NFL Nation: Jim Zorn
The Nike literature regarding the new "Elite 51" uniforms made available to NFL teams Tuesday includes the following terms: technology, Thermoregulation, hydrophobic, aircraft-grade, zonal, articulated and Hyperfuse.
Phil Knight's writers could have been describing spacesuits instead of football uniforms, except there's a lot more money to be made from the latter.
Nike saved some of its most descriptive writing for the Seattle Seahawks' total uniform redesign, which has so far trumped subtler styling tweaks for the other 31 teams.
"The new uniform colors are rooted in Seattle's own environmental hues -- the deep blue of the ocean water that tucks into the harbor near downtown and the Seahawks' stadium," Nike proclaims. "The new color addition called Action Green represents the green of the ubiquitous trees, ferns and moss literally covering the Pacific Northwest landscape."
While the Seahawks underwent the most dramatic uniform overhaul, including 12 markings on the pants and collar to honor the 12th Man, all teams' uniforms are functionally identical (check them out via Nike for Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco and St. Louis).
"The uniform is completely engineered from the inside out, focusing on creating a system where the baselayer, padding, jersey and pant work in concert," Nike said. "A few of the new innovations include increasing sleeve articulation for better range of motion and integrating new four-way stretch fabrication to provide a streamlined shrink-wrap fit."
The numbers on the jersey also stretch, according to Nike.
The 49ers made available a shot of their white away jersey. It looks about like the ones we've seen the 49ers wear previously. While this shot of Alex Smith makes him look like a bad dude, the Seahawks are the ones calling their threads "the new look of intimidation" on their website.
A read through the comments section on our previous item shows a range of opinions on the Seattle redesign. I asked those leaving comments to disclose their ages, figuring younger fans might be more apt to welcome what Nike obviously considers to be a cutting-edge concept.
A sampling, with listed ages:
Thanks for sharing. We haven't heard the last on this subject, I'm sure. Most of the reviews I read through seemed positive.
Phil Knight's writers could have been describing spacesuits instead of football uniforms, except there's a lot more money to be made from the latter.
Nike saved some of its most descriptive writing for the Seattle Seahawks' total uniform redesign, which has so far trumped subtler styling tweaks for the other 31 teams.
"The new uniform colors are rooted in Seattle's own environmental hues -- the deep blue of the ocean water that tucks into the harbor near downtown and the Seahawks' stadium," Nike proclaims. "The new color addition called Action Green represents the green of the ubiquitous trees, ferns and moss literally covering the Pacific Northwest landscape."
While the Seahawks underwent the most dramatic uniform overhaul, including 12 markings on the pants and collar to honor the 12th Man, all teams' uniforms are functionally identical (check them out via Nike for Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco and St. Louis).
"The uniform is completely engineered from the inside out, focusing on creating a system where the baselayer, padding, jersey and pant work in concert," Nike said. "A few of the new innovations include increasing sleeve articulation for better range of motion and integrating new four-way stretch fabrication to provide a streamlined shrink-wrap fit."
The numbers on the jersey also stretch, according to Nike.
The 49ers made available a shot of their white away jersey. It looks about like the ones we've seen the 49ers wear previously. While this shot of Alex Smith makes him look like a bad dude, the Seahawks are the ones calling their threads "the new look of intimidation" on their website.
A read through the comments section on our previous item shows a range of opinions on the Seattle redesign. I asked those leaving comments to disclose their ages, figuring younger fans might be more apt to welcome what Nike obviously considers to be a cutting-edge concept.
A sampling, with listed ages:
- dizzog22 (age 24): "LOVE them. Gives the hawks a tougher look... Much better than the shiny blue... That was ridiculous."
- luckier_12thman (no age listed): "I love these jerseys! The Hawks and Nike are just setting the tone, everyone outside the NW will hate the hawks look as always, but all the more reason to love them."
- J3ffro19 (31): "I think they all look pretty good, the blue on blue or white on white especially."
- Willy2535 (22): "LOVE THEM!!!!!!!"
- nwdave (28): "At first I was like 'ugh,' then I was like 'meh,' and now they're growing on me. I like the gray alternates, and I like the helmet design. The overall look is pretty busy, though."
- shorne25 (29): "Why do I think Arena Football League?"
- SirDro (26): "I'm in the minority, but these look like MLS uniforms circa 1996. To each their own, I guess. Just glad my Niners aren't wearing anything like that."
- NickMinnott (24): "Horrible, just awful. I'm embarrassed."
- linemanmax64 (22): "I'm really digging the away and alternate jerseys. The home might take a bit more getting used to; I feel like it'll look good in the sunlight."
- usceahawk (29): "Initially a little shocked, I think I like them."
- bkbailey76 (36): "I had bigger hopes for the unis. I'm glad the Seahawks are doing something different, but not sure if this was the way to go."
- Stormballa1986 (25): "We are in an ever changing world. NASCAR couldn't use 1934 Ford Coupes forever. Point is, the new uniforms are going to be something that when they change them again in 10 years, I am going to be the one saying, 'They were fine the way they were' about these new ones. They have to change, we can't wear the same uniforms we wore in 1992. Whether you like it or not, it is going to happen. Might as well be optimistic about how much of a beast Money Lynch looks in them."
- crus9041 (no age): "Awesome of them to remember the 12th Man!"
- Flynnsane in the Membrane (23): "I would have liked the home one more, if it wasn't for the neon green patch on the shoulder. I did like the grey ones the best. Might be getting a kam or lynch grey jersey."
- ser4ph1m (26): "I completely agree, the neon green patch is distracting."
- daveb_dc (32): "I think it'll take a while to get used to the new 'Nike' look, rather than the classic NFL look. I like the gray as the alternate, and I like the all whites. I hate the name across the back."
- BaneDaBakBreakah (30): "These are the ugliest uniforms in the history of the NFL. The Nike logo is on the uniform more times that our own. If the jersey didn't have the actual word 'Seahawks' on it, then I wouldn't be able to discern it from a generic high school jersey. I think I'll save my money and skip buying a Matt Flynn jersey and stick with my retro Jim Zorn one."
- Charbonneau85 (18): "Seahawks are so close to having perfect uniforms. The helmet is absolutely beautiful. The green should be darker, but otherwise the design is fantastic."
- Battles 4 Seattle (26): "The helmet exceeded my expectations. Think it looks so sleek and yet very cool. The uniforms did not meet my expectations. I dislike the green and some of the other detail pieces."
- SFC_12thMan (32): "At first I was bothered, but then I remembered that they were showing three uniforms, and not just one. The new dark jerseys look AWFUL when worn with the new dark pants, but are actually kinda cool with the gray or white pants. I LOVE the all-gray look. The helmets were the best change by far!!"
- cubicalhabitation (no age): "So if the Seahawks are joining the XFL, who is going to replace them in the NFC West?"
Thanks for sharing. We haven't heard the last on this subject, I'm sure. Most of the reviews I read through seemed positive.
In the end, Jason Campbell signed with the Chicago Bears because it was the best backup job available. After realizing he wasn’t going to get any interest to compete somewhere for a starting job, Campbell took a one-year deal to be Jay Cutler’s backup.
CampbellThe incredible turn of events for Campbell has continued. I truly feel bad for him. He deserves better.
Campbell was playing well last season as the Raiders’ starter when he broke his collarbone in October. Two days later, the Raiders sent two premium picks for Carson Palmer, and Campbell went from a valuable pending free agent to a player who is now a backup.
It is clear why Campbell wanted to leave Oakland. There is no way he’d want to stay and back up his replacement, Palmer, even though Campbell is now backing up a better, younger quarterback in Jay Cutler.
Kansas City probably wasn't interested in bringing Campbell in as competition for Matt Cassel. Even though Campbell played for Chiefs quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn in Washington. Orton is going to visit Dallas (where he too would be a backup), so it is an indication that Cassel may remain the starter.
