the NFL-UFL on the poaching of their talent, but it's unlikely any of these guys will give up a starting UFL job for a few weeks in an NFL camp).

Brooks Bollinger (Orlando)

Quinn Gray (New York)

J.P. Losman (Las Vegas)

Jump for more info on the vets

Gus Frerotte (FA) last seen replacing a struggling Tarvaris Jackson and starting 11 games for the Vikings before a back injury took him out of the lineup. He completed 59.1% of his passes for 2,157 yards, 12TDs with 15 INTs for a QB Rating of 73.7 and ANY/A of 4.3.

Drew Henson (FA) most notable for sharing time with Tom Brady in college. Henson both thrown an NFL touchdown and has a major league hit. The downside being that he's thrown just 20 NFL passes (only 2 over the last 4 seasons) and had only 9 MLB at bats.

Craig Nall (FA) the long-time backup has the impressive statistic of more years in the league (9), than games played (7). He has played well in his few appearances holding a career QB rating of 123.8 over 48 attempts.

Marques Tuiasosopo (FA) A second round pick of the Raiders, Tuiasosopo has played just 13 games (2 starts) in 8 seasons, and hasn't posted a season with less INTs than TDs or a QB rating over 51 since his (4 attempt) rookie year. Awesome name though.

Cleo Lemon (FA) Lemon started half a season in Miami in 2007 playing well enough for an ill advised 3 year, 9 million dollar contract from the Jags, who cut him after just one year.

Brooks Bollinger (Orlando) Bollinger has played a handful of games as a backup since a mediocre half-season starting for the Jets with 56.4% completion, 1,558 yards, 7TDs, and 6INTs for a rating of 72.9 and 4.1 ANY/A

Quinn Gray (New York) We all saw Gray last year, through the first 3 preseason games he looked like the best QB of the 3 headed backup committee. Over the last two he threw 4 INTs to 1 TD and completed under 40% of his passes. He eventually caught on with the Cheifs where he had 8 very good pass attempts.

J.P. Losman (Las Vegas) The 2004 1st rounder couldn't stay healthy and regressed as a passer after a pretty good 2006 season. With Trent Edwards emerging as a viable starter and outplaying Losman, J.P. was given the boot.

Very slim pickings, Where for art thou Josh Betts? (actually he is available)

Quick Bytes:August 7th, 2009

Jonathan Loesche — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:12:02 -0000

More photos » by Phil Coale - AP

4 months ago: Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Mike Walker, left, works his way around Mesphin Forrester during special teams practice at NFLfootball training camp, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, in Jacksonville, Fla.(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Browse more photos »

The Associated Press: Walker welcomes change after somber season
Mike Walker has battled a career's worth of injuries, the death of a close friend, and other issues. Now, he is finally healthy and ready to go in 2009.

Jags TE Honored As Community Leader - Sports News Story - WJXT Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis was named the Jacksonville Jaguars/Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Community Leader of the Year for 2008 Thursday.

The Associated Press: Thomas ready for starting role with Jaguars
Tra Thomas may only be keeping the Left Tackle position warm for Eugene Monroe, but he expects to be keeping it for awhile.

Jones now in line for carries behind Jones-Drew - AFC South - ESPN
Expect Greg Jones to start getting the ball more now that Fred Taylor is gone.

Cox working on watching the right things - AFC South - ESPN
Great article on Cox and how he is dealing with the pressure of being in the NFL.

On Jags' headsets and field goals - AFC South - ESPN
Scobee hit 5 of 6, including from 47 and 52 yards, in the rain. In addition, apparently Del Rio has been headset happy.

Ex-Jaguars starting QB Quinn Gray signs with UFL - Breaking News - Sports - MiamiHerald.com
Quinn Gray finally has the chance to compete for a starting job, in the UFL.

Camp Battle 2009: Quarterbacks (and a comment on Michael Vick)

Jonathan Loesche — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:25:05 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

Todd Bouman is currently the Jaguars back up quarterback. If Garrard goes down, can he be counted on to lead the Jaguars or should the team look to bring in another arm for camp?

Browse more photos »

It wouldn't be the post-Mark Brunell Jaguars if questions about the quarterback position weren't being asked heading into training camp. The 2009 Jaguars have to answer them in bunches this year. Is David Garrard a one hit wonder? Can Todd Bouman be asked to do more than hand off to MJD in the event Garrard gets hurt? Will either Paul Smith or Todd Boeckman be more than practice squad caliber? Should the Jaguars bring in Michael Vick?

All of these questions need to be answered at some point, and their answers may well have the biggest impact on the Jaguars not only this season, but down the line as well.

David Garrard

Were David Garrard's 4th down heroics in Pittsburgh simply the final note of his one hit wonder season?

I'll spare recapping 2007 and 2008; what we want to know is can Garrard lead this team back to the playoffs. The common complaint about Garrard was that he regressed in 2008 compared to 2007. What do the numbers say?

	Yards Per Game	Completions Per Game	Quarterback Rating	Interceptions
2007	209	17	102.4	4
2008	226	21	81.7	13

While Garrard's completions and yards went up, his QB rating took a huge hit. This can be explained because of the Jaguars lack of a running threat compared to last year. Garrard had to be a one man show in 2008, and he did an admirable job considering the receivers he was throwing to.In addition, Garrard was the most hit QB in the league last year. A product of the Jaguars O-line and having to throw constantly from behind, that is never a good indicator. Overall though, I don't think Garrard's 2008 was as bad as others are making it out to be.

