Chiefs Babb: Chiefs' Hali is quietly racking up sacks - Page 7

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-28-2010, 11:55 PM

Chiefs' Hali is quietly racking up sacks
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

Tamba Hali doesn’t say much, but when he does speak, he tends to mean it.

“You know,” he said after the Chiefs’ win Sunday against San Francisco, “Romeo Crennel has come in here and really changed our identity.”

Hali is Kansas City’s best pass rusher, and he took a vow of silence — or mostly silence — during last year’s training camp. He has said privately that he preferred to focus on his job, rather than speak his mind. He renewed that vow this year, and that became one part of Hali’s identity that hasn’t changed.

What Crennel, the team’s first-year defensive coordinator, has done is take Hali and turn him into the Chiefs’ most effective pass-rusher since Jared Allen was traded in 2008. It didn’t take that long, either.

And Crennel did it by changing the defense around Hali. Kansas City’s top priority now is stopping the run, and when that happens, Hali can chase quarterbacks. That’s how he spent Sunday, when he sacked Alex Smith three times. The Chiefs finished with five sacks in their 31-10 win at Arrowhead Stadium. The defense looked like an elite pass-rushing unit, and Hali had one of his best games since becoming an outside linebacker last season.

“All the things we were asking him to do within the scheme of our defense,” coach Todd Haley said, “he did.”

As big as Hali’s sacks were, it was the little things that stuck in his coach’s mind. Haley and Crennel have said that there are many factors that signal a disruptive pass rush, and only the most extreme of those is a sack. If a quarterback is hurried or rattled, or if an offense has to make adjustments that could compromise its objectives, then a defense has done its job.

Haley said Hali was part of a unit that did that Sunday, and Kansas City’s defense kept San Francisco out of the end zone for four full quarters; 49ers wide receiver Josh Morgan scored his team’s only touchdown after time expired.

Haley said that was, defensively, “the most complete game” to date, and it would be hard to argue that it wasn’t the best game Kansas City has played since Haley was hired in 2009. It was shortly after then that Hali was among several defensive players who had to shift to another position to accommodate the 3-4 defensive scheme that Haley hoped to run. Hali could still rush the passer, but he was raw as a linebacker, and few knew whether it would work out.

It took him six weeks to get as many sacks as he had Sunday, and he finished the season with 8 1/2 .

The Chiefs hired Crennel in the offseason, and he puts emphasis on stopping the run. If that happens, then quarterbacks are at an immediate disadvantage.

Sometimes things just go according to plan.

After the San Francisco game, Hali praised the Chiefs’ defensive line for holding the 49ers to 43 rushing yards, and Kansas City’s offense for scoring enough points to force Smith to pass more often — and Crennel for designing a scenario that Hali could succeed in.

That gave Hali his chances, and he delivered.

“Credit those guys for allowing me to rush this week,” he said.

So modest.

Haley has said that Hali, in his fifth year, has a chance to become one of the league’s best pass rushers, and he showed Sunday that he’s capable. Hali had three sacks in a game against Denver last year, and before that, the Chiefs had gone without a three-sack performance since Allen did it against Washington in 2005.

Hali might not say much, but that doesn’t mean he’ll go unnoticed the rest of this season. If Crennel’s scheme keeps working, you can be certain of that. That much showed in one afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.

“That is a really good day,” Haley said, “and that is good for the Chiefs.”

**Saul Good** · 09-29-2010, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

I can't speak for Dane but I think he was talking about complaining about the safties in general not about moving to the 3-4. Dane can correct me if I am wrong.

If he hadn't listed Arenas, Berry, and Lewis as examples of players we added in order to transition to a 3-4, I would give him the benefit of the doubt. Then, he argued with...

"I would like to see one quote from someone last year that mentioned our Safeties when bitching about switching to the 3-4. It was all about Hali, Dorsey, and lack of a true NT."

...by referencing his previous posts about Mike Brown. MIKE BROWN We should have stayed in the 4-3 because of Mike Brown. Evidently our defense was bad because Mike Brown was suited for the 4-3 and not the 3-4.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-29-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saul Good

I'm not going to do a search for stupid shit you've said. I can read it right here. Guardian says that the only player we added for 3-4 personnel was Smith, and you countered by listing off 3 Defensive Backs as if those guys are somehow 3-4 DBs but not 4-3 guys.

JFC, I was talking about the TALENT LEVEL in comparison to last year.

You're ****ing dense.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saul Good

You are the one who was bitching that Hali and Dorsey couldn't play in a 4-3. Don't act like the clown shoes you are wearing go with your tie.

Prove it, Mother****er.

