Haley 12/30 presser

[Baby Lee]

TODD HALEY: “Started our preparations today for Denver, a division opponent that’s a very good team. Hasn’t been too long ago that they took it to us pretty good. So, it’s a chance to kind of correct some of the things that went on in that game. It’s a great opportunity on the road to take another step as a team.

“Offensively, they have two backs, one that’s close to a 1,000 (yards) and who is a rookie (Knowshon Moreno) and looks like he’s going to be real good back and (Correll) Buckhalter who has over 600 (yards), so two guys who can really run the football. They’ve got a bunch of talented receivers starting with (Brandon) Marshall and (Eddie) Royal, (Brandon) Stokely. They’ve got a tight end who hurt us in the last game. They’ve got a very good offensive line that the last time we played them clearly won the line of scrimmage.

“Defensively, they’re a well-coached group that creates a bunch of problems with multiple looks, multiple fronts and not strictly a three-four (alignment). They play some even fronts, over, under, bunch of different pressures from both sides, very good corners. It’s going to take our best to compete with these guys.

“Special teams: another opportunity for us to get clicking a game in all three phases and beat a division opponent on the road.”

Q: How important is this game for Matt Cassel and his development? The last time these two teams played it was one of his worst games.

HALEY: “I’ll reiterate again, that as far as quarterbacks go this is still a guy who is getting close to getting two years under his belt. Every game is an opportunity for him to grow and this just happens to be a very good defense and a very difficult atmosphere. It is an opportunity but each week Matt is excited and works hard. He’s into it and is super competitive. I feel like we’ve made some progress here of late and it’s another chance for us to take another step for us as an offense and for him to take a step as our quarterback.”

Q: What area or player this year has made the greatest progress?

HALEY: “I think one of them is pretty obvious: Jamaal [Charles] has really made big steps. When you talk about that since November only one guy has had more rushing yards than him and that’s Chris Johnson that’s pretty good. Now, we can’t put him in Canton yet. It’s only been a handful of games. Part of being a good player in this league is doing it consistently over a period of time. That’s just where Jamaal is at.

“That said, there are a bunch of guys without going into detail that I feel like have made big strides. But if you pin me down I’d say Jamaal is the more obvious.”

Q: What is the one phase that hasn’t progressed the way you had hoped it would?

HALEY: “I think there’s been progress in all areas. But the next step for us as a team – and a team never stays the same adding and subtracting players here before too long – is we’ve got to start playing complete games in all three phases before too long. When we do that we’ll be in more games and the more games we’re in the more we’ll win because we’re going to continue to work on being a smart team and one that makes good decisions. That would be my main point: getting all three phases working together.”

Q: Has there been one game this year that all three phases worked together?

HALEY: “I think the Steelers game. I think we played real well together as a team. It wasn’t perfect and there were things we could have done better or more efficiently. I would say that in that game we played at a pretty high level in all areas.”



Q: How has your defensive line progressed or has it not progressed as much as you would have liked?

HALEY: “It has been up and down and that’s what we have to eliminate. We need to get a group there that can hang in there week-in and week-out and when they’re a little off then have some guys that make up for them. We’ve had some games where they’ve really played solid, even last game [vs. Cincinnati] where the front seven did a really good job throughout the game. They had only two or three plays they’d like to have back. The smaller that number gets the better. That’s really where we’re at as a whole.”

Q: Should it be further along than it is?

HALEY: “There again we need to be further along in general. That’s what we’re working at. We have another game to take a step and see where we’re at and then we’re quickly going to be into the off-season and working at it again and trying to do all the things you need to do to be a good team.

“Like I said, the team won’t stay the same. We’ll have some additions and subtractions and we just have to keep adding to the competition. All the same things we said a year ago are really going to have to be said. To be further along at this point would be the idea.”

Q: Would you see adding to the defensive line as a next step?

