Making Practice Effort Count … Game-Day Cup O’Chiefs


From Oakland, California

Uh oh!

“Probably our best Friday (practice); it was pretty good,” said head coach Todd Haley. “We went indoors to just kind of get that noise level up. There was tempo and precision on both sides, I think it was probably our best Friday as a whole.”

Uh oh!

At this point, isn’t Haley reluctant to identify a top-notch practice when he’s been saying that for the last month and the Chiefs went 1-3 come Sunday afternoon? Does he think twice about mentioning, or even thinking about the quality of the work on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday?

“Yes I do,” Haley admitted. “But you can’t think any other way. You really can’t. You’ve got to assume that good practices are eventually going to translate into good play. If you think any other way I think you’re asking for trouble. I know that’s how we gauge how a week has gone.”

And Sunday afternoon there’s another chance to transfer the practice effort, tempo and production to the playing field as the Chiefs face the Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Kickoff is just after 3 p.m., with television coverage on CBS.

OK, so let’s follow the line of discussion and ask what makes a good practice?

“Tempo, guys were into it, enthusiasm, doing what they’re supposed to do, hustling to the ball on defense, doing all the things we’re asking them to do,” Haley explained. “Guys were sharp. You can tell when guys are into it. They were mentally into the practice.

“These last three or four weeks it looks like we’re starting to get it and, to me, it’s going to eventually start translating and that’s all you can do.”

Quite obviously, something is being lost in the translation. Haley has been in the game long enough and has worked for enough top notch head coaches that he understands the difference between a bad, mediocre and good practice.

So given that Haley and his coaches know what they are looking for, what can’t they reproduce that effort on the game-day field?

The obvious reason is a lack of experienced and top-level talent on the roster, and some would say on the coaching staff. When this 2009 season is over, there figures to be a lot of shuffling among both players and coaches.

But that doesn’t explain all of the mistakes, the negative plays on offense and big plays allowed on defense. Are the coaches asking these players to do too much? Are they still trying to fit square pegs into round holes?

There has been plenty of soul searching on the part of Haley and his staff in recent weeks about these questions. The bye week is good for that type of thing and it continued into the past week since the performance was so unproductive and inconsistent against the Jaguars.

“We’re working our backsides off to find a way to get a win,” Haley allowed. “The most important thing is what do we have to do to get that done? That’s what coaching is. It’s not just drawing it up on paper and saying we need to do this and if we don’t say we had the plan and they didn’t do it. That’s not it. We’ve got to find a way to maximize our players and minimize our weaknesses. If we can do that we’ll be pretty good coaches and we’ll be a team that competes every week and has a chance to win.”

This week, Haley and his staff hammered again on a theme they’ve touched on many times before, the idea that in the NFL there are no plays off. Any single play can go a long way towards deciding a game. Every huddle needs to have a sense of urgency, whether on the first plays of the game, or the snaps in the final minutes.

“We’ve got to have guys play – and not just offense but across the board – with the same sense of urgency that we have at the end of some of these games,” Haley said. “We’ve got to talk about it, we’ve got to coach it. We’ve got to make them think about it. That’s what we can do.

“We need to have everybody think the same way: we have to think with a sense of urgency that every snap that each snap could be the difference in the game. Ultimately one, two, three or four will end being the difference in the game.”

There is evidence that the Chiefs can make plays and get things done. Unfortunately, it has happened more often than not in the fourth quarter of games where they are coming from behind. They’ve been outscored badly in the first quarter, 52-9. But in the fourth quarter, the score has been 69-67. That’s very simply too little, too late.

“We’re 0-3 in games decided by seven points or less and maybe that’s one of the things; maybe it was one play,” said Haley. “You have to look at yourself and say could I have done? What are a couple of little things I could have done better or different and that’s a big one.”

Haley referred specifically to a play late in the second quarter of the Jacksonville game. The Chiefs had the ball and were driving for some sort of score when QB Matt Cassel broke the pocket, ran to his right and found WR Lance Long open down the field. Long grabbed the pass, got a first down and instead of running down the sidelines as far as he could and then stepping out of bounds, he cut inside away from the sideline. That’s where he was talked and Haley was forced to use a timeout to stop the clock.

“I wasn’t even watching the end of the play; I was thinking about the next play call, I was so sure he would run out of bounds,” said Haley. “You go out of bounds and we’ve got a timeout and we can run another play, complete it, kick a field goal and, who knows, maybe we throw a touchdown, I don’t know.

