Chiefs Chiefs notebook: Pass rush missing

Deberg_1990 · 09-23-2011, 10:50 AM

Whos going to step up in the pass rushing game??

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/09/22...h-missing.html

Chiefs coach Todd Haley on Thursday acknowledged that the lack of a consistent pass rush hasn’t helped matters in an 0-2 start, but it’s something the Chiefs will need to improve Sunday when they play the Chargers in San Diego.

The Chiefs have only one sack, fewest among the NFL’s 32 teams. Other than outside linebacker Tamba Hali bringing down Buffalo’s Ryan Fitzpatrick in the first week, no defender has shown an ability to reach the quarterback.

Haley said that doesn’t mean the Chiefs don’t possess those players.

“I’ll stand by what I said back in training camp: We have more pass-rushing, pressure players on campus than we’ve had to date,” Haley said.

Haley said his team has to take advantage of its chances, which so far have resulted in little more than near-misses. One of those came last week, when nickel corner Javier Arenas came around the edge and nearly brought down Detroit’s Matt Stafford.

“As much as anything else,” Haley said, “we have to take advantage when those opportunities arise, when the ball comes loose or the ball is thrown inaccurately or in a direction that we can make a play. Things will happen.

“We need to do everything a little better, and putting pressure on the quarterback is paramount in this league. … We’ve got to get sacks when we have opportunities, and if we miss those, those are generally momentum-turners for a game.”

Defensive backs seek chemistry

Cornerback Brandon Carr said the Chiefs’ inability to work together during the offseason has shown clear results — and few of them positive.

All teams were prohibited from holding team-organized practices during the NFL lockout, but Carr said it seemed to have affected the Chiefs more than others, mostly with timing and communication concerns.

“With the chemistry and all that,” Carr said, “it’s still coming around.”

Players met a handful of times during the offseason, usually at a Kansas City-area gym or on Bishop Miege High’s practice field for impromptu workouts. Carr said it apparently wasn’t enough.

“Hopefully this week we can all be on the same page,” he said. “It’s going to take some time. I can’t give you a point in time when it’s all going to click, but when it clicks, I guess you’ll all see it.”

Injury report

Chiefs wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, who hasn’t played this season because of a thumb injury suffered in a fight with teammate Thomas Jones, was limited Thursday. Linebacker Hali (ankle) was a full participant, and defensive end Wallace Gilberry was limited because of a neck injury.

Chargers inside linebacker Jonas Mouton was placed on injured reserve Thursday because of a shoulder injury.

Seven other San Diego players sat out practice because of injuries. Defensive ends Luis Castillo (tibia) and Corey Liuget (ankle), wide receiver Malcom Floyd (groin), tight end Antonio Gates (foot), safety Bob Sanders (knee) and running back Mike Tolbert (calf) didn’t practice for the second day this week. Receiver Vincent Jackson was added to the injured list because of an injury to his abdomen, and he also didn’t practice.

09-23-2011, 10:50 AM	Topic Starter
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $3914454	Chiefs notebook: Pass rush missing Whos going to step up in the pass rushing game?? http://www.kansascity.com/2011/09/22...h-missing.html Chiefs coach Todd Haley on Thursday acknowledged that the lack of a consistent pass rush hasn’t helped matters in an 0-2 start, but it’s something the Chiefs will need to improve Sunday when they play the Chargers in San Diego. The Chiefs have only one sack, fewest among the NFL’s 32 teams. Other than outside linebacker Tamba Hali bringing down Buffalo’s Ryan Fitzpatrick in the first week, no defender has shown an ability to reach the quarterback. Haley said that doesn’t mean the Chiefs don’t possess those players. “I’ll stand by what I said back in training camp: We have more pass-rushing, pressure players on campus than we’ve had to date,” Haley said. Haley said his team has to take advantage of its chances, which so far have resulted in little more than near-misses. One of those came last week, when nickel corner Javier Arenas came around the edge and nearly brought down Detroit’s Matt Stafford. “As much as anything else,” Haley said, “we have to take advantage when those opportunities arise, when the ball comes loose or the ball is thrown inaccurately or in a direction that we can make a play. Things will happen. “We need to do everything a little better, and putting pressure on the quarterback is paramount in this league. … We’ve got to get sacks when we have opportunities, and if we miss those, those are generally momentum-turners for a game.” Defensive backs seek chemistry Cornerback Brandon Carr said the Chiefs’ inability to work together during the offseason has shown clear results — and few of them positive. All teams were prohibited from holding team-organized practices during the NFL lockout, but Carr said it seemed to have affected the Chiefs more than others, mostly with timing and communication concerns. “With the chemistry and all that,” Carr said, “it’s still coming around.” Players met a handful of times during the offseason, usually at a Kansas City-area gym or on Bishop Miege High’s practice field for impromptu workouts. Carr said it apparently wasn’t enough. “Hopefully this week we can all be on the same page,” he said. “It’s going to take some time. I can’t give you a point in time when it’s all going to click, but when it clicks, I guess you’ll all see it.” Injury report Chiefs wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, who hasn’t played this season because of a thumb injury suffered in a fight with teammate Thomas Jones, was limited Thursday. Linebacker Hali (ankle) was a full participant, and defensive end Wallace Gilberry was limited because of a neck injury. Chargers inside linebacker Jonas Mouton was placed on injured reserve Thursday because of a shoulder injury. Seven other San Diego players sat out practice because of injuries. Defensive ends Luis Castillo (tibia) and Corey Liuget (ankle), wide receiver Malcom Floyd (groin), tight end Antonio Gates (foot), safety Bob Sanders (knee) and running back Mike Tolbert (calf) didn’t practice for the second day this week. Receiver Vincent Jackson was added to the injured list because of an injury to his abdomen, and he also didn’t practice.
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