Chiefs A message of Positivity, from Mr. Jason Whitlock - Page 5

chiefzilla1501 · 11-22-2009, 11:22 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...y/1587222.html
The victory was just icing. The progress could be seen long before Matt Cassel shook off a critical fumble and began the process of rehabilitating his image.

The progress started with Kansas City’s rookie head coach, Todd Haley, who may have finally figured out what to do with his game-day emotions.

Rather than castigate his players, F-bomb his assistants and bicker with the refs, Haley spent his most productive Sunday as an NFL head coach fueling his players with positive energy. They responded with their most promising performance in two years.

Kansas City 27, Pittsburgh 24 in OT!

Yes, the Kansas City Chiefs, winners of five of their last 30 games, knocked off the defending Super Bowl champions at Arrowhead Stadium.

It wasn’t a fluke. The Steelers tried to win the game. They didn’t stumble into Arrowhead hung over from a night of being denied entrance into P&L nightclubs. The Chiefs played a good football game and took advantage of the Steelers’ errors.

Jamaal Charles returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Tamba Hali led a Kansas City pass rush that harassed Big Ben Roethlisberger and eventually sidelined him with a knee to the head. Brandon Flowers manufactured the first of four Pittsburgh turnovers, poking the ball out of the arm of receiver Mike Wallace. KC safeties Mike Brown and Jon McGraw accepted the challenge of being physical against Pittsburgh’s running game. Linebacker Andy Studebaker intercepted Big Ben twice, returning one 94 yards, setting up a Kansas City field goal.

And, most important, the Chiefs’ $63 million acquisition, Cassel, showed some real courage down the stretch. I thought he was going to fold after his inexcusable 360-spin, I’m-afraid-of-a-pass-rush fumble that basically handed the Steelers a 24-17 advantage in the fourth quarter.

Cassel had been dreadful to that point, completing eight of 18 passes for 95 yards through a little more than three quarters of play.

“He was really down when he turned the ball over, but he bounced back and made some great plays,” Haley said of his quarterback.

Cassel may have saved his Kansas City career. He certainly bought himself some time.

On KC’s next possession, facing third and 9 from the Chiefs’ 10, Cassel laced a strike down the middle of the Pittsburgh defense to Lance Long for 30 yards. Cassel followed it up with a 47-yard bomb to Chris Chambers. Cassel drove the Chiefs 91 yards in eight plays, hitting Charles with a 2-yard TD pass.

In overtime, Cassel set up the Chiefs’ game-winning field goal with a 61-yard, third-and-5 connection to Chambers.

If you would like, you can crawl into the statistics — which were dominated by the Steelers — and craft an argument that the Chiefs got lucky.

Nope. This was Kansas City-created good fortune. No doubt the Steelers are the better team and would likely beat the Chiefs eight out of 10 games. But Haley’s Chiefs followed a proven blueprint on how to beat a superior football team: 1. win the turnover battle; 2. score on special teams; 3. get after the opposing quarterback; 4. make big plays that dramatically change field position.

Did Haley mismanage the clock at the end of both halves? Yes, he was too conservative before halftime. But that’s nitpicking.

Haley coached an excellent football game. He concentrated on play-calling and encouraging his players. He left the refs alone. He didn’t overreact to the mistakes made by his players.

Had the Chiefs lost the game, I would be writing the exact same thing. Haley is learning how to be a head coach. His players are noticing and appreciative of his change in demeanor.

“I’m a rookie head coach and am passionate about what I do,” Haley said. “I live and die every day on how it goes with this team — not just game day. When you care about something, there is going to be some emotion. It’s easy to be positive when good things are happening.”

Good things happen when you expect positive results, when you put your mind in a positive place, when you treat the people fighting with you like they have as much invested in the outcome as you do.

Haley’s transformation from coaching mad man to competent leader has been going on for several weeks. Sunday, he finally struck the right balance. His team reflected his new spirit. The players wanted to shock the Steelers as much as their coach, whose father played and worked for the Steelers.

Are things perfect between Haley and his players? No. But there’s been a lot of progress.

To reach Jason Whitlock, call 816-234-4869 or send e-mail to jwhitlock@kcstar.com. For previous columns, go to KansasCity.com.

wild1 · 11-23-2009, 09:33 AM

there it is... "Haley won because he started taking my advice... credit me for this victory..."

Royal Fanatic · 11-23-2009, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild1

there it is... "Haley won because he started taking my advice... credit me for this victory..."

Exactly! Fatlock isn't backpedaling: he's saying "I told you so".

jwhit · 11-23-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sully

noticed an interesting dynamic on the sideline yesterday that was either a first, or just something I had never seen before.
While the D was on the field, and after the O-groups had met, I saw Waters and Bradley going over to where the defensive subs were (also where Haley was standing). Waters said something to Haley, and Haley turned around and responded... And I thought they were about to get into it. But Waters stood with the D (as well as Bradley) for the better part of the rest of the game, ostensibly rooting them on. I think that's the first real leadership I've seen from Waters all year.

