Chiefs Coach, Larry Johnson React to Decision Not to Run on the Goal Line
by Joel Thorman on Oct 6, 2009 8:00 AM CDT
in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign
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PrintIn Sunday's loss to the New York Giants, the Kansas City Chiefs had the ball inside the two yard line of enemy territory on seven occasions (I'm including a two point conversion) in the second half. On only two of those plays did the Chiefs run the ball and only one of those two runs went to Larry Johnson.
(Take a look at the play-by-play here)
We've got a couple of reactions to these decisions.
First, Larry Johnson. Following the game, reporters in the locker room asked him a few questions regarding the playcalling situation late in the game and other game-related topics. LJ's only response? Ego.
No, really. All he said was "ego" to the questions. He later talked about the game but there was a strange sequence there where he wouldn't elaborate on any of it. Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star, who was in the locker room after the game, appeared on 610 Sports yesterday afternoon and said his best guess was that the exchange was related to the playcalling decision not to use LJ on the goal line.
In fact, just a couple hours after the game, LJ posted this message on his Twitter account:
"Ego...Ego...Ego...Ego"
An LJ blow-up? It's possible. More explanation after the jump.
Honestly, in the back of my mind I've been wondering when (not if) it will come. Past history has indicated that he will be (publicly) upset if things aren't going his way and since his past history is the best indicator of the future then it's a legitimate thought process. LJ definitely causes our emotions to rise, for better or worse, so I try to take an objective view.
I hope it doesn't come to that. The last player who tried to publicly (via Jason Whitlock) question the coaching staff was Brian Waters and the public has generally sided with Haley on that issue. Only time will tell whether this is a continuation of the LJ of old or just a blip in the new LJ.
I hope (and for the time being, suspect) it's the latter.
Haley was asked about the strange "ego" exchange with LJ and reporters and he said he didn't know anything about it.
The Chiefs coach was also asked about the decision to pass rather than run near the goal line and, frankly, his explanation makes a lot of sense. When you run the ball and don't score, time comes off the clock. When you pass the ball, and it's incomplete, time doesn't come off the clock.
"We were 27-3 one time down there and 27-9 another time," Haley explained. "Just common sense-wise I’ve been in games where you’ve had to come back and when you are down that far and you’re trying to win the game – which we were definitely trying to do – you’re going to have to do some things to conserve time.
"A run down there that doesn’t score uses approximately 35 to 40 seconds sometimes as opposed to a pass that can use four seconds if it’s incomplete."
Haley said in games like that, where time is as big of an opponent as the Giants, you do things you wouldn't normally do like, uh, conserve the clock.
His explanation was acceptable in my mind, which makes LJ's behavior even more perplexing.
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Maybe he meant his ego.
Everyone always talks about LJs ego and how big it is. Maybe he thinks this was a Haley move to further destroy that ego and get LJ grounded.
Personally, I hated the calls during the game. But thinking back, yeah…they were right. It’s nice to see him taking such care of the clock….looks as if he’s learned his lesson from the Raiders game :)
Penn State to Kansas City...Always a winning combination.
We scored on both of those trips
I don’t care if Haley put his great grandma in there as long as we got the TD. Who gives a crap if we threw or ran if it worked? It did keep time from coming off the clock and we did score.
The packers did the same thing in goal line situations last night.
Our O-Line sucks. Could LJ have scored running? Maybe. It also might have taken two or three plays and a minute and a hald off the clock.
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Yeah, but...
…the Packers didn’t score on one goal line stand and we scored on both… ;)
"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...
I'm liking Haley's answer
I think we are so used to piss poor clock management ala Cherm that we frgot that there are coaches that actually think about those things
by Ren on Oct 6, 2009 8:24 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Umm, did you even read his quote correctly?
What a cop-out on Haley’s part. THE IDEA IS not TO THROW AN INCOMPLETE PASS IN THE FIRST PLACE AND MOVE THE BALL FORWARD which will keep the clock running! His logic is fundamentally flawed. What’s scary is it seems like he “EXPECTS” us to throw several incomplete passes.
