SB Nation - Terrance Copper

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 11/4

NJ Chiefs Fan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:52:28 -0000

(Photo above: Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli and tight end Leonard Pope helped load some of the 30,000 pounds of protein products donated by Tyson Foods. The players, and other volunteers, transferred the food to vehicles from approximately 60 area relief organizations.)

The Chiefs continued what has been a futile search for help at wide receiver when they claimed Chris Chambers off the NFL waiver wire on Tuesday.
Released by the Chargers on Monday, Chambers is just another attempt by Pioli/Haley to add some firepower to their passing game. To this point, they’ve failed miserably.

Bobby Engram, Quinten Lawrence, Rodney Wright, C.J. Jones, Terrance Copper, Amani Toomer, Ashley Lelie, Bobby Wade and now Chambers. That group combined has provided the Chiefs offense with 27 catches for 298 yards and two touchdowns. Almost all of that belongs to Wade, with his 20 catches for 226 yards and both scores.

More WR Juggling … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz

KC Star Photo Gallery: Kansas City Chiefs players join volunteers to distribute food at Arrowhead Stadium

The changes won’t be as glaring as the overhaul the Chiefs underwent in 2008, when Gailey reshaped the offense mid-season to customize the scheme to quarterback Tyler Thigpen’s strengths. Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard suffered season-ending injuries in the same game, and Thigpen was forced into a starting role. It was important to keep him healthy, and to do that meant shifting to the spread. That allowed Thigpen to expand the pocket and improvise, if necessary, and it worked. The Chiefs aren’t planning to reintroduce the spread or any kind of gimmick offense — just a more finely tuned scheme that allows Cassel to release the ball faster and get plays in quicker.

"We’re always going to play to our players’ strengths," Haley said.

Chiefs use bye week to fine-tune offense from KC Star

KMBC's Karen Kornacki reported that the district will gut Southeast high School stadium, which is about 50 years old, and build a new multi-sports complex.
It will cost $3.5 million but there is talk of increasing it to $10 million, Kornacki reported.

The stadium will be paid for with grants, sponsorships, private donations and fundraising.

Kansas City School District Athletic Director Kimble Anders said they have applied for an NFL grant and they have the support of the Chiefs team.

KC Schools Plan To Build New Stadium from KMBC.com

There's more. The NBA is exploring a fan's accusation that Dallas Mavericks player Drew Gooden mumbled a gay slur in his vicinity. Last week, Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson reportedly did the same, twice in two days.

Do any of these incidents require a congressional hearing? Nope. Do they indicate that we've become so supersensitive about what famous people say and do that nobody with more than 10 entries on Google should ever open his mouth or leave her house without first clearing it with a publicist? Probably.

But the controversies are also a sign of society's robust health. We debate these words and behaviors -- are they heinous and unforgivable or just dumb and obtuse? -- because we don't really know just how to feel about them. And sports is both mirror and lamp. The mirror shows us where we are; the lamp leads us up and out.
Chicago Blackhawks' blackface forces the issue from The Chicago Tribune

It’s gotten to the point where my favorite week of the football season is the Chiefs’ bye week. Why? Because I get a break from the constant reminder that my favorite team just isn’t that good.

During the bye week, I don’t have to worry whether GM Scott Pioli is the most overpaid, overhyped executive in the history of football. I don’t have to worry whether Matt Cassel will tear his rotator cuff after Branden Albert blows another blocking assignment. I don’t have to worry whether coach Todd Haley will pull a Tom Cable on Larry Johnson.

The Blessed Bye Week from National Football Post

There is no doubt that, particularly after 2003, there was a good amount of evidence pointing towards Chris Chambers’ becoming a star WR; since then, though, he has basically fallen off of a cliff...

...Simply put, regardless of how ugly a quarterback or how decrepit a team a WR is surrounded by, elite WRs simply catch a higher percentage of the balls thrown to them than Chris Chambers does.