I think Campbell would have been a formidable competitor for Tim Tebow in Denver, but the Broncos didn't want to do anything until the Peyton Manning sweepstakes was resolved.
Campbell jumped at what he thought was the best bet and he will have to hope he gets a chance to start sometime down the road.
Oakland fans should salute Campbell as he leaves town. He was a classy leader who stayed professional and supported the team after his injury. Lesser people wouldn’t have handled it as well as Campbell did.
Campbell was playing well last season as the Raiders’ starter when he broke his collarbone in October. Two days later, the Raiders sent two premium picks for Carson Palmer, and Campbell went from a valuable pending free agent to a player who is now a backup.
It is clear why Campbell wanted to leave Oakland. There is no way he’d want to stay and back up his replacement, Palmer, even though Campbell is now backing up a better, younger quarterback in Jay Cutler.
Kansas City probably wasn't interested in bringing Campbell in as competition for Matt Cassel. Even though Campbell played for Chiefs quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn in Washington. Orton is going to visit Dallas (where he too would be a backup), so it is an indication that Cassel may remain the starter.
I think Campbell would have been a formidable competitor for Tim Tebow in Denver, but the Broncos didn't want to do anything until the Peyton Manning sweepstakes was resolved.
Campbell jumped at what he thought was the best bet and he will have to hope he gets a chance to start sometime down the road.
Oakland fans should salute Campbell as he leaves town. He was a classy leader who stayed professional and supported the team after his injury. Lesser people wouldn’t have handled it as well as Campbell did.
Daboll takes over promising Chiefs offense
February, 4, 2012
Feb 4
12:56
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The Kansas City Chiefs’ long journey for a new offensive coordinator took them back to one of the first names that popped up for the job.
Daboll ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting the Chiefs will hire Brian Daboll as coordinator of the potentially dangerous offense. Daboll, 36, was a finalist along with Kansas City quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn and Al Saunders, a former Kansas City offensive coordinator who was just replaced in Oakland.
Daboll emerged as an early candidate. He continues the New England Way in Kansas City. He was in New England with Kansas City general manger Scott Pioli and Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel during the last decade.
There were reports last month that the Chiefs were looking for a dynamic offensive coordinator and Schefter reported that former Green Bay head coach Mike Sherman, who ended up as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator, was on the Chiefs' radar. While Daboll is considered a promising young coach, it would be inaccurate to describe his previous experience as an NFL offensive coordinator as dynamic.
He was the Browns’ offensive coordinator from 2009-2010 and he was Miami’s offensive coordinator in 2011. Those offenses struggled. However, Miami’s offense made strides in the second half of last season and running back Reggie Bush had his best NFL season under Daboll’s guidance.
Daboll has a reputation for being a hard-edged coach. He was particularly hard on Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy when he was a rookie in 2010.
Daboll’s hiring may be a good sign for Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel. They worked together for two years in New England. Both Pioli and Crennel said this week that Cassel will face competition. It is not known yet if the team will bring in someone to legitimately push Cassel or not.
Daboll is inheriting a potentially strong offense. The team will get star running back Jamaal Charles back after he blew out his knee in Week 2. Promising tight end Tony Moeaki will be back after missing the entire season with a knee injury. The passing game has a chance to be very good, particularly if free agent Dwayne Bowe returns. So, there are plenty of pieces for Daboll to work with.
It will be interesting to see if Zorn stays or if the Chiefs bring in a new quarterbacks coach. The Kansas City Star reported that Zorn may quit if he didn’t get the promotion.
UPDATE: NFL.com reported Saturday that Zorn will stay in Kansas City unless the Steelers approach him for their offensive coordinator job. This decision should serve the Chiefs well. Zorn had a good relationship with the quarterbacks last year and keeping him will ensure continuity.
Daboll emerged as an early candidate. He continues the New England Way in Kansas City. He was in New England with Kansas City general manger Scott Pioli and Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel during the last decade.
There were reports last month that the Chiefs were looking for a dynamic offensive coordinator and Schefter reported that former Green Bay head coach Mike Sherman, who ended up as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator, was on the Chiefs' radar. While Daboll is considered a promising young coach, it would be inaccurate to describe his previous experience as an NFL offensive coordinator as dynamic.
He was the Browns’ offensive coordinator from 2009-2010 and he was Miami’s offensive coordinator in 2011. Those offenses struggled. However, Miami’s offense made strides in the second half of last season and running back Reggie Bush had his best NFL season under Daboll’s guidance.
Daboll has a reputation for being a hard-edged coach. He was particularly hard on Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy when he was a rookie in 2010.
Daboll’s hiring may be a good sign for Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel. They worked together for two years in New England. Both Pioli and Crennel said this week that Cassel will face competition. It is not known yet if the team will bring in someone to legitimately push Cassel or not.
Daboll is inheriting a potentially strong offense. The team will get star running back Jamaal Charles back after he blew out his knee in Week 2. Promising tight end Tony Moeaki will be back after missing the entire season with a knee injury. The passing game has a chance to be very good, particularly if free agent Dwayne Bowe returns. So, there are plenty of pieces for Daboll to work with.
It will be interesting to see if Zorn stays or if the Chiefs bring in a new quarterbacks coach. The Kansas City Star reported that Zorn may quit if he didn’t get the promotion.
UPDATE: NFL.com reported Saturday that Zorn will stay in Kansas City unless the Steelers approach him for their offensive coordinator job. This decision should serve the Chiefs well. Zorn had a good relationship with the quarterbacks last year and keeping him will ensure continuity.
Chiefs in no hurry to add coordinators
January, 12, 2012
Jan 12
1:23
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
I had the opportunity to speak to new Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel on Thursday morning about an upcoming project. However, I was able to ask him about the team’s progress toward hiring offensive and defensive coordinators.
Crennel indicated that the offensive and defensive coordinator positions will likely not be filled in the immediate future. Crennel said he is in the early stages of the process and that the team needs to get some permission to talk to some candidates. That could be an indication that the Chiefs might have some candidates who are position coaches elsewhere in the league.
Crennel said he hopes to interview candidates next week and at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama the following week.
He did not discuss specific candidates. Among the potential candidates for the offensive coordinator job could include Kansas City quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn, former Jacksonville offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and perhaps even former Oakland coach Hue Jackson. Possible defensive candidates could include Kansas City assistant Gary Gibbs, former Jacksonville defensive coordinator and interim coach Mel Tucker, and San Francisco assistant Jim Tomsula.
In other AFC West news:
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. lists Kansas City’s Tamba Hali as the third best pass-rusher in the NFL.
The San Diego Union-Tribune believes its time the Chargers give Vincent Jackson a long-term deal. I agree. I believe the sides will talk seriously about it. The Chargers would rather not put the hefty franchise tag on Jackson, so a long-term deal might be the best option.
Late-night television has gotten in on Tebowmania.
Crennel indicated that the offensive and defensive coordinator positions will likely not be filled in the immediate future. Crennel said he is in the early stages of the process and that the team needs to get some permission to talk to some candidates. That could be an indication that the Chiefs might have some candidates who are position coaches elsewhere in the league.
Crennel said he hopes to interview candidates next week and at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama the following week.
He did not discuss specific candidates. Among the potential candidates for the offensive coordinator job could include Kansas City quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn, former Jacksonville offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and perhaps even former Oakland coach Hue Jackson. Possible defensive candidates could include Kansas City assistant Gary Gibbs, former Jacksonville defensive coordinator and interim coach Mel Tucker, and San Francisco assistant Jim Tomsula.
In other AFC West news:
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. lists Kansas City’s Tamba Hali as the third best pass-rusher in the NFL.
The San Diego Union-Tribune believes its time the Chargers give Vincent Jackson a long-term deal. I agree. I believe the sides will talk seriously about it. The Chargers would rather not put the hefty franchise tag on Jackson, so a long-term deal might be the best option.
Late-night television has gotten in on Tebowmania.
