Whitlock: Chiefs are going the wrong direction

[Tribal Warfare]

Chiefs are going the wrong direction
JASON WHITLOCK COMMENTARY

It’s not working, the “process,” the “Patriots Way,” the musical wide receivers, the $63 million quarterback, the yelling and screaming.

Sunday, the Chiefs darn near made your eyes bleed.

The Denver Broncos took the baton from the San Diego Chargers and obliterated the last pieces of progress left over from the Chiefs’ thought-to-be shocking-at-the-time victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A week ago, I spared you the final score. This week I will not shield you from the unfiltered truth:

Denver 44, Kansas City 13.

This thing is headed the wrong direction. Not only was the Pittsburgh victory a total fluke, but it’s lost all of its glitter, thanks to the Steelers’ four-game losing streak, including a loss to the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

You can’t shine this up. For the first time since 1983, John Mackovic’s first season as head coach, the Chiefs surrendered 40-plus points in back-to-back games.

That’s right. This is starting to smell like the 1980s on the field and in the stands. Arrowhead Stadium was just a touch more than half-filled on Sunday, and Broncos fans comprised a good 30 percent of the spectators.

The only thing missing was Bill Kenney. Unfortunately, Matt Cassel wishes he played at a level as high as Kenney.

Todd Haley benched The Sixty Million Dollar Man after Scott Pioli’s prize acquisition completed 10 of 29 passes for 84 yards and two interceptions through three quarters of play. Haley denied Cassel the opportunity to get angry, fling the ball with confidence and authority and put up some meaningless stats.

Cassel’s 14.6 QB rating for the afternoon wasn’t all his fault. His receivers, particularly Bobby Wade, dropped numerous passes, failed to complete routes and generally conducted themselves as if they had little interest in risking a Brian Dawkins mouth shot.

So much for the myth that this Haley-coached team never quits. His players don’t care that he yells and screams anymore, if they ever did. He’s getting tuned out. In the first quarter, Wade shouted back at his coach and had to be restrained by his teammates.

The scare-and-intimidation tactics by Haley and Pioli aren’t a viable long-term plan. This “process” is immature. You can see it in the players’ uneven performance and demeanor. Even a proud, distinguished veteran like Mike Vrabel is beginning to crack.

When the Broncos converted a fourth-and-inches into a fourth-quarter touchdown, Vrabel flipped his middle finger to the Denver bench as he walked off the field.

“I was frustrated,” said Vrabel, the former Patriots star. “I’ve been on the other end of one of those (blowout victory) and it’s a lot of fun. Well, now I’ve been on the other side, and it’s not good.”

None of this is good. The Chiefs aren’t getting better. They have a lone bright spot — linebacker/defensive end Tamba Hali, who recorded three sacks on Sunday and has 6 1/2 for the season. He’s drawn several holding penalties this year and has been a consistent defensive force.

No disrespect to Hali, but let me ask this question: Is this the emergence of a true pass-rush force or the second coming of Eric Hicks?

You remember Hicks’ 2000 season. He put up 14 sacks in a disappointing 7-9 season. For a season, Hicks looked like a building block, a foundational block for a bright defensive future.

Over the next six seasons, Hicks recorded 26 1/2 sacks. He was a solid NFL player. He never had another double-digit sack season.

You could argue that if Kansas City had a second playmaker along its front four, Hali would get 10-plus sacks this season. Someone else might argue that Hali is simply doing what he did his first two seasons when he was playing opposite Jared Allen, and Hali’s 6 1/2 sacks look awesome solely because no one else on the Chiefs gets a whiff of the opposing quarterback.

Hali had eight sacks his rookie year and 7 1/2 sacks in year two. He had three sacks last season.

I’m sorry. I can’t pinpoint a legitimate bright spot. Running back Jamaal Charles can’t hold onto the football. He’s fumbled three times. Chris Chambers? He’s likely to fall off the same cliff as the other off-the-street receivers Haley showcases for a week or two.

This season is a disaster. You can’t blame these back-to-back blowout losses to AFC West foes on Carl Peterson and Herm Edwards.

When they took over, Marty and Carl didn’t blame Frank Gansz and Jim Schaaf.

[RedThat]

LOL Vrabel flipped the bird to the Denver bench?

Now thats Stone Cold Steve Austin style....HELL YEAH!

[HemiEd]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

This isn't a just bad team, it's a spectacularly, eye-poppingly bad team. A team that should be accompanied by circus music, or the Benny Hill theme. A team that guarantees the opposing team a dominating string of highlights at the end of each week's sportscenter.

Well said, as usual. I think this is sig worthy.

[ThunderChief]

Originally Posted by gblowfish

Most long time Chiefs fans understand rebuilding. We've been through it with Mackovic, Levy, Marty, Herm, now Pioli/Haley. You can't blame fans for being angry when our last playoff win was 16 years ago against a team that doesn't exist any more. And during that time season tickets have increased by more than 300%, with another increase most likely pending for next year. You can only expect fan patience for so long. All we've asked for is true improvement. Having one more win than last year is not much of a measuring stick. So don't piss down our backs then tell us it's raining.

