Chiefs Coach Talks About the Chargers Weapons
by Joel Thorman on Oct 22, 2009 9:28 AM CDT
in 2009 Campaign
31 comments
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley met with the media yesterday afternoon as the team prepares for a Sunday home tilt against division rival San Diego Chargers. The Chargers of course have been dubbed one of the most talented teams the past few years but, like the Dallas Cowboys, that talent has only translated to the regular season.
Some say the Chargers window is closing but Haley isn't fazed by LaDainian Tomlinson's diminishing skills (at least by the numbers).
"I have seen none," Haley said when asked about a slippage in LT's play. "He’s a player that scares the heck out of me."
Tomlinson is on pace to finish with less than 1,000 yards, something he's never done in his career. He did not accumulate 100 yards rushing in either of the games against the Chiefs in 2008. However, he had rushed for at least 130 yards against the Chiefs in three games prior.
One weapon that is not on the decline is quarterback Philip Rivers. As much as it pains me to say this, he's one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
"The most obvious characteristic I see in him is he’s competitive," Haley said. "He’s into the game and fighting to win every snap and I like that quality in a quarterback. He’s big, got a quick release, got a bunch of weapons and he’s a dangerous player to face and he’s obviously shown that over the last handful of years."
In six career starts against the Chiefs, Rivers is completing 58% of his passes, averaging 232 yards passing and has a 7/9 touchdown to interception ratio. Basically, while he's playing well against the Chiefs overall, we've been capitalizing on his mistakes. However, he boasts a 4-2 record.
Compared to the rest of the division, the Chiefs are actually handling Rivers well. Against the Raiders and Broncos, he's completing a higher percentage of his passes, has a touchdown to interception ratio of 21/8 and a 12-2 record.
Haley recognized that the Chargers are a team full of talent and IF they put it all together, things could be rough.
"As we went through practice today you can see on tape they have a vast array of weapons that you have to defend or beat. They create a lot of problems in a lot of areas especially that little punt returner."
And, I did the check the Chargers roster, and Shawne Merriman is indeed still listed as a member of the team.
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Don't forget about Gates
we have had trouble with TEs this year due to our LB or safety match-ups. I see him having a big day.
Bewsaf
by Bewsaf on Oct 22, 2009 9:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You mean like ...
Witten did? Or like Zach Miller did?
It’s a myth that we have trouble against TEs because Todd Heap lit us up Week One. We’ve done a decent job of filling that hole and not allowing those quick slants over the middle anymore.
If we have trouble with San Diego, it’ll be from Rivers, Chambers and Gates. Their running game is currently worst in the NFL, which means that we shouldn’t have to dedicate much to stopping it which means we can force them to pass and frees us up to put pressure on the QB. If they beat us, it’ll be Rivers doing it.
And, besides, don’t underestimate a) San Diego’s decline (Merriman, LT and Gates are no longer what I’d consider “elite” players to be feared) and b) Norv Turner’s ability to completely throw away winnable games.
by JacinB on Oct 22, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brent Celek had 108 yards and a touchdown
by Joel Thorman on Oct 22, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay.
We covered Witten. We covered Cooley. We covered Miller.
Besides, it isn’t exactly like we were giving our best efforts in the Philly game, were we?
by JacinB on Oct 22, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We covered Witten well
Look who was throwing the ball to Cooley and Miller.
Week 7 Prediction:
Kansas City Chiefs 77 - San Diego Chargers 2
by craig in calgary on Oct 22, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope you are right...
I think Gates has 29 catches and 419 yards in 5 games…that would be (if he keeps that pace) 1,340 yards receiving this season. That does not look like a guy who has lost it to me.
Bewsaf
by Bewsaf on Oct 22, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meh.
Except for one tremendous game (against Pittsburgh’s not-as-good-as-advertised defense without Pollamalu), he averages 5 catches for 74ish yards per game. He’s currently on pace to have 6 TDs, if you include the 2 he picked up against Pittsburgh.
That seems pretty average to me.
by JacinB on Oct 22, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
I don’t know about not counting a guys biggest day…but…if we go with what you put up then Gates has a 1,184 yard season. For a tight end anything over 1,000 means you got skills.
