Priest Interview...Read what the plan is against Champ Bailey

Troy1220 · 09-08-2004, 02:05 PM

kcchiefs.com interview

DENVER CONFERENCE CALL
Q: You’ve got a big game right out of the gate?

HOLMES: “First of all, it’s a rivalry game. The second thing, that I don’t think everyone is aware of is that it’s the first game of the year so it depends on which team has really taken advantage of their off-season and their camp. Whoever can strike first I think is the team that is definitely going to pull out the win.”

Q: What are your impressions of the changes in the Broncos defense?

HOLMES: “The defense has definitely changed, and I would say they have changed for the best part of being more disciplined, having more veteran guys there to make sure that they’re filling the gaps. But they still have to learn a new defense. They still have their core linebacker which is Al Wilson and he’ll do a good job coming downhill and making sure they stuff the run. They still have to learn a new defense and they’ve only had a few months to do that. That’s our advantage because we’ve been together going on four years.”

Q: What are your impressions of CB Champ Bailey and some of the other new faces on the Denver defense?

HOLMES: “Well, I really haven’t so my impression of them is only I’ve seen on the highlight film. They’ve always done a very job of being professional and being skilled individuals. I haven’t had much experience playing against those individuals, but collectively I’m definitely prepared for the Denver Broncos defense.”

Q: What was the talk we heard of possible retirement in the off-season?

HOLMES: “(The thought of) retirement came from more off-field situations than it did on-field. It was more just time for me to sacrifice football for my family because you know the entire time I’ve been playing I’ve always had to put football first because of the schedule and the importance of playing attention to detail. It went through my mind as being one of the things I discussed with my family. My Dad said, ‘How in the world am I going to be able to see you on Sunday if you’re not playing on TV?’ So I thought about that. Also my teammates; we’ve been putting this together for over three years and we want to take advantage of it and reap the benefits of it – and that’s a championship.”

Q: How long will your father be in Iraq?

HOLMES: “He’ll be there throughout this year and be returning in January of ’05.”

Q: What were your thoughts on Ricky Williams retiring?

HOLMES: “I actually support Ricky, just the retirement in itself because you never know what an individual is going through and what forces an individual to leave the game of football. It is very difficult, I think being in anyone’s shoes to decide to do something like that on your own because of the fact that you have family, you have friends, you have that uncle that goes to the bar every Sunday just to see you play. You have little kids around the world that wear your jersey and they try to do the same things you do in their high school games. So, it is very hard to decide something like that on your own. But something forced him to retire and he chose to do that. I support him because there’s not too many jobs in the United States that when you go to work there is the possibility of not walking again when you leave it.”

Q: How close did you come to actually retiring?

HOLMES: “The closeness of it was just a matter of thought. Every year I go over a few goals, and I go over a few things as far as ‘Am I ready to play?’ I think at my position you get hit so many times and you carry the ball as much as I do, you can’t take it for granted and just assume ‘Hey it’s another year and I’ll just make it through.’ You have to be really prepared and dedicated to what you’re going to do. That’s one of the things I needed to check, if that I was still in the game and the love of the game was still in me. And I’m glad that I stayed.”

Q: What are your personal goals for 2003? Didn’t your personal trainer suggest 2,300 yards?

HOLMES: “Actually, I’ve heard 2,300 go across the room. I’ve heard 2,000 go across the room. My goal is to have longer runs. My goal is to have a longer run than 30 yards. My longest run last year was a max of 30 yards. So, in terms of making as many 30 yards runs plus possible, that’s what I’m after. And I believe at the end of the year, if you add those up it will put you over 2,000.”

Q: Won’t it be difficult to improve on last year’s 13-3 record?

HOLMES: “We have a team that is loaded with talent. We have Dante Hall that has done things in the kicking game that has never really been done before and I don’t think anyone will ever be able to match what he’s done. For him now to set his goals to break that is incredible, there are not a lot of teams that are able to say that on their special teams. Offensively we have so many weapons, in Trent Green, Tony Gonzalez. One of the things we do on offense is we gain yards in bunches. That’s one of the things we love doing. On defense we have Gunther (Cunningham) coming in town. It’s not a democracy; it’s not your way, it’s his way. So that’s one of the things that’s going to be good about our defense; they’re going to be playing as a team and they’re going to hit.

Q: Were you surprised that the Broncos traded RB Clinton Portis?

