Todd Haley: Tyler Thigpen Will Compete for the Starting QB Job

by Chris Thorman on Mar 2, 2009 3:40 PM CST in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Offseason

Matt-cassel-qb-new-england-patriot_medium

UPDATE: A more complete transcript is at the mothership.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley spoke with the media via conference call this afternoon and he gave us some pretty good stuff to talk about. In addition to declining to speak about Brian Waters' request for a trade, Haley let us know where last year's starting QB stood. This is courtesy of the Red Zone:

"I don’t know that you can say the quarterback position is secure," Haley said. "I think we’ve got another guy to come in and compete for the starting quarterback position.

"I just got off he phone with Tyler. I told him I’m a very selfish coach. I think that’s evident by Arizona and what we did. We’re going to play the guys that give us the best chance to win."

You may have taken that last line, like I did, as a slight indicator that Matt Cassel is the starting QB. But Todd Haley had nice things to say about Thigpen:

"I haven’t spent a lot of time with him. I just had a brief phone conversation with him. But he’s got a lot of moxie. You can tell he played with passion.

"He’s an intriguing guy that presents some problems for the defense when you’ve got a guy that athletic and can run around and carry the football like he did. He also threw 21 touchdown passes and it’s hard to throw 21 touchdown passes in the NFL."

Nothing about Thigpen throwing the football...then again I haven't heard the entire conference call.

If you ask me, Todd Haley was being more diplomatic than his reputation would lead you to believe he would. He didn't want to come down on Brian Waters one week and the beloved Thigpen the next. That's not winning any fans over. Cassel is the starter and I refuse to believe otherwise.

I'm searching around for an audio recording of this but I'm not sure if they archived it or not. Many thanks to Adam Teicher at the Red Zone for taking these notes.

Poll

Will Tyler Thigpen actually be in competition with Matt Cassel for the starting QB job?

Yes, he is legitimate competition for Cassel

384 votes

No, the job is Matt Cassel's

749 votes

Unsure

74 votes

1207 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Whadda ya know Haley does talk to his players.

by oldchiefsfan on Mar 2, 2009 3:46 PM CST reply actions

I think...

The job is Cassels, but in an attempt to keep Thigpen in KC as a solid back-up for very little cash, Haley is letting him think he has a chance at the job.

by MansGame on Mar 2, 2009 3:48 PM CST reply actions

Yep

Me too. Good point about keeping him around as a backup.

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Mar 2, 2009 3:49 PM CST up reply actions

I Agree

by kcoutlaw2 on Mar 2, 2009 5:25 PM CST up reply actions

I think .....

The chiefs are going to trade Matt for more draft pick’s and then sign cutler as our starter :P JUST KIDDIN!!

by CPT.Caveman on Mar 2, 2009 10:12 PM CST up reply actions

Cassel is clearly the starter, but Haley would be foolish to say so.

Competition is inherently good. Thigpen can do a lot to make Cassel a better player, and vice versa.

Toby is in HR, which technically means he works for corporate, so he's really not a part of our family. Also, he's divorced, so he's really not a part of his family.

by Rev. Slappy on Mar 2, 2009 3:52 PM CST reply actions

I see no possibility

That they go into camp with an open competition. You don’t pay players the kind of money Cassel’s going to get, and then make them a backup.

Barring injury, its his job.

by kcsno56 on Mar 2, 2009 3:53 PM CST up reply actions

it's also possible that

1. Haley is leveraging in an attempt to prevent having to pay Cassel as much. If he’s not the clear starter, but one of several backups who will compete for the job, he’s got a better argument that he’s not with $10 mil a year.

2. Haley actually wants competition to encourage his players to play better.

Both of these are things Herm never would have done, which is why I’m encouraged by what I’ve seen out of Haley.

by KS on Mar 2, 2009 3:52 PM CST reply actions

Herm loved competition between players

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Mar 2, 2009 3:53 PM CST up reply actions

not kickers

by KS on Mar 2, 2009 4:11 PM CST up reply actions

also, not quarterbacks

circa trent green starting in the playoffs against the Colts.

by KS on Mar 2, 2009 4:11 PM CST up reply actions

I was able to listen to this

And I’m pretty sure if Cassel was signed before the presser, they’d have said he was the starter.

In fact, when Cassel was talking, he slipped a couple times and referred to himself as the starter, so I think he even probably knows its his job. We’re talking huge dollars being negotiatied, I’m guessing like 5 years, $45 mil…so why would Haley proclaim him the stater.

Its his gig. I do think there is a better chance Thigpen will be back now, after listening to the call.

