Mike Holmgren on Athletes direct...

[Clint in Wichita]

A lot has been made of our quarterback getting sacked too many times this season. This week we did a study of Jon’s sacks for this season. He has been sacked a total of 16 times. Five of these were the result of his holding the ball too long. Five sacks came from either offensive line or running back protection breakdowns. Three sacks were scheme malfunctions, usually secondary to a blitzing player unaccounted for, and three sacks were the result of great plays by the opposing defensive line. We should (and really must) improve in this area as the season progresses.

Next up we take on Kansas City on national TV. Although the game this week is on Monday night, our week of preparation is the same. We will travel to Kansas City early Sunday morning, a schedule that dictates a normal practice week. The excitement of a Monday Night Football game is very different than the exhilaration of a regular season, Sunday game. One reason for this is the fact that the players know that everyone watches the Monday night game; their peers are watching them, and as a result, they want to play well.

I have coached against some teams in dome situations that were very loud -Minnestoa and Detroit to name a few. However, of all the stadiums I have been associated with, Arrowhead is the loudest outdoor stadium. It is a very difficult place to play for a visiting team.

This game takes on additional meaning for ex-Chief Reggie Tongue. Anytime a player or a coach plays a team he has been associated with in the past there is a little bit extra emotion. You want to do well. If the player was traded, he wants to prove his old team was wrong to let him get away. If the player left as a result of free agency, he wants prove he is worth the money by to playing well against his former teammates. <P>

[Clint in Wichita]

If the player was traded, he wants to prove his old team was wrong to let him get away. If the player left as a result of free agency, he wants prove he is worth the money by to playing well against his former teammates.

One his his former teammates was Tony Gonzalez. We know that Tony is a favorite of the Kansas City quarterbacks. One of the best things we can do to limit any good receiver is to pressure the quarterback. However, because he is talented, Tony will make his catches. We need to limit his yards after the catch and eliminate the big play. It is a point of emphasis this week.

I think our own offense is progressing well. The main surprise for me is how fast our young receivers have come along. Unfortunately, Derrick Mayes has been injured, but Darrell Jackson has filled in quickly and done a nice job. Otherwise, I have not experienced too many surprises. The players have performed up to expectation. We will continue to expand that package throughout the season. I think we can be an effective offensive team by using both <Picture>Ricky and Shaun at the same time. I understand Ricky Watters has stated that he does not want to talk to the media. I have not talked to Ricky about it and I am not sure what the situation involves. I encourage all the players to deal with the press in an honest and forthright manner. It is their decision, however.
Mike Holmgren