Chiefs Teicher: Chiefs hope to start preseason on the right foot

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-12-2010, 11:22 PM

Chiefs hope to start preseason on the right foot
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

ATLANTA | Former Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer used to say few things were forgotten quicker than the result of an exhibition game. The Chiefs of a more recent vintage stand as evidence that for at least one NFL team, exhibitions can serve as an omen of things to come.

Their last three preseasons have been unproductive in terms of victories and progress toward games that count. Dismal regular seasons followed.

So while none of the Chiefs are suggesting there’s an urgency about tonight’s exhibition opener against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome, neither is anyone proposing it’s a casual affair.

“We’ve been talking about it all offseason,” quarterback Matt Cassel said. “We’re ready to get that taste of last year out of our mouth. We’re ready to go. Atlanta will be a good first test.”

It’s been a painful process for the Chiefs to dig themselves out of the hole they’ve created for themselves by winning 10 games over the last three seasons. So another lost preseason can’t help but place here-we-go-again thoughts in at least some of their minds.

“When you win four games, any win is a positive thing as far as trying to figure out how to win,” guard Brian Waters said. “We haven’t won very many games the last three years. Winning football games can be contagious.

“As a young football team, I think you have to have that mentality. We understand preseason games don’t count, but we also understand that they matter.”

Nothing suggests coach Todd Haley will sell out to win tonight’s game. He didn’t disclose his plans for using the regulars, but it’s unlikely they will play more than the first quarter, if they even last that long.

Still, Haley is looking for ways to jump-start the process of turning the Chiefs in a different direction and in that regard tonight’s game can be an opportunity.

“When you haven’t won a lot of games, you have to learn how to win,” Haley said. “Winning is critical to us.

“I would never say these preseason games aren’t important for a young, developing team. For some individuals that have a lot of experience, maybe they’re not so important from the gaining experience standpoint. But for me as a head coach and for our overall development as a team and playing together as a team and learning how to do things as a team, they’re very important.”

Last season was Haley’s first with the Chiefs, and things quickly spiraled downward once the preseason began. They scored two offensive touchdowns, fired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, lost Cassel to a knee injury for the regular-season opener and finished winless in four games.

So it’s no coincidence the Chiefs weren’t ready when the regular season began. They lost their first five games on their way to finishing 4-12.

“I was with New England and we were (2-2 in the preseason) and we turned out going (16-0),” Cassel said. “And (another season), we were 0-4 and turned into an 11-5 team. Preseason is just about getting your team better. Now would we like to go 4-0 in preseason? Absolutely because I do think it builds momentum.”

Momentum doesn’t always carry over from exhibition to regular season, but the Chiefs are in no position to take that chance.

“There are so many examples of each way,” Haley said. “I know I’m not smart enough to figure that out. But I do know that there’s never anything wrong with good things happening.

“We need to go out and we need to take some of these things we’ve been doing in practice well into a game. This is our first opportunity.”

In the end, the results of an exhibition game are often determined by the players on the field in the second half. A lot of them won’t be around when the regular season begins.

So for a team like the Chiefs, who are still trying to find their way, it’s more about making some good things happen against the Falcons.

“If you lose a game,” Waters said, “you have to be able to say, ‘Yeah, we lost, but we did all these things correctly and these are all things we need to do correctly to win games during the regular season.’ ”

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH TONIGHT

1. Matt Cassel’s poise.

2. This year’s top three draft picks.

3. The Chiefs’ new-look defense.

4. The team’s response to seven promising months.

5. The changes since Tony G last played for the Chiefs.

KCrockaholic · 08-12-2010, 11:23 PM

Teicher must think all football fans are reeruned.

I love his attention getter.

"Chiefs hope to win games"

"Chiefs hope Tyson Jackson isn't a bust"

See I can do it too.

**RealSNR** · 08-12-2010, 11:34 PM

I hope to one day find my right foot kicking Teicher squarely in the balls

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-12-2010, 11:38 PM

I'm guessing they start on the left foot and can't stop Gonzalez in Atlanta's first two drives.

BWillie · 08-12-2010, 11:39 PM

I don't know what it is about NFL pre-season games. I'd rather watch pre-season NBA, college basketball practices, MLB spring training, I mean anything other than pre-season football.

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-12-2010, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie007

I don't know what it is about NFL pre-season games. I'd rather watch pre-season NBA, college basketball practices, MLB spring training, I mean anything other than pre-season football.

