Hali's Legend Grows

[Hammock Parties]

http://kan.scout.com/2/928032.html

All season long, Tamba Hali had been unable to finish.

When the Chiefs hosted the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5, Hali had beaten Flozell Adams (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4354139) and had Tony Romo (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4354171) dead to rights. He got two hands on the quarterback, but just couldn’t finish.

In Jacksonville, Hali toasted Ebon Britton around the outside, just took the rookie to school. He was inches from David Garrard (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4302184), who stepped up to avoid his rush. Hali got one hand on him and slid to the ground in defeat, another opportunity for a sack slipping away. Later, Hali beat Britton to the inside, had two paws on Garrard and, again, couldn’t finish. Wallace Gilberry (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=3067190) cleaned up Hali’s mess, stole his sack.

Against the Steelers a few weeks ago, Hali knock Willie Colon (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4313993) on his butt and was breathing down Ben Roethlisberger (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4314026)’s neck, but the quarterback released the ball a fraction of a second before he was knocked to the ground. The pass was intercepted, but the play just illustrates how Hali had been frustrated this season.

He couldn’t finish. The opportunities were there. Hali was beating pass protection, a notion reinforced by the fact that ProFootballFocus.com ranks him fourth among all 3-4 outside linebackers in pass rush rating. Hali was keeping good company in that sense – James Harrison (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4314004), DeMarcus Ware, Elvis Dumervil (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4249817), all among the league’s elite pass rushers.

The difference? Harrison, Ware and Dumervil are finishers. They get to the quarterback, combining for 34 sacks this season. Hali had a measly 3.5 through 11 weeks this season.

But last Sunday, against Denver, Hali finished. Not only did he rack up three sacks, he produced two turnovers by stripping Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4379666). Perhaps more impressively, he did it against Ryan Clady (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4249811), Denver’s talented second-year left tackle, who had allowed just three sacks entering last weekend’s game.

Hali beat one of the league’s best young pass protectors, took down a quarterback who had been sacked only 15 times in the previous 11 games, and almost single-handedly generated 10 points for the Chiefs. That’s called finishing. Impressive? No question.

But adding to perhaps the best game of his career were the things that didn’t show up on the stat sheet. Like any great pass rusher, Hali was affecting the decisions of the opposing quarterback, and his throws.

It started early when Mike Brown (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4414209) intercepted Orton on Denver’s first possession. Brown may be getting all the glory, but it was Hali who beat Clady with a quick-as-a-cat inside step before he pressured Orton, making him throw off his back foot. Because of Hali’s pressure, the pass was underthrown, allowing Demorrio Williams (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4307571) to tip it into Brown’s waiting arms.

Later, Hali’s bull rush and driving feet forced Clady into Orton’s drop, making him step up into Tyson Jackson’s pass rush. Orton had to dump the ball short to avoid a disaster in the backfield.

With the Broncos facing a key third down and ahead only 7-3 at the start of the second quarter, Hali looped around from his left outside linebacker position and busted up the middle of Denver’s protection. He was too quick for right guard Chris Kuper (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4249900), and Orton had to release the ball early, resulting in an inaccurate throw and an incompletion.

It was fitting that Hali played so well and terrorized the opposing quarterback on a day when the Chiefs retired Derrick Thomas’ jersey. Like Thomas used to do with regularity, Hali gave the Chiefs a chance to win, even if it was only for a brief moment before halftime, when they were still in the game. His teammates noticed.

“It’s sad that we couldn’t win for a guy like Tamba (Hali) who played his ass off,” said linebacker Mike Vrabel (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4307561). “So, we just need to try and play up to what Tamba and guys like him are doing. If we win, it’s a great story.”

A great story? That’s what we’re witnessing. You might think it’s silly to say Hali’s legend is growing, but it’s the truth. A few months ago, there were plenty of fans who considered Hali a bust, another failed draft pick from the Herm Edwards era like Bernard Pollard (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4588285), Brodie Croyle (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4307425) or Turk McBride (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4561801). For a former first-round pick, his stock had fallen considerably.

