Preseason Thoughts

[Nacho]

Since the "most important" week of preseason is over and the final 4th game set for most teams to rest all their starters....

Do you have any thoughts on how camp and preseason has gone with your team? What are the biggest issues? What are the biggest questions left to be answered? Do you believe your team will be ready for the season?

For the Cowboys my biggest questions going into the preson were about their offensive line, the running game, and the defensive secondary.

My thoughts are that Davis is so far worth the money dished out to him. He is a much better guard then tackle and from what I have seen against most teams first string defenses the line is giving Romo plenty of time to look for targets. This also translates to their run blocking and the running game looks solid and in much better shape than last year. Could be a breakout year for Jones if he makes the most of his opportunity or this will be the year Barber takes over as the featured back. Overall not a bad problem to have.

As for the secondary, it all still comes down to free safty again. I haven't seen much to see that this was really fixed over the summer. Plus they haven't had a lot of time to gel together as a unit with a few nagging injuries to the most important cog Newman. I see the secondary getting better by the end of the year but they might be exposed early part of the season. Hopefully Dallas can grind out the run attack and keep time of posession in their favor. This should help out the secondary in the first part of the season.

If Dallas plays up to potential I see no reason they cannot challenge for that sixth ring...

[Headhunter]

That's a decent breakdown, But I'm still not sold on the great Gazoo as a kicker. And Nick Folk just hasn't made me pump my fist and say Fuck yeah! Our depth at Corner also concerns me. With Newman out, Glenn does a decent job, but that ass fucks our nickel coverage. I'd like to see Pat Watkins getting more done in Nickel.

[RumpleForeskin]

I think this preseason has gone extraordinarily well thus far for the Texans. The offense looks like...well...what an offense should look like. Schaub's poise when he gets pressured by defenses has been great and the running game looked really good the other night against a decent front seven in the Cowboys. I was really concerned when camp started about our receiving core behind Andre Johnson, but performances from Walter and Daniels has all but erased those concerns. Also, rookie sensation Jacoby Jones has absolutely blown coaches and fans away with his playmaking abilities as a 3rd receiver and return specialist.

Special teams should be one of the best in the league with the explosiveness of Jones and Mathis. There is a heated battle going on for the punting job between Turk and Stanley, but both are good enough to be serviceable punters. Kris Brown is a solid kicker with above average power, so I don't see any issues with the kicking game either.

My main concern is the secondary and d-line. Tony Romo was pressured quite a bit the other night which was good, but he was able to find WIDE open receivers downfield on most occasions. The secondary needs to do a better job of not blowing assignments in their zone coverage schemes. We'll see if they can improve upon this, but I am not holding my breath. The d-line has been very disappointing thus far with the exception of getting pressure on Romo the other night and stopping the run. They need to be more consistent and create more opportunities in getting to the backfield. I think this will improve over the season and in time should be a decent d-line for years to come. For now, I will settle for this "bend not break" approach they have been doing lately. As for the linebackers, well they are doing an amazing job of helping the d-line stuff the run this preseason. Ryans, Barber, and Greenwood have been outstanding in their run stopping abilities and TE and RB out of the backfield coverage assignments for the most part. The linebacking core should be one of better ones in the league this season.

Overall, I don't see why it isn't a realistic goal for the Texans to finish 8-8 or 9-7 this season. It would be one more step forward in getting this team to the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's short history.

[orcinus]

Overall, I don't see why it isn't a realistic goal for the Texans to finish 8-8 or 9-7 this season.

Strong opinion, Rumple ... I'll bite.

While anything can happen in this league, I think you're a couple wins off.

HOME GAMES
Kansas City, Indianapolis, Miami, Tennessee, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Denver, Jacksonville

2 - Should win (Tennessee, Tampa Bay)
3 - Push (Kansas City, Miami, Jacksonville)
3 - Should lose (Indianapolis, New Orleans, Denver)

ROAD GAMES
Carolina, Atlanta, Jacksonville, San Diego, Oakland, Cleveland, Tennessee, Indianapolis

1 - Should win (Atlanta)
3 - Push (Oakland, Cleveland, Tennessee)
4 - Should lose (Carolina, Jacksonville, San Diego, Indianapolis)


You might have eight or nine games on the schedule that could result in a win, but I don't see more than three wins on the schedule out of the gate. Giving you those, splitting the pushes and dropping one upset from the losses puts you at a solid six, with a possibility to reach seven. Sure ... eight or nine makes a nice goal, but Texas would have to play consistent throughout the season, with no room for error.