Bewsaf
by Bewsaf on Oct 22, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, then ...
At his current pace, Miles Austin is going to go for 1,000+ yards and 10 TDs.
At his current pace, Brent Celek is going to get 1,200ish yards and 6 TDs (almost as good as Gates).
At his current pace, Drew Brees is going to throw 40+ TDs with just 6 INTs this year.
The point is, this early in the season, one big game greatly skews your “projected” averages far beyond what’s likely or reasonable.
by JacinB on Oct 22, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
one of those is probably true.
Brees throwing for 40 + tds
by Shutters on Oct 22, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I accept...
your premise that the pace a player or team is on at the start is not always sustainable throughout the entire season. I also accepted, in my last post, your premise that an anomaly might be discounted to project a players average performance (I did this by accepting your numbers in your last post.)
If I remember correctly I first presented the numbers to give evidence that Gates may not have “declined” as much as you say. Even your numbers of 29 catches and 74 yards (which you presented) a game are pretty darn good for a TE. In fact, like I stated, they are great numbers. A tight end with those numbers are usually getting a lot of first downs.
Again, I accept the premise that those numbers may not be counted on to predict with precise accuracy what his final numbers will be but I do think it is an indication of the quality of a player he has been up to this point in the year. Which in my estimation is a pretty darn good one.
In response to your Miles Austin and Brent Celek numbers…it would appear that they are having great years up to this point. If they don’t end up with those final numbers you project then it can be said that they played 5 great games and then fell off in performance.
regards,
Bewsaf
by Bewsaf on Oct 22, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
By that logic
Arizona Cardinals are last superbowl champions, if you throw out that one game they had against Pittsburg.
Week 7 Prediction:
Kansas City Chiefs 77 - San Diego Chargers 2
by craig in calgary on Oct 22, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope...
He hasn’t lost it but, as long as our guys are focused on keeping him contained, they will be fine. I’m sure he will make some plays but, we can’t let him light us up like todd heap did.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 22, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gates is good(and pretty much a given).
They have a 2nd TE that played very well on Monday Night… I forget what his name is, but he came up with some massive catches breaking tackles. This guy is huge, and his name escapes me…
by ravenhawk on Oct 22, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Phillip Rivers
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Oct 22, 2009 9:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
A picture says a thousand words!!!
Love it!
I cannot stand Philip Rivers….probably my least favorite player in the NFL, along with Kellen Winslow JR. and Jeremy Shockey.
I have to admit, he’s a tough competitor…but he is WAY overrated as an elite QB. He’s just a man who is surrounded by elite talent…in the right place at the right time.
His body language, along with is constant yipping at referees and trashtalking opposing players just makes him unbearable to watch…not to mention his side-arm “shot put” style throwing motion. He’s just not that good….The biggest mistake San Diego made was giving up Drew Brees in order to keep this guy. I’m at least happy they did so, because now I can be a fan of Drew Brees…I don’t HAVE to root against him. But I LOVE rooting against Rivers!
I carry a lighter around in my pocket wherever I go...I don't smoke, I just really like certain songs.
by BS_Nerdlaw on Oct 22, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to say this because I think Rivers is a pole smoker but...
Dude IS an elite QB in the league. If he just had one good year, I might think otherwise but, he has proven himself to be in the “elite” category.
Fortunately for us, he has never had HUGE games against the Chiefs. We always seem to do a pretty good job against him.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 22, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree...If you think Rivers isn't an elite qb then your not being objective
Its been 4 years now…All the doubters have watched him every year put up some of the best numbers in the league..
The chiefs will have there hands full this week…Herm always did a good job of game planning the chargers but we usually lost..But the games were always very close..
Hopefully we can win this baby..If we do, it tells me this team heading in the right direction
by CALIFAN1986 on Oct 22, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't bring myself.....
….to agree with you on that one.
If Phillip Rivers can still get his team to the playoffs in a year or two, once LT is done…and Merriman is gone, and Gates starts to decline….I MIGHT give in and say he was pretty good. But you can’t convince me he wasn’t just lucky to be in a good situation. I’ll agree that he has done a fairly decent job of managing his team the last few years, and has been a gritty competitor….but the word “ELITE” is way too strong of a word. You can’t say Elite when there are arguably 10 or more QB’s better than him in the league. To be elite, you have to be a top 4 or top 5 QB…Consistently!! And he doesn’t fit the category.