Chris Chambers, the Worst WR in Football from Patriots Daily

Scouts from the Kansas City Chiefs were present at today’s Notre Dame practice in South Bend. Joining them were representatives from the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts.

There are a handful of very interesting NFL prospects playing for the Irish and the Chiefs currently hold 8 draft picks (and counting!) so it’s never too early to keep tabs on the players of note at each school Kansas City is scouting.

Chiefs Scout Notre Dame Practice from KCChiefsBlog

Player Tweets

studie32 Had a great time with @douggieboomer today. . . . Back to the grind tomorrow.

Media and Fans

ArrowheadPride RT @robmikesh Year to date, I have as many #NFL rushing touchdowns as the entire Kansas City Chiefs running back corps.

ArrowheadPride As I sift through today's news, I realize LJ is soo last week.

Adam_Schefter Bengals terminated the contract of veteran G Scott Kooistra.

Tomahawkkid88: Just launched a brand new awesome ALL POSITIVE chiefs forum. Chech it out and sign up as a member at www.barryskoolaid.com GO KC!

BillKempin: Sportscasters bashing the Chiefs for signing guys released by other teams seem to be unaware it' illegal to sign dudes playing elsewhere.

QueenJerrica: Dude on Jimmy Fallon says he is a chiefs fan lol

Lots of Cowboys Connections to the Chiefs Coaching Staff

Chris Thorman — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:16:19 -0000

More photos » by Eric Gay - AP

4 months ago: Dallas Cowboys' Junior Siavii works out during the team's NFL football training camp in San Antonio, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Browse more photos »

Courtesy of the mothership, we have this week's Kansas City Chiefs/Dallas Cowboys connections. Enjoy.

Kansas City head coach Todd Haley was the passing game coordinator/WRs coach under head coach Bill Parcells with Dallas (2004-06).
Chiefs asst. head coach Maurice Carthon (2003-04), def. coord. Clancy Pendergast (’96-02), LBs coach Gary Gibbs (2002-05) and special teams coach Steve Hoffman (’89-04) also coached for Dallas.
Kansas City WRs coach Dedric Ward played WR for Dallas (2004).
Chiefs WR Terrance Copper (2004-05) and TE Sean Ryan (2004-05) each played with Dallas.
Dallas NT Junior Siavii (2004-07) spent time in KC, while Cowboys LB Steve Octavien entered the NFL as a rookie FA with KC in 2008.
Dallas scout Mitch LaPoint served in the KC Personnel Dept. (’98-04).
Chiefs OL coach Bill Muir coached at SMU (’76-77).
Kansas City RB Jamaal Charles and LB Derrick Johnson played at the University of Texas.
Chiefs G Brian Waters is a native of Waxahachie, TX and played collegiately at North Texas.
Dallas head coach Wade Phillips coached at Kansas (’75).
Cowboys RBs coach Skip Peete played collegiately at Kansas.
Cowboys pro scout Henry Sroka worked at Wichita State.
Dallas asst. athletic trainer Greg Gaither worked at K-State (’99-00).
Cowboys CB Terence Newman played at Kansas State and is a native of Salina, KS.

All of you reppin' Salina make sure you give us a shout out. And one more note, since these connections mentioned the Texas Longhorns. I'm finding myself really wishing the Longhorns would lose each week, simply to wipe the annoying smiles off of all of these UT fans running around this town. There's too many of them and they're too confident in their team to have rational conversations.

Oh, and Colt McCoy annoys the heck out of me.

Savage, Wade Move Up in Chiefs Latest Depth Chart

Joel Thorman — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:52:23 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

2 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs running back Dantrell Savage (29) is brought down by Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (21) after completing a pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Browse more photos »

There was some movement with the Kansas City Chiefs depth chart as they begin to prepare for the Philadelphia Eagles.

There were changes at a handful of positions. Here they are with a few notes under each one.

