KC Star - Law won't break - Page 3

Hammock Parties · 12-22-2006, 02:19 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/16295180.htm

Law won’t break
Chiefs cornerback defends himself against the critics and says he still loves the game.
By ELIZABETH MERRILL
The Kansas City Star

The lights glared on his white tank top and rippling Popeye guns, the team Web site crashed, and Ty Law, internally, rolled his eyes. He never liked the term savior. But he mugged for the cameras in July, flashed his $30 million smile and brought late-summer hope to a town awash with playoff — make that Super Bowl — hopes.

“Sometimes,” Law said, “your reputation precedes you.”

Nearly the entire team had filed out of the Chiefs’ locker room Thursday afternoon for a trip to Oakland, but Law wanted to stay and talk. He knows Kansas City had such high hopes when he signed with the team in July. He knows by Sunday night, the Chiefs could be officially eliminated from the playoff race.

Fingers have pointed, and many of them have been aimed at the guy who was supposed to be the missing piece of the puzzle, the five-time Pro Bowl cornerback, the free agent Kansas City fans salivated over for two years.

Now they’re spitting mad. They call Law the “fall-down corner.” They wonder whether his 32-year-old legs have lost it. Law has no doubt it’s still there, because ultimately, he says, he doesn’t need this. He has all the money he wants. He has three Super Bowl rings.

But he loves football and yearns to hoist a trophy in another place besides New England. That’s what keeps him going, he says, through the cracks and the boos.

“I’ve been hired, I’ve been fired, I’ve been cursed at, I’ve been talked about,” Law said. “Hey, that’s all part of having a career. But to believe in yourself and to still have your peers’ respect … to have guys you play against tell you on the field, ‘Damn, you can still play, you can still run, you can still hit’ … That means more to me than anything.

“Because a lot of people who don’t put on a uniform don’t understand what’s going on between those lines or understand what my job might be at this particular time.”

Law had 10 interceptions with the Jets last season, and he did it with a bad foot. But in Kansas City, he’s defined by several slips. The most recent one happened two weeks ago against Baltimore, when Mark Clayton was as wide open as the Kansas countryside on an 87-yard touchdown catch.

Clayton got behind Law and safety Greg Wesley, and coach Herm Edwards later said the play resulted from miscommunication. Law admits there are a handful of plays from the 2006 season that he wishes he could have back, mostly missed tackles.

But he also insists he’d never leave a man that open and has never done it in his career.

Edwards wonders sometimes whether Law is pressing to make plays. This is Law’s third team in three years, three systems and different sets of expectations.

“It’s not the season he probably anticipated he’d have,” Edwards said. “But he’s done some things that you don’t see. Sometimes a guy’s playing really good because they’re not throwing balls his way and he’s doing a really good job.

“What happens with corners is your name is out there when you intercept passes. And he hasn’t had a lot of interceptions this year. He’s made some tackles, but then if anything bad happens. … You could play a whole game and be playing pretty good, but if you miss a tackle or get beat on a touchdown, that’s what people remember.”

Law has three interceptions — that’s what they remember — and the Chiefs have seen major defensive collapses at Cleveland and Pittsburgh. One tackle here, Law says, and maybe things would be different.

He blames some of the defensive struggles on the newness of playing together. Rookie Tamba Hali is new, and so are safeties Jarrad Page, Bernard Pollard and interior linemen Ron Edwards and James Reed.

Law calls it a journey and compares this team to some of the greener groups he played with in New England before the Super Bowls. He hopes he’ll be part of the ride. The fans were so giddy about acquiring him last summer that the Chiefs’ Web site had more than 50,000 hits at once and crashed the day the deal was struck.

That’s what a reputation can do.

“I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t be here,” he said. “I didn’t play to where I messed up the season or something like that. I don’t think it’s even a question, but in this game, this business, you never know what’s going to happen.

“I had an opportunity to go back to New England before I signed here. People don’t know that. I chose to come here for a reason. If it didn’t work out, hypothetically, I’ve had a good time here. To play in front of these fans here is incredible, even when they’re booing. It’s a crazy place to play in, man, and I like it.”

htismaqe · 12-22-2006, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill parcells

Coaches who know they are in over their head and dont have a clue are scared to play rookies or young players so they attach themselves to the veterans.
Thats Herm's mantra..he let Cotchery rot on the bench for 3 years while playing that POS McCariens..