HALEY: “No different for all spots. If we’ve got a chance to improve or improve competition we’re going to do it. I know Scott [Pioli] is going to do it. I think that’s when you’re a good team, when nobody feels satisfied or comfortable and right now we’re 15 games through that process. I’d like to be sitting here with more wins because I definitely think there are some games there – seven games [that were lost] of seven points or less – that could have been… They’re not 20 plays, they’re two or three plays in each phase that if we do execute something a little cleaner we may get wins. But we’re still not happy. We wouldn’t be happy sitting here with six wins. I’d feel the same exact way that I feel right now because the idea of that is to have the chance to play in the Super Bowl and right now we don’t.”

Q: Have you figured out why the inability to score in the first quarter?

HALEY: “I think this has been a difficult task again, and I’m not making excuses for these guys because they don’t want any excuses made for them. But we made major changes; we’ve done a lot of things. What I think is important now is we’re making progress. 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. I think it’s all happened for a reason. As I said, it’s going to get better and we’re going to be a good team. But you’re got to take your lumps sometimes. The [teams] that haven’t taken their lumps are few and far between that I know of. The teams that have started with everything’s golden and everybody’s happy I don’t know when you’re starting from ground zero. I know there have been growing pains for a lot of different teams and a lot of different staffs, a lot of organizations in general. We’re in that process right now. They’re going to be character builders for us and be what makes us a great team.”

Q: One of your goals was to establish a new mindset or attitude for this organization. Do you feel that’s been done?

HALEY: “Again, it comes down to wins and losses. I know it’s gets old when you say we’re making progress, but I’m the one out there and I’m the one that sees them. We just lined up today in the 16th week of the season and ran gassers and they’re running hard and they practiced hard today, they’re communicating, they’re here on time regardless of the weather conditions and working together to do the things necessary to be a good team. That’s progress from the inside.”

[stevieray]

waaaaaaaaaaambulance

[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by stevieray

waaaaaaaaaaambulance

Would you like to contribute to the discussion in a substantive way? Offer a counter-argument and support it with evidence?

[kcxiv]

lol, its like saying, ok, so NBC fired Ben Silverman and the next guy is going to turn it around fast. ya, thats not happening. Though NBC does hold my favorite TV show. lol

[kcxiv]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Would you like to contribute to the discussion in a substantive way? Offer a counter-argument and support it with evidence?

he used to, he gave that up a long time ago. He would get so upset he would delete his account and leave for a bit. lol

Now he just throws in 1 worders. lol There are some threads i want to post in, but then i think about what i am going to say and go, its not worth it. People are going to be bitchy because thats who they are. You will not change it, so why even argue with it.

Just like a political or religious debate. No one wins, sometimes its good to read, but still no one wins.

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Would you like to contribute to the discussion in a substantive way? Offer a counter-argument and support it with evidence?

substantive discussion? like golf smack?

what a load of crap...realistic people didn't expect much this season..realistic people know that they gotta hit big this draft and next season to have a hope of retaining the already dwindling fanbase.

counter argument?...what you want the Chiefs to do and what the Chiefs will do will ALWAYS be two different things. the fact that you guys come here almost every single day repeating the same negative crap doesn't prove shit, other than you appear to not handle adversity very well.

I wonder if this the only area where you spend so much energy on something you absolutley have no control over.

[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by stevieray

substantive discussion? like golf smack?

what a load of crap...realistic people didn't expect much this season..realistic people know that they gotta hit big this draft and next season to have a hope of retaining the already dwindling fanbase.

counter argument?...what you want the Chiefs to do and what the Chiefs will do will ALWAYS be two different things. the fact that you guys come here almost every single day repeating the same negative crap doesn't prove shit, other than you appear to not handle adversity very well.

I wonder if this the only area where you spend so much energy on something you absolutley have no control over.

What's a load of crap? Asking someone to contribute in a substantive manner? Ok.

Golf smack? I assume you're alluding to Dane, but I'd say he's offered a bit more in this very thread.

