Two games down and all the Chiefen Littles are running around screaming, including a very vocal little 5-year old child named Jason Whitlock.
Hermocrites
As much fun as I had highlighting the ridiculousness that was Herm “We were Good During the Bye Week” Edwards, I am actually very happy to move on and forget the last three years. Unfortunately, there are still some Herm supporters that refuse to admit his shortcomings, and now it seems they want payback for the way he was treated.
The same hypocrites, or Hermocrites, who kept redefining the word “first”, as in “Herm’s 3rd year is his true “first” year”, the same Hermocrites who said the previous coach left the cupboard bare, and the same Hermocrites who said Herm needed more time, are now the ones ripping Todd Haley, saying he’s in over his head, doesn’t know what he’s doing and should be fired.
Unbelievable.
Todd Haley has only coached two regular season games, but that doesn’t stop Hermocrites from hammering him on his “22 guys off the street can win two games” comment & highlighting his 0-4 preseason record with the current 0-2 record.
This may come as a surprise to people, but PRESEASON WINS AND LOSSES DON’T MEAN CRAP. The Detroit Lions went 4-0 in preseason last year, which should end the debate forever on that subject. Except of course, for Hermocrites.
I like Todd Haley and I love his “22 Guys” comment. It says that two wins and four “almost wins” are not acceptable results for an NFL team. He is always talking about winning, and I know that’s a weird concept for Chief fans the last three years. Yes, this is a crazy stance to take, but I actually like it that my head coach is concerned with winning games.
Second of all, his “22 Guys” comment was not said at a press conference and it was not said publicly, it was said behind the scenes, behind closed doors, to a player, who went crying to a spoiled child who happens to be paid for typing his thoughts. Nobody EVER held Herm accountable for all the ridiculous crap he said at official PUBLIC press conferences, so it’s disingenuous for people to do this now to Todd Haley after only two F’N games. Judas Priest!
I will say this in a language all the Hermocrites can understand: We need to give Haley at least five years (or more) because the previous coach, Herm Edwards, left the cupboard bare. Herm never drafted an entire All-Pro offensive line for Haley to use, so there’s nothing Todd can do, because he is stuck with all of Herm’s bad draft picks.
(In case you couldn’t tell, the previous sentence was brought to you by a grant from SARCASM.)
Firing Chan Gailey
After Chan Gailey was fired, Haley said this:
HALEY: “As I said on my first day in this building, I told the fans, ‘We’re going to have to earn the fans back. I have no illusions of anything else.’ We’re going to have to earn by what we do on the field. That’s the NFL. Ultimately, the finger is going to point back at me, and I have to do what I think is best for this team now and into the future.”
JD: Yet another example of why I like Todd Haley. Here is a man who is willing to take the responsibility for his actions, and the actions of the people under him. We had three years of finger-pointing, excuses, and blaming Dick Vermeil, and now we finally have a guy who says “It’s all on me”. What a novel concept.
Todd Haley is Arrogant
This is a common criticism of the current Chiefs coach. To that I say this: So? People are grasping at straws on this one. What coach isn’t arrogant in some way? If a coach doesn’t believe he can do what he thinks he can do, then why is he coaching? Herm bathed in arrogance and I never heard anyone complain about that. Typical.
Todd Haley Yells at His Players
Holy F’N crap! What’s next, he doesn’t say “excuse me” when he burps? Every football coach I’ve ever had was a screamer, and guess what? Not only did it NOT make us lose, it actually was a motivator in us winning. I’m pretty sure there have been a Super Bowl winning coach or two who has yelled at his players before. Big deal.
NFL players are making millions of dollars playing a game of violent collisions that have paralyzed and seriously injured a lot of players, but getting yelled at hurts their feelings? Really?
Bosses yelling at their employees is hardly the sole property of NFL coaches. I can get yelled at for millions of dollars. Hell, I’ve been yelled at for only thousands of dollars.
What’s funny is that these same qualities that Todd is getting ripped for, would be the same ones getting praised if the Chiefs were winning. It’s only the second game people, the Chiefs will win a game this year, get off the ledge.
Dick Vermeil’s 2001 Chiefs
Soren Petro talked about the similarities between the 2001 Chiefs and the 2009 Chiefs.
1) Both teams had an unproven, big contract quarterback.
