Tyler Thigpen will finish as a Top-5 QB in 2009 (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

Here's my case. Feel free to throw rocks and garbage at me if you will.

a) He will easily lead all QBs in rushing yards, unless Young or Vick is unexpectedly starting next season. He should comfortably outdistance Garrard, Rodgers and whomever else in this category. That alone boosts his value. Those added rushing yards really aids a QBs fantasy totals. He is somewhere between Mike McMahon and Steve Young as a runner/scrambler... and that's a good thing.

b) He has weapons. Bowe and Gonzo return. Bradley and other WRs have shown flashes. Even the backup RBs can fly.

c) His defense is young and awful. They won't improve that much in one offseason. This equals lots of passing.

d) The defenses in his division are poor. That's 6 out of 16 games right there.

e) One offseason and training camp as "THE MAN" at quarterback will do wonders to cure the head-scratching mental mistakes he makes from time to time, like ignoring wide open receivers on checkdown routes or the RBs out in the flat, instead opting to throw into triple-coverage.

I won't tell you I'd take him higher than the first four, but here's how I see the final Top-10 for next year:

1) Brady

2) Brees

3) Romo

4) P. Manning

5) Thigpen

6) Cutler (he could easily be ranked higher, but he seems to mix in some stinkers now and then)

7) Rodgers (the guy just seems flaky to me -- not sure I'd want to have to rely on him as my #1)

8) Warner (at his age, it's unrealistic to expect him to be healthy again in '09 for a full 16 games)

9) Rivers (Merriman returning will improve the defense, which IMO will result in fewer pass attempts)

10) Schaub (he always seems to be hurt, no?)

Thought about Ryan and Palmer. Ryan has to show it to me one more time, and I hate Palmer's football team.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

isnt he a FA? plus the Chefs have the 2nd pick. Whos to say they dont take a QB? New GM, possibly a new coach. I noticed during the bolts game that the stadium was as empty as I have ever seen a rookie QB might help sell seats

.

I do agree that the chefs QB could have upside

 

[kinghill]

I think Thigpen being top 5 is more likely than Brady being #1.

Both are longshots.

 

[FUBAR]

He's in my list as a late round pick, perhaps part of a QBBC. Assuming Gonzo stays, I can't dispute much of what you're saying except he's not a lock to remain the starter.

 

[Raider Nation]

isnt he a FA? plus the Chefs have the 2nd pick. Whos to say they dont take a QB? New GM, possibly a new coach. I noticed during the bolts game that the stadium was as empty as I have ever seen a rookie QB might help sell seats

Herm is on Sirius NFL radio every week. He is clearly sold that Thigpen is the answer at QB. He loves the kid.Of course, Edwards could be history so I'm not sure what that's worth.

 

[Ned]

So you see KC keeping the spread offense in tact?

 

[Raider Nation]

I think Thigpen being top 5 is more likely than Brady being #1.Both are longshots.

How is Brady being #1 a "longshot"...? As long as he's healthy and he still has his weapons, I expect (unfortunately) continued greatness.

 

[Raider Nation]

So you see KC keeping the spread offense in tact?

If Herm and his staff departs, I'm assuming the new GM will hire an offensive coach whose scheme fits Thigpen's strengths.So, yes. Or there will at least be some variation of it.

 

[iSnitch]

There's a fair chance Herm will be gone. The offense may change a great deal.

 

[MDSkinner]

Thought about Ryan and Palmer. Ryan has to show it to me one more time, and I hate Palmer's football team.

Ryan is the one who came to my mind as potential top 10 next year and I guess I just question why Ryan has to show it to you one more time but Thigpen does not?I do think you make a legit case, though and it seems likely that if Thigpen is starting that he should be able to put up good numbers simply due to the fact that the Chiefs will not be good on defense again next year.

 

[iSnitch]

So you see KC keeping the spread offense in tact?

If Herm and his staff departs, I'm assuming the new GM will hire an offensive coach whose scheme fits Thigpen's strengths.So, yes. Or there will at least be some variation of it.

That's not a small assumption. I wouldn't mind taking a late round flyer on Thigpen or a few other guys but I'm not sold on him being a future stud.

 

[Raider Nation]

Thought about Ryan and Palmer. Ryan has to show it to me one more time, and I hate Palmer's football team.

I just question why Ryan has to show it to you one more time but Thigpen does not?

