Sunday Best – 10/30

LONGEST PLAYS

• 100 – Detroit CB Chris Houston interception return TD vs. Denver (W).
• 82 – Arizona CB Patrick Peterson punt return TD vs. Baltimore (L).
• 78 – Minnesota CB Marcus Sherels kickoff return vs. Carolina (W).
• 75 – Cincinnati S Reggie Nelson interception return for TD vs. Seattle (W).
• 70 – Dallas WR Laurent Robinson TD catch vs. Philadelphia (L).
• 66 – Arizona WR Larry Fitzgerald catch vs. Baltimore (L).
• 65 – San Francisco P Andy Lee punt vs. Cleveland (W).
• 65 – Seattle P Jon Ryan punt vs. Cincinnati (L).
• 63 – Cincinnati CB Pacman Jones punt return vs. Seattle (W).

RUSHING

• 185 – Philadelphia RB LeSean McCoy on 30 carries, 2 TDs vs. Dallas (W).
• 159 – St. Louis RB Steven Jackson on 25 carries, 2 TDs vs. New Orleans (W).
• 134 – San Francisco RB Frank Gore on 31 carries, 1 TD vs. Cleveland (W).
• 120 – Buffalo RB Fred Jackson on 26 carries vs. Washington (W).
• 112 – Houston RB Arian Foster on 33 carries, 1 TD vs. Jacksonville (W).
• 103 – Miami RB Reggie Bush on 15 carries vs. N.Y. Giants (L). …Read More!

Catching UP To Chargers … GAMEDAY CUP O’Chiefs

Last season when his team was getting ready to open its schedule against the San Diego Chargers, Todd Haley made it very plain that his team was not nearly as talented as the then defending division champions.

“We are not as good a team as they are,” Haley said at the time. “They are the best team in the division.”

Coaching smoke? Yes and no. There was no doubt that the Chiefs did not have the type of talent of the Chargers, who had put together a four-year string of division championships. But there was also no doubting the fact that Haley felt his team could win, if they played smart football. They would have to limit their penalties, win the turnover battle and have the advantage in the kicking game. The Chiefs did all three and earned a 21-14 victory.

Just over a year later, the Chiefs and Chargers meet again, in another Monday night game at Arrowhead Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. CDT with the telecast on ESPN and locally on Channel 9.

Are the Chargers still the best team in the division? Are the Chiefs still not up to San Diego’s level? …Read More!

4 THINGS CHIEFS MUST DO TO BEAT SAN DIEGO

HISTORY

• This is the 104th game between these teams that were original members of the American Football League.
• The series is tied at 51-51-1. All but one of those games was in the regular season. The only meeting in the playoffs between the teams was in 1992, when the Chargers grabbed a 17-0 victory.
• The last meeting between these teams was on September 25 in San Diego, with the Chargers taking a 20-17 victory.
• The last time they faced each other at Arrowhead Stadium was the 2010 season opener, won by the Chiefs 21-14.
• The last victory for the Chargers in Kansas City was October 25, 2009, when they walked away with a 37-7 victory.
• These teams have won 7 of the last 8 AFC West titles: the Chiefs in 2003 and 2010, and the Chargers in 2004 and 2006-09. Denver took first place in 2005.

4

Keep the offense on the field

The Chiefs have been in the time of possession hole all season, but they’ve closed the gap lately and now are down 3 minutes, 12 seconds to their opponents. In the last two games, they’ve had an edge of six minutes or more in each outing, both victories. The Chargers have built a huge time of possession advantage in six games with a 7:52 edge for the season. The Chiefs cannot allow Philip Rivers and that offense to spend a lot of time on the field. Whether through the air or with the running game, Matt Cassel and the offense need to string together some long possessions and they must finish with points. …Read More!

Appetizers For Prime-Time Tailgaters

In the never ending chase to simplify difficult things, the media horde has been trying to distinguish that moment in the 2011 season where the Chiefs season changed from losing to winning.

Was it the second half of the game in San Diego, when the Chiefs got themselves back into the game and had a chance on the final possession to win or tie? Or, was it that first half moment in Game No. 4 against Minnesota when Todd Haley and Matt Cassel had their “discussion” on the sidelines?

Chances are it was not a single moment in time that turned the fortunes of the team in a new direction. It’s far more likely that it was hundreds of very small and seemingly insignificant moments that stopped the bleeding and allowed the Chiefs to dig out of the hole they created for themselves.

“It was a combination of so many different things that finally came together for us,” QB Matt Cassel said. “There’s no doubt also that the guys have been working hard. We all have, and we’ve been putting in extra time. This is a dedicated team and a group of guys that want to be successful, want to win and want to have great success. With that, add adjusting and doing a number of different things from a fundamental standpoint.” …Read More!

The Kicking Game Factor … Sunday Cup O’Chiefs

The first time the Chiefs and Chargers met this year there were 23 special teams plays in the game. Seven of those plays put points on the scoreboard. Another 15 delivered changes in field position.

In a game decided by three points, the kicking game was a pivotal factor in the game.

But then, it always seems to be that way in the AFC West. It certainly was the last time the Chiefs and Chargers played at Arrowhead Stadium. That game was highlighted by Dexter McCluster’s 94-yard punt return for a touchdown.

It would not be out of line to say that the difference between the Chiefs and Chargers last year, the difference between first and second places, the difference between playoffs and staying at home in January, was special teams. The Chiefs made the kicking game work, the Chargers did not.

In fact, last year San Diego had one of the worst special teams performances in recent NFL history. They allowed four punt and kick returns for touchdowns. They allowed four blocked punts. Despite the presence of instant speed and quickness Darren Sproles, the Chargers did not have a return TD during the season.

As the teams meet for the second time this season, it would not be a stretch to predict that the kicking game could make or break either team’s season. Monday night the most special of special teams will enjoy a winning evening. …Read More!

Behind the Scenes at Monday Night Football

I was privileged to attend several Monday Night Football games around 12 or 13 years ago as the guest of director Craig Janoff and learned then why MNF was the best sports broadcast in America at that time.

Producer Kenny Wolfe worked with announcers Al Michaels, Dan Dierdorf, Boomer Esiason and Frank Gifford, and the sideline reporter was Lynn Swann in one of the games I attended. Dierdorf, Gifford and Swann were all members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Boomer was a Pro Bowl quarterback who had led his team to the Super Bowl. Michaels and Janoff have received lifetime achievement awards for their professions, and the broadcast team won multiple Emmy Awards during their tenure. The team was highly experienced, having broadcast the Olympics, World Series, Triple Crown, and many other sporting events and they knew how to make broadcasts more exciting while focusing on the game and players instead of media sideshows.

…Read More!

Chiefs Are Healthy, Chargers Not So Much

The Chiefs injury report to the NFL for Monday night’s game has one name – FS Kendrick Lewis. He’s listed because of an ankle injury suffered against Oakland. He’s listed as questionable.

The situation with the Chargers is not as good. Three players were declared out of the game because of injury: DE Luis Castillo (broken leg), G Kris Dielman (concussion) and OLB Shaun Phillips (foot). Castillo has been out all season, but Dielman and Phillips are starters and losing them hurts the Chargers.

It also appears that they’ll be without RB Michael Tolbert, who was listed as doubtful with hamstring and hand injuries. Tolbert is San Diego’s second leading rusher and fourth leading receiver and has scored five touchdowns.

Listed are questionable are WR Malcom Floyd (hip) and S Darrell Stuckey (groin). Probable are FB Jacob Hester (foot), LT Marcus McNeill (neck), OL Scott Mruczkowski (neck), TE Antonio Gates (foot) and RB Ryan Mathews (thumb).

One Man’s Look At The Chiefs Roster

We always enjoy hearing from our readers, largely because you guys never cease to amaze me with the depth of your knowledge and use of your craniums.

The following arrived in the e-mail late this past week and I found the take interesting, so I decided to share it with everyone. Enjoy

********************

Bob: take a seat – this may be a longer read. I worked through the current Chiefs line-up and tried to identify the areas of biggest need. Here’s what I came up with.

OT: I’m actually fine with what the Chiefs have here. Albert and Richardson get the job done, sack stats are down compared to last year, and I think a rate of 1 sack per 20 pass attempts is acceptable. Richardson is on a RFA contract; however, I think he has earned a long term extension by now. Gaither’s waiting in the wings, I think he still isn’t 100% recovered from injury. He’s on a 1-year contract, so we’ll have to wait and see if he’ll be around in 2012. Mims is a project. I won’t count him in for 2012. Bottom line: no action required if the current crew stays put. …Read More!

Clark Speaks! Did He Say Anything? … Cup O’Chiefs

The initial reaction to the comments made by Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt to the Kansas City Star about his franchise, general manager and head coach was predictable.

It’s always the same with public figures that aren’t chatty and looking to get their name in the headlines on a daily basis. Half the people are mad at them because they don’t talk, while the other half get mad at them when they do talk. It’s one of those can’t win situations.

What Hunt said, what he didn’t say and when he said them were items worthy of consideration after his comments hit Friday’s fish wrap.

Hunt told the Star that Scott Pioli and Todd Haley are both doing fine jobs, that they get along in their professional relationship and that they’ve both matured into their roles. The franchise is moving forward and they are leading the way.

It’s no accident that Hunt should make his comments this week, rather than last week or next week. The Chiefs will be on national TV for the first time this season when they host the Chargers for Monday night football. Hunt and his minions were looking to mitigate any mention of the internal discord surrounding the franchise that’s gone public in the last month. …Read More!

Practice Report/Update – 10/28

From the Truman Sports Complex

Last Sunday was an expensive day for Brandon Flowers and Tamba Hali – both Chiefs defenders were fined by the NFL for actions in the victory over the Raiders.

For his end zone celebration after scoring his pick-six touchdown, Flowers was penalized 15 yards and the league office fined him $10,000 for using the football as a prop. OLB Tamba Hali was fined $15,000 for hitting Oakland QB Carson Palmer below the knee on the pass rush. Two members of the Raiders also were fined: LB Aaron Curry ($10,000) and CB Stanford Routt ($7,500). They were penalized for actions the NFL considered over and above acceptable action.

The Chiefs enjoyed another glorious day of autumn weather on Friday as they put in their second on-field practice of the week in preparation to face the San Diego Chargers.

Missing from the practice field were RB Dexter McCluster. Head coach Todd Haley said McCluster was absent because of personal business and he expecte him to return soon. It’s not injury related. Practice squad CB Quinten Lawrence was also missing from the practice field. …Read More!

Big Chore For A Little Man … Friday Cup O’Chiefs

Understand this about Brandon Lavar Flowers – he has always been small.

Plus, know this – he’s always been a cornerback, from his first day of Pee Wee football.

Finally, understand one more thing – the Chiefs small cornerback is afraid of no one on the football field.

In the case of possible match-up this coming Monday night against the San Diego offense and 6-5 WR Vincent Jackson, there is not a shred of fear or concern from the 5-9 Flowers.

“Just another challenge,” Flowers said on Thursday, a day after winning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his play last Sunday. “Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, Vincent Jackson – they are all over the place.”

He’s giving up more than 50 pounds and eight inches, but then he’s been giving up pounds and inches going all the way back to Atlantic High School in Delray Beach, and Hargrave Military Academy, Virginia Tech and through his four seasons in the NFL.

Whether or not Flowers will spend Monday night shadowing Jackson in front of a national television audience is not information they are willing to share around the Chiefs facilities at this time. Suffice is to say that there will be opportunities for Jackson to use his physical advantages against Flowers.

“You just have to match his intensity and be physical with him,” Flowers said of handling Jackson. “He goes for the deep ball really well, so you just have to challenge him the whole game.”

That doesn’t bother Flowers, who has been told for years that he’s too small to play football. What he’s done from the start of his football career, back to when he was eight years old and playing pee wee ball, he walks onto the field and finds the biggest receiver on the other team and goes to work.

“You couldn’t make the team when I was eight years old unless you were willing to hit,” Flowers said. “So that’s where it started for me. I was a little guy. I had to hit the bigger guys or I wasn’t allowed to play. I definitely took on that challenge right off the bat.” …Read More!

Pre-Game: Chargers vs. Chiefs

From Arrowhead Stadium

7:06 p.m. CDT – Both teams are abotu to finish up their warm-up periods. We’ll be back after the game with complete coverage all through the night. And rest assured, if you’ve got to go to bed, we’ll be there in the morning with the complete package surrounding the Chiefs and Chargers. Enjoy the game.

6:48 p.m. CDT – The Chiefs defensive backs are warming up in the same area of the field where assistant coach Charlie Joiner has his wide receivers doing their stretching. There’s a lot of banter going back and forth between the groups. If this was the Raiders, there’s a chance it would blow up into something of a problem. Both sides seem to be enjoying the give and take tonight.

6:45 p.m. CDT – Darkness has fallen but we can still see that the parking lots have filled up in the last hour, but the crowd inside Arrowhead is a late arriving group as there are very few folks in their seats at this point, about 40 minutes head of kickoff.

6:32 p.m. CDT – The beard and hat are intact for the game. Todd Haley made his way to the field and he’s not shaved the beard that is now 3-0 and he’s got that ratty red hat that he says is now 13-0. All bases covered with the head coach.

6:30 p.m. CDT – K Ryan Succop kicking toward the west goal posts hit the crossbar from 56 yards away. …Read More!

Practice Report/Update – 10/28

From the Truman Sports Complex

On Thursday afternoon, all hands were on deck for the start of field work for Monday night’s game against the San Diego Chargers.

FS Kendrick Lewis came out of the victory over Oakland last Sunday with an ankle injury, but he appeared to be active in practice during the open media window. The Chiefs listed Lewis as a limited participant on their injury/practice report.

With an extra day to prepare, Todd Haley used Wednesday as a day to work on the mental side of the preparation, as he put the players through a walk-through session. “We had a good mental day in the afternoon and a real good physical day in the weight room yesterday,” Haley said. “We were able to use that day in a positive manner.”

That made Thursday like a normal Wednesday for the Chiefs. They’ll practice on a normal Thursday schedule for Friday and then Saturday evening they will work inside Arrowhead Stadium under the lights.

The Chargers listed 10 players on their injury report, including five that did not practice on Thursday: DE Luis Castillo (broken leg), G Kris Dielman (concussion), WR Malcom Floyd (hip), OLB Shaun Phillips (foot) and RB Michael Tolbert (hamstring/hand). Listed as limited participants were FB Jacob Hester (foot), OL Scott Mruczkowski (neck) and LT Marcus McNeill (neck). Full participation came from TE Antonio Gates (foot) and RB Ryan Mathews (thumb).

One other note: apparently the NFL has decided that FB Le’Ron McClain will get to keep credit for the touchdown in the Oakland game that he fumbled into the end zone and was recovered by teammate Jon Asamoah. The league decided to take a second look at the play, but they apparently did not open their eyes.

Personnel File: San Diego Chargers

Personnel leader – Executive Vice President-GM A.J. Smith is in his 13th season with the Chargers, 27th in the NFL and ninth year in charge of the San Diego roster and picking players for the team. He took over when GM John Butler passed away from cancer early in 2003. Butler left Buffalo where he helped put together those Bills teams that were in the Super Bowls, and took over the Chargers in 2001. It was in 2002 that Butler hired Marty Schottenheimer as his head coach. Smith is known for his brusque style that has won him few friends in the NFL among players, other teams and especially agents. His feud with Schottenheimer went beyond bounds and Smith engineered the head coach’s firing and the hiring of Norv Turner. Although he’s drafted and acquired some of the best players in the league in his tenure, the Chargers have not won a Super Bowl. In fact, since Smith took over, the team’s record in the post-season is 3-5 in five appearances over eight seasons. …Read More!

4 Things Chiefs Must Do to Win/Recap

From Arrowhead Stadium

4

Keep the offense on the field

The Chiefs have been in the time of possession hole all season, but they’ve closed the gap lately and now are down 3 minutes, 12 seconds to their opponents. In the last two games, they’ve had an edge of six minutes or more in each outing, both victories. The Chargers have built a huge time of possession advantage in six games with a 7:52 edge for the season. The Chiefs cannot allow Philip Rivers and that offense to spend a lot of time on the field. Whether through the air or with the running game, Matt Cassel and the offense need to string together some long possessions and they must finish with points. FAILED – the Chargers ended the game with a time of possession advantage of over 5 minutes. Only in the second quarter and most importantly overtime did the Chiefs hold the ball longer than San Diego.

3

Grab special teams advantage

The Chargers had a horrible season in the kicking game last year. They’ve made a lot of changes in personnel, both coaching and playing, and they’ve stabilized the units, but they have not been able to produce much in their return game. Across the board, the numbers show the Chiefs kicking game has had a better season than San Diego. Last Sunday, the Chiefs controlled the special teams in a victory over Oakland. They need a similar type of performance against the Chargers. It happened last year when Dexter McCluster returned a punt 94 yards for a touchdown. The Chiefs need something of the same nature to help beat San Diego. PUSH – These teams played the kicking game pretty even throughout the night. The kickers and punters were the stars and head-to-head battles between Ryan Succop and Nick Novak, and then Dustin Colquitt and Mike Scifres came out pretty even.

2

Take the pass rush battle

The Chiefs defense has not racked up a lot of sacks this season with just six by three players in the first half-dozen games. That one per game average must improve. As for pass protection, they’ve allowed 10 sacks in 181 passing plays and that ranks them right in the middle of the league. On the other side, the Chargers have 10 sacks, but have given up 14. San Diego’s best pass rusher is OLB Shaun Phillips and he will not play in this game, giving the Chiefs an advantage with his absence. Those 14 sacks in 232 passing plays ranks the Chargers protection group near the middle of the league. A plus in the sack ratio in this game will mean points on the board for the Chiefs. FAILED – Both teams finished with 3 sacks each. According to press box stats, both teams had four other hits on the quarterback. The Chiefs needed to win this battle and they tied.