Flacco has right intention, wrong opinion
December, 30, 2011
12/30/11
9:00
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco caused a stir this week in Baltimore when he complained about the offensive play calls in the second half of last Saturday's victory over the Browns.
"We kind of came out and we, honestly, played conservative," Flacco told reporters Wednesday. "When we didn’t, we missed a couple of plays, whether it was a drop or a missed throw here. I wish you guys would help me out and start complaining that we played too conservative so it would put pressure on our coaches to not do that.”
Flacco laughed afterward, but he was right to voice his displeasure. You want a quarterback to be assertive and vocal. You want a quarterback to be the leader. His teammates admired Flacco when he spoke out this offseason after Baltimore fired quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn.
But Flacco's opinion was wrong this time. The Ravens weren't conservative. They just weren't clutch.
In the first half, the Ravens threw 12 times on 28 plays. In the second half, after taking a 17-point halftime lead, they threw 12 times on 34 plays.
The problem was that Ravens receivers dropped three passes in the second half and Flacco was intercepted on a deep pass to the end zone in the fourth quarter.
Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said he would listen to Flacco's thoughts as he tried to make light of the situation.
“I thought about going and telling Joe, ‘Those words are hurtful. I’m not coming to the pancake social,'" Cameron said, playing off the car-insurance commercial featuring the Redskins' Brian Orakpo and a caveman.
The concern here might not be Flacco speaking out about the offense but the relationship between Flacco and Cameron.
"We move on to Cincinnati," Cameron said. "They are a very good football team and we’re going to do what we need to do and run the offense we need to run to win the game. But I know this, Joe and I will be on the same page.”
"We kind of came out and we, honestly, played conservative," Flacco told reporters Wednesday. "When we didn’t, we missed a couple of plays, whether it was a drop or a missed throw here. I wish you guys would help me out and start complaining that we played too conservative so it would put pressure on our coaches to not do that.”
Flacco laughed afterward, but he was right to voice his displeasure. You want a quarterback to be assertive and vocal. You want a quarterback to be the leader. His teammates admired Flacco when he spoke out this offseason after Baltimore fired quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn.
But Flacco's opinion was wrong this time. The Ravens weren't conservative. They just weren't clutch.
In the first half, the Ravens threw 12 times on 28 plays. In the second half, after taking a 17-point halftime lead, they threw 12 times on 34 plays.
The problem was that Ravens receivers dropped three passes in the second half and Flacco was intercepted on a deep pass to the end zone in the fourth quarter.
Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said he would listen to Flacco's thoughts as he tried to make light of the situation.
“I thought about going and telling Joe, ‘Those words are hurtful. I’m not coming to the pancake social,'" Cameron said, playing off the car-insurance commercial featuring the Redskins' Brian Orakpo and a caveman.
The concern here might not be Flacco speaking out about the offense but the relationship between Flacco and Cameron.
"We move on to Cincinnati," Cameron said. "They are a very good football team and we’re going to do what we need to do and run the offense we need to run to win the game. But I know this, Joe and I will be on the same page.”
On Carlos Rogers' rebirth with 49ers
October, 13, 2011
10/13/11
10:26
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The San Francisco 49ers haven't been big spenders in free agency recently.
None of the unrestricted free agents they added from other teams during the 2011 offseason received a deal exceeding three years in length or $4.25 million in average compensation.
One player in particular has stood out as a bargain.
Rogers' aggressive play at cornerback has given the 49ers a needed edge in their secondary. It's tough to say any other corner in the NFC West has made as positive an impact through Week 5. Rogers' 31-yard interception return for a touchdown against Tampa Bay was the latest in a string of impact plays from him for San Francisco.
Sometimes a change of address frees a veteran player to reach more of his potential. That seems to be the case with Rogers, a seventh-year veteran known during his six-year run with Washington for letting would-be interceptions slip through his hands. Rogers' three picks through five games exceed by one his single-season career high. He now has 11 for his career.
I was among several reporters gathered around Rogers in the 49ers' locker room Monday. A few highlights:
The chart shows basic contract information for Rogers and the other unrestricted free agents added during the offseason. Manny Lawson, Takeo Spikes, Aubrayo Franklin, Jeff Reed, Travis LaBoy and David Baas were the UFAs leaving the 49ers for other teams.
None of the unrestricted free agents they added from other teams during the 2011 offseason received a deal exceeding three years in length or $4.25 million in average compensation.
One player in particular has stood out as a bargain.
Rogers' aggressive play at cornerback has given the 49ers a needed edge in their secondary. It's tough to say any other corner in the NFC West has made as positive an impact through Week 5. Rogers' 31-yard interception return for a touchdown against Tampa Bay was the latest in a string of impact plays from him for San Francisco.
Sometimes a change of address frees a veteran player to reach more of his potential. That seems to be the case with Rogers, a seventh-year veteran known during his six-year run with Washington for letting would-be interceptions slip through his hands. Rogers' three picks through five games exceed by one his single-season career high. He now has 11 for his career.
I was among several reporters gathered around Rogers in the 49ers' locker room Monday. A few highlights:
- On matching up with Detroit's Calvin Johnson: "He present a lot. A big, strong guy that can run. Then you got a quarterback who gets him the ball no matter if he is covered or not. We’re going to have to have something special for him, roll some coverages to him. They’ve been rolling, he’s been outjumping everybody, scoring touchdowns, catching balls in many different places. You see him all over ESPN and what they are doing."
- On his time with the Redskins: "I had coach (Joe) Gibbs, he basically ran our team. I had coach Gregg Williams as a defensive coordinator that everyone would die to play for. After that, it was coach (Jim) Zorn, and he didn’t really run our team. Guys were able to run over him and get things they wanted by just going to the ownership. After that, coach (Mike) Shanahan is a good coach, but my mindset by the time he came in, I was just ready to leave."
- On what bothered him about the Redskins: "We only re-signed Chris Samuels and Chris Cooley, which they deserve it, but everybody else was new guys they had brought in. It wasn’t guys who were drafted that we re-signed. I’m thinking once it comes to my turn, I’m not going to be here anyway. My whole mindset was like, 'Just get out of Washington, get a fresh start.' I’m always compared to what Shawn Springs do, what Fred Smoot do, what DeAngelo Hall do. I just couldn’t be Carlos. ... As a player, you get tired of that. You want something fresh. With this team, they just let me be me. They just let me play. I think right now I’m just playing at a level I know I can play at. I think back and it’s just like college. I’m back to my Auburn days, having fun."
- On the 49ers' 4-1 start: "We got a long way to go. I was with coach Zorn and we went 6-2 into our bye. The next eight games, we was 2-6. It’s a long season. We have a long way to go. Right now, (Jim Harbaugh) is just leading us in the right direction, keeping our mind strong on what we’ve got to do, and the right mindset of thinking throughout this whole process. It’s better than people thought. I tell people, we was supposed to be sorry. We’re surprising everybody. But we don’t want all the credit now. We want it at the end of the season when we get to our ultimate goal."
The chart shows basic contract information for Rogers and the other unrestricted free agents added during the offseason. Manny Lawson, Takeo Spikes, Aubrayo Franklin, Jeff Reed, Travis LaBoy and David Baas were the UFAs leaving the 49ers for other teams.
Random thoughts from the Chiefs’ 31-13 loss at Baltimore on Friday night:
Kansas City was more interested in playing football than it was in a 25-0 loss to Tampa Bay last week. The Chiefs have been taking it slow in training camp because of the lockout and Kansas City coach Todd Haley treated the first preseason game like a training-camp day. Friday night, the Chiefs’ competed like they were actually in a game.
The score didn’t get out of hand until late when the Ravens -- who knocked Kansas City out of the playoffs then saw coach Jim Zorn and players Kelly Gregg, Le'Ron McClain and Jared Gaither join Kansas City this offseason -- scored three touchdowns in the final 7 minutes, 15 seconds of the game.
After the game, Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said Haley was not pleased.
