Last night, the Kansas City Chiefs took care of business in their preseason home opener in the 27-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Of particular interest after the game was the way that the players were raving about the team's new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. While it's clear that everyone loves playing for Romeo Crennel, it was Daboll earning the lion's share of praise from players.
"Coach Daboll came up big tonight by calling the right plays, and the young guys did a great job of executing plays," said Jamaal Charles after the game. "We told the young guys tonight to ‘protect the house' and they did that."
Daboll's quarterback, Matt Cassel, was also impressed enough not only with the game that Daboll called last night but overall in training camp so far.
"Coach Daboll does a great job of impressing upon the guys about technique, about fundamentals, but also about just doing your job," said Cassel. "He talks about it all the time. It's about being a professional. I think the way that he does that everybody buys in. Coming out here tonight and the way that he called the game, I thought it was great."
Peyton Hillis was particularly impressive last night and both Hillis and Daboll go back to a very productive year for the running back in 2010 with the Cleveland Browns. That success continued last night on a particular touchdown catch for Hillis in the first half.
"It was a good call by Coach (Brian) Daboll down on the 11. It looked like zero coverage and my guy blitzed and the defensive end didn't peel on me. I was wide open, and it was good that Matt (Cassel) got the ball off and read it well."
The Chiefs have more offensive weapons and a better line than at any point in Scott Pioli's tenure. Hopefully Daboll is the man to bring that all together.
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