Chiefs Teicher: Hali hoping for a fresh start... - Page 5

DaWolf · 05-06-2009, 11:11 PM

Hali hoping for a fresh start

By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

The thought first occurred to Tamba Hali last year as he suffered through the worst season of his NFL career.

Maybe he’d be better off if he were allowed to drop some weight and move away from defensive end, where he was having trouble staying in one piece and fulfilling what the Chiefs saw in Hali when they made him their first-round draft pick in 2006.

So it’s in that light that Hali is looking at the Chiefs’ hiring of coach Todd Haley and their planned transition to a 3-4 defense as a good thing. The Chiefs are looking at Hali as an outside linebacker, though he could play some at end when they move to the 4-3.

“They’re trying me at different spots, but I’ve got to think (linebacker) is probably where they’ll want me,” Hali said. “Haley’s telling me both defensive end and linebacker, so I’m moving between both of them now.

“I can rush the passer and play the run while I’m playing linebacker. That’s basically what I did at Penn State, so I’m excited about that.”

It might be the last chance for Hali to resurrect his career, at least in Kansas City. The Chiefs once pinned huge expectations to Hali, the first player they drafted after naming Herm Edwards as their coach three years ago.

The new administration of Haley and general manager Scott Pioli has no such allegiance to Hali. They drafted defensive linemen Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee with their two top draft picks and added veteran linebackers Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas.

Hali will have to earn his way, though the Chiefs will for now look for spots where he can help.

“He’s another guy that has some really good ability, and those defensive linemen, linebackers, whatever role he’s going to play, those guys don’t grow on trees,” Haley said. “He’s a guy who can make plays, and I’m for guys that can make plays.”

The Chiefs had a defined role for Hali when he was drafted. He was going to be the end opposite Jared Allen.

Hali did that well enough his first two seasons, totaling 15 1/2 sacks. But they asked him to replace Allen as the featured pass rusher as the right end last season after trading Allen to Minnesota.

Hali suffered there, and the Chiefs eventually moved him back to his original spot at left end during the season. His three sacks led the Chiefs, but they were the lowest total of his career. Hali also was bothered by injuries that didn’t prevent him from playing but did hamper his efforts to be the player the Chiefs expected.

He also could play at a weight more natural than the 275 pounds that he played at last season.

“I don’t really need to be 275 pounds. I don’t even need to be 260. Maybe I can be 250 like (Pittsburgh’s) James Harrison or (San Diego’s) Shawne "roidman" Merriman,” Hali said, referring to top pass-rushing 3-4 linebackers. “I’m more comfortable at that weight anyway. I was 275 only because that’s what (former defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham) wanted.

“Right now, we’re looking for speed.”

Even at a lighter weight, pass coverage will be an issue for Hali and the Chiefs. They didn’t ask him to do much of that under Edwards other than the occasional zone blitz.

“Tamba will be OK,” Edwards said. “He had dropped (in coverage) before. Gun ran some zone coverage where Tamba had to drop.”

Haley said: “We’ve got to see him do that. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen him (in coverage) other than some zone drops and things like that. That’s what this next couple of months is for, trying to figure out where these guys fit.”

Even Hali acknowledged he will have to improve in that area.

“That’s something I’ll have to work on. I’m not going to lie to you,” he said. “Covering receivers has not been my specialty.

“But I’m looking forward to trying it because I’m just being a football player. I’m glad about this because I just like to play the game. I don’t just want to be good at one thing. I want to be able to do everything.”

Sweet Daddy Hate · 05-07-2009, 07:24 PM

Mission Accomplished.
(and I didn't even have to stage a bullshit photo-op to make it happen!)

FAX · 05-07-2009, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THISmaqe

DT wasn't track-speed fast, he was explosive. His first step was unreal.

Exactly so, Mr. hitsmaqe. I read an article about DT a couple of years ago in which they interviewed several linemen who played against him. In summary, those peeps talked about his first step ... basically said that he was by you before you could react. Apparently, DT had a very unusual gift in that sense.

