Teicher: The Chiefs’ Tamba Hali has an advantage over San Diego’s young left tackle

[Tribal Warfare]

The Chiefs’ Tamba Hali has an advantage over San Diego’s young left tackle (http://www.kansascity.com/2010/09/08/2209359/the-chiefs-tamba-hali-has-an-advantage.html)
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

Now that Elvis Dumervil’s season in Denver has ended because of injury, the Chiefs’ Tamba Hali reigns as the premier sack artist in the AFC West.

The guy entrusted with blocking Hali and protecting San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers’ back in Monday night’s season opener between the Chiefs and Chargers came to the NFL in 2008 as an undrafted free agent. He will be making his first pro start at left tackle.

That’s the kind of matchup that could make an NFL quarterback nervous, though Rivers didn’t sound like it when talking about the new tackle, Brandyn Dombrowski.

“He’s got what you want in an offensive lineman,” Rivers said. “He’s a guy you want on your side if you’re in a fight. He’s going to fight like crazy for you.”

That’s all well and good, but Rivers is used to two-time Pro Bowler Marcus McNeill lining up as his left tackle. McNeill isn’t with the Chargers because of a contract dispute and won’t play on Monday.

That’s an edge to Hali, an outside linebacker who had 8 1/2 sacks last year, most in the AFC West except for Dumervil.

“He’s relentless from a competitive standpoint,” Rivers said of Hali. “Obviously, he’s very talented as well. He’s one of the best pass rushers in the division for sure. I’ve faced him numerous times now, and he’s gotten better each and every year.”

Playing against McNeill was always a chore for the Chiefs and Hali. The Chiefs failed to sack Rivers in either game against the Chargers last season.

“He was a physical player,” said Chiefs defensive end Glenn Dorsey, who also saw plenty of McNeill and will play a lot against Dombrowski. “He had those real long arms with a big reach. It was hard for me to see around him because he was so big and tall.”

Replacing McNeill with Dombrowski changes the dynamic for the Chargers. Rivers threw for just under 600 yards in the two games against the Chiefs last year but may have to get the ball out of his hand quickly Monday night if Hali becomes a continual problem.

“You get in a loud stadium against really good players and we’ve got to treat it like we would any other game . . . even if Marcus was there,” San Diego coach Norv Turner said. “We’ve got to make sure we don’t put (Dombrowski) in a position where he’s at a disadvantage. We’ve got to help him. We’ve got to do some things by formations and by play call that we don’t put him in a tough bind.”

Hali was the one pass rusher Chiefs opponents needed to worry about last season. He had more than a third of their 22 sacks. Wallace Gilberry, who had 4 1/2 , was the only other player with more than two sacks.

This year Hali missed one exhibition game because of an injury and had no sacks in the three other games. The Chiefs had no sacks in the first two exhibition games and seven over the final two.

Demorrio Williams led the Chiefs with three sacks, and Andy Studebaker had two.

The Chiefs are looking for alternatives to Hali in the pass rush but there’s little doubt Hali will wind up as their sack leader if he stays healthy.

Dombrowski, meanwhile, played well enough in the exhibition season.

“I think that this guy looks real competitive and he looks like he’s doing something he hasn’t had to do a whole bunch, and he’s doing it real well from what I can see,” Chiefs coach Todd Haley said.

“They have a good line. They can run block . . . and they do a great job in protection and this quarterback does a great job of getting rid of the football to make all of those guys look good when there’s pressure or extra guys coming.”

Rivers was sacked just once in 48 exhibition pass attempts. The San Diego backup quarterbacks were dragged down nine times.

“We faced Julius Peppers, (DeMarcus) Ware,” Rivers said. “We’ve (played against) some good pass rushers, and the protection has been really clean not only at the left tackle spot but all the way around.”

The Chiefs hope to change that when the regular-season lights come on.

[cdcox]

And just like that, Brandyn Dombrowski comes of age.

[Hammock Parties]

Hali could win the game for us.

[KCrockaholic]

Hali could win the game for us.

He has 2 sacks.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

I WANT TO BELIEVE!

[Fumblerooski]

I WANT TO BELIEVE!

For some reason... I'm believing more and more...

[CaliforniaChief]

Crowd noise is critical. Make that kid jump, peeps!

[Hammock Parties]

Crowd noise is critical. Make that kid jump, peeps!

Monday Night Football, Arrowhead Stadium, a pass rusher who won't quit for the entire evening....

I honestly can't think of a worse situation for a guy to make his first NFL start at left tackle.

This guy had six false starts last year. :evil:

Oh, and he looks like such a sweet boy...

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/002/760/89768308_crop_340x234.jpg?1281072397

[Shogun]

so many things about that picture scream... RAPE

[Buck]

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/102311204.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUss

3. In Dombrowski We Trust

Pro Bowl left tackle Marcus McNeill's holdout is another concern. But his replacement, Brandon Dombrowski, has held his own so far. An undrafted player out of San Diego State in 2008, Dombrowski is actually a better run blocker than McNeill. That could come in handy since the Chargers have more quick-toss sweeps now that the running game has fresher legs with rookie first-round pick Ryan Mathews.