1

Take the turnover battle

The Chiefs were able to shutout Oakland last week thanks to six interceptions and a plus-4 in the turnover ratio. On the season, they are minus-1. That’s better than the Chargers who are minus-4. Todd Haley’s team has yet to recover an opponent’s fumble among the seven balls that were lost. The importance of turnovers and their effect on winning and losing can be summarized by these numbers: the Chiefs went 0-3 while turning the ball over 10 times in those games. They won the next three games due in part to just 2 giveaways. The Chargers have not scored a lot of points this year and every time the Chiefs can take the ball away will limit their chances to breakout in this game. FAILED – both teams had four turnovers in the game and while the final fumble of the Chargers was the most devastating, they all had an influence on the final score and the game’s outcome. How the Chiefs won in a game when they broke even in turnovers is hard to believe.

NOTES: Penalties Galore For Both Teams

From Arrowhead Stadium

It was a bad night for the San Diego Chargers.

It was a really bad night for QB Philip Rivers.

But it was a horrible night for left tackle Marcus McNeill.

The big man holding down the left side of the Chargers offensive line had a horrific game against the Chiefs. McNeill spent most of the game going one-on-one against Chiefs OLB Tamba Hali, and that made for a very tough night. Hali had two sacks, with one coming against McNeill. But just as bad were the six penalties that were called against McNeill. That was half of the dozen penalties walked off against the Chargers.

“He’s a great player,” McNeill said after the game. “This is a very tough place to play. But I pride myself in being a good player, in not having bad games. I made too many mistakes. I feel bad. I just had too much anxiety.”

Before a second had ticked off the game clock in the first quarter, McNeill was penalized for the first of four false start penalties. The Chargers first play of the second half also ended up with McNeill penalized for a false start. He was also called for holding and flagged for illegal hands to the face in the fourth quarter.

“You know when you come in here you don’t want to have any penalties,” said head coach Norv Turner. “It’s not my job to evaluate the officials. We’re trying hard to eliminate penalties. I think we did that in the second half.” In fact, San Diego had just three penalties in the second half and overtime, compared to nine in the first half.

COMPLETE ZEBRA REPORT

Coming into the game, the crew of referee Alberto Riveron was averaging nine penalties walked off each game for 66 yards. That had them among the least busy officiating crews in the NFL.

Whether instigated by a boisterous Arrowhead Stadium crowd or not, this crew ended up walking off 21 penalties for 158 yards.

Here are the nine calls that went against the Chiefs:

Plus, the replay booth was active as well in this game:

• Todd Haley challenged a fumble call on Dexter McCluster, but the review upheld the call.
• The Chargers challenged an incomplete pass call on Matt Cassel, and the replay showed it was a fumble, with San Diego recovering the ball.
• The replay assistant reversed a call of Jackie Battle scoring at the end of a 20-yard run. The review showed his knee hit at the one-yard line before he reached the goal line, so the on field call of a touchdown was reversed.
• The booth reviewed the two-point pass play by the Chargers and upheld the ruling on the field that the play was successful, allowing San Diego to tie the game at 20-20.

SPECIAL TEAMS REPORT

K Ryan Succop – had a good day, hitting all three of his field goals. He also had six kickoffs and four of those went for touchbacks. One was a mortar kick at the end of the half and the sixth was returned for 17 yards.

P Dustin Colquitt – also had a very good day, punting five times for 52, 47, 68, 61 and 58 yards. San Diego’s Patrick Crayton returned three punts, averaging 17.7 yards per return. Colquitt’s gross average was 57.2 percent and the team’s net punting average was 46.6 percent.

R Javier Arenas – Returned just one punt for 10 yards.

R Dexter McCluster – got back into the return game, taking back five kickoffs for a 27.4-yard average, with a long return of 33 yards. He also returned one punt for six yards.

Coverage – Punt group allowed 17.7 yards on average for three returns and 18 yards on two kickoff returns. LB Cory Greenwood was credited with two tackles. LBs Justin Houston, Demorrio Williams and Donald Washington had one tackle each.

Report Card: Chargers vs. Chiefs

From Arrowhead Stadium

RUSHING OFFENSE: C – The only time the Chiefs were able to count on the running game Monday night was in overtime, when they needed to move down the field as securely as possible. They got that done with Jackie Battle getting 70 yards on 19 carries. But 14 of the 94 yards came on scrambles by QB Matt Cassel. The longest run was 18 yards and they averaged 2.9 yards per carry. Those numbers are not good enough.

PASSING OFFENSE: C – With two more interceptions and three sacks allowed, the Chiefs passing game was not top-notch against the Chargers. QB Matt Cassel finished with a 69.9 passer rating, far below his season average. He completed 59.4 percent of his passes and averaged 8.2 yards per attempt. Baldwin-Bowe-Breaston continues to evolve and real in passes – combined for 12 catches for 186 yards.

RUSHING DEFENSE: B – Overall, it was a very good job by the Chiefs defense in stopping the Chargers running game. They gave up 102 yards on 27 carries, but only one carry went for more than 10 yards and that was 18 by Ryan Mathews. It was Mathews speed that gave the Chiefs the most problems, as he broke outside containment several times while gaining 4.4 yards per carry.

PASSING DEFENSE: D – Even a less than on top of his game QB Philip Rivers was able to throw for 369 yards, completing 63.4 percent of his yards and averaging nine yards per pass play. The Chiefs picked him off twice and sacked him three times, but Rivers eventually hit seven different receivers, including WR Malcom Floyd who had 107 yards on five catches.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B – Excellent effort by Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt who averaged 57.2 yards on his five punts. The team’s net punting average was 46.6 yards. The Chiefs did allow Patrick Crayton out of the gate for a 31-yard punt return. San Diego got nothing on kick returns and K Ryan Succop banged through three FGs, including the game winner in overtime

COACHING: B – Kudos to defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, who mixed his calls on pass coverages and kept Rivers, TE Antonio Gates and WR Vincent Jackson under wraps for most of the game. The Chiefs defense did it by pressuring Gates at the line of scrimmage and changing up on who was covering him from play to play. Offensive game plan was balanced and finished up with 32 running plays and 35 passing plays. The Chiefs ha’ve won four in a row and the coaches deserve credit for that win streak.

Chiefs Defense Closes The Gates

From Arrowhead Stadium

Antonio Gates has been a thorn in the side of the Chiefs defense for as long as Derrick Johnson can remember.

“He’s just good; it’s hard to cover him and he’s hard to control and their guy (QB Philip Rivers) is always looking for him,” Johnson said.

Gates has caught more passes (77) and more touchdown passes (12) against the Chiefs than any other opponent. Those catches produced 952 yards, the most he’s racked up against any opponent in his career.

Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel has worked to stop Gates many times over the years as a defensive coordinator and a head coach. He told his players there was one thing that had to happen on every play.

“That’s what Coach RAC (Crennel) stressed all week – we had to get up on the line and challenge him,” said FS Kendrick Lewis, who had an interception and a fumble recovery in the game. “We were pressing him, giving him different looks. One person on him one time, then we would double him, then we would let our rushers jam him.

“It was all just to get him off-balance and show him a different look all day. We knew he was the main guy in the offense.”

Gates caught four passes for 73 yards. Those plays went for 6, 16, 24 and 27 yards. But, he caught his last pass in the game with 6 minutes, 30 seconds left to play in the third quarter.

The Chiefs defense was able to shut him out in the fourth quarter and overtime.

“The plan was to try and take Gates away from them,” said SS Jon McGraw, who spent a great deal of time in coverage on the San Diego tight end. “We structured all of our defenses so we could get hands on him and slow him down. We didn’t want him to beat us.

“He still made some plays; he’s obviously a tremendous player. But I think that helped us.”

Gates had a touchdown pass wiped off the boards when he was called for offensive pass interference for pushing off on McGraw. At least that’s what the officials said.

“He made contact, but he really didn’t push me,” McGraw said. “I wasn’t going to complain because we don’t get those calls very often, so when we do, nobody is going to give that one up.”

Overall, the guy in the Chargers passing game that caused the Chiefs defense the most problems was not Gates, or WR Vincent Jackson (3 catches for 49 yards). It was WR Malcom Floyd, who grabbed five passes for 107 yards, including the longest offensive play of the game for the Chargers.

“You can’t put extra attention on everybody,” said CB Brandon Flowers. “If you start leaning towards one guy or another, something else is going to pop open. You just have to make sure you keep it under control as much as possible.”

Lewis Overcomes Ankle, Chargers

From Arrowhead Stadium

There was never a doubt in the mind of Chiefs safety Kendrick Lewis.

No matter how much his left ankle hurt, he was going to play Monday night football against the Chargers if he had anything to say about the situation.

“I was going to play,” Lewis said.

But he also acknowledged that he didn’t have the final say so. That belonged to trainer Dave Price and the coaching staff.

“I got to give it to Dave Price, because he helped me get through this and got me right,” said Lewis. “From the time I got the injury, I said I was going to work my butt off to be on the field tonight. I worked harder to get over this injury than I did getting ready for the game.”

After showing Price and the coaches in a special workout some three hours before the game that he had all of his lateral movement, he got the green light.

“It was just a little insurance because it was an important decision,” Lewis said. “When it’s all said and done, they saw that I could move and play.”

Lewis had a big night. In the first quarter, he grabbed his third interception of the season, collecting a tipped Philip Rivers pass and returning it 10 yards.

“I got a chance to make a great play,” Lewis said. “I was in cover one and I knew he was going to try to get the ball early to Antonio Gates to get him started. He just tried to run and in route and he (Rivers) kind of overthrew Gates and I was able to make a play on it.”

Later, Lewis was able to recover the first opponent’s fumble of the season by the Chiefs. San Diego RB Ryan Mathews took a big hit from SS Jon McGraw, and the ball popped out and Lewis fell on it at the Chiefs 16-yard line.

“They are always telling me that when you go to the ball, good things happen,” said Lewis. “I was in the right place at the right time and I was able to pull the ball in and give our offense the ball.”

Baldwin Makes First Visit to End Zone

From Arrowhead Stadium

Last week in Oakland, he finally got on the field.

Then he got his first NFL catch against the Raiders.

Monday night against the San Diego Chargers, rookie Jonathan Baldwin grabbed his first NFL touchdown catch, grabbing a 39-yard throw from QB Matt Cassel for the Chiefs first points of the night.

“This is a blessing to be out there, contributing and helping my team,” Baldwin said after the game. “It’s been a long while. I thank God every day for giving me this opportunity. Like this team, I’m going to stay humble.”

There is not much of a reason yet for Baldwin to doing anything but stay humble. He missed the season’s first five games because of that broken right thumb he suffered in training camp. But now, two games into his career, he finished the game as the Chiefs leading receiver, catching five passes for 82 yards, including that TD throw.

“Matt just threw it up to me,” Baldwin said of the score. “I went up and made a play for him. That’s how it was.”

Baldwin was able to get his body down in the end zone with the ball, despite the fact it looked like his momentum was going to carry him out of the end zone before he secured the ball.

“You’ve got to be aware of those things,” Baldwin said. “I knew I was close. I was going to make sure I got down.”

From no catches, to one catch last week, to five catches against the Chargers – slowly Baldwin is making a spot for himself in the Chiefs offense.

“We got some production out of our young receiver,” Haley said. “I’ve been happy with his progression the last couple weeks. Everybody is excited about him.”

Nobody is more excited than his quarterback.

“He did a great job today,” Cassel said. “He made some big, big catches. That post route (TD play) obviously early in the game was outstanding. It was a great play by him.

“I think he’s a guy that continues to improve week in and week out. This was a big week for him, having a few catches here and there and being able to contribute.”

Hali Overcomes Frustrating Start

From Arrowhead Stadium

As the first half was ending, Tamba Hali was frustrated. He was rushing and rushing and rushing San Diego QB Philip Rivers but he couldn’t get to him.

Only once did he get his mitts on the Chargers passer in the first two quarters, and that was cleaning up a sack by LB Derrick Johnson. He was driving San Diego LT Marcus McNeill to distraction, as he piled up false start after false start, along with a holding call in the half.

That was all well and good, but Hali wanted No. 17 in his arms and on the turf.

“Early on I struggled,” Hali said. “I wasn’t able to get anything done. He was blocking me. He’s a good player. He’s a Pro Bowler. I have to realize it’s not going to be easy. This is the NFL. These guys get paid just like I do.

“But I was down. Some of my teammates had to tell me to keep rushing, keep putting the pressure on because it was helping them.”

Hali found another gear when he came out of the locker room at half-time, and by the time the overtime was completed he had two sacks, and a forced fumble. He was much happier with his production.

“I came out in the second half and it was like I woke up from a sleep,” Hali said. “I was ready to go then.

“I kind of had to talk trash to him to get myself going, because he was doing a pretty good job. I just had to bring it up a little bit more. I had to step it up.”

As always, he won the praise of his head coach Todd Haley.

“It’s hard to put into words how much energy and effort he expends on a full-time basis,” Haley said. “There isn’t one snap where you ever see him take a play off. People talk about motor, but this guy lives it from start to finish of every game, every practice. He is a true difference- maker out there.”

The victory has the Chiefs tied for first place on the last day of October, quite a turnaround from the start of the season.

But Hali said there isn’t a lot to celebrate just yet.

“We are very excited,” he allowed. “It takes a lot in this league to start 0-3 and make the strides that we have. We believe in what we are doing and we are continuing to do what we need to get done. We aren’t worried about other people.

“It’s satisfying, but it’s not enough. It’s just the midpoint of the season and we have some tough games coming up. It’s good to get a victory against these guys, but it’s about making progress.”

Hali now has six sacks on the season in seven games, as he ended a three-game drought with the two sacks.

“Our defense played well,” he said. “Having those guys around building your confidence up really helps. At times I was down. They had to keep telling, me ‘Keep playing, keep playing. Don’t worry – you are going to get there.’

“That kept me going.”

Play Of The Game: Studebaker Recovers Fumble

From Arrowhead Stadium

QUARTER – 4th Quarter, 1:03 left on the clock

SCORE – Chiefs 20, Chargers 20

DOWN & DISTANCE – 1st-and-10, from the Chiefs 15-yard line

DEFENSIVE SET – Sub-package that was a combination of short-yardage defense and the nickel, a 4-3-4 set.

OFFENSIVE SET – Two tight ends, two backs, a running formation.

The feeling in the Chiefs defensive huddle was a mix of desperation, frustration and hope.

“Andy (Studebaker) was in there yelling that we had to do something, we had to change the game,” LB Derrick Johnson said. “Nobody had given up, but looking at the situation …”

What Johnson left unsaid was that there was also a feeling of doom. After leading for most of the game, they had allowed San Diego to come back and score a touchdown and a two-point conversion play, make the scoreboard 20-20.

The Chargers had stopped the Chiefs again and the offense led by QB Philip Rivers was moving the ball down the field. One first down, two first downs, three first downs in eight plays San Diego had the ball at the Chiefs 15-yard line with just over a minute to play and a first down.

With the Chiefs out of timeouts, Rivers just wanted to run clock and set up the spot for a winning field goal from K Nick Novak.

“You’re a minute away from just milking the clock and kicking a field goal to end it,” said Rivers.

The situation was grim, but hope was not lost.

“Obviously you get discouraged when it looks like the game might e over and you don’t have any timeouts left and it looks like they’re running the clock down and it’s third and one,” Studebaker said.

“But that’s why you keep playing.”

The shape of the football leads to all sorts of funny bounces and when Rivers took the snap from center Nick Hardwick, it bounced off his left hand and landed on the ground. DE Glenn Dorsey had a shot at the ball, but Rivers appeared to dig in under Hardwick’s legs and corral the ball.

That’s when Studebaker suddenly comes into the picture, coming around from the backside.

“I just saw the ball loose,” Studebaker said. “I just got into the pile and when I finally got my hands on the ball … you just grab the ball and hold on for dear life.

“One of my teammates (Reshard Langford) pulled me out of the pile once he saw I had the ball.”

It was one of those plays that will be talked about for years, where ultimate victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat. Or, in the case of the Chargers the reverse of that, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

But it happened because the Chiefs did not give up.

“We were in the huddle saying no matter how much time is left, you don’t quit just because it looks ugly,” Studebaker said. “If you quit when things look ugly you miss out on an opportunity to do something special.”

Succop Hits the Game Winner

From Arrowhead Stadium

It was a familiar feeling for Ryan Succop. Yes he’s just in his third NFL season, but he’s stood there before, the outcome of the game in his hands, or rather foot.

In fact, the last time it had happened was exactly 365 days before, on a Halloween Sunday at Arrowhead against Buffalo.

This time it was Halloween Monday and the opponent was the San Diego Chargers.

“Just the way the game was going, I had a feeling it was going to come down to a kick,” said Succop after his 30-yard FG provided the winning points in the Chiefs 23-20 victory. “When it was 20-12 and they’re down by eight, you know they’re going to go for two if they score. If they got that one, then you knew what was going to come next.”

The Chargers never got a chance to get their shot at the winning field goal after QB Philip Rivers fumbled the ball away at the end of regulation. San Diego also got the ball first in overtime. But once the Chiefs had the ball, Succop felt for sure it was going to be the deciding drive.

“We started moving the ball and it just seemed like it was all falling into place,” Succop said. “I really wasn’t nervous at all. We had done a good job all night snapping and holding and didn’t expect anything else.”

When QB Matt Cassel connected with WR Steve Breaston on a 3rd-and-14 play that move the ball to the San Diego 30-yard line, the Chiefs were in Succop’s kicking zone. In the pre-game warm-up kicking towards the east goal posts he had nudged one over from 51 yards away. With the ball at the 30, it would be a 48-yard field goal.

