Chiefs Coach Haley Not Talking About Matt Cassel's Injury
by Joel Thorman on Aug 30, 2009 12:10 AM CDT
in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp
Email
PrintAre you surprised? I'm not. Following the Kansas City Chiefs 14-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, Todd Haley started off his post-game press conference with these words:
"First of all, all injured guys are being evaluated. I don’t have any real information on any of those guys that I'm sure you want to talk about. We’ll talk about them at a later date."
He's not one to stray from what he normally does(n't) say.
So, for those of you who hadn't heard or missed the game. Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel dropped back to pass on the third play from scrimmage and, with a collapse on the offensive line, was wrapped up by a defender. When he fell, however, is when the trouble started.
He spilled to the ground awkwardly and quickly clutched his knee. He made it back to the huddle and called another play. But, as he walked to the line of scrimmage, a timeout was called and trainers helped him off the field.
Per the telecast, he had trouble making it down the stairs by himself. Likely a bit of drama spiced in there because the same telecast later said they thought he would be out for about a week and questionable to play in the preseason finale on Thursday.
Who's to blame? Well, it's a little difficult to tell but, if you check out this video courtesy of the NFL, then it appears a Seahawks defensive tackle simply got off the snap quicker than right guard Mike Goff and, with center Rudy Niswanger unable to contain him, the line began to collapse.
It was a play action fake but the defense wasn't biting because Cassel had nowhere to go after faking the run to Larry Johnson. The center of the line quickly caved, and the left side wasn't far behind.
Either way, Cassel's injury left a gaping hole at quarterback, a position which many of us thought was finally beginning to gain some depth.
"Disappointing across the board tonight for me as a team," Haley told reporters following the game. "I feel like, after making some progress in week two, I felt like we went backwards. Offensively...very disappointed. Very disappointed in how we played offensively. It was a real struggle out there."
The disappointment likely stems largely from the poor play of Tyler Thigpen. Amidst all the trade rumors and thought that this was an audition of sorts for quarterback-needy teams across the NFL, Thigpen rose up and...fell. Hard.
Thigpen did lead the team to scoring position on the Chiefs second drive. This didn't really help (or hurt) him because he completed zero passes on the drive.
This game generated more questions for Thigpen when we thought this was a game where many would be answered.
One question was answered, though: The Chiefs may not have near the depth at quarterback I once thought they did.
***
Haley was also asked about another surprise - Jarrad Page didn't play tonight. He practiced on Thursday and was present at Friday's walkthrough.
Haley was asked if Page was part of the group of injured players he's not going to talk about. Here is what he said:
"Yeah, we got a lot of guys dinged up. We've got some guys that are playing through things and are trying to play through things. All injuries will be evaluated and at some point we'll be able to talk about it."
41 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Its why
Mcnabb and those runners had to stop and be pocket guys…Cassel just doesnt have a pocket to throw in…I really have no clue what the solution is.
I will also say, where the heck was Page.
Hang on
I’ll get you a Haley quote on Page in just a minute.
by Joel Thorman on Aug 30, 2009 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Haley quote on Page has been added
Curiously, the mothership’s transcription didn’t include this quote.
by Joel Thorman on Aug 30, 2009 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions
yes you do
I really have no clue what the solution is.
get a freaking OL.
Hopes fade once again from blue to red. Go New Chiefs!!
We most likely will not see Cassel next Thursday at all.
I’m thinking we will see Brokie starting and then G man. After Bones performance tonight it only showed me just how bad a QB he is. Every time he get in there it turns in to a circus. He steps out G man comes in, everything settles back down and a lot more coordinated play seems to appear. G man showed he isn’t perfect either I know, but he seems a hell of a lot more poised in the pocket and he’s only been with the team how long?
Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...
Why Oh Why
Can’t we have an offensive line? Cassel will be a huge bust if we don’t protect him. It doesn’t matter who the coach or GM is. They ignore the offensive line and our quarterbacks get killed. We passed up so many good offensive lineman in the draft and picked up players that will probably not even make the team. Really frustrated here and it is going to get real ugly at Baltimore.
by raiderhater77 on Aug 30, 2009 12:28 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
remember when we had one of the best O-lines in the league?
and our defense was despicable? Why can’t ever have it all-together at the same time?
