Chiefs Babb: Hali a player opponents notice - Page 3

**Tribal Warfare** · 10-14-2009, 10:08 PM

Hali a player opponents notice
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

They know the stranger by number and not always by name, but they have learned to remember the new outside linebacker for the Chiefs.

Weeks pass. Opposing players who study the Chiefs always leave with the same impression.

“The guy we’ve been looking for is 91,” Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said before his team’s regular-season opener against Kansas City.

He’s not the only quarterback who noticed Tamba Hali, whose jersey number is 91, while studying film.

“Ninety-one,” Dallas quarterback Tony Romo said last week, “is a good player.”

Coaches, too.

“Ninety-one is as good a player as you’re going to see,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He just goes and goes and goes so hard.”

Months ago, the Chiefs weren’t sure about Hali. They didn’t know how he’d react to the change. Hali was a defensive end for his first three seasons, and he had once played that position well enough to be the Chiefs’ first-round pick in 2006. He was terrific alongside Jared Allen his first two seasons; Hali never minded taking advantage of an opportunity when teams double-teamed Allen, the Chiefs’ former right defensive end.

Then Allen was gone — traded in an infamous deal before the NFL draft in 2008. That shifted the attention toward Hali last season, and he slid to the right side to take Allen’s spot. Without the help and stuck in a defense that accumulated 10 sacks, the lowest number in NFL history for a team playing a 16-game regular season, Hali set career lows in tackles and sacks.

Was Hali like the others? Another first-round defensive lineman, another bust? The questions followed him, and they wouldn’t let up.

The Chiefs needed a change. Hali did, too. But first-year coach Todd Haley was talking about something drastic. Haley wanted to shift the Chiefs’ defense to the 3-4 scheme, and that meant Hali and other linemen would move to outside linebacker.

“Not easy,” said Andy Studebaker, another longtime end who moved to linebacker to accommodate the new defense. “Not everybody is going to make it.”

Pass rushing had never been Hali’s problem. He was quick, determined and skilled. But now the Chiefs were asking him to cover receivers, something that looked peculiar considering his proximity to 300 pounds and that Hali had been a lineman for years.

Hali, 25, kept working, but he stopped talking. He had always been so affable and chatty, and then he went silent. Hali told reporters during training camp that he wouldn’t speak publicly until the team returned to Kansas City. Then, after an outstanding preseason, he declared that he was extending his vow of silence through the regular season, too.

The questions were back. Was he uncomfortable in his new position? Angry for being moved? Unhappy with all the changes the Chiefs had made, some of which were, in effect, putting his career at risk?

“I just want to do my job,” Hali told The Star on Wednesday, during a rare but revealing discussion.

He wouldn’t agree to be interviewed, but he said there were two reasons for the quiet. He said he hates to discuss losing, which the Chiefs have done plenty of in his time and is the finish line for most conversations about the team. Hali said his other reason was that he doesn’t need additional distractions as he continues to adjust to his new position. He said he preferred to streamline his focus, and any outside discussion could only slow his progress.

Hali said he preferred to let Haley do the talking for him, and the coach did that Wednesday. Hali, one of the most glaring questions entering this season, has emerged as one of the Chiefs’ most reliable defenders.

“He knew this was going to be a difficult transition,” Haley said. “He took it with open arms. He’s worked his butt off. It’s hard to find anybody who’s worked harder than him in all areas, physically and in the film room.

“He’s the type of guy we’re looking for around here. The more of those (players) that we can get around here, the better off we’ll be.”

Haley said he likes that Hali’s energy level and approach never seem weakened. Hali never requires the threats or public jabs that so many other defenders have provoked from Haley, and Haley said Wednesday that Hali’s work ethic leaves an impression on not only the Chiefs’ staff but also his teammates.

“Tamba does everything a hundred miles an hour,” defensive end Glenn Dorsey said. “If you ain’t giving it in practice, he’s going to tell you.”