“We felt like we would have a chance from the 36, 37-yard line,” head coach Todd Haley said. “The wind had really picked up as the game went on. “In the timeout before we started overtime, I saw both kickers miss one left and miss one right to that same end zone.

“I kept asking ‘Are we trying to score here?’ We talked through it. It’s always a fine line in the decision making to when to go ahead and send the kicking team out there.

“When you do that, you are expecting a successful operation.”

The Chiefs went ahead and nibbled at the distance, running Jackie Battle four straight times for 0, 9, 6 and 0 yards. On 2nd-and-10 at the Chargers 15-yard line, Thomas Jones ran for three yards.

Saving a fourth down for a possible second attempt if needed, Haley sent the FG unit out on 3rd-and-7. The Chargers used their last timeout, attempting to ice Succop.

He wasn’t bothered at all – his kick was right down the middle.

“He hit it really solid,” said holder Dustin Colquitt. “I didn’t even have to look up. Just by the sound, I knew it was good.”

With a pair of earlier field goals from 36 and 47 yards, Succop is now 10 of 13 on the season, for 77 percent. He’s now made nine straight and hasn’t missed a FG since the September game against the Chargers.

“I was able to put a good strike on the ball and it came off nice and smooth,” Succop said.

Nice, and smooth, and good.

Ryan Succop’s Game Winning FGs in Overtime

West QBs Hold Key … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs

After seven weeks, the rest of the league has suddenly looked at the AFC West and decided that maybe the division is no longer the sole property of the Chargers of San Diego.

Yes, the boys with the bolts on their helmet still lead the division due to their 4-2 record and previous victories over the Broncos and Chiefs. But after San Diego blew a lead against the Jets in the Meadowlands, and the Chiefs dug themselves out of the grave with a three-game winning streak, it’s tougher to find experts and pundits convinced that San Diego is still in charge.

One reason is QB Philip Rivers. He’s the one player who always made the Chargers different from all the other teams in the league. He was considered one of those elite quarterbacks and gave San Diego an edge.

That no longer seems to be the case. Right now, the AFC West is up for grabs unless Rivers breaks out of his slump, one that in six games has produced nine interceptions and a pedestrian (for him) 82.3 passer rating. …Read More!

Column: It Looks Like Chiefs Have Caught Chargers

From Arrowhead Stadium

I ran these numbers on Monday morning, but after the Chiefs 23-20 overtime victory against San Diego, it’s worth updating them.

Since Clark Hunt blew up his franchise’s operation after the 2008 season and brought in new faces to run every department in the building, the Chiefs and Chargers have played each other six times. Here’s how the Chiefs stood each season after those annual meetings with the guys from southern California:

• 2009 – Minus- 59 points in going 0-2.
• 2010 – Minus-24 points in going 1-1.
• 2011 – Even in points in going 1-1.

Have the Chiefs caught the best team in the AFC West? Are the Chiefs the best team in the AFC West? These are questions that can be legitimately asked after the events of Monday night left both teams tied for first place in the division with the Oakland Raiders.

Any NFL coach will tell you that the prime real estate they want their team to control is first place in their division. With only two wildcard spots available each year in the AFC playoffs, it’s so much easier to win your division to get in the tournament than throwing your lot in with the second chance wildcard pool. …Read More!

Chargers Help Chiefs Create History

From Arrowhead Stadium

From outhouse to penthouse – it’s a journey that athletes and teams make quite often these days. Just ask the Chiefs. Over the last two months they’ve gone from top, to bottom and back to top.

With their 23-20 overtime victory over the San Diego Chargers Monday night, the Chiefs pushed their record to 4-3 on the season and they own a share of first place in the AFC West with the Chargers and Oakland Raiders. As the defending division champions, the Chiefs started the season 0-3 and looked terrible doing it.

Now, they’ve won four in a row after Ryan Succop’s 30-yard field goal ended the game with 5 minutes, 16 seconds left in the extra period. They became the first team in NFL history to start the season 0-3 and four games later be on top of its division.

“No way,” said QB Matt Cassel when asked if he thought being in first place was possible after that 0-3 start. “You don’t even think about something like that. You just try to win one game, and then another. You can’t think that far down the road. But it wasn’t something we ever imagined happening.”

It was a game that took several dramatic turns in the final minutes of play, none bigger than a fumbled snap by Chargers QB Philip Rivers that was recovered by Chiefs LB Andy Studebaker with 48 seconds to play. At the time, San Diego was simply trying to kill clock so they could try a game winning field goal.

“It hasn’t happened in years,” Rivers said of the botched exchange between himself and center Nick Hardwick. “We hadn’t had an issue in years. This one is rough. That’s one play, that’s something that obviously never happens; it shouldn’t happen.” …Read More!

Numbers: Chiefs vs. Raiders

The Chiefs defense stepped up big time last Sunday and the win at Oakland emphasized two key ingredients – turnover ratio and the ability to stop the run.

The six interceptions the Chiefs grabbed against Oakland were certainly the reason they won the game. Interceptions for touchdown are momentum-changing plays. Three picks stopped potential scoring drives with the Raiders in Chiefs territory. The other was equivalent of a punt.

Those negated the one significant interception tossed by Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel in the third quarter (I discount end-of-half interceptions.)

The Chiefs goal-line stand at the start of the second quarter was the second most important facet of the game because it too was a momentum-changing moment against a team that had beaten them up physically just a year ago. It was a continuing trend of the Chiefs becoming more physical against the run. …Read More!

Roster Spot Filled With Familiar Face

If at first you don’t succeed in keeping a spot on the Chiefs roster for the 2011 season, then try, try again.

That’s the attitude of veteran TE Anthony Becht, who was signed for the third time this year by the team. The addition of Becht fills the roster spot created Tuesday when WR Jeremy Horne was released.

Here’s what Becht’s football passport looks with the Chiefs:

• August 25 – signed.
• September 5 – released.
• September 16 – signed.
• September 28 – released.
• October 26 – signed.

Based on that history, the over-under on his next likely release date is November 7th.

The 6-6, 270-pound Becht has appeared in 160 NFL games with the Jets, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Rams and Chiefs. He has 185 catches for 1,511 yards and 21 TDs.

Brandon Flowers Gets AFC Defensive Award

It was not ILB Derrick Johnson who was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday.

He was robbed by his teammate CB Brandon Flowers.

Certainly robbed is a bit strong since Flowers or Johnson have no say in what happens with these designations, other than their play on the field.

While Johnson was racking up 13 total tackles and personally destroying the Raiders offense in a classic goal-line stand, Flowers was getting the job done as well. The fourth-year cornerback picked off a pair of Oakland passes, returning one of those for a 58-yard touchdown in the Chiefs 28-0 flogging of the Raiders.

Flowers was credited with five interceptions and four passes defensed.

In 50 games with the Chiefs since being drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft, Flowers has played in 50 games, with 258 total tackles, 13 interceptions and three INT returns.

It’s All-Day D.J. … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs

Much attention has come to ILB Derrick Johnson for his role in the Chiefs goal-line stand against the Raiders last Sunday in Oakland. One tackle, two tackles, part of a third tackle and then the deciding fourth stop.

It was an impressive string of plays. I would be a major upset if the NFL does not announce on Wednesday that Johnson is the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his 13-tackle, goal-line stand performance. It should be the third such honor of Johnson’s career. UPDATE: upset it is, as teammate CB Brandon Flowers was named the AFC Defensive Plaeyr of the Week for his performance against the Raiders.

Simply, there was not a defensive player in the conference that had a performance that came close to what Johnson got done against the Raiders. That’s why head coach Todd Haley dubbed him “56 all day.”

“That was probably one of the best games I’ve seen him play,” Haley said. “As good as he’s played, he keeps getting better and it looks like he can continue that. Just a terrific, terrific afternoon by him, especially on those plays down at the goal line.”

But the best play that Johnson made came before the goal-line stand, right before. If it wasn’t for his hustle and athletic ability, there never would have been a 1st-and-goal play at the Kansas City 5-yard line. …Read More!

Chiefs Make Two Moves

The Chiefs opened up a spot on their active roster and practice squad late Tuesday when they released WR Jeremy Horne, and then placed FB Shane Bannon on the practice squad injured list.

That leaves a spot open on the 53-man active roster and a position is available on the practice squad that can have eight players.

Horne was released on the final cutdown before the start of the regular season and was then added to the practice squad. He was moved to the active roster on September 21 when RB Jamaal Charles was placed on the injured-reserve list. There was action in three games on special teams for Horne, before he was a game-day inactive player last Sunday against the Raiders. He was credited with one tackle.

Bannon injured his right ankle last Wednesday and did not return to the practice field last week. The team’s seventh-round draft choice, he will be unavailable to them the rest of the season.

Coming out of the Oakland game the only serious injury seemed to be FS Kendrick Lewis’ ankle. Whether that would bring the addition of another safety is unknown. They’ve been short a tight end all season as well.

They Were So Complementary … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs

In the Webster’s-Parcells-Haley New World Football Dictionary what is the definition of complementary football?

“Yesterday,” Todd Haley said on Monday, less than 24 hours after his team handed their AFC West division rival Oakland Raiders a 28-0 drubbing.

Complementary football is a phrase that’s being thrown around a lot these days when it comes to the Chiefs ability to turn around their season with a 3-game winning streak heading into this coming Monday night’s game against San Diego.

Haley is constantly preaching the gospel of complementary football. The players are starting to use the term in discussing their identity. But just what does it mean?

“It means offense, defense, special teams, we all have each other’s back,” said CB Brandon Carr. “It means we are a team, interested in helping other parts of the team and not doing things to put the offense in a bad position and the defense doesn’t get put in a bad spot by the offense.”

What made Sunday’s victory over Oakland so complementary? Let Haley describe and define. …Read More!

Epics & Fails – Oakland Edition

Let’s get to them:

EPIC: JON McGRAW GETTING THE MONKEY OFF HIS BACK

History was made on Sunday … and yes, I’ll get to the Chiefs shutout in just a second. But this one is entirely about Jon McGraw. Because for the first time in his 4-year tenure with the team, the Chiefs finally won a game in which he recorded an interception, thus snapping a 5-game losing streak that the team had carried whenever the K-State product got his hands on the ball. Break out the Cristal Jon, for you’ll no longer be deemed as a weak link.

***

EPIC: THAT’S SOME SWEET MUSIC, D.J.

Thirteen tackles, 12 solo, and 1 back-breaking hit at the goal line that not only preserved a two-touchdown lead for the Chiefs, but that also, in the irony of ironies, turned the Black Hole in the only kind of cemetery that is not to the liking of the Raider faithful. Can someone please point out to me a better showing by Derrick Johnson in his career? The impact of this performance has left me woozy enough to not remember a better one.

*** …Read More!

Leftovers From The East Bay

From Oakland, California

A shutout remains a fairly uncommon occurrence in the National Football League.

With their 28-0 whitewash of the Raiders on Sunday, the Chiefs racked up the second shutout of the 2011 season. The first came on September 18th when Pittsburgh blanked Seattle 24-0.

Last season, there were only five shutouts around the league during the regular season.

Before the Chiefs victory on the road over their division rival, the last time a team beat a division opponent in a shutout on the road was December 27, 2009, when Dallas beat Washington 17-0 at FedEx Field.

The outcome was the 20th shutout victory in franchise history and only the fourth that the Chiefs/Texans pulled off on the road. The last time they won away from home without allowing a point was November 4, 1973 when they beat the Chargers 19-0 in San Diego.

Here’s the full list of Chiefs 20 shutout victories: …Read More!

Sunday Best – 10/23

LONG PLAYS

• 95 – Pittsburgh WR Mike Wallace TD catch vs. Arizona (W).
• 91 – Dallas RB DeMarco Murray (right) TD run vs. St. Louis (W).
• 79 – Green Bay WR Greg Jennings TD catch vs. Minnesota (W).
• 78 – Houston RB Arian Foster TD catch vs. Tennessee (W).
• 73 – Arizona RB LaRod Stephens-Howling TD pass vs. Pittsburgh (L).
• 72 – Minnesota WR Michael Jenkins TD catch vs. Green Bay (L).
• 67 – Seattle P Jon Ryan punt vs. Cleveland (L).
• 66 – Denver P Britton Colquitt punt vs. Miami (W).
• 65 – Tampa Bay P Michael Koenen punt vs. Chicago (L).
• 65 – Chiefs P Dustin Colquitt punt vs. Oakland (W).
• 65 – Green Bay P Tim Masthay punt vs. Minnesota (W).

RUSHING

• 253 – Dallas RB DeMarco Murray on 25 carries, 1 TD vs. St. Louis (W).
• 175 – Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson on 24 carries, 1 TD vs. Green Bay (L).
• 145 – Chicago RB Matt Forte on 25 carries, 1 TD vs. Tampa Bay (W).
• 122 – Atlanta RB Michael Turner on 27 carries vs. Detroit (W).
• 115 – Houston RB Arian Foster on 25 carries, 2 TDs vs. Tennessee (W).
• 112 – N.Y. Jets RB Shonn Greene on 20 carries vs. San Diego (W). …Read More!

K.C. Defense Bedevils All Raiders QBs in 28- Victory

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

The Chiefs scored four touchdowns on Sunday afternoon and easily beat the Oakland Raiders 28-0 in an AFC West match-up in the East Bay.

Jumping to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, the Chiefs never lost control of the game as they produced just enough offense and got a sterling defensive effort, especially from their secondary against Oakland QBs Kyle Boller and Carson Palmer.

FS Kendrick Lewis and CB Brandon Flowers returned interceptions for touchdowns, two of the five picks they grabbed in the game. Flowers, CB Brandon Carr and SS Jon McGraw also added INTs.

CB Javier Arenas even had a touchdown – this one on offense as he took a direct snap in a Wildcat formation and ran seven yards for a score. The other score came on a 1-yard run by FB Le’Ron McClain, the first rushing touchdown of the season for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs are now 3-3 on the season. The Raiders are 4-3 after the loss. With San Diego falling to the New York Jets in the Meadowlands, the Chargers are now 4-2 and headed to Arrowhead Stadium for a Halloween/Monday night game.

Here’s the blanket coverage of the game:

• GAME STORY: Raiders QBs don’t matter vs. KC defense.
• COLUMN: Chiefs finding their identity.
• SIDEBAR: Oh no, not another bad hand shake!
• SIDEBAR: Arenas gets a taste of offense.
• SIDEBAR: Secondary fights back with 6 INTs.
• SIDEBAR: Baldwin finally gets to play.
• SIDEBAR: Big day for Colquitt and  punt team.
• SIDEBAR: Raiders QBs fall flat vs KC
• NOTES: Bad blood and McFadden’s foot.
• REPORT CARD: Passing grades, especially on pass defense.
• PLAY(S) OF THE GAME: A great goal-line stand.
• 4 THINGS CHIEFS MUST DO/RECAP
• GAMEBOOK
• PRE-GAME COVERAGE

This Is A Big One … Game-Day Cup O’Chiefs

From Oakland, California

As the Chiefs begin the post-bye portion of their schedule, they now have a much clearer vision of what their team is and could be in the 2011 season.

Losing three very important contributors in RB Jamaal Charles, TE Tony Moeaki and SS Eric Berry, they started the season reeling. They struggled to find their equilibrium without the offensive engine in Charles and the defensive leader in Berry. It was an ugly first two games, as they were outscored 89-10 in the worst back-to-back beatings in the 52 seasons of franchise history.

They were able to gain some balance after the blowout in Detroit. They fell by three points to the Chargers in a game where they had the ball in their hands and a chance to win or tie at the end. Then, they strung together back-to-back victories against two of the league’s worst teams – Minnesota by five points and Indianapolis by four points.

Now 2-3 and with football life in their lungs, they get back into action after their week off, facing division rival Oakland in what is the first of a very important four game-stretch of their schedule. Sunday’s kickoff is set for 3:05 p.m. CDT and the broadcast is set for CBS-TV. …Read More!

The Latest From the Raiders

From Oakland, California

A glorious Saturday afternoon is winding down in the East Bay as the folks in Oakland and environs enjoyed an 80 degree day with clear blue skies and low humidity.

It wasn’t a day of rest for the Oakland Raiders, as they continued to make news leading up to Sunday’s game against the Chiefs. There were these late news items:

• The Raiders signed K Dave Rayner, who kicked for the Chiefs back in 2007. Rayner’s signing is related to the left hamstring injury of Sebastian Janikowski. Now, whether that means Seabass is out of Sunday’s game remains to be seen. Rayner could be insurance.
• Making room for Rayner, the Raiders released DB Ron Parker.
• More speculation on Saturday that Kyle Boller will be the starter at quarterback against the Chiefs. Despite comments from offensive coordinator Al Saunders that Carson Palmer would play if he was breathing, it’s now rumored that Boller will start. Whether he finishes is another matter.
• Also word is that Terrelle Pryor will get a few snaps as well in some special packages of plays. He’s finally eligible after serving an NFL suspension and then a two-week roster exemption.
• The Raiders will watch carefully Sunday morning the condition of two key defensive starters: DT Richard Seymour (knee) and MLB Rolando McClain (ankle). Neither practiced on Friday, but Oakland head coach Hue Jackson said he expects Seymour will be ready to play. He didn’t say the same thing about McClain.

Appetizers from the East Bay

From Oakland, California

An afternoon at the Oakland Coliseum can be quite an experience. After first coming here in 1981, and now for the last 16 years with the Raiders return to the East Bay, nothing much changes.

Except for the stadium’s name; that seems to change all the time – Network Associates Coliseum, MacAfee Coliseum, the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum – that’s why the building will be referred to here as simply the Oakland Coliseum. The official name right now is the O.co Coliseum. That’s for the website Overstock.com.

No matter the name, it remains the same pit it’s always been. The facilities are inadequate compared to today’s 21st Century buildings that house NFL teams. Opened in 1966, it underwent major renovations back in 1995-96. It didn’t help. The locker rooms and infrastructure under the stadium is 45 years behind the times.