That's a very fair question, and one I was expecting.I guess my answer would be that legs don't go into a slump. Thigpen will ALWAYS get you rushing yards, limiting horrible weeks.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Thought about Ryan and Palmer. Ryan has to show it to me one more time, and I hate Palmer's football team.

Ryan is the one who came to my mind as potential top 10 next year and I guess I just question why Ryan has to show it to you one more time but Thigpen does not?

There may be a flaw in that logic, but Ryan needs the Falcons to add a WR and/or quality pass-catching TE to get there. Thigpen can get there with the exact same cast because of his rushing yards and scores (he's #3 over the last 6 weeks in my league).

 

[JimboJim]

I posted this in another thread, but there are two major red-flags with Thigpen.

1. He has a 55.7% completion percentage; that puts him 29th in the league.

2. He has a 6.1 yards per attempt; good for 29th rank again.

In both cases, Thigpen is sandwhiched between Marc Bulger and Matt Hasslebeck. Two guys, who are arguably having their worst seasons in the league.

I'm not saying it couldn't happen, but there aren't many QBs in the league who struggle with accuracy and have trouble getting the ball downfield.

 

[LionsFan78]

b) He has weapons. Bowe and Gonzo return. Bradley and other WRs have shown flashes. Even the backup RBs can fly.

RN...Good overall post. Curious though, has this been discussed and possibly confirmed? Or do you just believe that he will.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

The league is catching up to Thigpen and the Pistol Spread attack that Gailey has put in. His three worst fantasy games since the new offense was installed were his last three, and that's WITH three of his four top rushing totals. He hasn't topped 200 yards passing during that stretch, nor has he thrown for more than one TD.

 

[Buckeyedawgs]

I think saying Thigpen could possibly be top 10 is more realistic. I certainly won;t take the gamble drafting him as a top 5. And I doubt anyone would.

I doubt many would take the chance drafting him top 10 next year. I see Anderson written all over him! He has been a pleasant surprise this year. But how long will he maintain it? Again Anderson written all over him!

I probably won;t hesitate to draft him as a QB-2 next year if things stay the same off season. Only if he's still on the board after I have my starters filled in!

 

[money.never.sleeps]

The league is catching up to Thigpen and the Pistol Spread attack that Gailey has put in. His three worst fantasy games since the new offense was installed were his last three, and that's WITH three of his four top rushing totals. He hasn't topped 200 yards passing during that stretch, nor has he thrown for more than one TD.

At the same time it's also harder as a young/new QB vs. team(s) a second time around. That being the Chargers and the Raiders.I currently have him on one team and am hesitant about his chances to continued success but at the same time he's played some pretty good games (stat wise) and ran his way to more opp. on drives. He was also about 6 inches (if that) from having a 2 TD rushing game along with his 1 TD toss which isnt bad last week.He does target Tony G. to often from the snap and really doesnt go to through his progressions that well yet. I agree (raidernation) that if he becomes the man going into camp that will really help him.

 

[jesseasi]

I think your smoking crack.

In the highlights each week he looks awesome. He makes great plays that are super exciting and athletic. I have watched every KC game this year and I can tell you Thigpen is horrible.

If defenses caught every ball he throws right to the defender he would have 3-4 picks every week. He is a gunslinger and has no respect for defenses. He throws into double coverage, makes poor decisions, bad throws, and turns the ball over every chance he gets.

His biggest problem is Herm. Herm has proven to me he is a total idiot.

Lets look at some of the brilliant play calling and QB play.

vs San Diego - a game they gave away. Early in the 2nd Quarter leading 7-0. Here is what KC does at the goal line.

Kansas City Chiefs at 10:53

1-10-SD 17 (10:53) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass short left to 82-D.Bowe pushed ob at SD 8 for 9 yards (54-S.Cooper).

2-1-SD 8 (10:24) 27-L.Johnson left guard to SD 7 for 1 yard (76-J.Williams).

1-7-SD 7 (9:43) 4-T.Thigpen pass incomplete short right to 42-M.Cox. PENALTY on SD-51-T.Dobbins, Defensive Pass Interference, 2 yards, enforced at SD 7 - No Play.

1-5-SD 5 (9:39) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass short middle intended for 88-T.Gonzalez INTERCEPTED by 54-S.Cooper (95-S.Phillips) at SD -5. Touchback.

Beautiful play calling. You got 1st and goal at the 7 and you throw it two plays in a row. I am sorry this is LJ territory. You run and protect the ball. Nice job Thigpen.

vs Denver - another game they give away after leading 17-14 at half.