“I want to apologize to the Chiefs if they feel like we were not doing the right thing at the end of the game,” Harbaugh said. “That wasn’t the mindset, OK? The mindset was -- this is the preseason. If this had been the regular season, we would’ve been on a knee. The idea in that situation is to give those young guys who work hard and who are trying to make a football team -- this football team or another football team -- to play the whole 60 minutes and give them a chance to show what they can do. Offensive line, running backs, everybody.”
My thoughts? Do what you want, coach Harbaugh. Get your team ready the way you see fit. My solution for coaches who think the score is being run up on them has always been this: Stop the opponent from running up the score and the score won’t be run up on you.
Haley indicated he wasn’t bothered by the Ravens’ late scoring flurry.
“I just control what we do,” Haley said. “There are probably guys out on the field that may have had limited opportunity. Coaches get very limited opportunity to evaluate (players) so their coach has to do what he has to do to get his team ready just like I’m trying to do what we have to do to get ours ready.”
Anyway, Haley appeared pleased with his team’s overall effort.
“There were bright spots across the board with our team,” Haley said. “Defensively, it appeared we made progress in some areas. Offensively, I want to be fair to all the guys. We’re really working hard on the fundamentals of football. We’re not over-exotic right now. We’re not scheming to make plays. Sometimes that’s frustrating for all of us.”
Backup quarterback Tyler Palko played well. He executed a nice two-minute drill at the end of the first half, which resulted in a touchdown. If Palko keeps this up, the Chiefs might not look for a veteran to backup Matt Cassel.
For those expecting the Chiefs to bring clarity to the Jon Baldwin situation, think again. Haley only referred to it as “family business.” Baldwin reportedly got into a fight with veteran Thomas Jones and Baldwin hurt is wrist, putting him out for the preseason. There was a report that his thumb is a bigger issue than the wrist, but since the Chiefs aren’t talking, that can’t be confirmed at this point.
Cassel was 6-of-14 passing for 73 yards. Yet, he threw some nice passes and looked solid overall. He didn’t throw a pass in last week’s game.
Running back/receiver Dexter McCluster accounted for 71 yards of total offense on seven touches. He showed what a dynamic role player he can be.
Top receiver Dwayne Bowe had a nice game with three catches for 43 yards.
The Chiefs' offensive line needs to tighten up. Baltimore had five sacks.
Rookie pass-rusher Justin Houston had a nice game. He had two sacks and forced a fumble on special teams. This guy can play.
Kansas City was more interested in playing football than it was in a 25-0 loss to Tampa Bay last week. The Chiefs have been taking it slow in training camp because of the lockout and Kansas City coach Todd Haley treated the first preseason game like a training-camp day. Friday night, the Chiefs’ competed like they were actually in a game.
The score didn’t get out of hand until late when the Ravens -- who knocked Kansas City out of the playoffs then saw coach Jim Zorn and players Kelly Gregg, Le'Ron McClain and Jared Gaither join Kansas City this offseason -- scored three touchdowns in the final 7 minutes, 15 seconds of the game.
After the game, Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said Haley was not pleased.
“I want to apologize to the Chiefs if they feel like we were not doing the right thing at the end of the game,” Harbaugh said. “That wasn’t the mindset, OK? The mindset was -- this is the preseason. If this had been the regular season, we would’ve been on a knee. The idea in that situation is to give those young guys who work hard and who are trying to make a football team -- this football team or another football team -- to play the whole 60 minutes and give them a chance to show what they can do. Offensive line, running backs, everybody.”
My thoughts? Do what you want, coach Harbaugh. Get your team ready the way you see fit. My solution for coaches who think the score is being run up on them has always been this: Stop the opponent from running up the score and the score won’t be run up on you.
Haley indicated he wasn’t bothered by the Ravens’ late scoring flurry.
“I just control what we do,” Haley said. “There are probably guys out on the field that may have had limited opportunity. Coaches get very limited opportunity to evaluate (players) so their coach has to do what he has to do to get his team ready just like I’m trying to do what we have to do to get ours ready.”
Anyway, Haley appeared pleased with his team’s overall effort.
“There were bright spots across the board with our team,” Haley said. “Defensively, it appeared we made progress in some areas. Offensively, I want to be fair to all the guys. We’re really working hard on the fundamentals of football. We’re not over-exotic right now. We’re not scheming to make plays. Sometimes that’s frustrating for all of us.”
Backup quarterback Tyler Palko played well. He executed a nice two-minute drill at the end of the first half, which resulted in a touchdown. If Palko keeps this up, the Chiefs might not look for a veteran to backup Matt Cassel.
For those expecting the Chiefs to bring clarity to the Jon Baldwin situation, think again. Haley only referred to it as “family business.” Baldwin reportedly got into a fight with veteran Thomas Jones and Baldwin hurt is wrist, putting him out for the preseason. There was a report that his thumb is a bigger issue than the wrist, but since the Chiefs aren’t talking, that can’t be confirmed at this point.
Cassel was 6-of-14 passing for 73 yards. Yet, he threw some nice passes and looked solid overall. He didn’t throw a pass in last week’s game.
Running back/receiver Dexter McCluster accounted for 71 yards of total offense on seven touches. He showed what a dynamic role player he can be.
Top receiver Dwayne Bowe had a nice game with three catches for 43 yards.
The Chiefs' offensive line needs to tighten up. Baltimore had five sacks.
Rookie pass-rusher Justin Houston had a nice game. He had two sacks and forced a fumble on special teams. This guy can play.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Been looking for post-lockout, smash-mouth NFL action?
Hope you didn’t come to Chiefs camp during the past three weeks.
Kansas City's training camp wasn’t the most excfiting place in the NFL. The Chiefs started very slowly, only going to pads last Sunday. The team’s starters did virtually nothing in a 25-0 loss to Tampa Bay last Friday night. Coach Todd Haley said he may take the same approach this Friday at Baltimore.
It’s a lockout-caused plan by Haley as the Chiefs take the big-picture approach and begin their AFC West title defense.
Haley was concerned about the length of the lockout and he didn’t want to rush his team into action because of the lost time. He wants this team to be fresh for the season. Other teams have crammed in as much physical play as possible. Haley, known for his physical camps in his first two years in Kansas City, is taking a much different approach.
At this point, he said, getting his team conditioned to make up for lost time is more important to him than practicing hard. Haley said he will concentrate on heavy football drills toward the end of the preseason to ensure the team stays as healthy as possible heading into the regular season.
The coach is taking some heat for taking the cautious approach. Many fans are concerned the Chiefs will not be ready when they open the regular season against visiting Buffalo on Sept. 11.
“I’m sticking to my convictions,” Haley said. “This is what is best for this team. I believe we will be ready for the season.”
The Chiefs picked up the intensity in practice this week, but they will not turn their starters loose until the third preseason game. There is even a chance the starters will play in the final preseason game, which routinely doesn’t happen around the league.
“This is the approach coach Haley wants us to take,” Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel. “We are fully behind him.”
THREE HOT ISSUES
1. Work with the quarterback: Cassel’s development is still the No.1 priority for this team and camp time is essential. There is no doubt Cassel progressed last season, but he fell off at the end of the season and now has to get used to working with new quarterback coach Jim Zorn after a one-year stint with Charlie Weis as a his offensive coordinator. Weis now has the same job at the University of Florida. Cassel and Zorn lost valuable time due to the lockout. However, they are said to have built a good relationship and gotten comfortable working together this summer.
2. Spread the ball around: The Chiefs are spending this camp getting their varied passing-game weapons in order. This can be a dangerous passing offense and this camp is being spent on how to best utilize it. Cassel has many directions to look. It starts with No.1 receiver Dwayne Bowe, but the Chiefs have given him help by drafting Jon Baldwin in the first round and signing slot receiver Steve Breaston, who played for Haley in Arizona and caught 77 passes in 2008 under Haley’s guidance. Add tight end Tony Moeaki and running back/receiver Dexter McCluster and there are a lot of options. Figuring out the best ways to utilize all of them is what camp is for.
