Defense Needs A Nose … Friday Cup O’Chiefs
If a team is going to play the 3-4 defensive scheme, one position must be solid: nose tackle.
Without a guy playing heads up on the center and disturbing the offensive line blocking assignments, the rest of the defense just doesn’t work right. It’s like lining up the dominos; if the nose tackle can hold his ground inside and force two blockers to work him over, he starts a chain reaction that rolls like a wave all the way out to the secondary.
With pre-season game No. 3 just a day away, the Chiefs are still searching for the right combination at nose tackle in their new 3-4 defense. Ron Edwards (left), Tank Tyler and Derek Lokey have played the position and so far; their consistency and their production has been found wanting.
And that comes from the head coach.
“We are still searching,” said Todd Haley. “That’s why we were rotating last game and we’ll probably be in a similar mode this week in trying to get one or a couple of those guys to step up and show they want the job.”
Good nose tackles tend to be nasty sorts. The position was basically created for guys like Curley Culp when he was with the Chiefs. His teammates used to call him Surly Culp, but never to his face. The position requires a big and strong man, with a mean disposition
“That’s a man’s position, especially as much of the 3-4 that we’re playing,” said Haley. “When you’re the nose and you’re in there a lot of that is just want-to. You’re fighting, scratching, clawing and it’s not for everyone.
“I think all three of the guys have the ability to do it, it’s just a matter of getting it done on a consistent basis.”
There’s no question that Edwards and Tyler are big enough. Edwards is listed at 6-3, 315 pounds and Tyler is 6-2, 305 pounds. Lokey is on the small side at 6-1, 285 pounds.
But Edwards is one of the quietest players on the Chiefs roster and has never shown much in the way of nastiness on the field. Tyler is not always quiet, but he’s certainly not running around and playing like a nasty nose tackle.
“I’m waiting to see Tank kind of … the thing I remember about Tank when he was coming out was just the nastiness that he played with,” said Haley. “I mean he was a bad dude and you didn’t want to mess around with him. So, I’m waiting to see a little more of that.”
Is Tank too nice these days?
“I don’t think I play nice,” Tyler said. “I play as hard and intense as I need to play and I’ve got a lot to give. I guess if he (Haley) thinks I should be tougher, I’d better be tougher.
“Down in the trenches you have to have some meanness and a nasty streak in you to hit another man in the mouth on every play … I can turn it up 100 notches. I can always get better. I want to continue to get better every day.”
Tyler says he loves the nose.
“The 3-4 is a very exciting defense and being right there in the middle, right there in the heart of it, it’s like all eyes are on you and I’m prepared for that,” the third-year pro out of North Carolina state said. “There are different blocking schemes that people use on the nose in the 3-4, but it’s still getting off the ball, gaining penetration and being aggressive on every snap.”
That’s exactly what Haley hasn’t seen from his nose tackles on a consistent basis: getting off the ball, penetration and aggression. There are plays where Edwards looks unblockable as he mauls interior linemen during a practice. There are plays where Tyler blows up plays with his quick penetration in the A gap.
And then there are times when they disappear. For the 3-4 to be successful there can be no disappearing acts from the nose tackle.
Right now, Todd Haley just wants somebody to stand up and claim the job.
SIGNINGS, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
CARDINALS – signed LB David Holloway; released OT Elliot Vallejo.
COWBOYS – signed C/G Duke Preston (Packers); released OLB Justin Rogers and TE Rodney Hannah.
JETS – RB Shonn Greene out two weeks with rib injury; signed RB Anthony Kimble.
SAINTS – released P Glenn Pakulak.
VIKINGS – released WR Glenn Holt.
FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY
On August 28, 1964 the Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos 14-10 in a pre-season game played in Ft. Worth. The franchise was returning to its Texas roots for the game that was watched by 19,400 fans at Farrington Field. Both Kansas City TDs came on quarterback sneaks by Eddie Wilson. RB Mack Lee Hill led all rushers with 80 yards on 14 carries. Chiefs head coach Hank Stram on second-year man Bobby Bell, who was the defensive star of the game: “There’s no substitute for speed, quickness and agility and Bell’s got them all. He has tremendous recovery speed. He’s so quick he can be wrong and turn out being right.”