In the final game of 2008, Hali disappeared at the hands of a right tackle who had never before started a game in the NFL. He was playing left defensive end that day, because his attempt at moving to right defensive end was a complete flop. Hali had been dominated all season long a year ago in attempting to replace Jared Allen (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4176250).

With a new coaching staff, a new defensive scheme, and a new position to learn, few people expected a turnaround for Hali in 2009. He runs painfully slow in the open field. He couldn’t even find the right pair of shoes to wear. How could he possibly play outside linebacker?

But now? He has defied everyone’s expectations. He’s putting pressure on quarterbacks by beating left tackles. He couldn’t do that last season. At times, he’s effective rushing with his hand on the ground, as a right defensive end. He couldn’t do that last season. Who can forget his struggles with staying healthy? This year, it seems as if he hasn’t missed a single defensive series, let alone a half or a game. He couldn't do that last season.

Hali is playing his guts out for what might be the worst team in football. That, he did last season. The fact he's doing it again, and producing, should solidify his place with the Chiefs for years to come.

Born in war-torn Liberia before escaping to America, Tamba Hali (http://kan.scout.com/a.z?s=115&p=8&c=1&nid=4307451) became an All-American in High School and led the Big 10 in sacks at Penn State. After being drafted by the Chiefs, he started racking up sacks with Jared Allen and now, he’s racking up sacks on his own. In 2009, he even sacked a Manning. In the entire history of his franchise, only two players have forced more fumbles than Hali – Thomas and Neil Smith. One of them was immortalized last weekend. The other sports Super Bowl rings. Like Harrison, Ware and Dumervil, once again, Hali’s in good company.

How can you argue against the obvious at this point? The legend of Tamba Hali is growing. Because finally, he finished.

[rambleonthruthefog]

fine, ill say it. i like tamba hali

[Smed1065]

Usual BS in Nicks try. Nice access, why be madddddddddddddddddddddddd?

[Reaper16]

43-13 ROFL

er, wait

[bowener]

Well, if he keeps having multi-sack games, he'll make something of mine grow too.

[Reaper16]

Well, if he keeps having multi-sack games, he'll make something of mine grow too.
And bowener's... wait for it... heart grew three sizes that day.

[rambleonthruthefog]

Well, if he keeps having multi-sack games, he'll make something of mine grow too.

is it your bowener?

[KCrockaholic]

He's our second best player on D. We should keep Carr, Flowers, Hali, Jackson, and maybe Dorsey, maybe Gilberry. The rest of the D is just bull crap. A lot of work is needed to be done is an understatement.

[bowener]

is it your bowener?

Winner winner.

Maybe just a -ner, seeing as we are absent Bowe yet again.

[Phobia]

You got any of my old commentary, GC? I was at his introductory presser and said he looked more like a LB then DE to me. Don't recall if that ever made it into print.

[pr_capone]

He's our second best player on D. We should keep Carr, Flowers, Hali, Jackson, and maybe Dorsey, maybe Gilberry. The rest of the D is just bull crap. A lot of work is needed to be done is an understatement.

I'd add Studebaker to that list. He has potential.

McGraw even... reliable backup and special teams player.

That aside, I'm impressed with Hali. I always liked the guy but never expected him to play OLB like he has. Hope he continues growing into the position.

[Hammock Parties]

You got any of my old commentary, GC? I was at his introductory presser and said he looked more like a LB then DE to me. Don't recall if that ever made it into print.

Must have been for the magazine. I don't see it in the archive.

[Phobia]

Must have been for the magazine. I don't see it in the archive.

I may have just "blogged" it too. I posted a bunch of pictures from that presser because it was held in the tiny room with all the memorabilia.

[Hammock Parties]

I may have just "blogged" it too. I posted a bunch of pictures from that presser because it was held in the tiny room with all the memorabilia.