“I think that’s again where we’re at in the process. We’re 0-3 in tight games and that doesn’t count Baltimore where the score is tied with 2:40 seconds to go. That’s a close game that we could have won had we done a couple of things and maybe it is one thing that changes the outcome.

“The only way you make improvement is for everybody to be aware and think that every play could be the difference in the outcome of the game.”

Haley and his staff are somewhat baffled by the Chiefs inability to take the good work they do during the week and do the same on Sunday afternoon. What we’ve seen is that their lone victory had more to say about the Washington Redskins and where that team is at right now, than it did about the Chiefs.

And the head coach isn’t running away from the blame for being 1-7.

“I’m very serious when I talk about what I pride myself on as a coach,” said Haley. “It’s hard for me to stand up as a coach and say that with us having one win. That’s a direct indictment of myself. But it’s the way I think. I believe great coaches find a way to win regardless of the circumstances and situation.

“We haven’t done that but one time. That’s not good enough and that has to change. However that changes, whatever process we go about as a coaching staff, it has to get done whether it’s thinking outside the box, inside the box, doing something that’s never been done before, we need to find a way to win with the players we have and the team we have. ”

“That’s our job and we haven’t done it and we’ve got to get it done.”

BLACK HOLE OF WHAT?

When talk turns to the Raiders playing in Oakland, first thoughts generally turn to “the Black Hole.” When Al Davis took his team back to the Bay Area in 1995, the entire Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum was known for rowdy, swearing, black-wearing fans.

Now 15 seasons after the return, “the Black Hole” is strictly the lower-level stands in the south end zone. That’s where those crazy Raiders fans congregate and talk smack to opposing players.

Chiefs WR Chris Chambers is making his second trip to the Coliseum; he was here with the San Diego Chargers for the season opener. That game was sold out, under the lights and since it was the start of the ‘09 season, there was an air of expectation and what could be.

This Sunday’s game will be the opposite. About 40,000 are expected for the day game at mid-season of two teams that are going nowhere.

“The Black Hole really isn’t intimidating,” Chambers said. “It’s become more of a fun thing, kind of like the circus. It’s not something to be afraid of, that’s for sure. A couple years ago coming to Kansas City was more intimidating.”

When Davis left Los Angeles to return to the roots of his franchise, he hoped that history would be enough to make the Raiders again the most important thing in the East Bay. That has not happened, and the stadium deal he made with the Oakland folks has already been in heavy litigation.

The first year the team was back, the crowd behavior was very poor in all parts of the stadium. When the Chiefs played there, batteries, water bottles, golf balls and at least one bullet were thrown at the Kansas City sideline. Apparently that was a problem throughout that ‘95 season and the NFL stepped in and told Oakland and the Raiders that it had to stop. Ever since then, plainclothes police officers are stationed in the sections behind the visiting bench.

The Black Hole has not created a home-field advantage for the Raiders. Their home record in 1995 through 2009 is 57-63, including four post-season games. Worse, their record since the 2002 Super Bowl season is 16-36.

Today’s game is the fourth time this season the Raiders have been blacked out in the Bay Area.

SIGNINGS, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE

  • BILLS – OT Jonathan Scott expected to miss Sunday’s game with the Titans due to person reasons.
  • BRONCOS – out of Sunday’s game against the Redskins are OT Ryan Harris, DL Ryan McBean and S Josh Barrett.
  • BUCCANEERS – WR Antonio Bryant will not play in Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.
  • DOLPHINS – LB Joey Porter will not play in Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers.
  • FALCONS – released RB Aaron Stecker; re-signed WR Troy Bergeron.
  • PATRIOTS – declared RB Sammy Morris out of Sunday’s game with the Colts because of knee injury; placed WR Brandon Tate on the injured-reserve list; promoted QB Isaiah Stanback from the practice squad.
  • REDSKINS – released P Sam Paulescu; promoted S Lendy Holmes from the practice squad.
  • TITANS – released OL Fernando Velasco; promoted WR Dominique Edison from the practice squad.

FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY

On November 15, 1964, the Chiefs lost to the San Diego Chargers 28-14 at Municipal Stadium with a crowd of 19,792 fans in the stands. The Chargers did all their damage in the second quarter, scoring four touchdowns and taking a 28-0 lead. San Diego QB John Hadl threw a pair of TD passes, while RB Paul Lowe (left)
scored on a 50-yard run, and WR Lance Alworth found the end zone on a 19-yard end-around run. The Chiefs TDs came on a fumble recovery in the end zone by RB Abner Haynes and a one-yard run by QB Len Dawson. Alworth caught five passes for 169 yards for the Chargers.