On August 28, 1969 the Chiefs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 31-21 in a pre-season game at Busch Stadium. QB Len Dawson threw two TD passes, one to WR Gloster Richardson and another for 13 yards to P Jerrel Wilson on a fake field goal play. RB Robert Holmes ran for 75 yards on eight carries, RB Ed Podolak ran 51 yards on 5 carries and RB Mike Garrett carried 15 times for 51 yards rushing.
On August 28, 1965 the Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills 18-16 in a pre-season game played at Veteran’s Field in Wichita. Tommy Brooker kicked four field goals for the Chiefs and QB Pete Beathard scored on a one-yard sneak. RB Mack Lee Hill ran for 60 yards and WR Chris Burford had four catches for 60 yards.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on August 28, 1945 in Lima, Ohio was LB Jim Lynch (right). He was a second-round selection in the 1967 NFL-AFL Draft out of Notre Dame. Lynch played 11 seasons (1967-77) with the Chiefs, appearing in 151 games, including 148 in a row. He played the right linebacker spot, and had 17 interceptions and 14 recovered fumbles. Lynch was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 1990 and he was enshrined in 1992 in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Born on August 28, 1919 in Santa Ana, California was K Ben Agajanian. At the age of 42, he signed with the Dallas Texans in the 1961 AFL season. Agajanian appeared in three games, hitting one of two FGs and all eight of his PAT kicks. The Texans were one of 14 teams that he played with over his career that spanned from 1945 through 1964. He was called the “Toeless Wonder” because he had four toes on his kicking foot crushed in an accident. Agajanian lives in the Los Angeles area.
Born on August 28, 1940 in San Antonio, Texas was CB Willie Mitchell (left). He joined the Chiefs in 1964 out of Tennessee State. Mitchell played seven seasons with the Chiefs (1964-70), appearing in 87 games, he was a starter in the 1968-69 seasons. He finished with 16 interceptions and took three back for touchdowns. He also recovered a pair of fumbles.
Born on August 28, 1970 in Compton, California was LB Jaime Fields. He was a fourth-round selection n the 1993 NFL Draft out of Washington. Fields played two seasons with the Chiefs (1993-94), appearing in 17 games with two starts. He died on August 29, 1999 when a driver running a red light hit his car just south of Los Angeles.
I think Haley hits it right on the head…being consistent. I think Tyler and Edwards both have the potential to be good players in this league. And hopefully, for our team. They just need to continue to improve. I’m not expecting greatness this year, but as Bob said “It must be solid”. Has to be.
And my apologies to my fellow posters here for once again “feeding the troll” last evening. No excuses…but no guarantee that I won’t do it again. I’ve already proved that I can’t hold to it every day. So, once again…I apologize to all. Except to the gutless one himself, of course.
Finding a big/strong Nose tackle is difficult. Finding a BFF who doesnt take plays off is a rarity.
Happy birthday to my all time favorite Linebacker. What a trio you Lanier and Bell were when playing together. Go Chiefs!
I see the Cowboys signed Preston, I was hoping Pioli might take a look at the guy.
I’m glad Bob is around to educate me on some things.
I knew about the nose tackle position & his purpose. What I did’nt know was how it effects the defense as a whole. The nose tackle apparently is the cog in the defensive wheel.
I will be looking forward to watching “The Tank” assert himself & have his way with the 0-line Saturday.
I remember Curly Culp in the old days. I also remember a fellow more recently by the name of Dan Saleamua. (sp)
Now those guys were some nose tackles!!!.
I like to “tackle” Rin’s backside with my “nose”.
Should be fun 2 see the guy we overlooked in the draft(A.Curry) play against us on sat. I pretty sure he is ticked off and wants 2 show us what we missed out on! He may have even circle this prseason game on his calender…uh oh………Go Chiefs in 2009 and beyond!!!!!!
