More on Dexter McCluster.....
Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com writes that the competition for the Kansas City Chiefs' third running back position is wide open, with Kolby Smith and Javarris Williams among the players vying for the spot. But Looney also adds that the team could go in a different direction, plugging rookie Dexter McCluster in at the position, and giving him some opportunities as a change-of-pace runner, in addition to his role as slot receiver. Here's more on McCluster's role this season:
The Chiefs were described frequently as "Patriots West" in 2009 with GM Scott Pioli, QB Matt Cassel and OLB Mike Vrabel in town, an idea further buttressed by the addition of defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis this offseason. But is the team ready to take another chapter from Bill Belichick's book?
The initial reaction to the Chiefs' selection of McCluster was confusion, given the fact they already had Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones on the team. We took a turn discussing his possible role in late April, and Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. followed with more on that topic, including a comparison to a very productive Patriot
And then there's John Clayton's early thoughts on the Chiefs.....
"The Chiefs are still a draft or two away from respectability. I think they are good enough to get to six wins this season. Maybe they can catch a break and get to seven. What's holding them back is the run-after-catch ability of their receivers. Matt Cassel is an efficient quarterback, but he doesn't have a strong arm. The offensive line should be a little better, and the defense is starting to shape up. During Herm Edwards' last couple of years, the team got too old and the talent dropped off too far. At least the Chiefs are making progress."