[Hammock Parties]

so many things about that picture scream... RAPE

He just looks so innocent, so naive.

I don't think he's prepared to face someone who looks this grizzled and nasty:

http://i54.tinypic.com/2ryknyp.jpg

PISS DOWN YOUR LEG, Dumbrowski!

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

He just looks so innocent, so naive.

I don't think he's prepared to face someone who looks this grizzled and nasty:

http://cache3.asset-cache.net/xc/78385959.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF8789219B309651A2344B3F6D2B564B8ABF9BC31504E9C5AA8D6FE518DE9AC650748F8A

PISS DOWN YOUR LEG, Dumbrowski!

ROFL This.

[CaliforniaChief]

No McNeill, no Vincent Jackson. I'm SO glad I have Ryan Mathews on my fantasy team now.

[BigRock]

The season finale of '08, Tamba was matched up on Dennis Roland, a geek off the Bengals' practice squad who'd never played before. That was their last game to avoid having the fewest sacks ever, so everyone was like ARRRRRRRRGGGH TAMBA GON EAT ROLAND.

I don't think he ever sniffed the QB and Roland ended up starting most of Cincy's games last year.

Moreso than Tamba straight owning this guy, I think it'll be a bigger opportunity for Romeo to scheme and take advantage of a weakness.

[Titty Meat]

The Chiefs should win when you look at all the guys San Diego is missing. It's going to be embarrasing for the whole nation to see the Chiefs suck.

[Shogun]

This picture makes him look like an innocent farmboy

http://i55.tinypic.com/11aegia.jpg

[Hammock Parties]

Hali looks like he would shiv you in a back alley....

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/7490/tambahalirun_medium.jpg

This guy looks like his favorite TV show is teletubbies.

http://uspresswire.com/image/thumb/600-600/3837488.jpg

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

This picture makes him look like an innocent farmboy

http://i55.tinypic.com/11aegia.jpg

ROFL

[KCrockaholic]

Tamba is one scary black man when he is angry. So much black. I would be intimidated.

[Shogun]

Or a pretty girl

http://i54.tinypic.com/f2srbo.jpg

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Or a pretty girl

http://i54.tinypic.com/f2srbo.jpg

ROFL Awesome.

[CaliforniaChief]

Phyllis Rivers is putting his life in Brandyn's soft hands now.

[Hammock Parties]

This picture makes him look like an innocent farmboy

http://i55.tinypic.com/11aegia.jpg

So sweet and innocent...

http://i55.tinypic.com/208u3yv.gif

[Shogun]

Or even prettier...

http://i52.tinypic.com/23mq6o6.png

[Shogun]

So sweet and innocent...

http://i55.tinypic.com/208u3yv.gif

WIN!

[Hammock Parties]

This thread's got legs...

http://i53.tinypic.com/k6wxf.jpg

[Shogun]

http://i56.tinypic.com/211uw6r.png

[Shogun]

http://i52.tinypic.com/20pen47.png

[Buck]

Not scared of Hali.

http://i53.tinypic.com/2jcdauf.jpg

[Hammock Parties]

That's the "after" photo.

After Hali rips Dumbrowski's eye out.

[Shogun]

http://obamiconme.pastemagazine.com/entries/images/d5/d2/1833993/original_image.png?1284017000

[Buck]

The awesome thing about the confidence you guys have in your team against the Chargers this year is that I have a whole lot of shit to bump after the game for a change.

[Shogun]

I will respectfully shoop any of our players should we lose, all in jest!

[KcMizzou]

The awesome thing about the confidence you guys have in your team against the Chargers this year is that I have a whole lot of shit to bump after the game for a change.I think you're walking into a hornet's nest. But.. I'm a homer. What do I know?

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

Dumbroski will have 4 false starts putting Rivers in positions for our linebackers to tee off with 3rd and 20's.

[the Talking Can]

The awesome thing about the confidence you guys have in your team against the Chargers this year is that I have a whole lot of shit to bump after the game for a change.

http://cdn2.knowyourmeme.com/i/000/053/745/original/1275174736961.jpg?1276114960

[donkhater]

Hali is a marginal player. This article screams to the mediocrity of the pass rushers in the AFC West if he is their standard-bearer now.

[Red Dawg]

Monday Night Football, Arrowhead Stadium, a pass rusher who won't quit for the entire evening....

I honestly can't think of a worse situation for a guy to make his first NFL start at left tackle.

This guy had six false starts last year. :evil:

Oh, and he looks like such a sweet boy...

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/002/760/89768308_crop_340x234.jpg?1281072397

He looks like a guy that plays with himself.

[Red Dawg]

Hali looks like he would shiv you in a back alley....

