Todd Haley could feel the mood shifting. Players seemed more optimistic at Chiefs headquarters. They seemed more willing to listen. More willing to work. It was about a month ago that things began to change. The Chiefs’ attitude had been sour for most of the last three seasons. After most games and many practices, the locker room had the enthusiasm of a funeral. Players sulked or waited out reporters in back-corner hideaways. When your team is 1-6, answers are sometimes painful, and delivering them hurts.

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