HOLMES: “I had actually talked to the running back there in Denver and (Clinton) Portis had told me there at the Pro Bowl, that was one of the situations that may be happening this past off-season because he was definitely going to be holding out. With 1,500 yards and what he’s done back-to-back season, you have to pay a guy like that. He’s gone to a team where they definitely dish out the dough. For Denver, they bring in a shutdown corner – that’s one of the things I believe they needed to do to make they’re defense stronger. But we’re going to be able to single out Champ (Bailey) as much as possible by putting fast receivers on him and making him run and keeping him away from the pile, allowing me to run the opposite direction.”

Q: Is Coach Vermeil still the same emotional guy?

HOLMES: “Being emotional is part of his being. One of the things that impressed me about Coach Vermeil is that he called me personally during my free agency time and told me that if I wanted to be part of the team, he’d love to have me and I’d be his starting back. I think his word is something that you could definitely take to the bank and he doesn’t spread that word only for his starters, but his coaches, front office people – even the guys that are down working in the stadium.”

htismaqe · 09-08-2004, 02:09 PM

Exactly what we expected them to do.

It's easy to neutralize a shutdown corner when your WR's aren't a vital part of the offense. Just use them to run him out of the play.

go bo · 09-08-2004, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Exactly what we expected them to do.

It's easy to neutralize a shutdown corner when your WR's aren't a vital part of the offense. Just use them to run him out of the play.

but when they do run to bailey's side of the field, i'm looking forward to one of our big linemen running right over his ass...

i don't care how good they say he is, i just don't see him winning the battle with our o-line blocking on sweeps...

King_Chief_Fan · 09-08-2004, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by go bo

but when they do run to bailey's side of the field, i'm looking forward to one of our big linemen running right over his ass...

i don't care how good they say he is, i just don't see him winning the battle with our o-line blocking on sweeps...

Welborne knocking him on his arse will be a joy to see.

Logical · 09-08-2004, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Exactly what we expected them to do.

It's easy to neutralize a shutdown corner when your WR's aren't a vital part of the offense. Just use them to run him out of the play.

I absolutely agree. Champ was not an answer to beat the Chiefs, Champ is there to beat other teams.

Chiefnj · 09-08-2004, 02:14 PM

McCardell couldn't pick up the Chiefs playbook of "run down the field as fast as you can and don't stop?"

Raiderhater · 09-08-2004, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj

McCardell couldn't pick up the Chiefs playbook of "run down the field as fast as you can and don't stop?"

I am neither for nor against bringing McCardell in. But if this is your argument for, it is the weakest I have yet to see.

Why spend the money the money on the guy when you already have youngsters that can run down the field just as well?

ROYC75 · 09-08-2004, 02:16 PM

I see Champ trying to hold up on a fly pattern on every play, whoever is lined up against Champ runs a fly, Trent calls a play at the line to go away from him. After awhile, boom, downfield for a touchdown.

htismaqe · 09-08-2004, 02:24 PM

I just don't see how Bailey is going to be a factor at all. He might get a few tackles on sweeps and such, but we're certainly going to gameplan with him in mind...

ROYC75 · 09-08-2004, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

I just don't see how Bailey is going to be a factor at all. He might get a few tackles on sweeps and such, but we're certainly going to gameplan with him in mind...

I agree, Bailey is just one player, he is good,but he can't stop the rest of the team.

**BigRedChief** · 09-08-2004, 02:28 PM

Right on bro. Call a fly every time on him and let Priest run and Tony G catch those underneath passes and we will be fine.

redfan · 09-08-2004, 02:31 PM

Just say 'NO' to McCardell. Whiny-azzed holdin' out sumbeeyatch...

Chief Fanatic · 09-08-2004, 02:55 PM

I hope Denver fans keep counting on Champ to be the savior of their team. He's good maybe great but can't change the whole scheme of an offense especially ours. Also Lynch is washed up along with Luter Ellis, who never did much in what Detroit? They got Al Wilson, Trevor Pryce, and Champ. I have a good feeling for Sunday. Our O will roll, and we're gonna see the best defense we've seen the past 3 years.

TEX · 09-08-2004, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Fanatic

I hope Denver fans keep counting on Champ to be the savior of their team. He's good maybe great but can't change the whole scheme of an offense especially ours. Also Lynch is washed up along with Luter Ellis, who never did much in what Detroit? They got Al Wilson, Trevor Pryce, and Champ. I have a good feeling for Sunday. Our O will roll, and we're gonna see the best defense we've seen the past 3 years.