In the fourth quarter - again first and goal at the 10. Here is the brilliant play calling and execution of Thigpen.

1-10-DEN 10 (5:37) 4-T.Thigpen pass incomplete short left to 82-D.Bowe (51-J.Winborn).

2-10-DEN 10 (5:33) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen up the middle to DEN 5 for 5 yards (91-E.Ekuban, 79-M.Thomas).

3-5-DEN 5 (4:48) 4-T.Thigpen pass incomplete short right to 82-D.Bowe (41-K.Paymah). Penalty on KC-81-D.Darling, Illegal Formation, declined.

4-5-DEN 5 (4:44) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen scrambles up the middle to DEN 1 for 4 yards (32-D.Bly).

I see 4 consecutive plays where Thigpen failed to get anything done.

vs Bills - ultimate week. This game got way out of hand - all because of Herm and Thigpen's play.

Leading (yes they had the lead at one point in this game - 14-10. Here is what they did)

1-10-KC 27 (10:04) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen FUMBLES (Aborted) at KC 22, and recovers at KC 22. 4-T.Thigpen to KC 27 for 5 yards (59-K.Mitchell). PENALTY on BUF-59-K.Mitchell, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced at KC 27 - No Play.

1-5-KC 32 (9:46) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass incomplete short left to 27-L.Johnson.

2-5-KC 32 (9:42) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 27-L.Johnson right end to BUF 42 for 26 yards (30-K.Simpson). PENALTY on KC-54-B.Waters, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at KC 32 - No Play.

2-15-KC 22 (9:08) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass incomplete short left to 83-M.Bradley (99-M.Stroud).

3-15-KC 22 (9:03) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass short right to 25-J.Charles to KC 30 for 8 yards (27-R.Corner). FUMBLES (27-R.Corner), RECOVERED by BUF-37-G.Wilson at KC 28.

With the lead - Herm sees no reason to run the ball. He just throws it all over the place. No try to establish any kind of ball control.

Then on their very next possession, still up 14-13 here is what KC comes out doing.

9-R.Lindell kicks 56 yards from BUF 30 to KC 14. 31-M.Leggett to KC 30 for 16 yards (54-B.Costanzo).

1-10-KC 30 (7:47) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass deep left to 82-D.Bowe ran ob at BUF 41 for 29 yards. Penalty on BUF-24-T.McGee, Illegal Contact, declined.

1-10-BUF 41 (7:24) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass short right intended for 83-M.Bradley INTERCEPTED by 28-L.McKelvin at BUF 36. 28-L.McKelvin for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Kansas City challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #2 at 07:11.)

Nice!

Maybe I am a bitter Larry Johnson owner. But I can say without a doubt - Thigpen's play is the reason this team can't win.

 

[lyon812]

Thought about Ryan and Palmer. Ryan has to show it to me one more time, and I hate Palmer's football team.

I just question why Ryan has to show it to you one more time but Thigpen does not?

That's a very fair question, and one I was expecting.I guess my answer would be that legs don't go into a slump. Thigpen will ALWAYS get you rushing yards, limiting horrible weeks.

This is true to a point. Fitzpatrick rushes a fair amount, but still has crappy games.

 

[Raider Nation]

I think your smoking crack.

My what is smoking crack?

 

[bjabrad]