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/7490/tambahalirun_medium.jpg

This guy looks like his favorite TV show is teletubbies.

http://uspresswire.com/image/thumb/600-600/3837488.jpg


UR DAMN RIGHT HE WOULD!

[the Talking Can]

Oh, and he looks like such a sweet boy...

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/002/760/89768308_crop_340x234.jpg?1281072397

that's what i imagine pioli zombie looks like

[Radar Chief]

This picture makes him look like an innocent farmboy

http://i55.tinypic.com/11aegia.jpg

When I started reading this topic that’s exactly what I was thinking. He looks like he got plucked straight off the tractor.

[RealSNR]

The awesome thing about the confidence you guys have in your team against the Chargers this year is that I have a whole lot of shit to bump after the game for a change.Ahhh aahhhh ahhh... but you have to be selective. If Hali rapes Lebowski, we still win!!

[boogblaster]

Hali knows young-boy-tamping ...

[Chiefshrink]

If Hali is the AFC West's best sack artist then that tells you something about the AFC West DE's. Hali's had his brief moments, he just has not had enough of them and he needs to 'SERIOSLY' step it up this yr because IMO he has underachieved in a big way IMO. Very much like Dorsey. As some of you have said maybe Romeo can scheme these guys to at least be 'productive' doesn't have to be 'great' although I will take that but at least just be "PRODUCTIVE"!!:thumb:

[Reerun_KC]

Sweet.. I think thats awesome... I wouldnt be surprised if Hali doesnt have a big game...

[Mr. Laz]

No McNeill, no Vincent Jackson. I'm SO glad I have Ryan Mathews on my fantasy team now.

<table border="0" width="630"><tbody><tr><td width="80%">Chargers | Shawne Merriman unlikely to play Week 1
</td><td width="20%">Comment (0) (http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=668534-chargers-shawne-merriman-unlikely-to-play-week-1) http://www.kffl.com/images/icons/twitter.jpg (http://twitter.com/?status=Per%20KFFL.com:%20Chargers%20%7C%20Shawne%20Merriman%20unlikely%20to%20play%20Week%201%20-%20http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=668534-chargers-shawne-merriman-unlikely-to-play-week-1) http://www.kffl.com/images/icons/facebook.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://www.kffl.com/gnews.php?id=668534-chargers-shawne-merriman-unlikely-to-play-week-1)</td></tr></tbody></table>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:12:11 -0400 San Diego Chargers (http://www.kffl.com/team/31/nfl) OLB Shawne Merriman (http://www.kffl.com/player/11223/nfl) (Achilles') returned to practice Wednesday, Sept. 8, but it remains highly unlikely that he will be able to play during Week 1, reports Chris Jenkins, of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Merriman has been bothered with an Achilles' injury that sidelined him shortly after he ended his holdout.

[Chiefnj2]

If Hali is the AFC West's best sack artist then that tells you something about the AFC West DE's. Hali's had his brief moments, he just has not had enough of them and he needs to 'SERIOSLY' step it up this yr because IMO he has underachieved in a big way IMO. Very much like Dorsey. As some of you have said maybe Romeo can scheme these guys to at least be 'productive' doesn't have to be 'great' although I will take that but at least just be "PRODUCTIVE"!!:thumb:

How can you say he underachieved when 99% of KC fans thought he would be a total bust when he was moved to OLB? Instead he put up a respectable 8 1/2 sacks (nobody else came close to touching the QB, nobody helped collapse the pocket) and was in the top 3 in QB pressures.

[Brock]

Sweet.. I think thats awesome... I wouldnt be surprised if Hali doesnt have a big game...

I, too, wouldn't be surprised if Hali doesn't have a big game.

[OnTheWarpath15]

I, too, wouldn't be surprised if Hali doesn't have a big game.

LMAO

[Reerun_KC]

I, too, wouldn't be surprised if Hali doesn't have a big game.

I am trying my hardest to fit in this year... So I have to post something negative all the time, otherwise I am not a real fan of the team...

[InChiefsHeaven]

Not scared of Hali.

http://i53.tinypic.com/2jcdauf.jpg

Why the hell would you dress up your Great White Hope as a fuckin' Raider?? Silly CHagah fan...

[RustShack]

Hali is a marginal player. This article screams to the mediocrity of the pass rushers in the AFC West if he is their standard-bearer now.

Being second in the NFL makes you mediocre in pass rushing? So what your saying is Ware is the one and only good pass rusher in the NFL currently? Your a dumbass.

[Saccopoo]

Or even prettier...

http://i52.tinypic.com/23mq6o6.png

Mecca?

[KCrockaholic]

Being second in the NFL makes you mediocre in pass rushing? So what your saying is Ware is the one and only good pass rusher in the NFL currently? Your a dumbass.

Just to be clear, you're talking about QB hurries, right?

[ModSocks]

Have any of you actually watched this guy play?