We need to keep one thing in mind....
It’s preseason. I get that it’s the 3rd game and all that, but we can’t totally freak. Sometimes we (including myself) talk about this team like we are evaluating a Super Bowl contender. We aren’t. This team is definitely better than last season’s. We have a long way to go…the offensive line was well…offensive. The depth on this team is a disaster that needs to be addressed in the future, and we still can’t return on special teams. That being said, this team has taken great strides. Let’s just hope Cassel and Flowers are ok, and this game was not all that bad. We didn’t play nearly as well as we could, and when the starters were in we were tied. Don’t sweat it…
Matt Verderame
I think it's more that
This offensive line was terrible last year. We did nothing to change that except add Mike Goff who has not looked good this preseason.
If they weren’t very good last year, and they’re not very good right now, and nothing has changed to the personnel, then why would we think this line would get better?
I hear what you’re saying, but my concerns, specifically about the offensive line, date back to last year.
by Joel Thorman on Aug 30, 2009 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree that the line is far from good.
But Albert is a stud. He manhandled everyone on his side all night while he was playing. That right side and even center needs to be fixed asap though.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Aug 30, 2009 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Was it just me or did the defensive play calling drastically when the 1s were done?
Clancys play calling seemed really aggresive and we seemed to be playing better during the first 3/4 or the first half. Then the starters left and it all went downhill. At first I thought it was a talent downgrade but it was clearly a play calling issue. Gone was the pressure, gone was the multiple fronts, gone was the press coverage. The entire second half was vanilla defense with mostly cuttable players on the field. Studebaker, Belcher and at times McGee were the only noticeable players on the field.
After this mess I dont think the coaching staff will have a problem getting down to 53 players and I think at least half a dozen of those 53 arent even on the roster yet.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
drastically change *
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Aug 30, 2009 1:05 AM CDT up reply actions
actually i thought that the line gave thigpen plenty of time to throw
When the two players from miami came in on the right side of the line. Thigpen wash just rushing plays along all night. Even when he had time to set his feet and throw
by chiefs8288 on Aug 30, 2009 1:06 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I'm ok trading him now.
But I’m not sure Croyle and Gut are the backup answers either. Croyle maybe but he’s gotta stay healthy.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Aug 30, 2009 1:09 AM CDT up reply actions
This whole game was about QB play
Cassel went down. That sucks. But the Chiefs D was playing well. Pressure on the QB. No runs up the middle. But the offense has got to be efficient. You don’t have to put up 40, but you have to be able to move the ball. Thiggy was friggin horrible. Under throwing, over throwing, not leading his receivers. The O-Line was serviceable after that 3rd snap. But Brodie needed to come in for that game. You can’t put any defense in that position and expect to win. I actually took heart from this game in a lot of ways. But they have to have a QB that can make the easy throws or all the progress that was made will be for nothing.
Thiggy had time
But you could clearly tell he was nervous and was waiting on the other shoe to drop behind that line. I’m not defending his play, he should have been able to settle down, but he looks like he’s so used to running for his life that he didn’t know what to do when he had protection.
by mcclanahanman on Aug 30, 2009 1:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Did you see the roll out where he underthrew a wide open TE?
That had nothing to do with the line. That was just bad…something.
Overthrew...
the TE was WAAAY overthrown. That is, if we’re talking about the same play where it was about 3rd and 5 and he rolled right after a fakie…
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 Aug 30, 2009 1:31 AM CDT up reply actions
i could be wrong but
I think haley and co. Are trying to confuse teams during preseason. If they wanted to move the ball after cassel went down they would have put in croyle and waited until the 2nd half for thigpen. I truly feel that the team we see week 1 will shock everybody. We have to remember even thou we were playing our starters, there were a lot of people rotating in and out with them. I just think there is still something behind this madness.
by chiefs8288 on Aug 30, 2009 1:21 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Maybe in some ares
But that oline wont surprise anyone.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Aug 30, 2009 1:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Failing to perform is a plan?
