Chiefs Covitz: Hali does a good Derrick Thomas impression against Broncos

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-07-2009, 01:47 AM

Hali does a good Derrick Thomas impression against Broncos
By RANDY COVITZ
The Kansas City Star

On the day the Chiefs honored the late Derrick Thomas, outside linebacker Tamba Hali did his best to invoke images of Kansas City’s greatest pass rusher.

Just as Thomas terrorized Denver quarterback John Elway back in the 1990s, Hali harassed the Broncos’ Kyle "Pro Bowl" Orton on Sunday, dropping him for three sacks and forcing two fumbles.

The performance came in a losing effort as the Chiefs fell 44-13, but Hali’s forced fumbles, both recovered by defensive end Glenn Dorsey, set up 10 of the Chiefs’ points.

“He had a perfect game,” Dorsey said. “He applied pressure and was in their backfield all day. I told Tamba I have to take him out to eat or something. Every time he was getting back there, I was getting a fumble (recovery).”

Thomas’ No. 58 was retired Sunday in conjunction with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. At halftime, the Arrowhead crowd was treated to highlights of Thomas’ career, only moments after Hali replicated the way Thomas terrorized quarterbacks.

On the second play after the 2-minute warning in the second quarter, Hali roared in from behind and sacked Orton for a 7-yard loss. On the next play, Hali reached Orton again, and not satisfied with merely getting the sack, he stripped Orton of the ball — much as Thomas did in his heyday.

Dorsey recovered at midfield, setting up a Ryan Succop field goal that made the score 14-6 at halftime.

Even though the game was a lost cause in the third quarter, Hali stormed past Broncos standout left tackle Ryan Clady and forced another fumble by Orton that was recovered at the Denver 3, setting up the Chiefs’ only touchdown.

“He played his (rear) off,” linebacker Mike Vrabel said of Hali, who had nine solo tackles, one assist, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry in addition to his career-best three sacks.

“We just need to try to play up to what Tamba and guys like that are doing. If we win, it’s a great story. Instead, we’re all frustrated.”

Hali, converted to outside linebacker in the new 3-4 defense after spending his first three seasons as a defensive end in a 4-3 defense, has 6 1/2 sacks this season — more than doubling his three of a year ago and moving within 1 1/2 of his career-best of eight sacks as a rookie in 2006.

“He’s had a lot of almost-sacks and a lot of pressures,” Clady said. “I think he’s one of the best in the game right now. We just have to block him a little longer.”

Hali now ranks 11th in club history with 25 career sacks, and his two forced fumbles gave him 15 for his career, third in team history to Thomas’ 45 and Neil Smith’s 29.

“We knew he was a good player and thought he was their best pass rusher,” Orton said. “We knew we were going to have to get the ball out, and there were a couple of times I held it a little bit too long, and he got there.”

Hali declined to be interviewed after the game, a practice be began at training camp, though he did have one comment.

“I appreciate Derrick.”

Hog's Gone Fishin · 12-07-2009, 04:05 AM

I'm glad he had a good game, unlike the rest of the team.

SenselessChiefsFan · 12-07-2009, 07:09 AM

It'll be nice when he gets more talent around him.

**Easy 6** · 12-07-2009, 08:57 AM

Is Clady just blowing smoke? why would he?

Yea, Tamba can start for my top 5 team.

**Bwana** · 12-07-2009, 09:09 AM

He was about the only one who earned a check, other than flowers and the kickers.

If Wade had any sense of pride, he would donate yesterdays check to charity. (Other than using part of it to buy a jugs machine!)

Chiefnj2 · 12-07-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott free

Is Clady just blowing smoke? why would he?

.

All year long various announcers have been praising Hali. I still can't figure out if it is because: (a) they need to talk about some bright spot and since the entire team sucks so bad, they talk about Hali even if he isn't that great, or (b) he's better than the Planet thinks.

**Easy 6** · 12-07-2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

All year long various announcers have been praising Hali. I still can't figure out if it is because: (a) they need to talk about some bright spot and since the entire team sucks so bad, they talk about Hali even if he isn't that great, or (b) he's better than the Planet thinks.

Its a bit of both IMO, but as we wallow in our misery i think some are too keen to dismiss Tamba's potential... he is still in his first year of learning a brand new position.

Clady is roundly considered the best LT in the biz, and he was schooled by Tamba yesterday... with no help to speak of.

DumbHillbillies · 12-07-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

All year long various announcers have been praising Hali. I still can't figure out if it is because: (a) they need to talk about some bright spot and since the entire team sucks so bad, they talk about Hali even if he isn't that great, or (b) he's better than the Planet thinks.

(b) He gets shit because he is not that fast but the guy has a great motor. Persistence pays off. He will probably never have a 20 sack season but he will consistently have double digit sack seasons. Add high character and humility, how could you not root for the guy. "I appreciate Derrick"

PhillyChiefFan · 12-07-2009, 09:52 AM

I know he declines interviews most of the time, but it is classy for him not to boast in the wake of a personally excellent game with the retiring of Thomas' jersey yesterday.

Jack · 12-07-2009, 09:54 AM

A lonely little petunia in an onion patch. . .

