Chiefs may start Huard Sunday vs. Broncos
Published 11:28 pm Tuesday, September 23, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. Saddled with a 12-game losing streak, the rebuilding Kansas City Chiefs may decide they need a win more than a long look at a young quarterback.
Without coming right out and saying so, coach Herm Edwards strongly hinted Tuesday that veteran Damon Huard would probably get the nod on Sunday against Denver and that second-year man Tyler Thigpen would return to the bench after one start.
“I’ll decide on that tomorrow. Sleep on it a little bit more,” Edwards said. “I’m leaning that way. I’ve got to address the team, exactly what we’re going to do.”
Most of the players probably feel that Huard, a former UW standout, gives them the best chance of upsetting the unbeaten Broncos and snapping the longest losing skid in franchise history. After Brodie Croyle was injured in the season opener at New England, Huard came in and nearly pulled off an improbable victory before losing 17-10.
In eight starts for an injured Trent Green in 2006, Huard was 5-3.
Huard hit 10 of 16 passes for 135 yards against Oakland on Sept. 14 before hurting his neck and leaving the game. Although much more experienced, he’s less mobile than Thigpen or Croyle.
In the meantime, fans are restless and showing little patience with what the Chiefs are trying to do. Edwards insisted he will stay the course and continue playing young players, although perhaps not at quarterback.
“I’m patient with this whole process, and it is a process,” he said. “Sometimes, if you don’t realize that, you won’t be patient. You’ll panic. And I’m not a panic kind of guy.”