3. Figuring what’s best for Charles: It has driven many Kansas City fans crazy that the Chiefs don’t give Jamaal Charles more carries. Thomas Jones had 245 rushing attempts last season while Charles had 230 carries. Jones fell off toward the end of the season, but Charles was spectacular. He had 1,467 rushing yards rushing, which was second in the league. The Chiefs want to increase Charles’ numbers but also want him to stay fresh and healthy, so don’t expect his workload to fly through the roof. To help both Charles and Jones, who will likely get 8-10 carries per game, the Chiefs signed former Baltimore fullback Le'Ron McClain, who runs the ball more than the average fullback. The Chiefs are working all three backs during this camp to figure out the most advantageous carry distribution.
ARE THEY GOING TO JARED?
The Chiefs’ camp got interesting last week when the team picked up former Baltimore left tackle Jared Gaither. Known as an above-average left tackle, Gaither missed all of last season with a back injury. The Raiders considered signing him early in camp, but they passed because of his back.
The Chiefs signed Gaither during camp and he is now practicing with the second team. If his back holds up, there is a strong chance Gaither could move into the starting lineup and send Branden Albert to right tackle. Albert, a first-round pick in 2008, has been a decent-but-not-great left tackle. The Chiefs have long considered making him a right tackle, where many scouts think he’d flourish. If he moves to right tackle, Albert would replace Barry Richardson. If the massive (6-foot-9, 340 pounds) Gaither is healthy and motivated, this could be a significant move for Kansas City.
CHIEFS MAY NEED TO BACK IT UP AT QB
The Chiefs are keeping a close eye on backup quarterbacks Tyler Palko and rookie Ricky Stanzi during camp. The two struggled in the preseason opener last week. If they continue to struggle, Kansas City could potentially consider bringing in a veteran backup such as Jake Delhomme to be the No. 2 quarterback. Still, Stanzi, a fifth-round pick from Iowa, should be a lock to make the team. Palko will have to increase his production to survive the final cuts.
OBSERVATION DECK
Hope you didn’t come to Chiefs camp during the past three weeks.
Kansas City's training camp wasn’t the most excfiting place in the NFL. The Chiefs started very slowly, only going to pads last Sunday. The team’s starters did virtually nothing in a 25-0 loss to Tampa Bay last Friday night. Coach Todd Haley said he may take the same approach this Friday at Baltimore.
It’s a lockout-caused plan by Haley as the Chiefs take the big-picture approach and begin their AFC West title defense.
Haley was concerned about the length of the lockout and he didn’t want to rush his team into action because of the lost time. He wants this team to be fresh for the season. Other teams have crammed in as much physical play as possible. Haley, known for his physical camps in his first two years in Kansas City, is taking a much different approach.
At this point, he said, getting his team conditioned to make up for lost time is more important to him than practicing hard. Haley said he will concentrate on heavy football drills toward the end of the preseason to ensure the team stays as healthy as possible heading into the regular season.
The coach is taking some heat for taking the cautious approach. Many fans are concerned the Chiefs will not be ready when they open the regular season against visiting Buffalo on Sept. 11.
“I’m sticking to my convictions,” Haley said. “This is what is best for this team. I believe we will be ready for the season.”
The Chiefs picked up the intensity in practice this week, but they will not turn their starters loose until the third preseason game. There is even a chance the starters will play in the final preseason game, which routinely doesn’t happen around the league.
“This is the approach coach Haley wants us to take,” Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel. “We are fully behind him.”
THREE HOT ISSUES
1. Work with the quarterback: Cassel’s development is still the No.1 priority for this team and camp time is essential. There is no doubt Cassel progressed last season, but he fell off at the end of the season and now has to get used to working with new quarterback coach Jim Zorn after a one-year stint with Charlie Weis as a his offensive coordinator. Weis now has the same job at the University of Florida. Cassel and Zorn lost valuable time due to the lockout. However, they are said to have built a good relationship and gotten comfortable working together this summer.
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Kirby Lee/US PresswireChiefs quarterback Matt Cassel will have plenty of options when distributing the ball this season.
Kirby Lee/US PresswireChiefs quarterback Matt Cassel will have plenty of options when distributing the ball this season. 3. Figuring what’s best for Charles: It has driven many Kansas City fans crazy that the Chiefs don’t give Jamaal Charles more carries. Thomas Jones had 245 rushing attempts last season while Charles had 230 carries. Jones fell off toward the end of the season, but Charles was spectacular. He had 1,467 rushing yards rushing, which was second in the league. The Chiefs want to increase Charles’ numbers but also want him to stay fresh and healthy, so don’t expect his workload to fly through the roof. To help both Charles and Jones, who will likely get 8-10 carries per game, the Chiefs signed former Baltimore fullback Le'Ron McClain, who runs the ball more than the average fullback. The Chiefs are working all three backs during this camp to figure out the most advantageous carry distribution.
ARE THEY GOING TO JARED?
The Chiefs’ camp got interesting last week when the team picked up former Baltimore left tackle Jared Gaither. Known as an above-average left tackle, Gaither missed all of last season with a back injury. The Raiders considered signing him early in camp, but they passed because of his back.
The Chiefs signed Gaither during camp and he is now practicing with the second team. If his back holds up, there is a strong chance Gaither could move into the starting lineup and send Branden Albert to right tackle. Albert, a first-round pick in 2008, has been a decent-but-not-great left tackle. The Chiefs have long considered making him a right tackle, where many scouts think he’d flourish. If he moves to right tackle, Albert would replace Barry Richardson. If the massive (6-foot-9, 340 pounds) Gaither is healthy and motivated, this could be a significant move for Kansas City.
CHIEFS MAY NEED TO BACK IT UP AT QB
The Chiefs are keeping a close eye on backup quarterbacks Tyler Palko and rookie Ricky Stanzi during camp. The two struggled in the preseason opener last week. If they continue to struggle, Kansas City could potentially consider bringing in a veteran backup such as Jake Delhomme to be the No. 2 quarterback. Still, Stanzi, a fifth-round pick from Iowa, should be a lock to make the team. Palko will have to increase his production to survive the final cuts.
OBSERVATION DECK
- The team loves the addition of nose tackle Kelly Gregg. He has been a leader and he has been working hard in camp. He has been a positive influence on young players, including draft pick Jerrell Powe.
- The Chiefs are working on increasing their turnover numbers on defense. They had the eighth-fewest takeaways in the NFL last season.
- Baldwin was hampered by some minor issues. Camp observers said he struggled early in camp getting off the line of scrimmage, but the coaching staff is confident the No. 26 overall pick in the 2011 draft will catch up quickly. Baldwin had a reputation for being difficult in college, but the Chiefs haven’t seen any of indications of that and are more than satisfied with his attitude.
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Denny Medley/US PRESSWIREFirst-round draft pick Jon Baldwin, along with new acquisition Steve Breaston, are expected to make an impact this season.
Denny Medley/US PRESSWIREFirst-round draft pick Jon Baldwin, along with new acquisition Steve Breaston, are expected to make an impact this season.- Veteran backup Jerheme Urban has been running with the first team with Bowe as Baldwin and Breaston get acclimated. Don’t expect that to last. Baldwin and Breaston were brought in to play a lot of snaps.
- Haley has paired veterans with rookies to help the younger players through camp. The players room together, and Haley often matches up players from opposite sides of the ball to help team continuity.
- Veteran Andy Studebaker has been working with first team at outside linebacker opposite star pass rusher Tamba Hali. The Chiefs are going to use several players to pressure the quarterback, but Studebaker has a chance to have a key role while rookie Justin Houston learns the team’s system.
- McCluster has been working mostly out of the backfield as Haley suggested he would in May. Still, expect McCluster to line up at receiver some as well. The Chiefs are looking to create as many matchup problems as they can with McCluster, especially on third downs.
- Rookie DE Allen Bailey has a chance to contribute right away as a pass rusher. He has been working in that area diligently in camp.
