Post by TheShadow on Oct 28, 2012 7:18:32 GMT -5
www.insidebayarea.com
By Jerry McDonald
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Well-stocked with first-round draft choices and playmakers, the Kansas City Chiefs look good on paper and in many instances, in the film room.
They look awful in the standings, where at 1-5 they bring up the rear in the AFC West going into Sunday's game against the Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium.
Quarterback Carson Palmer surveys the Kansas City defense and sees five starters who were first-round picks -- ends Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey, linebackers Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson and free safety Eric Berry.
That doesn't include Dontari Poe, a first-round pick in 2012 who is a reserve nose tackle.
"Personnel-wise, they're as good as there is in the NFL," Palmer said. "It's a very talented group that's desperate for a win coming off a bye."
Last week, the Raiders (2-4) struggled at home for a 26-23 overtime win against a Jacksonville team not nearly as talented as Kansas City.
Considering the way the Jaguars' defensive front seven handled the Raiders, the Chiefs will not be pushovers as they look to snap a five-game Oakland winning streak at Arrowhead.
Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel, whose team went into its bye week with a 38-10 loss to Tampa Bay, said, "The blame can be spread throughout the team. But basically we get penalties at the wrong time, we turn the ball over and we give up too many points."
The Chiefs have a turnover differential of minus-15, with the two next worst teams (Indianapolis and Philadelphia) at minus-9.
"I definitely think this is a team that, when you watch the tape and look at the way they play, they've got the potential to be a lot better than what their record might state," Raiders coach Dennis Allen said. "The turnovers have been a major factor, both for their offense and their defense."
To remedy the turnover situation, quarterback Matt Cassel, who had nine interceptions and five lost fumbles, has been replaced full time by Brady Quinn.
Quinn, who started against the Bucs while Cassel recovered from a concussion, will attempt to get the ball to running back Jamal Charles (591 yards rushing) and not turn it over, while at the same time being bold enough to make plays.
"It's tough because it does kind of sit in the back of your mind," Quinn said by conference call. "But you can't go out there and play scared. You've got to play fearless. When you choose to take risks, they have to be smart decisions."
The Jaguars surprised the Raiders offense by bring more pressure than usual, and with the extra time off, Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Knapp suspects something different from the Chiefs, as well.
"We're going to get some unscouted looks like we did against Jacksonville, so we've got to stick to our rules and protections and running game to overcome something we haven't seen on tape," Knapp said. "Defensively, these guys really fly the ball. They had a difficult game against Tampa Bay, but outside of that, you'll see 11 hats go to the ball."
Of particular concern is the play of the Raiders offensive line, which has been unable to generate running room for Darren McFadden and had pass protection issues against Jacksonville.
Allen was pleased with the way the line responded in practice.
"That group as a whole is looking forward to getting back out there," Allen said.
Hali and Justin Houston, outside linebackers in the Chiefs 3-4 defense, have combined for 10 sacks and will cause a lot of stress for tackles Jared Veldheer and Willie Smith.
Veldheer said of Hali, "He's a relentless guy. He'll make you pay if you start slipping up on the technique stuff. He's a very good rusher."
Of more concern for Allen is the play inside, where guards Cooper Carlisle and Mike Brisiel and center Stefen Wisniewski haven't gotten the requisite push.
"When we improve in that area you'll see improvement in the running game also," Allen said.
By Jerry McDonald
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Well-stocked with first-round draft choices and playmakers, the Kansas City Chiefs look good on paper and in many instances, in the film room.
They look awful in the standings, where at 1-5 they bring up the rear in the AFC West going into Sunday's game against the Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium.
Quarterback Carson Palmer surveys the Kansas City defense and sees five starters who were first-round picks -- ends Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey, linebackers Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson and free safety Eric Berry.
That doesn't include Dontari Poe, a first-round pick in 2012 who is a reserve nose tackle.
"Personnel-wise, they're as good as there is in the NFL," Palmer said. "It's a very talented group that's desperate for a win coming off a bye."
Last week, the Raiders (2-4) struggled at home for a 26-23 overtime win against a Jacksonville team not nearly as talented as Kansas City.
Considering the way the Jaguars' defensive front seven handled the Raiders, the Chiefs will not be pushovers as they look to snap a five-game Oakland winning streak at Arrowhead.
Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel, whose team went into its bye week with a 38-10 loss to Tampa Bay, said, "The blame can be spread throughout the team. But basically we get penalties at the wrong time, we turn the ball over and we give up too many points."
The Chiefs have a turnover differential of minus-15, with the two next worst teams (Indianapolis and Philadelphia) at minus-9.
"I definitely think this is a team that, when you watch the tape and look at the way they play, they've got the potential to be a lot better than what their record might state," Raiders coach Dennis Allen said. "The turnovers have been a major factor, both for their offense and their defense."
To remedy the turnover situation, quarterback Matt Cassel, who had nine interceptions and five lost fumbles, has been replaced full time by Brady Quinn.
Quinn, who started against the Bucs while Cassel recovered from a concussion, will attempt to get the ball to running back Jamal Charles (591 yards rushing) and not turn it over, while at the same time being bold enough to make plays.
"It's tough because it does kind of sit in the back of your mind," Quinn said by conference call. "But you can't go out there and play scared. You've got to play fearless. When you choose to take risks, they have to be smart decisions."
The Jaguars surprised the Raiders offense by bring more pressure than usual, and with the extra time off, Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Knapp suspects something different from the Chiefs, as well.
"We're going to get some unscouted looks like we did against Jacksonville, so we've got to stick to our rules and protections and running game to overcome something we haven't seen on tape," Knapp said. "Defensively, these guys really fly the ball. They had a difficult game against Tampa Bay, but outside of that, you'll see 11 hats go to the ball."
Of particular concern is the play of the Raiders offensive line, which has been unable to generate running room for Darren McFadden and had pass protection issues against Jacksonville.
Allen was pleased with the way the line responded in practice.
"That group as a whole is looking forward to getting back out there," Allen said.
Hali and Justin Houston, outside linebackers in the Chiefs 3-4 defense, have combined for 10 sacks and will cause a lot of stress for tackles Jared Veldheer and Willie Smith.
Veldheer said of Hali, "He's a relentless guy. He'll make you pay if you start slipping up on the technique stuff. He's a very good rusher."
Of more concern for Allen is the play inside, where guards Cooper Carlisle and Mike Brisiel and center Stefen Wisniewski haven't gotten the requisite push.
"When we improve in that area you'll see improvement in the running game also," Allen said.