On November 15, 1970, the Chiefs beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-14 at Three Rivers Stadium. Leading 10-0 at half-time, the Chiefs came out and scored 21 points in the second half as they dominated the home team in a light rain. TE Billy Cannon caught a pair of TD passes from QB Len Dawson from 20 and eight yards. Dawson had a third touchdown throw, a 42-yard toss to WR Otis Taylor. RB Robert Holmes added a two-yard TD run. The Chiefs defense picked off five passes from Pittsburgh QBs Terry Hanratty and Terry Bradshaw. S Johnny Robinson had two, with LB Bobby Bell, CB Jim Marsalis and S Jim Kearney getting one each.

On November 15, 1981, the Chiefs beat the Houston Oilers 23-10 at Arrowhead Stadium. It was a record setting day for rookie RB Joe Delaney (right), who set a new franchise mark for rushing yards in a game with 193 yards. That broke the old mark held by Mike Garrett of 192 yards set in 1967. Delaney scored one TD and setup another with a long run. “I’ve played against the best – O.J. Simpson, Gale Sayers, Walter Payton – he’s right up there with them,” said Oilers DE Elvin Bethea. “He’s great with a capital G.” The Chiefs also got a one-yard TD run from FB Billy Jackson and three Nick Lowery FGs. The KC defense forced five turnovers, as CB Eric Harris had a pair of interceptions and recovered a fumble. DT Ken Kremer had two sacks.

On November 15, 1987, the Chiefs lost to the New York Jets 16-9 at Arrowhead Stadium, dropping their seventh straight game. A crowd of 40,718 saw KC QB Frank Seurer throw three interceptions and he was sacked five times by the Jets defense, as the Chiefs offense was unable to score a touchdown. The only points came from K Nick Lowery, who made three FGs. The only TD of the game was an 18-yard pass from QB Ken O’Brien to WR Al Toon. TE Jonathan Hayes caught five passes for 105 yards for the Chiefs. The defense had four sacks from DEs Mike Bell and Eric Holle and LBs Jack Del Rio and Dino Hackett.

On November 15, 1992, the Chiefs beat the Washington Redskins 35-16 at Arrowhead Stadium. A crowd of 75,238 fans saw the Chiefs jump out to a 28-0 lead at half-time and cruise to victory over Washington. RB Christian Okoye had a pair of TD runs, while RB Harvey Williams had his own rushing score. QB Dave Krieg threw a pair of touchdown passes, connecting for 35 and 44 yards to WR Tim Barnett. Krieg was 19 of 29 for 302 yards. The Chiefs defense picked off Washington QB Mark Rypien, as S Charles Mincy grabbed the interception, while DE Neil Smith had two sacks and DT Dan Saleaumua had one.

SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …

Born on November 15, 1973 in Harrodsburg, Kentucky was TE Jason Dunn (left). He joined the Chiefs in 2000 after sitting out the 1999 season with a knee injury after three seasons with the Eagles. Dunn played eight seasons with the Chiefs (2000-07), appearing in 119 games, with 29 starts. His role was largely that of a blocking tight end and he was one of the best in the business. Dunn caught 41 passes with the Chiefs for 353 yards and seven touchdowns. His busiest season as a receiver was 2004, when he caught 17 passes for 120 yards and three TDs.

Born on November 15, 1981 in Canton, Illinois was LB-FB Boomer Grigsby. He was selected in the fifth-round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Illinois State. Grigsby played three seasons with the Chiefs (2005-07), appearing in 44 games. In his first two seasons he played linebacker, with most of his time on special teams. In his final season with the club, he moved to fullback.

Born on November 15, 1946 in Jonesboro, Arkansas was TE Mickey McCarty. He was selected in the fourth-round of the 1968 AFL-NFL Draft out of TCU. He played just one season with the Chiefs in 1969, appearing in three games during that Super Bowl season.


7 Responses to “Making Practice Effort Count … Game-Day Cup O’Chiefs”

  • November 15, 2009  - Dan says:

    Again! You have nothing to loose! Just go out thre and let it fly!


  • November 15, 2009  - el cid says:

    Haley has a plan. Keep th game close by minimumizing mistakes on offense. That means the offense does as little as possible so fewer mistakes can be make. Defense/special teams must play strong and if possible get some turnovers, no mistakes allowed. Then the team will be in the game for the final qtr and a chance to win. Then the offense only has to make one drive for a win. It is an awful plan but it should work (has not yet in KC). “let it fly” does not fit anything the Chiefs have done all year except for the final drive/drives of games and of course that is a major part of why they are 1-7.