Wide Receiver

Quinten Lawrence moves ahead of Terrance Copper
Bobby Wade on first team
Mark Bradley and Bobby Engram move to second and third team

Lawrence did not record a reception against the Raiders but started the game with a 16 yard run on a reverse. Wade led all Chiefs receivers with six receptions and 72 yards.

Tight End

Jake O'Connell moves ahead of Brad Cottam

Cottam's been non-existent in two games this year. O'Connell saw some time yesterday but did not record a reception. Remember, Todd Haley tight ends have historically been asked to focus on blocking, as well as receiving.

Running Back

Dantrell Savage moves from fourth to second
Jamaal Charles now third

Savage had a good game yesterday. He recorded 26 rushing yards on three carries. You can also add in the seven yards per reception he had in the receiving game (six receptions). Charles was listed as inactive.

Defensive Back

Donald Washington moves to the second team ahead of Ricardo Colclough

Leggett is still listed behind Flowers but Washington, a rookie, leapfrogged Colclough.

Punt/Kick Returner

Wade now No. 1 punt returner
Savage now No. 1 kick returner (Charles third team)

Wade returned all six punts yesterday for a total of nine yards. It was hardly impressive but no one has separated themselves from the pack. Because of Sebastian Janikowski's booming leg yesterday, the Chiefs didn't record any kick returns.

H/T stagsdp in the FanShots. Check out the full depth chart here.

Who Wants to be a Chiefs WR? Anyone? Anyone?

Joel Thorman — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:00:26 -0000

With the addition of Bobby Wade reportedly happening today, I thought it would be a good time to do a quick review of how we ended up with the receivers that we did. Obviously, this position has been a revolving door the last nine months with the exception of Dwayne Bowe and Mark Bradley, the only two leftovers from the '08 squad.

There have been players entering their second season that were released (Franklin), veterans that were signed (Toomer) and released and even a few veterans that made it on the 53 man roster (Engram).

All in all, there have been 14 players that have been seen on the Chiefs roster at one point since Scott Pioli's January hiring.

Four were cut from last year, a few more came off the street and a bunch in between.

Still on the Roster from Last Year
Dwayne Bowe
Mark Bradley
On the Final Roster Last Year But Not Now
Will Franklin
Jeff Webb
Devard Darling (IR)
Kevin Robinson
Signed and Released Between January and Today
C.J. Jones
Rodney Wright (PS)
Amani Toomer
Ashley Lelie
Taurus Johnson
Jeff Webb (Re-signed)
Signed Over the Offseason, Still on the Team
Bobby Engram
Terrance Copper
Quinten Lawrence (Draft)

Three Chiefs Questionable for Sunday's Game Against the Ravens

Joel Thorman — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:36:21 -0000

Via Josh Looney, here are the questionables for Sunday: Matt Cassel, Brandon Flowers, Terrance Copper

I just told you a few minutes ago that Todd Haley confirmed that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. That was no surprise as Haley had already indicated earlier in the week that would be the case.

It is, however, a little surprising to see Brandon Flowers listed as "questionable" for Sunday's game. As you all know, he hurt his shoulder in the third preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. Of course, there's been no talk of his injury by the Chiefs coaching staff.

The "questionable" designation means he has a 50-50 chance of playing. I would have guessed he would have been "probable" which means it's a near certainty he'll be on the field.

Maurice Leggett played in Flowers' place for the remainder of the Seahawks game. Donald Washington took his spot in the final preseason game against the Rams. I would guess that Washington would take his spot if he were unable to go.

But, by all indications, including from Flowers himself, he'll be out there on Sunday.

We're not sure what Terrance Copper did. He was not listed on Wednesday's injury report. On Thursday, however, he was "limited in participation" with a hamstring injury. His status for Sunday is unknown.

Jackie Battle was listed on Wednesday's report as a limited participant due to an illness. On Thursday, he was ugpraded to a full participant and he does not appear on the final injury report.