Right
but from where we were, we werent looking for a 1st down we had one place to go Endzone
Now
if he was saying this around the opposite 20 I would agree with your arguement but around the 2 yard line when your throwing it, the ball better be going into the endzone, basically if its incomplete no worries and if we do catch a TD clock stops anyways
Regardless I still think LJ punches it in
Great players dont win championships.....Great TEAMS win championships
actually your logic is flawed.
when you are up you are absolutely correct you run the ball and kill the clock. when you are down and need as much time as possible you do whatever it takes to NOT keep the clock running. he didn’t expect us to throw an incomplete pass, but he did expect us to have to take at least 2 maybe 3 tries to get it into the end zone so therefore he called a play that takes 1/4 or less time than it takes to run it in. sure LJ is a good RB and might have been able to get it in 1 try stopping the clock, but NY was stacking the box like everyone does down by the goal line so it’s just as likely, if not more, that they stop him short keeping that clock running. you might take that gamble but i don’t fault haley for not. he gave us the best chance to win, unfortunately we were too far out of it by that point.
Ego
I think it had to do with Pioli’s ego and wanting to pad Cassel’s stats.
Pad Cassel's stats?
Really, were you watching when LJ tried to run on short yardage situations? Would we have got two scores out of LJ, doubt it. See signature.
We have to run the gauntlet over the next few weeks, we will be better for it. Pioli is not done with the roster, he will improve it. LJ is getting ready to start whining again.
i'm sure this is it
scott got on the headset and was all, “todd, we need to get matt his stats, ok. just throw it so he can pad his stats.” what an ignorant comment
Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day.
Harry S. Truman
the only reason pioli would do that is
if he had cassel in his fantasy league
by Leaf on Oct 6, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I second kc guys's comment..
I was listening in on the other line and that’s EXACTLY what Pioli said…didn’t you guys see Matt wink at Pioli up in the booth?? hmmmm!! Subtle things guys; subtle things…although I think (HOPE) tampa royal was messing with us to get a rise…cuz otherwise…that was probably one of the stu*&(*&(^%!! comments I’ve ever heard on here before.
And coming from me!! that’s saying something cuz I’ve said some of the stupidest shit you’ll ever hear on AP, so I know what I’m talkin’ about!
Whitlock? Is that you?
Watching the 2009-2010 Chiefs 12 hours ahead of you (in Taipei, Taiwan).
Twittering my every move. Don't act like you're not even slightly interested.
When does his money kick in?
That $ was taken away during the arbitration in the off season, contingent on how much he plays in 09. That made him untradeable. All of a sudden, he turns into the greatest team player ever. Now I’ve got to imagine that it’s getting close to paycheck time. Could that explain it?
Also funny to hear Haley saying “we were definately trying to win the game”…. unlike last week when… they gave up?
his salary became guaranteed opening day if he was on the roster...which he was
Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day.
Harry S. Truman
Yep, now all Haley has to do
is tell him to take off the diapers, and he will run hard again.:) LJ, and LT are both done. Waste of money I say.
We have to run the gauntlet over the next few weeks, we will be better for it. Pioli is not done with the roster, he will improve it. LJ is getting ready to start whining again.
Call me stupid
but LT yes
LJ no watch when and I say when we improve the line LJ will have a much better year regardless of his age he just doesnt have the mileage other backs have and I know thats the same argument….but its true Im waiting.
Its the same issue with Cassel he cant throw because he doesnt have time, but we havent hung him for sucking yet….
Great players dont win championships.....Great TEAMS win championships
On the line
when will Ndukwe replace Goff?
We have to run the gauntlet over the next few weeks, we will be better for it. Pioli is not done with the roster, he will improve it. LJ is getting ready to start whining again.
IDK
but it needs to happen…QUICK
Great players dont win championships.....Great TEAMS win championships
They need to just do it now.
The sooner the change happens, the sooner we see a solidified unit on the O-line. O’Call was pretty impressive IMO. Ndukwe will make a fine Guard.
Now, if we can just figure out what to do about Rudy. That’s the position I am the most torn on. He seems to have potential but, I think he should be playing better by now. I say we draft a Center in the 2nd round this year. We need a freakin stud there.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 6, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Yep
They are both knocking on the 30 door, as we all know that’s pretty much time to hang it up if you are a RB….especially if you are a RB that has been worked as much as these two have.
Don't Fuccop Succop
by chicks_love_chiefs on Oct 6, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions
You are right
about their age but have you watched LT run the guy looks like a 30 yr old.
he falls on his cuts and cant turn that corner like he used to.