Curry is still learning his trade (keep in mind all herm’s picks needed 3 years to learn how to get on the field). I do not expect much else from him.
I want our Pioli draft picks to start to impact. Asking a lot, but we need the help.
Jackson reminds me of Dorsey a little. A pick that HAS to be an impact player but not much so far. Probably a great player in the future but looks like he is just glad to be here.
“And my apologies to my fellow posters here for once again “feeding the troll” last evening.”
Compensatory payment of one fresh Dunkin donut for each poster on today’s blog will be satisfactory.
Nobody, but me, seems to think KC can win more than a handful of games this year, if that.
This is how:
-at Ravens: Tough game to open with on the road. Probably will not win this one. Good learning experience, though. 0-1
Raiders: Raiders? Here? Are you kidding? 1-1
at Eagles: Another tough game on the road. Winable…but probably not. 1-2
Giants: Even at home…too complete of a team. 1-3
Cowboys: This is a game we can win. At home. First “big” win of the year. 2-3
at Redskins: Another winable game. And I think we will. First road win. 3-3
Chargers: Chargers. Here. Division game. We’re 3-3. Crowd is stoked. We win a close one. 4-3
at Jags: Not as good of a team as they used to be. Could win this one. Just benefit of doubt. 4-4
at Raiders: I’ll never say we won’t be the Raiders. Even there. 5-4
Steelers: Super Bowl Champions. 5-5
at Chargers: Tough to play IN San Diego. 5-6
Broncos: Should beat the Broncos here. And looking forward to it. 6-6
Bills: Very winable game here. Our confidence is building. 7-6
Browns: Gotta’ beat a team like the Browns at home. 8-6
at Bengals: We should beat Cinci…even on the road. 9-6
at Broncos: Always tough to play in Denver…although it’s a “new regime” there, too. Benefit of the doubt. 9-7
See? It’s as simple as that. We could beat the Jags, too…to make it 10. But, I’ll offset that one with one we’ll likely lose to somebody we shouldn’t. Now…don’t you feel MUCH better about our season? LMAO!
Sorry, I don’t see us winning even one against the NFC East, and the Bills are better than you think. 6-10.
Scott, you are kidding right?? The NFC east was 1st or 2nd best league last year and hasn’t changed, I dont see a win at all from that division, plus playing in philly is as tough as playing at arrowhead…
Today, we shall talk about nee speak of a ‘clown’ or ‘clowns’ severally (I wonder if Scottie has a big brow- er, red nose?)
First for distinction sake, the words a non-clown:
- “Well … there he goes again” – a paraphrased Ronald Reagan who might as well of been speaking about our man ‘check’ & those his caviar proclivities funded on on all you can (or will) imagine diet nee dreams of “any 22 will do” NTs, as every position Kaycee.
Today’s special: Edwards, Tyler & Lokey – feast on them (honkers) apples, weight-watchers.
“This one is too big; this one is too small: this one isn’t as nasty as I’d prefer. A GM or a coach ’search’ of a player, or, a petulant woman (young or old) sizing up the meat market another type?
* Second distinction, Rin speaks (followed by the biggest of the big our big honkers):
Rin: “Psst! Hey you – genius!”
‘Me?’
~ Narrator’s note ~ (remember, in theatre of the absurd – and he is – we can suspend a character’s sense of self as well that our own disbelief.)
Rin: “Yeah you. You’re in Kansas City now ‘check’ – can’t just click your heels together thrice as in the movies & expect “world class athletes” to appear nee “be ordered up like a sandwich” as the former great Chiefs Head Coach Hank Stram opined.
Memo to a wannabe – you’re also not Hank nor will you ever be – sit down, clown. Eat that nice meal that Jr. hath served you, the same one he (force) fed Herm in 2008, i.e. enjoy your cracker – don’t you know that even Saints are still starving down in New Orleans aft 43 years?