But that doesn’t stop the Raiders fans from showing up when the team is playing well. They sold enough non-premium seats to life the local TV blackout this week, giving the Raiders four straight TV sellouts. Much like the Chiefs and Arrowhead, they have plenty of premium, club and luxury suites tickets available, but those do not count towards lifting the blackout. …Read More!

Marty’s Championship Hardware

Marty Schottenheimer holds the United Football League championship trophy Friday evening after his Virginia Destroyers beat the Las Vegas Locomotives 17-3 in the title game in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

4 THINGS CHIEFS MUST DO TO BEAT RAIDERS

From Oakland, California

HISTORY

• This is the 102nd regular-season meeting between teams that began together in the inaugural season of the American Football League in 1960.
• Along with three games in the playoffs, the Chiefs have a 54-48-2 advantage in the series. They won post-season games in 1969 and 1991, while losing in 1968.
• No team has beaten the Raiders more often than the Chiefs with 54. Fellow AFC West teams San Diego (44) and Denver (41) have all-time losing records against the silver and black.
• Last year, the Raiders swept both games from the Chiefs, winning 23-20 in overtime in Oakland and then 31-10 at Arrowhead Stadium in the regular season finale.
• The Chiefs last victory in Oakland came in the 2009 season, when they picked up 16-10 decision. At the time, that was the seventh consecutive Kansas City win in Oakland.
• Since the Raiders returned to Oakland from Los Angeles for the 1995 season, the Chiefs have an 11-5 record at the Coliseum. …Read More!

Special Teams Difference … Saturday Cup O’Chiefs

There’s been discussion all this week about Carson Palmer and the Raiders running game, and Richard Seymour and the tough defensive front of the Oakland defense.

Lost in the chatter has been one of the game’s facets that could likely decide Sunday’s encounter between the Chiefs and Raiders – the kicking game.

It certainly did last year at the Oakland Coliseum, when the Raiders ended up taking a 23-20 overtime victory. Yes, it was K Sebastian Janikowski’s 41-yard FG late in regulation that sent the game into overtime. And, it was Janikowski’s 33-yard FG that won the game early in overtime.

But it was more than that. The entire momentum of the game was changed with the second-half kickoff, when Oakland’s Jacoby Ford returned the ball 94 yards for a touchdown. Earlier in the game, the Chiefs lost their own return touchdown, when a 72-yard punt return by CB Javier Arenas for a score was wiped off the books due to a blocking in the back penalty against SS Eric Berry. …Read More!

Matt Cassel: QB AT 50 STARTS

Todd Haley studied the table of numbers on the page in front of him intently.

Titled Current NFL Starting QBs At 50 Regular-Season Starts, it provided a list of 20 starting quarterbacks and their statistics after those first 50 NFL starts.

Haley’s quarterback Matt Cassel just made the list; his 50th start was two weeks ago against the Colts in Indianapolis.

As he ran his finger over the columns of statistics, the Chiefs head coach stopped first at TD passes and interceptions. Haley then moved to completion percentage. Finally he zeroed in on the won-loss record of the teams in those 50 games.

He liked what he saw.

“When you look at these numbers it shows that Matt belongs,” Haley said. “We’ve known that but this shows you he’s doing a lot of good things. His interceptions are low compared to other quarterbacks. His TD to INT ratio is very high. His completion percentage is high and it’s gotten better this year.

“There are some guys on here with just unbelievable numbers … Aaron Rodgers, (Ben) Roethlisberger. I think this shows the development that Matt has made since that season (2008) with the Patriots.”

HERE IS LINK TO THE CHART WITH STATISTICS FOR CURRENT QBS AT 50 STARTS.

Cassel’s status continues to be much discussed by Chiefs fans and has been since the February day when the trade with New England was announced. …Read More!

Marty Gets His Championship

It wasn’t the Lombardi Trophy that goes to the Super Bowl winner. It wasn’t the Lamar Hunt Trophy that goes to the AFC champion each year.

No, it was the championship trophy for the United Football League that Marty Schottenheimer held in his hands Friday night. For the first time in his coaching career, he had a league championship as his Virginia Destroyers beat the Las Vegas Locomotives 17-3 at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.

“I couldn’t be more pleased, not only for our squad and our coaches and myself certainly, but for the whole region,” Schottenheimer said after the game. “We all heard people say that this wouldn’t happen, but I said to a number of our staff members, ‘Who says we can’t make it happen? We’re going to make it happen.’ It was sort of against all odds, but now we’ve done it, and I take tremendous pride in that.” …Read More!

Al Saunders Speaks From The Raider Nation

Earlier this week, Raiders offensive coordinator Al Saunders made headlines when he told 610 Sports that as long as new QB Carson Palmer was “breathing” he would play Sunday against the Chiefs.

That wasn’t all that Saunders had to say during the week. He spoke on Thursday with the Bay Area media and talked about the Raiders, but also touched on the Chiefs. Saunders spent 10 seasons with the team as wide receivers coach (1989-98) and five years as offensive coordinator (2001-05).

“I think it’s one of the real true great rivalries in football and certainly in the AFC; for so many years, Kansas City and the Raiders were the top echelon teams,” Saunders said. “I worked 10 years with Marty Schottenheimer there and he made it quite a rivalry between Kansas City and the Raiders. Then, Dick Vermeil followed up with the same thought process because we always felt like to win the division you had to beat the Raiders from a physical standpoint.

“Now being on the other side, it’s kind of interesting because we’re trying to turn the tables now and be more physical than the teams we play. So, it’s kind of fun.” …Read More!

Practice Report/Update – 10/21

From the Truman Sports Complex

The Chiefs final practice of 2011 Raiders Week I went down Friday morning with head coach Todd Haley putting his team through a 90-minute workout.

In the team stretching period they were a lively and vocal bunch, with many players taking a hand at doing their imitation of ESPN’s Chris Berman saying “the RAIDERS…”

The starting lineup change on defense that went down in Indianapolis looks like it remains in effect, as Andy Studebaker was working with the starters in the base defense. Against the Colts, Studebaker moved into the opening lineup, with rookie Justin Houston stepping into the sub-defense as a pass rusher opposite Tamba Hali.

Only practice squad FB/TE Shane Bannon was missing from the practice field on Friday. He missed Thursday’s session as well, due to an ankle injury.

The Chiefs injury report to the league will list RB Jackie Battle and FB Le’Ron McClain as probable for Sunday’s game. Both participated in Friday’s practice.

On the Raiders report, QB Jason Campbell (collarbone) and CB Chris Johnson (groin) are out of Sunday’s game. Listed as questionable are RB Rock Cartwright (calf), CB Chimdi Chekwa (hamstring), LB Rolando McClain (ankle), FB Marcel Reece (ankle), S Michael Huff (ankle), K Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring), WR Chaz Schilens (groin) and DT Richard Seymour (knee).

Janikowski and Seymour are big additions to the list. If either one is out, that’s a huge edge for the Chiefs.

Listed as probable were TE Richard Gordon (hand), C Samson Satele (ribs) and TE Brandon Myers (ribs).

The Raiders also announced Friday that they had sold enough tickets to lift the local TV blackout. That’s four games in a row that Bay Area fans have gotten the chance to watch the silver and black.

Dealing With D-Line Best … Friday Cup O’Chiefs

So far in this 2011 season, the Chiefs have gone head-to-head with some of the best defensive linemen in the National Football League.

In Detroit it was the dominating DT Ndamukong Suh. When Minnesota came to Arrowhead it was DE Jared Allen. In Indianapolis, they faced DE Dwight Freeney.

And now this coming Sunday in Oakland, the Chiefs go head-to-head with another one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL – Richard Seymour of the Raiders.

“Richard Seymour may be the best at his position in the league,” head coach Todd Haley said this week. “He’s a great player, very disruptive player potentially. We went into this week with an understanding that one of the key things that we would have to get done is handling him.

“It’s no different than going into Detroit or Indianapolis and seeing a (Dwight) Freeney or Detroit and seeing a (Ndamukong) Suh. You’re talking about a couple really good players that can be very disruptive, and it’ll fall really to everybody and us as coaches as far as how we plan to handle some of those things.” …Read More!

Practice Report/Update – 10/20

From the Truman Sports Complex

Sunny skies, but cold temperatures and windy conditions greeted the Chiefs as they worked outside on Thursday in another practice of Raiders Week.

The early weather forecast for the East Bay on Sunday is clear skies and temperatures near 80 degrees. Working outside in Thursday’s conditions was not so much preparation for this game, but for others down the line as the weather turns colder. It was a full pads practice for the Chiefs, their seventh of the season or half of what the new labor agreement allows head coach Todd Haley to hold during the season.

Haley had 60 of the 61 players available to him taking part in the workout. The only player missing was practice squad FB/TE Shane Bannon, who suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday’s practice. During the window where practice is open to the media, all players appeared to be taking part in the work. FB Le’Ron McClain was wearing a yellow “do not touch” jersey during practice. McClain left the Indianapolis game in the second quarter with a neck injury and did not return. It’s not considered a problem for his participation on Sunday in Oakland.

The Raiders asked for and received a 24-hour extension on selling enough tickets to life the TV blackout in the Bay Area for this game. Reportedly, the team still had close to 3,000 seats available to watch the Chiefs and Raiders. Oakland has a sellout streak going of three games.

On the Raiders injury/practice report for Thursday was a carbon-copy of Wednesday with one addition – K Sebastian Janikowski joined the list with a left hamstring injury and was listed as limited in practice. Also limited were TE Richard Gordon (hand), S Michael Huff (ankle) and C Samson Satele (ribs). Not practicing were QB Jason Campbell (collarbone), RB Rock Cartwright (calf), CB Chimdi Chekwa (hamstring), CB Chris Johnson (groin), LB Rolando McClain (ankle) and RB Marcel Reece (ankle). TE Brandon Myers (ribs) was a full participant in Thursday’s practice.

Defensive Key: Stop The Run … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs

Darren McFadden (No. 20) and Michael Bush (No. 29)

Two years ago the Denver Broncos ran for 245 yards against the Chiefs defense. Last year, the San Diego Chargers totaled 207 yards against the Kansas City defense. Three weeks later, the Oakland Raiders ran for 209 yards against that same defense.

Despite the fact they allowed an average of 158.5 rushing yards per game against teams in their own division, somehow the Chiefs were able to finish first in the AFC West.

It wasn’t like the Chiefs rushing defense was the worst in the league. Far from it; over 16 games, they gave up an average of 110.3 rushing yards per game and finished 10-6. That means in the 10 games outside the AFC West, they allowed an average of 81.3 rushing yards per game while going 8-2 in those games.

It comes down to match-ups and quite simply the Chiefs last year did not match-up well against their brethren in the AFC West. On the line of scrimmage, both offensive and defensive lines were overwhelmed by the Raiders, Chargers and Broncos.

That was especially evident in that regular season finale when the Raiders pounded the ball down the throats of the Chiefs defense.

“Remember it? You don’t forget something like that,” ILB Derrick Johnson said. “They were a better team than we were that day and they shoved it down our throats. That simply can’t happen again.” …Read More!

4 Things CHIEFS MUST DO TO WIN/Recap

From O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

4

Help The Passing Game With Successful Running

The Chiefs have been very efficient on offense with their passing game for the last few games. QB Matt Cassel has really picked up his level of play, as he continues to throw for a high completion percentage and has cut down on the interceptions that dogged him in the season’s first few games. WR Dwayne Bowe has gotten off to a big start to the season and WR Steve Breaston has made a spot for himself in the passing attack, giving the Chiefs a legitimate one-two punch at WR that they’ve lacked. Against the Raiders defense, the biggest help that Cassel can get in the passing game is to have a productive running game to fall back on and keep the Oakland pass rushers guessing. The Raiders have an average defense against the run, giving up 113.2 yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry. Whether it’s Jackie Battle, Thomas Jones or Dexter McCluster, the Chiefs running game must do better than those numbers as a team and per carry. PUSH – The running and passing game did not work well together in this contest, as the Chiefs really couldn’t get anything going on the ground until the second half. It was enough however, that the Chiefs were able to put two offensive touchdowns on the board, enough to win this game.

3

Win The Kicking Game

WR Jacoby Ford snapped off a 94-yard kickoff return TD to open the second half out in Oakland last year that changed the momentum of the game the Raiders eventually won. Earlier in that game, Javier Arenas returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown, but a penalty for an illegal block in the back against the Chiefs wiped out that score. With P Shane Lechler and even a gimpy K Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring), the Raiders can dominate on special teams. The Chiefs must make sure they do no worse than break even in the kicking game. It’s time to give Arenas another chance to reach the end zone; he’s been close. ACCOMPLISHED – the Chiefs controlled the special teams from start to finish in this game, helped along by the absence of K Sebastian Janikowski who did not play because of a hamstring injury. The Chiefs never allowed Ford to get any running room, as Ryan Succop knocked kickoff after kickoff not only in the end zone, but out the other side.

2

Make Carson Palmer Kyle Boller Uncomfortable

If Palmer starts for the Raiders, he’ll be playing in his first live action since last December. If Boller plays, he’s seen limited opportunities in the last few years. Although he’s a veteran QB, Palmer will be rusty without any coordinated off-season work, training camp or pre-season play. He’ll be much sharper in a month than he will be on this Sunday. Boller struggled when he had the opportunity to start with Baltimore and St. Louis. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel needs to take advantage of the inactivity with multiple coverages, disguising coverages and making sure the secondary doesn’t blow any of those coverages. The Chiefs defense also needs to add some blitz packages, something they’ve not done often in the first five games. ACCOMPLISHED – One sack does not look impressive on paper, but the Chiefs were able to keep bodies flying at both quarterbacks and without a doubt, that affected several of the throws that ended up being intercepted.

1

Stop the run

If they have any hope of beating the Raiders, the Chiefs will have to make sure they can control the production of Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and the rest of the Oakland running game. That’s something they couldn’t get done in the 2010 regular-season finale when Oakland ran for 209 yards without McFadden. That day, Bush ran for 137 yards on 25 carries. They also got 24 rushing yards from WRs Jacoby Ford and Darrius Heyward-Bey on end-around runs. Over the last three games, only Minnesota’s Percy Harvin has produced big running plays against the Chiefs, both times on end-around plays. The Chiefs front seven on defense wears the sombrero this week. Their performance will be in the spotlight. FAILED – because of the score, the Raiders were not able to rely on their running game as much as they would have liked. When they did run, they were fairly successful, averaging 5.7 yards a carry and picking up 155 yards in the game. For the Chiefs that was an improvement over the 209 yards they allowed in the final game of the 2010 season, but it still wasn’t good enough.

Personnel File – Oakland Raiders

Personnel leader – right now the Raiders are without a leader in the personnel department after the passing of managing general partner Al Davis. Yes, even into his 82nd year, Davis was still pulling the strings on personnel, from the annual NFL Draft to free agency signings and trades. It appears with his death that head coach Hue Jackson has stepped into the void; he engineered the trade this week for QB Carson Palmer.

Key aides – Jon Kingdon has been with the Raiders for 33 years, and Bruce Kebric has been part of the Raiders organization for 31 years. Davis always relied a great deal on assistant coaches as well.

Personnel department – 9 scouts and player personnel designees, including former players Calvin Branch, Zack Crockett, Mickey Marvin and Kent McCloughan.

Personnel philosophy – under Davis the key word was speed. No matter the position or the year, the Raiders always seemed to find the fastest players coming out of college football. Athletic ability was second. Taking a chance on a rookie or a veteran was something the Raiders did on a regular basis with mixed results over the years.

Salary cap status (as of October 1) – $6 million in cap space available before trades for LB Aaron Curry and QB Carson Palmer. After trades estimate is $2.5 million remaining cap space. …Read More!

Report Card: Chiefs vs. Raiders

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

RUSHING OFFENSE: C – It was not one of the better afternoons for the run game, even though the Chiefs finished with 139 yards on the afternoon. They had just 28 yards on 11 carries in the first half. At the end of three quarters, they had 89 yards on 23 carries. They did pick up 50 yards in the fourth quarter when they needed it most, to run out the clock and protect their lead.

PASSING OFFENSE: C – This was not one of Matt Cassel’s better performances, as he connected on just half of his 30 throws and threw two interceptions. They had just 161 yards or an average of just 5.4 yards per passing attempt. WRs Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston had the bulk of the action, combining for 11 catches for 140 yards. Lifting the grade one full letter was pass protection that did not allow a sack on the day.

RUSHING DEFENSE: C – With Darren McFadden leaving the game early with a foot injury, the Raiders relied on Michael Bush who ended up with 99 yards on 17 carries, including a 35-yard run. As a team, Oakland finished with 155 yards on 27 carries, but they got 29 of those yards on four runs by QB Kyle Boller. The Chiefs defense earned an improved grade with its goal line stand, holding the Raiders offense out of the end zone on four running plays from the 5-yard line.

PASSING DEFENSE: A – With six interceptions, two returned for touchdowns and good pressure on both Kyle Boller and Carson Palmer, it was the defense’s best effort of the season vs. the passing game. Every member of the starting secondary had at least one interception. Boller-Palmer completed just 15 of 35 throws, and averaged just 5.1 yards per pass attempt. While the Chiefs managed just one sack, they were credited with six hits on the passer.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A – Excellent effort by the Chiefs in containing a big-play opponent in the kicking game. Raiders WR Jacoby Ford has four career kickoff return TDs, but he was able to return just one for six yards in this game. On punts, the Chiefs had a net average of 47 yards, while Dustin Colquitt averaged 52.6 yards on seven punts. They didn’t accomplish much on returns, but coverage was top notch.