Heading into 2009, Garrard has to have a career year for all of the right reasons. Early reports are the Garrard is already making Torry Holt is "Go to" guy for 2009. If he can get in a groove with Holt and get some protection, he'll have a good year regardless.

BCC 2009 Projections
Yards: 3,400
Touchdowns: 19

Interceptions:9

QB Rating:91.4

Todd Bouman

Bouman should have been the Jaguars back up quarterback last year. However, thanks to a Shack Harris special, he was cut in favor of high priced Cleo Lemon. What does Bouman bring to the table? Not much on paper. Bouman only has six starts in his career and hasn't done anything to instill any confidence he can be effective for a 2-3 game stretch. If nothing else, Bouman represents a known commodity that will entrench him at the #2 quarterback.

Todd Boeckman

An Ohio State product who lost his starting job to mega-recruit Terrell Pryor, Boeckman wasn't much more than a "Game Manager" at the college level. He'll provide another arm in camp and probably not much more. He'll be competiting with Paul Smith for a practice squad spot.

Paul Smith

A BCC favorite, Smith spent almost the entire season on the Jaguars practice squad. Smith was activated for the final game against Baltimore. Smith's knowledge of the system, and frankly, better skills than Boeckman should get him another round on the practice squad, if not a chance to get on the active roster.

The question of Michael Vick

When Michael Vick was reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell, the can of worms that opened on the possible teams that Vick would end up playing for. The Jaguars, despite the record of Clean Gene, have been mentioned as a likely landing spot.

As it's illegal to mention Michael Vick and not say something as to his crime, here is my position. He committed a heinous act and murdered living beings for nothing better than blood sport. That being said, I believe Vick has served his punishment and is now due for a chance at redemption.

Should the Jaguars try to sign Vick? He would bring the Jaguars immense publicity, both good and bad. However, he has had issues prior to the dog fighting charges, such as flipping off the fans following the game. It seems his time in jail has humbled Vick, and I'm sure he'll be hungry to prove he's worth more than the slightly more than minimum deal he will sign.

Do I think the Jaguars will sign him? No. Would I welcome and support the Jaguars signing Vick? Absolutely.

The State of the Position

Let's hope David Garrard doesn't get hurt this season. If Garrard goes down, or proves that he was a one hit wonder, then the Jaguars hopes of a successful season go down with him. While Bouman showed he could come in to relieve Garrard for a short period, I'm not convinced he could come in and lead the Jaguars in a 3 game stretch like Quinn Gray did in 2007.

Boeckman and Smith will fight over the third QB spot, and hopefully in their competition, one can distinguish them self enough to be put on the 53 man roster. Either way, at a minimum, expect a good deal of attention to free agent or rookie quarterbacks by the Jaguars next off season.

-Jonathan

Poll

On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the QB position needs no improvement, 1 being the Jaguars might as well start a back up Arena League QB) how would you rate the Jaguars QB position going into camp?

10

10 votes

9

17 votes

8

72 votes

7

144 votes

6

78 votes

5

72 votes

4

35 votes

3

30 votes

2

11 votes

1

27 votes

496 votes | Poll has closed

Former Chiefs Surfacing in the UFL Draft

Chris Thorman — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:20:30 -0000

Primetime told us last night about former Kansas City Chief Gary Stills being drafted by the Las Vegas UFL team. That made me curious what other Chiefs were drafted by this upstart football league.

To get some background on this league, check out their Wiki page. Here is the full UFL draft list too.

Last night was the UFL draft. Here's how this league is filling out their rosters:

Each franchise selected 24 players and now owns the rights to those players if they choose to play in the United Football League. The UFL has already begun contacting the players listed below and expects to announce signings over the next few weeks. This list may be subject to change based on further player evaluations or additional player availability.

The remaining openings on each team's roster will be partially filled in July with players who coaches had previously identified and "reserved". The last invites for the 60-man opening camp rosters will go to players who have been released by the NFL during training camp; with divisional/regional preferences assigned to each of the inaugural four franchises.

The UFL has some big time coaching names associated with it's current four franchises, including Dennis Green, Jim Haslett and Jim Fassel.

So which former Chiefs were drafted last night?

DB Oliver Celestin

The 6th year player out of Texas Southern University was strictly a special teams player for the Chiefs in his only season last year with the team. Celestin is one of the three unrestricted free agents the Chiefs did not resign this off season.

T Ramiro Pruneda

Unless you're pretty hardcore into learning about practice squad guys (And you are if you read AP), you've probably never heard of Ramiro Pruneda. Way back in January 2007, Carl Peterson signed the "Pencil" out of Monterrey Tech in Monterrey, Mexico. I think this was supposed to be sort of a The Air Up There moment, with Carl Peterson playing the role of Kevin Bacon.

With a nickname like the Pencil, how didn't he succeed in the NFL?

Pruneda made it through training camp only to be cut on August 28th, 2007, right before the season started. He went to the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad, then the 49ers before drifting off into oblivion and now the UFL.

