Chiefs Teicher: Charles presents a dilemma for Chiefs

**Tribal Warfare** · 10-05-2009, 10:30 PM

Charles presents a dilemma for Chiefs
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

The dilemma with running back Jamaal Charles gets to the heart of the problem Todd Haley has in getting the 0-4 Chiefs a victory — and, longer term, building them into a playoff contender.

On one hand, Charles, who returns kickoffs and plays as the third-down back, is one of the Chiefs’ most talented players. He is one of the few Chiefs capable of making big plays and one of the fastest players on an otherwise slow team.

On the other hand, Charles has been an unreliable player whose fumble on the opening kickoff Sunday put the Chiefs in an immediate hole against the undefeated New York Giants. He delivered some big plays as a rookie last year, but a precious few this season.

The Chiefs figure to need Charles and his potential Sunday when they play the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium. But, perhaps mindful of the damage Charles is also capable of inflicting on his own team, Haley wouldn’t commit to having Charles active.

“We’ll have to see where we’re at personnelwise,” Haley said. “We’ll talk about that as the week progresses.

“Jamaal was very remorseful about (the fumble). He told his teammates that. We’ve just got to move forward.”

As Haley and general manager Scott Pioli continue what now seems like an eternal Chiefs rebuilding program, they have precious few younger offensive players who can help with the process. Dwayne Bowe, perhaps. Matt Cassel and Branden Albert, they hope.

Charles could figure into their plans — if not as a regular, then as a spot player capable of causing matchup problems for the opposing defense because of his speed. Haley appears to like Charles as a player, which certainly helps his cause. Haley certainly doesn’t want to give up on Charles too quickly and then watch him become a productive player for an opposing team.

But Charles’ time to prove his worth to the Chiefs could be running out. Kolby Smith is close to finishing his rehabilitation from last year’s knee surgery and is eligible to be activated from the injured list later this month.

He could take Charles’ place as Larry Johnson’s primary backup. In the interim, Dantrell Savage, a less talented but more reliable player than Charles, is the option.

For his part, Charles indicated he is ready for whatever punishment Haley dishes out for the fumble against New York.

“Whatever they do to me, they do to me,” he said. “I’ll still go out there and give it my all. It was my fault (Sunday) fumbling the ball like that. I put the defense in a bad situation. We’re (not) that good to be turning the ball over. I’ll take responsibility for that. If I had held on to that ball, it would have been a lot different.

“I’m trying to get things going, and I wasn’t thinking about the ball. It wasn’t a big hit. The ball just came out.”

Since coming to the Chiefs, Haley has emphasized that he wants players he can count on every down, and not necessarily talented players whose performance goes up and down. He’s been willing to bend that policy in the case of Charles.

“He doesn’t have to say anything about that,” Charles said. “Every coach wants consistent players.

“I agree with him. If I didn’t practice that good or play that good, don’t put me in that week. If you think Savage practices better than me, play Sav. I don’t have anything against Sav. He’s a good player.”

Charles showed a glimpse of his big-play ability on his 53-yard kickoff return against New York in the fourth quarter. He might have taken it all the way if teammate Terrance Copper had made a better block.

The fumble against New York was only the latest in a series of drops for Charles. The Chiefs aren’t strong enough to overcome mistakes like that.

“We’ve talked about margin of error around here,” Haley said. “We can’t do that against a good football team. Generally, it will get you beat.

“Jamaal starting the game that way is a morale-hurter. It hurts like a dagger in your abdomen. It was not in any way the way we wanted to start the game. It wasn’t a big hit or a great play by a defensive player. I feel like we kind of served it up for them. We can’t do it.

“We just have to work on the technique. We have the gantlet (machine) we run through twice a week, and we talk about protecting the football and how you’ve got to do it. We’ve just got to work harder at it.”

'Hamas' Jenkins · 10-05-2009, 10:41 PM

And yet we continue to run Mike Brown out there when he makes plays that directly lead to the opposition scoring points, not just giving them the ball where they either could or could not score points.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-05-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

And yet we continue to run Mike Brown out there when he makes plays that directly lead to the opposition scoring points, not just giving them the ball where they either could or could not score points.

I'm sincerely beginning to believe that Pioli is a Belichick invention because the guy handles personnel like a dickhead.

Cosmos · 10-05-2009, 10:51 PM

I know Priest is gone, but did he take the screen pass with him too?