Here's how the Ravens injury report is shaking out:

Doubtful - TE L.J. Smith
Questionable - LB Dannell Ellerbe
Probable - LB Brendon Ayanbadejo, DE Haloti Ngata

Smith and Ellerbe probably won't play.

Chiefs Depth Chart Released: Bowe, Tank on the First Team

Joel Thorman — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:57:35 -0000

More photos » by Seth Perlman - AP

Chiefs NT Ron Edwards has been moved to the second team. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

Browse more photos »

The Kansas City Chiefs have released their newest depth chart for the regular season opener at the Baltimore Ravens.

There were a few changes with the additions and subtractions made in the last week. Here are the changes:

OFFENSE

Wide Receiver: Dwayne Bowe, Terrance Copper

Finally! Dwayne Bowe's "demotion" is over. Chiefs fans, and fans of good players across the league, were shocked when Todd Haley sent him down to the third string with the first release of the depth chart over a month ago.

The fact that he's on the first string for the real games doesn't surprise anyone, nor should it. Bowe is far and away the best receiver on the team.

Left Tackle: Branden Albert, Ikechuku Ndukwe

Herb Taylor was previously backing up Albert, who's firmly entrenched as the No. 1 left tackle, but he was released over the weekend. Ndukwe will be serving double duty as the No. 2 on the left and the No. 1 on the right side.

Left Guard: Brian Waters, Wade Smith

No changes

Center: Rudy Niswanger, Wade Smith

Again not much of a surprise. Andy Alleman was previously listed as the backup center but has been seeing all his time at guard.

Right Guard: Mike Goff, Andy Alleman

Things are starting to make a little more sense. Alleman was listed at center but had only seen time at guard. Hopefully Alleman gives Goff a run for his money.

Right Tackle: Ikechuku Ndukwe, Ryan O'Callaghan

One of the most interesting battles of camp. Both of these players weren't on the roster three weeks ago so this position is certainly up for grabs.

Tight End: Sean Ryan, Brad Cottam, Jake O'Connell

No changes.

Wide Receiver: Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram, Quinten Lawrence

No changes.

Quarterback: Matt Cassel, Brodie Croyle, Tyler Thigpen, Matt Gutierrez

No changes.

Fullback: Mike Cox

No changes

Running Back: Larry Johnson, Jackie Battle, Jamaal Charles, Dantrell Savage

No changes

***

DEFENSE

***

Left Defensive End: Tyson Jackson, Wallace Gilberry

Gilberry moved over from the right side following the departure of Alfonso Boone.

Nose Tackle: Tank Tyler, Ron Edwards

Tank Tyler takes the No. 1 spot. They have rotated throughout camp.

Right Defensive End: Glenn Dorsey, Wallace Gilberry, Alex Magee

No changes

Left Outside Linebacker: Mike Vrabel, Andy Studebaker

No changes

Left Inside Linebacker: Demorrio Williams, Monty Beisel, Derrick Johnson

No changes

Right Inside Linebacker: Corey Mays, Jovan Belcher

No changes

Right Outside Linebacker: Tamba Hali, Turk McBride, Pierre Walters

No changes

Left Cornerback: Brandon Flowers, Donald Washington, Maurice Leggett

Washington moves ahead of Leggett, which is more appropriate considering Washington played well last week and Leggett is a nickelback.

Right Cornerback: Brandon Carr, Ricardo Colclough

No changes

Strong Safety: Mike Brown, DaJuan Morgan

No changes

Free Safety: Jon McGraw, Jarrad Page

No Changes

***

SPECIAL TEAMS (No changes)

***

Punter: Dustin Colquitt

Kicker: Ryan Succop

Kickoffs: Ryan Succop

Holder: Dustin Colquitt, Tyler Thigpen

Punt Returner: Dantrell Savage, Quinten Lawrence, Maurice Leggett

Kick Returner: Jamaal Charles, Dantrell Savage, Quinten Lawrence



			J. Page		D. Morgan
			J. McGraw		M. Brown
			*Free Safety*		*Strong Safety*

	P. Walters
	T. McBride		D.Johnson				A. Studebaker
	T. Hali		M. Beisel		J. Belcher		M. Vrabel
	*OLB*		D. Williams		C. Mays		*OLB*
			*ILB*		*ILB*