Oh that's right, YOU CAN'T.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-29-2010, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saul Good

Dane said it was stupid to switch to the 3-4 because we didn't have the personnel. The only front 7 player we have now that we didn't have last year is Smith, and he's filled in for TJ who was playing well.

I'm pretty sure that it wouldn't have been a good idea for Haley to have said, "I'd like to switch to a 3-4 as we rebuild, but we need to stay in a 4-3 because it fits Mike Brown's style".

Again, more bullshit.

I'd like you pull some of these so-called quotes and the time frame.

Before the draft, the Chiefs DID NOT have the personnel to run the 3-4 effectively since they had been drafting for the 4-3 for a decade or more. They dumped Tank & Turk, added Mays, Belcher, Jackson & Magee, but Belcher wasn't a starter last year and Jackson and Magee sucked ass.

I don't know what you're trying to prove with your nonsensical posts, but this shit had been discusses AD NAUSEAM in 2009 and it has NO place in 2010, especially since there are NO LESS than FIVE new starters on defense, a new defensive line coach, a new secondary coach and a new offensive coordinator.

So kindly, SHUT THE **** UP.

PS - I wouldn't recommend aligning yourself with the ****ing reerunian, but I'm guessing you're too dumb to figure that out.

SenselessChiefsFan · 09-29-2010, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

What? Who said that?

You're a reerun. You might wanna think about having that checked.

Yeah, when ever someone calls you on your bs, they are a moron.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-29-2010, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Yeah, when ever someone calls you on your bs, they are a moron.

Says the least respected person that posts in the forum.

**** off, ****bag.

SenselessChiefsFan · 09-29-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

JFC, I was talking about the TALENT LEVEL in comparison to last year.

You're ****ing dense.

Prove it, Mother****er.

Oh that's right, YOU CAN'T.

People post links to prove you wrong all the time, and you just counter with 'you're a moron'. Why waste the time on your sorry ass?

SenselessChiefsFan · 09-29-2010, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Says the least respected person that posts in the forum.

**** off, ****bag.

Yep, same tune as always. Still only one player added in the front seven. A BACKUP when TJ is healthy. Man, what an awesome, awesome amount of talent added.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-29-2010, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

People post links to prove you wrong all the time, and you just counter with 'you're a moron'. Why waste the time on your sorry ass?

Bullshit. Bull ****ING SHIT.

Go **** your brother, you ****ing inbred moron.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-29-2010, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Yep, same tune as always. Still only one player added in the front seven. A BACKUP when TJ is healthy. Man, what an awesome, awesome amount of talent added.

Shut the **** up.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-29-2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Yep, same tune as always.

And you STILL don't get it

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-29-2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Yep, same tune as always. Still only one player added in the front seven. A BACKUP when TJ is healthy. Man, what an awesome, awesome amount of talent added.

How many games did Belcher start last year? Derrick Johnson?

Hammock Parties · 09-29-2010, 09:18 PM

I think Dane dials up the vile when he's supporting the Chiefs. I like it.

SenselessChiefsFan · 09-29-2010, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

And you STILL don't get it

Awe, someone sick of getting picked on? Wow, you are going to neg rep me? Oh, no! I don't know that I can take it. You are getting owned and getting your own stupidity thrown in your face, and rather than just own it, you have to sit there and spin it.

Hilarious. But, yeah, the rest of us that point out that they added ONE MID LEVEL free agent in the front seven doesn't equal a massive talent infusion... are all the MORONS.

Who knew Smith was the free agent centerpiece of the off season. What an IMPACT. Especially, since TJ was the starter until he got hurt. Who knew a backup Defensive lineman could make such and impact. Completely raised the level of talent.

Amazing.

**BossChief** · 09-29-2010, 09:23 PM

I thought Hali would fail at OLB, but I remember having Studebaker like hope for him because his combine times for quickness and change of direction were on par with elite OLBs in 3-4 defenses. Its his short arms, lacking 40 time and low amount of bench reps that scared me off of thinking he actually could transition to the position.

I was wrong. His heart, motor, balance and change of direction (which I did point out numerous times) have made him be a successful OLB and WHEN he tops 11 sacks this year, he should be due a fairly large contract extension...about 85% of Dumervils contracts is what he should be shooting for IMO... and he should get it. One thing is for sure, we will ALL find out over teh next two year if Clark IS cheap or not.

Truth be told, I think Studebaker has a chance at being a better overall defender in time.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-29-2010, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Awe, someone sick of getting picked on?

Picked on?

By you and ****ing "Saul"?

You're both ****ing reeruns. I couldn't give a ****ing what either of you dumbass say or think.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Hilarious. But, yeah, the rest of us that point out that they added ONE MID LEVEL free agent in the front seven doesn't equal a massive talent infusion... are all the MORONS.

