All through the most recent offseason, the most buzz coming from the Kansas City Chiefs centered around the potential for second year wide receiver Jon Baldwin. The Chiefs thought enough of Baldwin's potential to select him with their first round choice in the 2011 NFL Draft, and then watched him reel off several head-turning catches throughout OTAs and training camp. Yet after the team's first preseason game, Baldwin didn't even have a single catch. In fact, he was never even targeted.
After such a promising offseason, many predicted Baldwin would make a major leap forward and give the Chiefs a dynamic red zone target. His rookie season was disappointing after missing the first several games with a thumb injury after a preseason locker room fight with Thomas Jones. After he healed and put in the time, it was clear that Baldwin was focused and ready to make good on his draft stock.
After the game, head coach Romeo Crennel didn't offer a specific reason for Baldwin's lack of playing time or plays drawn up for him. It simply didn't happen.
"Well he's trying to develop a role in the offense," said Crennel after the game. "He's working at it, and I think eventually he will have his spot and he will be making plays, but it just didn't come up today."
The Chiefs certainly have more offensive personnel to get the ball to than ever before in Matt Cassel's tenure with the team, but Baldwin has the size and athletic ability to do what no one else on the team can do. It will be interesting to see if any drama comes of this or if any further explanation is given in the coming days.
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