FB Ronnie Cruz

Mr. Cruz was supposed to be the heir to Tony Richardson's full back thrown and fill in at backup for Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson when he was signed by the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2004. Richardson left for Minnesota before the 2006 season, making Cruz the Chiefs' #1 fullback.

Five weeks into the '06 season though, Ronnie Cruz blew out his knew and was put in IR for the rest of the season. He was let go before the start of the 2007 season.

And of course we have Gary Stills, who Primetime talked about last night. Note: I left out B.J. Sams. I don't really want to talk about him anyway.

Two former Chiefs who tried out for the UFL last weekend didn't get contracts. WR Bobby Sippio and QB Quinn Gray are still waiting on those UFL coaches to call.

Deja Vu: Rex Grossman Is Your New Quinn Gray

Tim — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:31:16 -0000

Although it was met with quite a bit of hand-wringing and "Orlovksy must look terrible" yelps, I think Rex Grossman's arrival in H-Town is going to end up a non-story. Remember when Quinn Gray signed a one-year deal with your Houston Texans in March of 2008? Many of us breathlessly wondered whether a trade of Sage Rosenfels was imminent, or whether Gray was Schaub insurance, or whether Kubes was serious about carrying three QBs on the active roster. And what happened? Gray got cut before he ever took a preseason snap.

Now, a little more than a year later, Rex Grossman signs a one-year deal with the Texans, and the cycle begins anew, complete with Kubes repeating his intent to dress three QBs. The only real difference from last year is the dramatically decreased, dare I say negligible, possibility of the incumbent No. 2 quarterback being dealt, replaced by the reality that the organization just gave pretty decent guaranteed money to Dan Orlovsky to get him in a Texans uniform. It's a bit early for buyer's remorse, isn't it? Orlovsky hasn't even put the pads on yet. Honestly, I find it hard to imagine that Smithiak or anyone else would tacitly admit they whiffed so badly on a high-dollar free agent acquisition that they'd be lining up his replacement before training camp began.

Thus, like Quinn Gray, I'm betting that Rex Grossman will be little more than a camp body. From the organization's perspective, bringing Grossman to town is a great move. He's been a starter and has playoff experience. We can say what we want about the guy, but that doesn't grow on trees. For the one-year minimum, why not bring Grossman in?

Truth be told, I'm shocked that Grossman couldn't find a better situation than Houston. Because when it all shakes out, I'd wager the 2009 Houston Texans depth chart at QB looks eerily similar to the 2008 depth chart--Matt Schaub's name at the top, followed by a quarterback with a trisyllabic surname and nothing else.

2009 Colts Mini-Camp: The Offense

BigBlueShoe — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:26:02 -0000

More photos » by Michael Conroy - AP

6 months ago: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning drops back to throw in front of teammates Jim Sorgi, left, and Anthony Gonzalez during NFL football mini-camp at Franklin College in Franklin, Ind., Saturday, June 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Browse more photos »

Other articles in this series:

Mini-Camp starts today, and we will look at the offense, defense, and special teams for this team as they enter this little team gathering, which is really nothing more than an excuse to get everyone together (which they are already) and work (which they are doing already). The line between Off-season Training Activities (OTAs) and a formal "camp" has become very blurred in recent years.

Over at Indianapolis Colts Examiner, John Oehser talks about the defense as Indy gears up for camp. Here, we will talk offense first, because contrary to what many think and say, you win first in this league with offense. Defense helps you in the playoffs. Offense gets you to the playoffs.

Quarterback

Maybe you've heard of the reigning NFL MVP. His name is Peyton Manning. If your favorite team resides in the AFC South, New England, Chicago, or Baltimore, you are likely sick about hearing of #18. The Colts sport the best QB in football. Yes, better than Tom Brady, whose absence in 2008 did little to hurt the Patriots overall. They won 11 games without him. The Colts, meanwhile, had a one-legged Peyton Manning to start the 2008 season, and through 8 games the team was 4-4. When Peyton got better, they went 8-0 and made the playoffs.

Best NFL QB argument ended right there.

Backing up Manning is a seemingly rejuvenated Jim Sorgi. Well, "rejuvenated" is a bit inaccurate. You have to have something to rejuvenate in the first place to be rejuvenated. Sorgi in 2008 looked as good as he has ever looked, which isn't saying much. Though, I will say his garbage time play in Week 17 against the Titans made skeptics like me take notice. Last year, he outplayed veterans Quinn Gray and Jared Lorenzen to hold onto the back-up's job. He has no such competition this year.

A wildcard at back-up QB is rookie Curtis Painter, who was drafted in the 6th round this year out of Purdue. Unlike Sorgi, Painter has a strong arm and can make many NFL throws.

One to Watch: Curtis Painter

On the Hot Seat: Jim Sorgi

Running Backs

Probably the most controversial player for Stampede Blue readers is Joseph Addai. People either love him or call him a bust. Very few navigate the middle ground. Regardless of how many feel, for two straight seasons Addai has battled numerous nagging injuries. When healthy, he is a strong, physical runner with excellent quickness. When unhealthy, he hesitates.

To help Addai, the Colts drafted UConn product Donald Brown, who has impressed at OTAs with his very strong work ethic. Brown is very similar to Addai in terms of rushing ability. At camp, they will likely begin to integrate more 2-Back sets, and implement more plays that work for both backs.