The top-tier teams in the league can afford to make mistakes along the way without blemishing their schedules ... Houston can't.

7-9 sounds about right for the Texans this season.

[RumpleForeskin]

I don't see why Oakland and Cleveland shoudn't be pushed up to the should win department based on your breaksown of the Texans schedule. Also, it could be argued that Denver be pushed up to the "push" department considering it is a home game for the Texans. The rest of the assessment I can't argue with, but keep in mind that the Texans have defeated Jacksonville on their turf 3 out of 5 years. Also, one of those "should lose" games with Indy, Carolina, New Orleans, or San Diego is a possilbe upset. There usually is always one on the during the season. I know it can work both ways, but I see some of those games a little more favorable towards the Texans than you do IMO.

[Dog]

I see some of those games a little more favorable towards the Texans than you do IMO.

That's because you are a glass is half full type of fan.

I like the Texans. But I still don't see them as a .500 team yet. They're getting close, but I don't see it.

Guess I just have to root for my 4-12 Dolphins again..... who still haven't done shit to improve.

[orcinus]

If you noticed, I split the pushes and gave the Texans one upset. Regarding Cleveland and Oakland, I don't think there are any should-win road games for mid-level NFL teams.

I see both Cleveland and Oakland as teams that could win anywhere from four to eight games this season. The weather is supposed to be harsh this winter East of the Mississippi, and late-November at home should be enough to qualify for a push against another sub .500 team.

Like I said, Rumple, anything can happen in this league; however, I think it's safe to say I can make a much stronger argument for your team finishing 7-9 than you can at 9-7.

That's the joy of pre-season ... when hope springs eternal.

In the interest of fair play, I'll give you a shot at Kansas City's schedule, and we'll see who makes the more compelling case.

HOME GAMES
2 - Should win (Oakland, Tennessee)
4 - Push (Minnesota, Jacksonville, Green Bay, Denver)
2 - Should lose (Cincinnati, San Diego)

ROAD GAMES
1 - Should win (Detroit)
3 - Push (Oakland, Houston, New York Jets)
4 - Should lose (Chicago, San Diego, Indianapolis, Denver)

Using the same formula, I see Kansas City at either 7-9 or 8-8. Of the push games, I think we'll beat Minnesota and Houston early with Huard, nip Oakland in the Black Hole, and close out the Jets to finish the season. I also think Green Bay, Jacksonville and Denver will give us fits at home. Of the games we should lose that I see a possible upset, I'd say Chicago (early), Denver or Jacksonville could stumble in Arrowhead.

I'll hope for 9-7 and a possible wild card under Huard, but if he struggles, the kid will likely reach for 7-9 and be lucky doing so.

I'm off to run ... take your best shot.

[RadioFan]

I also think Green Bay, Jacksonville and Denver will give us fits at home.

Disagree about GB, bro.

That defense is as bad as KC's, if not worse, and they don't have the offensive weapons as in years past.

[poptart]

I'm off to run ...

Orc was run.

Do you have any thoughts on how camp and preseason has gone with your team? What are the biggest issues? What are the biggest questions left to be answered? Do you believe your team will be ready for the season?

Oakland:

Preseason has gone well.
Solid B grade.
The team appears unified under Kiffin, and playing with a realistic purpose.
Notching a couple early wins could do a LOT to boost this team.
Fingers crossed.

Biggest issue is Russell not being signed.
Culpepper is the Raiders starting QB, but I guess it's still possible that they'll go with McCown early on, due to Culpepper's late arrival and lingering knee concern.
I expect to see Walter ... >or Russell< ... traded.

O-line regressed somewhat in the Ram game .... it didn't please me to see it.
Still a big question mark, and a work in progress.

Oakland is not fully ready, no.
Then again, most teams aren't.

Let 'er rip!!

[rozy]

So, Orc, we are a "should lose" at home to Denver, and the Chefs are a "push" at home to Denver?

1. See ya in a week from sunday.

2. The Texans will have a better record than the Chefs this year. Bank on it.

[Goober McTuber]

I also think Green Bay, Jacksonville and Denver will give us fits at home.

