Big 3 receivers get bottled up by Chargers

Big 3 receivers get bottled up by Chargers Oct. 13, 2002

POSITIONAL ANALYSIS

Quarterbacks: Trent Green stood in against what was frequently heavy pressure and made several good throws. He was patient in his reads and found several mismatches. Grade: B+

Running backs: Priest Holmes made the most of minimal running room. He also contributed in the passing game with seven receptions for 96 yards. Grade: B

Receivers: Marc Boerigter had a big game, but the main trio of Tony Gonzalez, Johnnie Morton and Eddie Kennison must do better in shucking coverage. Grade: B-

Offensive line: Pressure against Green was often created on blitzes. That would indicate the Chiefs were having trouble making the necessary protection adjustments. Grade: C

Defensive line: Eric Hicks disrupted several plays and had a sack, but his mates gave him little help. Other than Hicks, the Chiefs were able to generate little pressure on Drew Brees. Grade: C

Linebackers: This group filled running lanes well. Marvcus Patton had two nice open-field tackles on LaDainian Tomlinson. Rookie Scott Fujita was beaten for a big gain on San Diego's first play but rebounded to play a solid game. Grade: B-

Defensive backs: Safety Shaunard Harts forced two fumbles and safety Jason Belser and cornerback Eric Warfield each had an interception. But coverage was sinful in the fourth quarter, particularly by cornerback William Bartee. Grade: D+

Special teams: Larry Atkins blocked a punt, and Gary Still made Tamarick Vanover cough up a punt return. Morten Andersen remained perfect for the season by making both of his field-goal attempts. Grade: A

Coaching: The Chiefs wasted a valuable timeout near the end when they were confused by San Diego's substitutions. The timeout probably saved the Chargers from a delay-of-game penalty. Grade: C-

SUNDAY'S INJURIES

DT Ryan Sims: Dislocated elbow Analysis: Sims could miss the rest of the season. His loss hurts, not so much because of his production but because of his potential and the Chiefs' lack of depth at his position. Derrick Ransom will replace Sims. He gives maximum effort but simply doesn't have Sims' ability.

For more news on the Chiefs, visit The Star's website at www.kcstar.com/sports/chiefs.

They generated good pressure much of the time, but were simply outmatched by a mobile QB, whom they couldn't contain alone. What pissed me off was that Robinson KEPT sending just the 4 down linemen, and Brees conTINued to break the contain and buy time for the easy completion. Robinson needs to restrict his definition of the role of the defensive lineman (control the middle) and expand the role of the other 7 guys up in the box. Until he does, the secondary will continue to be riddled and the front 4 will continue to be outmaneuvered in space.

Not EVERY team has the mobility of Brees at QB, but plenty do, and your D needs to reflect that fact. This isn't the 70's, when QBs were mostly invalids from the waist down and 300 lb DLs who could actually run had 'Lombardi Trophy' stenciled on their foreheads. You need to bring as much speed after the offensive backfield as THEY have. If you don't, everything else breaks down.

Makes you wonder if the 'main trio' should be the main trio.