Chiefs Teicher: Charles presents a dilemma for Chiefs - Page 4

**Tribal Warfare** · 10-05-2009, 10:30 PM

Charles presents a dilemma for Chiefs
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

The dilemma with running back Jamaal Charles gets to the heart of the problem Todd Haley has in getting the 0-4 Chiefs a victory — and, longer term, building them into a playoff contender.

On one hand, Charles, who returns kickoffs and plays as the third-down back, is one of the Chiefs’ most talented players. He is one of the few Chiefs capable of making big plays and one of the fastest players on an otherwise slow team.

On the other hand, Charles has been an unreliable player whose fumble on the opening kickoff Sunday put the Chiefs in an immediate hole against the undefeated New York Giants. He delivered some big plays as a rookie last year, but a precious few this season.

The Chiefs figure to need Charles and his potential Sunday when they play the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium. But, perhaps mindful of the damage Charles is also capable of inflicting on his own team, Haley wouldn’t commit to having Charles active.

“We’ll have to see where we’re at personnelwise,” Haley said. “We’ll talk about that as the week progresses.

“Jamaal was very remorseful about (the fumble). He told his teammates that. We’ve just got to move forward.”

As Haley and general manager Scott Pioli continue what now seems like an eternal Chiefs rebuilding program, they have precious few younger offensive players who can help with the process. Dwayne Bowe, perhaps. Matt Cassel and Branden Albert, they hope.

Charles could figure into their plans — if not as a regular, then as a spot player capable of causing matchup problems for the opposing defense because of his speed. Haley appears to like Charles as a player, which certainly helps his cause. Haley certainly doesn’t want to give up on Charles too quickly and then watch him become a productive player for an opposing team.

But Charles’ time to prove his worth to the Chiefs could be running out. Kolby Smith is close to finishing his rehabilitation from last year’s knee surgery and is eligible to be activated from the injured list later this month.

He could take Charles’ place as Larry Johnson’s primary backup. In the interim, Dantrell Savage, a less talented but more reliable player than Charles, is the option.

For his part, Charles indicated he is ready for whatever punishment Haley dishes out for the fumble against New York.

“Whatever they do to me, they do to me,” he said. “I’ll still go out there and give it my all. It was my fault (Sunday) fumbling the ball like that. I put the defense in a bad situation. We’re (not) that good to be turning the ball over. I’ll take responsibility for that. If I had held on to that ball, it would have been a lot different.

“I’m trying to get things going, and I wasn’t thinking about the ball. It wasn’t a big hit. The ball just came out.”

Since coming to the Chiefs, Haley has emphasized that he wants players he can count on every down, and not necessarily talented players whose performance goes up and down. He’s been willing to bend that policy in the case of Charles.

“He doesn’t have to say anything about that,” Charles said. “Every coach wants consistent players.

“I agree with him. If I didn’t practice that good or play that good, don’t put me in that week. If you think Savage practices better than me, play Sav. I don’t have anything against Sav. He’s a good player.”

Charles showed a glimpse of his big-play ability on his 53-yard kickoff return against New York in the fourth quarter. He might have taken it all the way if teammate Terrance Copper had made a better block.

The fumble against New York was only the latest in a series of drops for Charles. The Chiefs aren’t strong enough to overcome mistakes like that.

“We’ve talked about margin of error around here,” Haley said. “We can’t do that against a good football team. Generally, it will get you beat.

“Jamaal starting the game that way is a morale-hurter. It hurts like a dagger in your abdomen. It was not in any way the way we wanted to start the game. It wasn’t a big hit or a great play by a defensive player. I feel like we kind of served it up for them. We can’t do it.

“We just have to work on the technique. We have the gantlet (machine) we run through twice a week, and we talk about protecting the football and how you’ve got to do it. We’ve just got to work harder at it.”

'Hamas' Jenkins · 10-05-2009, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I yell for entertainment value on the 'Planet.

Yet, I'm not feeling the same love as Haley.

Maybe I should have been a golf pro first.

You just need to find the right 53 posters that get you. It's a process. If they need the sizzle, they aren't for you.

Mecca · 10-05-2009, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefDave

I don't care that he yells. I care that he doesn't coddle players and holds them accountable.

I think he should hold himself and his buddy GM accountable because they haven't performed any better than what's on that field.

Hammock Parties · 10-05-2009, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

As usual, you are full of ****ing SHIT.

