From The Mouth of Todd

From St. Joseph, Missouri

Chiefs head coach Todd Haley met with the media horde Sunday morning and talked about the team’s pre-season opener, the 20-10 loss to the Falcons in Atlanta on Friday.

Some words of his that are worthy to repeat:

From his opening statement:

“This group of players, our team, we need to be a smart football team. I don’t think in all areas we showed that, or did the things necessary to be a smart football team. It cost us some points. As a young group trying to establish itself as a better team, a good team, we need to maximize opportunities in a game like that which I don’t think we did.”

On encouraging items from the pre-season opener:

“Both two minutes (offense) were encouraging. We knew based on last year that we had to improve there. But the two minute drills at the end of the half and end of the game, were good for the most start. We were able to handle a lot of the things we practiced, and overall the guys did a good job on that.

“We wanted to establish a physical identity and I think we did that across the board. We were playing a physical team that I think is going to be a good team before the year is up. They did a real good job.

“Defensively, they were put in some tough situations and they responded. The defense, we definitely bent, but we didn’t break. One of the things that consistently caught us last year was big plays and I think their longest play was 22 yards. That’s a good sign.”

On the returning ability of rookie Javier Arenas:

“It’s one game, so we can’t go overboard and say this is the next Dante Hall, because that’s a strong statement. Here are some of the things about the kid that I felt good about, first and foremost I thought he made real good decisions in the return game. I’m talking about being a smart team, smart players and that’s a critical spot and I think right out of the gate on a punt return he called a fair catch on the first one in traffic. He had a couple of those that he had to deal with. On the kickoffs, he made all good decisions. Good signs for a young guy.”

On his team’s defense against the run:

“I was encouraged overall defensively. I think we have more guys to help us in some way or another. There is more competition, there are more guys across the board at all positions that have a chance, if they elevate their game, they could get into the mix and help this team.

“I think tempo was a big issue (at the start of the game.) I think next week you see an adjustment. Once they got their feet under them, I saw some good things from a lot of good defensive players that makes me think we are making progress.”

On the play of his quarterbacks against Atlanta:

“Matt (Cassel) is going in the right direction. I thought there were a lot of positive things that happened out there … the fumble was probably preventable, with just a little better technique … overall I thought there were a lot of good things. Brodie and Tyler would both like to have a couple plays back. But other than that, they ran the operation and moved the ball and did some good things. I think the progress of all three, at least the arrow is pointing in the right direction and that’s what we are looking for.”