Yes to a certain extent you can say the same for LJ i mean he isnt getting any faster, but give LJ a line next year with help from savage and charles and hes good to go.
If hes here next year and we draft like we should (chough chough OLINE) he will break 1000 for sure!
Seems like a bunch of “ifs” “but” we can only wait “and” see….I honetly just dont think he has lost it yet
Great players dont win championships.....Great TEAMS win championships
We all knew...
…LJ wouldn’t be the same after his 416 carry season. (It was 416, right?0
by GonzosDirtyTrailer on Oct 6, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
umm
not sure but sounds right,
but the front office should of known he wouldnt have been the same without a F-ing Oline to block for him we brought in scrubs to protect/block at the time our best offensive player behind TG
Great players dont win championships.....Great TEAMS win championships
Ego
I think the ego comments were directed at Haley. There is no secret that the guy thinks a lot of himself. Although I can’t figure out why his “ego” would prevent him from handing the ball off at the goal line. I think LJ does not like Haley and just took an opportunity to take a shot.
Unlike the previous coaching staff,
LJ will find himself on the bench.
We have to run the gauntlet over the next few weeks, we will be better for it. Pioli is not done with the roster, he will improve it. LJ is getting ready to start whining again.
we don't have anybody that could do any better
with this O-Line and pass first playcalling.
LJ was frustrated after another bad loss
I don’t really think it’s a problem, yet. I think he’s been running fairly well considering the circumstances, and now that we’re reaching the “easy” part of the schedule his stats will improve…and he’ll stop whining.
I think everyone knows what they’re going to get with LJ, and I don’t think he’s such a team leader that when he’s unhappy everyone is unhappy…the other players probably just ignore how he feels.
at first i wasn't sure what to think about all the passes at the goal line
while not as bitter as some other posters, i was leaning toward the WTF side. but after hear haley’s explanation i think he’s got a better grasp on the HC situation then we give him credit for.
I dont really see what the big deal is....the game was over anyway....
These TD’s passes by Cassel were all garbage TD’s. (as in they had zero affect toward the outcome)
Don't Fuccop Succop
by chicks_love_chiefs on Oct 6, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions
it might not have effected the outcome on the game
but i whould hardly call them garbage. you have to learn to score before you can learn to win. thoes TDs help build that chemistry that we need on offense. thoes TDs, especially the wade catch, help cassel to know where he can throw it and who he can count on in tought situations. i’d hardly call anything that helps our team become a team garbage.
True...
But when you are down 27-3 with like 12 minutes left in the 4th it’s basically garbage time. Who knows if we could have gotten in if the score was different. The Giants seemed to lessen their grip a little bit late….after the game was wrapped up.
You are correct, this could help Cassel and his WR get on the same page, etc. etc. I only meant garbage, relative to the out come of that game.
Don't Fuccop Succop
by chicks_love_chiefs on Oct 6, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
i understand that
i wasn’t trying to say you were wrong for calling them garbage, just that i wouldn’t regardless of how they affect the outcome. true you could say we got them when the giants sent their cheerleaders out to play us, but then again i don’t think we would have been down 27-3 if they hadn’t called the penalty on page in the first half. that was a 3rd down pass so they would have been punting. instead they go 14-3 on us on the very next play. i really feel that was the point in which the game got away from us. i had been feeling hopeful up until that point. after that TD i felt despair. i imagine that’s how the players felt as well.
and anyway...aren't we the pot calling the kettle black??
We’re on here constantly on here having one bitch fest after another and LJ says one very vague comment that could be taken a dozen different ways and we are ALL over this one aren’t we??
OH God I’m such a hypocrite…thanks LJ for making me feel like an ASS! You and your stupid EGO!
Meh.
While confused about why we tried so had to win a game that was out of reach this week as opposed to practicing our running game and establishing our “identity” like last week, I can’t complain because as Paddy points out, we got the TDs.
If LJ’s ticked, it’s not just because of the playcalling at the end of the game. Can’t say I blame him for being ticked off.
I totally agree
The thing with haley is I dont think he has the patience to establish a running game, ever. True, he has to give us the best tools to win the game, but if we’re playing from behind all the time, OPPOSING DEFENSES KNOW YOU WILL BE PASSING.