It's odd how he was so quick out of the blocks ... I mean, his first step was faster than 99.9% of other linebackers ... you would think that such a skill wouldn't be that rare, but I guess it is.

FAX

RedThat · 05-07-2009, 09:51 PM

And I like to add to DT's 1st step, the thing I'll always remember about DT that made him so special was the timing of his 1st step. It was great! Looks like he would jump offsides but he didn't because his timing was so precise and on the money right when that whistle blew. I guess the timing and explosiveness off the line, put those 2 contributing factors together and thats what made him great.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 05-07-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBull

And I like to add to DT's 1st step, the thing I'll always remember about DT that made him so special was the timing of his 1st step. It was great! Looks like he would jump offsides but he didn't because his timing was so precise and on the money right when that whistle blew. I guess the timing and explosiveness off the line, put those 2 contributing factors together and thats what made him great.

The guy was such a weapon. I'm beyond thrilled he's finally "going home" where he belongs. That's going to be a Great Day.
Can't wait.

bdeg · 05-07-2009, 10:19 PM

ya know today everyone says the exact same things about Ware

I saw a clip awhile back where they claimed he told his coach he wasn't offsides when he was flagged for it. coach went and looked at the tape, which they showed, and it was just instantaneous

SenselessChiefsFan · 05-08-2009, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THISmaqe

While I'm not going to go out on the limb of saying that he'll be "very good", I have been adamant that this is his last, best chance to succeed. Some of his best games at DE his rookie year, he was standing up and moving around.

That being said, I ABSOLUTELY agree with you about him fitting the mold - the Patriot mentality. We NEED for guys like Hali to succeed. Look at the Chargers, LOADED with talent and nothing to show for it. Because they don't have enough guys with the HEART for it.

Exactly. He has been VERY effective when he was standing up and moving around. His biggest liability is that he hasn't held up physically to playing on the LOS. He has had injuries and he wears down during games.

He plays all out 100% of the time and he doesn't pace himself. This has hurt him in the offseason, and during games. It even hurt him leading up to the combine because he overtrained. He ran a poor 40 time because of it.

He is faster than he is given credit for and he has great athleticsm. He has very good lateral movement and very fluid hips for a guy his size. He has heart, he has tenacity, and he has good football instincts.

He may not be a pro bowler, but he will surprise a lot of guys on here. About midway through the season, I expect articles to start coming out about him being one of the main reasons the 3-4 defense is working.

Time will tell. I have went as far out of the limb as I can. If he falls on his face, I will be having Crow for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Independence day, Halloween, St. Patricks day, Flag Day, Valentines day, etc.

I will have a multi year supply of Crow.

milkman · 05-09-2009, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Exactly. He has been VERY effective when he was standing up and moving around. His biggest liability is that he hasn't held up physically to playing on the LOS. He has had injuries and he wears down during games.

He plays all out 100% of the time and he doesn't pace himself. This has hurt him in the offseason, and during games. It even hurt him leading up to the combine because he overtrained. He ran a poor 40 time because of it.

He is faster than he is given credit for and he has great athleticsm. He has very good lateral movement and very fluid hips for a guy his size. He has heart, he has tenacity, and he has good football instincts.

He may not be a pro bowler, but he will surprise a lot of guys on here. About midway through the season, I expect articles to start coming out about him being one of the main reasons the 3-4 defense is working.

Time will tell. I have went as far out of the limb as I can. If he falls on his face, I will be having Crow for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Independence day, Halloween, St. Patricks day, Flag Day, Valentines day, etc.

I will have a multi year supply of Crow.

I'm pretty sure Crow has been a huge part of your diet for years, so nothing will change.

Red Dawg · 05-09-2009, 07:03 AM

I like Tamba and hope he makes the cut. He's one of the good guys we have that thankful to be in the NFL.