Disagree about GB, bro.

That defense is as bad as KC's, if not worse, and they don't have the offensive weapons as in years past.

Don’t know if you’ve seen them play at all in the preseason, but I think you’re way off base on the Packer defense. They’ve looked decent in the preseason, much better than last year.

The offense might be a problem, however. Particularly with Driver hurt.

[RumpleForeskin]

Orc, I think you are giving KC's offense more credit than it deserves. That KC o-line is not what it was last year and Huard is only a year slower with nagging leg injury, right? Larry Johnson is going to get the 400+ times again this year and that will not bode well for KC towards the end of the season. The defense is much better and should keep KC in a lot of games, but the bottom line is without the air attack being there, KC won't be able to come from behind in a lot of games.

[orcinus]

So, Orc, we are a "should lose" at home to Denver, and the Chefs are a "push" at home to Denver?

I guess I should have expected that type of response in here, since it's become the norm. You'll have to forgive me, Roze, as you haven't made a pattern of this, but I'm weary of this approach, and I think our forum as a whole would benefit greatly by following suit.

At least Rumple's been able to argue the merits of the Texans without resorting to the "Your team sucks" defense that is the crutch of far too many in here, but that's another topic and another time.

For now, Rumple's my new best friend.

Back to the topic, which I assume has shifted to the Chiefs ....

A year slower, 400+ times, blah-blah-blah ... If I was giving the offense more credit than it deserves, I'd be talking 9-7 or 10-6 and playoffs. Believe me, looking at this team, seeing seven wins, and then arguing the merits of those same seven wins isn't too far removed from throwing up on brand new school clothes. I'm fine with Huard playing the role of offensive caretaker this season while the kid is groomed, and he can certainly lead this team to seven wins. I don't see anything more becoming of that, but he's a safe, vanilla-flavored quarterback that will manage the game well and play relatively mistake-free, dink-and-dunk ball. What's more, McIntosh will help stabilize what's been a largely hemorrhaging line.

The problem with Huard and the Chiefs is the fact those seven wins are viewed as his ceiling.

Croyle, on the other hand, possesses the talent to break that ceiling and reach a ten-win plateau. He's the future, or at least right today's version of the future. The problem with Croyle is the fact he's still wet behind the ears and will struggle as all young quarterbacks do.

At some point, the question becomes what you're comfortable with as a fan. Do you sit back and enjoy those seven vanilla wins and an almost certain playoff exclusion, or do you roll the dice and hope the kid catches lightning in a bottle, realizing that while the playoffs are a possibility with Croyle, a five-win freefall is the more likely result?

I think Kansas City could take that risk, but won't unless things get absolutely abysmal and even then, they'll wait for the bye week to pull the trigger. While I think we'll be 3-4 at that point, anything less and the calls for the kid will be deafening. With the bye, he'd get two weeks to prepare for a home date with Green Bay ... and that's the good news.

Ugh.

[War Wagon]

The problem with Huard and the Chiefs is the fact those seven wins are viewed as his ceiling.

Viewed by who? I beg to differ.

I saw enough of Huard last year in 8 games where he went 5-3 as the starter. He had a 98 QB rating (2nd only to Peyton's 103) and his 11 TD's to 1 INT ratio. You're selling the guy too short, IMO. Of course, he could suck as the starter from the first snap on, but I don't think so.

Despite an abysmal pre-season thus far, this team is still trying to find themselves. They did everything possible to slant the QB competition in Croyle's favor, and he pissed down his leg. With a well rested and motivated LJ in the backfield, McIntosh at LT, and a confident Huard not looking over his shoulder, on Sept. 9th they'll look nothing like they have thus far.

Pre-season means squat. Tell me you knew.

Croyle, on the other hand, possesses the talent to break that ceiling and reach a ten-win plateau.

Not a chance. Not this year, anyway.

While I think we'll be 3-4 at that point...

And we could just as easily be 5-2. Yeah, call me a myopic homer, but that's what we do here. Or at least that's what I do. Damned if I'll sit around wringing my hands about what could go wrong.

The glass is always half full as far as I'm concerned, and I see 10-6 as a realistic expectation with Huard. With Croyle, I see a trainwreck.

[orcinus]

Croyle does have a chance to lead the Chiefs into the playoffs ... it's just one that has a really crappy odd of paying off. Somewhere between me winning the lottery and you giving me a shout next time your down this way for a beer.