COACHING: A – Todd Haley and his staff did a good job in preparing the team for the Raiders. On defense, Romeo Crennel and staff prepared their guys for everything, including surprise Wildcat plays. Haley and Bill Muir pulled a Wildcat play out of their playbook and scored with it. Steve Hoffman had the kicking game making solid decisions, even when put in difficult situations.

Secondary Fights Back

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

Life in the NFL secondary can be quite a roller coaster. One minute a defensive back can be hero, the next goat. When he makes a mistake on the field, usually it sticks out like a flashing light bulb.

Two weeks ago, the Chiefs secondary had one of those games where they went from goat to hero in a victory over the Indianapolis Colts. They allowed QB Curtis Painter to look like a young Peyton Manning in the first half, including a touchdown to WR Pierre Garcon who was wide open by 15 yards. CB Brandon Flowers had blown the coverage, suckered away from his assignment by a Painter pump fake. It was just the most obvious of numerous mental mistakes by the defensive backs.

That made for a long bye week for those guys and they arrived back for preparations leading up to Sunday’s game against the Raiders with a goal in mind.

“None of us wanted to have that tape in our heads any longer,” said FS Kendrick Lewis. “We knew we were better than what we showed there. We wanted to make sure we never showed that type of effort again.”

They made good on that goal against the Raiders with six interceptions, including a 59-yard return for a score by Lewis and a 58-yard return for a touchdown by Flowers. By the end of the game, they had swiped three passes each from Oakland QBs Kyle Boller and Carson Palmer. All six INTs were from the secondary with Flowers getting a pair, along with CBs Brandon Carr and Travis Daniels, with safeties Lewis and Jon McGraw. All four starters had an interception.

“They are a prideful group and they felt like they gave up too many plays two weeks ago against Indy and you could tell all week they were getting ready to go,” said head coach Todd Haley. “They stepped up and made huge plays that sparked the entire team, right out of the gate. A terrific, terrific job by them; they were catching the ball and the pressure upfront was creating some of those plays.”

The Chiefs defense finished the game with just one sack in 36 passing plays. But at least four of the six interceptions came when pass rusher pressure forced Boller or Palmer to throw off-balance, too early or inaccurately.

“Give the guys upfront credit because they got after them and forced a couple of throws early,” said Lewis.

Here were the six interceptions, in order:

No. 1 – Lewis grabbed a pass intended for WR Jacoby Ford and returned it 58 yards for the score, tiptoeing down the sidelines for the last 10 yards after Boller tried to push him out of bounds. Lewis read the QB’s eyes and moved to his right, where CB Javier Arenas was matched up with Ford. “It was two-man coverage and I knew that to beat that coverage, they like to run outs and I anticipated it,” Lewis said. “I was able to great a break on it and make a play.”

No. 2 – Flowers’ first interception came on a Boller throw down the middle intended for WR Denarius Moore. OLB Tamba Hali hit Boller as he threw the ball and that affected the flight of the ball. “I was just in great position to get that one,” Flowers said.

No. 3 – Carr’s interception came on a pass to WR Darrius Heyward-Bey deep down the left side of the field. “He hung it a little bit and I was able to keep him (Heyward-Bey) from getting to the ball,” Carr said.

No. 4 – Palmer came into the game in the third quarter, and at the start of the fourth, he threw wide right to Moore. But Flowers jumped the route and ran untouched to the end zone, 58 yards for the score. “The safety on my side did a great job of disguising his coverage,” Flowers said. “I got a great break on the ball and I just made a play.”

Said Palmer: “That’s Football 101. I can’t do that and I knew it just as the ball was coming out of my hand. I’ve seen that look a million times and pulled the ball down throughout the eight years I’ve played in the NFL and the four years I played in college. I just didn’t react fast enough and that’s something I can’t do.”

No. 5 – A Palmer pass for Moore was deflected and was grabbed by McGraw.

No. 6 – On a deep pass by Palmer intended for WR Louis Murphy, the ball sailed over his head and Daniels made the catch.

Javier Gets A TD – On Offense!

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

It was early last week when the Chiefs returned from their bye week that Javier Arenas got the message as he sat in a defensive meeting.

“Javier, stop by Coach Muir’s office after we are done here,” Arenas was told by defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. “He’s got something he wants to talk about.”

That’s when the second-year cornerback found out that besides defense and special teams, he would be working in the offense in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Raiders.

“That’s the first time I heard anything about it,” Arenas said. “Wednesday was the first time we practiced it.”

Arenas’ 7-yard touchdown run on offense came out of the Wildcat formation that caught everyone by surprise, especially the Oakland Raiders.

“They weren’t expecting that,” WR Dwayne Bowe said. “I’m sure they were like WTF!”

Here’s how the play went down: Arenas came on the field and into the offensive huddle. When the Chiefs broke their circle, QB Matt Cassel ran to a wide receiver position to the right. Arenas stood behind center Casey Wiegmann in the shotgun formation. RB Dexter McCluster was stationed as a wing to the left of the formation.

McCluster went in motion to his right just before Wiegmann snapped the ball. With LG Ryan Lilja pulling to his right, Arenas ran to the right edge. Lilja took out the only defensive man left there and at least one defensive back over ran the play.

Arenas scooted into the end zone untouched for his first NFL score.

“I know that when he (McCluster) crossed in front of the defense, that’s where all their attention went,” Arenas said. “All I had to do was head for the hole on the right side and it was wide, wide open.”

Punt returns, kickoff returns, a defensive score through an interception or fumble return – those all figured to be the area where Arenas would find the end zone. He never expected it to happen on offense.

“Everything worked just perfectly,” Arenas said. “I’m willing to do that any time.”

Column: It Took Awhile, But Chiefs Find Identity

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

How can a team that started the season with the worst back-to-back defeats in club history and a 0-3 record come back a month later and beat a divisional opponent on the road for their third straight victory?

Who are these 2011 Kansas City Chiefs that are now 3-3 on the season? And, who were the guys that we wearing the red and gold uniforms for the season’s first three games when they were by any statistical category available, one of the worst teams in the National Football League?

There is really nothing odd about this transformation. It’s an explanation that’s quite simple to explain whether the average Chiefs fan wants to believe so or not. It may sound like an excuse, but it’s as true as true can be.

The Chiefs horrific start to the season came because of the owners’ lockout that shut down the league and wiped out off-season programs, OTAs, mini-camps, skull sessions, tape study and any other act that usually comes with a football team trying to improve itself.

Todd Haley says it all the time and it probably drives GM Scott Pioli crazy, but the Chiefs do not have enough talent to simply walk on the field and win games. …Read More!

Oakland QB Meaningless as Chiefs Crush Raiders

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

So much was written and said during the week about the Oakland Raiders quarterback position. With Jason Campbell out with a broken collarbone, the little used Kyle Boller ready to step in, and then the Raiders made a blockbuster trade for holdout QB Carson Palmer.

None of it mattered Sunday. What decided the game was a Kansas City Chiefs team that seems to have finally found its stride. Coming off the bye week, they picked up right where they stopped before the quickie vacation, thumping the Raiders 28-0.

It was the Chiefs first shutout victory since October 1, 2006 when they beat the other Bay Area team, the San Francisco 49ers 41-0. It was the first time the Raiders had been shutout in defeat since October 25, 2009, when they were drubbed 38-0 by the New York Jets.

It also gives the Chiefs a 3-game winning streak heading into next Monday night’s game against San Diego at Arrowhead Stadium.

Most importantly, they dug themselves out of the 0-3 season opening hole of their own making. The decisive victory established them in a spot where they can truly start to think about defending their AFC West title.

“It was a big one,” head coach Todd Haley said of the victory. “I hope the guys enjoy it for the next day. But I hope the guys understand it’s just a win. We dug ourselves a hole in the first quarter of the season and we are really just trying to get back.” …Read More!

Practice Report/Update2 – 10/19

From the Truman Sports Complex

Todd Haley said Wednesday that his team would spend the week preparing to see Carson Palmer and Kyle Boller at quarterback for the Oakland Raiders.

Palmer was acquired on Tuesday by the Raiders in a trade with Cincinnati. Rumors persisted around the NFL grapevine on Wednesday morning that Palmer would start against the Chiefs this Sunday in Oakland.

However, Raiders head coach Hue Jackson told the Kansas City media Wednesday morning that no decision had been made.

“We haven’t even had a practice yet,” Jackson said.

None of that matters to the Chiefs. Haley said the defense would get ready for two QBs much like they did against Indianapolis when there was a chance that Kerry Collins could return from a concussion and replace Curtis Painter.

“Carson has a long track record in the NFL,” Haley said. “The good thing is we have a lot of tape on Carson and our staff has very good familiarity with his strengths. Same with Kyle, we’ve seen him a number of times over the years in different places. He’s on tape from last week.

“We have to prepare for two guys. That happens on occasion.”

All 61 available players were on the field for Wednesday afternoon practice as the Chiefs continued their preparations for the Raiders. Coming out of the Indianapolis game 10 days ago, FB Le’Ron McClain (neck) and RB Jackie Battle (head) were the only injuries of note. Both were in full participation during the open media window to practice. They were the only players listed on the team’s injury/practice report for Wednesdsay.

The Raiders listed 10 players on their injury report, with six players that did not practice: QB Jason Campbell (collarbone), RB Rock Cartwright (calf) CB Chimdi Chekwa (hamstring), LB Rolando McClain (ankle) and FB Marcel Reece (ankle). Listed as limited participants were TE Richard Gordon (hand), S Michael Huff (ankle) and C Samson Satele (ribs). TE Brandon Myers (ribs) was a full participant in Wednesday’s workout.

Raiders Tilt West With Trade … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs

He’s been gone for 10 days, but Al Davis was still making headlines on Tuesday in the AFC West.

In the type of boom-or-bust trade that Davis always loved to make for his Raiders, the team acquired the type of quarterback their late managing general partner loved in Carson Palmer. The veteran quarterback had been sitting at home since the NFL owners’ lockout ended, refusing to continue his career with the Cincinnati Bengals.

It was a deal that did not come cheaply. Oakland gave up its first-round choice in 2012 and its second-round selection in 2013. That second rounder can be improved to a first-round choice if the Raiders win a divisional-round game in the 2011 or 2012 playoffs.

And make no mistake the move was made with the idea that Oakland has a chance to make the AFC tournament field this season. With a 4-2 record, they trail the 4-1 San Diego Chargers. On Sunday, they host the Chiefs and then get their weekend off, before returning with back-to-back games in the AFC West against Denver and on the road vs. San Diego in a Thursday night game. …Read More!

Notes & Quotes: Words Exchanged; McFadden Hurt

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

As the Chiefs defensive backs were taking their normal lap around the field in the pre-game warm-up session, they found themselves in the south end zone of the Oakland Coliseum, right in front of the black hole.

Some of them stopped to exchange not so pleasantries with the crazies dressed up in silver and black. Some members of the Raiders didn’t take kindly to that and before you know it, they were all bunched up in a scrum and there was some pushing, shoving and plenty of yelling.

From down the field came Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe, who was dancing around, bobbing and weaving like a young Muhammad Ali. Well, at least if Ali had worn a red helmet when he played.

“I was going down to settle things down,” Bowe said after the game. “I wasn’t trying to start anything. Besides, it had already started.”

In the end it was nothing, but it was a reminder that emotions were close to the skin for this game. There’s nothing new about that, according to Bowe.

“Every time we come to the Black Hole, it’s like a Super Bowl game,” Bowe said. “That’s why guys go out here and play so hard on both sides of the field. That’s why you see a little aggression afterwards. Every time we play this game; it’s like a Super Bowl thing.”

There was certainly plenty of aggression. Before it was over the officials had walked off 24 penalties, and in the fourth quarter alone there were three personal foul calls and a pair of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against both teams.

MCFADDEN GOES MISSING WITH INJURY

He came into the game as the NFL’s leading rusher, but Darren McFadden had a short stay in Sunday’s game against the Chiefs.

In the first two possessions for the Oakland offense, McFadden carried the ball twice for two yards each time. He also caught a pass from three yards. Then he was gone; the Raiders went with Michael Bush and rookie Taiwan Jones got chances later in the quarter. McFadden was standing on the sidelines watching, while no official word came down in the press box from the always secretive Raiders.

After the game, head coach Hue Jackson said McFadden’s injury was a foot problem. But he was quick to note that his absence was not why the Raiders had been so thoroughly trashed by the Chiefs.

“I’m not going to make excuses for our football team,” Jackson said. “There’s no excuse; hey, guys get hurt. We have to keep playing when guys get hurt.”

ATMOSPHERE REPORT

Enough tickets were sold to allow the game on local TV, but there were empty seats throughout the stadium.

At the start of the game, there’s no question that crowd noise had an effect on the Chiefs. In their first possession they had two false start penalties and were also flagged for having 12-men in the huddle.

But once the Raiders starting throwing interceptions, the crowd was loud only to boo their team and by the end of the game, the parking lots were already emptying out.

SPECIAL TEAMS REPORT

It was an overall victory for kicking game coordinator Steve Hoffman and his units on Sunday. They contributed to the victory and did not harm their team’s chances of winning the game. Here’s how it broke down:

RYAN SUCCOP – He kicked off five times, putting four into the end zone or beyond that were not returned. The only kick that was brought back came when CB Brandon Flowers was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after scoring his pick-six touchdown. Succop had to kickoff from the 20-yard line, where he hit a mortar kick that Oakland’s Jacoby Ford grabbed but returned only six yards before he fumbled. The Raiders recovered the loose ball.

DUSTIN COLQUITT – see sidebar.

JAVIER ARENAS – had two chances on punt returns, going for 15 and eight yards for an 11.5-yard average. He also had one kickoff return for 28 yards.

COVERAGE – The touchbacks by Succop kept Ford under control with the kickoffs and on punt returns, Denarius Moore caught four punts for an average of 9.8 yards with a long of 12. Press box stats gave kicking game tackles to S Sabby Piscitelli, LB Justin Houston, LB Andy Studebaker, S Donald Washington, LS Thomas Gafford, LB Demorrio Williams and LB Cory Greenwood.

ZEBRA REPORT

Jeff Triplette and his crew had a busy day with these two division rivals, walking off a total of 24 penalties for 218 penalty yards. The Chiefs had some very poor penalties in the fourth quarter, including a pair of unsportsmanlike conduct calls after interceptions by CBs Brandon Flowers and Travis Daniels. Flowers was penalized for posing with his foot on the ball after his pick-six TD return.

Big penalty on special teams when LB Demorrio Williams was hit with illegal hands to the face on a punt return. P Shane Lechler shanked a punt for just 35 yards on a 4th-and-7 play. The Chiefs had the ball at the Oakland 40-yard line, but the flag allowed the Raiders to keep the ball.

PERSONNEL REPORT

Inactive players for the Chiefs in Sunday’s game were WR Jeremy Horne, QB Ricky Stanzi, S Reshard Langford, OT Steve Maneri, WR Jerheme Urban, DE Brandon Bair and NT Jerrell Powe

First-round draft choice Jonathan Baldwin was on the active roster for the first time in his NFL career. He becomes the 52nd player to be active for the Chiefs this season and the 14th new player who got his first taste with the team during this 2011 season and the fifth member of the 2011 NFL Draft class who has reached the field this season to date.

In the starting lineup, Andy Studebaker remained at OLB opposite from Tamba Hali in the base defense. Rookie Justin Houston came in with the sub-defense as a pass rusher with Hali. TE Jake O’Connell was the starter at tight end.

Inactive players for the Raiders were QB Jason Campbell, K Sebastian Janikowski, CB Chimdi Chekwa, CB Chris Johnson, FB Marcel Reece, G Bruce Campbell and WR Chaz Schilens.

Former Chiefs (2007) kicker Dave Rayner handled the kickoff and placement duties. Kyle Boller started at QB for the injured Jason Campbell. Working in Johnson’s spot with the starting defense was rookie CB DeMarcus Van Dyke.

Punt Team Has Big Day In Oakland

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

Sunday was Dustin Colquitt’s 100th game as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hitting the century mark, Colquitt had one of the best games of his seven-year career. Kicking against the NFL’s all-time leading punter in Shane Lechler of the Raiders, 19Colquitt was the best foot on the field. He averaged 52.6 yards on his seven punts.

More importantly, Colquitt and the Chiefs had a net average of 47 yards and he knocked three punts inside the 20-yard line. On those kicks, the Raiders started their offensive possessions at the Oakland, 2, 2 and 18-yard lines.

Without a doubt, Colquitt tilted the field for the Chiefs.

“The coverage guys did a great job all day and it was really almost perfect conditions to kick in,” said Colquitt. “I’d like to have a couple of those kicks I had against the wind back, but overall I’m really pleased. We knew we had to have a good game and I think we did. Ryan (Succop) really kicked the ball well and we kept everything contained.”

Colquitt has always enjoyed kicking in Oakland because of the presence of Lechler, who entered the game as the leading punter in NFL history with a career average of 47.5 yards, topping the career number of Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh (45.1).

“You always come in and feel like you have to raise your game to compete with him,” said Colquitt. “He’s as good as it gets and that’s always got me excited to come in and go against him.”

His punts traveled 42, 46, 47, 52, 58, 58 and 65 yards. That last kick was his longest of the season. Four punts were returned by WR Denarius Moore for a total of 39 yards.

The big punts came in the first half. Colquitt’s kick went for 58 yards and rookie CB Jalil Brown got down the field and was able to throw the ball back into the field of play just as it was going into the end zone. It was downed at the Oakland 2-yard line.

Later in the half, Colquitt got off a 52-yard punt that bounced once into the hands of S Donald Washington, who set up at the Oakland 2-yard line to catch the ball.

“We’ve worked really hard on getting down the field and keeping that ball from ending up in the end zone,” said Washington.

BALDWIN FINALLY SEES THE FIELD

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

Turns out that Hue Jackson knew he was going to start Kyle Boller at quarterback all week. He just had some fun keeping the Chiefs in the dark.

