"Todd Haley was trying to think of something Sunday that encouraged him about last year's group of linebackers. It was one of the Chiefs' most glaring weaknesses at a particularly important position, and the many transitions that Haley and his assistants required didn't always translate into pretty play. "One of the hardest-working groups," Haley said finally. "They busted their butts." That's like saying a blind date had a terrific personality. The Chiefs' linebackers were unimpressive most times, lacking talent, confidence, chemistry and experience. And it often showed. Derrick Johnson struggled with injuries and confusion as to why he was demoted from the starting lineup. Tamba Hali, a converted defensive end, proved he was still a promising pass rusher but showed his inexperience in coverage and occasionally forgot his assignments. Corey Mays filled in after Zach Thomas was cut during the preseason and was solid but hardly spectacular. The linebacker most familiar with the 3-4 scheme, Mike Vrabel, turned 34 before the season and began to show some signs of slowing. On and on it went, and Haley admitted Sunday that this year's group of linebackers must avoid individual shortcomings, because too often in 2009 they became team-wide concerns. "If one guy doesn't do his job, that's a problem," Haley said. "They have to understand that they have to be doing their job, and then it comes down to: Can they do it well enough? Do they have the talent to do it well enough, to be part of a really good defense?" Because the Chiefs will play this season with mostly the same linebacker personnel as in 2009, the team has a good idea of its skill potential. Kansas City drafted Cameron Sheffield in the fifth round, but despite the need, the linebacker position has so far gone largely untouched. Now the Chiefs have to count on comfort, improved experience and maybe luck to overcome a roster that lacks intimidating names. Haley said there's not much room for error regarding the linebackers, and whether it's karma or clean living that attracts it, Kansas City needs some things to go its way. "It's a learning curve," Haley said. "They must improve." Few players endured as steep a learning curve last season as outside linebackers Hali and Andy Studebaker, both of whom moved from end. Hali has said he wasn't proud of his first months in the new position, but his team-high 8 ½ sacks helped overshadow his deficiencies. Studebaker said Sunday that he decided early to stay close to Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls with New England and played outside linebacker for years in the 3-4. Studebaker asked Vrabel for tips and advice, and the veteran was glad to share them. After a while, what once looked like a grueling transition became second nature, helping him grab two interceptions in an unlikely win against Pittsburgh." http://www.kansascity.com/2010/06/13/2015261/haley-counting-on-linebackers.html
