There is no doubt about it, Kansas City Chiefs fans are fired up about the idea of their team using the Wildcat formation.
New offensive coordinator Charlie Weis used the Wildcat this weekend. The Chiefs used several running backs and slot receiver Dexter McCluster in the formation.
Our sound-off question was if the Chiefs fans think the Wildcat is a good idea or do they think the Wildcat is yesterday’s news and the Chiefs shouldn’t bother with it.
I didn’t get any responses that wasn’t on board with it.
I agree. While I don’t think the Chiefs should make it their base offense, but sprinkled in here and there, the Wildcat could be very effective. Kansas City has some outstanding runners in Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones and McCluster. The Chiefs need to utilize them to the fullest.
Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated:
Devon from Springfield, Mo., writes: Bill, the Chiefs HAVE to use the wildcat. Not like the Dolphins, but they have to put it in the playbook. They have too many good skill players not to throw some trickery in. Charlie Weis is an offensive genius too. I'd like to see a McCluster hand off to Bowe, who tosses to Cassel split out wide, throwing down field to either Chambers or Charles for a TD. The Chiefs are much improved this year. I hope this year is the turning point. Us die-hard Chiefs fans deserve more wins.
Michael Shearin from Pasadena, Md., writes: There is a lot of buzz surrounding Dexter McCluster at this camp and the idea of the Wildcat gives me chills. The complexities that our offense can have with Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones and DMC in the backfield are unlimited. I can see all three of them lining up in the backfield, having the option of motioning McCluster to the slot or handing it to him, or the two 1000+ yd rushers from last year, to run. Defenses wouldn't know what to do. The Chiefs are quickly becoming a versatile team.But I must say, even with all the possibilities Weis has at his disposal I don't see us running the Wildcat as much as people are discussing it. Weis is an established OC who already has his roots grown. Now I am not saying it's bad to change your style, the league changes and you must adjust, but I just don't see him taking that route. To close, I will add that the Wildcat is best when used as a surprise. We wouldn't have openly practiced as much as we did if we wanted to effectively use it (at least I hope). I think it was more preparation on the defensive side of the ball.
Ryan Sesler from Kansas City: Honestly, at this point, whatever puts points on the board. I don't care if they run the wing T if they can make it work. I do have trust in our coaches, so if they feel that will work I believe in it this year. I for one do not want another 2003 year with all offense and no defense. I miss the 90's Chiefs.
Josh from Honolulu: I love the idea of running the "WildChief" in KC. I don't think that I want to see Jones run it, Charles and McCluster seem better suited for the job. With a great offensive mind in Weis I think it will be amazing. GO CHIEFS!!!!!
Alex Nordholm from New York: The prospect of Kansas City in the "WildChief" formation is exhilarating. Jamaal Charles showed what he can do with the ball in his hands the second half of last year, and the faster we can get it there, the better. He really is an elite playmaker with fantastic speed, and defenses should be frightened by a direct snap into his hands.Thomas Jones would be extremely difficult to stop in short/medium yardage situations out of the WildChief. The power and momentum he could generate would create a veritable wrecking ball. Finally, Dexter McCluster is an exciting player and could be a nightmare for defenses out of the WildChief. He would be able to hide behind the line, and word out of training camp is that he is virtually impossible to stop one-on-one in the open field if he can get to the second level. Charles, Jones, and McCluster represent one of the finest backfields in the NFL, and regardless of formation should give opposing defenses headaches. If any or all of the three are allowed to run from a direct snap, it's one more concern for defensive coordinators and a fantastic option for Charlie Weis in a number of scenarios.
Jake from Kansas: whatever Kansas City can do to score points and possibly win games I'm all for it. Other teams have had sucess with it such as Miami, so hopefully if the chiefs use it the will get results with it.
Nick from Quakertown, Pa.: I think this is just a small sample of how KC's offense will become more creative under Weis. McCluster can be dangerous in the open field (a la Dante Hall) and Weis will know how to use the specialized skills of Kansas City's offense. If the O-line can be somewhat consistent this year, I expect good, creative things from this offense this year.
Jeremy D. Handley from Kansas City: Hey Bill, thanks for the topic & discussion.The Wildcat or Wildchief (I wish that rolled off of the tongue more) can only be a positive thing for the Cheifs this season. Kansas City is one of the youngest teams in the league. While it isn't always a garauntee, this usually means that there is speed to spend. K.C.'s recent rookie-class adds more speed, exposiveness/
Jesse from Kirksville, Mo.: As a KC Chiefs fan, i am extremely exited about the wild cat. with the improved offensive line and such powerful and elusive weapons such as Charles, Jones, and McCluster.... MAN am i PUMPED for 2010 Chiefs Football!