He isn't bad. He's making the Chargers forget about McNeil. We're not going to abuse this guy.

[Dayze]

This thread's got legs...

http://i53.tinypic.com/k6wxf.jpg

ROFL

[Chiefs Pantalones]

Does he have downs?

[The Franchise]

Does he have downs?

:facepalm:


*crickets*

[RockChalk]

Hali looks like he would shiv you in a back alley....
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/7490/tambahalirun_medium.jpg


Anyone else think that Hali looks like the looter guy?

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:so0OegjkGAKtEM:http://mugshotdujour.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/1_23_083105_looters2.jpg&t=1

[AcesCasino]

Over here, Tamba, i'll take a Heineken.

[the Talking Can]

I'm guessing, then, per saccofbat's theory that 'you have to have a super awesome top 5 pick at LT' that we'll have no problem with San Diego's offense

and River's numbers this year will be Cassel like...

[Reerun_KC]

I am changing my tune..

Hali will have 3 sacks on monday night.

Chiefs will roll

KC 27
SD 17

[Mr. Laz]

Anyone else think that Hali looks like the looter guy?

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:so0OegjkGAKtEM:http://mugshotdujour.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/1_23_083105_looters2.jpg&t=1
they all look alike

[Ebolapox]

great. had to fucking jinx it, eh brah?

[Rain Man]

I bet Dombrowski retires after the game.

[Saccopoo]

I'm guessing, then, per saccofbat's theory that 'you have to have a super awesome top 5 pick at LT' that we'll have no problem with San Diego's offense

and River's numbers this year will be Cassel like...

:facepalm:

We've got a top 15 pick at LT. He sucks. It's more of a "let's pick a guy who can actually play the position" versus where a guy was picked.

I'd expect blitzes early to try and take off the fullback or tight end that they will most likely put out there to help Dombrowski. If they can get pressure from other angles it will help out Hali a ton. A pressured Rivers is a guy on the edge who will make bad mistakes.

[T-post Tom]

... I'd expect blitzes early to try and take off the fullback or tight end that they will most likely put out there to help Dombrowski. If they can get pressure from other angles it will help out Hali a ton. A pressured Rivers is a guy on the edge who will make bad mistakes.

40 Gunthers agree: "Bring back the 'Falcon'."

:D

[DaneMcCloud]

I am changing my tune..

Hali will have 3 sacks on monday night.

Chiefs will roll

KC 27
SD 17


LMAO

[talastan]

The end result will hinge on us getting in Rivers' face consistently. Rivers is a freaking hothead when he gets messed with so if we can piss him off enough we might get a turnover. Hali needs to do his job, but even more so, Romeo better have a gameplan to put the QB on the ground and not just rely on Tamba or our DBs blitzing. We'll need all the DB guys in deep covering IMO because Rivers loves to throw the long ball when he can.

[T-post Tom]

The end result will hinge on us getting in Rivers' face consistently. Rivers is a freaking hothead when he gets messed with so if we can piss him off enough we might get a turnover. Hali needs to do his job, but even more so, Romeo better have a gameplan to put the QB on the ground and not just rely on Tamba or our DBs blitzing. We'll need all the DB guys in deep covering IMO because Rivers loves to throw the long ball when he can.

Maybe Berry will pull a "Pollard" ... er ... a GOOD "Pollard" and take Rivers out early in the game. That might even up the odds a bit.

[L.A. Chieffan]

Hali had 8.5 sacks in the entire SEASON last year.

If he gets more than one I'll be shocked.

[Red Brooklyn]

I love Tamba Hali.

[Reerun_KC]

Hali had 8.5 sacks in the entire SEASON last year.

If he gets more than one I'll be shocked.

Calling for 3 on monday night....

Breakout season....

[RustShack]

Hali had 8.5 sacks in the entire SEASON last year.

If he gets more than one I'll be shocked.

Why is it hard to think that a 26 year old wont be any better his second year in a scheme coming off his best season so far? Not to mention he now has the best coaching he has had with the Chiefs yet. Oh and Dorsey and Jackson are just in their third and second years also.. honestly its beyond stupid to think they are going to get worse or even just stay the same.

[DaneMcCloud]

Why is it hard to think that a 26 year old wont be any better his second year in a scheme coming off his best season so far? Not to mention he now has the best coaching he has had with the Chiefs yet. Oh and Dorsey and Jackson are just in their third and second years also.. honestly its beyond stupid to think they are going to get worse or even just stay the same.

Why?

Well, because for one thing, there won't be pressure coming from the opposite linebacking position, unless Haley and Crennel pull their heads out of their asses and start Studebaker.

Even IF that happens, Hali is just too damn slow. If he had elite speed (which he does not), he'd be a 16 sack a year guy.

But you can't teach speed and Hali just does not have it.

Regardless of the scheme.