The one's who know understand that Champ will add to the core to make their defense better. The idiots think he can do it alone. Wonder what the majority thinks?

Hydrae · 09-08-2004, 03:15 PM

Is it just me or is the spell checking complete crap on these interviews? This one was one of the worst but almost every interview from kcchiefs.com has some pretty stupid errors.

09-08-2004, 02:05 PM	Topic Starter
Troy1220 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Holland, Michigan Casino cash: $10006050	Priest Interview...Read what the plan is against Champ Bailey kcchiefs.com interview DENVER CONFERENCE CALL Q: You’ve got a big game right out of the gate? HOLMES: “First of all, it’s a rivalry game. The second thing, that I don’t think everyone is aware of is that it’s the first game of the year so it depends on which team has really taken advantage of their off-season and their camp. Whoever can strike first I think is the team that is definitely going to pull out the win.” Q: What are your impressions of the changes in the Broncos defense? HOLMES: “The defense has definitely changed, and I would say they have changed for the best part of being more disciplined, having more veteran guys there to make sure that they’re filling the gaps. But they still have to learn a new defense. They still have their core linebacker which is Al Wilson and he’ll do a good job coming downhill and making sure they stuff the run. They still have to learn a new defense and they’ve only had a few months to do that. That’s our advantage because we’ve been together going on four years.” Q: What are your impressions of CB Champ Bailey and some of the other new faces on the Denver defense? HOLMES: “Well, I really haven’t so my impression of them is only I’ve seen on the highlight film. They’ve always done a very job of being professional and being skilled individuals. I haven’t had much experience playing against those individuals, but collectively I’m definitely prepared for the Denver Broncos defense.” Q: What was the talk we heard of possible retirement in the off-season? HOLMES: “(The thought of) retirement came from more off-field situations than it did on-field. It was more just time for me to sacrifice football for my family because you know the entire time I’ve been playing I’ve always had to put football first because of the schedule and the importance of playing attention to detail. It went through my mind as being one of the things I discussed with my family. My Dad said, ‘How in the world am I going to be able to see you on Sunday if you’re not playing on TV?’ So I thought about that. Also my teammates; we’ve been putting this together for over three years and we want to take advantage of it and reap the benefits of it – and that’s a championship.” Q: How long will your father be in Iraq? HOLMES: “He’ll be there throughout this year and be returning in January of ’05.” Q: What were your thoughts on Ricky Williams retiring? HOLMES: “I actually support Ricky, just the retirement in itself because you never know what an individual is going through and what forces an individual to leave the game of football. It is very difficult, I think being in anyone’s shoes to decide to do something like that on your own because of the fact that you have family, you have friends, you have that uncle that goes to the bar every Sunday just to see you play. You have little kids around the world that wear your jersey and they try to do the same things you do in their high school games. So, it is very hard to decide something like that on your own. But something forced him to retire and he chose to do that. I support him because there’s not too many jobs in the United States that when you go to work there is the possibility of not walking again when you leave it.” Q: How close did you come to actually retiring? HOLMES: “The closeness of it was just a matter of thought. Every year I go over a few goals, and I go over a few things as far as ‘Am I ready to play?’ I think at my position you get hit so many times and you carry the ball as much as I do, you can’t take it for granted and just assume ‘Hey it’s another year and I’ll just make it through.’ You have to be really prepared and dedicated to what you’re going to do. That’s one of the things I needed to check, if that I was still in the game and the love of the game was still in me. And I’m glad that I stayed.” Q: What are your personal goals for 2003? Didn’t your personal trainer suggest 2,300 yards? HOLMES: “Actually, I’ve heard 2,300 go across the room. I’ve heard 2,000 go across the room. My goal is to have longer runs. My goal is to have a longer run than 30 yards. My longest run last year was a max of 30 yards. So, in terms of making as many 30 yards runs plus possible, that’s what I’m after. And I believe at the end of the year, if you add those up it will put you over 2,000.” Q: Won’t it be difficult to improve on last year’s 13-3 record? HOLMES: “We have a team that is loaded with talent. We have Dante Hall that has done things in the kicking game that has never really been done before and I don’t think anyone will ever be able to match what he’s done. For him now to set his goals to break that is incredible, there are not a lot of teams that are able to say that on their special teams. Offensively we have so many weapons, in Trent Green, Tony Gonzalez. One of the things we do on offense is we gain yards in bunches. That’s one of the things we love doing. On defense we have Gunther (Cunningham) coming in town. It’s not a democracy; it’s not your way, it’s his way. So that’s one of the things that’s going to be good about our defense; they’re going to be playing as a team and they’re going to hit. Q: Were you surprised that the Broncos traded RB Clinton Portis? HOLMES: “I had actually talked to the running back there in Denver and (Clinton) Portis had told me there at the Pro Bowl, that was one of the situations that may be happening this past off-season because he was definitely going to be holding out. With 1,500 yards and what he’s done back-to-back season, you have to pay a guy like that. He’s gone to a team where they definitely dish out the dough. For Denver, they bring in a shutdown corner – that’s one of the things I believe they needed to do to make they’re defense stronger. But we’re going to be able to single out Champ (Bailey) as much as possible by putting fast receivers on him and making him run and keeping him away from the pile, allowing me to run the opposite direction.” Q: Is Coach Vermeil still the same emotional guy? HOLMES: “Being emotional is part of his being. One of the things that impressed me about Coach Vermeil is that he called me personally during my free agency time and told me that if I wanted to be part of the team, he’d love to have me and I’d be his starting back. I think his word is something that you could definitely take to the bank and he doesn’t spread that word only for his starters, but his coaches, front office people – even the guys that are down working in the stadium.”
Posts: 288

