ChiefsPlanet - Chiefs Chiefs buzz: Early scoring still a problem

Chiefs buzz: Early scoring still a problem

Early scoring woes

There might be only one game left on the Chiefs’ schedule, but they’re still trying to correct some things. One of the team’s lingering problems is scoring in the first quarter; Kansas City has been outscored 99-38 in the first quarters of its 15 contests.

Coach Todd Haley said he has continued to tweak the offense in an effort to begin the Chiefs’ scoring more quickly.

“We’ve done a lot of things,” Haley said. “Even these last few games we’ve started more positive than we did earlier. Is it good enough? No, clearly not. But I don’t have any regrets about the things we’ve done.”

Haley has made changes often to this year’s offense after taking over as the team’s play-caller less than two weeks before the regular season began. Haley fired Chan Gailey as coordinator and assumed those duties. Haley has since tried to implement quickness into Kansas City’s scheme, which has helped only marginally.

The Chiefs haven’t scored a touchdown in the first quarter since a Nov. 22 win against Pittsburgh, and that TD was a kickoff return by Jamaal Charles. Kansas City has allowed teams to score in the first quarter in all but three games.

Salary cap plans

The Chiefs’ plans for 2010, and the futures of some of the team’s current players, could be affected if the NFL and the players’ association are unable to prevent a year without a salary cap.

The sides would have to reach a new labor agreement before free agency begins during the offseason for the current rules to continue. Under the expiring labor contract, 212 NFL players — six of whom play for the Chiefs — would become restricted free agents instead of unrestricted free agents. Unrestricted free agents are free to sign with any team; restricted free agents’ destinations can be influenced by the team they played for in 2009.

According to an Associated Press report, Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle, linebackers Corey Mays and Derrick Johnson, center Rudy Niswanger, offensive tackle Ryan O’Callaghan and free safety Jarrad Page would become restricted free agents this offseason instead of unrestricted free agents. The Chiefs could either re-sign those players, match another team’s offer, or be entitled to draft picks under certain circumstances.

That sounds nice for Kansas City, but perhaps not considering the Chiefs are expected to have a busy offseason and could benefit from a large crop of unrestricted free agents.

Waters nominee for Payton award

Chiefs left guard Brian Waters was nominated by the team for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. Each NFL team can nominate a player. The winner will be announced Feb. 1 during Super Bowl week.

Four former Chiefs players have won the award, most recently guard Will Shields in 2003.

Injury report

Chiefs offensive lineman Andy Alleman (back) and cornerback Brandon Flowers (shoulder) were limited in Wednesday’s practice. Defensive end Alex Magee (hamstring) was a full participant.

For Denver, tight end Daniel Graham (knee) and wide receiver Eddie Royal (head and neck) did not participate. Linebacker/fullback Spencer Larsen (hamstring), cornerback Ty Law (hamstring), wide receiver Brandon Marshall (hamstring) and linebacker/defensive end Darrell Reid (knee) were limited. Running back Correll Buckhalter (ankle) and safeties Brian Dawkins (knee) and Renaldo Hill (ankle) were full participants.