Well, it turns out that Todd Haley knew all week that he was going to put Jonathan Baldwin into the 46-man game-day roster for the first time in his rookie season.

“I had a pretty good idea that was the way it was going to go,” Baldwin said after getting his first taste of regular season play. “It’s up to coach when he tells anybody, but I felt like I was going to get a chance to play.”

Chance? Baldwin spent almost as much time on the field as starting WRs Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston. With the Raiders short on cornerbacks due to starter Chris Johnson and backup rookie Chimdi Chekwa inactive because of injury, Oakland started rookie DeMarcus Van Dyke opposite of veteran Stanford Routt. In reserve, they had nothing but safeties and then lost one of those when Matt Giordano left the game with a neck injury.

“They were hurting on the corner so we wanted to take advantage of that,” said Baldwin. “It kept me on the field a lot and that was great.”

There had been a lot of talk about Baldwin and his readiness to play on special teams, but not much of that happened either. He wasn’t on the first unit of any of the four major units on kickoff, kick return, punt return and punt. It appeared that rookie CB Jalil Brown got more snaps on special teams, replacing those that belonged to WR Jeremy Horne, who was inactive.

Baldwin stepped on the field for the first time on the Chiefs third offensive play, a 2nd-and-15 play at their 18-yard line. In fact, QB Matt Cassel immediately threw the ball in Baldwin’s direction on the left side but he was well covered by Van Dyke.

His first catch came later in the first quarter, on a 3rd-and-13 play; Baldwin ran his route at 14 yards, made the catch and moved the sticks.

“I knew where I needed to be on that play,” said Baldwin. “It was important to get that first down.”

Overall, Cassel threw in Baldwin’s direction five times, but connected just once. After missing three pre-season games and then five regular season games due to his broken right thumb, his career had to start somewhere, and Baldwin was not going to enjoy the moment.

“It was great being out there and getting hit and hitting other guys,” said Baldwin. “I wanted to do whatever I could to help us win. It was a lot of fun.”

Raiders QBs Of Any Name Fall Flat

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

The Raiders played a lot of games with their starting quarterback position last week.

In the end, it all seems so silly. Kyle Boller started and was awful. He was replaced by the recently acquired Carson Palmer and he was rusty and awful. Former starter Jason Campbell stood on the sidelines in street clothes with his broken collarbone.

The pitiful Oakland performance could not be blamed on him. Boller threw three interceptions, one that was taken back for a touchdown. Palmer relieved him in the third quarter and threw three of his own interceptions, including one that was taken back for a touchdown.

It was an ugly, ugly day for the Raiders.

“I don’t know if there’s a word to describe it; it was just an awful feeling walking off the field to be beat like that, in the fashion that we were beaten,” said Palmer. “We need to regroup.”

They’ll re-group with Palmer as the starting quarterback. He did not open Sunday’s game, as head coach Hue Jackson went with Boller instead.

“I got a guy that’s coming in here and I know he wanted to be in there,” Jackson said of Palmer. “He was chomping at the bit to get in there. But I had a guy that had been sitting on the couch, you know? This organization has invested a lot in him and I wasn’t just going to put him out there in the beginning and throw him to the wolves. I don’t think that’s fair.”

So Jackson waited until the Chiefs defensive wolves had feasted on Boller who did nothing to continue what has been a steady downward spiral in his career.

“Just extremely frustrated,” Boller said of his performance. “Definitely not my best outing. I feel bad for the team. I feel like I let my teammates down and there’s just not much to say; the play speaks for itself.”

Boller said he sensed all week that he would start.

“I felt comfortable, but the ball just didn’t go my way today,” Boller said. “I didn’t go out there and feel like I had to press because Carson was going to come in. I had to play my game and today just wasn’t my day.”

For both quarterbacks and offensive coordinator Al Saunders, it was as ugly a day as one could imagine. Here’s what the QBs did throwing the ball:

With the Raiders going on their bye week, Palmer plans to put in long hours with the Raiders getting up to speed so he’s ready to face the Broncos when they return to action.

“I only know three or four protections and that makes it difficult,” said Palmer. “You have to know who’s playing X, who’s playing Y, who’s playing weak side receiver, who’s playing strong side receiver and then start piecing things together with individuals in their roles, slot receiver, tight end or back out of the backfield.

“I have a lot of ground to make up and I will. I’m going to attack it this week. It’s not a bye week for me, that’s for sure.”

Play(s) of the Game – Chiefs vs. Raiders

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

QUARTER – 2nd Quarter

SCORE – Chiefs 14, Raiders 0

DOWN & DISTANCE – 1st-and-goal, from Chiefs 5-yard line

DEFENSIVE SET – Goal-line unit

OFFENSIVE SET – Raiders had “big package” with 7 offensive linemen

This is not a single play of the game, but plays of the game. The outcome of this game turned on a goal line stand by the Chiefs defense that stopped four consecutive running plays by the Raiders from reaching the end zone.

“That was big, big, big for our defense,” said head coach Todd Haley. “Any time you keep anybody out of the end zone in the NFL that’s tough to do. That was a huge situation in the game.”

It was set up by a 35-yard run by Oakland RB Michael Bush as he scampered to the Chiefs 5-yard line. Upset by giving up the big rushing play – the longest of the season to date – the defense set its jaw.

“We screwed up and let him break one off,” said FS Kendrick Lewis, who missed a tackle chance on Bush during the run. “We were not going to give them a free pass to the end zone.”

On first down, Bush ran at right tackle and gained five yards before Lewis and ILB Derrick Johnson stopped him.

On 2nd-and-goal at the Chiefs 2-yard line, Bush again went towards the right side, looking for the hole between guard and tackle, but Johnson came in and submarined him, stopping him for a 1-yard gain.

On 3rd-and-goal at the Chiefs 1-yard line, Bush leaped the middle of the Raiders offensive line but was knocked back by several members of the defense, coming up short of the end zone.

The Raiders were lined up for the fourth down play and there was no quarterback, as Bush set up to take a direct snap from center and another blocker came into the game, giving the Raiders seven offensive linemen along with a pair of tight ends.

But the play clock was running out and the Raiders called for a timeout. After talking on the sideline, the Raiders came out in the same formation. Bush took the snap and went over left guard, but was stopped again by Johnson for no gain.

“That timeout was not why we missed it; it had nothing to do with that,” said Raiders head coach Hue Jackson. “Because they saw it isn’t what stopped it. They had linebackers show up and our pulling guard didn’t get a chance to get a little bit further than what he needed to and they stopped us.

“They stopped us and they won.”

Said Haley: “They came out and gave us a different look (Wildcat formation.) Guys stepped up and did a great job. I take my hat off to Romeo and the entire staff having our guys ready for anything. Defense did a terrific job overall.”

It was definitely the type of goal line stand that does wonders for a defense’s confidence.

“They tried and tried and we got great push up front and it allowed the linebackers to make plays,” said Johnson, who led all tacklers in the game with a total of 13, a dozen of those solo stops.

Oh No, Not Again!

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

What used to be one of the most forgettable moments of any NFL game has suddenly become a can’t miss moment – the post-game handshake between coaches.

Another “incident” happened on Sunday as Todd Haley and Raiders head coach Hue Jackson met at mid-field following the Chiefs 28-0 drubbing of Oakland.

As Jackson approached Haley, he was waging his index finger at the Chiefs head coach. The pair shook hands, but it was Jackson who was doing all the talking.

Haley never stopped after retrieving his hand from the shake and turned his back to Jackson, who was still chattering. The Chiefs head coach was 10 yards away and Jackson was still talking in Haley’s direction.

“I didn’t hear what he said,” Haley said after the game.

Jackson didn’t reveal the nature of his comments, but did say when asked what happened on the field:

“That’s between me and him. We get to play’em again.”

Apparently what got Jackson mad was a late pass by QB Matt Cassel after the two-minute warning to WR Dwayne Bowe from the Oakland 24-yard line. Cassel took a shot deep and the ball fell incomplete. Before that, the Chiefs had run the six consecutive times.

What might have had Haley calling for a pass on that play was the fact the Raiders were in late, cheap shot mode, as they picked up a pair of 15-yard personal foul calls during those six running plays.

Jackson was right: his team does see the Chiefs again. It will happen on Christmas Eve at Arrowhead Stadium.

PRE-GAME: Chiefs vs. Raiders

From the O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

2:35 p.m. CDT – The Chiefs have left the field and headed to the locker room. We are about 30 minutes away from kickoff. Enjoy the game and come back Sunday night for all the coverage our fat fingers can punch out for you. Don’t wait for the newspaper, don’t wait for the 10 o’clock news. We’ll have it all for you.

2:30 p.m. CDT – Dustin Colquitt and Shane Lechler conversing at the 45-yard line as their teammates go through the workout.

2:25 p.m. CDT – Jeff Triplette’s crew has worked five games this season, walking off an average of 13.2 penalties per game for 118 yards. A good sign for the Chiefs: the visitor is 3-2 with Triplette’s team calling the penalties. Normally, the home team tends to get the calls and the victories under a lot of crews.

2:20 p.m. CDT – Head official Jeff Triplette has stopped and talked with both Todd Haley and Hue Jackson, most certainly about the end zone altercation that happened a few minutes before. The officials were just getting on to the field when the situation broke out.

2:10 p.m. CDT – It could be an interesting afternoon. Already, in the pre-game the Chiefs and Raiders have tangled. In the south end zone, the Chiefs defensive backs were doing a lap around the stadium and somehow got in the way of the Raiders DBs right in front of the Black Hole. There was pushing and shoving and police officers started moving towards the area. Raiders assistant coaches broke things up, as Chiefs players dragged teammates away from the situation. Then, WR Dwayne Bowe came down and started bobbing and weaving like a boxer. He did it all with a smile on his face, but the Oakland secondary wasn’t laughing. It’s been awhile since we’ve seen that in the pre-game between these teams.

2:00 p.m. CDT – K Ryan Succop was good from 51 yards to the north uprights and 50 to the south end of the stadium.

1:50 p.m. CDT – Still no official word on who will start at QB for the Raiders. Kyle Boller took the first snaps during the pre-pre-game throwing session, but that’s not always an indication of what goes on after the opening kickoff. No Oakland players are on the field yet, while the Chiefs special teams trio is out kicking FGs.

1:45 p.m. CDT – Inactive players for the Raiders will be QB Jason Campbell, K Sebastian Janikowski, CB Chimdi Chekwa, CB Chris Johnson, FB Marcel Reece, G Bruce Campbell and WR Chaz Schilens. That means Dave Rayner will do the kicking duties today for Oakland. Remember, he kicked for the Chiefs in 2007 and the Raiders will be the sixth team where he’s been on the game-day inactive list.

1:40 p.m. CDT – First-round draft choice WR Jonathan Baldwin is active and will play in his first NFL game today. Baldwin is part of the 46-man roster, basically replacing WR Jeremy Horne who had been working special teams exclusively.

1:35 p.m. CDT – Inactive players for the Chiefs in today’s game are WR Jeremy Horne, QB Ricky Stanzi, S Reshard Langford, OT Steve Maneri, WR Jerheme Urban, DE Brandon Bair and NT Jerrell Powe. …Read More!

State of The Offense … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs

The bye week was welcomed by all involved with the Chiefs, not only the players, but Todd Haley and his coaching staff.

It has nothing to do with taking a few days off, because NFL coaches really don’t take time off. They may not be in the office for a couple of days, but the brain does not stop churning no matter that the schedule says there is no game this Sunday.

The week without a game to prepare for was important for the Chiefs coaching staff because of what had happened in the previous six weeks, especially the injuries that knocked RB Jamaal Charles, TE Tony Moeaki and SS Eric Berry off the roster for the rest of the season.

At no point can a coaching staff throw up its hands and quit when big injuries happen that take key personnel off the field. Adjustments must be made, and especially in the case of the Chiefs offensive staff, those changes were coming on the fly, without a lot of time for inspection, analyzing and research. It was more along the lines of “OK, our only pass catching tight end is out, we need to change this now” and “our best running back is gone, then we’ve got to tweet our plan.” …Read More!

Chiefs Update – 10/17

From the Truman Sports Complex

The Chiefs were back to work on Monday after their four-day bye week hiatus. Head coach Todd Haley wasted no time getting them back up to speed.

The morning featured a conditioning session in the weight room and indoor facility. There were meetings at lunch time and then a walkthrough practice was held in the afternoon, as the Chiefs got an early start to their preparations for facing the Oakland Raiders this coming Sunday.

“As a staff we felt like going with a mental day in preparing for the Raiders would better serve us than having another full practice,” Haley said. “The guys came back with good energy and it seemed the best way to jump back into preparation.” …Read More!

Did Al Davis Pay For DT’s Funeral?

The answer is no.

In the days after the passing of Raiders leader Al Davis there were many stories written in the Bay Area about Davis, his impact, history and life.

On Sunday in the San Francisco Chronicle a story was done with John Herrera, who was one of Davis’ right-hand men over the last few decades. Herrera actually joined the Raiders when he was a teenager and worked his way up to being a confidante of the Raiders managing general partner.

Here’s the important passage from the story:

“If Davis kept reaching out to you, you had a loyal friend for life. Countless former players and employees got financial help, medical help or sometimes just game tickets or a friendly phone call from Davis.

“Davis even picked up the tab for former Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas’ funeral in 2000, because his family couldn’t afford it.

“You could write volumes on Al Davis because there’s so many different people that he helped,” Herrera said. “Without anyone else knowing about it. He had a heart as big as anyone I’ve ever known, and the perception of him was not that way. The perception of him was of this tough guy who always had to have it his way.”

As frequently happens in death, the late person’s deeds are puffed up even more by those left behind. Davis helped many of his former players over the years. That’s fact.

But Davis did not pay for the funeral of Derrick Thomas.

…Read More!

Sunday’s Best – 10/16

COACHING STORIES

Detroit’s Jim Schwartz and Jim Harbaugh of San Francisco left the playing surface at Ford Field pushing and shoving at each other, while speaking in non-football terms that won’t be repeated here.

New Orleans head coach Sean Payton was wiped out by his own player – TE Jimmy Graham – on the sidelines, suffering a torn MCL and a broken left leg. He was expected to undergo surgery on Monday.

LONGEST PLAYS

• 101 – Oakland WR Jacoby Ford kickoff return TD vs. Cleveland (W).
• 98 – Chicago WR Devin Hester kickoff return TD vs. Minnesota (W).
• 93 – Green Bay WR Jordy Nelson TD catch vs. St. Louis (W).
• 80 – Buffalo RB Fred Jackson TD run vs. N.Y. Giants (L).
• 68 – Pittsburgh RB Rashard Mendenhall run vs. Jacksonville (W).
• 67 – Green Bay P Tim Masthay punt vs. St. Louis (W).
• 65 – Tampa Bay WR Arrelious Benn vs. New Orleans (W).
• 64 – Buffalo P Brian Moorman punt vs. N.Y. Giants (L).
• 62 – Indianapolis P Pat McAfee punt vs. Cincinnati (L).
• 61 – New Orleans P Thomas Morstead punt vs. Tampa Bay (L).
• 60 – Buffalo WR Naaman Roosevelt TD catch vs. N.Y. Giants (L).
• 60 – San Francisco P Andy Lee punt vs. Detroit (W). …Read More!

Turmoil For Schottenheimers

Father and son Schottenheimer are fighting quite a few battles this week in their respective jobs.

For Marty, the United Football League is falling apart around him, but his Virginia Destroyers will get the opportunity to play for the league championship.

For Brian, the New York Jets offense that he coordinates has fallen apart around him and going into Monday night’s game against Miami, there appears to be a mutiny within the team about the direction of the play calling.

It’s part of the calling that goes with coaching the game of football.

“A lot of people that have opinions on what we do don’t know whether the football is pumped with air or stuffed with cotton,” said Marty when asked about the controversy surrounding son Brian and the Jets offense.

But first we’ll start with Dad. The UFL will announce Monday that it’s suspending the regular season, wiping out two weekends of games. The league will instead hold its championship game this Friday evening. The Virginia Destroyers will host the Las Vegas Locomotives in Virginia Beach. …Read More!

YACA & YACO Fuel Offense … Monday Cup O’Chiefs

Yards after catch for the receivers and yards after contact for the running backs – those have become a very mission for Todd Haley.

The Chiefs head coach believes that improving both statistics is one of the key reasons his team was able to win back-to-back games against Minnesota and Indianapolis after starting the season with a 0-3 record.

“The other variables have kind of washed each other out and the run after the catch to me has been a significant difference maker for us,” Haley said last week, after the Chiefs posted 146 yards after the catch and another 103 yards after first contact. That 249-yard total was easily the highest performance of the season to date.

Compare that performance to the loss in Detroit, where they combined for 95 yards after the catch and contact.

“If you start adding one yard, two yards, three yards, it changes the game dramatically if all other things are equal,” Haley said. “Yards equal points and I think there’s never been more evidence of that than (Indianapolis game.) The last three weeks I think it’s been a great study for us here going forward.” …Read More!

Bye-Week ROSTER LOOK … WEEKEND CUP O’CHIEFS

Here’s our ranking of the Chiefs current 53-man roster and how they are playing after five games. See if you agree with my view on who is playing well, and who needs to play better.

1. WR Dwayne Bowe – It’s a contract year for Bowe and he’s going out every Sunday and pushing his number higher and higher. Bowe’s development as a go-to receiver has been remarkable and whatever he signs for, he should provide a healthy check to Todd Haley for getting him to focus on the correct avenues for improving his game.

2. OLB Tamba Hali – The Chiefs defensive energizer bunny, Hali seldom slows down and thus he’s constantly putting pressure on the pocket and forcing opponents to adjust their protecting schemes and passing attack. Hali is also becoming a force against the run, as he’s second on the team in tackles with 34.