Not to mention now that Tony is gone I only have him and LJ jerseys left to wear. All the other ones I have are of players no longer on the team.

MoreLemonPledge · 05-09-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuckdaddy

I like Tamba and hope he makes the cut. He's one of the good guys we have that thankful to be in the NFL.

Not to mention now that Tony is gone I only have him and LJ jerseys left to wear. All the other ones I have are of players no longer on the team.

You have a Tamba Hali jersey? I'm so sorry...

Sweet Daddy Hate · 05-09-2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoreLemonPledge

You have a Tamba Hali jersey? I'm so sorry...

You're coming along quite nicely.

King_Chief_Fan · 05-10-2009, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

He plays all out 100% of the time and he doesn't pace himself. This has hurt him in the offseason, and during games. It even hurt him leading up to the combine because he overtrained. He ran a poor 40 time because of it.

He is faster than he is given credit for and he has great athleticsm. He has very good lateral movement and very fluid hips for a guy his size. He has heart, he has tenacity, and he has good football instincts.

I always wonder how a person can claim things about a player when said player hasn't shown it on the field... Haley flips the switch and makes a playmaker out of Hali. Can't wait to see that.

whoman69 · 05-10-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_Chief_Fan

I always wonder how a person can claim things about a player when said player hasn't shown it on the field... Haley flips the switch and makes a playmaker out of Hali. Can't wait to see that.

I wouldn't say he just flips a switch, but a change in the way things are done can often work miracles. Nobody saw anything in Len Dawson for five years.

milkman · 05-10-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whoman69

I wouldn't say he just flips a switch, but a change in the way things are done can often work miracles. Nobody saw anything in Len Dawson for five years.

That isn't true.

The Steelers saw enough from Dawson to make him the fifth overall selection in '57, and the Browns traded for him when Lenny couldn't displace Bobby Layne, but again he couldn't displace an established starter.

Lenny had the tools to succeed, he just needed to find the right place to put those tools to use.

Hali, on the other hand, has pretty much maxed out his potential.
The switch to OLB in 34 may put him a position to be a servicable player, which is his max potential.

htismaqe · 05-10-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_Chief_Fan

I always wonder how a person can claim things about a player when said player hasn't shown it on the field... Haley flips the switch and makes a playmaker out of Hali. Can't wait to see that.

Hasn't shown what on the field?

Because he made two different assertions - that Hali plays 100% all the time and that he has great athleticism. BOTH of those aren't false, because he has certainly proven on the field that he gives 100% on every play, even when he's hurt.

Pasta Little Brioni · 05-10-2009, 12:30 PM

The guy had a pretty solid first 2 years in the league. Last year was rough, but it's not like he is chopped liver. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he succeeded in his new role.

