Micjones
11-12-2009, 05:37 PM
Here's what I think the Chiefs must accomplish over the second half of the regular season to set themselves up nicely for 2010.
1. Scouting: Long-Term,
The Chiefs coaching staff must give significant playing time to younger players like Darryl Harris, Corey Mays, Quinten Lawrence, Kolby Smith, Lance Long, Wallace Gilberry, DaJuan Morgan, Jovan Belcher, Barry Richardson and Pierre Walters to determine if they can be future pieces of the puzzle. It's also necessary to determine what roles they will play.
2. Scouting: Short-Term,
The Chiefs coaching staff must also determine how slightly older players figure in going forward (e.g. Wade, Chambers, Edwards, Williams, Daniels, Alleman, Ndukwe, O'Callaghan). Many of these players will have value to this football team as depth. We saw first-hand how discarding a couple of valuable backups made a difference this season.
3. Developing: The Offense,
Todd Haley must help this offense establish an identity before next season. Down the stretch he needs to have some consistency with his offensive philosophy and with the playcalling. Find out if this team is to be a "run first", a "pass first" or a balanced offense. More importantly, the playcalling should be reflective of that mindset. It's also important that he take off the offensive training wheels and work towards more creating more big plays. Lastly, this is an 8-game audition for him to prove that he should retain his position as the OC next year. If he cannot produce more offensive success at least with a better idea of what he wants to offensively...he can pass that on to his replacement. Pioli needs to put pressure on him to find a suitable replacement if he cannot effectively do the job.
4. Scouting: The Defensive Staff,
Todd Haley must also determine if he's on the right track with his current assortment of defensive coaches. Krumrie may very well be stealing a paycheck from this organization. It's Haley's job to pay very close attention to how well his defensive line plays over the last 8 games. Help may become available in the off-season and he'll be better off identifying coaches/assistants if he knows exactly where he needs that help.
5. Developing: The QB,
Todd Haley needs to give Matt Cassel an opportunity to sink or swim on his own terms. It's time he take him off the leash and allow him to throw the ball downfield. He's being paid to play like a big-time NFL QB. If he can't...we need to know that now. Give him a chance to succeed and build some confidence going into next year. Or when he falters...bring in a good #2 option to push him during the off-season.
6. Developing: The Coach,
Todd Haley needs to do some serious soul-searching to determine a better course for his Head Coaching tenure here in Kansas City. He has to learn how to utilize his fire more effectively without burning up his message or intent. Haley must find a better way to connect with the players on an individual basis and learn what strategies work with certain players. His "one size fits all" approach to coaching may not be best for the team going forward. Haley also needs to "know his ledge" and determine what he can handle and what he must delegate to other members of his staff. Mismanaging his workload hurts this team.
1. Scouting: Long-Term,
The Chiefs coaching staff must give significant playing time to younger players like Darryl Harris, Corey Mays, Quinten Lawrence, Kolby Smith, Lance Long, Wallace Gilberry, DaJuan Morgan, Jovan Belcher, Barry Richardson and Pierre Walters to determine if they can be future pieces of the puzzle. It's also necessary to determine what roles they will play.
2. Scouting: Short-Term,
The Chiefs coaching staff must also determine how slightly older players figure in going forward (e.g. Wade, Chambers, Edwards, Williams, Daniels, Alleman, Ndukwe, O'Callaghan). Many of these players will have value to this football team as depth. We saw first-hand how discarding a couple of valuable backups made a difference this season.
3. Developing: The Offense,
Todd Haley must help this offense establish an identity before next season. Down the stretch he needs to have some consistency with his offensive philosophy and with the playcalling. Find out if this team is to be a "run first", a "pass first" or a balanced offense. More importantly, the playcalling should be reflective of that mindset. It's also important that he take off the offensive training wheels and work towards more creating more big plays. Lastly, this is an 8-game audition for him to prove that he should retain his position as the OC next year. If he cannot produce more offensive success at least with a better idea of what he wants to offensively...he can pass that on to his replacement. Pioli needs to put pressure on him to find a suitable replacement if he cannot effectively do the job.
4. Scouting: The Defensive Staff,
Todd Haley must also determine if he's on the right track with his current assortment of defensive coaches. Krumrie may very well be stealing a paycheck from this organization. It's Haley's job to pay very close attention to how well his defensive line plays over the last 8 games. Help may become available in the off-season and he'll be better off identifying coaches/assistants if he knows exactly where he needs that help.
5. Developing: The QB,
Todd Haley needs to give Matt Cassel an opportunity to sink or swim on his own terms. It's time he take him off the leash and allow him to throw the ball downfield. He's being paid to play like a big-time NFL QB. If he can't...we need to know that now. Give him a chance to succeed and build some confidence going into next year. Or when he falters...bring in a good #2 option to push him during the off-season.
6. Developing: The Coach,
Todd Haley needs to do some serious soul-searching to determine a better course for his Head Coaching tenure here in Kansas City. He has to learn how to utilize his fire more effectively without burning up his message or intent. Haley must find a better way to connect with the players on an individual basis and learn what strategies work with certain players. His "one size fits all" approach to coaching may not be best for the team going forward. Haley also needs to "know his ledge" and determine what he can handle and what he must delegate to other members of his staff. Mismanaging his workload hurts this team.