  • November 15, 2009  - Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 11/15 | Kansas City Chiefs Blog says:

    [...] Making Practice Effort Count … Game-Day Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz [...]


  • November 15, 2009  - Indplschiefsfan says:

    I think everyone, including Bob, is missing the forest for the trees here. “Good Friday practice, great effort”, etc. etc. etc…. against average talent that does not (usually) duplicate what the Chiefs are going to see on Sunday. Good effort, enthusiasm, and execution are all things you look for in a practice. What Haley may or may not recognize (or just won’t admit) is that when you are practicing against guys who aren’t as fast, or as skilled, as the guys you’re going to play on Sunday, your practice only tells you how good you are against a team of equal quality to yours. Sadly, for the Chiefs right now, that pool only includes 5 or 6 teams. Personally, I think Haley knows this but also knows it would be career and team suicide for him to say such to the press. The Chiefs have the chance today to log a victory, and Haley’s words about “translation to Sunday play” will appear to be vindicated. Don’t be fooled. One look at the Chiefs’ schedule will show you that the Raiders are probably the last team the Chiefs will play this year where that “translation” will be accurate. It doesn’t matter how good the practices are; until the Chiefs obtain better talent the results will remain the same.

    And I will follow them, cheer them on, and hope for miracles the whole way. But, I won’t let my emotions for my beloved Chiefs get in the way of my objectivity about them.


  • November 15, 2009  - ED says:

    Agree with everything but Raiders being the last team Chiefs will face with equal talent. The Cleveland Browns are on the schedule which will be another win for the Chiefs. Bottom line this is totally opposite of last yr. Last yr was our defense this yr its our offense. If Haley doesn’t start giving Charles more than 8 carries at least 20. Start getting Bowe and Chambers more involved in the offense early. We’re only going to beat the Raiders and Browns which will leave us at 3 and 13.

    Yes we lack talent for sure. Thats alot of the reason its not translating into more wins. We missing talent along the o-line, receving core, and at the other OLB position opposite Tamba. You might as well say a nose tackle as well. As a head coach you can’t make excuses but us fans can admit it.

    Just like I’m sure the Rams fan understand they lack the talent to be competitve in the NFC. The media and fans just has to be realistic when talking about the Chiefs. Know one wants to see this team as a loser because if you a fan or media member of the team you feel kind like a loser rooting for a losing team. So you rather make a bunch of excuses of why they should be winning when the reason why they’re not is they just don’t have a good enough team yet.

    As for 2009 best thing I can tell any Chiefs fan is if the offense improve we’ll win 4 to 5 more games and if not will win 2 more games. Thats just how I see it.


  • November 15, 2009  - Indplschiefsfan says:

    Ed, I can’t really argue with your analysis, other than to say I don’t feel like a loser rooting for a losing team. I’m a long time fan who remembers the glory days, and also lived through the horrible 80’s when the fans used to wear bags over their heads and called the team the Kansas City Griefs.

    As far as the fans and the media go… If you don’t realistically identify the problems, you can’t solve them. Making excuses for them only enables them to continue down a losing path. Going into the season, I picked the team at about 6-10, so as far as I’m concerned, they are a disappointment.


  • November 16, 2009  - Jim Lloyd+ says:

    Indpls>
    Problems can only be sloved with the right people , at the right place on the right time .
    Then a coach has to put this all together to perfection .
    OR what –You get Lucky—Ya , thats going to work every time , nope !
    Answers…watched Payton put Brady down by 1 point at the end of a game that N.E. was ahead most of the whole game and 14 pts for some time .
    I’m starting to see that too many of these teams
    are farther down the road to perfection , KC lagged way behind the last 2 years .
    Answers…I’ve got some , so does everybody .
    What works , ~ Being able to see and know when your hall of fame Reciever is going to be at the
    place you throw the ball to and he is going to catch it every time ….Bill Walsh knew how to train players to that level , took more than a day . They now know that you can’t Piss off 20 plays a game just because the dude is overpaid , not wanting or able to help pull you out of the Quick sand.
    Answers …First downs –(PEROID) –plane & simple
    When you don’t get them — YOU LOSE –When I see a reciver drop a ball on third down ,That’s about 500,000.00 in future earnings and team cost’s . When you tell them this , they WILL show you how they run things by droping some more . You gotta get them to break off the bad habit’s ,ain’t easy .


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