If you want to bitch about Marty or Vermeil and their love of mediocre veterans, by all means, have at it.

But shut up about Herm.

We have more young players starting and contributing this year than we have since Carl Peterson arrived.

**2112** · 12-22-2006, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

If you want to bitch about Marty or Vermeil and their love of mediocre veterans, by all means, have at it.

But shut up about Herm.

We have more young players starting and contributing this year than we have since Carl Peterson arrived.

I was talking about Law..and used that to generalize why he wanted a very expensive overrated player..thats all.

Reerun_KC · 12-22-2006, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

If you want to bitch about Marty or Vermeil and their love of mediocre veterans, by all means, have at it.

But shut up about Herm.

We have more young players starting and contributing this year than we have since Carl Peterson arrived.

If we are going to be anywhere competative in the next 3 years, this better become the norm.

We serioulsy need a youth movement through the Chiefs, We have many players over 30... EK, TG, TG, our interior line.

For any chance of competing for a playoff spot in 08 or 09, we need some serious house cleaning.

htismaqe · 12-22-2006, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill parcells

I was talking about Law..and used that to generalize why he wanted a very expensive overrated player..thats all.

I know, and that's why I called you on it.

It was a generalization that simply isnt true, and there's no reason to bag on Herm for the ONE THING HE'S DONE RIGHT in KC - play the young guys.

htismaqe · 12-22-2006, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

If we are going to be anywhere competative in the next 3 years, this better become the norm.

We serioulsy need a youth movement through the Chiefs, We have many players over 30... EK, TG, TG, our interior line.

For any chance of competing for a playoff spot in 08 or 09, we need some serious house cleaning.

I agree. That's the only reason I hold out some shred of hope - Herm seems to have a different approach to young players than his predecessors.

Reerun_KC · 12-22-2006, 08:57 AM

I think next year will be a serious transition year. We were caught this year with age and injuries.. But we have to get younger on offense espically on the line and QB.. Neither one of the QB's we have now should be on the roster next year. If the Chiefs are serious about the playoffs and serious about building a soild core of players the next couple of years. Then on thing that has to happen is get younger. Take the lumps and roll on.

The fans will be there if the team in young and shows promise. What pisses the fans off, it spending all the money on washed up vets, just in hopes one more year might spark that magical one and done playoff year.

House cleaning time, if you want a chance you have to clean house. Every organization has done it. Only way to start a foundation of being successful.

Mecca · 12-22-2006, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

I think next year will be a serious transition year. We were caught this year with age and injuries.. But we have to get younger on offense espically on the line and QB.. Neither one of the QB's we have now should be on the roster next year. If the Chiefs are serious about the playoffs and serious about building a soild core of players the next couple of years. Then on thing that has to happen is get younger. Take the lumps and roll on.

The fans will be there if the team in young and shows promise. What pisses the fans off, it spending all the money on washed up vets, just in hopes one more year might spark that magical one and done playoff year.

House cleaning time, if you want a chance you have to clean house. Every organization has done it. Only way to start a foundation of being successful.

You really think Carl with 3 years left on his deal is going to go into rebuilding? If he planned on leaving at the end of that contract someone else would get the spoils of his rebuilding.

**2112** · 12-22-2006, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

I know, and that's why I called you on it.

It was a generalization that simply isnt true, and there's no reason to bag on Herm for the ONE THING HE'S DONE RIGHT in KC - play the young guys.

You're right..I was probably thinking more about what he had done in the past..and grouped the situation with Law in there.

Reerun_KC · 12-22-2006, 09:04 AM

Mecca,

Just thinking out loud here, but what about this? Plus I know Carl is a complete moron when it comes to talent.

Trade Trent to Washington for what ever you can get? 3rd?

Tony G? Man he could be a pacifer for a young up coming QB, but if you could get a 1 and 3 or 4 for him it might be tempting.

Hell you could probably get a 3rd for Huard and 3rd for Trent.

LJ? Wow, with all the young backs making marks in the NFL, if you could send him away for a couple of 1's and a couple of later round picks, it might be worth it..

I know LJ is pretty soild. But think of all the holes that the chiefs have. One offseason like that and the 08 season could be filled with alot of hope and promise?

