Chiefs Babb:Smith could start at running back against Raiders

**Tribal Warfare** · 11-14-2009, 12:59 PM

Smith could start at running back against Raiders
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Chiefs coach Todd Haley said Friday that Kolby Smith could start at running back Sunday at Oakland, but he didn’t commit to a starter, saying the first offensive play could influence the decision.

Smith was activated last week after missing the previous year while rehabbing from a knee injury. Jamaal Charles and Dantrell Savage are the Chiefs’ other options.

“This is a major injury that he’s come back from,” Haley said. “It would be unrealistic to believe that a guy, after 12 months of rehab, surgery, all the things that he’s done, to expect him to come in and be at the top of his game.

“He’s worked very hard. He’s practiced now four weeks, so I would say he’s getting better. But I would still say that, given the circumstances, it’s still asking too much to feel like this guy is going to be the best he’s going to be right now.”

Chiefs end week on an encouraging note

Haley said the Chiefs’ final practice of the week was their “best Friday” of the season, an encouraging sign.

The Chiefs worked out in their indoor facility to simulate the noisy environment Haley expects at Oakland Coliseum. Haley said he hopes that, eventually, a series of good practices might translate into strong game performances.

“You can’t think any other way,” Haley said. “That’s how we gauge how a week has gone.”

He said the Chiefs’ tempo, enthusiasm and discipline was on point Friday. That isn’t the way it always has been. Several weeks ago, coaches walked off the field on a Friday because players weren’t performing up to expectations. Players were left to complete their drills on their own as a sign of punishment.

“These last three, four weeks, it looks like we’re starting to get it,” Haley said. “Eventually it’s going to start translating, and that’s all you can do.”

Haley emphasizes ‘sense of urgency’

After the second game in four weeks in which the Chiefs’ offense played best when facing a late-game, desperate situation, Haley said he has spent time this week trying to emphasize the importance of urgency throughout games.

The Chiefs scored two touchdowns in the final 3 minutes in a loss at Jacksonville. Haley said he wants to tap whatever works in those situations, and try to get players to play that way during the beginning, middle and end of games.

“We’ve got to talk about it, got to coach it, got to make them think about it,” he said. “That’s what we can do. Trying to have everybody thinking the same way. We have to think with a sense of urgency, that each snap could be the difference in the game.”

Injury report

Chiefs linebacker David Herron (knee) is out for Sunday’s game. Linebacker Jovan Belcher (head), wide receiver Chris Chambers (foot), free safety Jon McGraw (thigh), guard Wade Smith (ankle) and linebacker Mike Vrabel (hip) were full participants Friday and are listed as probable.

11-14-2009, 12:59 PM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $792813	Babb:Smith could start at running back against Raiders Smith could start at running back against Raiders By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star Chiefs coach Todd Haley said Friday that Kolby Smith could start at running back Sunday at Oakland, but he didn’t commit to a starter, saying the first offensive play could influence the decision. Smith was activated last week after missing the previous year while rehabbing from a knee injury. Jamaal Charles and Dantrell Savage are the Chiefs’ other options. “This is a major injury that he’s come back from,” Haley said. “It would be unrealistic to believe that a guy, after 12 months of rehab, surgery, all the things that he’s done, to expect him to come in and be at the top of his game. “He’s worked very hard. He’s practiced now four weeks, so I would say he’s getting better. But I would still say that, given the circumstances, it’s still asking too much to feel like this guy is going to be the best he’s going to be right now.” Chiefs end week on an encouraging note Haley said the Chiefs’ final practice of the week was their “best Friday” of the season, an encouraging sign. The Chiefs worked out in their indoor facility to simulate the noisy environment Haley expects at Oakland Coliseum. Haley said he hopes that, eventually, a series of good practices might translate into strong game performances. “You can’t think any other way,” Haley said. “That’s how we gauge how a week has gone.” He said the Chiefs’ tempo, enthusiasm and discipline was on point Friday. That isn’t the way it always has been. Several weeks ago, coaches walked off the field on a Friday because players weren’t performing up to expectations. Players were left to complete their drills on their own as a sign of punishment. “These last three, four weeks, it looks like we’re starting to get it,” Haley said. “Eventually it’s going to start translating, and that’s all you can do.” Haley emphasizes ‘sense of urgency’ After the second game in four weeks in which the Chiefs’ offense played best when facing a late-game, desperate situation, Haley said he has spent time this week trying to emphasize the importance of urgency throughout games. The Chiefs scored two touchdowns in the final 3 minutes in a loss at Jacksonville. Haley said he wants to tap whatever works in those situations, and try to get players to play that way during the beginning, middle and end of games. “We’ve got to talk about it, got to coach it, got to make them think about it,” he said. “That’s what we can do. Trying to have everybody thinking the same way. We have to think with a sense of urgency, that each snap could be the difference in the game.” Injury report Chiefs linebacker David Herron (knee) is out for Sunday’s game. Linebacker Jovan Belcher (head), wide receiver Chris Chambers (foot), free safety Jon McGraw (thigh), guard Wade Smith (ankle) and linebacker Mike Vrabel (hip) were full participants Friday and are listed as probable.
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