								M. Leggett
R. Colclough		A. Magee		R. Edwards		W. Gilberry		D. Washington
B. Carr		G. Dorsey		T. Tyler		T. Jackson		B. Flowers
*Cornerback*		*Def. End*		*Nose Tackle*		*Def. End*		*Cornerback*

*Wide Receiver*		*Tackle*	*Guard*	*Center*	*Guard*	*Tackle*	*Tight End*	*Wide Receiver*
M. Bradley		B. Albert	B. Waters	R. Niswanger	M. Goff	I. Ndukwe	S. Ryan	D. Bowe
B. Engram		I. Ndukwe	W. Smith	W. Smith	A. Alleman	R. O'Callaghan	B. Cottam	T. Copper
Q. Lawrence							J. O'Connell

	*Slot Receiver*
	B. Engram			*Quarterback*
	Q. Lawrence		*Fullback*	M. Cassel	*Tailback*
			M. Cox	B. Croyle	L. Johnson
				T. Thigpen	J. Battle
				M. Gutierrez	J. Charles		*KR/PR*	*Punter*
*Long Snapper*	*Kicker*				D. Savage		Q. Lawrence	D. Colquitt
T. Gafford	R. Succop						D. Savage

Receivers, Safeties on the Chiefs Roster Bubble

Joel Thorman — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:44:58 -0000

There are roster battles across the board for the Kansas City Chiefs bubble players but I've highlighted two of the particularly interesting battles today.

(Photo via David Eulitt of the Kansas City Star)

First, is DaJuan Morgan and Mike Brown battling it out to backup Bernard Pollard. There are reasons for and against each player. I make the case that Brown will be retained by the coaching staff.

Second, is the slew of reserve wide receivers on this team. From Copper to Wright to Johnson to Lelie, there are no sure things. I don't make a case for any of these players, instead raise questions about each of them.

Safety: DaJuan Morgan vs. Mike Brown

Neither have made a huge impact on the field this season but, for leadership purposes, I see Mike Brown winning the backup safety battle. Bernard Pollard should be the starter, in my estimation, despite what might be going around.

Some rumors surfaced within the last couple of weeks that Morgan was the subject of a failed trade between the Chiefs and Lions. We're not sure of the accuracy of the rumor but it was definitely out there. If it is indeed true, then it's clear the Chiefs A) don't need him, B) don't want him or C) have someone else on the roster (Brown) they prefer.

Whatever the choice, the result is the same.

This is what tells me Brown will stick around: The Chiefs worked him out on June 3rd. 23 days and a full slate of OTAs later, they signed him. That means that they wanted to see what he had left in the tank, saw the competition already on the roster and went ahead and signed him. To me that says they believe he's a good fit with the Chiefs.

Both have been pinned as injury prone but, thus far in Chiefs camp, it's been Brown, not Morgan, who has stayed healthy.

Both players are due minimum contracts with Morgan signed through '10 and Brown just this year.

Reserve Wide Receivers

I think most of us can agree that Dwayne Bowe and Mark Bradley are making the team. Are there any arguments on this one?

I feel pretty safe saying that Bobby Engram will make the team even if he hasn't had much action in preseason. He's been in the league for 13 years so, assuming health, the Chiefs know what they've got with him meaning the preseason action isn't necessary.

I also feel safe about Quinten Lawrence who has been targeted more than any other wide receiver this preseason, which means he gets open (or the quarterbacks think he's open) and that's gotta be something the coaching staff recognizes. Two more pluses: He has been getting some time at returner and might be the fastest player on the team.