The third active roster spot at RB is up for grabs. This spot is usually reserved for a third down specialist. Second year player Mike Hart wins the job outright if he is healthy. He's coming off major knee surgery which cut short his 2008 season. Lance Ball, who we interviewed a few weeks ago, offers more size than Hart. Chad Simpson needs an amazing off-season to keep his job on the active roster. Unless he can prove he is a great goal-line or third down runner, or he shows dramatic improvement as a kick returner, he is likely to get cut in late-August.

One to Watch: Donald Brown

On the Hot Seat: Chad Simpson

Wide Receivers

With Marvin Harrison gone, there is now an open spot in the three-wide package. Since the only significant addition to the returning corps was the drafting of 4th rounder Austin Collie, this means the Colts feel that "Marvin's replacement" is likely already on the roster. As Peyton stated last month, Reggie Wayne will stay flanked at left while Anthony Gonzalez will take Marvin's spot on the right. When the Colts go three-wide, they will have many options.

Pierre Garcon is now the front-runner to either play the slot or move to the right side so that Gonzo can play the slot. After Garcon, it is a toss up. Austin Collie, Samuel Giguere, and Roy Hall are all unknown commodities. Collie was extremely productive in college, leading the nation in receiving yards. He also has the build of a typical Colts receiver (6', 180-ish). The Colts are high on Giguere, who was an undrafted rookie last season and spent all of 2008 on the practice squad. Hall has been a project since the Colts drafted him in 2007. At 6'3, 240, he is a BIG target. He is also excellent on special teams as a gunner. He's battled injuries his entire pro career and needs to stay healthy to remain on this team in 2009.

One to Watch: Samuel Giguere

On the Hot Seat: Roy Hall

Tight Ends

One could argue that the "third wide receiver" is TE Dallas Clark. Indeed, when the Colts go "three-wide" with Dallas Clark as the slot receiver, it gives teams that run a 3-4 absolute fits. I've long argued that Clark is the best TE in pro football, and I still stand by it. Few TEs display his big play ability. He runs like a WR, blocks solid, and is a threat to score anytime he gets the football in open field. You have to cover him with a corner or, at the very least, a Pro bowl caliber safety. That is not the case with players like Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, or Tony Gonzalez.

Gijon Robinson won the second tight end spot in camp last year, and played very well in several games. Second year players Tom Santi and Jacob Tamme had their 2008 seasons cut short due to injury. Both need to stand out this off-season if they want to unseat Robinson.

One to Watch: Gijon Robinson

On the Hot Seat: Jacob Tamme

Tackles

This is a make-or-break year for Tony Ugoh. When he is healthy, he is a top tier left tackle. Maybe even top 5. The key is "when he is healthy," which is often not very. Ugoh was thrust into the starting roll his rookie year after longtime stalwart Tarik Glenn retired. Ugoh played brilliantly under the conditions. Then, he got hurt. He started last season hurt and missed several games. When he got healthy, it correlated with Peyton getting healthy. The result was a 9-0 finish to the regular season. Ugoh needs to prove he can stay healthy for a full season. If not, he gets cut in 2010. A team cannot afford to have an injury-prone LT.

Utility player Charlie Johnson is the reserve LT. He can fill-in in a pinch, but he is not a starter. Depth at LT is a big weakness. The Colts cannot afford to lose Ugoh for an extended period of time.

The irony of 2008 was normal "iron men" like Jeff Saturday got hurt while noted "glass joes" like Ryan Diem played the entire season. Diem has been hurt, off and on, for many years. Yet, for some reason, he was the only o-lineman last season to start every game at his natural position: RT. Backing him up are Daniel Federkeil and Charlie Johnson. Federkeil, like Johnson, is more of a utility lineman, able to play multiple positions.

One to Watch: Tony Ugoh

On the Hot Seat: Tony Ugoh

Guards and Centers

I lump guards and centers together because, in many situations, players at one position have had to switch to a different interior linemen position. Even Jeff Saturday played guard in a playoff game back in 2003, dominating then-Broncos DT Trevor Pryce the entire game. Saturday was re-signed this past off-season, and I cannot tell you how HUGE re-signing him was. Other than Peyton, Bob, Dwight, and possibly Gary, Jeff Saturday is a lynch pin for this team to succeed.

Backing him up are Jamey Richard and Steve Justice. Richard established himself last year as a tough interior lineman who can play multiple position. Justice, so far, is a bit of a bust. He was drafted in the 5th round in 2008 to back-up and possibly replace Jeff Saturday, and he lost out to a 7th round selection out of Buffalo (Richard). Justice needs to prove something this off-season or he is toast.

Another potential bust is Mike Pollak, Indy first selection in the 2008 NFL Draft (2nd round). Pollak was a center in college and he struggled mightily to adjust to playing guard at the pro level. To put it bluntly, Pollak was awful in 2008; just awful. Injuries might have stunted his development, but those do not excuse he inability to execute. Rookie Jaimie Thomas offers tremendous size at guard (6'4, 330 pounds), and his selection in the draft this year is not necessarily a ringing endorsement for Mike Pollak.

The Colts also dabbled in free agency this off-season, picking up two players who can play guard: Kyle DeVan and Brandon Barnes. DeVan can play both guard and center while Barnes can play guard and one of the tackle spots.