Haley said it doesn’t matter that Hali’s statistics aren’t overwhelming. His coverage skills have improved, and Haley said Hali’s pass-rushing ability forces offenses to adjust — or do “things that don’t look so legal to get him stopped,” Haley said.

Still, Hali has two sacks, one fewer than last year’s season total. He has become the cornerstone of what is right with the Chiefs’ defense, even during a season in which so much seems unsettled. Others have noticed. Some outsiders have even begun to know the stranger by more than just his number.

“Hay-lee is playing pretty good,” Washington running back Clinton Portis said Wednesday. “Hah-lee, however you pronounce his name.”

In the Chiefs’ locker room Wednesday, Studebaker laughed when he heard that. If they don’t know Hali now, Studebaker said, they will soon.

“They’re looking at Tamba’s explosiveness and quickness and his ability to use his hands well,” Studebaker said. “He’s making that change pretty nicely.

“They know his name. Don’t let them fool you. They know his name. They know who he is.”

**loochy** · 10-15-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Seems to me Vrabel had 1 more TD and 1 more catch than Bennet did.

Actually the show host brought that up and Martellus then laughed and made fun of himself. BTW this was all done in a funny sort of way - Bennet is quite a clown. Look up MartyBTV on youtube.

**loochy** · 10-15-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Don't forget the heart. DJ is like the tin man.

Yeah, add Tamba's nonstop motor for Heart.

kepp · 10-15-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

If DJ is the tin man, Cassel is the scarecrow and LJ is the cowardly lion?

Does that mean Haley is Dorothy?

Hammock Parties · 10-15-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kepp

Does that mean Haley is Dorothy?

And Pioli is the Wizard of OZ.

PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE GM BEHIND THE CURTAIN!

Pederast is Toto?

"Toto...I don't think we're in Arizona anymore!"

**loochy** · 10-15-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

And Pioli is the Wizard of OZ.

PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE GM BEHIND THE CURTAIN!

Pederast is Toto?

"Toto...I don't think we're in Arizona anymore!"

Peterson is the Wicked Witch of the east that got crushed by the house...

SenselessChiefsFan · 10-15-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Vrabel's earning $3.5 million dollars per year. He's made more than $20 million in his career. He's 34 and has no ties to this area.

Why in the world would a 34 year-old multi-millionaire who's at the end of his career even considering working 70 hours a week for less than $1 million dollars per year?

This is just as bad as the people who clamored for Trent Green (he of $50 million dollars) to be the quarterback coach.

You don't get the fact that some guys love the game that much. Not everything is always about the money.

SenselessChiefsFan · 10-15-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

If DJ is the tin man, Cassel is the scarecrow and LJ is the cowardly lion?

Actually, DJ strikes me as all three rolled into one.

But, if I were to have to pick a scarecrow.... it would have to be LJ. Even after he said that he had to be better about picking up the blitz, he missed it badly on a couple of occaisions. On one in particular, it was about as bad of a read as I have seen an NFL player make.... so, clearly a lack of brains.

Lack of courage? I don't reall see a player that stands out to me. Maybe Mike Brown... he seemed to be scared of Austin on Sunday.....

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-15-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

You don't get the fact that some guys love the game that much. Not everything is always about the money.

Yes it is.

But go ahead and live in a fantasy world where all your favorite players become coaches and Hali is a Pro Bowler.

You're a such a dumbass.

Mr. Laz · 10-15-2009, 10:18 AM

Hali has improved

weight loss helped his speed
natural position for him
Vrabel mentorship
all of the above?

beach tribe · 10-15-2009, 10:18 AM

LOL. When a pass rush is as dismal as ours, Tamba is definitely the only person they're going to be looking at.

Who else are they going to focus on blocking?

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-15-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

Hali has improved

weight loss helped his speed
natural position for him
Vrabel mentorship
all of the above?

This is hilarious.

Improved? Over what, last season?

JFC. The guy has 2 sacks.

When opposing coaches and players are asked about the Chiefs defense, of course they're going to mention Hali because he's the best of a shit bunch.

They have to respond with something.

SenselessChiefsFan · 10-15-2009, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Yes it is.