2) Both teams started 0-2, losing a home game to the Raiders.
3) The age of both coaches was questioned.
4) The Super Bowl reputation of both coaches was questioned.
The point is, it’s too early to condemn Todd Haley as a failure. Hell, our last coach started 0-2 in his first year, and his second first year, and his third first year, yet people wanted to give him more time.
Larry Johnson
Larry Johnson said this after the Raiders game:
JOHNSON: “You just have to look at the positives. It’s a long season, and anything can happen. We never know when our turning point will be, but we’ll turn it around.”
JD: Doesn’t LJ have a reputation as a complainer, malcontent and a whiner when things don’t go well? Yet here he is being positive and upbeat. Maybe some of the players are buying into Todd’s program?
Jason Whitlock, Hermocrite
JW looks like he’s lobbying to be the Hermocrite President. His last article was full of so much BS it’s not even worth reproducing. The style reads like something I would write, except I’m not a paid professional.
JW proceeds to tear Haley a new one with tons of name-calling and bitterness. He never, and I mean EVER, wrote something like this about Herm “I Just Tell the Truth” Edwards. And it’s not because of Haley’s coaching ability, it’s a personal reason. It’s because Todd and Scott Pioli won’t kiss his cinemascope behind.
Hermisms
I used to document and comment on all the ridiculous things Herm used to say at his press conferences, and it made for some great humor. But honestly, I’m tired of talking about him. He’s still out there saying silly things, but I will leave it up to you the reader if you’d like me to cover it.
My new job does not permit me the time to write a weekly column like I have done for the last two years, but I will write one when I can. Thanks for reading!
I totally agree with you on this. Jason Whitlock has complained about every coach we have had. If he is so great why doesnt he apply for a head coaching job? Todd is going to get the team turned around. Eventhough the Chiefs are 0-2 now they dont look lifeless like they did the previous few seasons at 0-2. Geez I wish people would get off Todd Haleys back. Its a new offense and defensive system.
Comment by Anthony — September 22, 2009 @ 9:03 pm
I agree Todd Haley will get this team turned around.
Comment by Jonesy — September 22, 2009 @ 9:51 pm
Good riddens Herm! Hello Haley!!! It’s refreshing to see someone come in and take charge and have the take no crap attitude. He is going to turn this team around. Will take a little time, but I see positive things coming in our near future. He’s not afraid to make a decision popular or unpopular… He’s someone who TRULY has a plan. Go Halye and go Chiefs!!!! JD keep the articles coming when you can! Good to see you back!
Comment by chiefcountry — September 23, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
Thanks JD. I was beginning to think I was the only one thinking that way. Herm always, always blamed everything on the players. He never took responsibility. This coach has already admitted he was wrong and he’s still learning. There’s no question he wants to win. I like that!
Comment by Jeff in VA — September 23, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
I WAS VERY PLEASED TO SEE THE OFFENSE TAKING CHANCES TO KEEP THE DEFENSE OFF THE FIELD THE PLAY CALLING IN THE FADERS GAME WAS DECENT AND AS A FAN I LOVED IT I WAS UNHAPPY WITH THE DEFENSE PLAY CALLING IN THE FIRST GAME EXPECIALLY IN THE 4TH QUARTER WE NEED TO BE MORE AWARE OF THE 3/4 DEFENSE AND RUN STOPPING IS HARDED THATS WHY WE LOST OUR HANDLE AS EVERYONE ELSE I WOULD LOVE MY TEAM TO GO 11-5 OR BE CONSISTANT AT 9+WINS A SEASON BUT IT TAKES TIME ATLEAST HALEY IS TRYING TO GET THE FANS INVOLVED YOU DONT COME OUT IN A REGULAR SEASON GAME W/THE FADERS AND CALL THE PLAYS HE DID I WAS WOWED (UNTILL THE END)I LOVE TRICK PLAYS NOT RUN RUN RUN PASS THAT WE ALL HAVE BEEN USED TO SEE WE WILL WIN 6+ GAMES THIS YEAR NEXT YEAR PLAYOFFS
Comment by rick — September 24, 2009 @ 6:51 am
JD, good to see you back. I’ve fallen off the writing wagon a bit to start the season, but hopefully you’ve inspired me to contribute more.