Tell me I knew.

[War Wagon]

Well, I'm not sure exactly what day(s) that'll be, but I'm pretty sure it'll be within the next month or two. I shall give you much advance notice. Try not scheduling a veterinarian's appointment on those days, some.

[RumpleForeskin]

Wags, you make me look like a full blown pessimist about my Texans with the conviction you give full of optimism on your beloved Chiefs. Yes, Huard had some success last year when he stepped in for the injured Green, but lets face the facts here. The o-line is worse than last year. Sure, they should improve and gel as a cohesive unit midway through the season, but I see Huard being hassled for a better part of the first half of the season.

The Chiefs are much like the Texans in that a lot of things have to go right in order for them to acheive a winning record this year. Larry Johnson said so himself that he will NOT be football ready for the season opener against the Texans. Huard is not 100%. Bowe arrived at camp late and Kennison and Gonzales are starting to get a little long in the tooth. Like Orc said, Huard is a serviceable QB and for the Cheifs to go 10-6 with him at the helm would be considered an overacheivement.

You are right, Wags, the preseason means absolutely nothing to a team that knows who their starting QB is and they pretty much know who will be the starter at all their positions with very little battles going on. But for teams like the Chiefs trying to figure out a few things on the offensive side of the ball and shifting guys around on their o-line, the preseason means a lot to them.

Cheifs are an 8-8 squad this year IMO.

[KC Scott]

The problem with Huard and the Chiefs is the fact those seven wins are viewed as his ceiling.

Viewed by who? I beg to differ.

I saw enough of Huard last year in 8 games where he went 5-3 as the starter. He had a 98 QB rating (2nd only to Peyton's 103) and his 11 TD's to 1 INT ratio. You're selling the guy too short, IMO. Of course, he could suck as the starter from the first snap on, but I don't think so.

Despite an abysmal pre-season thus far, this team is still trying to find themselves. They did everything possible to slant the QB competition in Croyle's favor, and he pissed down his leg. With a well rested and motivated LJ in the backfield, McIntosh at LT, and a confident Huard not looking over his shoulder, on Sept. 9th they'll look nothing like they have thus far.

Pre-season means squat. Tell me you knew.

Croyle, on the other hand, possesses the talent to break that ceiling and reach a ten-win plateau.

Not a chance. Not this year, anyway.

While I think we'll be 3-4 at that point...

And we could just as easily be 5-2. Yeah, call me a myopic homer, but that's what we do here. Or at least that's what I do. Damned if I'll sit around wringing my hands about what could go wrong.

The glass is always half full as far as I'm concerned, and I see 10-6 as a realistic expectation with Huard. With Croyle, I see a trainwreck.

Last years offense was bad and that was with Huard.
Bad with all pro Will Shields who has joined Willie roaf at Shady acres.
Bad with a guy who had at least played fullback at one time in his life - Ronnie Cruz.

The True Chaffes Offense was revealed to all in the Indy playoff game we backed into.
Run Larry Johnson and throw to Gonzo and it that doesn't work?
Bring in Our projected 2007 offensive MVP - Dustin Collquit.

And don't give me the Damion McIntosh line either - he was an average to below average LT in Miami.
He's suddenly quicker now?

And Let's not forget about the playcalling genius that is Mike Solari.
He's made Martyball look like the west coast offense.

Bigger picture - Carl fucked up the draft royally.
Riddick..... errr Duane Bowe - Big Slow receiver who can block - Did someone say Sylvester Morris?
(Go look up the draft thread where I said we should have grabbed Joe Staley in round 1)
Round 2 - Turk McBride: I said who? exactly - from the looks on Hard Knocks and the preseason games he's another in the long line of busts along the KC-D Line.

At least they grabbed the Tank (Again, go check the draft thread when I called out for him)

Maybe the D will keep us in those 13-10 (*yawn) games with the 'duhs and Mexans, but frankly I'd rather wtach the reruns of us losing 45-42.

As for Brodie Christ, franchise savior - well who the fuck knows?
Unless he throws off a 3 step drop, he'll be looking up at the gray autumn skies more often than RTS on his nightly owl commune.

Gotta face facts - This offense is uglier than Humplestilffwhale's wife.
And just like her, it ain't getting pretty anytime soon.

