Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 1/12
by NJ Chiefs Fan on Jan 12, 2011 6:20 AM CST
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Good morning Chiefs fans! Here's today's Kansas City Chiefs news. Now I'm off to shovel snow. Enjoy.
The Chiefs made unquestioned progress this season. By winning 10 games, they matched their total from the previous three seasons combined. They had many young players develop to the point that the Chiefs will be able to count on them for several years.
But the nagging fact is that the Chiefs struggled against the better teams on their schedule. In the final month alone, the Chiefs lost to San Diego, Oakland and Baltimore by a combined score of 92-17.
Chiefs confident in growth despite way the season ended from KC Star
Chiefs coach Todd Haley could wind up calling plays next year.
Haley said Tuesday he intends to hire a replacement for offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, who is leaving to take a similar position at Florida. But Haley also indicated he might take a bigger role in calling plays, which he did in 2009 when he fired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey shortly before the season opener and assumed the position himself.
Todd Haley may call Chiefs' plays himself next year from USA Today
KC Star Video: Todd Haley's Season Ending Press Conference
After firing Chan Gailey, his original coordinator, and then losing this year’s play-caller, Charlie Weis to the University of Florida, Haley is gaining the reputation of a coach who is difficult to work for.
Haley disagreed with that notion and said it wouldn’t hurt him during the job search.
Haley has opening to fill again at offensive coordinator from KC Star
Kansas City is a football city and Red Fridays are Red again! We have four pro bowl caliber players on defense, if not more (Hali, Flowers, Berry, Johnson). We have four pro bowl caliber players on offense, if not more (Charles, Bowe, Moeaki, Waters). Most teams don't send more than four players to the pro bowl in one season, the chiefs arguably had 8 that should be in the pro bowl at sometime in the future! That is a heck of a lot of talent. A new era, a new decade of dominance, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS.
Chiefs: A Reason for Optimism from Upon Further Review
And with the 30-7 embarrassment comes a blitz of depressing postmortems about what went wrong, grumbling about why the offense took the day off and babbling about what next season will bring.
But when you're done reading all that crap and need a laugh, turn to The Kansas City Star's fantastic piece of sports journalism documenting how rookie safety Eric Berry seems to have difficulty kicking the habits he acquired before becoming a super-wealthy athlete.
Eric Berry is the Kansas City Chiefs' epically lovable cheapskate from The Pitch
The Hall of Fame wide receiver who played for the Dallas Cowboys questioned the Chiefs' decision to have quarterback Matt Cassel pitch the ball to running back Jamaal Charles on fourth down-and-1 from the Ravens' 33-yard line rather than having Charles run behind his blockers.
"That's straight intimidation," Irvin said of the pitch, which resulted in a 4-yard loss and turning the ball over to the Ravens on downs. "You have a half of an inch to go and you pitch the ball. That's what they think of the Ravens defense."
NFL Network's Irvin applauds Ravens for Sunday's win from The Baltimore Sun
"It's getting close,'' Gonzalez said when asked to compare Atlanta crowds to the ones in Kansas City. "Come playoff time, I'm hoping it goes up another notch. Kansas City, there isn't anything else going on in that town and they're just die-hard Chief fans out there."
Gonzo: Falcons need big game from fans from ESPN
The New York Giants have signed veteran offensive lineman Ikechuku Ndukwe, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
The 6-foot-4, 325-pounder has previously played for the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins.
Source: Giants Sign Ikechuku Ndukwe from National Football Post
The Chicago Bears signed WR Onrea Jones (ahn-RAY-uh) and DT Tank Tyler to reserve / future contracts.
Tyler was originally selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round (82nd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State.
Chicago Bears Roster Moves from ChicagoNow.com
I feel the same way about the Kansas City Chiefs this year.
All season long, they took nothing but P.E. classes and got everyone to believe they were the most improved team in football.
Then, when they finally had to play a real team or take a tough class, they failed miserably.
A Sideline View from The Maryville Daily Forum
At the end of this past summer's training camp and preseason, the Chiefs traded Page to New England for future draft considerations. He worked his way into the lineup through special teams before getting reps on defense against Miami.
But in the following game against Baltimore, that calf injury resurfaced and Page missed the next six games. He returned for the Monday Night blowout against the Jets, which turned out to be his best statistical effort as a Patriot, as Page tallying five tackles (three solo).
He has gotten increasingly more opportunities at safety as he's learned the system, and even started the Week 16 Buffalo game.
Page has all his bases covered from Patriots.com
William Roaf has more than enough credentials to warrant a first-ballot journey to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August.
Eleven trips to the Pro Bowl, six-time first-unit pick for All-Pro, three times voted to the second unit of that team, an eight-time All-Conference performer and member of both the All-Decade Team for the 1990s and 2000s.
But even with such a gaudy resume, will a star-packed group of skilled position players soak up the votes and prevent Roaf from making it to Canton, Ohio as a first-time candidate?
ROAF: FIRST-BALLOT INDUCTEE? from The Ruston Daily Leader
Jason Whitlock of FOXSports.com joined PFT Live today, and Big Sexy brought the high heat regarding Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and Chiefs coach Todd Haley.