[InChiefsHeaven]

Why is it hard to think that a 26 year old wont be any better his second year in a scheme coming off his best season so far? Not to mention he now has the best coaching he has had with the Chiefs yet. Oh and Dorsey and Jackson are just in their third and second years also.. honestly its beyond stupid to think they are going to get worse or even just stay the same.

It's the Planet. It's how we roll...

[L.A. Chieffan]

Why is it hard to think that a 26 year old wont be any better his second year in a scheme coming off his best season so far? Not to mention he now has the best coaching he has had with the Chiefs yet. Oh and Dorsey and Jackson are just in their third and second years also.. honestly its beyond stupid to think they are going to get worse or even just stay the same.

"beyond stupid"? Please, I like Hali as much as the next guy but let's not go overboard here.

He had his "best season so far" by .5 of a sack and lets not forget that three (3!) of those sacks came in one game last year. Also, he had zero success against SD last year.

Dorsey may help Hali a little by taking up some linemen but Tjax does nothing in the pass rush. The fact of the matter is he doesn't have enough help and he can't do it all by himself.

[RustShack]

Sacks aren't the only thing that makes you a passrusher. QB pressures. Hali was among the best in that category last year, and with a little more help he would have had a lot more sacks. Dorsey and Jackson are going to get better under Crennel and Pleasant. Studebaker is going to play a hell of a lot more than he did last year. Eric Berry is going to make QB's think a little more before throwing the ball. DJ will be playing this year. Mays isn't starting.

Your going to get better your second year in a scheme, not worse.

[donkhater]

Being second in the NFL makes you mediocre in pass rushing? So what your saying is Ware is the one and only good pass rusher in the NFL currently? Your a dumbass.

I suppose you mean second in the NFL in QB pressures, correct?

You know what it really means? He's a half step too late in getting to the QB. What that statisitic means is that he is ALMOST a good pass rusher. He's got a good motor, but he just isn't that explosive to be considered an elite player. Never has been. I'd bet he'll lead the league in QB pressures again because he is just slow enough to NOT get there in time.

[Hammock Parties]

Why?

Well, because for one thing, there won't be pressure coming from the opposite linebacking position

I don't think you watch the Chiefs as closely as you like to boast.

Vrabel doesn't get sacks, because he's not what he once was, but pressure? Definitely.

Go back and watch the Denver game. Vrabel was breathing down the quarterback's neck all night. The guy can steal beat an OT and apply pressure, he just can't finish, because if the QB evades, he lacks the agility and speed to go get him.

For a guy like Rivers, who can't move much, though, Vrabel can be effective.

[DaneMcCloud]

I don't think you watch the Chiefs as closely as you like to boast.

Vrabel doesn't get sacks, because he's not what he once was, but pressure? Definitely.

Go back and watch the Denver game. Vrabel was breathing down the quarterback's neck all night. The guy can steal beat an OT and apply pressure, he just can't finish, because if the QB evades, he lacks the agility and speed to go get him.

For a guy like Rivers, who can't move much, though, Vrabel can be effective.

And I think you're full of shit.

Sure, bring up the last game of the season, when Denver was 2-7 to end the season as a testament to Mike Vrabel's incredible abilities.

LMAO

Where was he the other 15 games of the season?

[Marcellus]

Hali is a hair away from a 12-14 sack season. All he has to do is finish on a about half the sacks he wiffed on last year.

That's not a huge expectation. It's not like asking him to go from Hogfarmer to Dane in a week.(No offense to either of you as both of you could take offense to that)

Still wonder if will do it.

[-King-]

Hali is a hair away from a 12-14 sack season. All he has to do is finish on a about half the sacks he wiffed on last year.

That's not a huge expectation. It's not like asking him to go from Hogfarmer to Dane in a week.(No offense to either of you as both of you could take offense to that)

Still wonder if will do it.

Shit, he missed 3 in the Jacksonville game alone.

[Bump]

I suppose you mean second in the NFL in QB pressures, correct?

You know what it really means? He's a half step too late in getting to the QB. What that statisitic means is that he is ALMOST a good pass rusher. He's got a good motor, but he just isn't that explosive to be considered an elite player. Never has been. I'd bet he'll lead the league in QB pressures again because he is just slow enough to NOT get there in time.

So what are you saying here? If you get a ton of QB pressures, you basically suck and are just too slow to get the sack? That is a really stupid statement sir. Really stupid.

[keg in kc]

For a guy like Rivers, who can't move much, though, Vrabel can be effective.Yeah, he was all over him in that 37-7 loss last year.

[-King-]

Yeah, he was all over him in that 37-7 loss last year.

I hate when people talk about "last year" like it has any relevance to do with the current year. In 2009, people could have said that we can easily beat the Chargers because we only lost to them by a combined 2 points in the two games in 2008. He'll they needed a miracle to win the 2nd game.

[DaneMcCloud]

Hali is a hair away from a 12-14 sack season. All he has to do is finish on a about half the sacks he wiffed on last year.