In that case it's most likely lost forever. Scout MB archive only goes back so far.

I did find this: http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=140081

You and Laz got into it. ROFL

[Phobia]

In that case it's most likely lost forever. Scout MB archive only goes back so far.

I did find this: http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=140081

You and Laz got into it. ROFL

Yeah, I was a girl about it. I've grown up since then.

[AndChiefs]

You have a typo.

[talastan]

Tamba "The Mamba" hopefully will strike this weekend! I'd love to see Fitzpatrick on his @ss several times at Tamba's hands.

[BigMeatballDave]

If Hali ends up with 10-11 sacks, are we still gonna say he sucks?

[CHIEFS58]

i didnt like him at first. he has improved significantly. you have to give the man his due.

[Mile High Mania]

Yeah, I was a girl about it. I've grown up since then.

ROFL

[Rooster]

He looks happy.

[bowener]

He looks happy.

He looks like Kimbo Slice.

edit for evidence:

http://blogs.citypages.com/sports/kimbo_slice.jpg

[tmax63]

3 positions in 3 years. No wonder he was a little lost. Now that he's figuring out his position you can start to see his talent although I'm sure he still has alot of learning to do and will have rocky spots. You can say it about the whole team though learning a new D this year.

[TheGuardian]

If Hali ends up with 10-11 sacks, are we still gonna say he sucks?

The people who have been down on Tamba for a long time will. I said he'd be fine in the move, and that it actually might fit him better. Even in pass coverage his drops have probably been the best of anyone.

He should at least end up with around 8 sacks. If he has another monster game he could have a 10-11+ sack season.

[Hammock Parties]

He should at least end up with around 8 sacks. If he has another monster game he could have a 10-11+ sack season.

Considering Buffalo and Cleveland can't protect their quarterbacks, and he gets to face the Broncos again....he could easily get 10 sacks IMO.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

I just hoped that the move to OLB would make him a productive member of the team, and it has.
Now, we just need to get him a "little buddy" to attack from the other side.

[BigMeatballDave]

Considering Buffalo and Cleveland can't protect their quarterbacks, and he gets to face the Broncos again....he could easily get 10 sacks IMO.Thats what I was thinking. He could get another 3 sacks sunday.

[JohnnyV13]

I'm happy to see Hali succeed. Not many people have come from his circumstances and its nice to see him prosper.

I, too, thought he wouldn't make it as a linebacker. I'm glad to be wrong.

[TheGuardian]

Considering Buffalo and Cleveland can't protect their quarterbacks, and he gets to face the Broncos again....he could easily get 10 sacks IMO.

Very true. And as Riots noted, we need to get him a "little buddy" (as Neil Smith used to call Derrick) to go on the other side and then the defense will take it up a few notches on that alone.

[Easy 6]

He's just a true pro in every sense of the word. Desire, discipline, work ethic, he seems to have it all... want to can do wonders.

Learn a new position on the fly? cut a bunch of weight to make that transition? ok. Outside of his long speed theres really nothing not to like about his progress, his burst in a 5-10 yard area is excellent, especially since the weight drop & his technique looks way ahead of where he was last year at a position he knew much better.

Someone posted this a few weeks ago & i think its really helped him... balance, using someones position & leverage against them, explosion. When guys start doing these kinds of things in the off-season, i always know that they're serious about their craft & being the best they can be... get'em Tamba!...

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[Marcellus]

cut a bunch of weight to make that transition? ok.


Interesting thing is according to Tamba, from him in person at the Kick Off Luncheon, he weighs more this year than last.

Last year he dropped weight to become faster coming off the edge as a RDE. He put back on weight to become an OLB in the 3-4.

This was after I asked him about the the difference in offseason training with Haley vs Herm and the whole emphasis on weight loss etc...
:shrug:

[T-post Tom]

Yeah, I was a girl about it. I've grown up since then.