09-08-2004, 02:09 PM	#2
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $8179900	Exactly what we expected them to do. It's easy to neutralize a shutdown corner when your WR's aren't a vital part of the offense. Just use them to run him out of the play.
Posts: 104,292

09-08-2004, 02:14 PM	#6
Chiefnj MVP Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Willis, Harris and Davis. Casino cash: $10004900	McCardell couldn't pick up the Chiefs playbook of "run down the field as fast as you can and don't stop?" __________________ "I always tell (the assistant coaches), 'Make it simple, 'cause I'm stupid,'" Edwards said. "This ain't computer football." Herm Edwards, 3-20-07 Q: Herm, back on December 25th you were asked if Trent Green was your starter going into next season and you said, ‘yeah, why wouldn’t he be?’ Have you changed your mind on that? EDWARDS: No, I have not.” (1-11-07)
Posts: 6,811

09-08-2004, 02:16 PM	#8
ROYC75 Time For Your Wake Up Call !!! Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Barn Yard Casino cash: $2347400	I see Champ trying to hold up on a fly pattern on every play, whoever is lined up against Champ runs a fly, Trent calls a play at the line to go away from him. After awhile, boom, downfield for a touchdown. __________________ Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That's what's insane about it. John Lennon
Posts: 37,911

09-08-2004, 02:24 PM	#9
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $8179900	I just don't see how Bailey is going to be a factor at all. He might get a few tackles on sweeps and such, but we're certainly going to gameplan with him in mind...
Posts: 104,292

09-08-2004, 02:28 PM	#11
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-541038 VARSITY	Right on bro. Call a fly every time on him and let Priest run and Tony G catch those underneath passes and we will be fine. __________________ Mahomes is not a game manager. Release the Kraken.
Posts: 81,236

09-08-2004, 02:31 PM	#12
redfan I miss Eric and Willie Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: OHohOhhhhh-lathe Casino cash: $-1658148	Just say 'NO' to McCardell. Whiny-azzed holdin' out sumbeeyatch... __________________ IV LIV LVII LVIII Len Dawson: SB IV MVP Patrick Mahomes: 2X NFLMVP 3X SBMVP and 3rd member of the B2B SBMVP Club
Posts: 8,206

09-08-2004, 02:55 PM	#13
Chief Fanatic Starter Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: KC/Liberty Casino cash: $10004900	I hope Denver fans keep counting on Champ to be the savior of their team. He's good maybe great but can't change the whole scheme of an offense especially ours. Also Lynch is washed up along with Luter Ellis, who never did much in what Detroit? They got Al Wilson, Trevor Pryce, and Champ. I have a good feeling for Sunday. Our O will roll, and we're gonna see the best defense we've seen the past 3 years.
Posts: 119

09-08-2004, 03:15 PM	#15
Hydrae MVP Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Newport, Or Casino cash: $-943000	Is it just me or is the spell checking complete crap on these interviews? This one was one of the worst but almost every interview from kcchiefs.com has some pretty stupid errors. __________________ My 2024 Adopt-A-Chief: Rashee Rice
Posts: 14,853