Agian thinking out loud, dont bash.

Redrum_69 · 12-22-2006, 09:11 AM

Get rid of all the old offense players from the Vermeil/Saunders era...trade them..release them...whatever

Then build on this years draft..and in a few years down the road we'll have a winning season...say 9-7 or better

boogblaster · 12-22-2006, 09:17 AM

Chiefs have talent..its game-day coaching and heart thats lacking.....

kcxiv · 12-22-2006, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

House cleaning time, if you want a chance you have to clean house. Every organization has done it. Only way to start a foundation of being successful.

Not our wonderful Chiefs.

And it will be the same until CP retires. He will sign some Free agents to plug the holes. Arrowhead will be sold out again. and we end up with an 8-8 record for 2007.

kcxiv · 12-22-2006, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redrum_69

Get rid of all the old offense players from the Vermeil/Saunders era...trade them..release them...whatever

Then build on this years draft..and in a few years down the road we'll have a winning season...say 9-7 or better

Will not happen as long as Carl is running the show. If people cant see that by now, i dont know when they will figure that out.

I also think law has played pretty good Considering the Chiefs whole Defense has what 26 total sacks? Hell, I think lastnight i seen that Green Bay's Dline had 34 on their own. Thats how bad our Dline has been, The 2nd half of the Season our Dline has been totally non existent.

htismaqe · 12-22-2006, 09:41 AM

We're not gonna rebuild. Forget it.

We're gonna limp along until Peterson retires.

The best we can hope for is that Herm is a better judge of young talent than Vermeil and this cupboard is fully stocked for the next coach.

Reerun_KC · 12-22-2006, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

We're not gonna rebuild. Forget it.

We're gonna limp along until Peterson retires.

The best we can hope for is that Herm is a better judge of young talent than Vermeil and this cupboard is fully stocked for the next coach.

Looks like Herm might of left it that way in NY? His predicessor isnt doing to bad...

I know we are not going to rebuild, but hey as Chiefs fans championships are so such a pipe dream with Carl here

, We have to have some hope.

Dont take that away from us Htismaqe. For the love of god man, let us have alittle hope?

12-22-2006, 02:19 AM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $800478	KC Star - Law won't break http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/16295180.htm Law won’t break Chiefs cornerback defends himself against the critics and says he still loves the game. By ELIZABETH MERRILL The Kansas City Star The lights glared on his white tank top and rippling Popeye guns, the team Web site crashed, and Ty Law, internally, rolled his eyes. He never liked the term savior. But he mugged for the cameras in July, flashed his $30 million smile and brought late-summer hope to a town awash with playoff — make that Super Bowl — hopes. “Sometimes,” Law said, “your reputation precedes you.” Nearly the entire team had filed out of the Chiefs’ locker room Thursday afternoon for a trip to Oakland, but Law wanted to stay and talk. He knows Kansas City had such high hopes when he signed with the team in July. He knows by Sunday night, the Chiefs could be officially eliminated from the playoff race. Fingers have pointed, and many of them have been aimed at the guy who was supposed to be the missing piece of the puzzle, the five-time Pro Bowl cornerback, the free agent Kansas City fans salivated over for two years. Now they’re spitting mad. They call Law the “fall-down corner.” They wonder whether his 32-year-old legs have lost it. Law has no doubt it’s still there, because ultimately, he says, he doesn’t need this. He has all the money he wants. He has three Super Bowl rings. But he loves football and yearns to hoist a trophy in another place besides New England. That’s what keeps him going, he says, through the cracks and the boos. “I’ve been hired, I’ve been fired, I’ve been cursed at, I’ve been talked about,” Law said. “Hey, that’s all part of having a career. But to believe in yourself and to still have your peers’ respect … to have guys you play against tell you on the field, ‘Damn, you can still play, you can still run, you can still hit’ … That means more to me than anything. “Because a lot of people who don’t put on a uniform don’t understand what’s going on between those lines or understand what my job might be at this particular time.” Law had 10 interceptions with the Jets last season, and he did it with a bad foot. But in Kansas City, he’s defined by several slips. The most recent one happened two weeks ago against Baltimore, when Mark Clayton was as wide open as the Kansas countryside on an 87-yard touchdown catch. Clayton got behind Law and safety Greg Wesley, and coach Herm Edwards later said the play resulted from miscommunication. Law admits there are a handful of plays from the 2006 season that he wishes he could have back, mostly missed tackles. But he also insists he’d never leave a man that open and has never done it in his career. Edwards wonders sometimes whether Law is pressing to make plays. This is Law’s third team in three years, three systems and different sets of expectations. “It’s not the season he probably anticipated he’d have,” Edwards said. “But he’s done some things that you don’t see. Sometimes a guy’s playing really good because they’re not throwing balls his way and he’s doing a really good job. “What happens with corners is your name is out there when you intercept passes. And he hasn’t had a lot of interceptions this year. He’s made some tackles, but then if anything bad happens. … You could play a whole game and be playing pretty good, but if you miss a tackle or get beat on a touchdown, that’s what people remember.” Law has three interceptions — that’s what they remember — and the Chiefs have seen major defensive collapses at Cleveland and Pittsburgh. One tackle here, Law says, and maybe things would be different. He blames some of the defensive struggles on the newness of playing together. Rookie Tamba Hali is new, and so are safeties Jarrad Page, Bernard Pollard and interior linemen Ron Edwards and James Reed. Law calls it a journey and compares this team to some of the greener groups he played with in New England before the Super Bowls. He hopes he’ll be part of the ride. The fans were so giddy about acquiring him last summer that the Chiefs’ Web site had more than 50,000 hits at once and crashed the day the deal was struck. That’s what a reputation can do. “I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t be here,” he said. “I didn’t play to where I messed up the season or something like that. I don’t think it’s even a question, but in this game, this business, you never know what’s going to happen. “I had an opportunity to go back to New England before I signed here. People don’t know that. I chose to come here for a reason. If it didn’t work out, hypothetically, I’ve had a good time here. To play in front of these fans here is incredible, even when they’re booing. It’s a crazy place to play in, man, and I like it.”
Posts: 297,439