Yes, a counter-argument. It makes no difference whether or not the talk here ends up being rather meaningless in the big scheme of things. It's a venue to talk sports and think critically. Stress on the latter.

The negativity seems to be the big issue here. Sorry, but this has been, arguably, the single worst organization in the NFL for several years now. The "big get" from last year has been woeful. So there's not too much to smile about.

Regarding things I have no-limited control over: I'm pretty interested in politics, history, and the weather.

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

What's a load of crap? Asking someone to contribute in a substantive manner? Ok.

Golf smack? I assume you're alluding to Dane, but I'd say he's offered a bit more in this very thread.

Yes, a counter-argument. It makes no difference whether or not the talk here ends up being rather meaningless in the big scheme of things. It's a venue to talk sports and think critically. Stress on the latter.

The negativity seems to be the big issue here. Sorry, but this has been, arguably, the single worst organization in the NFL for several years now. The "big get" from last year has been woeful. So there's not too much to smile about.

uhuh...the same arguments go round and round...most of the time anyone tries to find a positive, it gets assaulted... look no further than braincase's thread.

...critical thinking doesn't involve cutting down the HC, the GM and owner on a personal level.

if you don't think they are worth a shit and continue to hang around, that's on you.

[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by stevieray

if you don't think they are worth a shit and continue to hang around, that's on you.

I'll always be a Chiefs fan, just as I'll always be a Royals fan.

The organizations (and the city they represent) are far bigger than any collection of players, coaches, or GMs.

And the vast majority of the criticisms of Pioli and Haley are not personal.

[kcxiv]

Everything that needs to be said has been said thousands of times over. WE all know we suck. People want this guy gone, and if you dont agree, your blind, or if your Dane, you just curse at everyone under the sun and tell them they are idiots.

Chiefs suck, we have a losing culture around here for a few years now. Previous regime killed this franchise. He built it back up and killed it before he left. Now a first year coach and a first year GM are trying to rebuild Rome in less then a year. Not happening.

Even if they arent successful as a duo, whoever it was that was going to be brought in here was going to struggle and struggle bad. Its not like they were going to adapt their scheme to the players. There was no reason for that this year. We ****ing have little to no talent in alot of area's. I am ok with them wanting and forcing their way here right now. Let me see what they can do when they can get most of their guys that have some talent in the right spots.

It looks like complete ass right now. No one is saying its not, but everyone pretty much expected a shitty team from the beginning of the year. We have improved in some area's. Offensive line has improved running game has improved. Their hands may have been forced a little bit, but so what. I hope there is a few more things they are forced into and work out better for the team.

[FAX]

If you study the league, you'll find that many of the most historically successful franchises are the ones with continuity at HC and front office leadership. Being hired late isn't an excuse ... it's a fact. Besides, that isn't the point. The point is that this organization has drafted very poorly for the last 20 years ... since DT, actually.

The sad fact is that it will take time to build this team into a winner. Haley hasn't had the time and, as a rookie, it will be exponentially more difficult for him. I say we dial down the hate and give the guy some time. He's pretty well respected in the league and there's a reason for it. His goal has been publicly and repeatedly stated; he wants to build a team that competes for the playoffs and the Super Bowl year in and year out. Frankly, that should be pretty exciting for fans. Of course, to get there will entail pain and lots of it, but I'd much rather have a guy like Haley than any other coach we've had since Marty. We know what he wants to do ... let's sit back and see if he can actually do it.

We need a solid playmaker or two on both sides of the ball, either develop Cassel or find somebody else, and fill in with role players who can execute consistently. That's really about it and shouldn't be terribly difficult to accomplish ... but it can't be done in one season.

FAX

[OnTheWarpath15]

Originally Posted by FAX

If you study the league, you'll find that many of the most historically successful franchises are the ones with continuity at HC and front office leadership. Being hired late isn't an excuse ... it's a fact. Besides, that isn't the point. The point is that this organization has drafted very poorly for the last 20 years ... since DT, actually.