That leaves the following players battling it out: Terrance Copper, Ashley Lelie, Taurus Johnson and Rodney Wright.

At this point, it's down to a numbers game. For these four, I have some questions.

Copper has been with the first team, which shows he's on Haley's good side when it comes to showing effort (because that's how his depth chart is created...based on effort). But, will Haley keep someone on the team based on effort and not necessarily results in the preseason?

Lelie showed up late so he's a little behind. He's shown a little bit, especially last game and especially considering he was just signed a couple weeks ago. Does Haley keep Lelie based on what he could learn in this offense and what he could contribute?

Johnson appears to be out of the running if we base this off of what we've read in practice reports. To be honest, the only reason I remember Johnson's name is because he was the recipient of a Haley lashing in a recent NFL Network video. But the Chiefs did work him out prior to the draft, and signed him as a UDFA so there's something there that they like, or thought they liked. Does Haley give Johnson some more time to figure out if he likes what he thought he liked?

Wright is an interesting figure on the team. In the early goings his name was splattered across nearly every camp report out there. Christy Brusoe, a UWRF writer who covered the Chiefs, boldly claimed there's a spot on this team for Wright based on effort alone. We'll see. Does Haley keep a guy like Wright who appears to be competent at most things, yet not exceptional at anything?

With Roster Cuts Looming, Twelve Chiefs Don't Play Against the Seahawks

Joel Thorman — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:00:20 -0000

More photos » by Ed Zurga - AP

Todd Haley aggressively speaking. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

Browse more photos »

On Saturday I said we should be looking out for the Kansas City Chiefs that did not enter last night's 14-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. I argued that, with five roster cuts having to be made by Tuesday, the coaching staff probably knew who was going to get the heave-ho. Things like injury settlements might preclude Todd Haley from sending an undrafted free agent into the game who was unlikely to make the team in the first place.

Well, 12 Chiefs didn't play against the Seahawks and it's looking like, at least for a few of them, this might have been their last game in a red uniform. Five were due to injury and seven were unexplained.

Brodie Croyle also did not play but I did not include him on this list. His scratch was a predetermined decision by the coaching staff to get Tyler Thigpen more time.

First, the ones we knew were injured and hadn't practiced all week:

RB Kolby Smith
LB Zach Thomas
TE Jake O'Connell

No explanation on any of those injuries. Smith will likely start the season on PUP, Zach Thomas will be ready by Baltimore and Jake O'Connell is an unknown as well.

Then the two surprise injury scratches:

LB Derrick Johnson
FS Jarrad Page

No explanation on either of these either. Derrick Johnson missed a little time late in the week. Jarrad Page practiced all week and there was no indication he was injured.

Now, here's the list of seven other players, a combination of recent draft picks and undrafted free agents, who did not play Saturday against the Seahawks:

WR Terrance Copper
CB Londen Fryar
RB Javarris Williams
OL Colin Brown
DE Bobby Greenwood
OT Cameron Goldberg
OT Herb Taylor

Three names that wouldn't surprise me if they were on the cut list: Fryar, Greenwood and Goldberg.

They're undrafted free agents so they were long shots to begin with. Combine that with not playing in the third game of preseason and their stay in Kansas City appears to be a short one.

Four names that would slightly surprise me if they were cut: Copper, Williams, Brown and Taylor.

Terrance Copper has been running with the first team and, since the inception of the first unofficial depth chart, has been listed as the No. 1 wide receiver. Javarris Williams would be less of a surprise but he's still a '09 draft pick. Same goes for Colin Brown, who was a fifth round pick. He's been seeing time at right guard, the same position to which the Chiefs added more depth with the trade for Andy Alleman. Herb Taylor was drafted two years ago and hasn't developed like many thought he would.

With Tuesday rapidly approaching, and the Chiefs with the rest of the weekend to evaluate tape, keep an eye on these guys. There's a good chance the names on this list will make the majority, if not all, of Tuesday's five roster cuts.

