AFC West: Lance Long
Catching up on some early AFC West news and notes:
The Kansas City Chiefs got down to the 75-man roster limit Tuesday by cutting receiver Lance Long. He was a sparkplug toward the end of last season.
Long had 20 catches for 178 yards last season. Still, the Chiefs have upgraded at receiver this offseason, so Long was facing an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster.
Tampa Bay cut running back Derrick Ward. Denver had interest in him during free agency last year. The Broncos are very banged up at running back. It would make sense if Denver takes a look at Ward now.
The Kansas City Chiefs got down to the 75-man roster limit Tuesday by cutting receiver Lance Long. He was a sparkplug toward the end of last season.
Long had 20 catches for 178 yards last season. Still, the Chiefs have upgraded at receiver this offseason, so Long was facing an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster.
- Meanwhile, the Kansas City Star has a projected 53-man roster. There aren’t too many surprises on the list.
- Kansas City backup quarterback Brodie Croyle is throwing at practice after missing a couple of weeks with an arm injury.
- Kevin O’Connell is available again. He was cut by the Jets. Denver coach Josh McDaniels played a big role in the drafting of O’Connell in New England, and McDaniels put a claim on O’Connell last year when New England cut him. But Detroit was awarded the claim. Cleveland and the Jets also claimed him. The Lions then dealt him to the Jets. The Broncos’ quarterback situation is pretty tight with Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn, so there may not be room for O’Connell this year. Kansas City general manager Scot Pioli has New England history with O’Connell, but the Chiefs didn’t make a play for him last year, so perhaps they won’t this year unless they think O’Connell is better than current No. 3 quarterback Tyler Palko.
Tampa Bay cut running back Derrick Ward. Denver had interest in him during free agency last year. The Broncos are very banged up at running back. It would make sense if Denver takes a look at Ward now.
- ESPN’s John Clayton has an interesting look at how the AFC West quarterbacks figure in the league’s pecking order.
- ESPN.com’s Page 2 has a look at the trading card impact of Denver quarterbacks past and future: John Elway and Tebow.
- New Denver linebacker Jason Hunter is making a push for serious playing time.
Random notes from Kansas City’s 27-24 overtime win:
Kansas City linebacker Andy Studebaker likely earned himself future playing time with two interceptions and four tackles in his NFL start. He was playing for the injured Mike Vrabel.
The Chiefs have won back-to-back games for the first time since September, 2007.
- Chris Chambers continued to be a bright light for the Chiefs in his third game with the team. He had four catches for 119 yards. He has been a major sparkplug for the Chiefs since they claimed him off waivers from San Diego.
- Lance Long had two catches for 37 yards. He has looked good since being promoted from the practice squad last month.
- New Kansas City starting tight end Leonard Pope caught a 21-yard touchdown pass.
- Matt Cassel wasn’t fancy for the Chiefs, but the quarterback played his typical smart game. He completed 15 of 30 passes for 248 yards. He threw two touchdown passes and he wasn’t intercepted.
- Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles had 58 yards on 17 carries. But he set the tone early with a 97-yard kickoff return to open the game.
Kansas City linebacker Andy Studebaker likely earned himself future playing time with two interceptions and four tackles in his NFL start. He was playing for the injured Mike Vrabel.
The Chiefs have won back-to-back games for the first time since September, 2007.
After a mildly successful debut to our video mailbag last week, we’re trying it again:
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
Power Rankings: Preseason: 29. This week: 28.
2009 Schedule/Results
Where they stand: The Chiefs are, once again, an overall uncompetitive team. This is a team that won a total of six games in the final two years of the former regime. Under new general manager Scott Pioli and new head coach Todd Haley, there has been no tangible improvement. The Chiefs are 1-7 and have not competed in most games. The team has been lackluster on offense and overmatched on defense. There are many holes on this roster. Kansas City, which cut ties with troubled veteran running back Larry Johnson this week, looks like it is a long way from being competitive.
Disappointments: The biggest disappointment for Kansas City is probably the lack of improvement. There was a lot of excitement when Pioli came in and there have not been any results yet. It’s early and the program seems like it is headed in the right direction. But it’s been slower than expected. This team looks to be no better than last year’s 2-14 outfit. The Chiefs have been particularly bland on offense. Haley had great success as an offensive coordinator in Arizona. But he has been unable to generate any explosiveness from a less talented group in Kansas City.
Surprises: The Chiefs have a few players shining unexpectedly. Receiver Lance Long had eight catches last Sunday at Jacksonville. He was promoted from the practice squad two weeks ago. He could be an interesting player to watch in the second half of the season. At linebacker, Corey Mays has played well and looks like he can be a potential standout. The story of the second half could be receiver Chris Chambers. He had three catches for 70 yards, including two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, against the Jaguars in his first game as a Chief. Chambers was claimed off waivers from San Diego last week. Chambers could spark an unproductive offense in the second half.
Outlook: The Chiefs actually showed some signs of life, offensively at least, at Jacksonville. They scored 15 points in the fourth quarter. It was the best the unit looked all season. The quarter output was better than the Chiefs’ point output for four of their previous six games. The Chiefs are building toward the future. If this team can build upon the late success in Jacksonville and win some games in the second half of the season, it could be a good building block for Kansas City down the road.
Power Rankings: Preseason: 29. This week: 28.
2009 Schedule/Results
Where they stand: The Chiefs are, once again, an overall uncompetitive team. This is a team that won a total of six games in the final two years of the former regime. Under new general manager Scott Pioli and new head coach Todd Haley, there has been no tangible improvement. The Chiefs are 1-7 and have not competed in most games. The team has been lackluster on offense and overmatched on defense. There are many holes on this roster. Kansas City, which cut ties with troubled veteran running back Larry Johnson this week, looks like it is a long way from being competitive.