That's not a huge expectation. It's not like asking him to go from Hogfarmer to Dane in a week.(No offense to either of you as both of you could take offense to that)

Still wonder if will do it.

It's a speed issue.

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, if the guy was faster, he'd get 16 sacks a year.

Unfortunately, you can't coach up speed.

[keg in kc]

I hate when people talk about "last year" like it has any relevance to do with the current year. In 2009, people could have said that we can easily beat the Chargers because we only lost to them by a combined 2 points in the two games in 2008. He'll they needed a miracle to win the 2nd game.Then talk to the guy who started all this. I was just responding in kind.
Go back and watch the Denver game. Vrabel was breathing down the quarterback's neck all night. The guy can steal beat an OT and apply pressure, he just can't finish, because if the QB evades, he lacks the agility and speed to go get him.

For a guy like Rivers, who can't move much, though, Vrabel can be effective.Or does talk about "last year" only bother you if it's done in a negative way?

[the Talking Can]

if we could get any pressure up the middle, hali would pick up a couple extra sacks easy...

he's a liability against the run, always has been..but he's a solid pass rushing olb, much better than i figured he'd be transitioning...

and he got the better of the eagles LT, with bull rush and simple quickness, consistently, even though yes he doesn't finish consistently...and someone with a big brain (quick, to the search feature!) said in the game thread that the Eagles LT was a very good player and would be a test of where Hali's game was...asked and answered...

he is what he is...and not on our top 10 list of issues...I've come around on the guy

[keg in kc]

if we could get any pressure up the middle, hali would pick up a couple extra sacks easy...

he's a liability against the run, always has been..but he's a solid pass rushing olb, much better than i figured he'd be transitioning...I think you're correct about the tackle issue, and I think it would also help him if there was some semblence of a pass rush threat from the other OLB spot. Although I do think the "liability against the run" thing is maybe overblown.

I thought he played very well last year as a 3-4 virgin and I think it's entirely feasible that he reaches another level of play now that he'll have more of a comfort level with the alignment and his role.

I think that goes for the entire unit, in fact. It's kind of glossed-over (by me as much as anyone) that they made a complete system overhaul last year. Pair that with the age of the players involved, many of whom are hitting the point where they should 'get it' and I think there's a chance the unit could surprise. In a good way. For a change.

[the Talking Can]

I think you're correct about the tackle issue, and I think it would also help him if there was some semblence of a pass rush threat from the other OLB spot. Although I do think the "liability against the run" thing is maybe overblown.

I thought he played very well last year as a 3-4 virgin and I think it's entirely feasible that he reaches another level of play now that he'll have more of a comfort level with the alignment and his role.

I think that goes for the entire unit, in fact. It's kind of glossed-over (by me as much as anyone) that they made a complete system overhaul last year. Pair that with the age of the players involved, many of whom are hitting the point where they should 'get it' and I think there's a chance the unit could surprise. In a good way. For a change.

we'll be better...but how much...breaking past #20 in D would be a huge jump, imo...but still mean we suck...improving to #25 would still be measurable improvement, and still be pathetic

i think Berry and Crennel are unquestionable improvements

Studebaker could be...looks like it in preseason, but still a question

Jackson and DJ and Magee? we're all hoping they 'naturally' improve

my fear is once the real games start, people can still bully us right up the middle causing everything else to fray...so, well see...i really have no idea

[keg in kc]

I'd guess into the middle of the pack, somewhere between 15 and 20.

The tackle position is still the biggest question, but from what I could see in the preseason (and you know how much that means...) they appeared to be playing better at virtually every position in the back 8. The linebackers looked faster and more sure to my eye. Flowers and Carr looked to still be Flowers and Carr (Carr finished the preseason stronger than he started, a big plus) and safety, well...

The whole unit looked more competent, for lack of a better word, like everybody knew where they were supposed to be and what they were supposed to be doing, instead of last season's WTF is going on chinese fire drill preseason defense. I think they're at the point now where they can play the defense without that fractional 'thinking about it' time I saw so much last year, if you know what I mean. I think that's going to make a difference, even without throwing Crennel into the mix.

I may be in the minority on this, but I think they have some talent on that unit that hasn't really been effectively tapped yet, outside of Flowers. There are still a couple of holes to fill, but I don't think this is anything like the dearth of talent we were dealing with in the early part of the decade when we were running guys like glenn cadrez and lew bush and marvcus patton and ray crockett and nate hobgood-chittick and mike maSLOWski and the wonderful cornerback tandem of bartee and warfield out there.

[DaneMcCloud]

I'd guess into the middle of the pack, somewhere between 15 and 20.


The Chiefs have spent the entire decade, all ten years, mired at the bottom of the NFL in defensive yardage and points given up.

If they can jump from #29 to #20, that would be a GIGANTIC swing.

With that said, I think it's next to impossible. I imagine the Chiefs will be somewhere between 24-27 this year.

They have NOT upgraded their personnel to the point that they'll be anywhere near the top half of the league.