'Hamas' Jenkins · 10-05-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I'm sincerely beginning to believe that Pioli is a Belichick invention because the guy handles personnel like a dickhead.

See my sig.

Cosmos · 10-05-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I'm sincerely beginning to believe that Pioli is a Belichick invention because the guy handles personnel like a dickhead.

It's been said a dozen times, by dozens of folks, but it's still incredible that after 8 games including 4 preseason, that the number of players exceeding expectations couldn't be counted on the fingers on one hand.

F' winning, show me something... from anybody.

I couldn't have imagined a more complete failure from player personel thru to the coaching.

It's really quite remarkable.

Hammock Parties · 10-05-2009, 10:57 PM

The Charles thing is weird...they don't even try to get him involved on offense it seems.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-05-2009, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

The Charles thing is weird...they don't even try to get him involved on offense it seems.

Because he sucks ass, has hamstring issues and consistently fumbles.

Mecca · 10-05-2009, 11:03 PM

Wanna see something funny, go back and rewatch that kickoff...one of the Chiefs blockers in front of Charles gets killed, he literally gets put flat on his back.

Cosmos · 10-05-2009, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Wanna see something funny, go back and rewatch that kickoff...one of the Chiefs blockers in front of Charles gets killed, he literally gets put flat on his back.

Thought the play was over when Charles hit the 20 yd line...

DaWolf · 10-05-2009, 11:08 PM

Jamaal is slowly turning into another Greg Hill, fast guy but pretty useless otherwise. He better step up his game.

As far as Pioli goes, I'm not as concerned about the personnel moves as I am his coaching hire. He had a late start to it, settled on Haley, and hired a leftover coaching staff after all the good assistants were gone. Hell, we didn't even get our first choice in terms of the defensive coordinator, and neither guy apparently wanted Gailey all that much but there were no obvious OC's lying out there either that would be able to run what Haley wanted. Right now it's not just lack of talent, it's lack of coaching. I like Haley, but he and his staff really need to step it up.

If Pioli missed on this hire, he'll probably get one more shot at it, but the head coach in essence will define the GM. If the head coach can't get it done, then you're wasting time getting him "his" players.

Right now it's way too early and outside of the Raiders we've played far superior teams, but somebody better start coaching up some players...

Mecca · 10-05-2009, 11:11 PM

John Gruden was making fun of the Chiefs tonight if anyone missed it.

**Tribal Warfare** · 10-05-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

John Gruden was making fun of the Chiefs tonight if anyone missed it.

I did, I was going back and forth from inside to outside of my house playing with my dog.

Mecca · 10-05-2009, 11:14 PM

He basically said they have no idea what they're doing then he lumped them in with the 2 other teams saying "yea firing your OC right before the season is the way to go".

**Tribal Warfare** · 10-05-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

He basically said they have no idea what they're doing then he lumped them in with the 2 other teams saying "yea firing your OC right before the season is the way to go".

Yeah, he was talking about the "offensive battery"