The hat in your avy says otherwise. :D

[Hammock Parties]

Interesting thing is according to Tamba, from him in person at the Kick Off Luncheon, he weighs more this year than last.

Last year he dropped weight to become faster coming off the edge as a RDE. He put back on weight to become an OLB in the 3-4.

This was after I asked him about the the difference in offseason training with Haley vs Herm and the whole emphasis on weight loss etc...
:shrug:

I would bet money the Chiefs' coaches told him dropping weight was a waste of time because he was never going to be all that explosive. Maybe it was better for him to be stouter and stronger so he could use that to his advantage with his quickness.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

He's just a true pro in every sense of the word. Desire, discipline, work ethic, he seems to have it all... want to can do wonders.

Learn a new position on the fly? cut a bunch of weight to make that transition? ok. Outside of his long speed theres really nothing not to like about his progress, his burst in a 5-10 yard area is excellent, especially since the weight drop & his technique looks way ahead of where he was last year at a position he knew much better.

Someone posted this a few weeks ago & i think its really helped him... balance, using someones position & leverage against them, explosion. When guys start doing these kinds of things in the off-season, i always know that they're serious about their craft & being the best they can be... get'em Tamba!...

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Ah yes! I remember watching a video a couple of years back where he had included a martial arts type-thing in his regimen. God I hope this guy succeeds; we REALLY need that kind of play and leadership and fan favorite to start getting things fired up again.

[SenselessChiefsFan]

I got a load of crap over saying this would fit Hali perfectly. It is fun being right... at least this one time.

Now, so long as Sanchez never becomes a HOF QB.... I will have had the BEST offseason EVAH!

[Reerun_KC]

"All season long, Tamba Hali had been unable to finish."

Hali is no Tiger Woods....

[SenselessChiefsFan]

"All season long, Tamba Hali had been unable to finish."

Hali is no Tiger Woods....

Yeah, Tiger is sacking QB after QB. (Quirky Bitch)

[Marcellus]

Yeah, Tiger is sacking QB after QB. (Quirky Bitch)

I think the only person that has been held more this year than Hali is Tiger.

[MikeMaslowski]

swolb ilah abmat

I might have to eat my desrever sdrow.

[SenselessChiefsFan]

I think the only person that has been held more this year than Hali is Tiger.

Oh, I think the only guy getting more penetration this year than Hali is Tiger Woods.

[SDChiefs]

Is this a euphemism about how you can't keep it up and finish?

[milkman]

God I hope this guy succeeds; we REALLY need that kind of play and leadership and fan favorite to start getting things fired up again.

Let me say that I agree with this sentiment entirely.
This isn't any player on this team that I can think of that I would like to see succeed more than Hali.
He (seemingly) embodies all the good qualities that you'd like to represent your team.

That being said, he's had one good game.

We're seriously splooging about a guy who has one game that no one can point to and say with absolute certainty that it was not an abberration.

He had 3 sacks in 11 games.

I hope he succeeds.
I really do.

But I'm not ready to pronounce him a resounding success on the strength of one game.

He needs to show some consistentency over the course of several games before he can be considered a success at the position.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Let me say that I agree with this sentiment entirely.
This isn't any player on this team that I can think of that I would like to see succeed more than Hali.
He (seemingly) embodies all the good qualities that you'd like to represent your team.

That being said, he's had one good game.

We're seriously splooging about a guy who has one game that no one can point to and say with absolute certainty that it was not an abberration.

He had 3 sacks in 11 games.

I hope he succeeds.
I really do.

But I'm not ready to pronounce him a resounding success on the strength of one game.

He needs to show some consistentency over the course of several games before he can be considered a success at the position.

Oh I agree. It's more of a "splooge in waiting".:D

[TheGuardian]

Let me say that I agree with this sentiment entirely.
This isn't any player on this team that I can think of that I would like to see succeed more than Hali.
He (seemingly) embodies all the good qualities that you'd like to represent your team.

