The Kansas City Chiefs have opened up OTAs like many other teams around the NFL, and as players return to Arrowhead, they're going to find some things familiar while other things have changed. For the offense, a new offensive scheme is in place for 2012 as Brian Daboll brings in his system for Matt Cassel and company.
For a player familiar with Daboll, the work is a bit less than what other players will have to put in. However, new running back Peyton Hillis says it will be worth it in the end for everyone based on what he believes Daboll can do in terms of mismatches.
"It was good coming in and already knowing the playbook," said Hillis. "When you know what you're doing, you're faster when you do it. He (Daboll) knows how to create mismatches for me out of the backfield, and then at the receiver spot. He's really good with the quarterbacks too. It's been pretty laid back for me, just helping the guys get to know the playbook and get things going. It's good for me, and it's good for the other teammates in the room with me because I can help them out."
Eric Winston is another outsider now starting for the Chiefs who will have to learn a new offensive system under Daboll. The good news is that the zone blocking scheme isn't that far off of what he played in Houston.
"I'm about right where everyone else is (in learning the offense)," said Winston. "The good part is there are a lot of outside zone (blocking) schemes, and obviously I'm familiar with those from my days in Houston. But at the end of the day,it's not complicated. You just need to know how to block the guy in front of you."
Daboll certainly enjoyed a nice second half of the season in Miami last year once he got to know the offensive personnel. He definitely has a number of weapons here to work with in Kansas City. and this is where the work in the playbook and film study is so important in the offseason.
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