Prove to me that we're "rebuilding".

****ing PROVE IT.

All they've done is ****ING CHANGE PHILOSOPHIES.

The team is EXACTLY THE ****ING SAME.

Rebuilding teams start guys like Corey Mays and experiment with guys like Dantrell Savage. Rebuilding teams start two rookies on the defensive line in nickel packages. Rebuilding teams take a chance on guys like Ryan O'Callaghan and Jake O'Connell. Rebuilding teams go cheap in free agency because spending a bunch of money at this point is really stupid....

The Chiefs are rebuilding. Guys like Goff, Brown and Vrabel probably won't even be with the team next year. We're in for another roster purge for sure.

Rebuilding teams trade future Hall of Famers...

I don't believe for a second Pioli and Haley had illusions of competing this year.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-05-2009, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefDave

I don't care that he yells. I care that he doesn't coddle players and holds them accountable.

No, he doesn't.

Otherwise, Goof wouldn't be starting at right guard. Niswanger wouldn't be starting at center. The inside linebackers wouldn't be sucking cock between plays. DJ would be on the field. Bowe would be on the field.

He's a ****ing moron. Seriously. And if he doesn't stop with the bullshit, he's going to be known as the worst coach with the worst record in Chiefs history.

That'll be a GREAT 50 year memory.

Mecca · 10-05-2009, 11:45 PM

GoChiefs is always the most super positive poster ever when someone is new.

Hammock Parties · 10-05-2009, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

He's a ****ing moron. Seriously. And if he doesn't stop with the bullshit, he's going to be known as the worst coach with the worst record in Chiefs history.

Dane, you crazy bastard.

You never cease to amaze me.

I have never, EVER encountered ANYONE on this forum with a greater knee-jerk reaction.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-05-2009, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

I don't believe for a second Pioli and Haley had illusions of competing this year.

You are really delusional.

The players you mentioned have NO FUTURE with the Chiefs.

Rebuilding is about a PLAN.

Look at the Packers. Look at the Falcons. Look at teams that bring in players that are THE FUTURE.

The Chiefs didn't sign ANYONE that'll be a part of their FUTURE. The Chiefs got rid of 4-3 defensive ends and replaced them with 3-4 defensive ends at a cost of $33 million dollars.

That's NOT rebuilding.

Are you really this ****ING STUPID?

Are you really THIS ****ing BLIND?

'Hamas' Jenkins · 10-05-2009, 11:47 PM

I think Haley has potential, but if it wasn't for his daddy he'd probably be hustling for group lessons at a ****ing driving range in Tampa.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-05-2009, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

Dane, you crazy bastard.

You never cease to amaze me.

I have never, EVER encountered ANYONE on this forum with a greater knee-jerk reaction.

So, you think that the Chiefs will win more than 2 games this year?

Duh, of course you do.

JFC.

Mecca · 10-05-2009, 11:49 PM

When you fire an OC and put in an new offense 1 week before the season while having a GM that refuses to add players that aren't from his tree while having a head coach that benches guys for not doing things his way while continuing to run guys that can't perform onto the field....

You deserve to go 0-16.

Hammock Parties · 10-05-2009, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

You are really delusional.

The players you mentioned have NO FUTURE with the Chiefs.

You don't know that. That's a crazy statement. Especially in regard to guys like Magee and Jackson.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-05-2009, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I think Haley has potential, but if it wasn't for his daddy he'd probably be hustling for group lessons at a ****ing driving range in Tampa.

I think that if he went to a place with serious pieces in place, he'd have a chance.

At this point in time, I think he's got no chance. He's going to burn out as HC/OC/QB coach shortly and when that happens, the team will completely and utterly collapse.

He'll rebound in the offseason but if Pioli continues to draft against the talent and NOT sign any free agents that can actually help the team, he's ****ed.

**DaneMcCloud** · 10-05-2009, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

You don't know that. That's a crazy statement. Especially in regard to guys like Magee and Jackson.

Whatever.

With Tim Krumrie coaching these guys, I have no faith that they'll be worth a shit.

It's Eric Downing, Ryan Sims and Eddie Freeman, all over again.

Hammock Parties · 10-05-2009, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

So, you think that the Chiefs will win more than 2 games this year?

Duh, of course you do.

JFC.

Probably 4 games. Teams improve. Haley and Pioli aren't morons. They've already proven that.

I'm sure you will be telling us all how much they suck, though.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 10-05-2009, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

They've already proven that..