The big wild card here is Ryan Lilja. Lilja, when healthy, is one of the best (but least known) guards in football. He missed the entire 2008 NFL season, and his absence was a big reason the Colts ranked 31st running the ball in '08. Lilja is now participating in OTAs, which is a very positive sign. If he can return healthy, the Colts o-line will be just fine. In fact, it will be better than fine. It will return to its normal, dominant form. In addition, if Lilja is healthy, Pollak will likely get relegated to a back-up role. Unless Pollak can prove he is a better player than Richard, Thomas, or a free agent like DeVan, he will prove a big bust for Bill Polian and the Colts. Pollak is definitely someone to keep an eye on in mini-camp, training camp, and pre-season. He is likely playing for his job, and he is only a second-year player.

One to Watch: Ryan Lilja

On the Hot Seat: Mike Pollak

Morning Update (Pregame Edition)

Joel Thorman — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:19:30 -0000

Open thread is being posted at 11:30. Come for the early games. -Chris

Remember. Larry Johnson owns the Broncos.

via media.dailycamera.com

What player are we talking about? "He has collected guns for a long time, and three years ago he took a test in Florida that allows him, while he’s in his home state, to carry his loaded Glock .45 in his glove compartment, his .357 Magnum in his duffel bag, his .380-caliber pistol in his pocket."
Bob Gretz on how the Chiefs can beat the Broncos.
Gretz on Invesco and the old Mile High stadium.
The match-up from the Mothership.
AA has their weekly Arrowhead Advantage.
Arrowhead is known more for hosting college games these days. That's two weeks in a row.
The Funk more embarrassing to Kansas City than the Chiefs?
The Rocky Mountain News asks if the Broncos are ripe for an upset today.
Chris Mortensen of ESPN is reporting that Browns' sources tell him the team has been looking very closely at Marty Schottenheimer as a potential coach in 2009.

Let's GO Chiefs! A win today will just make it even more difficult for Denver to clinch the division title.

Offense emphatically returns as Bills bury Chiefs

Brian Galliford — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:04:57 -0000

McKelvin, Bills make big plays in big W (Associated Press)

The Buffalo Bills ended a four-game losing streak with a 54-31 road victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

In a game that resembled conventional Bills football in no sense of the phrase, QB Trent Edwards scored four touchdowns, CB Leodis McKelvin picked off two Tyler Thigpen passes and returned one for a score, and the Bills forced five turnovers in a much-needed victory. The Bills needed most of the 54 points they put up, however, as Buffalo's defense struggled to tackle and gave up plenty of big plays to the Chiefs.

Offense clicks... finally
That was the offense that Buffalo Rumblings has been calling for over the past month. The Bills successfully established the run early, with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson keeping the game close early. Lynch finished with 104 total yards and the team's first touchdown, while Jackson added 76 yards as well.

With the run established, the Bills started running the play-action, and the simplified offensive attack worked wonders for Trent Edwards. In a confidence-boosting performance for Buffalo's young signal-caller - roughed up during the four-game losing streak - Edwards completed 24 of 32 passes (75%) for 273 yards and two scores. He added two more touchdowns on scrambles, as he finished the game with 38 rushing yards on 6 carries. Edwards' QB rating? 120.9. It's amazing what a competent game plan (and a not-so-competent defense) can do for you.

Everything worked for Buffalo's offense today. Perhaps the most gratifying moment was when WR Josh Reed, who missed the last three weeks with ankle and Achilles injuries, caught his first TD pass since December 17 of 2006. It's been a long time coming for Reed. Lee Evans (5 receptions, 110 yards) and the tight ends (a combined 7 catches, 68 yards and 1 TD) were factors as well. Capping off the success offensively was the fact that much-maligned head coach Dick Jauron ordered up two offensive plays on 4th and 1 early in the game, the first of which led to a touchdown run by Lynch.

Defense lucky that the O woke up
Set aside the five turnovers (two McKelvin picks and fumble recoveries by Marcus Stroud, George Wilson and Derek Schouman). Set aside McKelvin's 64-yard pick-six. (Well, don't. McKelvin looked like a superstar today.) It's true that Buffalo played most of this game with a big lead, but Buffalo's defense wasn't close to good on this day.

Kansas City gained 462 yards on the day. Buffalo couldn't tackle to save their lives, Kawika Mitchell in particular. Larry Johnson ran for 81 yards on just 7 carries, and Chiefs quarterbacks threw for four scores (3 from Thigpen, one from Quinn Gray in "garbage time"). It's great that the team came up with big plays defensively, but they gave up too many as well. The D was not impressive early, surrendering touchdowns on two of Kansas City's first three drives, and needed all the help from the offense it could get.

In the end, the poor performance defensively didn't matter, as the Bills scored more points than they had in 17 years. But if you feel the need to nit-pick, this is the area to concentrate on.

Game Balls
Two of these are going to be obvious. One might not be.

QB Trent Edwards - I know a few of you will say "it's just the Chiefs", but this game is exactly what Edwards needed for his confidence. He threw the ball downfield, he was more accurate than he's been in recent weeks, and he looked like a leader again. This was a huge game for Trent.

CB Leodis McKelvin - All that "bust" talk? It can now officially be thrown out the window; chalk his early struggles up to transitioning from Troy to the big leagues. This kid is a monster. Two picks, the pick-six and a 46-yard kickoff return to open the second half made him the most electrifying player on the field.

