A statement I’m getting familiar with – and something you hear Todd Haley say a lot – is the word team. He might sound like a broken record, and I mention it with nearly every OTA, but there’s no dodging it.
You have the usual questions, and seeing Haley’s face with some is historic. It’s funny because he tries to respond with a smart answer, but I’ve learned during a press conference or in the locker room, there is such a thing as a dumb question. I know, because I’ve asked them, but Haley has a default. The catchall comes back to team and what that means.
After several OTA’s the drills haven’t changed. There might be a few new wrinkles, but the routine is pretty much the same. The challenge when observing is looking for the little things, try to take in what’s different.
What is singular is this team, the very thing Haley keeps preaching. The good news is the players are listening. Something I’ve noticed when talking to the players is you don’t hear many me, myself or I’s. Truly, no matter the question, the response always finds its way to team.
You hear it from Thomas Jones, and while Jamaal Charles talks about winning, he’s quick to point out that’s it’s not going to happen without the help of his team. The rookies get it as well.
It’s a group thing.
The focus of OTA’s, mini-camp, and training camp is to bring out the cream of the crop. Having the best players should make for a great team. Team building 101 – self development, have positive communication, develop leadership skills and the ability to work closely together as a team that can solve problems.
The Kansas City Chiefs had a problem last year, the year before – and the one before that. They haven’t synched up or played much like a team. Haley’s beating his drum, and so far his troops are marching.
TAMBA HALI: I can’t brag on Tamba Hali enough. If any player fits the profile of a hard worker, eager to learn, and being a leader, it’s Hali.
On my way out of the locker room Tuesday I let Hali know. What I liked seeing on the practice field was the way he stayed busy, stuck with the coaches, and how he never stood still.
“Because I’m a big linebacker,” he responded.
There’s no idle time for Hali. If he’s not involved in a play, he’s working on something else. He’s a busy bee. What I sense is Hali doesn’t take what he has for granted, because he knows playing linebacker isn’t his natural thing. He understands it requires him to make it happen, to hustle more than the next guy. Not some of the time, but every chance he gets.
Whether Hali realizes it or not, his attitude will speak volumes to his fellow teammates. If the Chiefs can get a handle on the nose tackle position then there’s no reason to think Hali can’t have a great season. Keep it up!
DERRICK JOHNSON: Maybe it’s nothing?
“This time of year the depth chart stuff is really not something I get caught up in in front of all of you and we’re not caught up in it as a coaching staff – we’re moving guys around for a lot of different reasons and Derrick is one of the guys here really working to be the best he can be,” Haley said, responding to questions over Derrick Johnson and the depth chart. “That’s a good thing because if he can play the big-time football for us that will be good for the Kansas City Chiefs.”
Or perhaps what Haley said and what I’m seeing doesn’t compute. At practice, the media sees the action from a distance, but one group that’s closest is the linebackers. Since the first OTA, Johnson has been exactly where he is, and that’s second fiddle behind LB’s Mike Vrabel, Demorrio Williams, Corey Mays and Tamba Hali.
The first week of OTA’s when asked if he’d start, Johnson said if healthy he would. He was confident about that.
Johnson may be sure, but ultimately it’ll be up to Haley.
In OTA’s, I’ve seen the Chiefs mix it up, especially at safety, but without Jarrad Page they have to. There’s a ton of competition at safety, but at linebacker you can tell who’s probably going to start.
My question mark rests with Corey Mays. Last season Mays was a good story but soon became ordinary as the season wore on. Mays finished with 85 combined tackles, but only had 41 the previous four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots.
Am I nitpicking? Well, how does Mays, with no interceptions, touchdowns, or sacks for his career, start over Johnson? It’s a good question, because Johnson has 386 combined tackles, 13 sacks, six interceptions and two touchdowns. Johnson has blocked 25 passes to Mays’ three.
So don’t fault me if I’m thinking it’s something more, something we’re not seeing. Then again, it might be like Haley says, no big deal.
IT’S A WRAP: Overall things are looking up, but that’s my opinion.
Good day, Chief fans! Remember, it’s all vanilla, it’s still very early, and I promise that after training camp much of what we’re seeing will be totally different.
That I know.
I also recognize I can’t wait to see some Chiefs on Monday Night Football!
Good day, Chief fans!
