Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Review of Chiefs Offense
The Kansas City Chiefs took on the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday night and were taken down by a score of 20-17.
On a night when the defense flourished, the Kansas City offense did not do as well overall. With this piece, I recapped what the offense did and didn't do against the boys from the city of brotherly love.
Dexter McCluster is the real deal
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Dex was doing it all against the Eagles, as he was seen receiving out of the backfield, taking hand-offs and even returning kicks.
McCluster had a big night as he rushed for 47 yards on just eight carries, and also averaged 37 yards for his three kick returns for the night. Arenas might have to move over as the primary returner, he might have some company in Mr. McCluster.
Matt Cassel was about average
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Chiefs QB Matt Cassel looked hot at times, and then not at others on Friday night.
He started off the game on a low note when he botched the first hand-off to Jamaal Charles on the game's opening play from scrimmage. Cassel did look good on a solid drive later in the game that saw him end it with a four-yard TD pass to WR Dwayne Bowe.
Cassel finished the night going 14-23 for 85 yards, with one TD and one INT, and much to be desired still left on the table.
Thomas Jones looks like a solid No. 2 back
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Jones looked good against the Eagles, as he was able to kick the case of fumblitis that he had against Tampa Bay in the previous exhibition game.
He finished the night with 10 rushes for 30 yards(including an 11 yard touchdown run) to go along with four receptions for 16 yards. Jones looks ready to play behind stud running back Jamaal Charles, as he did on Friday night.
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Barry Richardson could be the answer at Right Tackle
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Backup RT Barry Richardson filled in for injured starter Ryan O'Callaghan against the Eagles, and he showed why the Chiefs used him for a fifth round pick in 2008.
Richardson was solid for the most of the night, fending off defensive lineman and linebackers as well. If he continues to improve and play well at that spot, the Chiefs might just stick with him to hold down the right end of the offensive line for awhile.
Dwayne Bowe continues to play well
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Former first-round pick Dwayne Bowe has looked amazing so far this preseason for Kansas City.
He resumed his great play last Friday, when he caught four passes which totaled 32 yards, and also included a touchdown catch. Bowe also dropped zero passes, a stat that all Chiefs fans will be keeping their eye on as the season progresses.
Jackie Battles seems to have wrapped up the #3 RB slot
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Fourth-year veteran RB Jackie Battle was dominating against Philadelphia, as he was shedding would-be tacklers the entire time he was in the game.
Battle ended the night rushing for 49 yards on just 10 carries, and with performances like he had against the Eagles coupled with Kestahn Moore being released, Jackie has pretty much locked up the #3 running back position behind Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones.
The Offensive Line still needs some work
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The Chiefs O-line did much better with their protection this game, as they only allowed one sack, but still lack the push up front to be a solid unit.
The line was also hampered by mistakes as LT Branden Albert was flagged twice(once for holding and once for a false start). KC's big boys up front will need to play better than they have in this preseason, or it could be another long year for the Chiefs offense.
The offense will have some tricks up their sleeves this year
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Although KC offensive coordinator Charlie Weis hasn't tipped his hand too much in the preseason, you can bet that the Chiefs will have some surprise plays this year that they will be trying out.
Take for example when the Chiefs tried a flea-flicker against the Eagles on Friday, it could be just one of many different tricks that Kansas City will have in their playbook this year. Even though that's the only trick that Kansas City did last weekend, look for more to come in the future.
The receiving core looks much improved compared to '09
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KC receivers were amongst the worst in the league last year as the lead the league in drops, and struggled to get open for much of the year.
Chiefs officials believe that they have stopped the bleeding with drafting rookie slot receiver/speed guy Dexter McCluster and resigning veteran Chris Chambers from a year ago. Along with the emerging Dwayne Bowe, and the up-and-coming Jeremy Horne, this could end up being a very solid group for Kansas City this season, as they showed again the Eagles in their last game.
Jamaal Charles is finishing what he started last season
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Charles has been very dominant throughout this preseason, running through tackles and making each opposing defense look bad in the process.
Friday night as no different for the Chiefs young star, as he rushed for 40 yards on six attempts. Even though he had shoulder surgery in the off-season, Charles looks no different than he did when he rushed for 1,100 yards in '09.
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