My first impression, Chiefs game

[Catfish]

Same thing every year. When will the coaching staff get the Oline to push off the line and open holes on a consistent basis?

The middle of the line was weak and getting worked. Sendlien got pushed back a lot and stood up.

Hey, don't despair. They have been working on the most important part, (protecting Palmer), and they got it right. The run blocking will come as the line and the backs get set with each other and get some continuity going for themselves. The neat thing was, that when there were holes to run through, there were yards gained--------there were just too many backfield tackles made on our backs by KC defensive people. I hope they get the new back signed tomorrow so he can participate on Monday for the film sessions. I think we still will field a very formidable running attack. They just need to hedge their bets on how David Johnson will turn out.

 

[Chopper0080]

I'm guessing Humphries will get the starts at RT and he will not look back.

Run blocking will improve with time. Massie was the worst I noticed. Also is on RBs to get used to where the holes are.

WR looks really good.

QB is solid, though I think Stanton is overrated.

The gap between Ellington and the rest of our RBs is huge IMO. We really missed not adding a interior runner in the offseason. Chris Johnson is hot garbage.

Our defensive line is impressive, and I was pleased with how many reps Gunter received. He will get some really good film reviews off this game.

Our OLB group is so physical that I think their athleticism would get covered up without the lack of athleticism of our ILB group.

Speaking of ILB, it is our least talented unit, and I can see Fua making the roster because he seems like the only one who moves well in space.

If Bethel consistently plays like he did, we will be fine at CB. He wasn't grabby, and showed he has athleticism to play outside. Might enable Powers to play inside in nickel which he is really good at. Brooks showed some nice skills.

S is also pretty deep though I wish I could see more of Bucannon in coverage.

 

[Garthshort]

Can't tell about Stanton, since he had so few plays. Looked like he completed a swing pass that was ruled a run. Also, a long incompletion (forget to whom) could have been ruled defensive pass interference.Hopefully, he'll get more PT against SD.

 

[Harry]

Hard to argue with how the first team offense threw the ball. It's still worrisome about protecting Palmer if they can't threaten running the ball. Teams will sell out and rough up Palmer.

Not sure what BA told Humphries, but that was the best I've ever seen him play.

On defense ignore the missed tackles as few of those guys will stick. Also keep in mind the Cards aren't going to show much of their stunting in preseason, so you're not seeing the real defense.

Don't count me among those impressed by Thomas. It's true he shows great athletic ability. However as mentioned above he was playing a vanilla defense. He should look good. His ability to read defenses, keep cool under pressure and show abilities, like looking off safeties, are what I'm watching to see. I don't believe he's an NFL QB. He certainly didn't hurt his standing with this game. I'm just hesitant to read too much into it.

I was hoping for more from the special teams. Returning a post-safety punt is not a normal play. Nothing notable otherwise.

This was a solid game, but it's way too early to tell much about how far this team can go. They have talent, but is it enough?

 

[Ragnar]

Catfish, thanks. I haven't watched the tape yet, and just followed the game on the computer. My concern is the running game, and I see that you thought the OL played pretty well, with the center position, the major concern. Between pass blocking and run blocking, which area performed better?

Who watches tapes anymore !!

 

[RON_IN_OC]

Part of the reason Gunter got that safety was because he was unblocked, the OG completely ignored him. Otherwise I thought he was invisible, especially versus the run.

Yes, but how many times have we seen a LB or DL for the Cards have a free shot on the QB and whiff? Gunter didn't hesitate, when he came free...he made a beeline for the QB and took him down.