Maybe he even gets on the field a couple times a game in ‘Wildcatish’ formations.

by kcsno56 on Mar 2, 2009 3:52 PM CST reply actions

After what happened in Ari with Leinart and Warner, I think you have to believe there is a competition

The ownership, the coaches and Leinart all wanted Leinart in there, but Warner outplayed him. That had to have registered with Haley. Now don’t get me wrong, Thigpen will have to be head and shoulders above Cassel, but if he is, Haley will play him

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 3:53 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

+1

the performance enhancing drugs argument begins with lassic eye surgery

by nayjevin on Mar 2, 2009 5:46 PM CST up reply actions

+1

by Dustin SLO,CA on Mar 3, 2009 12:35 AM CST up reply actions

He had to say

First he needed to show that he is not as unnaproachable as the Waters ordeal made him out to be. Second as mentioned here he wants Thigpen as a back up. I think Cassel would have to screw up terribly for Thigpen to start. Like Croyle in the preseason a couple of years ago bad.

by Nelly on Mar 2, 2009 3:53 PM CST reply actions

I don't want to say, "No way," but no way.

Until Cassel signs a new deal with the Chiefs, we are paying $14+ million for him this season, since he signed his franchise tender with NE and we assumed it.

If he signs a new deal with us before the season starts, it will surely be in the $8-12 million per year range.

Cassel is the starter barring total failure.

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 3:53 PM CST reply actions

How much was Leinart being paid in Arizona to ride the pine?

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

Not that much.

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

I mean either $14 mil or $8-12 mil per year

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 3:55 PM CST up reply actions

Leinart = $14mil guranteed

Sound familiar?

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 3:56 PM CST up reply actions

For the life of the contract maybe. Cassel is guaranteed $14 mil this year alone unless he signs a new deal with us.

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions

I'd have to look it up

But Leinart is making near as much as most expected when he signed.

He had a lot of money tied up in incentives.

by kcsno56 on Mar 2, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions

Any way you slice it, he is making a BUTT ton of money to hold a clipboard

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions

Mushin, I am not anti-Thigpen at all

I even started the Bones Bandwagon last year.

Cassel will have to fail horribly to not be the starter just by the financial commitment alone.

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions

Don't think your anti-Thigpen,

Just pointing out that Haley has a track record or sitting the high-priced franchise guy in favor of the guy who played the best

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 4:00 PM CST up reply actions

I can definitely agree to that.

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 4:01 PM CST up reply actions

After the signing bonus

Leinart’s salary was/is reasonable without incentives.

Thats why they could afford to sit him.

You make a good point though.

by kcsno56 on Mar 2, 2009 4:01 PM CST up reply actions

Here's the breakdown

As per USA Today

14 mil guranteed
Escalators can push him to 51mil (not happening)

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 3:58 PM CST up reply actions

Not NEAR that much

by kcsno56 on Mar 2, 2009 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

While were at Haley benching Leinart for Warner, Pioli also was part of the team that benched Bledsoe for Brady

Both guys have been part of winning teams that win by putting the best players on the field

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 4:05 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah but

those were different moves. Leinart is an essence a rookie still learning the game and Bledsoe was hurt. Brady had a streak going to it made no sense to bench him. We just traded for Cassel so it would look horrible to bench him for what we already had.

by Nelly on Mar 2, 2009 4:07 PM CST up reply actions

so it made no sense

by Nelly on Mar 2, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions

But there a lot of teams that wouldn't have stuck with Brady or Warner

These guys definitely have the attitude that the best team will be on the field. Especially Pioli. The Pats sit em, then cut em. No remorse, no hesitation. The hot hand will be the starter. I LOVE IT.

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 4:11 PM CST up reply actions

And you can't call Leinart a rookie when he gets benched in his 3rd year

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 4:12 PM CST up reply actions

in essence

he has played in 19 games, 12 coming his rookie year.

by Nelly on Mar 2, 2009 4:15 PM CST up reply actions

In essence, you just posted Cassel's experience

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 4:16 PM CST up reply actions

Okay but

Leinart was benched for a veteran and Bledsoe was not initially benched, he was injured. Only a fool would have benched a QB after going on such a hot streak. Oh am sorry that’s what Herm did with Huard and Green.

by Nelly on Mar 2, 2009 4:20 PM CST up reply actions

Cassel and Thigpen will both see action

Cassel is the starting QB ultimately. But I think we are going to see the revolutionizing of the Wildcat as a 2 QB set. Cassel and Thigpen can both run the ball when things break down. Both are athletes. Thigpen was originally recruited to play RB at Coastal Carolina. Cassel started a game at TE for USC. These aren’t just statuesque pocket QBs. They are athletes.

