Chiefs’ QB eager to see rule enforced

? Like probably every other quarterback in the NFL, Kansas City’s Trent Green will be delighted if NFL officials keep their word and begin clamping down on the “no-chuck” rule.

The league says it’s going to happen — that defensive backs will be flagged if they make contact with wide receivers five yards beyond the line of scrimmage. It’s a rule that has been on the books for many years. But it was violated so obviously and so successfully by New England against Indianapolis in the playoffs last year, the league was embarrassed.

“I think it’s only going to help (the Chiefs),” Green said Saturday during a break in a three-day minicamp.

Anything that gives an added boost to the Chiefs’ offense could be key. For the past two years, with Green at the controls, Kansas City has had one of the most productive and highest-scoring attacks in the league.

“Earlier in my career, there was a year they chose to enforce the chuck rule. Maybe ’95 or ’96,” said Green, who was named last year to his first Pro Bowl.

“A number of calls were made, especially early in the season, to just let the defensive backs know they were serious about it. It kind of changed the landscape of the passing game, and it freed some things up. I think this will definitely benefit us.”

The gradual lessening of enforcement of the no-chuck rule has influenced the game in ways many fans may not appreciate.

“A lot of what the officials have told us in the past was, when there was a bump-and-run situation or a bump situation, if we’re not throwing in that direction or looking in that direction, they generally don’t call it,” Green said.

“Or if it doesn’t have an impact on the play. But sometimes when we’re going through our reads, we eliminate guys because of that contact. Why take the chance of having an incompletion or a negative play when you can move on to your next receiver and get a positive play? So if anything, that will open up the field. I’m excited about it.”

Green and head coach Dick Vermeil do not agree on how closely the plan will be followed.

“It sounds good,” Vermeil said. “Every year I’ve been in the league there’s been something they’re going to attack at this time of year that fades after the third preseason game. But I believe they’re going to make an honest effort.”

To Green, there is no doubt the passing game will be played under different conditions this season.

“I think it will be real evident in the preseason,” he said. “They go around to all the camps in the preseason and show us tapes and say, ‘This is getting out of control, that is getting out of control.’ Well, this is one of the things that was getting a little out of control.”

In other news from the Chiefs’ minicamp:

  • Safety Greg Wesley was excused from Saturday’s drill to attend his mother’s wedding in Arkansas.
  • Pro Bowl right guard Will Shields has been absent all week because of the death of his mother.