Chiefs Teicher: Flacco gets talkative

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-10-2009, 10:09 PM

Chiefs notebook | Flacco gets talkative
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

A comment from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco wasn’t particularly inflammatory — as these things go — but someone thought enough of it to post it in the Chiefs’ locker room.

The quote, lifted from the Ravens’ Web site, baltimoreravens.com, was apparently in response to a question from Baltimore reporters on what kind of challenge the Chiefs face opening the season with a new coach, a new quarterback and playing on the road.

Flacco responded, in part: “I don’t think it’s a good way to begin it. We’re going to come in here and play well, and I don’t think they’re really going to want to play us by the end of the game.”

On the Ravens’ Web site, but not quoted in the Chiefs’ locker room, his comment continued: “I’m a Baltimore Raven. I’m obviously not going to say it’s a good thing for the Kansas City Chiefs to come in here (and start their season).”

It’s probably not enough to inspire the Chiefs to an upset victory. But running back Larry Johnson indicated some players might find it offensive.

“It doesn’t bother me, because he’s an offensive player,” Johnson said. “If I was a defensive player, then yeah, I’d be a little (irritated). I don’t have to go against him. If I was a (defensive back) or linebacker, that would be something different.

“Guys talk. It’s his second year. He’s young. He’s trying to find his niche and really be confident and have the team rally around him. That’s what he’s supposed to do. He’s the quarterback, and he has to be the leader of the team.

“We’re not going to fight in the newspaper or put any ink on what we’re going to do.”

The element of surprise

Their preseason problems notwithstanding, the Chiefs have to be one of the most difficult NFL teams to prepare for in a season opener. They have a new coaching staff, new offensive and defensive systems and many new players.

The Ravens, on the other hand, are not mysterious. They have much the same cast as last year.

Baltimore did make a change at defensive coordinator. Rex Ryan left to become the Jets’ head coach and was replaced by Greg Mattison.

“This is the toughest game of the year. And when you have a change like they did, it makes it more difficult (for the Chiefs to prepare),” Chiefs coach Todd Haley said. “You’re watching some games from last year and you’re watching some games from this year, and you just don’t know. There’s a lot of ‘Here’s what we think,’ but you’ve got to be ready for this, this and this.

“This first game of the year is always the toughest as far as preparation. Make a coaching change or if significant players change and that makes it even tougher.”

Injury update

Quarterback Matt Cassel (knee) and cornerback Brandon Flowers (shoulder) were listed by the Chiefs as limited in practice for the second straight day. They were joined in the limited category by reserve wide receiver Terrance Copper, who has a sore hamstring.

Running back Jackie Battle (illness) participated fully after being limited on Wednesday.

For Baltimore, defensive lineman Haloti Ngata was limited in practice for the second straight day.

09-10-2009, 10:09 PM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2997187	Teicher: Flacco gets talkative Chiefs notebook \| Flacco gets talkative By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star A comment from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco wasn’t particularly inflammatory — as these things go — but someone thought enough of it to post it in the Chiefs’ locker room. The quote, lifted from the Ravens’ Web site, baltimoreravens.com, was apparently in response to a question from Baltimore reporters on what kind of challenge the Chiefs face opening the season with a new coach, a new quarterback and playing on the road. Flacco responded, in part: “I don’t think it’s a good way to begin it. We’re going to come in here and play well, and I don’t think they’re really going to want to play us by the end of the game.” On the Ravens’ Web site, but not quoted in the Chiefs’ locker room, his comment continued: “I’m a Baltimore Raven. I’m obviously not going to say it’s a good thing for the Kansas City Chiefs to come in here (and start their season).” It’s probably not enough to inspire the Chiefs to an upset victory. But running back Larry Johnson indicated some players might find it offensive. “It doesn’t bother me, because he’s an offensive player,” Johnson said. “If I was a defensive player, then yeah, I’d be a little (irritated). I don’t have to go against him. If I was a (defensive back) or linebacker, that would be something different. “Guys talk. It’s his second year. He’s young. He’s trying to find his niche and really be confident and have the team rally around him. That’s what he’s supposed to do. He’s the quarterback, and he has to be the leader of the team. “We’re not going to fight in the newspaper or put any ink on what we’re going to do.” The element of surprise Their preseason problems notwithstanding, the Chiefs have to be one of the most difficult NFL teams to prepare for in a season opener. They have a new coaching staff, new offensive and defensive systems and many new players. The Ravens, on the other hand, are not mysterious. They have much the same cast as last year. Baltimore did make a change at defensive coordinator. Rex Ryan left to become the Jets’ head coach and was replaced by Greg Mattison. “This is the toughest game of the year. And when you have a change like they did, it makes it more difficult (for the Chiefs to prepare),” Chiefs coach Todd Haley said. “You’re watching some games from last year and you’re watching some games from this year, and you just don’t know. There’s a lot of ‘Here’s what we think,’ but you’ve got to be ready for this, this and this. “This first game of the year is always the toughest as far as preparation. Make a coaching change or if significant players change and that makes it even tougher.” Injury update Quarterback Matt Cassel (knee) and cornerback Brandon Flowers (shoulder) were listed by the Chiefs as limited in practice for the second straight day. They were joined in the limited category by reserve wide receiver Terrance Copper, who has a sore hamstring. Running back Jackie Battle (illness) participated fully after being limited on Wednesday. For Baltimore, defensive lineman Haloti Ngata was limited in practice for the second straight day.
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