The sad fact is that it will take time to build this team into a winner. Haley hasn't had the time and, as a rookie, it will be exponentially more difficult for him. I say we dial down the hate and give the guy some time. He's pretty well respected in the league and there's a reason for it. His goal has been publicly and repeatedly stated; he wants to build a team that competes for the playoffs and the Super Bowl year in and year out. Frankly, that should be pretty exciting for fans. Of course, to get there will entail pain and lots of it, but I'd much rather have a guy like Haley than any other coach we've had since Marty. We know what he wants to do ... let's sit back and see if he can actually do it.

We need a solid playmaker or two on both sides of the ball, either develop Cassel or find somebody else, and fill in with role players who can execute consistently. That's really about it and shouldn't be terribly difficult to accomplish ... but it can't be done in one season.

FAX

With all due respect, Mr. FAX, NO ONE was expecting this to be turned around in one season.

NO ONE.

But progress was expected, and we're not seeing it - even after Pioli/Haley brought in 45+ new players, over half of whom are starters.

I don't care if Haley had been hired in May, it's nearly impossible in the NFL to bring in this many players and have only one of them make any impact, or even be an upgrade over the player they replaced. (Chambers)

It took LJ mouthing off to have anything to look forward to in 2010.

That isn't rebuilding.

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

I'll always be a Chiefs fan, just as I'll always be a Royals fan.

The organizations (and the city they represent) are far bigger than any collection of players, coaches, or GMs.

And the vast majority of the criticisms of Pioli and Haley are not personal.

those statements are pretty ironic, considering you have an avatar dedicated to putting him in a negative light.

I'm sure you're a big fan of your wife..you cut her down everyday when she doesn't meet your expectations?

btw, LJ didn't get cut because of twitter. LJ got cut because he was a lockerroom cancer who was given numerous chances and inevitably exposed his true colors.

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

He's the most expensive GM in the league, assuming the reports are true.

Thus, why shouldn't he live up to his contract, just as some have expressed regarding Cassel?

Why should the Executive of the Century need a mulligan?

You keep making an assumption that a mulligan is needed. That's been the faulty premise of a lot of the complainers from almost the beginning.

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

With all due respect, Mr. FAX, NO ONE was expecting this to be turned around in one season.

NO ONE.

But progress was expected, and we're not seeing it - even after Pioli/Haley brought in 45+ new players, over half of whom are starters.

I don't care if Haley had been hired in May, it's nearly impossible in the NFL to bring in this many players and have only one of them make any impact, or even be an upgrade over the player they replaced. (Chambers)

It took LJ mouthing off to have anything to look forward to in 2010.

That isn't rebuilding.

Progress has been obvious to anyone who's bothered to look.

[FAX]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

With all due respect, Mr. FAX, NO ONE was expecting this to be turned around in one season.

NO ONE.

But progress was expected, and we're not seeing it - even after Pioli/Haley brought in 45+ new players, over half of whom are starters.

I don't care if Haley had been hired in May, it's nearly impossible in the NFL to bring in this many players and have only one of them make any impact, or even be an upgrade over the player they replaced. (Chambers)

It took LJ mouthing off to have anything to look forward to in 2010.

That isn't rebuilding.

I guess we'll just have to disagree on this, Mr. OnTheWarpath58, because I see it very differently.

Frankly, it was almost miraculous to get three wins out of this team, in my opinion. We barely won that many in the last two years combined. Plus, we fielded an entirely new defensive scheme this year and featured a quarterback who is about as accurate as a blind, one-legged monkey with Tourette's and a hangover.

As for Charles, it's no different than hundreds of other players throughout the league ... sometimes, when a guy gets his chance, he makes the most of it. I see his development as a positive ... not a negative.

People have the right to like or dislike Haley and I don't presume to try and change people's minds about him. But, as his self-appointed apologist and a homer of the first order, I do feel it's necessary to chime in with an alternate point of view on occasion.

FAX