Trent Stolte from Girard, Kan.: Sound Off: I wasn't to surprised when i heard they ran the wildcat. Look at their offense last, it seemed like Todd Haley always had a couple tricks up his sleeve. And now with more weapons, we could see it a lot more often.
Matt from Manhattan, Kan.: The wildcat could be very effective, but I hope we don't become the Miami dolphins and rely on it. I'd like to see it thrown in every now and then to throw off the defense. However, I believe our offense needs a nice baseline of traditional run and pass plays.
Dave Soutee from Springfield, Mo.: The Wildcat in KC.It makes sense with the speedy play makers on the roster. I can't help but think they wouldn't have focused as much on this if they didn't have Dexter McCluster. I It looks like this guy will get his chances this year.I guess the Wildcat is brand new to McCluster because during his first interview as a Chief he said this: "I am like a deer in the headlights every time I hear Wildcat Formation."
Nick V. from Merriden, Conn.: Long time Chiefs fan (from the East Coast) here. The open mind of the new personnel in Kansas City should have the majority of fans excited. This team used to have a prolific offense under Vermeil. If Weis and Haley can combine to bring back some of that firepower with a group of speedy guys and a revamped O-Line, I say..All for the WildCat. Weis is seasoned enough to know when and how to use it. Give it a shot with Charles/McCluster/Jones and use it to take some pressure off of Cassel if and when he needs it.
Tanner Tolbert from Overland Park, Kan.: What is not to like? Any new wrinkle is a good thing. If nothing else it forces the other team to spend valuable practice time going over the "WildChief". We saw how it worked well in Miami with their staggering rush yards/per attempt with it. While I do think it is important to be able to at least throw a ball somewhat accurately out of this formation, and I do not know the caliber of arms Jones/McCluster/Charles have it does excite me nonetheless with the playmaking ability of all three. Hopefully with an improved O-Line and a good stable of running backs we can be a dynamic offense and chew up clock, to help our young defense.
New offensive coordinator Charlie Weis used the Wildcat this weekend. The Chiefs used several running backs and slot receiver Dexter McCluster in the formation.
Our sound-off question was if the Chiefs fans think the Wildcat is a good idea or do they think the Wildcat is yesterday’s news and the Chiefs shouldn’t bother with it.
I didn’t get any responses that wasn’t on board with it.
I agree. While I don’t think the Chiefs should make it their base offense, but sprinkled in here and there, the Wildcat could be very effective. Kansas City has some outstanding runners in Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones and McCluster. The Chiefs need to utilize them to the fullest.
Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated:
Devon from Springfield, Mo., writes: Bill, the Chiefs HAVE to use the wildcat. Not like the Dolphins, but they have to put it in the playbook. They have too many good skill players not to throw some trickery in. Charlie Weis is an offensive genius too. I'd like to see a McCluster hand off to Bowe, who tosses to Cassel split out wide, throwing down field to either Chambers or Charles for a TD. The Chiefs are much improved this year. I hope this year is the turning point. Us die-hard Chiefs fans deserve more wins.
Michael Shearin from Pasadena, Md., writes: There is a lot of buzz surrounding Dexter McCluster at this camp and the idea of the Wildcat gives me chills. The complexities that our offense can have with Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones and DMC in the backfield are unlimited. I can see all three of them lining up in the backfield, having the option of motioning McCluster to the slot or handing it to him, or the two 1000+ yd rushers from last year, to run. Defenses wouldn't know what to do. The Chiefs are quickly becoming a versatile team.But I must say, even with all the possibilities Weis has at his disposal I don't see us running the Wildcat as much as people are discussing it. Weis is an established OC who already has his roots grown. Now I am not saying it's bad to change your style, the league changes and you must adjust, but I just don't see him taking that route. To close, I will add that the Wildcat is best when used as a surprise. We wouldn't have openly practiced as much as we did if we wanted to effectively use it (at least I hope). I think it was more preparation on the defensive side of the ball.
Ryan Sesler from Kansas City: Honestly, at this point, whatever puts points on the board. I don't care if they run the wing T if they can make it work. I do have trust in our coaches, so if they feel that will work I believe in it this year. I for one do not want another 2003 year with all offense and no defense. I miss the 90's Chiefs.
