Thigpen: On The Trading Block, Or Not?

Trade rumors involving Chiefs quarterback Tyler Thigpen broke Wednesday. Warpaint Illustrated was at practice as Thigpen and head coach Todd Haley commented on the situation.

With the rumors swirling, where is Thigpen’s focus?

Thigpen: I haven’t heard anything. I haven’t heard of anything as of now. Right now, my focus at hand is the Seattle Seahawks. That’s what I’m focusing on right now. All of the other stuff I can’t control, so whatever’s going on around the league, whatever’s being said, I can’t control any of that. The only thing I can control is the way I prepare myself to play against the Seattle Seahawks.

Is it possible Thigpen might prefer going somewhere where he can compete for a starting job?

Thigpen: Right now I’ve got a job. Right now I’m going out each and every day and pushing Matt. Helping Matt to become a better quarterback, and make myself a better quarterback. Any quarterback wants to compete for a job. I mean, what quarterback wouldn’t? If you’re in this league and you don’t want to compete, you shouldn’t be in here. You’re in it for the wrong reasons. Whatever situation comes up for me, I’m going to take full advantage of it and look forward to my future.

Does Thigpen feel he's competing for a starting job in Kansas City, or simply a roster spot?

Thigpen: I don’t feel like I’m competing for a starting job. Matt’s been taking all the reps with the ones. I think that’s obvious. They signed him to a long-term deal. He’s the face of the franchise right now, so good for him. Congratulations to him, but right now, like I said, I’m competing for a backup spot on this team, and each and every day I’m going out pushing to make Matt better.

Is it frustrating that last season Thigpen put up a valiant performance and made plays as a starter, and now he’s competing to make the team?

Thigpen: It’s very frustrating, that’s the way the business works. Each and every year you’re going to have competition. I can’t blame the system the way it works, but right now my focus at hand is on the Seattle Seahawks.


HEAD COACH TODD HALEY

What will the quarterback rotation be for Saturday’s preseason contest against Seattle?

Haley: Everybody’s back healthy, so we’ll have to figure out a plan of action, but once we talk about that I’ll let you know. I don’t want to say something that’s not going to be without discussing it with my coaches.

Thigpen’s been practicing with the second team this week. Is that because he’s coming off an injury?

Haley: He missed some time, so it's a chance to get him back going again. When there’s four, generally there’s an odd man out. That’s just the way it is.

How has Thigpen looked taking snaps from under center?

Haley: I think he’s made progress, but I think he needs to continue to get better in that area. I don’t think there’s any doubt if you watch him play in the game against Houston, that he can make some plays with his feet. He was definitely a spark for the offense, but he needs to continue to work at that aspect of his game being a drop back passer. Some of his accuracy isn’t where it needs to be when he’s in that mode, so that’s something he’s been working on and needs to continue to work on. When [Thigpen’s passes miss], they miss high. That’s not always good for quarterbacks.

Any comment on the Thigpen trade rumors?

Haley: No. I’ll talk about the guys that are practicing. Period. That’s my job - coaching the best I can.