I agree, Witless (Whitlock) is a complete waste of time. I used to sometimes read him out of weakness, but now I can’t even make it 3 paragraphs before the BS stacks so high i begin to choke. He is the worst kind of writer: lazy. He has to fabricate issues and controversies to have something to write about. How about doing the work and research to find a good story?
The early criticisms on Haley are hilarious. Since when are consistency, accountability, fire, competitiveness, and doing what’s best for the team bad things? Ol’ softy Herm really got some people confused on what it takes to be a good head coach.
Don’t worry Herm, as long as you have some fig newtons in the fridge, you know everything will be just fine.
Comment by VLTC — September 24, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
I am encouraged by the way the Chiefs have played the first two games. Did anyone expect them to come out and win the Super Bowl this year? I highly doubt it. Now, having said that, I do not think losing is ever acceptable, but this is a young team who hasn’t learned how to win yet. We are extremely close though and when we reach that point, look out!
One thing that is bothering me though is all this “quarterback controversy” talk. Personally, I think Matt Cassel deserves a break. The guy just came back from injury and three weeks of inactivity. This guy is not superman folks. He is a good quarterback, but it bugs me when people are ready to throw him under the bus after his first start as a Chief. I know we have had a few bad years, but the rebuilding process takes time. Give the guy a shot before we start asking Brodie Croyle to step in.
Todd Haley and Scott Pioli are going to make this team great, but don’t set your expectations too high for this season. I do think we will have some success this year, but as fans, we have to trust the people who are taking us through this process. GO CHIEFS!!!!
Comment by KC63 — September 24, 2009 @ 8:41 pm
I just finished watching the Chiefs vs. Eagles game and I could almost not wait to get onto various blogs to vent my frustrations. First let’s just get this out of the way. THE CHIEFS SUCK!!! THEY SUCK BIGTIME!!! I’m not just talking about the players but the WHOLE team including coaches. Haley’s play calling was the worst I have ever seen. EVER! It was obvious we weren’t playing or play calling to win the game. I am so disgusted! It was bad football by the chiefs all around. There were no bright spots and if anyone says there were then they are a loser just trying to feel good about a loser team. This team was a team of losers from top to bottom today. Larry Johnson sucks and has sucked for two years now! He is fat and slow and goes down to easy. This is the same thing I’ve been saying for two years plus now. Disgusting! WE as a team are fat, slow and stupid. LJ had 19 rushes for 38 yards which = pathetic. Matt Cassel 90 yards passing = pathetic. O-line= pathetic protection. Defense allowed 21 first downs and 420 total yards which = pathetic. We made these Eagles, with their backup mind you, look like the 2007 Patriots. Now let’s get to Haley. The way he was running the ball in the 3rd and 4th quarter showed that he really wasn’t interested in winning the game. I mean it was obvious. This falls on his shoulders the most. Our third down efficiency was shit. “Uninspired” is the word that comes to mind and as much as Haley talks about getting up for games he obviously doesn’t listen to his own words. I starting realize something about Haley. He talks the talk but I haven’t yet seen him walk the walk. He talks about having a “smart” football team but he himself does some of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen, (need I even remind you about the first half debacle against the Raiders)? All of our penalties today, 10 in all, are a result of stupid players and a coach that has let his team be undisciplined. He obviously doesn’t understand that Chiefs fans have been in a “rebuilding process” for at least three years now and that we haven’t won a game in so long nobody remembers what it’s like. Many KC fans believe the team is getting better. That’s bullshit. Look at the penalties and yardage we are giving up and not getting ourselves. WE ARE NOT GETTING BETTER! We are the SAME if not WORSE! PLAY CALLING IS WORSE! Haley better pull his head out of his ass and either start calling better plays or hire someone to do the job correctly.
Final thoughts: The Chiefs may win a superbowl in the future but mark my words there will not be one player left from this team and probably not one coach.
Comment by Rocky — September 27, 2009 @ 3:28 pm
Just more of the same. Chiefs will never contend.
Comment by chfsfan — September 27, 2009 @ 4:12 pm
Intentional first round draft pick maybe? Who knows. Pathetic playcalling. Didn’t even try if you ask me.