How?

10-05-2009, 10:30 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2997187	Teicher: Charles presents a dilemma for Chiefs Charles presents a dilemma for Chiefs By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The dilemma with running back Jamaal Charles gets to the heart of the problem Todd Haley has in getting the 0-4 Chiefs a victory — and, longer term, building them into a playoff contender. On one hand, Charles, who returns kickoffs and plays as the third-down back, is one of the Chiefs’ most talented players. He is one of the few Chiefs capable of making big plays and one of the fastest players on an otherwise slow team. On the other hand, Charles has been an unreliable player whose fumble on the opening kickoff Sunday put the Chiefs in an immediate hole against the undefeated New York Giants. He delivered some big plays as a rookie last year, but a precious few this season. The Chiefs figure to need Charles and his potential Sunday when they play the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium. But, perhaps mindful of the damage Charles is also capable of inflicting on his own team, Haley wouldn’t commit to having Charles active. “We’ll have to see where we’re at personnelwise,” Haley said. “We’ll talk about that as the week progresses. “Jamaal was very remorseful about (the fumble). He told his teammates that. We’ve just got to move forward.” As Haley and general manager Scott Pioli continue what now seems like an eternal Chiefs rebuilding program, they have precious few younger offensive players who can help with the process. Dwayne Bowe, perhaps. Matt Cassel and Branden Albert, they hope. Charles could figure into their plans — if not as a regular, then as a spot player capable of causing matchup problems for the opposing defense because of his speed. Haley appears to like Charles as a player, which certainly helps his cause. Haley certainly doesn’t want to give up on Charles too quickly and then watch him become a productive player for an opposing team. But Charles’ time to prove his worth to the Chiefs could be running out. Kolby Smith is close to finishing his rehabilitation from last year’s knee surgery and is eligible to be activated from the injured list later this month. He could take Charles’ place as Larry Johnson’s primary backup. In the interim, Dantrell Savage, a less talented but more reliable player than Charles, is the option. For his part, Charles indicated he is ready for whatever punishment Haley dishes out for the fumble against New York. “Whatever they do to me, they do to me,” he said. “I’ll still go out there and give it my all. It was my fault (Sunday) fumbling the ball like that. I put the defense in a bad situation. We’re (not) that good to be turning the ball over. I’ll take responsibility for that. If I had held on to that ball, it would have been a lot different. “I’m trying to get things going, and I wasn’t thinking about the ball. It wasn’t a big hit. The ball just came out.” Since coming to the Chiefs, Haley has emphasized that he wants players he can count on every down, and not necessarily talented players whose performance goes up and down. He’s been willing to bend that policy in the case of Charles. “He doesn’t have to say anything about that,” Charles said. “Every coach wants consistent players. “I agree with him. If I didn’t practice that good or play that good, don’t put me in that week. If you think Savage practices better than me, play Sav. I don’t have anything against Sav. He’s a good player.” Charles showed a glimpse of his big-play ability on his 53-yard kickoff return against New York in the fourth quarter. He might have taken it all the way if teammate Terrance Copper had made a better block. The fumble against New York was only the latest in a series of drops for Charles. The Chiefs aren’t strong enough to overcome mistakes like that. “We’ve talked about margin of error around here,” Haley said. “We can’t do that against a good football team. Generally, it will get you beat. “Jamaal starting the game that way is a morale-hurter. It hurts like a dagger in your abdomen. It was not in any way the way we wanted to start the game. It wasn’t a big hit or a great play by a defensive player. I feel like we kind of served it up for them. We can’t do it. “We just have to work on the technique. We have the gantlet (machine) we run through twice a week, and we talk about protecting the football and how you’ve got to do it. We’ve just got to work harder at it.”
Posts: 43,454

10-05-2009, 11:45 PM	#50
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-712950	GoChiefs is always the most super positive poster ever when someone is new.
Posts: 115,380

10-05-2009, 11:47 PM	#53
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7129572	I think Haley has potential, but if it wasn't for his daddy he'd probably be hustling for group lessons at a ****ing driving range in Tampa. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 75,083

10-05-2009, 11:49 PM	#55
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-712950	When you fire an OC and put in an new offense 1 week before the season while having a GM that refuses to add players that aren't from his tree while having a head coach that benches guys for not doing things his way while continuing to run guys that can't perform onto the field.... You deserve to go 0-16.
Posts: 115,380