That being said, he's had one good game.

We're seriously splooging about a guy who has one game that no one can point to and say with absolute certainty that it was not an abberration.

He had 3 sacks in 11 games.

I hope he succeeds.
I really do.

But I'm not ready to pronounce him a resounding success on the strength of one game.

He needs to show some consistentency over the course of several games before he can be considered a success at the position.

I think you're also ignoring the fact that he's near tops in the league in QB pressures with no push up the middle from the nose tackle. Not to mention that a lot of the plays that he makes don't always show up in the stat sheet.

And the fact is, every year the top sack guys have a game or two that "pads" their sack totals.

[milkman]

I think you're also ignoring the fact that he's near tops in the league in QB pressures with no push up the middle from the nose tackle. Not to mention that a lot of the plays that he makes don't always show up in the stat sheet.

And the fact is, every year the top sack guys have a game or two that "pads" their sack totals.

As I've said, pressures is a loser's stat to make fans think a player is actually actually worth a damn.

Eric Hicks used to get a lot of "pressures"

That said, Hali is playing better, overall, than I expected.

But again, I need to see some consistencty.

And those top sack guys that have that one or two games that pad their stats are getting 12-13 sacks or more, not 7 or 8, which is where Hali will end up, a best, if he plays at the same level for the rest of the season as he has in the season before the Donkey game.

[TheGuardian]

As I've said, pressures is a loser's stat to make fans think a player is actually actually worth a damn.

Eric Hicks used to get a lot of "pressures"

That said, Hali is playing better, overall, than I expected.

But again, I need to see some consistencty.

And those top sack guys that have that one or two games that pad their stats are getting 12-13 sacks or more, not 7 or 8, which is where Hali will end up, a best, if he plays at the same level for the rest of the season as he has in the season before the Donkey game.

And I think there were a lot of people who said Hali wouldn't even have 8 sacks this year at his new position. If the guy has 8-10 sacks at a new position I think we can say he's obviously better than the majority of the board made him out to be.

And pressures are not a losers stats. Pressures cause a lot of issues for quarterbacks. If I had a dollar for every time the phrase "get pressure on the QB" was said I'd be retired by now. A true nose tackle will turn Hali's pressures into sacks. When the QB can step up as easily as he does right now it takes away from Hali beating his guy off the edge, which he does more times than not.

[SDChiefs]

And I think there were a lot of people who said Hali wouldn't even have 8 sacks this year at his new position. If the guy has 8-10 sacks at a new position I think we can say he's obviously better than the majority of the board made him out to be.

And pressures are not a losers stats. Pressures cause a lot of issues for quarterbacks. If I had a dollar for every time the phrase "get pressure on the QB" was said I'd be retired by now. A true nose tackle will turn Hali's pressures into sacks. When the QB can step up as easily as he does right now it takes away from Hali beating his guy off the edge, which he does more times than not.

This. I never thought that Hali would do crap. Always thought of him as some one who picks up others leftovers (Jared Allen). But, at least thus far, he has proven that he can be the main pass rush. If he gets 10 sacks this year, he has matched the entire teams sack total of last year. Thats pretty good in my book.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

This. I never thought that Hali would do crap. Always thought of him as some one who picks up others leftovers (Jared Allen). But, at least thus far, he has proven that he can be the main pass rush. If he gets 10 sacks this year, he has matched the entire teams sack total of last year. Thats pretty good in my book.

I think it's safe to say the reason we are all so high on him right now, is because he is embodying the ONE and ONLY damned thing that we asked for this year:

Get better. Improve your personal game. Do that, and you're doing all that can possibly be asked for at this point.

[milkman]

And I think there were a lot of people who said Hali wouldn't even have 8 sacks this year at his new position. If the guy has 8-10 sacks at a new position I think we can say he's obviously better than the majority of the board made him out to be.