LB Blake Costanzo - Buffalo's special teams were once again outstanding. At one point, I wondered which specialist to give this game ball to. Costanzo was an easy choice; he was in on just about every special teams stop today. I love the unsung hero, and Costanzo is that guy today.

Roll Call
A big "good on you" to the 22 folks who dropped by today's game thread. As is usual, norcaliangelsfan out-nerded the rest of us with a whopping 211 comments. The 22 folks:

ccthemovieman, WABillsfan, norcaliangelsfan, thatguy455, jj24, Brian Galliford, keuka121, taskersd, kaisertown, Cinga, Joe P., StuckInNJ, jdol1568, D.O., silverstreak3k, spavery, moncheri, NJBillsfan, dontuan, BenAllen, Tatunka, Kurupt, BILLS

I don't care what the nay-sayers come up with this week about our opponent. It just feels GREAT to win again.

Daunte Culpepper to Visit Chiefs on Tuesday

Chris Thorman — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:24:46 -0000

via farm1.static.flickr.com

I don't have much news to report on this other than to say that Jay Glazer of FOX Sports said that Daunte Culpepper will visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday, presumably for a workout/tryout due to the demise of 2/3rds of the Chiefs starting quarterback rotation.

Here is a snippet from the Sporting News Blog mentioning the only NFL player I can name that acts as his own agent:

Jay Glazer reported on Fox's pregame show this morning that Daunte Culpepper, retired for less than two months, will be working out for Kansas City this Tuesday. As someone who watched Culpepper struggle to make an impact in Silver and Black last fall, but also someone who has watched part of four KC games this season, can't we work out a deal to get Daunte to New York for this afternoon's Chiefs-Jets game?

Tyler Thigpen played the game of his life today against the New York Jets and I'm supportive of him playing out the rest of season as the starter. Rumor is that Culpepper wasn't interested in the Chiefs earlier this season because we wouldn't give him the chance to be the full-time starter, only to fill in while Brodie Croyle recuperated.

I'm guessing Daunte Culpepper will only become a Chief after Tuesday if KC's brass says he can at least compete for the full-time starting spot. I personally don't see the Chiefs steering away from Tyler Thigpen, especially because Bones is the only Chiefs' QB who can run this offense at the moment. The precise reason that backups Ingle Martin and Quinn Gray haven't taken the field (aside from Martin's, you know, actual football ability) is because of their unfamiliarity with the offense.

Despite the sun breaking through the clouds for a brief moment this afternoon in New York, the Kansas City Chiefs' 2008 season is a waste. The addition of Culpepper doesn't do much except (theoretically) stop the bleeding for a brief time and this fan can't see the long-term value in that.

H/T woodman212 in the FanPosts.

Assessing Chiefs' Need For 2009 Draft

Direckshun — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:24:05 -0000

Bumped this up a few hours. Morning update will come around 8 AM. -Chris

It's never too early, is it? Nah.

I am, nonetheless, an addicted draftnik, to the point where I literally have a tackboard that I keep all my favorite draftees targeted at particular points in the Draft.

But the point of this entry is not necessarily to judge which players we might be more intrigued by (rest assured, there will be plenty of those in the months that come from yours truly). Here, I'm more convinced in our needs. What needs are the most and least pressing for the Chiefs in the 2009 NFL Draft?

A complete and obsessive breakdown follows, after the jump.

HIGH VALUE POSITIONS

QB

This is a large concern for the Chiefs. Huard is on his last legs this season, and at the end of 2008 I believe the Chiefs should thank him for his services. Many folks here have been hard on Thigpen, but I'm of the belief that Thigpen does have some potential. He was drafted out of a small college -- that screams "two-year project." Thigpen needs time, and he's not hurting anybody at the #3 slot. Ingle Martin is just a guy.

Croyle is just not reliable as an NFL starter, but he does have gifts, and he does have a certain amount of poise. He is not the future of this franchise, but he could make a solid-to-great backup.

Quinn Gray -- Keep, start.

Brodie Croyle -- Keep, make him earn it in camp against whatever stud we bring in.
Damon Huard -- Retire/cut.
Tyler Thigpen -- Keep, make him earn it in camp.
Ingle Martin -- Cut.

Need: 10 out of 10.
Pick: 1st to 3rd round. Maybe a second in the 6th or 7th to compete with Thigpen.

WR

It goes without saying that Bowe's a true #1. It's tough to say if we have a true #2, but Will Franklin has some potential. He's a fast route-runner and he exploded in preseason. He'll struggle this year as he recovers from his injury and gets used to game speed, but I'll be watching. As of now, he's unproven.

After him, it's nothing but question marks. Webb will be an RFA, but isn't worth more than vet minimum. He's a 5th WR at best. Darling continues to be a huge disappointment, but we can keep him around as a 3rd or 4th. Hagans and Rucker are just guys. There's serious need here, not only as a #2, but for depth as well.

Dwayne Bowe -- Keep, start.
Will Franklin -- Keep, let him earn it in camp.
Devard Darling -- Keep.
Jeff Webb -- Keep at vet min.
Marques Hagans -- Cut.
Micah Rucker -- Cut.