[War Wagon]

Good points all, pessimist Scott.

Sheesh, can't you just let me dwell wallow in myopia another 12 days or so?

As for McIntosh, at least he's not Will Svitek. And they've still got Waters and Wiegmann last I checked, so the O-line cupboard's not totally bare.

Think happy thoughts, Scott. The D is much improved, yes? Chicago went to the SB last year with Rex. Fucking. Grossman.

[orcinus]

Poptart's beloved 'duhs ...

HOME GAMES
1 - Should Win (Cleveland)
3 - Push (Detroit, Kansas City, Houston)
4 - Should Lose (Chicago, Denver, Indianapolis, San Diego)

AWAY GAMES
0 - Should Win
4 - Push (Tennessee, Minnesota, Miami, Green Bay)
4 - Should Lose (Denver, San Diego, Kansas City, Jacksonville)

Using the same criteria as the other teams, I think Oakland should be good for five or six games this season; however, I could easily see this team winning seven or eight. I don't think the personnel is in place yet to make a run at the division, but this isn't last year's team.

In the wacky NFL, that can mean a lot of different things.

6-10

[Nacho]

That's a decent breakdown, But I'm still not sold on the great Gazoo as a kicker. And Nick Folk just hasn't made me pump my fist and say Fuck yeah! Our depth at Corner also concerns me. With Newman out, Glenn does a decent job, but that ass fucks our nickel coverage. I'd like to see Pat Watkins getting more done in Nickel.

The way I see it with the kicking game is that the Cowboys are about a million times better off with either of these guys than with the drunk kicker they started with last year. At least this year I don't have the prediction of the Cowboys ending their season on a missed kick.... Last year was just karma running its course...

[RumpleForeskin]

The Cowboys seem to be the most complete team next to the Pats, but the depth at the WR position and the secondary playing like an enigma at times is concerning. The linebackers seemed to get worn down toward the end of last year because of their lack of size, but this year looks to be a different sotry. Hopefully, the secondary can play more consistently and the WR position can avoid getting hurt. I think Dallas' big challenge will be the physical play of the NFC East which could effect them come playoff time. I know last week was just a preseason game, but Houston's first team did expose the Dallas secondary quite a bit in the first half.

[rozy]

For now, Rumple's my new best friend.

The Cowboys seem to be the most complete team next to the Pats

Okay

Anyhoo...

You made your analysis of the Texans and Chiefs schedules. I laughed at it and you ignored the following salvos. No prob, bro. I have little care about how someone thinks certain arguments are made. I'll leave the experiment posts for the more Dinsdalian types. If someone says the sky is yellow, I'm not exactly going to post a thesis on the aspects of color blindness and why that person must be an Irving Cowboy fan since he sees yellow. I would take a much more mvscalish approach. You, obviously, think the Chefs are better than the Texans based for no other reason than the logical conclusion for making Denver a lose for Hou and a push for K.C. (both home games) No prob. See ya on the field in 11 days. :wink:

Houston

HOME GAMES
Kansas City, Indianapolis, Miami, Tennessee, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Denver, Jacksonville

2 - Should win (Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, K.C., Miamah)
3 - Push (Denver)
3 - Should lose (Indianapolis, New Orleans)

ROAD GAMES
Carolina, Atlanta, Jacksonville, San Diego, Oakland, Cleveland, Tennessee, Indianapolis

1 - Should win (Atlanta, Oakland, Cleveland, Tennessee)
3 - Push (Carolina, Jacksonville)
4 - Should lose (San Diego, Indianapolis)

Winning just one of the pushes makes 10-6. The team went 6-10 last year. To see them play now, while being aware of the offseason moves, and NOT thinking they are at least 2-4 games better than last year is nuts. Of course, whoever put the Chargers and Saints on our schedule should be castrated on the spot.

[Nacho]

Houston

HOME GAMES
Kansas City, Indianapolis, Miami, Tennessee, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Denver, Jacksonville

2 - Should win (Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, K.C., Miamah)
3 - Push (Denver)
3 - Should lose (Indianapolis, New Orleans)

ROAD GAMES
Carolina, Atlanta, Jacksonville, San Diego, Oakland, Cleveland, Tennessee, Indianapolis

1 - Should win (Atlanta, Oakland, Cleveland, Tennessee)
3 - Push (Carolina, Jacksonville)
4 - Should lose (San Diego, Indianapolis)

Winning just one of the pushes makes 10-6. The team went 6-10 last year. To see them play now, while being aware of the offseason moves, and NOT thinking they are at least 2-4 games better than last year is nuts. Of course, whoever put the Chargers and Saints on our schedule should be castrated on the spot.