View from the Press Box (Texans Beat Chiefs Edition)

Joel Thorman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:27:52 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

You're telling me Tim Krumrie inserted himself at defensive tackle? No, no we can't have this. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Browse more photos »

We're still figuring out exactly how we're going to cover the Chiefs with Arrowhead Pride's seat in the press box but we've got the basic idea down.

Among other things, we essentially want to bring to you what you didn't see on TV. That may come in the form of some quotes from the locker room after the game or some notes on what various players and/or coaches were doing on the sidelines during the game.

I took some notes on what I saw and put them below. There's really no rhythm to these. It was just a few different things I saw throughout the night that I found interesting.

Once we get the hang of this, I hope this is one of the more interesting posts to come out of Arrowhead Pride's seat in the press box. The idea is to place you all in the seat next to me and help you see what I see. Hope you enjoy it.

(Photos courtesy of John Sleezer and David Eulitt of the Kansas City Star)

Just arriving

As I settle into my seat, just to my right there are some folks from the NFL cutting up film of the game. Just a quick glimpse of their computer screens helps explain why NFL Films is continually on the leading edge of the sports coverage industry. This has got to be one of the best jobs out there. Travel to different stadiums, watch football, and break it down in real time on film. It's even cooler when you know how incredibly well the final product turns out.

Initial thoughts on LJ

LJ only played a couple of series but it's becoming clear to me that the theme from last year still rings true today - spread the offense. The line's not going to be mauling anyone this year so making holes for LJ becomes much more strategic than line-up-and-run-you-over.

He spent a lot of time at the end of the sidelines by himself. He definitely comes across as a loner but one I wouldn't want to face in the open field.

Haley and the receivers

When the first team offense comes off, and the defense takes the field, Todd Haley has been going back to the bench and talking to the offensive players. I'm not sure he saw much of the Chiefs defense in the first quarter. He was right next to the receivers most of the time. But that's what the tape is for and the team reviewed that last night.

Either he's having trouble taking his focus off of the wide receivers (since he's a former WRs coach) or he's putting a lot of faith into his coordinators.

I talked to Quinten Lawrence after the game and he said Haley instills the idea of being a complete receiver to each of them every day.

Krumrie getting after it

If you've ever been to a game and looked at the sidelines, then you know what I'm talking about when I say this - Tim Krumrie is the most intense coach on the field. Seriously. The "intense" description has been applied to Haley plenty the last few months but Krumrie is going 100% at all times.

Mental note: At some point, try to hear Tim Krumrie speak after a game.

I bet his voice is shot after nearly three hours of this.

Tamba Hali exceeding expectations?

A nice play from Tamba Hali in the red zone. On a key third down in the red zone, he knocked down a pass in coverage. That fired up the sidelines and a lot of players were congratulating him coming off the field.

We all had (and still have) our reservations about Tamba Hali. But In just a few defensive sets for Hali, it’s very obvious he’s been emphasizing tackling and tackling hard. He was a nice early surprise.

Not much has changed with Thigpen

He's still the most exciting part of the offense. I heard a few folks around me wondering why Thigpen shouldn't be the guy. He makes things happen.

31 yards rushing in under a quarter of work. That's a huge weapon and I think it'd be a shame if the Chiefs ignored it (which is why I think Thigpen will make the team).

At the same time, he threw the interception that all but ended the game. The highs are high and the lows are low.

Mike Brown's leadership

In the second quarter, Mike Brown was talking to the starting secondary while the Chiefs offense was on the field. The safeties, Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page, and the cornerbacks, Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr, were sitting on the bench and Brown stood over them and talked for a couple of minutes.

I was in on Pollard's conversation in the locker room where he cited Brown's leadership and talked about competing with him every day for the rest of the season.

Some folks were wondering whether Brown would take the starting job from Pollard. That's a situation that could create some animosity but if that's the case, neither are showing it.