I just think Haley is impatient and he needs to give Larry more carries. He’s one of the few remaining “stars” this team has.
are you serious
if haley didn’t have the patience he would have thrown out the run after the first game. what i don’t get is how everyone was bitching last week saying haley gave up because he ran the ball, but this week they are bitching that he didn’t run the ball. make up you minds people. are you just looking for something to bitch at
I'm not bitching.
I thought the play calling was much better this week. There were a few that bugged me but, overall it was better.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 6, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
i said everyone in the general sense
not to call any one person out. but if you like, there was a sizable group that was bitching last week and are still bitching this week. DISCLAIMER: this sizable group did not or ever will inlcude Chiefsfan1970 :p
Oh, I don't know...
I was seriously bitching last week about the play calling.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 6, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions
oh please
“We were 27-3 one time down there and 27-9 another time,” Haley explained. "Just common sense-wise I’ve been in games where you’ve had to come back and when you are down that far and you’re trying to win the game – which we were definitely trying to do – you’re going to have to do some things to conserve time.
I would believe that if they didnt run all of those draw plays that did nothing in the second half. You have to pound the ball in and make a statement.
Predictions for 2009:
LJ runs for 1800 yards
Bowe in the pro bowl
Chiefs D finishes in the top 10 in points allowed
Chiefs 10-6
Agree Bones
either rely heavily on the run or don’t. the Chiefs are never going to establish an identity if Haley himself continues to teeter on what kind of identity he wants them to have. And bash me all you want, but I think he was merely passing to “practice” more in the passing game and test the offensive line’s blocking capabilities, or lack thereof. This was another one where he knew we had no chance to win and just wanted to see where everybody was as far as progress. Haley stressing he was trying to win makes me believe it even more…
Put this in your pipe and smoke it:
1. Chiefs will be at least 8-8 and vie for division champs
2. DJ will break out and finally have his year
3. LJ returns to form
4. DBowe drops will reduce
by kcchiefsfan72 on Oct 6, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Horrible play calling either way you look at it.
Sorry but you gotta give it to LJ, Cox, Battle, or even QB sneak it on the 2 yard line…and I dont mean draws. Who does that with no O-line? Its like Haley is having a brain-fart meltdown assuming both roles.
Head Coach AND Offensive Coordinator too much to handle???
The play calling throughout the ENTIRE game was unacceptable and needs to be repeatedly questioned.
I want to see bootlegs and sprint out passes
I know those are more a staple of a West Coast offense but man we need them to keep the defenders on their heels a bit. As hard as they crash in on our RBs right now a bootleg with Cassel’s good mobility should be a staple of this offense until this o-line improves.
by Ryan in Nixa on Oct 6, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
the draws are not working becaus our oline cant block long enough.
we just need short passes 8 yard 10 yard passes slants thats all brett favre throws thats all mark sanchez is throwing i mean we are just trying to do way to much . run some play action quick passes. and our next problem is blocking on the second level no one takes account for blitzes or linebackers on the next level. thats why we have no run game.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
that and..
the fact that the majority of our running plays were draws. You use draws to mix it up and against an agressive pass rush, ypou DON’T use draws as a staple for your running game
what i think everyone fails to think about
is not only is the team learning how to pull off a new system, but haley is learning what and when the team can pull off a play. this was his 4th game as the chiefs HC/OC. there’s no way in hell that he can know what our offence can pull off and when they can do it yet. that kind of experience comes over time.
I hope we take Demarco Murray with our 3rd rounder.
I know it will be pretty high in the 3rd round, but he probably wont be there in the 4th. If he wasnt injured so much he would be gone in the first. O Callahan played well I thought and I actually saw some unity on the line for the first time. I say replace Goff with Ndukwe and we should be clicking by The Redskins game.
im sorry but i hate the fact that LT is going to go to the hall of fame
I mean the guy was on top of the world at one point i think he should get a walk of fame star on hollywood blvd ill give him that for all his commercials. But i dont think that he should go to the hall the guy has yet to even play in a playoff game. what a joke.
FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.
by sexassassin on Oct 6, 2009 10:56 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
No way....LT was the best RB in the game for 7-8 seasons
1st ballot HOF
Don't Fuccop Succop
by chicks_love_chiefs on Oct 6, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Yea your right
he was good but the dudes a bitch
Great players dont win championships.....Great TEAMS win championships
it's sad that people like that get in
but it’s the football hall of fame not personality hall of fame. look at TO. complete wanker yet he’ll get in.