And pressures are not a losers stats. Pressures cause a lot of issues for quarterbacks. If I had a dollar for every time the phrase "get pressure on the QB" was said I'd be retired by now. A true nose tackle will turn Hali's pressures into sacks. When the QB can step up as easily as he does right now it takes away from Hali beating his guy off the edge, which he does more times than not.

And I admit, I was one of those people who didn't believe he'd make it to 8-10 sacks, and as I said, I am surprised by his play.

As for pressures, I understand the idea behind the concept, however, it's an arbitray stat at best.

If Hali, or any other player pushes the LT back, but that LT pushes him behind the QB, even though, realistically he's not getting pressure on the QB, he gets credit for a pressure.

That's why it's a loser's stat.

Bottom line.

He still has to play with more consistency to call the transition a resounding success.

[Hammock Parties]

We're seriously splooging about a guy who has one game that no one can point to and say with absolute certainty that it was not an abberration.

He had 3 sacks in 11 games.


And he would have had 7 or 8 or even more if he had finished.

[milkman]

And he would have had 7 or 8 or even more if he had finished.

So we're splooging over a guy that can't tackle?

[Hammock Parties]

So we're splooging over a guy that can't tackle?

I don't know why he couldn't finish before. All I know is he did it last Sunday against a team that protectors the passer extremely well. I have to treat it as a sign of progress just as I did when the Chiefs beat the Steelers. If Hali gets dominated tomorrow maybe I should stop thinking progress is possible with this franchise.

[kcxiv]

lol, So we gotten so bad, that when someone shows some kind of promise, we dont even want to give him credit for it? Hali is a damned hard worker and a good player. Has he missed sacks? absolutey. Qb's now days are big and strong now days. There is going to be missed sacks. Hali is the ONLY guy on this team that can get pressure on the QB. He's doing this all by himself.

give credit where its due. The guy is good. Not great, but he's doing good.

[milkman]

lol, So we gotten so bad, that when someone shows some kind of promise, we dont even want to give him credit for it? Hali is a damned hard worker and a good player. Has he missed sacks? absolutey. Qb's now days are big and strong now days. There is going to be missed sacks. Hali is the ONLY guy on this team that can get pressure on the QB. He's doing this all by himself.

give credit where its due. The guy is good. Not great, but he's doing good.

Pay the fuck attention.

I said I'm surprised by how well he has transitioned.

What I am also saying is that his play, while above the level I expected, isn't so good that we should just annoint him the second coming.

He's had one outstanding game.

The rest have been average, at best.
That's still better than I expected, but until he plays better than just average on a consistent basis, we can't be satisfied that we have the answer at ROLB.

[kcxiv]

I think he's had more then just 1 good game. He's pressures the Qb's alot. I am not saying some stupid Loser stat where he gets pushed passed the QB so they count it. I am talking legit pressure to where he disrupts what the Offense wants to do, its just fucking completely sad that he's the ONLY guy that can do it. Other teams, will flush the qb or pressure him and they have someone to clean it up. The Chiefs have no one.

Its Hali or nothing. Vrabel and Studabaker do not get pressure. Our dline is our dline, its ass. Inside Linebackers suck as well. Big time. We need someone to compliment him in the worst fucking way.

Its the whole fucking key to why our defense sucks. That damn dline is horrible. Jared Allen got the sacks, he was great, but the rest of the line sucked ass and it showed. Dude is playing wit ha legit line now and their run d and everything else is pretty good.

I hope that Jackson steps it up big time next year and we get a legit big dude in the middle.

Anyways, i think Hali is giong to have another good game tomorrow. He should have some confidence. He went up against one of the best in the game last week and did very well.

I am sure it helps that Hali is finally fucking healthy.

[Marcellus]

Honestly dont forget the holding penalties. Dude has been raped all year and has drawn a shit ton of holding penalties.

[ncCHIEFfan]

Yea I like Hali. He would be great with a better push in middle no doubt