[Kansas City.com] Maybe it’s an exaggeration to proclaim that Trent Green’s successor will be on display Friday when the Chiefs begin a three-day rookie camp.
But the Chiefs can’t be blamed for thinking that. After going more than a decade without a young quarterback who possessed even a modestly bright future, they suddenly have two.
So the race begins this weekend between former CFL star Casey Printers, who turns 25 next week, and third-round draft pick Brodie Croyle of Alabama, who is 23.
The Chiefs are hopeful that one – and maybe both – can, given time, get the job done.
“We’re going to run our offense,” Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said. “We feel these two guys have the ability to do that. Both of these guys have the ability when the play breaks down. (Croyle) has the ability to slide. He has great feet in the pocket. He has great awareness with the ball in his hand when he’s moving in the pocket. Casey’s the same thing. He can run and has the ability to slide in the pocket and make plays.”
“That’s what you want out of a quarterback. When the play breaks down and (things aren’t) on time, what do they do with the ball? Both of these kids have the ability to make a play when the play is broken down.”
Chiefs quarterback coach Terry Shea said the closest thing to Printers in the NFL in terms of style of play is Tennessee’s Steve McNair.
“Contrary to what a lot of people think about Casey, he doesn’t move to run,” Shea said. “He moves to throw. He’s got great balance, so he’s a tough guy to sack. But he can run and move the sticks with his feet.”
Printers has a strong arm, but he has problems with accuracy on shorter routes and touch passes. His temperament also raises issues.
Croyle’s durability is a concern after he missed part of his sophomore season because of a shoulder injury and most of his junior year because of torn knee ligaments.
“He had the best feet of all the quarterbacks in the draft this year,” Shea said. “Vince Young has tremendous running skills, but this guy has great feet, as good as you can ask for. He has what we call quiet feet. He’s so efficient, like a ballerina. He can redirect his feet quickly in order to make his progressions.”
Croyle, who threw 190 straight passes without an interception last season, has better accuracy and touch than Printers. Croyle’s arm might not be as strong, but he appears able to make all of the necessary throws.