Just grab a few beers and some Taco Bell.

You'll be fine.

**Bugeater** · 08-12-2010, 11:40 PM

I'd put my money on them shooting themselves in that right foot.

Katie · 08-12-2010, 11:48 PM

We're so used to losing, we have no optimisim even for a preseson game...sad.

HotRoute · 08-13-2010, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Just grab a few beers and some Taco Bell.

You'll be fine.

Precisely I don't like to even drink until about the end of the 3rd quarter during the regular season but when it comes to preseason I like to go into the 1st quarter with a buzz, still don't know about that taco bell though

Mr. Arrowhead · 08-13-2010, 12:14 AM

how does Teicher still have a job? seriously anybody on here can write what he writes.

**CrazyPhuD** · 08-13-2010, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Arrowhead

how does Teicher still have a job? seriously anybody on here can write what he writes.

I'm sure if he ever gets fired by the star he can always go work for WPI.

**buddha** · 08-13-2010, 08:04 AM

Teicher has gotten so lazy, his stuff is almost unreadable.

Things to watch tonight:

1. Is the QB any good?
2. Are the rookies any good?
3. Have the coaches gotten any smarter?
4. Can any WRs catch a pass?

Purile and a complete waste of time. At least Fatlock is interesting in his own moronic way.

Dayze · 08-13-2010, 08:09 AM

Teicher's pieces are very elementary.

and holy hell, has anyone heard him on 610 in the morning? Jesus, that dude stutters and stumbles over every word.

**Baby Lee** · 08-13-2010, 08:25 AM

I look for two, well 2.5, things in the preseason.

The execution by the first units
Breakout performances by the scrubs.

The .5 is just getting a return to FB fix.

AndChiefs · 08-13-2010, 08:26 AM

"Chiefs Hope To Win Superbowl"

08-12-2010, 11:22 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $652813	Teicher: Chiefs hope to start preseason on the right foot Chiefs hope to start preseason on the right foot By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star ATLANTA \| Former Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer used to say few things were forgotten quicker than the result of an exhibition game. The Chiefs of a more recent vintage stand as evidence that for at least one NFL team, exhibitions can serve as an omen of things to come. Their last three preseasons have been unproductive in terms of victories and progress toward games that count. Dismal regular seasons followed. So while none of the Chiefs are suggesting there’s an urgency about tonight’s exhibition opener against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome, neither is anyone proposing it’s a casual affair. “We’ve been talking about it all offseason,” quarterback Matt Cassel said. “We’re ready to get that taste of last year out of our mouth. We’re ready to go. Atlanta will be a good first test.” It’s been a painful process for the Chiefs to dig themselves out of the hole they’ve created for themselves by winning 10 games over the last three seasons. So another lost preseason can’t help but place here-we-go-again thoughts in at least some of their minds. “When you win four games, any win is a positive thing as far as trying to figure out how to win,” guard Brian Waters said. “We haven’t won very many games the last three years. Winning football games can be contagious. “As a young football team, I think you have to have that mentality. We understand preseason games don’t count, but we also understand that they matter.” Nothing suggests coach Todd Haley will sell out to win tonight’s game. He didn’t disclose his plans for using the regulars, but it’s unlikely they will play more than the first quarter, if they even last that long. Still, Haley is looking for ways to jump-start the process of turning the Chiefs in a different direction and in that regard tonight’s game can be an opportunity. “When you haven’t won a lot of games, you have to learn how to win,” Haley said. “Winning is critical to us. “I would never say these preseason games aren’t important for a young, developing team. For some individuals that have a lot of experience, maybe they’re not so important from the gaining experience standpoint. But for me as a head coach and for our overall development as a team and playing together as a team and learning how to do things as a team, they’re very important.” Last season was Haley’s first with the Chiefs, and things quickly spiraled downward once the preseason began. They scored two offensive touchdowns, fired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, lost Cassel to a knee injury for the regular-season opener and finished winless in four games. So it’s no coincidence the Chiefs weren’t ready when the regular season began. They lost their first five games on their way to finishing 4-12. “I was with New England and we were (2-2 in the preseason) and we turned out going (16-0),” Cassel said. “And (another season), we were 0-4 and turned into an 11-5 team. Preseason is just about getting your team better. Now would we like to go 4-0 in preseason? Absolutely because I do think it builds momentum.” Momentum doesn’t always carry over from exhibition to regular season, but the Chiefs are in no position to take that chance. “There are so many examples of each way,” Haley said. “I know I’m not smart enough to figure that out. But I do know that there’s never anything wrong with good things happening. “We need to go out and we need to take some of these things we’ve been doing in practice well into a game. This is our first opportunity.” In the end, the results of an exhibition game are often determined by the players on the field in the second half. A lot of them won’t be around when the regular season begins. So for a team like the Chiefs, who are still trying to find their way, it’s more about making some good things happen against the Falcons. “If you lose a game,” Waters said, “you have to be able to say, ‘Yeah, we lost, but we did all these things correctly and these are all things we need to do correctly to win games during the regular season.’ ” FIVE THINGS TO WATCH TONIGHT 1. Matt Cassel’s poise. 2. This year’s top three draft picks. 3. The Chiefs’ new-look defense. 4. The team’s response to seven promising months. 5. The changes since Tony G last played for the Chiefs.
Posts: 42,152