And their depth sucks. If Berry or Flowers or Hali is injured, they're right back at #30.

[the Talking Can]

I
The whole unit looked more competent, for lack of a better word, like everybody knew where they were supposed to be and what they were supposed to be doing, instead of last season's WTF is going on chinese fire drill preseason defense.


agree completely with this....and credit it to Crennel

i think Crennel will be the first DC we've had in forever that could actually scheme for a specific opponent as opposed to just running his own scheme...

think Saunders vs Gunther...to mix the metaphor...so to speak..etc

[L.A. Chieffan]

we'll be better...but how much...breaking past #20 in D would be a huge jump, imo...but still mean we suck...improving to #25 would still be measurable improvement, and still be pathetic

i think Berry and Crennel are unquestionable improvements

Studebaker could be...looks like it in preseason, but still a question

Jackson and DJ and Magee? we're all hoping they 'naturally' improve

my fear is once the real games start, people can still bully us right up the middle causing everything else to fray...so, well see...i really have no idea

I think Magee will be an asset.

[ModSocks]

The Chiefs have spent the entire decade, all ten years, mired at the bottom of the NFL in defensive yardage and points given up.

If they can jump from #29 to #20, that would be a GIGANTIC swing.

With that said, I think it's next to impossible. I imagine the Chiefs will be somewhere between 24-27 this year.

They have NOT upgraded their personnel to the point that they'll be anywhere near the top half of the league.

And their depth sucks. If Berry or Flowers or Hali is injured, they're right back at #30.

I think we can make it to #20. We're not exactly playing killer offenses. And our run game should help with the T.O.P and limiting how much our D will be out there.

[DaneMcCloud]

I think we can make it to #20. We're not exactly playing killer offenses. And our run game should help with the T.O.P and limiting how much our D will be out there.

You're being ridiculously optimistic for a team that's made exactly ONE CHANGE on defense: Eric Berry.

The Chiefs run game is atrocious and they've done absolutely nothing to address it this offseason.

A scheme cannot make up for the lack of players in the Chiefs front seven, especially along the defensive line.

[RustShack]

Our defense will finish #11.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Our defense will finish #1.

Homervision = ENGAGED!

[Hammock Parties]

You're being ridiculously optimistic for a team that's made exactly ONE CHANGE on defense: Eric Berry.


Adding Belcher (as a starter) and Lewis (I guess McGraw is starting, but I think Lewis will see the field) is more than one change, and so is adding Shaun Smith.

I know they are just small changes, but if Belcher isn't the worst fucking MLB in the league, like Mays was last year, that's huge.

And Romeo Crennel's impact cannot be understated.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Adding Belcher (as a starter) and Lewis (I guess McGraw is starting, but I think Lewis will see the field) is more than one change, and so is adding Shaun Smith.

I know they are just small changes, but if Belcher isn't the worst fucking MLB in the league, like Mays was last year, that's huge.

And Romeo Crennel's impact cannot be understated.

What he said.

[Titty Meat]

I agree I think Lewis will help and Hali will improve playing another year in the 3-4. The defense overall will still suck.

[DaneMcCloud]

Starting Belcher and Lewis is more than one change, and so is adding Shaun Smith.

I know they are just small changes, but if Belcher isn't the worst fucking MLB in the league, like Mays was last year, that's huge.

And Romeo Crennel's impact cannot be understated.

Gimme a break.

First off, Lewis isn't starting. Secondly, Smith isn't starting. Thirdly, you're "hoping" that Belcher isn't as big a clusterfuck as Mays.

And there is absolutely no fucking way a coach can "scheme" a team up 15 spots.

That's just ludicrous.

Furthermore, what happened to Romeo's defenses in Cleveland?

[keg in kc]

I'd be surprised if Lewis isn't starting over McGraw by midseason, although sometimes it seems to take an act of god to get veterans off the field.

[RustShack]

Adding Belcher (as a starter) and Lewis (I guess McGraw is starting, but I think Lewis will see the field) is more than one change, and so is adding Shaun Smith.

I know they are just small changes, but if Belcher isn't the worst fucking MLB in the league, like Mays was last year, that's huge.

And Romeo Crennel's impact cannot be understated.

These guys want Pro Bowl players, not a Super Bowl team. They don't realize its a team sport. Team Chemistry does nothing!

[DaneMcCloud]

I'd be surprised if Lewis isn't starting over McGraw by midseason, although sometimes it seems to take an act of god to get veterans off the field.

Both Lewis and Studebaker should be starting from Day One.

The fact of the matter is that the Chiefs front office and coaching staff actually think they're going to win games this year, so instead of getting their future in order, they're wrongly sacrificing it for the present.

It's Groundhog Day at One Arrowhead Drive.

[Hammock Parties]

Gimme a break.

First off, Lewis isn't starting. Secondly, Smith isn't starting. Thirdly, you're "hoping" that Belcher isn't as big a clusterfuck as Mays.