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| Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/US Presswire | |
| Todd Haley’s Chiefs have struggled to generate any consistency this season. |
Surprises: The Chiefs have a few players shining unexpectedly. Receiver Lance Long had eight catches last Sunday at Jacksonville. He was promoted from the practice squad two weeks ago. He could be an interesting player to watch in the second half of the season. At linebacker, Corey Mays has played well and looks like he can be a potential standout. The story of the second half could be receiver Chris Chambers. He had three catches for 70 yards, including two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, against the Jaguars in his first game as a Chief. Chambers was claimed off waivers from San Diego last week. Chambers could spark an unproductive offense in the second half.
Outlook: The Chiefs actually showed some signs of life, offensively at least, at Jacksonville. They scored 15 points in the fourth quarter. It was the best the unit looked all season. The quarter output was better than the Chiefs’ point output for four of their previous six games. The Chiefs are building toward the future. If this team can build upon the late success in Jacksonville and win some games in the second half of the season, it could be a good building block for Kansas City down the road.
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
Random notes from the Chiefs’ 24-21 loss in Jacksonville:
The Chiefs have to be thrilled with the debut of receiver Chris Chambers. Chambers had three catches for 70 yards from quarterback Matt Cassel. Two of the catches, including a 54-yarder, came for touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Chambers was claimed off waivers Tuesday, one day after he was cut by San Diego. The Chiefs have been looking for the right mix at receiver all season. Chambers may be the answer. Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers are two pretty good starting receivers.
Second-year safety DaJuan Morgan started his first NFL game. He has six tackles and a fumble recovery. Morgan could continue to get extensive playing time with Jarrad Page out for the season.
Guard Mike Goff had a streak of 113 straight starts snapped because of injury.
No. 3 overall pick Tyson Jackson continued to play well. He had seven tackles.
Chiefs running backs Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith combined for 53 yards on 10 carries during Larry Johnson’s one-game suspension.
Receiver Lance Long, promoted from the practice squad two weeks ago, had eight catches for 74 yards. He looks like he could be a decent contributor.
Random notes from the Chiefs’ 24-21 loss in Jacksonville:
The Chiefs have to be thrilled with the debut of receiver Chris Chambers. Chambers had three catches for 70 yards from quarterback Matt Cassel. Two of the catches, including a 54-yarder, came for touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Chambers was claimed off waivers Tuesday, one day after he was cut by San Diego. The Chiefs have been looking for the right mix at receiver all season. Chambers may be the answer. Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers are two pretty good starting receivers.
Second-year safety DaJuan Morgan started his first NFL game. He has six tackles and a fumble recovery. Morgan could continue to get extensive playing time with Jarrad Page out for the season.
Guard Mike Goff had a streak of 113 straight starts snapped because of injury.
No. 3 overall pick Tyson Jackson continued to play well. He had seven tackles.
Chiefs running backs Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith combined for 53 yards on 10 carries during Larry Johnson’s one-game suspension.
Receiver Lance Long, promoted from the practice squad two weeks ago, had eight catches for 74 yards. He looks like he could be a decent contributor.
Chargers and Chiefs make roster moves
October, 24, 2009
10/24/09
8:49
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
KANSAS CITY -- Both the Chargers and the Chiefs made a roster move Saturday as they prepare for Sunday’s game.
The Chiefs cut sixth-round draft pick Quinten Lawrence. They promoted receiver Lance Long from the practice squad. Lawrence is a speedster but he played just two games and had one run for 16 yards. Kansas City could put him on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
The Chargers cut cornerback Dante Hughes. He was signed Tuesday. San Diego promoted cornerback Simeon Castille from the practice squad to replace Hughes.
Meanwhile, former San Diego safety Clinton Hart worked out for the Browns. San Diego surprisingly cut the starter last week.
KANSAS CITY -- Both the Chargers and the Chiefs made a roster move Saturday as they prepare for Sunday’s game.
The Chiefs cut sixth-round draft pick Quinten Lawrence. They promoted receiver Lance Long from the practice squad. Lawrence is a speedster but he played just two games and had one run for 16 yards. Kansas City could put him on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
The Chargers cut cornerback Dante Hughes. He was signed Tuesday. San Diego promoted cornerback Simeon Castille from the practice squad to replace Hughes.
Meanwhile, former San Diego safety Clinton Hart worked out for the Browns. San Diego surprisingly cut the starter last week.
Chiefs notes: Cassel moving better
September, 16, 2009
9/16/09
2:15
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
Matt Cassel is making strides toward making his Kansas City debut Sunday at home against Oakland. He didn’t play in Baltimore in the opener because of a knee injury he suffered Aug. 29.
The issue has been Cassel’s mobility. With him moving better in a pivotal Wednesday practice, Cassel is clearly moving in the right direction. If he can make continued strides during the next three days, Cassel should be on the field against Oakland.
The Chiefs added receiver Lance Long to their practice squad. They released receiver Rodney Wright from the practice squad to make room for Long. Long was on Arizona’s practice squad last year where Kansas City coach Todd Haley was the offensive coordinator.
The Chiefs worked out tight end Leonard Pope on Tuesday. He played for Haley in Arizona. They also worked out receivers Courtney Roby and David Terrell (for the second time in five weeks) in addition to Bobby Wade, who was signed.
Meanwhile, it is being reported that the Eagles will not sign tackle Jon Runyan at this time. Runyan worked out for the Chiefs last week.
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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.