08-12-2010, 11:23 PM	#2
KCrockaholic Sarcasm Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Olathe Casino cash: $4622900	Teicher must think all football fans are reeruned. I love his attention getter. "Chiefs hope to win games" "Chiefs hope Tyson Jackson isn't a bust" See I can do it too.
Posts: 21,140

08-12-2010, 11:34 PM	#3
RealSNR Special Teams ACE!!! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Where the hell is SNR Casino cash: $2100208	I hope to one day find my right foot kicking Teicher squarely in the balls
Posts: 90,651

08-12-2010, 11:38 PM	#4
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	I'm guessing they start on the left foot and can't stop Gonzalez in Atlanta's first two drives.
Posts: 88,960

08-12-2010, 11:39 PM	#5
BWillie El Gato Gordo Loco Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Earth Casino cash: $2171241	I don't know what it is about NFL pre-season games. I'd rather watch pre-season NBA, college basketball practices, MLB spring training, I mean anything other than pre-season football. __________________ Who wants free money? Use the link below to sign up at Bovada, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker and Ignition. Contact me for private deals, spot bonuses, possible rakeback or any questions! Bovada, Ignition, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker: baldeaglepoker.com Bovada Poker is back! Get up to $500 poker deposit bonus.
Posts: 46,254

08-12-2010, 11:40 PM	#7
Bugeater The Maintenance Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate Casino cash: $6232680	I'd put my money on them shooting themselves in that right foot.
Posts: 70,443

08-12-2010, 11:48 PM	#8
Katie Starter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Home of the Braves Casino cash: $5445011	We're so used to losing, we have no optimisim even for a preseson game...sad. __________________ "Losers quit when their tired. Winners quit when the game is won."
Posts: 855

08-13-2010, 12:14 AM	#10
Mr. Arrowhead MVP Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wichita Casino cash: $10015708	how does Teicher still have a job? seriously anybody on here can write what he writes.
Posts: 7,763

08-13-2010, 08:04 AM	#12
buddha You may think you know... Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: California Casino cash: $10006184	Teicher has gotten so lazy, his stuff is almost unreadable. Things to watch tonight: 1. Is the QB any good? 2. Are the rookies any good? 3. Have the coaches gotten any smarter? 4. Can any WRs catch a pass? Purile and a complete waste of time. At least Fatlock is interesting in his own moronic way.
Posts: 2,183

08-13-2010, 08:09 AM	#13
Dayze Resident Glue Sniffer Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $4959358	Teicher's pieces are very elementary. and holy hell, has anyone heard him on 610 in the morning? Jesus, that dude stutters and stumbles over every word. __________________ Life is 99% inspiration, 1% Perspiration, and 1% Attention to Detial. RIP & Godspeed: Saccoppo Lonewolf Ed Fire Me Boy
Posts: 37,375

08-13-2010, 08:25 AM	#14
Baby Lee Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $6838598	I look for two, well 2.5, things in the preseason. The execution by the first units Breakout performances by the scrubs. The .5 is just getting a return to FB fix. __________________ We need the kind of courage that can withstand the subtle corruption of the cynics - E.W.
Posts: 95,642

08-13-2010, 08:26 AM	#15
AndChiefs Bazinga! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Houston, TX Casino cash: $1401820	"Chiefs Hope To Win Superbowl"
Posts: 5,479