Where did I EVER state there was a massive infusion of talent on the front seven?

JFC, you are delusional.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SensibleChiefsfan

Who knew Smith was the free agent centerpiece of the off season. What an IMPACT. Especially, since TJ was the starter until he got hurt. Who knew a backup Defensive lineman could make such and impact. Completely raised the level of talent.

Amazing.

Mike Goff.

Now, shut the **** up.

09-28-2010, 11:55 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $592813	Babb: Chiefs' Hali is quietly racking up sacks Chiefs' Hali is quietly racking up sacks By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star Tamba Hali doesn’t say much, but when he does speak, he tends to mean it. “You know,” he said after the Chiefs’ win Sunday against San Francisco, “Romeo Crennel has come in here and really changed our identity.” Hali is Kansas City’s best pass rusher, and he took a vow of silence — or mostly silence — during last year’s training camp. He has said privately that he preferred to focus on his job, rather than speak his mind. He renewed that vow this year, and that became one part of Hali’s identity that hasn’t changed. What Crennel, the team’s first-year defensive coordinator, has done is take Hali and turn him into the Chiefs’ most effective pass-rusher since Jared Allen was traded in 2008. It didn’t take that long, either. And Crennel did it by changing the defense around Hali. Kansas City’s top priority now is stopping the run, and when that happens, Hali can chase quarterbacks. That’s how he spent Sunday, when he sacked Alex Smith three times. The Chiefs finished with five sacks in their 31-10 win at Arrowhead Stadium. The defense looked like an elite pass-rushing unit, and Hali had one of his best games since becoming an outside linebacker last season. “All the things we were asking him to do within the scheme of our defense,” coach Todd Haley said, “he did.” As big as Hali’s sacks were, it was the little things that stuck in his coach’s mind. Haley and Crennel have said that there are many factors that signal a disruptive pass rush, and only the most extreme of those is a sack. If a quarterback is hurried or rattled, or if an offense has to make adjustments that could compromise its objectives, then a defense has done its job. Haley said Hali was part of a unit that did that Sunday, and Kansas City’s defense kept San Francisco out of the end zone for four full quarters; 49ers wide receiver Josh Morgan scored his team’s only touchdown after time expired. Haley said that was, defensively, “the most complete game” to date, and it would be hard to argue that it wasn’t the best game Kansas City has played since Haley was hired in 2009. It was shortly after then that Hali was among several defensive players who had to shift to another position to accommodate the 3-4 defensive scheme that Haley hoped to run. Hali could still rush the passer, but he was raw as a linebacker, and few knew whether it would work out. It took him six weeks to get as many sacks as he had Sunday, and he finished the season with 8 1/2 . The Chiefs hired Crennel in the offseason, and he puts emphasis on stopping the run. If that happens, then quarterbacks are at an immediate disadvantage. Sometimes things just go according to plan. After the San Francisco game, Hali praised the Chiefs’ defensive line for holding the 49ers to 43 rushing yards, and Kansas City’s offense for scoring enough points to force Smith to pass more often — and Crennel for designing a scenario that Hali could succeed in. That gave Hali his chances, and he delivered. “Credit those guys for allowing me to rush this week,” he said. So modest. Haley has said that Hali, in his fifth year, has a chance to become one of the league’s best pass rushers, and he showed Sunday that he’s capable. Hali had three sacks in a game against Denver last year, and before that, the Chiefs had gone without a three-sack performance since Allen did it against Washington in 2005. Hali might not say much, but that doesn’t mean he’ll go unnoticed the rest of this season. If Crennel’s scheme keeps working, you can be certain of that. That much showed in one afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium. “That is a really good day,” Haley said, “and that is good for the Chiefs.”
Posts: 42,161

09-29-2010, 09:18 PM	#102
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4390478	I think Dane dials up the vile when he's supporting the Chiefs. I like it. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 278,808

09-29-2010, 09:23 PM	#104
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1574088	I thought Hali would fail at OLB, but I remember having Studebaker like hope for him because his combine times for quickness and change of direction were on par with elite OLBs in 3-4 defenses. Its his short arms, lacking 40 time and low amount of bench reps that scared me off of thinking he actually could transition to the position. I was wrong. His heart, motor, balance and change of direction (which I did point out numerous times) have made him be a successful OLB and WHEN he tops 11 sacks this year, he should be due a fairly large contract extension...about 85% of Dumervils contracts is what he should be shooting for IMO... and he should get it. One thing is for sure, we will ALL find out over teh next two year if Clark IS cheap or not. Truth be told, I think Studebaker has a chance at being a better overall defender in time. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,174