Chiefnj2 · 12-07-2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DumbHillbillies

(b) He gets shit because he is not that fast but the guy has a great motor. Persistence pays off. He will probably never have a 20 sack season but he will consistently have double digit sack seasons. Add high character and humility, how could you not root for the guy. "I appreciate Derrick"

I do root for him. I was happy when KC drafted him and don't think he's nearly as much of a bust as most do. It isn't his fault Herm moved him to RDE and Haley now has him as an OLB.

SenselessChiefsFan · 12-07-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

All year long various announcers have been praising Hali. I still can't figure out if it is because: (a) they need to talk about some bright spot and since the entire team sucks so bad, they talk about Hali even if he isn't that great, or (b) he's better than the Planet thinks.

Cosidering how great the planet thinks Flowers is, you would think that people would talk about him.

Hali is the best player on the defense. He would start for just about any team in the league. He isn't Jared Allen, and that is why people bash him.

Well, guess what? There are 63 other starting DE's/pass rushing OLB's that aren't Jared Allen.

Hali gets a crap sandwich by most clueless fans who don't have any idea of what they are looking at.

12-07-2009, 01:47 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3097187	Covitz: Hali does a good Derrick Thomas impression against Broncos Hali does a good Derrick Thomas impression against Broncos By RANDY COVITZ The Kansas City Star On the day the Chiefs honored the late Derrick Thomas, outside linebacker Tamba Hali did his best to invoke images of Kansas City’s greatest pass rusher. Just as Thomas terrorized Denver quarterback John Elway back in the 1990s, Hali harassed the Broncos’ Kyle "Pro Bowl" Orton on Sunday, dropping him for three sacks and forcing two fumbles. The performance came in a losing effort as the Chiefs fell 44-13, but Hali’s forced fumbles, both recovered by defensive end Glenn Dorsey, set up 10 of the Chiefs’ points. “He had a perfect game,” Dorsey said. “He applied pressure and was in their backfield all day. I told Tamba I have to take him out to eat or something. Every time he was getting back there, I was getting a fumble (recovery).” Thomas’ No. 58 was retired Sunday in conjunction with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. At halftime, the Arrowhead crowd was treated to highlights of Thomas’ career, only moments after Hali replicated the way Thomas terrorized quarterbacks. On the second play after the 2-minute warning in the second quarter, Hali roared in from behind and sacked Orton for a 7-yard loss. On the next play, Hali reached Orton again, and not satisfied with merely getting the sack, he stripped Orton of the ball — much as Thomas did in his heyday. Dorsey recovered at midfield, setting up a Ryan Succop field goal that made the score 14-6 at halftime. Even though the game was a lost cause in the third quarter, Hali stormed past Broncos standout left tackle Ryan Clady and forced another fumble by Orton that was recovered at the Denver 3, setting up the Chiefs’ only touchdown. “He played his (rear) off,” linebacker Mike Vrabel said of Hali, who had nine solo tackles, one assist, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry in addition to his career-best three sacks. “We just need to try to play up to what Tamba and guys like that are doing. If we win, it’s a great story. Instead, we’re all frustrated.” Hali, converted to outside linebacker in the new 3-4 defense after spending his first three seasons as a defensive end in a 4-3 defense, has 6 1/2 sacks this season — more than doubling his three of a year ago and moving within 1 1/2 of his career-best of eight sacks as a rookie in 2006. “He’s had a lot of almost-sacks and a lot of pressures,” Clady said. “I think he’s one of the best in the game right now. We just have to block him a little longer.” Hali now ranks 11th in club history with 25 career sacks, and his two forced fumbles gave him 15 for his career, third in team history to Thomas’ 45 and Neil Smith’s 29. “We knew he was a good player and thought he was their best pass rusher,” Orton said. “We knew we were going to have to get the ball out, and there were a couple of times I held it a little bit too long, and he got there.” Hali declined to be interviewed after the game, a practice be began at training camp, though he did have one comment. “I appreciate Derrick.”
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12-07-2009, 04:05 AM	#2
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $-1589523	I'm glad he had a good game, unlike the rest of the team.
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12-07-2009, 07:09 AM	#3
SenselessChiefsFan MVP Join Date: Nov 2008 Casino cash: $10005450	It'll be nice when he gets more talent around him.
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12-07-2009, 08:57 AM	#4
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $-282225	Is Clady just blowing smoke? why would he? Yea, Tamba can start for my top 5 team.
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12-07-2009, 09:09 AM	#5
Bwana It's Five O'Clock Somewhere Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Billings, Montana Casino cash: $2135730532	He was about the only one who earned a check, other than flowers and the kickers. If Wade had any sense of pride, he would donate yesterdays check to charity. (Other than using part of it to buy a jugs machine!) __________________ Adventure is dangerous....but monotony can kill you.
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12-07-2009, 09:52 AM	#9
PhillyChiefFan Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Location: Harrisburg, PA Casino cash: $3151139	I know he declines interviews most of the time, but it is classy for him not to boast in the wake of a personally excellent game with the retiring of Thomas' jersey yesterday.
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12-07-2009, 09:54 AM	#10
Jack Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Centralia, WA Casino cash: $10005010	A lonely little petunia in an onion patch. . .
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