Is Tyler Thigpen the Answer for Chiefs?

Michael Hegarty — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:34:31 -0500

Tyler Thigpen has been a pleasant surprise this season for the Kansas City Chiefs. As this long and disastrous campaign comes to a merciful end in the next few weeks, the question that will be asked more and more is: What role will Thigpen play for the Chiefs in 2009?

Brodie Croyle began the season as the Chiefs' starter. He was ineffective and then was injured and put on injured reserve. At that point head coach Herman Edwards indicated that the Chiefs would need to draft a quarterback as Croyle once again did not get the job done.

Damon Huard was given some starts and was also ineffective, and then he was placed on IR, leaving Thigpen as the starter.

The Chiefs found themselves starting a seventh-round pick from Coastal Carolina and looking for free agents such as Daunte Culpepper to salvage some hope of decent quarterback play.

Although the Chiefs have continued to lose, Thigpen has shown signs that he could be a starting NFL quarterback. Since he became the full-time starter in week seven against Tennessee, he has thrown 13 touchdowns against only five interceptions. He has also shown some ability running the ball with a six-yard per carry average and two rushing TDs.

It seems likely that Thigpen will get a chance at the starting job next season, but expect KC to look into trades and free agency to try to solidify the position.

Illinois State "Champ"s of Tip Off Classic

Michael Hegarty — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:46:52 -0500

Senior transfer Champ Oguchi led all scorers with 28 points as Illinois State (4-0) won the championship game of the Tip Off Classic on Sunday. All five starters reached double figures and the Redbirds shot 51 percent from the field, 56.5 percent from three-point range. SMU (2-2) was led by Paul McCoy with 22 points.

ISU was coming off a 107-point performance against Houston Baptist on Saturday night. Each team was playing its third game in as many nights. The Redbirds did not seem to slow down, as they scored 50 points in the second half.

The Redbirds now come home to host the World Vision Invitational. They will take on Nicholls State on Friday night.

Bleacher Report - Articles by Michael Hegarty

Is Tyler Thigpen the Answer for Chiefs?

Illinois State "Champ"s of Tip Off Classic