LT - you love his peanuts
Below are reasons why he is going to the Hall of Fame.
Wikipedia LaDainian Tomlinson, read the write up and check out the RECORDS
Holds the all-time NFL record for single season touchdowns (31). (The previous record was 28, it was set in 2005 by Shaun Alexander.19)
Holds the all-time NFL record for single season rushing touchdowns (28). (The previous record was 27, in 2003 by Priest Holmes and in 2005 by Shaun Alexander.20)
Holds the all-time NFL record for the most points scored in a single season (186). (The previous record was 176. It was set in 1960 by Paul Hornung.21)
Holds the all-time NFL record for most consecutive games with a rushing touchdown (18). (The Previous record was 13, it was set in 1983 by John Riggins)
Holds the NFL record for most consecutive multi-touchdown games (8). (The previous record was 7, it was set in 1983 by John Riggins.22)
Tied the record for most consecutive games with a touchdown score with Hall of Fame fullback Lenny Moore (18).
Tied for third place for most career 200-yard (180 m) rushing games with several other players (4).
Holds the all-time San Diego Chargers record for most career rushing yards (11,760). (The previous record was 4,972, it was set in 1968 by Paul Lowe.)
Holds the all-time San Diego Chargers record for most career touchdowns (141). (The previous record was 83, it was set in 1970 by Lance Alworth.)
Holds the all-time NFL record for fewest games needed to achieve 100 touchdowns, with his 100th career touchdown (90 rushing, 10 receiving) in his 89th game (breaking the previous record of achieving the mark in the 93rd game of a career, which was done by both Jim Brown and Emmitt Smith).
Second place on the list of NFL all-time rushing touchdown leaders—behind Emmitt Smith.
In 2006 Tomlinson became the second player in NFL history to score 4 touchdowns in 2 straight games (Marshall Faulk is the other).
Holds the record for most touchdowns scored in a five game span with 16 TDs (14 rushing, 2 receiving), breaking his own record of 15 that he had set two weeks earlier. Prior to that, the record was held by Jim Brown with 14.
Became the only player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards (910 m) and receive 100 passes in a single season.
Second player in NFL history with 1,800 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in one season.
LaDainian joins Emmitt Smith, Priest Holmes, Shaun Alexander, and Marshall Faulk as the only running backs to record consecutive seasons of 20 or more touchdowns
Now wikipedia Larry Johnson you tools
Larry Johnson is a tool.
We have to run the gauntlet over the next few weeks, we will be better for it. Pioli is not done with the roster, he will improve it. LJ is getting ready to start whining again.
Love the
stats and he is/was a beast…….but the dudes still a bitch but yea he I wont disagree with the fact that he deserves to be in the HOF
Great players dont win championships.....Great TEAMS win championships
LJ saying someone else has EGO,,,,hahahaha
Holy cow what was he thinking saying someone elses ego got in the way. We’ve put up with mister ego LJ over the years now he’s got somewhat of a new look at things and he’s calling people out. Watch runners on winning teams and you’ll see why LJ has such low numbers. He just doesn’t have the fight he used to have in his legs. There’s a fine line between good and great and great is the guy like “The Tank” Holmes from the 60’s, he made it hard to spot the ball because he just kept moving forward and the question was always, when was he down. As Madden would say, “he keeps his feet moving the whole time he’s running”. I like LJ’s new way of acting but until he puts the fight back onto field he’s still on my to be traded list. I would rather see Charles out there fighting for yard and loss the ball than Larry taking one hit and falling down. He did move the pile a few times on Sunday so there’s hope. It would sure be fun to see him run some people over and put a few 100 yards on for a change.
Get off LJ~
He is correct it is all about EGO~ and the CHIEFS need to go find them some!
EGO can be a good thing, and a bad thing~ if you have a MODERATION of such, being NOT TOO HIGH of an ego you can trip over and not to low of an EGO where you get RAN OVER!
LJ IS CORRECT! ITS ALL ABOUT TEAM EGO, we need to go get some! I listened to the TALK RADIO and the MAYBE he meant this and that was funny as can be~ THERE IS NO MAYBE TO IT people~ THE CHIEFS NEED TO GET THEM SOME EGO! we been gettin ran over having NONE!
What do LAWYERS and SPERM have in common?
One in TEN MILLION make a HUMAN!
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