- Rookie offensive lineman Rodney Hudson has been looking good. The second-round pick could play at guard and at center.
- The team also likes the progress of second-year guard Jon Asamoah, who has a chance to shine in the aftermath of the release of Brian Waters.
- Former San Diego inside linebacker Brandon Siler is making a push for major playing time. He is a solid talent who also helps on special teams.
- Linebacker Cameron Sheffield has played well. And he could be a contributor. He missed all of last season after suffering a neck injury in the preseason.
- One undrafted free agent to watch is Temple linebacker Amara Kamara. He has caught on to the defensive scheme very quickly.
- Cornerback Jalil Brown, a fourth-round pick out of Colorado, has been impressive and he has a chance to be contributor in some packages and on special teams.
Three things to watch for in Kansas City’s preseason opener against visiting Tampa Bay on Friday night. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
Matt Cassel: The quarterback made strides last season under former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, but he slipped badly in the final two games of the season. Let’s see how he performs under new quarterback coach Jim Zorn.
Receivers: The Chiefs addressed their need at the position by drafting Jon Baldwin in the first round and signing veteran Steve Breaston. I’m sure Cassel will be looking for them both often Thursday night.
Pass-rush: The Chiefs need to give Tamba Hali, who led the AFC with 14.5 sacks last season, some help. They added some pieces. Let’s see if they can bring the heat against Tampa Bay.
» NFC: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South » Unrestricted FAs
Readiness factor: The Chiefs are in pretty good shape. They didn’t have many major changes. New offensive coordinator Bill Muir was on the staff last year, and big pockets of players worked out together on a few occasions. I don’t think there will be any major obstacles to this team getting rolling quickly.
Biggest challenge: Quarterback Matt Cassel's progression is vital for this team. He made great progress last season, but he stalled in the Chiefs' final two games after offensive coordinator Charlie Weis announced he was leaving for the University of Florida. New quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn is charged with working with Cassel. The two have met briefly, but they will have to get on the same page quickly to ensure Cassel can continue to lead the offense effectively.
Getting rookies ready: The Chiefs are excited about their draft class. Players such as receiver Jon Baldwin, center/guard Rodney Hudson and front-seven defenders Justin Houston and Allen Bailey have a chance to play right away. They must get up to speed without the benefit of an offseason program.
Key players without contracts for 2011: Center Casey Wiegmann.
Readiness factor: The Chiefs are in pretty good shape. They didn’t have many major changes. New offensive coordinator Bill Muir was on the staff last year, and big pockets of players worked out together on a few occasions. I don’t think there will be any major obstacles to this team getting rolling quickly.
Biggest challenge: Quarterback Matt Cassel's progression is vital for this team. He made great progress last season, but he stalled in the Chiefs' final two games after offensive coordinator Charlie Weis announced he was leaving for the University of Florida. New quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn is charged with working with Cassel. The two have met briefly, but they will have to get on the same page quickly to ensure Cassel can continue to lead the offense effectively.
Getting rookies ready: The Chiefs are excited about their draft class. Players such as receiver Jon Baldwin, center/guard Rodney Hudson and front-seven defenders Justin Houston and Allen Bailey have a chance to play right away. They must get up to speed without the benefit of an offseason program.
Key players without contracts for 2011: Center Casey Wiegmann.
Prior to the April draft, I spoke to Steve Muench of Scouts Inc. about the quarterback prospects available.
Muench said one of his favorite prospects available was Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi. Muench had Stanzi rated as a third-round pick. Stanzi was a fifth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, and Muench thinks they got a steal. Muench said he thinks Stanzi is a great fit for the Chiefs’ offense and he thinks he will benefit from the tutoring of Todd Haley and Jim Zorn.
Muench said he thinks Stanzi will be ready to take over the an NFL offense in the 2013 season if the Chiefs want to move away from Matt Cassel. Muench broke down the key reason why he thinks Stanzi will excel in the NFL.
Pocket Mobility: “He is not overly nimble, but he does move well in the pocket. Moving in the pocket is more important than being able to scramble, I think he can throw on the run and he rolls out both to the left and to the right. He sees the field well and he is good at avoiding the rush.”
He’s accurate: “He can have problems with arm strength, but he is accurate. He delivers tight passes and he is accurate on the run.”
He has room to grow: “Stanzi is 6-foot-4, 223 pounds. When I saw him at the Senior Bowl, I immediately thought he was underdeveloped physically, I think there is a lot of room on his frame to get stronger. That will help his arm strength. I think he can get more zip on his ball. I don’t think this kid has reached his peak.”
Muench knows Stanzi had a reputation at Iowa in 2010 of fading late in games. But Muench said he thought that Stanzi might have been a product of not playing with a great supporting cast and he noted that Stanzi’s numbers improved the past two years. He said Stanzi had 16 red-zone touchdown passes and no interceptions in 2010.
“I really like him,” Muench said. “I think the Chiefs got a really good player. I liked him better than some of the quarterbacks who were taken much higher than he was.”
Muench said one of his favorite prospects available was Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi. Muench had Stanzi rated as a third-round pick. Stanzi was a fifth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, and Muench thinks they got a steal. Muench said he thinks Stanzi is a great fit for the Chiefs’ offense and he thinks he will benefit from the tutoring of Todd Haley and Jim Zorn.
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AP Photo/Charlie NeibergallSteve Muench of Scouts Inc. thinks the Chiefs got a steal by landing Ricky Stanzi in the fifth round.
AP Photo/Charlie NeibergallSteve Muench of Scouts Inc. thinks the Chiefs got a steal by landing Ricky Stanzi in the fifth round.Pocket Mobility: “He is not overly nimble, but he does move well in the pocket. Moving in the pocket is more important than being able to scramble, I think he can throw on the run and he rolls out both to the left and to the right. He sees the field well and he is good at avoiding the rush.”
He’s accurate: “He can have problems with arm strength, but he is accurate. He delivers tight passes and he is accurate on the run.”
He has room to grow: “Stanzi is 6-foot-4, 223 pounds. When I saw him at the Senior Bowl, I immediately thought he was underdeveloped physically, I think there is a lot of room on his frame to get stronger. That will help his arm strength. I think he can get more zip on his ball. I don’t think this kid has reached his peak.”
Muench knows Stanzi had a reputation at Iowa in 2010 of fading late in games. But Muench said he thought that Stanzi might have been a product of not playing with a great supporting cast and he noted that Stanzi’s numbers improved the past two years. He said Stanzi had 16 red-zone touchdown passes and no interceptions in 2010.
“I really like him,” Muench said. “I think the Chiefs got a really good player. I liked him better than some of the quarterbacks who were taken much higher than he was.”
Breaking down Chiefs with Todd Haley
June, 3, 2011
6/03/11
12:00
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images"I want these guys hungry for football," coach Todd Haley said of his Kansas City Chiefs.Haley said he is hopeful his players are working out hard on their own. Haley is a big believer in the benefit of the conditioning program and he said that conditioning is more important than football drills this time of year. Two years ago, when he took over the Chiefs, Haley thought his club was in poor collective shape and the team lost a massive amount of total weight. Haley said it is vital when the lockout ends, and the team can get together, that the players are in prime shape.
“I want these guys hungry for football,” Haley said. “I have heard a bunch of our guys are working out and I hope it rubs off on everybody.”
The impact of Jon Baldwin: The Chiefs bypassed needs on the offensive line and at pass-rusher, instead taking Pittsburgh receiver Jon Baldwin with the No. 26 pick.
Haley said he is excited about Baldwin’s potential impact. The Chiefs were lacking at receiver behind No. 1 wideout Dwayne Bowe. Haley thinks Baldwin should give Bowe immediate help.
“As well as we ran the ball last year, we want to build our offense with more weapons on the outside,” Haley said. “It will make us harder to defend, hopefully. The name of the game is matchups and this hopefully will create some good matchups for us. It should make Dwayne Bowe better. It should make [quarterback] Matt Cassel better, it should make [tight end] Tony Moeaki better and it should make the running game better. That’s the plan. Let’s see if Jon can come in do what we think he can do.”