10-05-2009, 10:30 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2987187	Teicher: Charles presents a dilemma for Chiefs Charles presents a dilemma for Chiefs By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The dilemma with running back Jamaal Charles gets to the heart of the problem Todd Haley has in getting the 0-4 Chiefs a victory — and, longer term, building them into a playoff contender. On one hand, Charles, who returns kickoffs and plays as the third-down back, is one of the Chiefs’ most talented players. He is one of the few Chiefs capable of making big plays and one of the fastest players on an otherwise slow team. On the other hand, Charles has been an unreliable player whose fumble on the opening kickoff Sunday put the Chiefs in an immediate hole against the undefeated New York Giants. He delivered some big plays as a rookie last year, but a precious few this season. The Chiefs figure to need Charles and his potential Sunday when they play the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium. But, perhaps mindful of the damage Charles is also capable of inflicting on his own team, Haley wouldn’t commit to having Charles active. “We’ll have to see where we’re at personnelwise,” Haley said. “We’ll talk about that as the week progresses. “Jamaal was very remorseful about (the fumble). He told his teammates that. We’ve just got to move forward.” As Haley and general manager Scott Pioli continue what now seems like an eternal Chiefs rebuilding program, they have precious few younger offensive players who can help with the process. Dwayne Bowe, perhaps. Matt Cassel and Branden Albert, they hope. Charles could figure into their plans — if not as a regular, then as a spot player capable of causing matchup problems for the opposing defense because of his speed. Haley appears to like Charles as a player, which certainly helps his cause. Haley certainly doesn’t want to give up on Charles too quickly and then watch him become a productive player for an opposing team. But Charles’ time to prove his worth to the Chiefs could be running out. Kolby Smith is close to finishing his rehabilitation from last year’s knee surgery and is eligible to be activated from the injured list later this month. He could take Charles’ place as Larry Johnson’s primary backup. In the interim, Dantrell Savage, a less talented but more reliable player than Charles, is the option. For his part, Charles indicated he is ready for whatever punishment Haley dishes out for the fumble against New York. “Whatever they do to me, they do to me,” he said. “I’ll still go out there and give it my all. It was my fault (Sunday) fumbling the ball like that. I put the defense in a bad situation. We’re (not) that good to be turning the ball over. I’ll take responsibility for that. If I had held on to that ball, it would have been a lot different. “I’m trying to get things going, and I wasn’t thinking about the ball. It wasn’t a big hit. The ball just came out.” Since coming to the Chiefs, Haley has emphasized that he wants players he can count on every down, and not necessarily talented players whose performance goes up and down. He’s been willing to bend that policy in the case of Charles. “He doesn’t have to say anything about that,” Charles said. “Every coach wants consistent players. “I agree with him. If I didn’t practice that good or play that good, don’t put me in that week. If you think Savage practices better than me, play Sav. I don’t have anything against Sav. He’s a good player.” Charles showed a glimpse of his big-play ability on his 53-yard kickoff return against New York in the fourth quarter. He might have taken it all the way if teammate Terrance Copper had made a better block. The fumble against New York was only the latest in a series of drops for Charles. The Chiefs aren’t strong enough to overcome mistakes like that. “We’ve talked about margin of error around here,” Haley said. “We can’t do that against a good football team. Generally, it will get you beat. “Jamaal starting the game that way is a morale-hurter. It hurts like a dagger in your abdomen. It was not in any way the way we wanted to start the game. It wasn’t a big hit or a great play by a defensive player. I feel like we kind of served it up for them. We can’t do it. “We just have to work on the technique. We have the gantlet (machine) we run through twice a week, and we talk about protecting the football and how you’ve got to do it. We’ve just got to work harder at it.”
Posts: 43,452

10-05-2009, 10:41 PM	#2
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7139572	And yet we continue to run Mike Brown out there when he makes plays that directly lead to the opposition scoring points, not just giving them the ball where they either could or could not score points. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 75,083

10-05-2009, 10:51 PM	#4
Cosmos Veteran Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Casino cash: $4114900	I know Priest is gone, but did he take the screen pass with him too?
Posts: 3,646

10-05-2009, 10:57 PM	#7
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $810478	The Charles thing is weird...they don't even try to get him involved on offense it seems. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,432

10-05-2009, 11:03 PM	#9
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-702950	Wanna see something funny, go back and rewatch that kickoff...one of the Chiefs blockers in front of Charles gets killed, he literally gets put flat on his back.
Posts: 115,380

10-05-2009, 11:08 PM	#11
DaWolf Cry havoc... Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10007725	Jamaal is slowly turning into another Greg Hill, fast guy but pretty useless otherwise. He better step up his game. As far as Pioli goes, I'm not as concerned about the personnel moves as I am his coaching hire. He had a late start to it, settled on Haley, and hired a leftover coaching staff after all the good assistants were gone. Hell, we didn't even get our first choice in terms of the defensive coordinator, and neither guy apparently wanted Gailey all that much but there were no obvious OC's lying out there either that would be able to run what Haley wanted. Right now it's not just lack of talent, it's lack of coaching. I like Haley, but he and his staff really need to step it up. If Pioli missed on this hire, he'll probably get one more shot at it, but the head coach in essence will define the GM. If the head coach can't get it done, then you're wasting time getting him "his" players. Right now it's way too early and outside of the Raiders we've played far superior teams, but somebody better start coaching up some players...
Posts: 6,798

10-05-2009, 11:11 PM	#12
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-702950	John Gruden was making fun of the Chiefs tonight if anyone missed it.
Posts: 115,380

10-05-2009, 11:14 PM	#14
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-702950	He basically said they have no idea what they're doing then he lumped them in with the 2 other teams saying "yea firing your OC right before the season is the way to go".
Posts: 115,380

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