I think your smoking crack.In the highlights each week he looks awesome. He makes great plays that are super exciting and athletic. I have watched every KC game this year and I can tell you Thigpen is horrible.If defenses caught every ball he throws right to the defender he would have 3-4 picks every week. He is a gunslinger and has no respect for defenses. He throws into double coverage, makes poor decisions, bad throws, and turns the ball over every chance he gets.His biggest problem is Herm. Herm has proven to me he is a total idiot.Lets look at some of the brilliant play calling and QB play.vs San Diego - a game they gave away. Early in the 2nd Quarter leading 7-0. Here is what KC does at the goal line.Kansas City Chiefs at 10:53 1-10-SD 17 (10:53) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass short left to 82-D.Bowe pushed ob at SD 8 for 9 yards (54-S.Cooper). 2-1-SD 8 (10:24) 27-L.Johnson left guard to SD 7 for 1 yard (76-J.Williams). 1-7-SD 7 (9:43) 4-T.Thigpen pass incomplete short right to 42-M.Cox. PENALTY on SD-51-T.Dobbins, Defensive Pass Interference, 2 yards, enforced at SD 7 - No Play. 1-5-SD 5 (9:39) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass short middle intended for 88-T.Gonzalez INTERCEPTED by 54-S.Cooper (95-S.Phillips) at SD -5. Touchback. Beautiful play calling. You got 1st and goal at the 7 and you throw it two plays in a row. I am sorry this is LJ territory. You run and protect the ball. Nice job Thigpen.vs Denver - another game they give away after leading 17-14 at half.In the fourth quarter - again first and goal at the 10. Here is the brilliant play calling and execution of Thigpen.1-10-DEN 10 (5:37) 4-T.Thigpen pass incomplete short left to 82-D.Bowe (51-J.Winborn). 2-10-DEN 10 (5:33) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen up the middle to DEN 5 for 5 yards (91-E.Ekuban, 79-M.Thomas). 3-5-DEN 5 (4:48) 4-T.Thigpen pass incomplete short right to 82-D.Bowe (41-K.Paymah). Penalty on KC-81-D.Darling, Illegal Formation, declined. 4-5-DEN 5 (4:44) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen scrambles up the middle to DEN 1 for 4 yards (32-D.Bly). I see 4 consecutive plays where Thigpen failed to get anything done.vs Bills - ultimate week. This game got way out of hand - all because of Herm and Thigpen's play. Leading (yes they had the lead at one point in this game - 14-10. Here is what they did)1-10-KC 27 (10:04) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen FUMBLES (Aborted) at KC 22, and recovers at KC 22. 4-T.Thigpen to KC 27 for 5 yards (59-K.Mitchell). PENALTY on BUF-59-K.Mitchell, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced at KC 27 - No Play. 1-5-KC 32 (9:46) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass incomplete short left to 27-L.Johnson. 2-5-KC 32 (9:42) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 27-L.Johnson right end to BUF 42 for 26 yards (30-K.Simpson). PENALTY on KC-54-B.Waters, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at KC 32 - No Play. 2-15-KC 22 (9:08) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass incomplete short left to 83-M.Bradley (99-M.Stroud). 3-15-KC 22 (9:03) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass short right to 25-J.Charles to KC 30 for 8 yards (27-R.Corner). FUMBLES (27-R.Corner), RECOVERED by BUF-37-G.Wilson at KC 28. With the lead - Herm sees no reason to run the ball. He just throws it all over the place. No try to establish any kind of ball control.Then on their very next possession, still up 14-13 here is what KC comes out doing.9-R.Lindell kicks 56 yards from BUF 30 to KC 14. 31-M.Leggett to KC 30 for 16 yards (54-B.Costanzo). 1-10-KC 30 (7:47) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass deep left to 82-D.Bowe ran ob at BUF 41 for 29 yards. Penalty on BUF-24-T.McGee, Illegal Contact, declined. 1-10-BUF 41 (7:24) (Shotgun) 4-T.Thigpen pass short right intended for 83-M.Bradley INTERCEPTED by 28-L.McKelvin at BUF 36. 28-L.McKelvin for 64 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Kansas City challenged the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #2 at 07:11.) Nice!Maybe I am a bitter Larry Johnson owner. But I can say without a doubt - Thigpen's play is the reason this team can't win.

I don't think that Thigpen is the long term solution for KC but for my own information I'd like to know one thing,,,who calls the offensive plays in KC,,,Gailey or Edwards?

 

[houndirish]

I'm not saying I agree with the OP, but Tyler Thigpen is actually starting for one of the teams in our Super Bowl. His backup is Kyle Orton! Poor dude lost Brady 15 minutes into the season and wasn't able to pull a trade for a replacement. He shockingly hovered around .500 for most of the season before winning 3 of 4 down the stretch to take a wild card. Couple of upsets later and he's in the Bowl. Crazy stuff.

Still, I don't see him posting top 5 next year.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

The league is catching up to Thigpen and the Pistol Spread attack that Gailey has put in. His three worst fantasy games since the new offense was installed were his last three, and that's WITH three of his four top rushing totals. He hasn't topped 200 yards passing during that stretch, nor has he thrown for more than one TD.

Exactly. And that's not even addressing the issue that Thigpen is far from the odds on favorite to be the Chiefs starting QB next season.

 

[The Jacket]

Lot of things that could help or hurt him in the offseason. Maybe they get rid of Herm and sign an offensive guy, draft further offensive help, sign offensive help, retain Gonzo? Maybe they keep Herm, lose Gonzo in a trade, draft and sign defense, and we're talking status quo minus Gonzo ... which basically equals bottom-five QB in 2009.