Very well said. I'm one of those since the 60s fans and am past the platitudes/analysis/patience of the more contemporary followers. Those folks have time on their side to wait for a turnaround of sorts. I'm calling out the current decisions because I'm at the point of not buying green banannas so to speak.

I'd like to see another Chiefs SuperBowl appearance/win before I take that long dirt nap but right now, I'm thinking back to my youth, savoring the 1970 'Bowl victory and know it has to last to the end.

[ThunderChief]

Originally Posted by mmaddog

I'd be happy to match my long time standing as a Chiefs fan with anyone on here. I was at most of the games during the 80's when you felt like you had your own personal Usher in the December games.

I am OK with anger...it's good and shows passion. What i am not OK with is people who are rushing the Castle (unintended pun) with pitchfork and fire. You don't turn around teams in 11 games, and you sure as hell don't make them winners unless the cupboard was full when they arrived. That is nowhere near the case with this team.

To be honest...most of the complaining is coming from writers (on and off this board) that want to sell print and see their name on a column. Dissent and dissidence sell newsprint....

mmaddog
*******

Take a lonnnnnnnnng swig of that current administration Kool-Aid pal. It looks like piss but must taste like Bass draft, right?

[Sure-Oz]

Originally Posted by RedThat

LOL Vrabel flipped the bird to the Denver bench?

Now thats Stone Cold Steve Austin style....HELL YEAH!

Vrabel was showing off his rings

[kcxiv]

I just know if there is any year to do some goofy ass experimenting, its this year, the fake punt thing didnt matter to me. We were going to lose anyways. This team is the suck. Haley and Pioli knew it going into this year, THey knew it was going to be a horrible season. They were just hoping some of "their" guys show some promise. Some have, and some havent.

Oline played the best they have played all season. we won more then last year, but we still suck. I know this. Is it hard to watch? ooh **** yes, but season 2 has to be at least a 6 -8 win season. If not, then Haley has to go. Though, if we continue to get blown out, you may have to out him this year. One thing is rebuilding, but for your team to give up on you is another. We will see.

Jamaal CHarles is right though, Someone make a ****ing play.

[gblowfish]

Originally Posted by kcxiv

I just know if there is any year to do some goofy ass experimenting, its this year, the fake punt thing didnt matter to me. We were going to lose anyways. This team is the suck. Haley and Pioli knew it going into this year, THey knew it was going to be a horrible season. They were just hoping some of "their" guys show some promise. Some have, and some havent.

Oline played the best they have played all season. we won more then last year, but we still suck. I know this. Is it hard to watch? ooh **** yes, but season 2 has to be at least a 6 -8 win season. If not, then Haley has to go. Though, if we continue to get blown out, you may have to out him this year. One thing is rebuilding, but for your team to give up on you is another. We will see.

Jamaal CHarles is right though, Someone make a ****ing play.

You can't go Oh for the AFC West at home and keep your job as coach. This year is Haley's mulligan. Next year, its put up or shut up.

[RedThat]

I don't think this whole "Patriot way" thing is going to work in Kansas City because Kansas City is a whole totally different situation put together. First off, Patriot way worked in New England because they got "lucky" drafting a player like Tom Brady. And anytime you have a player of that caliber it makes the other players around him better. So they could afford to make these low key signings. In addition, Pioli and co inherited a good core of veteran football players from the Parcells era such as Bruschi, McGinest, Law, Milloy, Vinatieri, T. Brown and anytime you have those kind of players its becomes a lot easier to build around a football team like that and I believe it also complimented their philosophy in what they wanted to do. That team was partially built and they had a bit of a nucleus to begin with.

I just don't see that same situation in Kansas City. As a matter of fact I think they're a very far cry from it. That is why I don't think this whole "Patriot way" philosophy is going to work around here. Its just not a good blend. Not the right blend anyway. There has to be another remedy or solution to build this team. I think its clear and safe to say that a particular philosophy works best pending on the situation and circumstance. Pioli failed to realize that in my opinion. I think Pioli should change his philosophy fast and come up with a new method or solution, one that is suitable on how to rebuild this football team in Kansas City.

[kcxiv]

Originally Posted by gblowfish

You can't go Oh for the AFC West at home and keep your job as coach. This year is Haley's mulligan. Next year, its put up or shut up.

Thats basically what i said. lol, Though if we get blown out a few more times, that mulligan may not apply. I understand we were going to be terrible, but they need to start showing signs of life.

[Mosbonian]

Originally Posted by ThunderChief

Take a lonnnnnnnnng swig of that current administration Kool-Aid pal. It looks like piss but must taste like Bass draft, right?

God...I love newbies who don't know shit about a person before they post. It shows their true ignorance.

First off, I don't drink...so I wouldn't know what Bass Draft is. But you seem to be the expert so go ahead and swig away.