But go ahead and live in a fantasy world where all your favorite players become coaches and Hali is a Pro Bowler.

You're a such a dumbass.

Okay, lets clear a few things up.

#1) I don't like players as coaches as a general rule. NFL players, especially star players have a ton of trouble transferring to that role. They don't understand why guys can't do what they are asking, or why certain guys just don't love the game as much or work as hard as they do. And, the ones with a ton of talent struggle to understand the ability of guys with less talent.

#2) You are mistaken to believe that everyone is as shallow as you are. Money plays a huge part in many decisions.... but not all. Do you think clergy are motivated by money? Police officers? Firemen? Do you think that teachers are motivated by money?

I make really good money running my own business. I am going back to school to do something that will earn me less money because I think I will enjoy it more.

I am a die hard capitalist and I know that money is a huge part, but it isn't the 'only' part.

And, when you have more money, it frees you up to pursue your desires over the most money you can get.

That is why guys at the tail end of their careers take less money often to go try to win a ring.

SenselessChiefsFan · 10-15-2009, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

Hali has improved

weight loss helped his speed
natural position for him
Vrabel mentorship
all of the above?

Hali has improved because he has gotten off the line of scrimage and the LT has a harder time getting his hands on him.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-15-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Okay, lets clear a few things up.

#1) I don't like players as coaches as a general rule. NFL players, especially star players have a ton of trouble transferring to that role. They don't understand why guys can't do what they are asking, or why certain guys just don't love the game as much or work as hard as they do. And, the ones with a ton of talent struggle to understand the ability of guys with less talent.

#2) You are mistaken to believe that everyone is as shallow as you are. Money plays a huge part in many decisions.... but not all. Do you think clergy are motivated by money? Police officers? Firemen? Do you think that teachers are motivated by money?

I make really good money running my own business. I am going back to school to do something that will earn me less money because I think I will enjoy it more.

I am a die hard capitalist and I know that money is a huge part, but it isn't the 'only' part.

And, when you have more money, it frees you up to pursue your desires over the most money you can get.

That is why guys at the tail end of their careers take less money often to go try to win a ring.

Hey Assface, I don't give a flying **** about you or what you do in life, okay?

Secondly, name me a football player that's made in excess of $25 million dollars that later became an NFL football coach.

And then, go back to ****ing yourself.

Marcellus · 10-15-2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

Hali has improved

weight loss helped his speed
natural position for him
Vrabel mentorship
all of the above?

I had the chance to talk to Hali at the KO Luncheon and I asked about the whole emphasis on weight loss thing.

He told me he actually weighs more this year at LB than he did last year at DE.

When they moved him to the right side last year they wanted him lighter and faster to take on the LT.

Take it for what its worth but that's what he said.