_______________________
Willie Mitchell – ‘Top Cat’ – one of the fastest Chiefs players of his day, a 9.6 sprinter the 100 yard dash. Willie didn’t have as bad a game in SB 1 as he was blamed for – but like the rest of the team Chiefs, twas bad enough. Max McGee’s circus (clown) 37 yard TD catch was Divine Providence… nothing more. Meanwhile, on the other side of the field, CB Fred Williamson was busy (getting) the Hammer – laid on him ‘by’ the Packers. KC safety Johnny Robinson was busy trying to help out Fred (in those days, the Chiefs rotated their safeties so that at any particular time J Robinson and his safety-mate Bobby Hunt were ‘free’ or ’strong’ as the defensive scheme dictated.
Yesterday…all Kaycee’s problems were far away (comparison today…
daddy-o
I think some guys that the Chiefs might try and trade to get down to the 53 man roster are:
Tyler Thigpen
Turk McBride
Dejuan Morgan
Herb Taylor or
Damion McIntosh
Demorrio Williams
Bradley or Darling
I dont think they will all get traded but I think they are not the best fits for this team. We might not get high picks for these players(McIntosh) but we could get something, which is better than nothing.
I think the Chiefs will go crazy after all the roster cuts. I wouldnt be surprised if they pick up 5 or 6 new guys. WR, KR, OL, DL, OLB. Just depends on who gets cut by what teams. I also wouldnt be surprised if the Chiefs traded some players for other players.
Scott, pay to attention to me. I’m a dumbass.
no, that is, as in no attention. I’m so freakin’ stupid, I can’t even post right!
Scott, re: Predictions for W-L, Chiefs in 2009:
Worst: 4-12
Best: 7-9
I think: 6 wins
Anyway, and it’s not as if I have the evaluation skills to brag, but I did tout BJ Raji for the Chief’s pick at #3 overall because of the importance of having a guy as a force at NT in the 3-4.
Anyone else see him in that recent pre-season game for the Pack? He was a force against the Bills, constantly caving the pocket and forcing the QB out. The Pack coaches say he’s so low to the ground no one can get low leverage on him and that advantage goes to Raji.
Maybe he played over his head or against poor Olinemen in that one game but he looked at the part of being a stud at NT in the 3-4. Just saying.
“…Chiefs might try and trade to get down to the 53 man roster…”
Two little issues: salary cap…and “who wants them?”
Who will they get during cuts?
arrowhead1978 says:
“Scott, you are kidding right??”
No. Not really. Beating the Redskins at their “house” is a stretch, I admit. But not impossible. And I really, truly believe we’ll beat Dallas. Our first “big” win against a team not many give us a chance against.
Let me ask you this. How far do you think a little CONFIDENCE might take this team in some of these games? A lot of our young guys barely know what it’s like to win an NFL game. If we could get a couple of wins early…especially against a team that no one gives us a chance against? Guys start walking around with their chests puffed out…instead of having their heads down? Thinking “We could WIN this game”…instead of “Here we go again” like they did last year? Could make a BIG difference in how this year swings.
Blake spot on with the list.I only see 2 or 3 tradable players on this list Tyler-Turk ……..McIntosh maybe unless the Chiefs can find a GM like Carl out there .You know the saying their is 1 (fool) born every day.
The Bills have a HORRIBLE oline, they have been getting killed every preseason game. That really isnt saying much with Raji collapsing the pocket.
No ‘fake’ arrowhead1978… you had it right the first time (you dumbass)
&
To say “trade” is easy especially for us. But you must have a partner to trade with. The 08 Chiefs had 2 wins and looked like they did not even belong in pro football and out of shape (strange how no one noticed this until Pioli/Haley took over). Why would anyone pick over the bones of the Chiefs? Tony is gone, Thigpen has something left but the rest did nothing to show any value. Teams will let them be cut and look at the remains for a find. To bad for us.
Unlike B in SC response to Scottie, He Rin am not sorry. 9-7? 10-6? Who spiked the nimrod’s pablum?
0-16 very possible/more likely, 4-12 at best…if KC doesn’t beat the Raiders here game 2 they will not win a game till December – if they win at all in 2009.
daddy-o
There once was a blogger named Rin
Who’s visage: an emoticon grin
Yet dark glasses n’er hide
The delusion inside:
“Verbosity begets Victory, nee (nay) Wins
You had me at hello [more so 'until' you started typing]
Lee Duncan: maker & big athletic supporter fine yo-yo’s since & were hired ‘09…
&
Lee,
Rin loves it!