Jason Whitlock thinks Charlie Weis’ replacement will be green, literally from Pro Football Talk
The Chiefs offense was much better in 2010. Haley said that he was more comfortable in 2010 than in his rookie head-coaching season because he had more time to work with the overall team than he did in 2009.
I think the Chiefs should continue that way. This is not a matter of Haley being an ineffective play caller. The overall team is just better when he has the time and flexibility to help everywhere.
Haley needs a play caller from ESPN
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Whitlock...
is convinced that Haley is a paranoid, insecure coach that is going to use and abuse his current and future staff. But, I think Haley is more self aware then given credit for. I think he is the type of person that reflects and learns from his mistakes the previous season. He will probably have more input in the offense next season, but I imagine he likes being able to coach the entire team. He said it himself.
Remember the Peter King article, which told the story of Haley on MNF telling the special teams coach to put McCluster in? Hoffman was confused since Arenas was killing it and asked why. But, Haley saw that Arenas was hunched over, catching his breath after being out on defense and said “because he’s tired!.” McCluster takes back the winning touchdown. I think he recognizes this quality.
I'm pretty sure there have been no offers
from NFL teams wanting to sign Whilock as a coach, consultant or even jock strap washer. Everyone on the actual playing side of the NFL knows that Whitlock is a) jealous, b) attention-seeking, c) journalistically lazy and d) basically clueless about organizational dynamics. So anything he says is not worth reading for any more than entertainment value. This seems to be especially true with all things related to the Chiefs. That’s not really fat under his skin; it’s just more hot air waiting to escape.
this is a great read
on PFT about the impending lockout and how it effects, well everything.
a mention of the Chiefs / Clark Hunt at the end.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/12/ten-things-to-know-about-the-labor-situation/
Thank you for that link, you're right it is a great read.
I also thought the related article on Foxworth’s comments was very telling as well.
by BCRavenJHawkfan on Jan 12, 2011 9:19 PM CST up reply actions
This is the kind of crap that kills me
Writers like this jerk that would have us apologise for being an improved team. I mean really, are we supposed to lay down because we’re not championship caliber yet? Getting better and building a winning franchise doesn’t happen overnight. This team took steps this year and will take its lumps for it next year. It’s part of what every good team goes through. Which means that Pioli and Co. have two more off-season to get us to a championship level roster. I expect 6-8 wins next year, but we will be ELITE going into 2013. All part of the process, but I fully expect there to be much hate for us starting this off-season.
Bring it on!!!
I wouldn't want Hali to play any other way but
I wonder if any of you guys think he should enroll in Acting/Theatre classes this offseason. It’s been a widely ‘held’ belief that Hali is being bearhugged, grabbed, pushed in almost every single defensive play this year. At the game last Sunday he was even pushed in the back.
If he took some acting classes like Brady or Manning or even Flacco (hali’s helmet barely grazed him in the leg and Flacco fell to the turf grabbing his knee in excruciating pain) Hali could put on an elaborate show for the refs on Sundays next year and finally start getting some penalties out of this whole deal. With a little shove in the back could leap into the air and somersault onto the turf and roll around like a piece of hot bacon in a frying pan; the ref could not NOT call that!
Who’s with me?
I'd rather he keep doing what he's doing. I don't like the drama queen shite.
Even though it might help the team, it’s just not classy. Hali has class.
Tony G slams KC
Kansas City, there isn’t anything else going on in that town
You took the quote out of context. Trying to start stuff, I see…
Kansas City, there isn’t anything else going on in that town and they’re just die-hard Chief fans out there
by ExRoyalsFan on Jan 12, 2011 11:40 AM CST up reply actions
well done, ERF
and in terms of sports, at least … that statement is pretty hard to dispute
Winner: 2009 Nostradamus of Arrowhead Pride Award (I'd like to thank my producer, my director, all of my wonderful fans ... )
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Come back, Jason!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
Yeah, seemed like a slam to me.
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." -Gandhi.
oh, he didn't specify sports, that's true
I didn’t see it as a “slam” per se … and he DID give KC credit for having “die hard fans” which I see as a compliment
Winner: 2009 Nostradamus of Arrowhead Pride Award (I'd like to thank my producer, my director, all of my wonderful fans ... )
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Come back, Jason!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
I doubt if he intended it as a slam.
But I can see why some would take it that way, regardless of his intentions.
YAAAAAY! Now you go, lady!
*nod* on that we can agree
btw, sending you a link in mail … you may (or may not) be interested :-)
Winner: 2009 Nostradamus of Arrowhead Pride Award (I'd like to thank my producer, my director, all of my wonderful fans ... )
"I shall conquer untruth by truth" - Mahatma Gandhi
"It's always easier to sell 'em some shit than it is to give 'em the truth" - Shel Silverstein, The Perfect High
Come back, Jason!
hi, Mo! 5 minutes!!!
Weird. I took it as a pretty obvious slam.
You’re an MU fan, right? Think about the kind of back-handed compliment you’d give Nebraska fans. I dunno, maybe you’re not that kind of guy, but I’ve said this exact same thing about Nebraska without meaning it as ANY sort of compliment at all.