I think we will see a lot actually of Cassel and Thigpen lined up together in the Shotgun. Gailey loves gimmicks. We have two weapons that can throw, catch, and run in Cassel and Thiggy. I really can see Thiggy getting carries as a RB, catches as a WR or out of the backfield. Tyler Thigpen is listed as a QB, but he is so much more. This kid is special, he’s a playmaker, and even if he isn’t the starting QB, I guarantee he sees the field in a capacity other than conventional QB this season. Haley knows this, Gailey knows this, Pioli knows this. Prepare yourselves. We are changing the NFL this season.

by Sudden on Mar 2, 2009 3:54 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

Man you're getting me even more excited

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Mar 2, 2009 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

Look at it this way

Thigpen was our best RB last season. Yeah, not as many yards as LJ running, but not as many carries either. Hell, he even caught a 50 yard TD pass. Thigpen IS the next Kordell. Gailey sees it. Haley sees it. They’re f-ing drooling at the possibilities. I’d guarantee it. He is Pat White on the cheap and more durable.

Let’s also keep in mind that Haley is the only OC I know thats actually run QB by committe to seasons ago with Zona. There is something to this.

by Sudden on Mar 2, 2009 3:58 PM CST up reply actions

You make a good point

I think the Chan Gailey factor will be a very interesting one this season. Pioli and Haley obviously recognize Gailey’s abilities as a game planner and he is probably one of the few guys around that could utilize Thigpen as a playmaker despite not being the starting QB. If not, Thigpen is a cost effective backup who can produce offensively is Cassel is injured or ineffective.

It’s funny to think that Pollard taking out Brady and Croyle/Huard getting injured will be the events that change the Chiefs QB fortunes for the next 5-10 years. If you would’ve told me Cassel/Thigpen would’ve been 1 and 2 on the QB depth chart this time last year I would’ve passed you another doob.

by RedNose on Mar 2, 2009 4:41 PM CST up reply actions

or maybe called you a retart :)

by Eastcoastransplant on Mar 2, 2009 7:54 PM CST up reply actions

A RB?

That’s the second time I have heard people say that. I don’t think so it’s different when a quaterback scrambles for yards. Thigpen will die if he starts taking hand offs as a RB. He is a special athlete as a QB when people assume he is going to throw.

by Nelly on Mar 2, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions

I'm not saying we line him up in any conventional RB way

I’m saying him and Cassel are both in the shotgun, yuo can sweep Thiggy with a pass option on a Bowe or TG flare/hook/drag route or he can break it off in open space for a 5 yard gain with his legs. Or he can throw it back across field to Cassel, who now has a deep threat running down the field in Franklin or Bradley. There are endless possibilities with two athletic QBs.

by Sudden on Mar 2, 2009 4:01 PM CST up reply actions

And there is always the naked boot

Putting an extra QB in the backfield that can run and throw on the run gives you the option to really screw with defensive schemes.They can’t mob-rush the ball carrier because they have to worry about the naked boot. They have to keep an eye on Thiggy lining up as a slot receiver, taking a pitch from Cassel, and burning your safeties on a pass when they move in on what they think is a run. I know, it sounds more like college-level gimmicks, but I think it could work.

by Chiefs4Life on Mar 2, 2009 6:00 PM CST up reply actions

And there is always the naked boot

How’d you like to hear Nicole Eggert say that?

"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Mar 2, 2009 6:03 PM CST up reply actions

did some one say naaaked hahahah ?????

by sexassassin on Mar 2, 2009 6:09 PM CST up reply actions

Picture this

Cassel and Thigpen lining up along with Vrabel and TG, and Bowe and Franklin with LJ (or a future running back – please). Man the D would be all kinds of confused. I just picture them running all over the place like in the Replacements!

by Eastcoastransplant on Mar 2, 2009 8:34 PM CST up reply actions

The D would be all confused,

and the ref would throw the flag for 12 men on the field.

by mlschuma on Mar 3, 2009 1:24 AM CST up reply actions

ehh minor detail

the 12th man I mean :)

by Eastcoastransplant on Mar 3, 2009 9:55 PM CST up reply actions

STOP IT

I cant wait until football starts

by CPT.Caveman on Mar 2, 2009 9:56 PM CST up reply actions

Let's make Brodie a RB and see how long he lasts

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 4:01 PM CST up reply actions

lol

As soon as he goes to take the hand off he"ll be out with a ruptured achilles tendon and dislocated spine

by Nelly on Mar 2, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions

I can tell if that is too funny or too evil. :)

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions

*can't

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions

With Brodie in a full body cast someone will have to comfort his wife

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 4:04 PM CST up reply actions

DIBS!