And there is absolutely no fucking way a coach can "scheme" a team up 15 spots.

That's just ludicrous.

Furthermore, what happened to Romeo's defenses in Cleveland?

Oh, 15 spots? Who said that? I'm certainly not expecting that kind of improvement.

But I think low 20s is reachable. Crennel is a much better coach than Pendergast. Remember him?

I honestly think who is "starting" is irrelevant. Those guys are going to see playing time. Having a backup nose tackle this year might be huge, because last year the Chiefs basically didn't have one.

[DaneMcCloud]

Oh, 15 spots? Who said that? I'm certainly not expecting that kind of improvement.

But I think low 20s is reachable. Crennel is a much better coach than Pendergast. Remember him?

I honestly think who is "starting" is irrelevant. Those guys are going to see playing time. Having a backup nose tackle this year might be huge, because last year the Chiefs basically didn't have one.

Keg said 15-20 range, I said 24-27.

[keg in kc]

Both Lewis and Studebaker should be starting from Day One.I think Vrabel is still a more valuable every-down linebacker than Studebaker. I'd bring him in as part of the nickel package, but keep Vrabel on the field with the base defense. But that's just me...

I can understand having McGraw out there for the time being, not wanting two rookies starting at safety, but I think Lewis needs to be incorporated sooner rather than later. (And I don't see McGraw as valuable in the same way that I believe Vrabel is, I'm not saying that...)

[DaneMcCloud]

I think Vrabel is still a more valuable every-down linebacker than Studebaker. I'd bring him in as part of the nickel package, but keep Vrabel on the field with the base defense. But that's just me...

I don't see how Vrabel's more valuable.

He's 34 and rarely makes plays. Studebaker has been a consistent playmaker when he's on the field. What would be "lost" when Vrabel's on the bench in terms of leadership would be more than made up for on the field in terms of playmaking.

It's just downright silly for the Chiefs to start Vrabel over Studebaker, yet hope their defense somehow improves.

[keg in kc]

Keg said 15-20 range, I said 24-27.How about I split the difference and say 18-25.

Can you tell I really don't feel like working right now?

[DaneMcCloud]

How about I split the difference and say 18-25.

Can you tell I really don't feel like working right now?

LMAO

[keg in kc]

I don't see how Vrabel's more valuable.

He's 34 and rarely makes plays. Studebaker has been a consistent playmaker when he's on the field. What would be "lost" when Vrabel's on the bench in terms of leadership would be more than made up for on the field in terms of playmaking.

It's just downright silly for the Chiefs to start Vrabel over Studebaker, yet hope their defense somehow improves.I guess I have a higher opinion of Vrabel than you do. I thought he was the best linebacker on the Chiefs in 2009, including Hali. He may not make big plays as you put it, but he's the most steady, most consistent linebacker they can put out there. He doesn't get out of position, he rarely mis-reads a play, he's not from the DJ school of whiffed tackles. I see a guy like that as valuable. Is he a step or three short on the pass rush? Sure. But I think he's key for other reasons.

Not that I'd get my panties in a bunch if Studebaker was on the field more. It's not like I'm the president of the vrabel fan club or something. I just don't believe Studebaker is ready to start yet, and I'm not all that sure about how much of a player he's going to be when he is. But if the team wanted to explore that fine.

Basically, I'd keep Vrabel on the field until there's a better option, and I don't see one at this point.

[DaneMcCloud]

I guess I have a higher opinion of Vrabel than you do. I thought he was the best linebacker on the Chiefs in 2009, including Hali. He may not make big plays as you put it, but he's the most steady, most consistent linebacker they can put out there. He doesn't get out of position, he rarely mis-reads a play, he's not from the DJ school of whiffed tackles. I see a guy like that as valuable. Is he a step or three short on the pass rush? Sure. But I think he's key for other reasons.

Not that I'd get my panties in a bunch if Studebaker was on the field more. It's not like I'm the president of the vrabel fan club or something. I just don't believe Studebaker is ready to start yet, and I'm not all that sure about how much of a player he's going to be when he is. But if the team wanted to explore that fine.

Basically, I'd keep Vrabel on the field until there's a better option, and I don't see one at this point.

I don't disagree with the notion of leaving Vrabel on the field at all times, I just don't think it should be at the expense of Studebaker.

I think Vrabel should be starting over Mays or Belcher however and probably DJ (since he makes a big play, then disappears for a six game stretch).

[keg in kc]

I don't disagree with the notion of leaving Vrabel on the field at all times, I just don't think it should be at the expense of Studebaker.

I think Vrabel should be starting over Mays or Belcher however and probably DJ (since he makes a big play, then disappears for a six game stretch).I've actually wondered the same thing, whether he might be a better solution at LOLB than Mays or Belcher.

But I believe they think they've found something in Belcher, as surprising as that might be for a sub-230 undrafted second-year player.