Not to bring out the abacus but if you have 3 wins 6 pushes and 7 should lose shouldn't you go with 6-10 or 7-9 at best? Or does myopia account for a four game difference in wins?

As for the Cowboys I expect them to be around 11-5. I guess I should put them down for 15-1 with the myopia angle....

[RevLimiter]

Scott and orc fairly well nailed the woes concerning the Chiefs this year. The fact that this team hasn't drafted an offensive lineman that's been good enough to start and keep his job on this offensive line since 1999 is an outrage. Also, I just wanna thank Herm Edwards for screwing up the best offense in the NFL in less than two years' time. I don't blame Mike Solari for the bland playcalling- his hands are tied because Herm LOVES field goals more than TDs and he would NEVER go for the jugular when the opportunity presents itself.

Watching "Hard knocks" last night, even though I knew they cut Rod Gardner a few days ago, watching it happen up close and personal on the show was certainly interesting- Ray Farmer couldn't even tell Gardner with a straight face why he was being cut. By all accounts Gardner was one of the only other WRs other than Kennison that could consistently catch the football and his route running was allegedly second to none....and we can't use that guy???? Fuck, Samie Parker should've been the one to see The Turk- that idiot can't catch a cold much less a football.

As for the Chiefs' record, I honestly don't see better than 7-9....we MIGHT have a worse offensive line than the Raydahs, and if they can't block anybody this offense isn't going to fare very well at all.

[KC Scott]

Riddick..... errr Duane Bowe - Big Slow receiver who can block - Did someone say Sylvester Morris?
(Go look up the draft thread where I said we should have grabbed Joe Staley in round 1)

Staley ending preseason with a smile on his face

John Crumpacker, Chronicle Staff Writer

A competitive environment that has two men vying for the same position can only have a happy result for one man. Thus, Joe Staley was all smiles Wednesday while Kwame Harris was quietly disappointed.

Coach Mike Nolan named the rookie Staley as the starter at right tackle for the regular season after Harris had started all 32 games at the position the last two years.

"As I said, this is more of what Joe did and not what Kwame didn't do," Nolan said. "I have a lot of respect for Kwame. He was disappointed, but mostly (acted) very professionally."

Staley will take his place with the starting offensive unit tonight for 12 plays, or the entire first quarter, when the 49ers conclude their exhibition season against the Chargers in San Diego.

"I'm really excited," Staley said. "It was definitely a hard-fought competition we had in training camp. Kwame is an amazing player and had a good camp. I feel good it was something I wasn't given. It had to be earned. I want to make the most of my opportunity."

When Staley was informed of the promotion by George Warhop, he said the offensive line coach humorously told him not to "tighten up" a certain part of his dorsal anatomy now that he has the job.

" 'Prove us right,' " Staley related Warhop as saying to him.

Staley showed a natural aptitude for right tackle in training camp. Nolan said it was his consistency that won him the job over Harris, a five-year veteran.

"I got all the jitters out of the way in minicamp," Staley said. "It was definitely an eye-opener in terms of talent compared to Central Michigan. I knew what I had to do in training camp. Training camp for a rookie can be a tough time, but you have to keep improving.

"It's about taking every rep with the mindset that you have to improve on something, in some area."

After getting the happy news Tuesday night, Staley said he called his parents, his girlfriend, his best friend and his football-mad cousin in Florida.

"He flipped out. ... It was kind of awkward," Staley said.

Harris, meanwhile, handled the demotion with dignity. With his contract expiring after this season, he knows his future is probably not with the 49ers after five years in San Francisco.

"The decision doesn't lend itself to security," he said. "If I'm not here, I'll go somewhere else and find a job. I'm certainly prepared for whatever comes. You certainly won't see the last of me."

Harris also had good things to say about Staley, remarking graciously, "Joe's a good player. He's going to do some good things in this league. That's obvious watching him play. He's a good fit in this offense."