But since we are making uninformed guesses on people let me do so with you. You're probably one of those old-timers that has spent maybe $50 or $100 a year and think you own the Team....that you probably know more than ol' Hank Stram himself and could probably have led this team to a Super Bowl victory or 10. Not sure why you are bothering to post on this BB when you should be over at 1 Arrowhead Drive assuming your GM position that you are qualified for.

I'll give you a pass on the post....especially since you appear to be "old guard". But next time get to know someone before you post stupid shit.

mmaddog
*******

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by Buster Hymen

So, here we are again.

The same group of people, savoring in the failure of the Chiefs. Like a group of children on Christmas morning, in giddy anticipation of the failing of the team they supposedly love. The "I told you so" factor, much more important to them than any semblance of success. No regard for the fact that the team is on track to finish as many, including themselves had predicted, a 4 or 5 win team.

Is this the point where a faux fan like ROR jumps off for a few years until the team is rebuilt to respectability? If he has in the past, which he's admitted to, this would be the time. Will he take any others with him?

Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it. It doesn't take long to figure out who just doesn't have the stomach for the bad. It's easier to have such lofty expectations when you don't have anything invested emotionally. They'll say their concern is genuine, and that they just want whats best for the team. Yet the hate for the team is stronger than any troll exhibits. If the 2-14 team of last year wins 4 or 5 this year will it be enough to subdue the hate?

Doubtful.

Here we are again; the Planet's most mindless advocate of sunshine and lollipop-rainbow blowjobs to the Great Haoli calling others out on their fandom like the sniveling little bitch he is.

[ThunderChief]

Originally Posted by mmaddog

God...I love newbies who don't know shit about a person before they post. It shows their true ignorance.

First off, I don't drink...so I wouldn't know what Bass Draft is. But you seem to be the expert so go ahead and swig away.

But since we are making uninformed guesses on people let me do so with you. You're probably one of those old-timers that has spent maybe $50 or $100 a year and think you own the Team....that you probably know more than ol' Hank Stram himself and could probably have led this team to a Super Bowl victory or 10. Not sure why you are bothering to post on this BB when you should be over at 1 Arrowhead Drive assuming your GM position that you are qualified for.

I'll give you a pass on the post....especially since you appear to be "old guard". But next time get to know someone before you post stupid shit.

mmaddog
*******

Look, we're all over this malaise of the team. At least I am but if you think you have license because of longevity on the board to call out my cred on the team, then let's have a go. I'll match your ass all the way back to the beginning and will say what needs saying on the current dismal outcome of decisions made and implemented over the past few years with the last 12 months in particular.

Looking at those outcomes from different viewpoints is okay with me. Just don't take cheap shots on 'stupid shit' comments and not expect return fire.

[Mosbonian]

Originally Posted by ThunderChief

Look, we're all over this malaise of the team. At least I am but if you think you have license because of longevity on the board to call out my cred on the team, then let's have a go. I'll match your ass all the way back to the beginning and will say what needs saying on the current dismal outcome of decisions made and implemented over the past few years with the last 12 months in particular.

Looking at those outcomes from different viewpoints is okay with me. Just don't take cheap shots on 'stupid shit' comments and not expect return fire.

See..here's your problem....you say it's ok to have different viewpoints but look back at you response to me. It wasn't anything more than a sophomoric jab at me. No explanation why you differ in opinion, no point/counterpoint...just a smart ass remark.

If you want to have a lively debate about the Chiefs all the way back to it's beginning we can chat offline. If you want to debate whether you agree with me or not, at least have the balls to show me where you differ not just punch out a one-line attempt at weak put down.

I am ok with differing points of view...I respect that some don't agree with me. Hell, I respect those who have smacked back at me with their analysis, because at least they attempted a rebuttal. All you did is act like a smart ass.

And I called you out not because of your cred...I called you out because you haven't taken the time to know where i truly stand on this team.

mmaddog
*******

[memyselfI]

Originally Posted by mmaddog

The leap you're taking is that you believe he is a shitty coach. Far too soon to make that assessment.

So I will make the same leap as you....if you really think that Haley has done a shitty job then you really know nothing about football.

See how easy that was....

mmaddog
*******

M,

I don't think it's a leap when you have players willing to even appear they are eager to take him on in a physical confrontation. It says you've lost at least one player AND his supporters and it says to those not in his camp that there are open fractions on the team. Once you've got fractions you no longer have cohesion. That is what this team is playing like. A team void of cohesion. No one is playing for pride either of their team or themselves and certainly not what it means to be 'a Chief' or in Kansas City.

If the franchise stunk and the fan base was awful but the team was still firmly behind their coach then in the very least they'd be out busting butts in an attempt to save his job let alone their own. Is that happening? Nope. This team has quit on the coach and if we are not careful they will check out so far that simply putting a new body in place won't help. There will be so much division and derision that a new face will only be a bandaid.

This rests on the shoulders of whomever got the final say in hiring a rookie to take on a team in turmoil. Haley might be able to step onto a mediocre team and take it to the next level. But he is not of the temperament to take a team in crisis and turn them around.

[Chieftain58]

Haley is looking stupid! All that yelling and his team laying down on him.. I could see him being fired