Highlights

Q: Has the process of putting together an offensive game plan become a little smoother than it was a few weeks ago?

TODD HALEY: “I would say we’re making progress. I think each week that we’re all together I feel like we’ve made progress, sometimes it’s shown sometimes it hasn’t. It’s always the same problems of game planning and trying to put your guys in the best possible position to succeed and then executing on Sunday. I would say that last week after a little slower start – even though we actually started fast and converted a third down fairly early – we never really quite got going. Then, as the game progressed I thought we got into a good rhythm and were able to have some success in some critical situations which told me we’re making progress.”

Q: Are you starting to find your identity as a team?

HALEY: “I feel like in all areas we’re starting to make progress. I think that defensively we’re starting to find a bit of an identity and we just need to build on it. I think defensively we’ve consistently stayed up there in the top five in three-and-outs which is generally a really good stat defensively. Most of those teams up there are winning record teams.

“We knew the big plays were hurting us and last week we allowed some plays but we didn’t allow the big play, so to speak, and then we were able to have some guys step up and make plays in critical situations. Defensively, we’re starting to find an identity.

“Offensively, I think the same can be said. We kind of came together as a group and we knew the receivers would have to step up because we obviously were missing one of our better players and I feel like they did. We had some guys make some plays in critical situations and we got protection against a very good front and pressure team. It was pretty good at times and other times we’ve got to be better.

“But we’re making progress and part of that progress is finding an identity of what exactly your football team is going to be.”

Q: You said you were encouraged by your defense and its three-and-outs. Are there any offensive numbers you’re encouraged by?

HALEY: “Our third down in the last game was a point in the right direction. As I said, that’s been one of those areas we’ve tried a lot of different ways and a lot of different directions to try to have some success and really struggled. Last week was maybe a glimmer of hope that we can build on. Now, it’s important that we build on it. Not that you’re always going to be 40% [conversion] but you’ve got to convert some of these to stay on the field.

“I looked up that stat I talked about after the game, fourth-and-two’s or less. We’ve had 27 fourth-and-two’s or less, 20 fourth-and-ones. That’s 20 times we’re coming up a yard short, a simple yard, whether it’s somebody reaching the ball out or executing the depth of the route perfectly. That’s number one in the league. Whatever it is, we’ve come up short. That’s an obscure stat, obviously, but that’s 27 times we’ve let two yards get us off the field. If you even get half of those, maybe it’s another field goal, maybe it’s another plus 50 punt that you’re able to pin the other team, but to me that’s a telling stat.

“I think Jamaal’s [Charles] run down there on the tight Red [inside the 20-yard line vs. Pittsburgh] was an example of maybe early in the year we get tackled and now it’s fourth-and-one and we’ve to kick the field goal. But he fought through the tackle, refused to be denied and got the first down which led to a touchdown.”

Q: Should you be surprised that it’s taken the offense this long considering the changes you’ve made before the regular season?

HALEY: “We knew it was a major change and there was going to be some pain involved with that change. Would I have liked it to hurry up? Yes, but we also added some people to the mix that have kind of helped the process and have had to deal with injuries like everybody else, and a suspension now. But I think we all kind of knew that it would be a pretty big deal. But the thought process was we’ll be ahead of it here once we get through it, and be further along as a team and as a staff.”

Q: Coming back after a day off late in the week, do you still feel it was the right thing to do?

HALEY: “We’ll see. We’ll know Sunday whether it was a good thing or a not so good thing. I thought the guys came in pretty focused. We talked a lot about that, that we had to make this work. But, for the most part, I was pretty happy with the way the guys moved around and focused.

“Even myself, even though I came in [on Thanksgiving] here and got some stuff done, you’re so used to your routine. But then, some teams had to play yesterday so we’ll see. We’ll have an idea after the weekend is up and maybe this becomes a tradition.”

Q: You said way back in September this team wasn’t a team but a group of players. Is this a team yet?

HALEY: “I think getting a lot closer. Again, we’ve got a bunch of time left here to see where we’re at and this week will be a great opportunity for us to see where we’re at in that area. But last week was an encouraging sign. As long as we build on it, as long as we continue to use that as a little bit of a stepping stone as a team, as long as we understand. It might be an 11-play drive but everybody knows or believes somebody is going to make a play. I’m referring to the defensive play that Andy [Studebaker] made. I think we made a step, but now again it’ll be up to us to see what we do with that.”

Q: In your mind, does team beget successful performance or does successful performance create a team?

HALEY: “I would probably say the latter because you’ve got to have some success to build that confidence and camaraderie. If you go 0-and-16 there aren’t going to be a lot of guys wanting to hang around. It’ll be where can I hide? You’ve got to have success.”

Q: How important is it to continue the rhythm you’ve seemed to produce the last month or so?

HALEY: “I think it’s the name of the game and I wouldn’t necessarily say the last five weeks. The results have started to improve. I think we were measuring as we went going all the way back that it was key for us to continue to make progress. As I said, sometimes that showed on Sundays and I understand it’s a bottom line. But at the same time, it is what it is and we had won six games in the last two years. It’s a major job.

“In my mind, it was important that every week we made progress, every day we made progress. Now, we started to have some results here lately which helped that along. I would say that it’s important that we continue to get better. The opponent’s going to change but it’s important that the Kansas City Chiefs continue to improve in all areas every day, not just Sundays.”

Q: It was important early in the season to determine who the best players were. At this point in the season do you feel like you’ve got a pretty good handle on who gives you the best chance to win?

HALEY: “I think it’s a good question. Injuries have forced us on some players and on others we’ve sort of forced ourselves, I think it is important that we find out exactly what we have. When an Andy Studebaker is forced into action and is able to show some of the positive signs that’s a good thing. There are some other positions that we’re kind of thinking the same thing.”

Q: When the offense is on the field do you have the luxury of watching the play and seeing it developing or since you’re the play caller are you always thinking ahead? Do you have to keep coming up with scenarios?

HALEY: “I think it’s a little bit of both and that’s part of the challenge. I think that’s why during the week you script and that’s part of the process. You kind of visualize situations and areas of the field, first, second, and third down starting on Wednesdays. You can kind of visualize in your head what you’re thinking and then on Fridays I sit up there and put a lot of time into situation thinking as I do the call sheet.

“But there is no doubt as the play caller you must stay a play ahead, you have to or you’ll get caught. You have to stay not only a play ahead but a play ahead with multiple scenarios – if it’s second-and-eight is it going to be third-and-eight or third-and-three or first-and-10? I think that’s just part of the process and instinct is involved in calling plays and that’s what makes it fun.”

Q: So, on your call sheet you have it divided up into parts of the field?

HALEY: “Lot of different areas: down-and-distance considered into that factor. You have to have a down and your eyes have to go where they’re supposed to go.

“The touchdown to Jamaal was an interesting situation. It was a high intensity situation. I knew the play that I wanted to call and yet I couldn’t find it. I knew the play called and the formation, all of that, but it’s kind of looking for your security blanket. So, there are times where you’re really humping it to be ready, especially when there’s a big gain or the play clock is running. It makes it a great challenge and fun when you’re successful.”

Q: At the end of the season do you evaluate it and see if you need an offensive coordinator?

HALEY: “I don’t want to jump ahead here, but I would assume and I know that all areas will be looked at it and evaluated to see how we can get better.”