12-22-2006, 08:57 AM	#36
Reerun_KC Banned Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7231160	I think next year will be a serious transition year. We were caught this year with age and injuries.. But we have to get younger on offense espically on the line and QB.. Neither one of the QB's we have now should be on the roster next year. If the Chiefs are serious about the playoffs and serious about building a soild core of players the next couple of years. Then on thing that has to happen is get younger. Take the lumps and roll on. The fans will be there if the team in young and shows promise. What pisses the fans off, it spending all the money on washed up vets, just in hopes one more year might spark that magical one and done playoff year. House cleaning time, if you want a chance you have to clean house. Every organization has done it. Only way to start a foundation of being successful.
Posts: 1,529

12-22-2006, 09:04 AM	#39
Reerun_KC Banned Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7231160	Mecca, Just thinking out loud here, but what about this? Plus I know Carl is a complete moron when it comes to talent. Trade Trent to Washington for what ever you can get? 3rd? Tony G? Man he could be a pacifer for a young up coming QB, but if you could get a 1 and 3 or 4 for him it might be tempting. Hell you could probably get a 3rd for Huard and 3rd for Trent. LJ? Wow, with all the young backs making marks in the NFL, if you could send him away for a couple of 1's and a couple of later round picks, it might be worth it.. I know LJ is pretty soild. But think of all the holes that the chiefs have. One offseason like that and the 08 season could be filled with alot of hope and promise? Agian thinking out loud, dont bash.
Posts: 1,529

12-22-2006, 09:11 AM	#40
Redrum_69 Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: your nightmares Casino cash: $10004900	Get rid of all the old offense players from the Vermeil/Saunders era...trade them..release them...whatever Then build on this years draft..and in a few years down the road we'll have a winning season...say 9-7 or better
Posts: 6,358

12-22-2006, 09:17 AM	#41
boogblaster MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Verdigris Valley Campsite Casino cash: $10004900	Chiefs have talent..its game-day coaching and heart thats lacking..... __________________ WR or S please
Posts: 10,305

12-22-2006, 09:41 AM	#44
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $8099900	We're not gonna rebuild. Forget it. We're gonna limp along until Peterson retires. The best we can hope for is that Herm is a better judge of young talent than Vermeil and this cupboard is fully stocked for the next coach.
Posts: 104,421