Tribal Warfare
10-13-2010, 11:28 PM
Chiefs notes: First loss sparks even greater motivation (http://www.kansascity.com/2010/10/13/2311533/chiefs-notes-first-loss-sparks.html)
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star
Coach Todd Haley said last Sunday’s loss appeared to motivate the Chiefs to work harder this week before heading to Houston.
“Our goal wasn’t to go undefeated,” Haley said. “This is the biggest game that we all have been in together as a group.”
He added that although Tuesday was a day off for players, many came into the practice facility to watch film or work out. Quarterback Matt Cassel and tight end Tony Moeaki were among those who said they gave up their day off to refocus and correct some mistakes.
“Anytime you can get ahead on your opponent watching film, get a little workout in and a little sweat going, it is good,” Cassel said.
Haley reiterated a familiar psychological ploy this week, saying that the season’s “first quarter” was finished. Although the coach said he was pleased with the Chiefs’ 3-1 record, he added that those games don’t matter much now. .
“Everything is square now. It really is,” Haley said. “The guys looked like they’re ready to start this quarter of the season, and they look like they understand the importance of it.”
O’Callaghan’s full day
Tackle Ryan O’Callaghan was among the full participants at Wednesday’s practice, the first time he practiced fully since injuring his groin Aug. 24. He hasn’t played this year; Barry Richardson has started at right tackle.
The Chiefs need as much as they can get on their offensive line, and they got a reminder last Sunday when Branden Albert suffered a left arm injury. Guard Brian Waters, who had never played tackle, shifted to left tackle while Albert had his arm wrapped and put in a brace. Albert returned, and he practiced with no apparent problems Wednesday.
Third-down emphasis
Cassel said one of the team’s top priorities is improving its third-down percentage, particularly after the Chiefs converted one of 10 third downs against the Colts.
Kansas City’s pass offense struggled in the 19-9 loss, and Cassel completed 16 of 29 passes for 156 yards.
“We didn’t make enough plays,” Cassel said, referring to the inadequacy on third downs. “That’s an area that we have to get better at. … You have to be able to convert and stay on the field, keep the defense off the field and maintain drives.”
The Chiefs have converted 28 percent of their third-down attempts, and they’re ranked 29th in the NFL in that category, better than only Buffalo, Washington and Chicago. That’s despite having the league’s third-ranked rush offense, averaging 148.8 yards per contest.
Injury report
Safety Reshard Langford (ankle) remained on the injured list for the second consecutive week, and punter Dustin Colquitt was held out because of an unspecified illness.
Defensive end Tyson Jackson returned to full participation.
The Texans held eight players out of practice Wednesday, including star defenders Brian Cushing and Mario Williams. Cushing has a knee injury, and Williams has a bad shoulder. Also missing practice were linebackers Kevin Bentley (knee) and DeMeco Ryans (groin), guard Mike Brisiel (knee), wide receivers Dorin Dickerson (knee) and Jacoby Jones (calf) and cornerback Sherrick McManis (hamstring). Linebacker Xavier Adibi (hamstring), safety Dominique Barber (ribs), wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle) and running back Derrick Ward (ribs) were limited.
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star
Coach Todd Haley said last Sunday’s loss appeared to motivate the Chiefs to work harder this week before heading to Houston.
“Our goal wasn’t to go undefeated,” Haley said. “This is the biggest game that we all have been in together as a group.”
He added that although Tuesday was a day off for players, many came into the practice facility to watch film or work out. Quarterback Matt Cassel and tight end Tony Moeaki were among those who said they gave up their day off to refocus and correct some mistakes.
“Anytime you can get ahead on your opponent watching film, get a little workout in and a little sweat going, it is good,” Cassel said.
Haley reiterated a familiar psychological ploy this week, saying that the season’s “first quarter” was finished. Although the coach said he was pleased with the Chiefs’ 3-1 record, he added that those games don’t matter much now. .
“Everything is square now. It really is,” Haley said. “The guys looked like they’re ready to start this quarter of the season, and they look like they understand the importance of it.”
O’Callaghan’s full day
Tackle Ryan O’Callaghan was among the full participants at Wednesday’s practice, the first time he practiced fully since injuring his groin Aug. 24. He hasn’t played this year; Barry Richardson has started at right tackle.
The Chiefs need as much as they can get on their offensive line, and they got a reminder last Sunday when Branden Albert suffered a left arm injury. Guard Brian Waters, who had never played tackle, shifted to left tackle while Albert had his arm wrapped and put in a brace. Albert returned, and he practiced with no apparent problems Wednesday.
Third-down emphasis
Cassel said one of the team’s top priorities is improving its third-down percentage, particularly after the Chiefs converted one of 10 third downs against the Colts.
Kansas City’s pass offense struggled in the 19-9 loss, and Cassel completed 16 of 29 passes for 156 yards.
“We didn’t make enough plays,” Cassel said, referring to the inadequacy on third downs. “That’s an area that we have to get better at. … You have to be able to convert and stay on the field, keep the defense off the field and maintain drives.”
The Chiefs have converted 28 percent of their third-down attempts, and they’re ranked 29th in the NFL in that category, better than only Buffalo, Washington and Chicago. That’s despite having the league’s third-ranked rush offense, averaging 148.8 yards per contest.
Injury report
Safety Reshard Langford (ankle) remained on the injured list for the second consecutive week, and punter Dustin Colquitt was held out because of an unspecified illness.
Defensive end Tyson Jackson returned to full participation.
The Texans held eight players out of practice Wednesday, including star defenders Brian Cushing and Mario Williams. Cushing has a knee injury, and Williams has a bad shoulder. Also missing practice were linebackers Kevin Bentley (knee) and DeMeco Ryans (groin), guard Mike Brisiel (knee), wide receivers Dorin Dickerson (knee) and Jacoby Jones (calf) and cornerback Sherrick McManis (hamstring). Linebacker Xavier Adibi (hamstring), safety Dominique Barber (ribs), wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle) and running back Derrick Ward (ribs) were limited.