Waters has been leading all year.

Haley has made positive strides. I write what I see and hear.

And I'm definitely not backpedaling. I like Haley. Want him to succeed. Glad he's taking a different approach. The guy is willing to evolve. Great sign.

Hammock Parties · 11-23-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwhit

Waters has been leading all year.

Leading the team in penalties, you mean.

**Iowanian** · 11-23-2009, 10:15 AM

I'm Jason Whitlock and Windows 7 was MY idea.

**The Bad Guy** · 11-23-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwhit

Waters has been leading all year.

Haley has made positive strides. I write what I see and hear.

And I'm definitely not backpedaling. I like Haley. Want him to succeed. Glad he's taking a different approach. The guy is willing to evolve. Great sign.

You are such a joke.

Rewind the tape a week and you were all over both Pioli and Haley.

Mr. Laz · 11-23-2009, 10:19 AM

so 3 days ago Haley was a worthless sack of crap and now "you can see progress long before ..."

what's sad is that whitlock probably actually thinks he influenced something.

raging racist douche

.

Mr. Laz · 11-23-2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

I'm Jason Whitlock and Windows 7 was MY idea.

nice

Coogs · 11-23-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwhit

Waters has been leading all year.

Haley has made positive strides. I write what I see and hear.

And I'm definitely not backpedaling. I like Haley. Want him to succeed. Glad he's taking a different approach. The guy is willing to evolve. Great sign.

JW. Are you going to the presser this afternoon? If so, give Haley a big

from the fans!

penchief · 11-23-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwhit

And I'm definitely not backpedaling. I like Haley. Want him to succeed. Glad he's taking a different approach. The guy is willing to evolve. Great sign.

I think any first year coach is going to evolve. But I don't think that the character issues you took upon yourself to blow out of proportion were ever the issue you made them out to be. On that count I think you are writing that Haley is "changing" so that you don't have to admit you were reaching with personal attacks in your attempt to manufacture a false narrative about Haley and Pioli.

Now, you can just say that you're changing your tune because Haley is changing his. Realistically, if you were to carry on with your baseless personal attacks you would be exposed even more than you already are. Haley "changing" is your out when you have to drop the faux outrage. I credit you for having the foresight to see that coming.

wild1 · 11-23-2009, 10:25 AM

Whitlock: "I was very instrumental in the creation of the, uh, internet"

Chiefnj2 · 11-23-2009, 10:25 AM

Last week Whit wrote an article saying Haley was a Jamarcus pubic hair away from losing the team forever and this week Haley is a "great sign". I used to enjoy Whitlock, but this season he lost his burst as well as all credibility. Time for another reporter to step up.

jwhit · 11-23-2009, 10:26 AM

also, the media did not give haley an ovation... the hunt family and friends attend the home press conferences. they cheered when haley walked in. haley deserved the ovation.

jwhit · 11-23-2009, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

Last week Whit wrote an article saying Haley was a Jamarcus pubic hair away from losing the team forever and this week Haley is a "great sign". I used to enjoy Whitlock, but this season he lost his burst as well as all credibility. Time for another reporter to step up.

haley's problems in oakland (not kicking the field goal, f-bombing carthon) led to his new approach on sunday. he's been trying to control himself all year. the raiders game was a wake-up call. i'd bet either pioli or carthon or dick haley had an intervention with haley last week.

Coogs · 11-23-2009, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwhit

also, the media did not give haley an ovation... the hunt family and friends attend the home press conferences. they cheered when haley walked in. haley deserved the ovation.

Cool. Didn't know they went to the press conference, so I figured it was you guys who gave the ovation. I heard you complimented Haley. Nice touch.