Josh from Honolulu: I love the idea of running the "WildChief" in KC. I don't think that I want to see Jones run it, Charles and McCluster seem better suited for the job. With a great offensive mind in Weis I think it will be amazing. GO CHIEFS!!!!!
Alex Nordholm from New York: The prospect of Kansas City in the "WildChief" formation is exhilarating. Jamaal Charles showed what he can do with the ball in his hands the second half of last year, and the faster we can get it there, the better. He really is an elite playmaker with fantastic speed, and defenses should be frightened by a direct snap into his hands.Thomas Jones would be extremely difficult to stop in short/medium yardage situations out of the WildChief. The power and momentum he could generate would create a veritable wrecking ball. Finally, Dexter McCluster is an exciting player and could be a nightmare for defenses out of the WildChief. He would be able to hide behind the line, and word out of training camp is that he is virtually impossible to stop one-on-one in the open field if he can get to the second level. Charles, Jones, and McCluster represent one of the finest backfields in the NFL, and regardless of formation should give opposing defenses headaches. If any or all of the three are allowed to run from a direct snap, it's one more concern for defensive coordinators and a fantastic option for Charlie Weis in a number of scenarios.
Jake from Kansas: whatever Kansas City can do to score points and possibly win games I'm all for it. Other teams have had sucess with it such as Miami, so hopefully if the chiefs use it the will get results with it.
Nick from Quakertown, Pa.: I think this is just a small sample of how KC's offense will become more creative under Weis. McCluster can be dangerous in the open field (a la Dante Hall) and Weis will know how to use the specialized skills of Kansas City's offense. If the O-line can be somewhat consistent this year, I expect good, creative things from this offense this year.
Jeremy D. Handley from Kansas City: Hey Bill, thanks for the topic & discussion.The Wildcat or Wildchief (I wish that rolled off of the tongue more) can only be a positive thing for the Cheifs this season. Kansas City is one of the youngest teams in the league. While it isn't always a garauntee, this usually means that there is speed to spend. K.C.'s recent rookie-class adds more speed, exposiveness/
Jesse from Kirksville, Mo.: As a KC Chiefs fan, i am extremely exited about the wild cat. with the improved offensive line and such powerful and elusive weapons such as Charles, Jones, and McCluster.... MAN am i PUMPED for 2010 Chiefs Football!
Trent Stolte from Girard, Kan.: Sound Off: I wasn't to surprised when i heard they ran the wildcat. Look at their offense last, it seemed like Todd Haley always had a couple tricks up his sleeve. And now with more weapons, we could see it a lot more often.
Matt from Manhattan, Kan.: The wildcat could be very effective, but I hope we don't become the Miami dolphins and rely on it. I'd like to see it thrown in every now and then to throw off the defense. However, I believe our offense needs a nice baseline of traditional run and pass plays.
Dave Soutee from Springfield, Mo.: The Wildcat in KC.It makes sense with the speedy play makers on the roster. I can't help but think they wouldn't have focused as much on this if they didn't have Dexter McCluster. I It looks like this guy will get his chances this year.I guess the Wildcat is brand new to McCluster because during his first interview as a Chief he said this: "I am like a deer in the headlights every time I hear Wildcat Formation."
Nick V. from Merriden, Conn.: Long time Chiefs fan (from the East Coast) here. The open mind of the new personnel in Kansas City should have the majority of fans excited. This team used to have a prolific offense under Vermeil. If Weis and Haley can combine to bring back some of that firepower with a group of speedy guys and a revamped O-Line, I say..All for the WildCat. Weis is seasoned enough to know when and how to use it. Give it a shot with Charles/McCluster/Jones and use it to take some pressure off of Cassel if and when he needs it.
Tanner Tolbert from Overland Park, Kan.: What is not to like? Any new wrinkle is a good thing. If nothing else it forces the other team to spend valuable practice time going over the "WildChief". We saw how it worked well in Miami with their staggering rush yards/per attempt with it. While I do think it is important to be able to at least throw a ball somewhat accurately out of this formation, and I do not know the caliber of arms Jones/McCluster/Charles have it does excite me nonetheless with the playmaking ability of all three. Hopefully with an improved O-Line and a good stable of running backs we can be a dynamic offense and chew up clock, to help our young defense.
Bill Williamson | email
NFL- ESPN AFC West Blogger
- Spent four seasons covering the Broncos for the Denver Post
- Previously covered Vikings, Packers, Seahawks
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
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