Watching Staley meld into the starting unit is one of the few items of interest for the 49ers tonight. An NFL team's fourth and final exhibition game usually qualifies as one of the most worthless and irrelevant exercises in all of sports during that calendar year

*sigh*

[OCmike]

Rack our front office. Harris was a decent right tackle too, so Staley must've really impressed the coaches.

[RumpleForeskin]

Overall, I don't see why it isn't a realistic goal for the Texans to finish 8-8 or 9-7 this season.

I pretty much nailed that one.

The Cowboys seem to be the most complete team next to the Pats

Yep, got that one too. A hearty "screw you" to mv and rozy for thinking I am a complete fuckstain for that assessment.



How'd yer predictions work out?

[RevLimiter]

The Cowboys seem to be the most complete team next to the Pats

Go ahead and smoke some more crack, you braindead dildo.

Priceless!

[KC Scott]

Last years offense was bad and that was with Huard.
Bad with all pro Will Shields who has joined Willie roaf at Shady acres.
Bad with a guy who had at least played fullback at one time in his life - Ronnie Cruz.

The True Chaffes Offense was revealed to all in the Indy playoff game we backed into.
Run Larry Johnson and throw to Gonzo and it that doesn't work?
Bring in Our projected 2007 offensive MVP - Dustin Collquit.

Nailed that one - Collquit accounted for 99% of our field position
The Chiefs offense was the worst I have ever seen in the NFL, even though statistically SF was worse

And don't give me the Damion McIntosh line either - he was an average to below average LT in Miami.
He's suddenly quicker now?

And Let's not forget about the playcalling genius that is Mike Solari.
He's made Martyball look like the west coast offense.

Spot on there - The Line was swiss cheese.
Solari canned today along with 3 other asistants

Bigger picture - Carl fucked up the draft royally.
Riddick..... errr Duane Bowe - Big Slow receiver who can block - Did someone say Sylvester Morris?
(Go look up the draft thread where I said we should have grabbed Joe Staley in round 1)

I missed this one, sort of - Bowe is a legit receiver - and could have been a ROY candidate had the chiefs had better protection
Although bigger picture an OL was a far more pressing need.
Staley ended up starting for the 49ers as a rook - but honestly, never saw him play so no clue how he did

Round 2 - Turk McBride: I said who? exactly - from the looks on Hard Knocks and the preseason games he's another in the long line of busts along the KC-D Line.

Spot on: wasted pick at # 2 - totally lost and overmatched

At least they grabbed the Tank (Again, go check the draft thread when I called out for him)

Missed on Tank - didn't play to potential, although he has more upside than the Turkey

Maybe the D will keep us in those 13-10 (*yawn) games with the 'duhs and Mexans, but frankly I'd rather wtach the reruns of us losing 45-42.

Defense was better this year, but wore down after midseason.
The CBs - Law & Surtain were jokes and will be gone.

As for Brodie Christ, franchise savior - well who the fuck knows?
Unless he throws off a 3 step drop, he'll be looking up at the gray autumn skies more often than RTS on his nightly owl commune.

Gotta face facts - This offense is uglier than Humplestilffwhale's wife.
And just like her, it ain't getting pretty anytime soon.

Brodie is frail, but he does have an arm.
That said, it's tough to really evaluate him as he was pressured on every throw.

The offense, as mentioned - was the worst I can ever remember seeing

[poptart]

The Chef offense was abysmal this year .... and especially after LJ went down.
But Oakland's offense last year was worse, if that's any consolation.

Which I'm sure it isn't.

KC needs to nail this year's draft.

BADLY.


Solari and the assistants fired indicates that you'll be gettin' at least another year of the Carl and Herm shit pie.

Dig in.

[RevLimiter]

The Chef offense was abysmal this year .... and especially after LJ went down.
But Oakland's offense last year was worse, if that's any consolation.

Which I'm sure it isn't.

KC needs to nail this year's draft.

BADLY.

Bwa...good one Pops. Are you performing here all week?

Solari and the assistants fired indicates that you'll be gettin' at least another year of the Carl and Herm shit pie.

Dig in.

Or let apathy take over....I'm leaning towards the latter. Anything Carl and Herm does from here on out won't improve things one bit. I'm sick of it and they can kiss getting one red cent of my money for ANYTHING Chiefs-related goodbye until the current regime gets sent packing. Fuck ALL of them.