We’re already starting to see what kind of a QB he is, now that LT is struggling and their Defense isn’t holding up as well. His weapons are not as powerful, and now he’s just not doing much.
I carry a lighter around in my pocket wherever I go...I don't smoke, I just really like certain songs.
by BS_Nerdlaw on Oct 22, 2009 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love some of the questions the media ask.
Like Haley is really going to say “Yeah after watching tape on him, I think LT might be done, the guy just doesn’t have it anymore.” Or “You know that Rivers isn’t a bad QB, he just seems like a real a-hole. I hope Tamba takes his head off.”
I know they have to ask him something, but come on.
It's a good thing Pioli and Haley aren't running AP or a lot of you guys would of been traded or cut for cast offs from the Pats Pulpit.
by KCporkchop on Oct 22, 2009 10:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It is because when there is no news to report
the media will try to create it. They are always baiting coaches and players tryign to get them to say something news worthy and stupid. It is pathetic.
Just like those reporters in B-Lo trying to get Owens to bitch about the team. Owens is an ass but I watched that clip. He was at least trying to keep his mouth shut and just play and this reporter was such an ass.
Please help send my girlfriend to Broadway! Visit http://magonbroadway.blogspot.com/
by Patrick Allen on Oct 22, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
amen
"Every day is an evaluation and if you’re not out there how can we depend on you? If you’re out there and you don’t know what to do, how can we depend on you?" Accountability -- Haley-style...
by Chief_Elmo on Oct 22, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's to hoping
Tamba goes all Elvis Dumervil on River’s ass.
Welcome to Chiefs REBUILD - Version 2.0 /The Clark Hunt Edition
Chiefs will be lucky to go 4-12 in 2010
by KansasCityShuffle on Oct 22, 2009 10:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I said the charges window closed when marty left no one seems to believe me
I also said LT career was over when lorenzo neil left the team no one believed me.
Look chargers are done chiefs are winning this game. CASE CLOSED.
Time for us to show the world the chiefs are for real.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Oct 22, 2009 11:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
A good opportunity for the Chiefs
The Chargers are a descending team. LT has lost his explosive capability. Merriman is not as quick off the edge as he once was. Gates appears heavier and slower this season. In monday night’s game against the Broncos the players lacked passion. The only hint of passion came when LT slammed his helmet on the ground after being replaced by Sproles on that 3rd and goal play in the first half. The Broncos wanted that game more than the Chargers. If the Chiefs bring this same mentality to the game on Sunday they will win. Stop Sproles and blitz Rivers like the Broncos did and this game can be the teams second win of the season. Attack the middle of their defense with the run as that is where they are weak.
by chief66 on Oct 22, 2009 11:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Two teams going in different directions IMO.
The Chiefs are on there way up and it definitely appears that the Chargers are on the decline. Norv will be gone after this season and they will have to go through a rebuilding project just like us.
The Chiefs WILL win this Sunday.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 22, 2009 12:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope your right but I don't see the chargers on as steep as a decline as many do..They've ad a tough schedule
And I don’t see the chiefs on that great of an incline…The chiefs need to win more than a game vs. the redskins for them to prove to me their going in the right direction..
by CALIFAN1986 on Oct 22, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the chiefs need more than a win vs. the redskins?
how about how we hung with Dallas and got beat by ourselves? Or how about he battled the Ravens and shut down the Raiders only to beat ourselves again? If we can stop shooting ourselves then i feel we are a team heading in the right direction.
by jrcnc on Oct 22, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
Although it is quite convenient to forget the Philly game. We played pretty well vs NY too. The Charles fumble really hurt us in that game though as well as the poor “tackling” on the long TD by whats his name.
This team is definitely showing the ability to hang around and keep the games close. The defense is showing signs of life and special teams are solid.
Offense? Yeah well, it’s best to just not talk about that too much.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 22, 2009 2:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Make up news
I believe bloggers might even partake in “making up news” it seems everyone has the scoop.
by Aejfan on Oct 22, 2009 2:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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