3. CB Brandon Carr – Since mid-season last year, Carr has been the most consistent and productive Brandon on the corner in the Chiefs defense. Brandon Flowers got a new contract and continues to get acclaim, but Carr has really grown into his role and he’s learned to use his size and strength to work on receivers.

4. ILB Derrick Johnson – When it comes to making tackles out of the inside linebacker spot, Johnson has the speed and quickness to make them all over the field. That’s tough to do when there are so many bodies to run through and around to find the ball. The only negative with his play so far this season is the lack of big plays.

5. QB Matt Cassel – Too high? Maybe, but in the last few weeks Cassel has really stepped up his performance. He’s kept his completion percentage up, while week to week improving the average yards per attempt and dropping his interceptions. His Indy game may have been the best of his time in K.C. …Read More!

Arrowhead About To Get New Name

A couple notes from the business side of the Chiefs operation:

– Over the last decade, the Chiefs have tried to sell the naming rights to Arrowhead Stadium for big dollars. It appears they’ve finally found a business entity to pony up for the right to put its name on the stadium, or the playing field. Word is that an announcement will likely come in conjunction with the Monday night game against San Diego on Halloween. No leaks on the name of the company involved, but the word is that it’s a national name, not local, and that this company has not previously been involved in buying naming rights to sports facilities. I’ve been told it will be a very familiar name, one that fans won’t have to use Goggle to discover what that company does.

– In Clark Hunt’s continuing efforts to slash from his team’s front office anyone that was part of the Carl Peterson regime, the Chiefs fired vice-president of sales and marketing Tammy Fruits this week. Team staffers were told Fruits “resigned”, but security personnel walked her out of the building, while more security personnel packed up her office. That type of departure has only been given to employees that were relieved of their duties. That group and those that beat the posse out of the building were the leaders of the following departments: public relations, community relations, finance, administration, sales & marketing, ticket operations, information systems and stadium operations. That’s every department in the team’s business directory.

Keeping Their Heads In The Game … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs

Anybody in the vicinity of the Truman Sports Complex right around lunch time on Wednesday probably noticed the fancy sports cars and high-dollar SUVs quickly making an exit and heading towards KCI.

After going through a morning practice in full pads, the Chiefs were out the door for the rest of the bye week. They were given what amounted to a four-day pass thanks to the league’s new collective bargaining agreement between players and owners.

It’s Article 24, Section 2 and reads:

“Bye Weeks: During any regular season bye week period occurring during the term of this Agreement, players will be given a minimum of four consecutive days off. Such four-day period must include a Saturday and a Sunday unless the Club is scheduled to play a game on the Thursday following the bye week, in which case players may be required to report to the Club on the Sunday preceding the Thursday game. In such an event, the four-day period shall be Wednesday through Saturday …”

Just because the labor deal guarantees them a four-day vacation, Chiefs players have been asked to keep football on their minds, whether they are hanging out here in Kansas City, enjoying the sun and sand in Cabo or South Beach, or going back to the alma mater for Homecoming. …Read More!

Ready To Fill Big Shoes … Wednesday Cup O’Chiefs

Both were third-round selections by the Chiefs in the NFL Draft. Both came to the team with scouting reports that described them as athletic blockers with very good strength and remarkably quick feet. Both young men were called “competitors” by coaches and scouts that were evaluating them. Each one became a starter at right guard early in their NFL careers.

Nineteen years ago the Chiefs selected Will Shields out of the University of Nebraska with the 74th choice in the third round. He moved into the right guard spot as an injury replacement during the first game of his rookie season in 1993, and did not leave until he retired after the 2006 season.

Last year, the Chiefs selected Jon Asamoah out of the University of Illinois with the 68th choice in the third round. He moved into the right guard spot at the start of this season, his second in the league.

After the first two games of this 2011 season, that Asamoah would be associated with Shields in any manner would have been unthinkable, if not laughable. In the big early losses to Buffalo and Detroit, Asamoah struggled blocking for the run and with pass protection. Just as Shields name was announced as part of the list of candidates for 2012 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Asamoah appeared overmatched in the starting lineup.

Then, things began to change. …Read More!

Bye Week Practice Report – 10/11

From the Truman Sports Complex

The Chiefs went through the first of two bye week practices Tuesday morning at their facility.

The session was scheduled to last just under 90 minutes and was to include a conditioning run afterwards. The players were in early for a weight lifting session and there were meetings scheduled as well. On Wednesday, they’ll have a practice earlier in the morning and then the players will be off until Monday.

All 61 players were on the field Tuesday, but not all were taking part in the practice. Head coach Todd Haley said he was giving some of his players who put in a lot of play time on Sunday in Indianapolis an extra rest. That group was led by C Casey Wiegmann, LG Ryan Lilja, TE Leonard Pope and WR Steve Breaston.

RB Jackie Battle (head) and FB Le’Ron McClain (neck) also did not participate as both left the Indianapolis game with their injuries. Haley remained optimistic after further evaluation of both players on Monday that they should not be out of the action for any long period of time.

Shaky Defense A Concern … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs

I don’t really want to be “that” guy, but I must say something as the autumn wind begins to blow, pulling the leaves from the trees and leaving us all with hours of raking and bagging ahead.

If you are a Chiefs fan excited about your favorite team’s recent two-game winning streak then it’s time for a reality check.

Yes, the Chiefs are now 2-3, after starting 0-3. That those victories came against teams that had not won games yet this season is really not that big a matter, as long as the outcome goes under the win column. A win, is a win, is a win. It’s the flip side of the there being no “moral victories” in the league. As a very famous father-in-law and coaching mentor once said, your record is what you are.

With two victories over teams with a combined record of 1-9, and three defeats to opponents with a combined record of 13-2 it tells us the Chiefs are not among the worst teams in the league, but they can’t roll with the league’s best clubs. They have risen from their miserable start to mediocrity.

And the reality is this – they may not be able to rise any higher because of their defense. …Read More!

QBs After 50 Starts

The Numbers – Game No. 5/Indianapolis

You know how I love the running game as it relates to winning in the NFL.

So it was a delight to see that Jackie Battle stepped forward – at least for one Sunday – to be the answer for the Chiefs. It was the first time this season any runner had a 100-yard rushing game. Of his 19 carries, 12 were for more than 4 yards. He had a 2-yard run for first down, giving him 13 winning plays. Lest you get the idea that he was the entire reason for success, note that Thomas Jones was successful on 50 percent of his runs as well, gaining more than 4 yards on four runs and getting a 3-yard first down run.

That is the most consistent rushing performance of the season on a team that needs to run the ball to be successful.

* Matt Cassel had two scrambles (called pass plays) and three kneel-downs.

Winning runs are runs that gain 4 or more yards or result in a first down or touchdown. …Read More!

Leftovers from Indy

From Indianapolis, Indiana

There was a rather unusual collection of quarterbacks at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday. With just the two teams involved, there were seven quarterbacks on the 53-player roster.

Here are those QBs and their career starts:

• Colts QB Peyton Manning – 208 starts.
• Colts QB Kerry Collins – 177 starts.
• Chiefs QB Matt Cassel – 50 starts.
• Colts QB Dan Orlovsky – 7 starts.
• Colts QB Curtis Painter – 2 starts.
• Chiefs QB Tyler Palko – 0 starts.
• Chiefs QB Ricky Stanzi – 0 starts.

TO BYE, OR NOT TO BYE?

The Chiefs will spend the next few days working before they head off for their bye week. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the players are guaranteed at least four consecutive days off in the bye week, and one of those has to be Saturday. …Read More!

Sunday’s NFL Best – 10/9

BIG PLAYS

• 94 – Seattle CB Brandon Browner interception return for TD vs. N.Y. Giants (W).
• 76 – Pittsburgh RB Jonathan Dwyer run vs. Tennessee (W).
• 74 – Jacksonville WR Jason Hill TD catch vs. Cincinnati (L).
• 73 – New England WR Wes Welker catch vs. N.Y. Jets (W).
• 71 – Cincinnati P Kevin Huber punt vs. Jacksonville (W).
• 70 – Green Bay WR James Jones TD catch vs. Atlanta (W).
• 69 – Carolina RB DeAngelo Williams TD run vs. New Orleans (L).
• 68 – N.Y. Giants WR Victor Cruz TD catch vs. Seattle (L).
• 67 – Indianapolis WR Pierre Garcon TD catch vs. Chiefs (L).
• 64 – Indianapolis P Pat McAfee punt vs. Chiefs (L).
• 64 – Buffalo P Brian Moorman punt vs. Philadelphia (W). …Read More!

Chiefs Come-From Behind For 28-24 Victory

From Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

Down 17 points in the first quarter to a winless Indianapolis Colts team, the Chiefs appeared to be on their way to one of the most embarrassing defeats in recent franchise history.

But led by QB Matt Cassel and the passing game, with four touchdown throws, two each to Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston, the Chiefs roared back and grabbed a 28-24 victory.

It’s the first ever victory for the Chiefs in Indianapolis and improved their record to 2-3 as they head for the bye week. The Colts are now 0-5 on the season.

Cassel found both Bowe and Breaston for scores in the second quarter, and then came back and found them again in the second half. The running game provided a spark as well as Jackie Battle hammered away at the Colts defense, running for more than 120 yards.

After getting torched in the first half by Indy QB Curtis Painter in just his second career start, the Chiefs defense clamped down in the second half and did not allow the Colts near the end zone.

A lot to cover and here it is.

• GAME STORY: Chiefs stick to plan for victory.
• COLUMN: The half-time story.
• SIDEBAR: “Un-bowe-lievable”.
• SIDEBAR: Battle gets his chance.
• SIDEBAR: Inconsistent defense continues.
• NOTES: Colts struggles continue.
• PLAY OF THE GAME: Bowe’s 5-yard TD catch.
• REPORT CARD: Great second semester half grades.
• 4 THINGS CHIEFS NEED TO WIN/Recap
• GAMEBOOK
• PRE-GAME COVERAGE

Fight For Mediocrity … Game-Day Cup O’Chiefs

Indianapolis, Indiana

In a sport where two teams have 11 players in competition, it’s almost impossible for one player to completely turn the fortunes of his team, whether positively or to the negative.

But don’t tell the 0-4 Indianapolis Colts that. Or, to a lesser extent, the 1-3 Chiefs. They arrive to face each other on this fifth Sunday of the 2011 season each without their best player. Kickoff is 12 noon at Lucas Oil stadium and the TV broadcast is on CBS.

For the Colts, they are missing one of the game’s all-time greats in QB Peyton Manning, down for the count because of a neck injury that’s required two surgeries and still does not have him anywhere close to getting on the field. Whether Manning returns to play does not matter on this Sunday. Manning will be on the field, but he will be on the sidelines in street clothes, not wearing No. 18 in blue and driving the Chiefs defense crazy. That helps Todd Haley and his team.

But, the Chiefs are without RB Jamaal Charles since he blew out his left knee at Ford Field on September 18th. The Chiefs running game has been stuck in neutral without him. They are a team that was built on the run game on offense and that running game is supposed to blend in a complimentary fashion with the Chiefs defense. …Read More!

Al Davis – 1929-2011

It was in the early 1980s and the NFL was holding its annual spring meetings at the Biltmore in Phoenix, one of those old school resorts with multiple amenities.

There was a press room set up by the NFL for the media to use and it was at the far end of the building, on the second floor. It was essentially a guest room that had been stripped down to shove in some tables and chairs.

As I sat writing a story for the Kansas City Times & Star, I kept hearing a clanking sound coming through the open door to the room’s balcony. It would be clank, clank, clank … then silence. And then clank, clank, clank … silence. Over and over again went the pattern.

It caught my ear because the Biltmore is not a place where you hear clanking sounds. This was a high-end resort where the grass somehow got cut without hearing the mowers and the beds got made without seeing the room maids. …Read More!

4 Things The Chiefs Must Do To Beat Indy

HISTORY

• This is the 21st meeting between these two teams that began playing each other with the merger of the AFL and NFL that was completed in 1970.
• The Colts have a 13-7 advantage in the series, including 3 victories in the playoffs after the 1995, 2003 and 2006 seasons.
• The last time these teams faced each other was last year, when the Colts won 19-9 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Last time the Chiefs beat the Colts was 2004, with a 45-35 victory in a shoot out between Trent Green and Peyton Manning.
• The Chiefs are 0-5 in Indianapolis, losing in 1990, 2000, 2006 playoffs, 2007 and last season.

4

Make Painter Antsy

Although they have lost three in a row to the Colts, the Chiefs defense under both Gunther Cunningham and Romeo Crennel were able to do a good job keeping QB Peyton Manning under control. In those three games, Manning had one TD pass and five interceptions and averaged just 5.9 yards per attempt. KC did it by mixing coverages and throwing pressure at Manning that didn’t always get him on the ground, but got his feet moving. The same thing can happen with Curtis Painter. Crennel needs to mix his coverages with pressure up the middle that will block the vision of Painter, who is 6-4, an inch smaller than Manning. They must make him uncomfortable and hope his inexperience will give them a chance at interceptions. …Read More!

Appetizers From Indianapolis

From Indianapolis, Indiana

Quite possibly the No. 1 appetizer on the NFL circuit can be found right here in central Indiana. Should your travels ever bring you here, make sure to stop at St. Elmo Steak House in downtown Indy.

St. Elmo is one of those places that has been around for many, many years (since 1902) and has developed a reputation for excellent wine, very good steaks and a shrimp cocktail appetizer that is a must for anyone who walks through the doors.

The shrimp is generally very good, but it’s the cocktail sauce that St. Elmo serves with the dish that will burn itself into memory, and I do mean burn. If you have any type of nasal blockages, this sauce will clean you out in a matter of seconds. It’s got a healthy dose of horseradish and I swear I’ve seen smoke coming out of the ears of several people who have tried it over the years.

If you get the chance, don’t miss St. Elmo; it’s about three blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium. …Read More!

Covering TEs A Problem … Saturday Cup O’Chiefs

Last Sunday the leading receiver for Minnesota QB Donovan McNabb was TE Visanthe Shiancoe. They connected six times for 58 yards.

In the background of any picture taken of those six catches is Chiefs SS Donald Washington. Behind the receiver is not a good place for a man in coverage to be; it was that type of day for the Chiefs third-year safety.

Don’t take that to mean Washington had a bad day working in the starting defense against the Vikings. Filling in for an injured Jon McGraw at strong safety, he was very productive helping slow down the Minnesota running game and he was credited with five tackles.

“I think Donald’s making progress,” said head coach Todd Haley. “He stepped in and made a bunch of real good plays for us. He’s had some others that he’s got to continue to work on.”

Like pass coverage. Washington had problems sticking with Shiancoe who is one of the better catching tight ends in the league.

“It’s got to be better,” Washington said of his performance. “I learned a lot and I will put that to good use this week.” …Read More!

Indy Week Leftovers

Last year, the Chiefs led the NFL in rushing, averaging 164.2 yards per game.

In four games this year, they are in the middle of the NFL pack, ranked No. 14 as they’ve averaged 110.8 yards per game.

Obviously, missing the likes of Jamaal Charles is going to set back an offense and the Chiefs are still struggling to figure out how to make a running game go with the four backs that are available to them – Thomas Jones (right), Dexter McCluster, Jackie Battle and Le’Ron McClain.

Offensive coordinator Bill Muir thinks that success will breed success in the running game.

“It’s the chicken and the egg, does consistency lead to success, or does success lead to consistency,” Muir said. “I’m not talking big plays, we just need to have some success, develop some continuity. Even if it’s three straight runs that all gain four yards. That’s a first down. I think that will make a big difference.

“Consistency is the word. We’ve blocked it well enough sometimes and sometimes we haven’t. With the group that we have upfront I expect us to continue to get better.”

That time would be helpful on Sunday in Indianapolis. The Colts are No. 28 in rushing yards allowed, giving up 133 yards per game. …Read More!

Practice Report/Update– 10/7

From the Truman Sports Complex

Todd Haley still would not commit on Friday to first-round draft choice WR Jonathan Baldwin being active for Sunday’s game against the Colts in Indianapolis.

“He has been working very hard, but he hasn’t had a ton of action in a team setting,” Haley said after Friday’s practice. “There are a lot of factors at play, the least of which right now is his health. He’s physically ready to go.”

Baldwin went through his third practice of the week and continued to impress the Chiefs coaches with how he’s handled himself in the offense during practice. In fact, Haley said he thinks that one positive of his time away from playing (three pre-season and four regular season games) actually had an upside for Baldwin because while he couldn’t catch with his broken right thumb, he could run.

“The guy’s had the benefit doing the (mental) work and getting comfortable with his responsibilities,” Haley said. “He essentially got OTAs and mini-camps while the team practiced and that’s priceless time for a young receiver.”

Baldwin, SS Jon McGraw (shin) and WR Terrence Copper (illness) were all listed as probable when the Chiefs turned in their official injury report to the league office Friday afternoon. …Read More!

Time For Happy Returns … Friday Cup O’Chiefs

Javier Arenas and the Road Runner – have you ever seen them together?

Think about it the next time you watch the Chiefs cornerback return a kick, or more likely a punt. Watch his legs as he’s moving forward with the ball. They look like they are churning in circles, just like the Road Runner in all those Looney Tunes cartoons.

Arenas flies into a pile of bodies and should be snowed under by tacklers, but he pops out of the scrum, his body spinning, his legs churning and he avoids all those Wile E. Coyote types wearing opposing jerseys. The other team is dropping all sorts of obstacles on Arenas as he runs, making it easy to visualize anvils – from the Acme Anvil Company of course – falling from the sky. But they never seem to get a clean hit.

It’s almost expected that once Arenas has been stopped, he will stand up and give everybody a “beep, beep.”

“Everybody thinks he’s little,” said Chiefs special teams leader Terrence Copper. “But Javier is not little. He’s not big, but he’s not little. He keeps those legs moving all the time. He is a little bit like one of those cartoon characters.