Comment by Jonesy — September 28, 2009 @ 8:44 pm
VERY INTERESTING THAT WE GOT RID OF POLLARD WE STILL HAVE CROYLE WE LET GO OF SIPPIO 2YEARS AGO THE PLAYERS I THOUGHT DECENT PLAYS WE LET GO AND WE HAVENT MOVED FORWARD CAN YOU FEEL THE FUSTRATION
Comment by rick — September 29, 2009 @ 7:16 am
Yesterday in Haley’s press conference this question and portion of the conference really bothered me and I’m not going to let him get away with asinine statements like the following. This was asked after he had talked a little about running the ball so much in the third and fourth quarter. For a regime that talks up accountability it sure sounds like excuses, idiocy, and damage control.
Q: Did you get the feeling that guys were laying down or giving up?
HALEY: “Lay down was probably the wrong term. In trying to find this identify for our team which I’ve made clear how you respond in those situations is a big part of that identify. Good teams can impose their will or run the football specifically even when the other teams knows what they’re doing. I think it was more a case of just a little wake up call. This is what we’re doing and we don’t care if they know what we’re doing. We’re going to block them. There were enough encouraging signs to me to think we’re making some progress.â€
Let me start off by stating my true feelings about this. THIS IS BULLS**T! This statement so ridiculously stupid on so many levels I can hardly contain myself. First of all lets look at this portion “Good teams can impose their will or run the football specifically even when the other teams knows what they’re doing.” give me a break! Who does he think he’s coaching, the 61 Packers with the Lombardi sweep? That style of football is almost dead and you sure as hell aren’t going to resurrect it with this team’s ability. Give me a break! Second, look at this quote “I think it was more a case of just a little wake up call. This is what we’re doing and we don’t care if they know what we’re doing. This is pure schlock. Wake up call? Don’t you mean practice? Even Herm Edwards knew that on Sunday “you play to win the game”. Sunday is not the day you decide oh, my team needs to get in some practice and why not start in the third quarter. This is extremely worrisome because head coaches do not do this. I’ve never seen a head coach do that and it was quite shocking because it resembled giving up.
You want accountability? Well, you’ve got it in this post. The fans will speak and ultimately they will win because they are what keep this franchise going. It may be hard to believe but the Chiefs nation is even bigger than Pioli or Haley’s ego. The nation isn’t afraid of the truth. We can take it, so don’t come at us with this rhetoric and expect us to fall in line like brainwashed zombies.
Comment by Rocky — September 29, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
I dislike Whitlock as much as anyone and I agree Haley needs time, but I am tired of articles about Herm Edwards. Can you not find anyting else to write about? Herm is gone, forget about him.
Comment by Mike B. — October 1, 2009 @ 9:15 am
@ Mike B –
Apparently I wasn’t clear enough when I gave a very detailed reason for mentioning the great Herm Edwards even though I myself said “I am actually very happy to move on and forget the last three years.” I will try to work on that.
Some professionals liked my “Hermocrites” term enough to include it in their writings.
Check out the second article from the top, titled: “Are the Chiefs the worst team in the NFL? Maybe” Posted 9-30-09.
http://www.plattecountylandmark.com/ghall.htm
There are 18 quotes from members of the KC media, & one quote from yours truly. It is under my name, Jason, which is the “J” that makes up my clever moniker of “JD”.
Thanks to Greg Hall for my 4th or 5th quote to appear in the Platte County Landmark site.
Comment by JD — October 2, 2009 @ 10:32 pm
Hermocrites or no Hermocrites, just keep on what you’re doing, JD. Being a distant fan in the northeast, I don’t keep up with the team in great detail, but it’s easy to see you’re a good writer, and over the years I’ve been viewing this site, as far as I can tell, your commentary has always been relevant and on the mark.
As a latent Chiefs and Jets fan, from his tenure in NY, I knew the only chance the Chiefs had to move to respectability was getting rid of Edwards, and the only way that was going to happen was for the Chiefs to have a bad season– a really bad one. Anything else would have just prolonged the agony. So last year I rooted against the Chiefs, listening to 4th quarters on the radio via the internet. It was great– like winning the Super Bowl, only in the opposite direction.
Now that Edwards is gone, of course, I’m back to rooting for them again. As such, seeing them lose constantly does hurt, but you simply can’t turn a wreck into a show car by giving it a new coat of paint. Fixing it will take time.
Comment by CT — October 4, 2009 @ 5:05 pm