Croyle still has to prove himself

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | Brodie Croyle appears to have won over Chiefs coaches. But some players still want Croyle, a second-year starter at quarterback, to prove himself.

He lost all six of his starts last year, which raised questions about whether he can win in the NFL. Croyle was inconsistent and inexperienced. When the Chiefs began offseason practice this week, all eyes were on Croyle, looking to see whether he had improved this offseason.

At least one player saw reason for optimism Tuesday.

“Brodie’s looking good, man,” wide receiver Dwayne Bowe said. “He threw a go route, back shoulder, against the wind. It was on the money. I was like, ‘Dude, you’re ready. It’s on.’ ”

Practices are closed to the media until Thursday. Croyle — a former University of Alabama quarterback — was not made available to the media Tuesday.

The Chiefs have invested plenty in Croyle’s future and coach Herm Edwards’ belief that Croyle can be a reliable starter. Kansas City didn’t draft a quarterback last month, and the team has been idle in trying to sign a proven passer.

The Chiefs are, it appears, Croyle’s team. For now, anyway.

“He’s up, and it’s his turn to show that he can be a starting quarterback in the National Football League, and not only that but to win games,” Edwards said. “I think he knows that he’s been waiting for his opportunity.”

The Chiefs also have simplified the offense for Croyle, and Edwards said Croyle has been quick to grasp new coordinator Chan Gailey’s system.

Edwards said he was encouraged Monday by Croyle’s precision and his ability to place the ball in tight spots. Still, Edwards said he reminded Croyle that he is passing in seven-on-seven drills, without a pass rush. But the coach said he likes what he has seen of Croyle’s confidence.

“He’s got a pretty good mind-set right now,” Edwards said.

While Croyle’s status did not change during the offseason, it appears that his backups’ status did. Tyler Thigpen, who missed the final four games of last season because of a knee injury, took snaps Monday and Tuesday with the second team. Damon Huard was the third-team passer.

“Damon’s not going to get a lot of reps,” Edwards said. “It’s not because we don’t trust him. It’s just that we know what Damon is capable of doing. So, he’s not going to get a lot of reps right now. He’ll get his reps in training camp.”

Huard, 34, started the Chiefs’ first nine games last year, before Croyle was selected as the starter. He passed for 2,257 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games.

Edwards said that decision, among others, is part of the Chiefs’ move toward young players. Edwards spoke Monday about the team’s fresh appearance and how some players were taken aback by its lack of veterans.

Thigpen says he is uncertain whether his time in the No. 2 spot is a long-term move. If it is, the Chiefs will, for better or worse, begin the season with a pair of young quarterbacks. Croyle is 25, and Thigpen is 24. Neither has much NFL experience, nor a firm grasp of the Chiefs’ offense.

“You’re not as comfortable as you’d like to be,” said Thigpen, who appeared in one game last year. “As you’re in an offense more and more, the more comfortable you are.”

Regardless of which quarterback is the main backup, the starter is Croyle. Now that they have seen him in practice, after four months of questions, some players are confident — even after last year’s struggles.

Bowe said he is among the confident ones.

“He’s like, in the huddle, eyes focused, everything on one accord,” Bowe said.

“He’s ready.”