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Posted on Tue, Oct. 27, 2009 11:18 PM
Chiefs Notebook | Haley targets 'minus plays'
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Haley wants to eliminate the minuses
Chiefs coach Todd Haley continued this week emphasizing that the team cannot continue hurting itself with negative-yardage plays, such as sacks, penalties and losses.
Haley has said that puts the Chiefs at a disadvantage, and he took that emphasis further Tuesday.
“They’re the root of all evil,” Haley said.
Haley said the team’s coaching staff started a study of the team’s offense designed to identify why and how the Chiefs so consistently lose yards.
On defense, Haley said the staff began studying how the Chiefs’ defense has given up big plays so frequently. In Sunday’s 37-7 loss to San Diego, Kansas City allowed six plays of 20 yards or longer.
“If we can do those two things,” Haley said, referring to the Chiefs’ deficiencies on offense and defense, “our specials have played at a level good enough to win.”
Niswanger’s outlook improves
The outlook for center Rudy Niswanger, who left Sunday’s game with a left knee injury, had Haley “encouraged,” the coach said.
“He’s a tough guy,” Haley said, “so I wouldn’t put it past him to find a way back sooner rather than later.”
Haley said Monday that Niswanger suffered a “significant” injury and indicated that it could threaten the lineman’s season. But the coach said Tuesday that Niswanger “definitely” would play again in 2009 and that “you might see him again in two weeks” against Jacksonville.
Injury report
Nose tackle Ron Edwards (illness) missed Tuesday’s practice, and free safety Jon McGraw (leg) walked laps around the practice field. Wide receiver Lance Long (head) was held out of practice as a precaution, Haley said.
| Kent Babb, kbabb@kcstar.com
Posted on Tue, Oct. 27, 2009 11:18 PM
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