Crappy-O
HEY RIN. YOU FORGOT TO CLOSE YOUR PARENTHESIS ON YOUR LONG-ASS WIND-BAG POST. THANKS.
This doesn’t have anything to do with the Chiefs. If you are old enough too remember the movie the graduate one word was……. plastics to invest ……. Now financials get some soon .Have a nice day
Larry Johnson’s Grandma-ma said
“HEY RIN
I’m your biggest fan!”
- yes, I know… but put your panties back on any way; ‘fake’ Rin Crappy-O be gettin jealous…
“YOU FORGOT TO CLOSE YOUR PARENTHESIS”
- you forgot to discipline your grandson…
“ON YOUR”
- no, but close: ‘Honor’… you may refer to He that is me Rin as “His Honor”
By the way about some of these other bloggers: the many ‘fake’ rin’s, Scottie, Anonymous- you know … the usual riff-raff … how would you describe them & their posts, in general?
“LONG-ASS WIND-BAG POST.”
- I quite agree…
“THANKS.”
- it was nothing really- on your part as theirs…
daddy-o
Hey Dog my post are not LONG-ASS ………now they maybe WIND-BAG Iam not being paid for my thoughts (ramblings) Just shooting my thoughts out ……..Just Like You. Have A Nice Day…..PnS your handle for me …….Thanks Dog
I think the Chiefs go 5-11 this year…but I hope Scott is right at 10-6. The front part of the schedule is BRUTAL and we still don’t know how to win a close game. We can’t lean on any aspect of our team. No phase is a real strength. Our team needs a season or 2 to “gel” and get to the point where the Eagles, Chargers, Giants and Cowboys are. Who knows…maybe we win a game or 2 that we shouldn’t, but I think it’s much more likely that we lose a few games we “shouldn’t.” That is…if there are any of those games.
Anonymous said
“Hey Dog”
- no no, we just went over this – “His Honor Rin”
“my post”
- Siberia…
“are not”
- you am too…nee so it is… so you err- er, are…
“LONG-ASS”
- for as long as need be…
“now they maybe WIND-BAG”
- whereas yesterday was just wind become accident sans the bag to scoop said yours…
“Iam not being paid for my thoughts (ramblings)”
- you’re being overcompensated as such – and Rin is overcompensating via going easy on you…
“Just shooting my thoughts out”
- that’s called your keister…unlike Rin who paints beautiful mosaics of prose His blogs… this in contrast to yours which be-
“Just Like You”
- in your dreams, Bullwinkle; yours be botany…
“Have A Nice Day”
- I wouldn’t do that to you unless severely provoked…
“PnS your handle for me”
- no, but close: PMS
“Thanks Dog”
- not a thang, you wang
daddy-o
I’m with you Scott… Record 9-7
Yeah, It’s optimistic, but your right about the Dallas game. If we can beat them at home, the confidence level will rise. Both in the locker room & Chiefs nation. The second half of our schedule is with weaker teams. Hopefully by then the team chemistry is hitting on all cylinders.
Possibly AFC west champions.
I know I’m dreaming but there was alot of dreaming going on in Miami & Arizona last year too…
OK my thoughts are…… thoughtless……. there does that make you happy??????? Its just a opinion ( mine ) it doesn’t make it right /wrong . Nor is your opinion be any different……… right/wrong. Until we are proven different by the season ahead !!!!!!!!!!!! Only then well we know who truly is Bullwinkle…….. The Truth.
Rin I want to have your baby.
Twas a young pup from Lorraine
Who thought he possessed quite a brain
But Lee’s wit was faster
And Rin called him, “Master”
Lest he be branded “insane”
Credat Judeus Apella, non ego.