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Brett Hansbauer/US PRESSWIRETodd Haley is excited to have a 6-foot-4 receiver in Jon Baldwin, who can go up and make plays.
Brett Hansbauer/US PRESSWIRETodd Haley is excited to have a 6-foot-4 receiver in Jon Baldwin, who can go up and make plays.“I don’t think Matt is ever going to turn down the chance to throw to a 6-foot-4 receiver who can jump higher than 40 inches,” Haley quipped.
McCluster on the run: Haley said he’d like to see second-year player Dexter McCluster take on a role as more of a rusher in the running game. McCluster, a second-round pick, was injured often as a rookie. He had 21 catches for 209 yards and 18 rushes for 71 yards. McCluster also was a returner.
"I think he can help us in both areas,” Haley said. “I think the better he is as a runner, the better he’ll be as a receiver and the other way around. I’d like if he can really help us in those areas.”
New defenders: Justin Houston of Georgia and Allen Bailey of Miami both have a chance to earn playing time right away. Houston and Bailey were taken in the third round. Both players have a chance to play at defensive end and outside linebacker.
“We like those two players and we think they will both be capable of doing some good things,” Haley said.
A smaller Thomas Jones: Haley said he didn’t want to reveal his plans for running back Thomas Jones. But he indicated Jones, who’ll be 33 during the season, may drop a few pounds from his 220-pound frame. Haley said Jones is in supreme shape, but his carries may go down some, so he might be better off being slightly smaller
Jones had 245 carries last season and his production started to falter down the stretch. Haley said he thinks Jones will have fewer carries next year, but he still will be effective in his role.
Big time for Charles: Haley wouldn’t commit to how many carries star running back Jamaal Charles will get, but he said this is an important offseason for Charles. He said he wants Charles to take the next step and be ready for more carries if need be. Charles had 1,467 yards (the second most in the NFL) on 230 carries last season.
Hoping Wiegmann returns: Haley said he is unsure if center Casey Wiegmann will return to the team this season. Wiegmann, who’ll turn 38 in July, has been considering retirement. Haley said he hopes Wiegmann returns, adding that Wiegmann’s leadership is invaluable. If Wiegmann doesn’t return, second-round pick Rodney Hudson could be the starter.
Thrilled with Zorn: Haley raved about the addition of quarterback coach Jim Zorn.
The two coaches have known each other for years and Haley can’t wait for Zorn to start working with the quarterbacks. Haley said he thinks Zorn will help Cassel develop, plus young quarterbacks Ricky Stanzi (a fifth-round pick) and third-string quarterback Tyler Palko. Both Zorn and Palko are left-handed and Haley thinks Zorn can be a great help.
“Jim is a special person and I’ve really enjoyed working with him this offseason,” Haley said.”He is going to be a very big addition for our program.”
Geoff Burke/US PresswireThe lockout threatens to disrupt the momentum Mike Shanahan built heading into the offseason.Knowledge of this history has led some to suggest (facetiously, of course) that 2011 could be the Redskins' year. Hey, they always win the Super Bowl when there's a work stoppage, so this is just what they need, right? If there'd been a lockout two years ago, Jim Zorn would be wearing a ring right now and Mike Shanahan would be coaching the Cowboys. Or something like that.
Well, unfortunately for the Redskins, while history may well be on their side, reality is not. Not this time. Given their current circumstances, the Redskins are surely more likely than any other NFC East team to suffer damage as a result of the lockout. Given where they are right now in the development of their franchise, the Redskins might be hurt worse by this lockout than any team in the whole league.
This is a critical season for Mike Shanahan as Washington's coach. Sure, it's only the second year of his five-year deal, and for that reason job security is the last thing he's worried about. But this year is critical for other reasons -- reasons that pertain to Shanahan's goal of building the Redskins back into contenders.
Shanahan's first season was a bumpy one, and his midseason handling of Donovan McNabb and the quarterback situation in general raised eyebrows among people who'd expected a man with his résumé to deal with such things more artfully. But on balance, the 2010-11 season served a key purpose for Shanahan. It established him as the unquestioned leader, face and voice of the franchise. The skirmishes with McNabb and Albert Haynesworth were merely the most public manifestations of Shanahan's assertion of himself. Zorn had been weak and overmatched in the head coach role, and it was important for Shanahan to establish right away that he would be neither.
Critical to that effort was the subversion by team owner Daniel Snyder of his own out-front persona. As a condition of taking the job, Shanahan insisted that he be given control over football matters and that Snyder not meddle in personnel decisions to the extent that he had in the past. Against all expectations, Snyder actually pulled this off. The 2010-11 season was his quietest as Redskins owner, and his disappearance into the background helped Shanahan do the things he needed to do in order to deliver his new-sheriff-in-town message.
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AP Photo/Paul SancyaDaniel Snyder has stayed out of the limelight since Shanahan came aboard.
AP Photo/Paul SancyaDaniel Snyder has stayed out of the limelight since Shanahan came aboard.It's also preventing the Redskins from doing a number of vital housekeeping things. They need to move on from McNabb and figure out what their 2011 quarterback situation really is. If it really is John Beck, then he'll need to know he's not just a Shanahan smokescreen and get in to practice huddles so his teammates know it, too. If it's to be Carson Palmer or someone not currently on the roster, then they need to get on with that as well.
They need to resolve the Haynesworth situation, of course. He needs to go, certainly, and dispatching him will be as cathartic a move as Shanahan's ever made. But the lockout will end with Haynesworth still on the team, along with all the distractions he brings, and his mere presence will be a story for as long as it takes them, post-lockout, to get rid of him.
They need to keep working on Jim Haslett's 3-4 defense, because as we discussed here Monday the second year is a crucial one for the install of a 3-4. They need a nose tackle, and they need to know how realistic it is to get someone like Aubrayo Franklin in free agency -- a move that probably would help them more than a splashier play for someone like Nnamdi Asomugha, though they need to know about him, too. And as they've seemed to since the Art Monk days ... sheesh, they still need help at receiver.
The Redskins have a lot they need to do -- more than most teams, really, given where they are in this particular chapter of their history. Because of that, when I'm asked which team in this division I think will be hurt most by the lockout, my answer's easy. This won't be 1982 or 1987 for the Redskins. This year's work stoppage is a huge problem for them.
» NFC labor impact: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
A team-by-team look at how a continued labor impasse and extended NFL freeze on transactions would affect the division:
Denver Broncos: A long labor impasse would stunt the development of second-year quarterback Tim Tebow. Like all young quarterbacks, Tebow needs time in the offseason to work with his coaches, study the playbook and work with teammates in the system. If Tebow missed an entire offseason, he would have a difficult time catching up once training camp starts, seriously damaging his chances to be the opening day starter.
New Denver coach John Fox is not going to be comfortable going with Tebow as his starting quarterback unless he gets ample time to see him perform in the offseason. If the impasse extends well into the summer, Denver may be forced to take a look at Kyle Orton instead of trading him. If there is a quick resolution before the draft, Denver could be tempted to move Orton.
Kansas City Chiefs: The biggest key in Kansas City is Matt Cassel’s continued development. He flourished in 2010 under offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. However, Weis is now at the University of Florida. Cassel struggled in the two games after it was disclosed that Weis was leaving.
Kansas City promoted offensive line coach Bill Muir to offensive coordinator. But in addition to head coach Todd Haley, Cassel will work closely with new quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn, a former NFL quarterback and head coach. He has a strong reputation for working with quarterbacks.
Cassel and Zorn need time to work together. The two won’t be able to communicate during the labor impasse. It will be troublesome for the two to miss months of study time. This would put Cassel behind. He’d have to cram to learn Zorn’s ways. That could hurt the entire offense.
