Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
Here is a look at the Chiefs and what needs to be done after the break:
Record: 1-6
Reason they are in their current state: The Chiefs have not learned to win yet. First-year coach Todd Haley has been unable to quickly instill a winning feeling in Kansas City. The Chiefs won just six games in the final two years of the Herm Edwards era. When the Chiefs beat Washington in Week 6, it ended a streak in which they lost 28 of 30 games. Like last year, the Chiefs have blown chances to win late in games under Haley. Kansas City had opportunities to win against Oakland and Dallas in the final moments. There are some decent pieces in Kansas City, but until they learn to win, the Chiefs will be stuck in the doldrums.
Best player so far: It’s probably been quarterback Matt Cassel. He hasn’t been overly impressive, but Cassel, for the most part, has made good decisions and looks to be a centerpiece for Kansas City. He hasn’t been a disappointment. Cassel -- acquired from New England -- hasn’t been a franchise-type player, but he doesn’t have much to work with. Cassel should get better as the Chiefs build their offense around him in the future.
What needs to be done: It’s all about the future in Kansas City. The Chiefs are going nowhere this season. The Chiefs have to figure out who can and who can’t help next year. Running back Jamaal Charles needs to get more playing time and the young players on the offensive and defensive lines must improve and show they can be part of the future. There may be nine games left in Kansas City’s season, but the rest of 2009 is more about 2010 than it is about this seas0n.
Fearless forecast: Haley will not be one-and-done in Kansas City. There has been some talk that Haley will be bounced after one season. I don’t see it. Sure, he has been slow to change the culture and he has made a few questionable decisions in his first seven games as an NFL head coach. But Haley has a chance to be a good head coach. It would be very surprising if new Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli would pull the plug on his own hire so early. Haley will, at least, get two years to show he’s the right man for the job in Kansas City.
Here is a look at the Chiefs and what needs to be done after the break:
Record: 1-6
Reason they are in their current state: The Chiefs have not learned to win yet. First-year coach Todd Haley has been unable to quickly instill a winning feeling in Kansas City. The Chiefs won just six games in the final two years of the Herm Edwards era. When the Chiefs beat Washington in Week 6, it ended a streak in which they lost 28 of 30 games. Like last year, the Chiefs have blown chances to win late in games under Haley. Kansas City had opportunities to win against Oakland and Dallas in the final moments. There are some decent pieces in Kansas City, but until they learn to win, the Chiefs will be stuck in the doldrums.
Best player so far: It’s probably been quarterback Matt Cassel. He hasn’t been overly impressive, but Cassel, for the most part, has made good decisions and looks to be a centerpiece for Kansas City. He hasn’t been a disappointment. Cassel -- acquired from New England -- hasn’t been a franchise-type player, but he doesn’t have much to work with. Cassel should get better as the Chiefs build their offense around him in the future.
What needs to be done: It’s all about the future in Kansas City. The Chiefs are going nowhere this season. The Chiefs have to figure out who can and who can’t help next year. Running back Jamaal Charles needs to get more playing time and the young players on the offensive and defensive lines must improve and show they can be part of the future. There may be nine games left in Kansas City’s season, but the rest of 2009 is more about 2010 than it is about this seas0n.
Fearless forecast: Haley will not be one-and-done in Kansas City. There has been some talk that Haley will be bounced after one season. I don’t see it. Sure, he has been slow to change the culture and he has made a few questionable decisions in his first seven games as an NFL head coach. But Haley has a chance to be a good head coach. It would be very surprising if new Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli would pull the plug on his own hire so early. Haley will, at least, get two years to show he’s the right man for the job in Kansas City.
Bill Williamson | email
NFL- ESPN AFC West Blogger
- Spent four seasons covering the Broncos for the Denver Post
- Previously covered Vikings, Packers, Seahawks
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
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