10-14-2009, 10:08 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3077187	Babb: Hali a player opponents notice Hali a player opponents notice By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star They know the stranger by number and not always by name, but they have learned to remember the new outside linebacker for the Chiefs. Weeks pass. Opposing players who study the Chiefs always leave with the same impression. “The guy we’ve been looking for is 91,” Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said before his team’s regular-season opener against Kansas City. He’s not the only quarterback who noticed Tamba Hali, whose jersey number is 91, while studying film. “Ninety-one,” Dallas quarterback Tony Romo said last week, “is a good player.” Coaches, too. “Ninety-one is as good a player as you’re going to see,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He just goes and goes and goes so hard.” Months ago, the Chiefs weren’t sure about Hali. They didn’t know how he’d react to the change. Hali was a defensive end for his first three seasons, and he had once played that position well enough to be the Chiefs’ first-round pick in 2006. He was terrific alongside Jared Allen his first two seasons; Hali never minded taking advantage of an opportunity when teams double-teamed Allen, the Chiefs’ former right defensive end. Then Allen was gone — traded in an infamous deal before the NFL draft in 2008. That shifted the attention toward Hali last season, and he slid to the right side to take Allen’s spot. Without the help and stuck in a defense that accumulated 10 sacks, the lowest number in NFL history for a team playing a 16-game regular season, Hali set career lows in tackles and sacks. Was Hali like the others? Another first-round defensive lineman, another bust? The questions followed him, and they wouldn’t let up. The Chiefs needed a change. Hali did, too. But first-year coach Todd Haley was talking about something drastic. Haley wanted to shift the Chiefs’ defense to the 3-4 scheme, and that meant Hali and other linemen would move to outside linebacker. “Not easy,” said Andy Studebaker, another longtime end who moved to linebacker to accommodate the new defense. “Not everybody is going to make it.” Pass rushing had never been Hali’s problem. He was quick, determined and skilled. But now the Chiefs were asking him to cover receivers, something that looked peculiar considering his proximity to 300 pounds and that Hali had been a lineman for years. Hali, 25, kept working, but he stopped talking. He had always been so affable and chatty, and then he went silent. Hali told reporters during training camp that he wouldn’t speak publicly until the team returned to Kansas City. Then, after an outstanding preseason, he declared that he was extending his vow of silence through the regular season, too. The questions were back. Was he uncomfortable in his new position? Angry for being moved? Unhappy with all the changes the Chiefs had made, some of which were, in effect, putting his career at risk? “I just want to do my job,” Hali told The Star on Wednesday, during a rare but revealing discussion. He wouldn’t agree to be interviewed, but he said there were two reasons for the quiet. He said he hates to discuss losing, which the Chiefs have done plenty of in his time and is the finish line for most conversations about the team. Hali said his other reason was that he doesn’t need additional distractions as he continues to adjust to his new position. He said he preferred to streamline his focus, and any outside discussion could only slow his progress. Hali said he preferred to let Haley do the talking for him, and the coach did that Wednesday. Hali, one of the most glaring questions entering this season, has emerged as one of the Chiefs’ most reliable defenders. “He knew this was going to be a difficult transition,” Haley said. “He took it with open arms. He’s worked his butt off. It’s hard to find anybody who’s worked harder than him in all areas, physically and in the film room. “He’s the type of guy we’re looking for around here. The more of those (players) that we can get around here, the better off we’ll be.” Haley said he likes that Hali’s energy level and approach never seem weakened. Hali never requires the threats or public jabs that so many other defenders have provoked from Haley, and Haley said Wednesday that Hali’s work ethic leaves an impression on not only the Chiefs’ staff but also his teammates. “Tamba does everything a hundred miles an hour,” defensive end Glenn Dorsey said. “If you ain’t giving it in practice, he’s going to tell you.” Haley said it doesn’t matter that Hali’s statistics aren’t overwhelming. His coverage skills have improved, and Haley said Hali’s pass-rushing ability forces offenses to adjust — or do “things that don’t look so legal to get him stopped,” Haley said. Still, Hali has two sacks, one fewer than last year’s season total. He has become the cornerstone of what is right with the Chiefs’ defense, even during a season in which so much seems unsettled. Others have noticed. Some outsiders have even begun to know the stranger by more than just his number. “Hay-lee is playing pretty good,” Washington running back Clinton Portis said Wednesday. “Hah-lee, however you pronounce his name.” In the Chiefs’ locker room Wednesday, Studebaker laughed when he heard that. If they don’t know Hali now, Studebaker said, they will soon. “They’re looking at Tamba’s explosiveness and quickness and his ability to use his hands well,” Studebaker said. “He’s making that change pretty nicely. “They know his name. Don’t let them fool you. They know his name. They know who he is.”
Posts: 43,463

10-15-2009, 10:18 AM	#39
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Hali has improved weight loss helped his speed natural position for him Vrabel mentorship all of the above? __________________
Posts: 95,626

10-15-2009, 10:18 AM	#40
beach tribe Keep doubting J MFing Houston Join Date: May 2007 Location: ft.lauderdale Casino cash: $3878036	LOL. When a pass rush is as dismal as ours, Tamba is definitely the only person they're going to be looking at. Who else are they going to focus on blocking?
Posts: 21,429