Oakland Raiders: A lengthy labor impasse would keep Oakland from knowing exactly what this team will look like. The Raiders have locked up defensive players Richard Seymour, Stanford Routt, Kamerion Wimbley and John Henderson in addition to special-teams player Rock Cartwright. They also have re-signed reserves Kyle Boller, Hiram Eugene and Daniel Loper. But Oakland still has many free agents to deal with, including star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, tight end Zach Miller, safety Michael Huff, running back Michael Bush and guard Robert Gallery. Gallery said he is not planning to return to Oakland. Oakland gave tenders to Bush and Miller, but they could end up being unrestricted free agents in a new CBA.
The Raiders have created some risk for themselves with their aggressive strategy of re-signing free agents. If there is a salary cap in the new CBA, they don't know how high or low it will be. So it's possible they have have painted themselves into a corner by giving out too many contracts.
Also, if the draft occurs before the impasse is resolved, the Raiders will have to make some tough decisions, based on the uncertainty of their remaining free-agent class.
San Diego Chargers: Like Oakland, San Diego has a lot of free-agent uncertainty. The Chargers didn’t enter the offseason with as many high-profile free agents as Oakland, but they have key players to deal with. Unlike Oakland, though, the Chargers haven’t been aggressive with their free agents during this uncertain time. The only way San Diego addressed free agency was by giving receiver Vincent Jackson the franchise tag. Keeping Jackson is key.
There are other issues. San Diego needs to figure out what to do with safety Eric Weddle and receiver Malcom Floyd . They put restricted free-agent tenders on them, but there is a chance they could be unrestricted free agents in a new CBA. They are two key players.
The Chargers have a good roster, but it does need to be enhanced. A long impasse will keep the Chargers from fully knowing exactly what their roster will look like. That could create some anxiety for a team that thinks it can make a Super Bowl push with the right moves. However, adding former defensive player of the year Bob Sanders was a sign that when free agency does begin, this team could be active on the open market, which hasn't been the case in recent years.
A team-by-team look at how a continued labor impasse and extended NFL freeze on transactions would affect the division:
Denver Broncos: A long labor impasse would stunt the development of second-year quarterback Tim Tebow. Like all young quarterbacks, Tebow needs time in the offseason to work with his coaches, study the playbook and work with teammates in the system. If Tebow missed an entire offseason, he would have a difficult time catching up once training camp starts, seriously damaging his chances to be the opening day starter.
New Denver coach John Fox is not going to be comfortable going with Tebow as his starting quarterback unless he gets ample time to see him perform in the offseason. If the impasse extends well into the summer, Denver may be forced to take a look at Kyle Orton instead of trading him. If there is a quick resolution before the draft, Denver could be tempted to move Orton.
Kansas City Chiefs: The biggest key in Kansas City is Matt Cassel’s continued development. He flourished in 2010 under offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. However, Weis is now at the University of Florida. Cassel struggled in the two games after it was disclosed that Weis was leaving.
Kansas City promoted offensive line coach Bill Muir to offensive coordinator. But in addition to head coach Todd Haley, Cassel will work closely with new quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn, a former NFL quarterback and head coach. He has a strong reputation for working with quarterbacks.
Cassel and Zorn need time to work together. The two won’t be able to communicate during the labor impasse. It will be troublesome for the two to miss months of study time. This would put Cassel behind. He’d have to cram to learn Zorn’s ways. That could hurt the entire offense.
Oakland Raiders: A lengthy labor impasse would keep Oakland from knowing exactly what this team will look like. The Raiders have locked up defensive players Richard Seymour, Stanford Routt, Kamerion Wimbley and John Henderson in addition to special-teams player Rock Cartwright. They also have re-signed reserves Kyle Boller, Hiram Eugene and Daniel Loper. But Oakland still has many free agents to deal with, including star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, tight end Zach Miller, safety Michael Huff, running back Michael Bush and guard Robert Gallery. Gallery said he is not planning to return to Oakland. Oakland gave tenders to Bush and Miller, but they could end up being unrestricted free agents in a new CBA.
The Raiders have created some risk for themselves with their aggressive strategy of re-signing free agents. If there is a salary cap in the new CBA, they don't know how high or low it will be. So it's possible they have have painted themselves into a corner by giving out too many contracts.
Also, if the draft occurs before the impasse is resolved, the Raiders will have to make some tough decisions, based on the uncertainty of their remaining free-agent class.
San Diego Chargers: Like Oakland, San Diego has a lot of free-agent uncertainty. The Chargers didn’t enter the offseason with as many high-profile free agents as Oakland, but they have key players to deal with. Unlike Oakland, though, the Chargers haven’t been aggressive with their free agents during this uncertain time. The only way San Diego addressed free agency was by giving receiver Vincent Jackson the franchise tag. Keeping Jackson is key.
There are other issues. San Diego needs to figure out what to do with safety Eric Weddle and receiver Malcom Floyd . They put restricted free-agent tenders on them, but there is a chance they could be unrestricted free agents in a new CBA. They are two key players.
The Chargers have a good roster, but it does need to be enhanced. A long impasse will keep the Chargers from fully knowing exactly what their roster will look like. That could create some anxiety for a team that thinks it can make a Super Bowl push with the right moves. However, adding former defensive player of the year Bob Sanders was a sign that when free agency does begin, this team could be active on the open market, which hasn't been the case in recent years.
Random thoughts from the media session Saturday with Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli:
Pioli stuck up for the past few drafts of the previous Kansas City regime. He lauded the drafting of players like Derrick Johnson and Jamaal Charles.
“The cupboard wasn't bare when Todd (Haley) and I arrived to Kansas City,” Pioli said. “There were some pretty good football players.”
Pioli lauded the 3-4 defensive end-outside linebacker group in this draft. Kansas City could be looking for a pass rusher with the No. 21 overall pick.
Pioli wouldn’t address the Detroit Lions recently being found guilty of tampering charges with former Chiefs safety Jarrad Page. The ruling means the Chiefs will move up 16 spots in the fifth round. Pioli called it a league matter.
Pioli expressed excitement about the hire of former NFL quarterback and head coach Jim Zorn as Kansas City’s quarterback coach.
Pioli said he thought Charlie Weis would be with the team for more than one year, but his departure is simply part of the game.
“I don't think you enter any relationship thinking it's going to be a short-term relationship,” Pioli said. “You adjust to it as you have to adjust.
"That's life. It could have been where Charlie got a coaching job in the NFL. That's a part of it when you're building a team.”
Pioli said he thought the Chiefs were a very slow team when he took over in 2009.
“We needed to upgrade our team speed, because I think when we first got there it was certainly the slowest football team I've been a part of,” Pioli said. “Not just on offense, not just on defense, but on special teams (too).”
Pioli stuck up for the past few drafts of the previous Kansas City regime. He lauded the drafting of players like Derrick Johnson and Jamaal Charles.
“The cupboard wasn't bare when Todd (Haley) and I arrived to Kansas City,” Pioli said. “There were some pretty good football players.”
Pioli lauded the 3-4 defensive end-outside linebacker group in this draft. Kansas City could be looking for a pass rusher with the No. 21 overall pick.
Pioli wouldn’t address the Detroit Lions recently being found guilty of tampering charges with former Chiefs safety Jarrad Page. The ruling means the Chiefs will move up 16 spots in the fifth round. Pioli called it a league matter.
Pioli expressed excitement about the hire of former NFL quarterback and head coach Jim Zorn as Kansas City’s quarterback coach.
Pioli said he thought Charlie Weis would be with the team for more than one year, but his departure is simply part of the game.
“I don't think you enter any relationship thinking it's going to be a short-term relationship,” Pioli said. “You adjust to it as you have to adjust.
"That's life. It could have been where Charlie got a coaching job in the NFL. That's a part of it when you're building a team.”
Pioli said he thought the Chiefs were a very slow team when he took over in 2009.
“We needed to upgrade our team speed, because I think when we first got there it was certainly the slowest football team I've been a part of,” Pioli said. “Not just on offense, not just on defense, but on special teams (too).”