11-22-2009, 11:22 PM
chiefzilla1501 In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $-1715503	A message of Positivity, from Mr. Jason Whitlock http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...y/1587222.html The victory was just icing. The progress could be seen long before Matt Cassel shook off a critical fumble and began the process of rehabilitating his image. The progress started with Kansas City’s rookie head coach, Todd Haley, who may have finally figured out what to do with his game-day emotions. Rather than castigate his players, F-bomb his assistants and bicker with the refs, Haley spent his most productive Sunday as an NFL head coach fueling his players with positive energy. They responded with their most promising performance in two years. Kansas City 27, Pittsburgh 24 in OT! Yes, the Kansas City Chiefs, winners of five of their last 30 games, knocked off the defending Super Bowl champions at Arrowhead Stadium. It wasn’t a fluke. The Steelers tried to win the game. They didn’t stumble into Arrowhead hung over from a night of being denied entrance into P&L nightclubs. The Chiefs played a good football game and took advantage of the Steelers’ errors. Jamaal Charles returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Tamba Hali led a Kansas City pass rush that harassed Big Ben Roethlisberger and eventually sidelined him with a knee to the head. Brandon Flowers manufactured the first of four Pittsburgh turnovers, poking the ball out of the arm of receiver Mike Wallace. KC safeties Mike Brown and Jon McGraw accepted the challenge of being physical against Pittsburgh’s running game. Linebacker Andy Studebaker intercepted Big Ben twice, returning one 94 yards, setting up a Kansas City field goal. And, most important, the Chiefs’ $63 million acquisition, Cassel, showed some real courage down the stretch. I thought he was going to fold after his inexcusable 360-spin, I’m-afraid-of-a-pass-rush fumble that basically handed the Steelers a 24-17 advantage in the fourth quarter. Cassel had been dreadful to that point, completing eight of 18 passes for 95 yards through a little more than three quarters of play. “He was really down when he turned the ball over, but he bounced back and made some great plays,” Haley said of his quarterback. Cassel may have saved his Kansas City career. He certainly bought himself some time. On KC’s next possession, facing third and 9 from the Chiefs’ 10, Cassel laced a strike down the middle of the Pittsburgh defense to Lance Long for 30 yards. Cassel followed it up with a 47-yard bomb to Chris Chambers. Cassel drove the Chiefs 91 yards in eight plays, hitting Charles with a 2-yard TD pass. In overtime, Cassel set up the Chiefs’ game-winning field goal with a 61-yard, third-and-5 connection to Chambers. If you would like, you can crawl into the statistics — which were dominated by the Steelers — and craft an argument that the Chiefs got lucky. Nope. This was Kansas City-created good fortune. No doubt the Steelers are the better team and would likely beat the Chiefs eight out of 10 games. But Haley’s Chiefs followed a proven blueprint on how to beat a superior football team: 1. win the turnover battle; 2. score on special teams; 3. get after the opposing quarterback; 4. make big plays that dramatically change field position. Did Haley mismanage the clock at the end of both halves? Yes, he was too conservative before halftime. But that’s nitpicking. Haley coached an excellent football game. He concentrated on play-calling and encouraging his players. He left the refs alone. He didn’t overreact to the mistakes made by his players. Had the Chiefs lost the game, I would be writing the exact same thing. Haley is learning how to be a head coach. His players are noticing and appreciative of his change in demeanor. “I’m a rookie head coach and am passionate about what I do,” Haley said. “I live and die every day on how it goes with this team — not just game day. When you care about something, there is going to be some emotion. It’s easy to be positive when good things are happening.” Good things happen when you expect positive results, when you put your mind in a positive place, when you treat the people fighting with you like they have as much invested in the outcome as you do. Haley’s transformation from coaching mad man to competent leader has been going on for several weeks. Sunday, he finally struck the right balance. His team reflected his new spirit. The players wanted to shock the Steelers as much as their coach, whose father played and worked for the Steelers. Are things perfect between Haley and his players? No. But there’s been a lot of progress. To reach Jason Whitlock, call 816-234-4869 or send e-mail to jwhitlock@kcstar.com. For previous columns, go to KansasCity.com.
Posts: 51,633

11-23-2009, 09:33 AM	#61
wild1 MVP Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: 31040 Casino cash: $10004900	there it is... "Haley won because he started taking my advice... credit me for this victory..."
Posts: 6,935

11-23-2009, 10:15 AM	#65
Iowanian Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Utopia Casino cash: $1698454	I'm Jason Whitlock and Windows 7 was MY idea.
Posts: 62,942

11-23-2009, 10:19 AM	#67
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	so 3 days ago Haley was a worthless sack of crap and now "you can see progress long before ..." what's sad is that whitlock probably actually thinks he influenced something. raging racist douche . __________________ Last edited by Mr. Laz; 11-23-2009 at 10:32 AM..
Posts: 95,626

11-23-2009, 10:25 AM	#71
wild1 MVP Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: 31040 Casino cash: $10004900	Whitlock: "I was very instrumental in the creation of the, uh, internet"
Posts: 6,935

11-23-2009, 10:25 AM	#72
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $6654388	Last week Whit wrote an article saying Haley was a Jamarcus pubic hair away from losing the team forever and this week Haley is a "great sign". I used to enjoy Whitlock, but this season he lost his burst as well as all credibility. Time for another reporter to step up. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,541

11-23-2009, 10:26 AM	#73
jwhit Starter Join Date: Oct 2004 Casino cash: $9994990	also, the media did not give haley an ovation... the hunt family and friends attend the home press conferences. they cheered when haley walked in. haley deserved the ovation.
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