Todd Haley to Thigpen, "Okay, go out there and act like you forgot how to play football. It’s all part of my plan…
I agree that the looks that the team are going to show are going to be different, but the players you have now are the players you’re going to have then
Sincerely Doubt It...
After seeing tonight’s performance, I’m betting we will pick up a lot of everybody else’s shit. Pioli and Haley will do whatever it takes to upgrade that OLine. I’d venture to say that we’re still not done with LB’s either. Was it just me or did the majority of them look lost tonight?
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
Williams made a lot of tackles
Of course it was because he was chasing his assignment who he should have stuffed in the first place.
I’m okay with the LB’s. DJ was out. Thomas was out. It’s hard when a starter is out and your start rotating in the back-ups for significant time. They played okay. But if I was an out of work O-line man I’d be pulling a “We Are Marshall” and be placing calls to Pioli myself.
Morgan
was fired up tonight…he made some decent plays as well…he really looked like he wanted to be out there…..which is more than I can say for half the team tonight
Morgan
he is gone he just heard his name in all this mess he was just tryn to make people think he is ready look did u see the play where it was like 3rd&8 and they got the first down and morgan was still jumping around (lol) dude has lost it!
WOW
You guys actually think you could get a fifth round pick for thigpen…. hahahahahahahahahaahahhahahahahahahahahahahahhahaahahahahahahahahhaahhahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahhaahhaahhahahahahaahha
we couldn't get a fifth
Of Jameson with the way Thigpen played last night.
by golfbard on Aug 30, 2009 6:28 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
thiggy
I think he was doing that on purpose we better let croyle go keep thiggy i can run
I know...I know
Every team is just a couple of injuries away from the crapper….but we are a team that cannot afford injuries to 1 key player, not to mention 3 or 4! With Cassel dinged, Flowers (who is the man) banged up, DJ, Z. Thomas, etc. Kinda scary:( We all knew the O-line would be in question this year, but is there any chance this line is worse than last years? I also agree with an earlier post…Thiggy just seems to run no matter what (sigh)
DAMN IT GO CHIEFS!
I want K.C. Wolfs' job!
Injury is undetermined!!!
The x-rays on Cassel prove no broken bones. Unfortunately until he has an MRI can we rule out ligament damage. I am pissed about this and the Offensive line…couldn’t be a worse player for the Chiefs. Any news on FLowers???
by casselreadychiefs on Aug 30, 2009 9:43 AM CDT reply actions
dude dives into the endzone for a TD, celebrates, seems fine, .. and then is injured...... ??
You have just received the Amish Virus. Since we do not have electricity or computers, you are on the honor system. Please delete all of your files.
Thank thee
Just because he played one bad game doesnt take away from his value that much....
They were suposidly offering a 5th, What do you think Pioli will call them and say OK will take a 6th. Thats not how it works. chiefs fans are so similar to Raider fans its sick. Im sorry but its true. I said all along I think will get a 4th for him. I dont think that has changed. The Jags saw what he did for us last year and chances are they want him to come play wild Cat QB and Back Up. I think it still gets done. Dont freak out over preseason performances.
Doug
What do you think would happen if the Chief’s GM gave up a 4th round draft choice for a 3rd Team QB, with a 7% winning percentage from a team that has won only six games in two years? THEY WOULD WANT TO RUN THE GUY OUT OF TOWN ON A RAIL!
JBJ you said it right!!!!
We never have our defense and our offense on the same page!!! If we had an offense in the late 80’s/90’s we would have won so many championships! If we had a defense in 2003 we would have won it. Then we wouldn’t have to hang so much on Cassel. We’d forgive and forget if he wasn’t the guy but we’re so hungry for a title we’re blogging obsessively more than any other team and it’s only preseason!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Mark Sanchez’s rumored squeeze, Kate Upton, is on cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue
- ‘Twould be a shame if Hines Ward didn’t retire a Steeler
- Video: Tim Tebow asked to Military Ball by Louisiana Airwoman
- We’ll see how Brandon Jacobs’ football skills translate to the squared circle
- Bill Belichick wore a hoodie to a golf tournament
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