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 4:05 PM CST up reply actions

brodies

wife is waay hot i have a spot for her in casting hahahah

by sexassassin on Mar 2, 2009 4:23 PM CST up reply actions

His wife needs to be in front of our cameras like nooow

by sexassassin on Mar 2, 2009 4:23 PM CST up reply actions

brodie as a return man lol

by jrodwoody on Mar 2, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions

+1

by Nelly on Mar 2, 2009 4:04 PM CST up reply actions

brodie

will put a new meaning to Rb =ruuunnning backwards

by sexassassin on Mar 2, 2009 4:22 PM CST up reply actions

I think he should be a FB

or long snapper!

by paratrooper on Mar 2, 2009 5:30 PM CST up reply actions

+1

I was trying to read between the lines on what Haley was saying and thats what I thought. Then again I have been told my thinking is way off the reservation at times!

"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Mar 2, 2009 4:25 PM CST up reply actions

OH wow.

Hadn’t thought about all that. I’m way pumped right now!

by Eastcoastransplant on Mar 2, 2009 7:49 PM CST up reply actions

He's pumping up thigpen

to trade him.

by just a guy on Mar 2, 2009 3:55 PM CST reply actions

+1

by Chiefsfan1970 on Mar 2, 2009 4:08 PM CST up reply actions

We have one question...

Can he pass block?

by Official Arrowhead Pride Parade on Mar 2, 2009 4:03 PM CST reply actions

Better than LJ

I’d imagine.

by Sudden on Mar 2, 2009 4:04 PM CST up reply actions

Of course, for only one play though.

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 4:04 PM CST up reply actions

Man

If the players could read the comments on this site.

by Nelly on Mar 2, 2009 4:05 PM CST reply actions

They may demand a trade....

Too late

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions

I'm sure some of them do

It’s not like they are getting this news from the coaching staff.

by Vince D on Mar 2, 2009 4:31 PM CST up reply actions

Thigpen would make a fairly good runningback in this league

just a thought.

by KS on Mar 2, 2009 4:13 PM CST reply actions

I don't know about that, besides he has more value as a plug and play backup QB

He’d be the second coming of Mike Cloud, without the pop…..scary….

by mushin on Mar 2, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions

Thigpen is not an exceptional RB or QB

But he is a dangerous Pat White type hybrid. I’m serious, if I’m Chan, I am designing a variation of the Wildcat unlike anything the league has seen before.

by Sudden on Mar 2, 2009 4:16 PM CST up reply actions

Damn. Imagine a TriCat formation with Cassel, Bones, and Pat White.

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

Chan, call me. I can draw it up on Madden. :)

"and peep this ethiopian queen from philly taking classes abroad, she studying film and photo flash focus record"

I don't have religion. I have Baduizm.

by DThomasReigns on Mar 2, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions

lol

by Matt_Grbac on Mar 2, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions

Again

We must not really think RB is a hard position to play in the NFL or that Thigpen is the greatest athlete in the world. It is different to take a hand off and find daylight than to scramble as a QB. The holes in the NFL close faster.

by Nelly on Mar 2, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

No saying he is a RB

Just lined up in different formations….he can throw or run. Option, you know.

by Matt_Grbac on Mar 2, 2009 4:22 PM CST up reply actions

We can play Nebraska's offense

years ago when they had Eric Crouch

by Matt_Grbac on Mar 2, 2009 4:23 PM CST reply actions

The video to this

is posted here.

Arrowhead Pride

by Chris Thorman on Mar 2, 2009 4:51 PM CST reply actions

there goes the fair competition

by kcoutlaw2 on Mar 2, 2009 5:51 PM CST up reply actions

I see Thigpen running in for special plays...........

Cassel runs out, Thigpen comes in and “no huddle” because the team already knows what they are going to run when he comes in. The line gets set real quick in a spread formation, the ball is snapped and the play is run. The D would be completely unprepared and out of position. TD, or at least a long gain. It would be a real nightmare for the other teams Defenses to try to prepare for all of the possibilities.

by jcox31mc on Mar 2, 2009 8:50 PM CST reply actions

I think

Tyler thigpen would make a good qb,with alittle work and a better o-line who really know’s what he could do! I think he gives MATT a run for his money,remember that you guys are going by what he did with a terrible o-line, and a coach that did the same shit in the second half of the games that didnt work in the first half! HE DID AFTER ALL THROW 21 TD’S,and had the most rushing yards for a qb in the nfl.

by CPT.Caveman on Mar 2, 2009 10:08 PM CST reply actions