"The key to victory is not your strength, but your opponent's weakness." -T.
That's funny
Nothing like calling someone an asshole after getting your own “ass” handed to you. Cromartie should probably shut his pie hole and try to deflect a TD pass.
Intro to "Haley needs a playcaller" was pretty cogent. I've been indifferent, as long as it works for the HC.
I’ve been indifferent to how the division of labor is made, so long as it’s well-considered and works for Haley. But pointing out some of the HC things he does sheds new light on the question.
Personally, I’d just as soon have someone ELSE decide whether to throw the challenge flag. Delegate that stuff to someone and TRUST ’im.
I also think there’ve been too many unnecessary timeouts on offense, most of which turning out badly (most recently by a false start by Albert). I’d rather have someone dynamic on the sidelines, who SEES that a guy is gassed, or hobbling (on either team). One thing I did NOT like about Weis calling the plays was the apparent disconnect and time and timeout waste, when a LOT of successes on offense come from the ability to go rapid-fire on the defense’s ass, whenever you want.
Offense looked SOME better, but still looked like a team-in-training, rather than a veteran team. And I’m not sure it’s all on the QB. Maybe it’s just the logistics of getting things from the booth to the field. I think you want INPUT from the booth, but I want the playcaller on the ground, where he can see the eyes and the body language of the players. I think Haley has a pretty good set of eyes for that stuff, and maybe he’d be a beast if what he was getting from the booth was a litany of the coverage tendencies.
I don't think you want to go rapid-fire ALL the time, but...
… get some extra returns from your conditioning edge, lock in the personnel by going no-huddle. Get ’em on their heels and KEEP ’em on their heels. Save your timeouts for the end of the half, in case you need ’em for the 2-minute drill, dammit.
The head coach is supposed to be strategic. Play calling is tactical.
Whoever’s calling the plays should be totally focused on that task, no matter if he’s on the sideline or not. The HC needs to be able to split his focus. To take an extreme example, remember how silly Mike Gundy looked his first year as a HC when he would literally turn his back when his defense was on the field in order to draw up his next offensive series?
I know what you’re saying about the play caller being close enough to look in the players’ eyes. But I think Weis being in the booth was a situation-specific detail that shouldn’t have much or any effect on the overall functional strategy of the team. And, I think they were trying to work around that by making Carthon responsible for player substitutions.
Throwing the challenge flag seems like a small, cut & dried detail, but it’s actually very strategic. You only have two challenges, you have to think about when you use them and why you use them (maybe more to get a timeout than to overturn a play), you have to know whether or not you want to sacrifice a timeout, you have to know the officials, you have to know the other team, you have to have an idea of how the current play fits into your team’s strategic plan for the game, etc, etc.
Really, the only thing that would persuade me to let Haley call every play is that he’s said he loves play calling. I’d be worried that if he couldn’t call plays, then there wouldn’t be as much joy in playing the game for him, and he’d lose his own motivation. But really, if he can’t find something as the HC that gives him as much joy as calling plays, then he should be a play caller and we should hire somebody who will enjoy being a head coach.
"The key to victory is not your strength, but your opponent's weakness." -T.
Good points, Brsrkr.
I also remember Shanahan cooking up plays with Elway during the SB, while the Denver D was on the field.
This and more general considerations tell me that the division of labor needn’t be purely along conventional lines. And the red flag thing is more because I thought it was poorly handled, a time or three. It’s something that needs to be handled differently. Any red flag that is unsuccessful is a situation where the coach single-handedly cost the team an unnecessary timeout. If you’re not damn sure, then don’t waste it.
You seem to have it both ways, with your strategy-versus-tactics thing. Seeing players’ eyes and posture at field level is a tactical thing. Calling plays from the booth misses out on that part of it. I’d rather have a guy in the booth informing the guy on the field about how coverages are being run and how the geometry suggests advantage might be gained. But I still want the final decision to be made on the ground. I don’t want Lyndon Johnson picking the pilots for a minor air raid.
Playcalling is also strategic.
An off-guard run might be tactically unsound, but it demands a response from the defense that might open things up for you.
Bleh. strategy-vs-tactics. Sorry for the blather.
Yeah, could go on all day trying to cross-define strategy and tactics.
My thing is that the head coach should have his finger on the pulse of the team. Or more importantly, be seen as having his finger on the pulse of the team. He needs to let the players know that he’s paying attention to them individually (even if he’s really not), thus my preference that he’s the one who decides who’s tired. He needs to be the one who pulls the trigger on anything that affects the entire team, thus my preference that he be the one with the red flag and the final fourth down say-so. He doesn’t necessarily need to make the hardest or most important decisions, but he needs to be perceived as making the “big,” highly visible decisions that affect the team. His role should be as the out-in-front leader of the whole team, rather than an offensive play-calling technician.
Speaking from experience, that transition from a job that depends on very tangible, immediate results to a job that depends on others’ perception of your results can be extremely difficult – especially so if you were good at and actually liked your old technician’s job, since you’ll naturally tend to poo-poo the idea that others’ perception of you is just as important as the grunt level work.
"The key to victory is not your strength, but your opponent's weakness." -T.
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