05-06-2009, 11:11 PM
DaWolf Cry havoc... Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10007725	Teicher: Hali hoping for a fresh start... Hali hoping for a fresh start By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The thought first occurred to Tamba Hali last year as he suffered through the worst season of his NFL career. Maybe he’d be better off if he were allowed to drop some weight and move away from defensive end, where he was having trouble staying in one piece and fulfilling what the Chiefs saw in Hali when they made him their first-round draft pick in 2006. So it’s in that light that Hali is looking at the Chiefs’ hiring of coach Todd Haley and their planned transition to a 3-4 defense as a good thing. The Chiefs are looking at Hali as an outside linebacker, though he could play some at end when they move to the 4-3. “They’re trying me at different spots, but I’ve got to think (linebacker) is probably where they’ll want me,” Hali said. “Haley’s telling me both defensive end and linebacker, so I’m moving between both of them now. “I can rush the passer and play the run while I’m playing linebacker. That’s basically what I did at Penn State, so I’m excited about that.” It might be the last chance for Hali to resurrect his career, at least in Kansas City. The Chiefs once pinned huge expectations to Hali, the first player they drafted after naming Herm Edwards as their coach three years ago. The new administration of Haley and general manager Scott Pioli has no such allegiance to Hali. They drafted defensive linemen Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee with their two top draft picks and added veteran linebackers Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas. Hali will have to earn his way, though the Chiefs will for now look for spots where he can help. “He’s another guy that has some really good ability, and those defensive linemen, linebackers, whatever role he’s going to play, those guys don’t grow on trees,” Haley said. “He’s a guy who can make plays, and I’m for guys that can make plays.” The Chiefs had a defined role for Hali when he was drafted. He was going to be the end opposite Jared Allen. Hali did that well enough his first two seasons, totaling 15 1/2 sacks. But they asked him to replace Allen as the featured pass rusher as the right end last season after trading Allen to Minnesota. Hali suffered there, and the Chiefs eventually moved him back to his original spot at left end during the season. His three sacks led the Chiefs, but they were the lowest total of his career. Hali also was bothered by injuries that didn’t prevent him from playing but did hamper his efforts to be the player the Chiefs expected. He also could play at a weight more natural than the 275 pounds that he played at last season. “I don’t really need to be 275 pounds. I don’t even need to be 260. Maybe I can be 250 like (Pittsburgh’s) James Harrison or (San Diego’s) Shawne "roidman" Merriman,” Hali said, referring to top pass-rushing 3-4 linebackers. “I’m more comfortable at that weight anyway. I was 275 only because that’s what (former defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham) wanted. “Right now, we’re looking for speed.” Even at a lighter weight, pass coverage will be an issue for Hali and the Chiefs. They didn’t ask him to do much of that under Edwards other than the occasional zone blitz. “Tamba will be OK,” Edwards said. “He had dropped (in coverage) before. Gun ran some zone coverage where Tamba had to drop.” Haley said: “We’ve got to see him do that. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen him (in coverage) other than some zone drops and things like that. That’s what this next couple of months is for, trying to figure out where these guys fit.” Even Hali acknowledged he will have to improve in that area. “That’s something I’ll have to work on. I’m not going to lie to you,” he said. “Covering receivers has not been my specialty. “But I’m looking forward to trying it because I’m just being a football player. I’m glad about this because I just like to play the game. I don’t just want to be good at one thing. I want to be able to do everything.”
Posts: 6,798

05-07-2009, 07:24 PM	#61
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	Mission Accomplished. (and I didn't even have to stage a bullshit photo-op to make it happen!) __________________ 1. Merciless, severe. 2. Given freely and generously. 100% refusal to overrate 20 year Head Coaches with ZERO **ing rings as a Head Coach. CP's Official Professor of 'Dem Blues for 2019/2020!**
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05-07-2009, 09:51 PM	#63
RedThat Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Earth Casino cash: $10004900	And I like to add to DT's 1st step, the thing I'll always remember about DT that made him so special was the timing of his 1st step. It was great! Looks like he would jump offsides but he didn't because his timing was so precise and on the money right when that whistle blew. I guess the timing and explosiveness off the line, put those 2 contributing factors together and thats what made him great.
Posts: 6,666

05-07-2009, 10:19 PM	#65
bdeg Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: iowa Casino cash: $10004900	ya know today everyone says the exact same things about Ware I saw a clip awhile back where they claimed he told his coach he wasn't offsides when he was flagged for it. coach went and looked at the tape, which they showed, and it was just instantaneous
Posts: 2,987

05-09-2009, 07:03 AM	#68
Red Dawg Going home eventually Join Date: Dec 2002 Casino cash: $4732858	I like Tamba and hope he makes the cut. He's one of the good guys we have that thankful to be in the NFL. Not to mention now that Tony is gone I only have him and LJ jerseys left to wear. All the other ones I have are of players no longer on the team. __________________ If you're not first you're last!
Posts: 30,436

05-10-2009, 12:30 PM	#75
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $3898880	The guy had a pretty solid first 2 years in the league. Last year was rough, but it's not like he is chopped liver. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he succeeded in his new role.
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