I watched the Green Bay game the other night. Its was BJ Raji’s first game with the Pack. I doubted his ability around draft day. Watching him play makes me think the Chiefs made the WRONG choice at pick #3. He’s very strong and pretty quick for a man around 330 pounds. Ty Jackson will probably be a great player, but I wonder how the nose would have looked with BJ clogging up the middle. I guess we’ll never know. That may be a long list of other positions that need to be filled next year.
I believe in my heart that the list above is attainable. However, I think that reality will sink in and the Chiefs will probably still be picking within the top 10 in next year’s draft.
My bad on my previous post…Scott predicted 9, not 10 wins.
When you picked 3rd in the 09′ draft and don’t play the two teams ahead of you in the upcoming season…are there really any teams that we “should” beat this year? Raiders at home probably the best chance at a win…but that didn’t happen last year. I’m curious how many games will the Chiefs be favored to win? Any ideas?
Anonymous said
“OK my thoughts are”
- but faulty your interpretations be…
“thoughtless”
- and what’s more bovine, puerile & inept…
“there”
- here, Savoir-Faire is everywhere!
“does that make you happy???????”
- not as much as what Earl Butz referred to…
“Its just a opinion ( mine ) it doesn’t make it right /wrong .”
- oh, you’re a politician…
“Nor is”
- the Way, or if you prefer, the first three letters of the word ‘Norway’…
“your opinion be any different”
- I’ve but one opinion to give for mine country, and it ne’er wavers: be not B but be A…
“right/wrong.”
- child support/alimony…
“Until we are proven different by the season ahead !!!!!!!!!!!!”
- that’d be the 12th of never, as in it’s always open season on men…
“Only then well we know who truly is Bullwinkle”
- you’ll always be Bullwinkle, no matter what you’ve not got up your sleeve…
&
Daniel H said
“Rin I want to have your baby.”
- I can understand that – everyone wants a little piece of Rin Tin Tin…
“Lee Duncan said
when I was married to Gregory my last name was Hines, but I kept my maiden name Duncan too.”
- wonderful, though not as magically delicious as Lucky Charms…
“Twas a young pup from Lorraine”
- had balls were the size a Great Dane’s…
“Who”
- ‘Rin’ was His name!
“thought he”
- best, won He fame!
“possessed quite a brain”
- rapier wit His refrain!
“But Lee’s wit was”
- fluid as (Hydrocephalus) on the brain…
“faster And”
- dimmer, out to lunch now as dinner…
“And Rin called him”
- lame, pedestal his inane…
“Master”
- bator Lee…
“Lest he”
- molest thee…
“be branded”
- can’t get a dame, and is-
” “insane” ”
- I’d say so, yes…
“Credat Judeus Apella, non ego.”
- Spolia opima… per the usual, Rin Tin Tin uber alles!
daddy-o
Behind Enemy Lines said
“I’m curious how many games will the Chiefs be favored to win? Any ideas?”
- rhymes with ‘done’…
&
Rin,
You are a bad dog….It rhymes with log.
Behind Enemy Lines,
The Chiefs will be favored in one game the first half of the season. That of course is the Raiders at home.
Depending on how we do in the first half, hopefully raising a few eyebrows. We may be favored for many more games in the second half.
jimbo… you are a bimbo.
Gotta give the nod to Pioli. He’s quickly moving this franchise 180 degrees from where Peterson/Edwards left it. Thank God.
Pioli is the youngest and only one of three NFL executives to win the Sporting News’ George Young NFL Executive of the Year Award in consecutive years, a feat he accomplished after winning the award for the second straight year following the 2004 season.
On June 24, 2009, ESPN.com announced its All-Decade Moments naming Scott Pioli Personnel Man of the Decade. “No one in the league does a better job of scouting their own team, and [at the Patriots] Pioli was orchestrating all of that.”
& – two circus clowns no waiting. The Patriot Way now 0-2 on the season KC – 0-3 after Saturday night’s debacle -
FINAL SCORE: Seahawks 26 Haley’s 13
“Any 22 will do” come a cropper yet again…
I predict this will be an 8-8 season.
“I can take any 22 guys from off the street and… go 0-16.”
“Me too!”
& – two zeros, no waiting…
&