Need: 8 out of 10.
Pick: We could take 2 and I'd be alright. 1st to 3rd for the first, and 4th to 6th for the second.

OT

Albert has shown enough to be a starting LT for yet another year. Therefore I don't think the Chiefs should worry about spending a 1st on an elite LT. It's possible we already have one. We also have a very talented young steal from 2006 in Herb Taylor, who has handled LT duties very well in Albert's stead. He deserves to fight to start at RT next year.

McIntosh I'm not crazy about but he'd be about all you could ask for as a backup LT, or a backup RT. Richardson's a backup tackle at this point. It's tough to tell if he will ever be quick enough to block on the edge, but he's definitely talented enough to start inside. Moving him to guard is an option. There's a slight depth issue here, but for the most part I like Albert and Taylor in 2009.

Branden Albert -- Keep, start LT.
Herb Taylor -- Keep, start RT.
Damion McIntosh -- Keep, backup.
Barry Richardson -- Keep, backup and/or move to G.

Need: 4 out of 10.
Pick: 6th to 7th.

DT

As Dorsey continues to face double-teams, this DL is going to have to showcase other talents that can take advantage of one-on-ones. Picking an elite DT in this draft with our first or second would free up Dorsey more often and our entire DL would benefit. However, it's tough to say whether Tank is that guy, thereby making that pick unnecessary for the moment. He has shown flashes.

It's also hard to say whether our backups are really up to the task. Boone fits as a rotational DT, especially in the nickel package, but TJ Jackson and Ron Edwards are probably disposable. Better options abound, in the Draft and elsewhere. Derek Lokey is just a special teams guy.

Glenn Dorsey -- Keep, start.
Tank Tyler -- Keep, make him earn it.
Alphonso Boone -- Keep, make him earn it.
Ron Edwards -- Cut.
TJ Jackson -- Make him earn it in camp.
Derek Lokey -- Make him earn it in camp.

Need: 6 out of 10.
Pick: 3rd to 5th.

DE

Lots of trouble here. We need everything. Turk McBride really seems like the only thing that's working out here. He's not a good pass rusher but he plays the run on the strong side fairly well. Tamba Hali is talented but he over-exerts himself and gets injured frequently. Hali would work best not as a feature DE but as part of a lethal rotation, which he's never had in KC. Combine him and Turk with an elite pass-rush specialist and things might open up.

Still, that's just three guys. Nothing else looks great here. Brian Johnston needs another season to develop, and Jason Parker is just a guy. Depth is needed here -- drafting two guys is probably worth it.

Tamba Hali -- Keep, start in rotation.
Turk McBride -- Keep, start in rotation.
Brian Johnston -- Keep, make him earn it in camp.
Jason Parker -- Make him earn it in camp.

Need: 10 out of 10.
Pick: Two picks, 1st to 2nd with the first, 3rd to 5th with the second.

MLB

This is such an important position in the Cover 2. The Cover 2 MLB needs to be one of the bigger LBs in this league, and he needs to be one of the fastest. That said, you simply can't put anyone in this position who isn't an insane athlete and expect them to succeed. Pat Thomas has struggled but deserves a spot on this team -- however, he's certainly no starter. We don't have one on this roster.

Napoleon Harris is either constantly injured or constantly disappointing. He needs to be released. Weston Dacus looks good on special teams; let him earn it in camp.

Pat Thomas -- UFA, resign on the cheap.
Weston Dacus -- Make him earn it in camp.

Need: 9 out of 10.
Pick: 2nd to 3rd.

MID VALUE POSITIONS

RB

Running back by committee is really the way to go these days if you have decent talent at the position. What you don't need is an elite guy anymore, especially one that is incredibly limited in the ways you can use him. LJ is not only a poor 3rd down back due to his poor blocking, but he broods and runs poorly if not given the ball early and often -- which you'd have to give him, basically, on 1st down and 2nd down. A large part of why our offense is predictable is attributable to that weakness... LJ is worth a lot on the market, and little to a team rebuilding. I say trade him for a 2nd.

To replace him, we're largely set. While my belief in Savage is middling, I have really enjoyed Charles and Smith. Both guys can be a solid combo package, but this team will still need a bruiser. Battle fits the role, but it's tough to say whether or not he can be that guy in 3rd and goal situations. I like Battle and Savage just enough to have them prove it in camp, but I'm not opposed to us finding a bruiser in the Draft.

Larry Johnson -- Trade.
Jamaal Charles -- Keep, start.
Kolby Smith -- Keep, start.
Dantrell Savage -- Keep, let him earn it in camp.
Jackie Battle -- Keep, let him earn it in camp.

Need: 5 out of 10.
Pick: 4th to 7th round.

C

It's hard to say if Rudy Niswanger can really hold it down. He's definitely got the head for the job, and he seems to hold his own most games, but he gets absolutely killed by massive nose tackles, and he gets zero help from the right side of the line. I'm willing to give him another year before trotting in a rookie, but if a golden goose falls in our lap early on, I'd go for it.

Wade Smith is serviceable as a backup. No real complaints there. I'm pretty forgiving at this position right now as we try to reconstruct the right side of the line.

Rudy Niswanger -- Keep, start.
Wade Smith -- Keep.

Need: 3 out of 10.
Pick: 6th.