Warming up on the sidelines

Terrance Copper was playing catch with someone for most of the half. Whether it was Cassel, Bradley or Bowe, Copper was the one on the sidelines that was catching the ball much of the time he was out.

By putting him on the first team, Haley is probably pointing out some aspect of Copper's work ethic. At this point, I think the first/second/third team designation is based off of how hard they're working.

Everyone got an opportunity

12 Chiefs caught 21 balls on 37 attempts. Those 12 combined for 200 yards.

It's hard to say that not everyone got a chance on Saturday night (except Matt Gutierrez).

Players were quickly being rotated out. Glenn Dorsey and Alfonso Boone were the starting defensive ends. But by the third play in the series, Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee replaced them. The majority of the players were standing on the edge of the sidelines waiting for their name to be called.

Final thoughts

Let's just say I have a lot more respect for the reporters that cover the Chiefs every day. This is a hard job.

Obviously, Arrowhead Pride (Yeah, that was third person) is trying to do this in ways that you haven't seen before (even if we haven't completely figured out how yet). We're still going to rely on the Kansas City Star and BobGretz.com for much of the Chiefs coverage.

Like we've been saying, the more people talking Chiefs, the better.

Chiefs' Haley Talks Hot Weather, Receivers and Injuries

Joel Thorman — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:42:04 -0000

via UWRF

Kansas City head coach Todd Haley met with reporters following today's practice. The Chiefs had one practice today. You can find that update here.

Haley covered a variety of topics on the "warmest one-a-day" the Chiefs have had since they began the trek up to River Falls, WI. He talked about the receivers, lack of injuries, preseason and veterans.

He referenced Terrance Copper and Rodney Wright by name when asked who was stepping up from the group of receivers. Citing specific players' names usually isn't his forte so this is good news for those two.

After the jump, I've included a few of the highlights and a pretty cool photo montage (courtesy of the UW-RF staff) of a nice looking catch by Wright. Video and a full transcript is available at the Mothership.

Q: Do you use depth chart placement as a tool to get players fired up?

HALEY: "I am in a different position now. When I was a position coach I used to tell guys that I would do everything I can to get them out of here if you are not doing it this way. Obviously as a position coach I wasn’t making the final decision, but occasionally I’d be able to get done what I wanted done and the rest of the group would take notice. Now that I am the head coach, obviously I have a little more say in these things. It’s not a threat, it’s more that we are going to do it with the guys that do it our way and that is what we are looking for."

Q: Who is impressing you from the WR group?

HALEY: "Terrance Copper is a guy that you know you are going to get a good days work from everyday. Terrance Copper impresses me. Rodney Wright is coming from a long way off and it has been a little while, but he has worked hard every day. Has he been perfect? No, but I think he has made strides. I think you can clearly see a guy like Amani Toomer come in and he understands what it takes to play in the league. Same with Bobby Engram. I would say in talking about the group, those particular guys have stood out to me as guys who are trying to do it the way we want it done every day."

Q: Is it significant to only have five guys working out of pads?

HALEY: "Yeah. To make this team you have to be on the field in general and that is a good sign when that group is getting smaller and smaller. Throughout the season it will be the same memo from us, to play you have to practice and that is the way we are going to handle our business and that is the way I have had success doing it. I like that the group is getting smaller and we have LB Demorrio Williams fighting back to get on the field and he was out there today. From what I could tell it looked like he showed up a handful of times so I thought that was good."

Q: What is your philosophy for the preseason?

HALEY: "I think winning has got to be important around here all the time because we need to learn how to win again. That will be something an emphasis will be put on but at the same time, the most important thing that has to get done is evaluation. While we want to win, we have to do it with whatever group we need in there to get a full evaluation of the team."

Thigpen drops back to pass....

Wright makes a leaping grab...

In traffic...

Still has it...

Coming down with it...

Turns and faces the defenders...

Get ready for it...

Splits the defenders for six (in a non-contact drill)!