Haley calls plays but still no TD's in 17-9 loss to Rams

New Chiefs head coach Todd Haley wanted to start a winning attitude in the preseason, but Kansas City fell to 0-4 with a 17-9 loss in St. Louis. With Haley calling the plays as offensive coordinator for the first time since dumping Chan Gailey on Monday, the offense showed some spark but still didn’t find its way into the end zone.

Brodie Croyle made the start at quarterback for the injured Matt Cassel and had his moments, but missed too many open receivers. He finished 5 of 16 for 85 yards in the first half. Still, he had a 40 yard pass to tight end Sean Ryan as part of an 86 yard drive from the Chiefs own two. Unfortunately, KC had a TD nullified by a holding call on Ryan. Larry Johnson also had a 41 yard run on the drive.

Kicker Ryan Succop rebounded with three FG’s from 31, 40 and 34 yards and running back Dantrell Savage may have nailed down a job with a hard fought 70 yard run from scrimmage, but KC failed to convert 3rd down situations again and again, going 3 of 16, something Haley hammered on last week after the loss to Seattle.

Despite giving up too many third down conversions 9 of 20, the Chiefs defense managed to be a bright spot, recording three sacks and giving up just 10 points. DaJuan Morgan and Wallace Gilberry were two players who may have played their way onto the squad.

One guy who may have played his way off it was last year’s QB Tyler Thigpen. Coming in to start the second half, Thigpen threw two interceptions, including a pick six to Quincy Butler that gave the Rams a 14-9 lead. Thigpen was replaced by Matt Gutierrez in the fourth quarter. Gutierrez was 7 of 14 for 118 yards.

The most glaring weakness once again was the offensive line which gave up two sacks and had Chiefs QB’s under pressure most of the night. It seems no one wants to play tackle for the Chiefs this season. Don’t be surprised when the cuts come on Saturday that Haley and GM Scott Pioli send some familiar names packing and pluck more players off the cut list in an effort to solve the line problems.

Whatever they do, Haley will still be seeking his first win when the Chiefs open the regular season against the Ravens a week from Sunday.