OLB

As of now, we've got two viable starters for next season. Derrick Johnson can obviously hold down the strong side, and Demorrio Williams shows enough promise to warrant a season as the unquestionable starter on the other side. But since Williams is not a sure thing, and because DJ will be in the last year of his contract, drafting a stud OLB is not exactly out of the question.

Our backups is where the real mess is. Nothing's there. Donnie Edwards is on his last legs this season, Walden is worth keeping but is just a special teamer, and Durde isn't worth anything but an international spot on the practice squad. Depth here is a must.

Derrick Johnson -- Keep, start.
Demorrio Williams -- Keep, start.
Donnie Edwards -- Retire/cut.
Eric Walden -- Make him earn it in camp.
Aden Durde -- Cut.

Need: 7 out of 10.
Draft: We could use two picks on OLB and I wouldn't mind. 3rd to 4th, and 5th to 7th.

CB

Finally, two young corners with promise! What are we going to do with that? Flowers and Carr are probable starters next year to round out a very young secondary. But they've got no depth behind them, especially as the Chiefs probably release Surtain this year.

Maurice Leggett can't get past Patterson on the depth chart, and Patterson is nothing to write home about on defense. He's a good special teamer, though. Travarous Bain intrigues me, but I doubt he's much to write home about.

Brandon Flowers -- Keep, start.
Brandon Carr -- Keep, start.
Patrick Surtain -- Cut.
Maurice Leggett -- Keep, make him earn it in camp.
Dimitri Patterson -- Make him earn it in camp.

Need: 6 out of 10.
Picks: 4th to 6th.

S

We're pretty much set at safety for a couple years. Page and Pollard continue to grow but fail to establish themselves at starters. Morgan may challenge either of them to start. Let 'em at it, says I. McGraw is a special teams guy who can play in spurts -- but man, Morgan needs to develop. McGraw does nothing but surrender yardage on defense.

Jarrod Page -- Keep, start.
Bernard Pollard -- Keep, start.
DaJuan Morgan -- Keep.
Jon McGraw -- Keep.

Need: 2 out of 10.
Picks: 7th.

K

Nobody knows the woes of being unprepared at this position more than the Chiefs. Nick Novak never did and never will deserve the opportunities the Chiefs have given him. I know Herm infamously misfired with Medlock, but the Chiefs should not be gunshy about a kicker should a good one drift along.

Connor Barth -- Make him earn it in camp.

Need: 5 out of 10.
Picks: 4th to 7th.

LOW VALUE POSITIONS

FB

Cox is a versatile, smart FB. He is a sturdy blocker, and a reliable receiver in the flat. He needs to improve more on his blocking, but there is nothing to complain about here. Cox fits the bill for 2009, and probably beyond.

Mike Cox -- Keep, start.

Need: 1 out of 10.
Pick: Don't.

TE

It's an absolute imperative that we trade Tony G. Not because I dislike the guy, but because he is still an amazing TE, but he will not be around by the time this team is Super Bowl competitive. I say we eat his 2007 signing bonus and trade him for at least a 3rd. Someone out there will take him.

It's also important that we trade him off because he's such a complete package, there's virtually no opportunities for Cottam to play. Cottam will never be the athletic stud that Gonzalez is, but he's proven to have good hands in the preseason and he's a huge target in the middle of the field. He's a great matchup problem. It's cloudy what we have behind him, but if Merritt's as good a blocker as Kuharich makes him out to be, he's our blocking TE. Michael Allan can always be brought back as a #3 TE, but Foschi's just a guy. But the Chiefs will need depth here if Merritt doesn't pan out.

Tony Gonzalez -- Trade for a 3rd.
Brad Cottam -- Keep, start.
Mike Merritt -- Keep.
John Paul Foschi -- Cut.

Need: 3 out of 10.
Pick: 6th-7th.

OG

Really shaky here. It's hard to say if Brian Waters has another season in him, and if he does it's hard to say if he can start. Given the needs across the board for this team, he'll probably have to. Nonetheless, there's no reason to lose him. Adrian Jones, however, is a waste of a roster spot. He is a backup at best. The Chiefs would be best to let him walk since he's an UFA. I'm in favor of trying out Barry Richardson at RG.

Our backup situation at this position is dire. There is nothing there. Edwin Harrison is the best looking guy we have, and he's currently on the practice squad. De La Puente and Tavaris Washington are just guys.

Brian Waters -- Keep, start LG.
Barry Richardson -- Move to RG?
Adrian Jones -- UFA, let him walk.
Edwin Harrison -- Let him earn it in camp.
Brian De La Puente -- Let him earn it in camp.
Tavaris Washington -- Let him earn it in camp.

Need: 7 out of 10.
Pick: 3rd to 5th.

KR/PR

We're a mess here. We've simply got to give youth a chance, and I think Savage is showing us why that's necessary. Drummond was a joke last year, and Sams was developing into one this year. I'm really interested to see Kevin Robinson when he gets healthy, but I see the writing on the wall.

Dantrell Savage -- Keep, let him earn it in camp.
Kevin Robinson -- Keep, let him earn it in camp.
B.J. Sams -- Release.

Need: 2 out of 10.
Picks: 7th.

P

We are set and happy with Colquitt. He's our MVP, after all.

Dustin Colquitt -- Keep.

Need: 0 out of 10.
Picks: Don't.