“He’s always one block away.” …Read More!

Play of the Game – Bowe TD Catch

From Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

QUARTER – Third.

SCORE – Colts up 24-14.

DOWN & DISTANCE – 1st-and-Goal at the Colts 5-yard line.

OFFENSIVE SET – one RB, two TEs and 2 WRs.

DEFENSE – Colts had 8-men bunched between the tackles, two CBs on the WRs and one safety.

QB Matt Cassel showed his faith in his favorite target, WR Dwayne Bowe. On the 1st-and-goal play, Cassel took a three step drop and quickly released a floating pass towards the right side of the end zone.

That’s where Bowe was battling with CB Jacob Lacey, who came up and got his hands on Bowe around the 2-yard line. By then the pass was already in the air. Lacey was almost backpedaling into Bowe as the ball came to them.

Bowe reached over Lacey and got his right hand on the ball, tipping it up in the air. As Lacey was falling away to the left, Bowe was reaching out to the right and tipped the ball in the air one more time. Then as he was falling to the ground, he reached out one-handed and pulled the ball in, while landing on his back in the end zone.

Notes & Quotes – Colts Struggles Continue

From Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

It’s one of those types of seasons for the Indianapolis Colts. They came into the season without their leader and best player QB Peyton Manning. They knew coming into Sunday’s game they had offensive line problems as two starters and one backup were on the inactive list for the game.

And then, after he got off to a fast start, the Colts offense lost RB Joseph Addai to a right hamstring injury. It came late in the first quarter, after Addai had already run the ball 6 times for 19 yards. He also had a catch for 6 yards.

Addai left the field with 3 minutes, 27 seconds to play and did not return. It took away one of the Colts best weapons to pair with unproven QB Curtis Painter. Green Bay couldn’t get any type of consistent running game with Addai and they were not able to run or pass in the second half.

“We certainly didn’t do as well as we could’ve in terms of converting some third downs and putting some points on the board as well,” said Colts head coach Jim Caldwell. “We just did not function well. We just haven’t been able to finish games and that was the key.

“They (Chiefs) performed well, and we didn’t perform nearly as well as we needed to.”

ATMOSPHERE REPORT

With not only the roof open but the windows in the north end of the stadium open, it was about as close to outdoors as anyone could get inside a stadium.

The crowd was not a full house, but all the Colts tickets are spoken for this season, so they don’t have to worry about the bottom dropping out of the ticket sales in 2011. Now, 2012 is another matter.

Plenty of Chiefs fans in the house, as red shirts were sprinkled throughout the sections and levels of the dome.

SPECIAL TEAMS REPORT

RYAN SUCCOP – It was a quiet day for the Chiefs kicker. He didn’t attempt a field goal, was 4-for-4 on PAT kicks and his kickoffs were all touchbacks with one exception.

DUSTIN COLQUITT – It was a good day for the Chiefs punter, as he booted punts of 36, 39, 43, 60, 45 and 46 yards. Only one was returned, for just two yards. Three others produced fair catches. Colquitt put two punts down inside the 20-yard line.

JAVIER ARENAS – Tough day for Arenas on returns, as he was unable to break anything. He had four punt returns, but averaged just 9.8 yards with a 14-yard long. He didn’t get a chance to return a kickoff as they all went for touchbacks.

COVERAGE – There wasn’t much to cover for the Chiefs, as they allowed only two yards on one punt return and 18 yards on the only kickoff return. Tackles went to LBs Cory Greenwood and Cameron Sheffield.

ZEBRA REPORT

The crew of Carl Cheffers worked the game and they made themselves very busy. Overall, they walked off only nine penalties for 79 yards, but they threw far more flags than that and there were numerous replay reviews called for from the booth. Neither Todd Haley nor Jim Caldwell threw their red flags, but Cheffers seemed to be sticking his head in the video booth every other minute.

Here’s what they did with the Chiefs:

Brown was lucky. Late in the fourth quarter the Colts faced a 4th-and-11 situation and then sent the punt team on the field even though there was just 2:37 left to play. But Brown was offside on the punt that went for a touchback, and the Colts faced 4th-and-6 to go and decided to send the offense back out.

Luckily for Brown, the Chiefs defense stopped the Colts play and the ball went over to the K.C. offense.

PERSONNEL REPORT

Inactive players for the Chiefs were QB Ricky Stanzi, S Reshard Langford, OT Steve Maneri, WR Jerheme Urban, WR Jonathan Baldwin, DE Brandon Bair and NT Jerrell Powe.

Baldwin fans were disappointed by his spot on the inactive list, but it really came down to special teams contributions and it’s hard to see where he fits in that picture given he’s not a returner.

At strong safety, Jon McGraw was back in the starting lineup, displacing Donald Washington who had played there for the last game and a half when McGraw suffered a shin injury.

Andy Studebaker got his first start of the season at OLB, going in for the base defense for rookie Justin Houston. And Houston, was moved to the sub-defense where he replaced LB Cameron Sheffield as a pass rusher opposite Tamba Hali.

Inactive players for the Colts were QB Kerry Collins, QB Peyton Manning, CB Kevin Thomas, OT Mike Tepper, G Ryan Diem, OT Anthony Castonzo and DT Drake Nevis.

Diem and Castonzo were starters at RG and LT. Part of the changes in the offensive line had RT Jeff Linkenbach moving to LT, Mike Pollak at RG and Quinn Ojinnaka at RT.

4 Things Chiefs Must Do/Recap

From Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

4

Make Painter Antsy

Although they have lost three in a row to the Colts, the Chiefs defense under both Gunther Cunningham and Romeo Crennel were able to do a good job keeping QB Peyton Manning under control. In those three games, Manning had one TD pass and five interceptions and averaged just 5.9 yards per attempt. KC did it by mixing coverages and throwing pressure at Manning that didn’t always get him on the ground, but got his feet moving. The same thing can happen with Curtis Painter. Crennel needs to mix his coverages with pressure up the middle that will block the vision of Painter, who is 6-4, an inch smaller than Manning. They must make him uncomfortable and hope his inexperience will give them a chance at interceptions. PUSH – Chiefs hardly laid a hand on Painter, knocking him down just one time in 27 passing plays. Whatever the reason, the Chiefs did not throw a lot of scheme at him. They certainly did a better job in the second half, but that had more to do with execution than anything else.

3

Protect the ball

The turnover ratio remains one of the best gauges of team performance and success. There are 13 teams right now with a winning record in the league and they are a combined plus-42 on the take-give ratio. There are 11 teams with a losing record and they are a combined minus-31 on the ratio. Right now the Chiefs are minus-5. Defensively, the Colts have struggled but they’ve done a good job of knocking the ball out of their opponents’ hands. Indy is No. 2 in the AFC in fumbles caused with 7; they were able to recover 4 of those fumbles. The Chiefs have already lost five fumbles. To win they must button up and not provide the Colts any help. SUCCESS – The Chiefs laid the ball on the ground just one time in this game, but recovered the fumble immediately and more than likely a replay review would have overturned the fumble call. QB Matt Cassel did not put any of his throws in dangerous territory.

2

Run, run, run

The Chiefs offense is about running the ball. That’s the way the team was built, and that’s how it will have its most offensive success. Having lost Jamaal Charles, that’s tougher to accomplish, but they have no choice. Whether it’s Thomas Jones, Dexter McCluster, Jackie Battle or Le’Ron McClain, all of them or some combination, their current 110 yards rushing per game is not good enough. Before Charles’ injury the Chiefs averaged 7.2 yards per run. Since the injury, they’ve averaged 3.5 yards per carry. They’ve had particular problems running the ball on first down, a pattern that has to be fixed. SUCCESS – Finally, the Chiefs got the run game going. Even though Charles is out, this offense was built for the running game and if they can’t move the ball on the ground, it’s not going to work overall.

1

Keep Freeney & Mathis off Cassel

If the Chiefs are going to have any hope of moving the football, they must be productive throwing the ball. That will only happen if LT Branden Albert and RT Barry Richardson can keep one of the best pass rushing duos in the league away from QB Matt Cassel. Together, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have six sacks this season. That’s more than the Chiefs have as a team. Over their careers, Freeney (11 seasons) and Mathis (9 seasons) have 174 total sacks and 80 forced fumbles. It’s those forced fumbles that worry most teams facing Freeney-Mathis. Last Sunday, the pass protection unit did a good job against Minnesota. They’ll have to do a better job, and do it on the road, against Indy. PUSH – Both guys got sacks, but there really wasn’t a lot of pressure on Cassel throughout the game. Freeney beat Branden Albert badly on his sack and Mathis did the same against Barry Richardson.

Report Card – Chiefs vs. Colts

From Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

RUSHING OFFENSE: A – Finally, the Chiefs offense did what it’s designed do and what it does best – run the ball. That 194 rushing yards performance was their best since running for 210 yards against St. Louis back in December. Jackie Battle stepped up and turned in the best running performance of the season as he ran for 119 yards. Even Thomas Jones broke a couple runs, showing a burst that hasn’t been seen before this season.

PASSING OFFENSE: A – This was a big time performance from QB Matt Cassel, WRs Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston and for the most part, the pass protection uni. Cassel was sacked twice, one each by Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. But otherwise, he had the time to throw and did so for 8.9 yards per attempt and 12.2 yards per completion, some of his best numbers of the season. The catches Bowe and Breaston made in several cases were the best you’ll see in the NFL this weekend.

RUSHING DEFENSE: B – It didn’t look good at the start when Joseph Addai was pounding the Chiefs pretty hard. But then he went out with what was called a hamstring injury and did not return. From that point, on the Colts had trouble getting a consistent run game going with rookie Delone Carter. After Addai left, Indy had 21 carries for just 59 yards.

PASSING DEFENSE: C – It was the tale of first half poor, second half very good for pass defense. It was below standards as they did not put any pressure on Painter (he was not sacked) and they were not able to pick off the inexperienced quarterback. Plus, there were far too many receivers running around in the secondary uncovered in the first half.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B – Overall it was a pretty quiet day in the kicking game. P Dustin Colquitt had a good performance, averaging 44.8 yards per punt and 41.2 yards on net average. Ryan Succop only kicked PATs and Javier Arenas couldn’t get anything going in the return game. The Colts had absolutely nothing in the return game, so coverage was good.

COACHING: B – In the first half, Todd Haley and his staff were working on the biggest, fattest F-grade they’ve ever received after the Chiefs played so poorly in the opening 30 minutes. But, those half-time adjustments made all the difference in the world. Plus, they didn’t start punching panic buttons. They stuck with their plan going into the game and it eventually paid dividends. Good patience from Haley and his crew.

Defense Continues Inconsistent Play

From Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

In the first half, more than a few people inside Lucas Oil Stadium watched Colts QB Curtis Painter work the Indy offense and wondered whether Peyton Manning had actually snuck into the huddle wearing No. 7.

For 30 minutes, Painter was hot, and he was picking apart the Chiefs defense, throwing for big plays and giving the Colts. It was almost Manning like as he found WR Pierre Garcon for a pair of TD passes, including a 67-yard play. There was another 37-yard pass to Garcon, 26 to WR Reggie Wayne, then 23 to WR Austin Collie that almost ended up in the end zone.

Then it was half-time, and it all ended. The glass slippers Painter wore in the first half, turned to wooden clogs because the Chiefs defense played better football.

“It was all us,” said ILB Derrick Johnson. “I’m not going to take anything from him (Painter) because he made those plays. The problem is, we allowed him to make those. When we came in at half-time, it was all on us. We had to play better.”

That they did. In the first half, they helped Painter look like a new Manning. In the second half, they made Painter look like a QB who was making just his second NFL start. Here are the numbers:

What was hard to understand was why the Chiefs did not come with more pass rushers or blitzers against Painter. Only once did they knock Painter to the ground on 27 pass plays and they never came close to sacking him. OLB Justin Houston had the only touch on him.

The Chiefs seemed intent on trying to confuse him with coverages, but in the first half they apparently only confused themselves. Garcon was wide open on his 67-yard TD play when CB Brandon Flowers bit on a pump fake and moved toward the center of the field where there were already people in coverage.

“That was my mistake,” Flowers said. “That was just the way things went early. I saw him pump and I saw a receiver going down the middle (TE Dallas Clark) and I moved in that direction and he dumped it over my head to Garcon.”

The first Painter to Garcon touchdown came because of bad communication in the secondary. It was 2nd-and-goal at the Chiefs 6-yard line. Painter sent a trio of receivers out right and they lined up in a bunch. The Chiefs were in their sub-defense and Javier Arenas was playing up on that side, while Flowers was back. There were no other defensive backs keyed to that side of the field, as SS Jon McGraw was playing inside in what amounts to a linebacker position.

Simple math tells you three against two are not good odds, and Painter quickly threw to Garcon, who stepped behind the other two receivers who provided cover. Arenas went for him, but got blocked out of the play and Flowers couldn’t get there fast enough.

“I’ve got to take my hat off to Curtis Painter,” said Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. “He was throwing the ball unbelievable there early. There was some tight coverage. Obviously we blew a coverage or two, but a lot of those throws were tight quarters really.”

The Chiefs tinkered with their defensive personnel for this game. McGraw was back from his shin injury and was inserted back into the starting lineup. OLB Andy Studebaker was in the starting lineup, replacing rookie Justin Houston, who was moved to the sub-defense as a pass rusher, replacing Cameron Sheffield.

“I welcome any opportunity to play,” said Studebaker. “I think all of us were a little slow getting out of the blocks but we got back into the game and I think we got things rolling in the second half.”

Battle Gets Run Game Moving

From Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

Jackie Battle did not want to speak to the media on Sunday after his 119-yard rushing day against the Indianapolis Colts.

Now don’t read some prima donna type attack here from the little used running back. His chest wasn’t all pumped up after the best day of his career.

Rather, his head was still a little fuzzy from a helmet to helmet hit he took in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs 28-24 victory over the Colts. Trainer David Price walked him out of the training room after most of his teammates had already been dressed and gone. Battle just shook his head and said he wanted all the attention to go to the offensive line.

So while he might have been a little out of focus, Battle showed he still knew what was important – the big guys up front that open the holes. They did that Sunday and Battle ran through them for big yardage. Averaging 6.2 yards per carry, Battle ripped off 19 runs for those 119 yards.

Included in Battle’s performance was a 24-yard run that now ranks among the biggest gainers on the ground for the Chiefs this season. He had 5 runs over 10 yards and 10 runs over 5 yards. Only once in those 19 carries did the Indy defense stop him for negative yardage.

Plus, he caught two passes for 21 yards. While he wasn’t interested or capable of talking about his performance, his teammates were.

“You could tell that Jackie always believed he was a runner and he didn’t like it too much when we relegated him in our minds to just a special teams player,” said head coach Todd Haley. “He’s another player on our team that has continued to develop here through the last couple years and that’s just so critical to being a successful team.”

There was one thing Haley and coordinator Bill Muir wanted to get done with the Chiefs offense against Indianapolis on Sunday: they wanted to breathe life into the team’s running game.

With Jamaal Charles out, Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster were next up and they had very limited success in the season’s first four games. So on this day, the Chiefs turned to Battle, the proverbial forgotten man in the team’s offense for the last four years.

In 37 NFL games, he had carried the ball 51 times for 155 yards. He was always a pre-season runner, racking up 472 rushing yards on 114 carries in August games during the 2008-09-10-11 seasons.

In the days leading up to the game, Battle talked about how he didn’t consider himself anything but an NFL running back. Maybe special teams was where he spent most of his playing time, but he didn’t think that was all he could do.

“I always considered myself capable of playing in this league,” Battle said.

Against an Indianapolis defense that came in ranked No. 28 in the league against the run, Battle showed there was no doubt he could handle the load. In the second half, the offense went smash mouth with a lot of two back and two tight end formations. Again, Haley was determined to stick to his plan and run the ball.

“I’m so happy for Jackie,” QB Matt Cassel said. “He’s a guy that never complains, just goes out, works hard and will do whatever you ask him to. He’s a guy that just grinds and grinds and grinds, and as you can see, when he gets his opportunities, he can play.

“There’s never a time when I’ve seen him get hit where he doesn’t somehow fall forward. Hopefully he’ll continue to grow in this offense.”

“Un – BOWE – lievable”

From Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

“You know my last name is Bowe, and so everything I do I try to make it un-bowe-lievable.”

He certainly made that happen on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Since joining the Chiefs in 2007, he’s played in 64 games and now has 35 touchdown catches after the Chiefs 28-24 victory.

It’s No. 35 that won’t be forgotten. If you missed it, don’t worry, it will be repeated over and over and over again on highlight shows for the rest of the NFL season and beyond. It will have anybody wearing red and gold saying “un-bowe-lieveable.” It will always be part of the highlight reel of Dwayne Bowe’s career.

Third quarter. Chiefs down by 10 points. Less than a minute to play in the period. It’s 1st-and-goal at the Colts 5-yard line. Bowe lines up on the right side. Indy CB Jacob Lacey was across from him in coverage. QB Matt Cassel took the snap and lofted the ball toward the right corner of the end zone. Bowe was back pedaling, trying to get into position to catch the ball. …Read More!

Column: What Goes On At Half-time?

From Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

I’m not sure what goes on inside the Chiefs locker room at half-time.

Maybe they are spiking the Gatorade, or some sort of second-half shaman is on the Hunt Family payroll and he performs magic dances and sprinkles winning herbs and chases away evil losing spirits.

An NFL game is 60 minutes and the 2011 Chiefs are so thankful for that. If position in the standings was based on how teams played in the first half, the Chiefs would be negotiating a contract right now with Stanford QB Andrew Luck.

In the first half again on Sunday against the Colts, the Chiefs were awful, just like they were last Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium against Minnesota and the way they played the week before that in the first half at San Diego. They stunk and that’s the polite way to say it.

“Oh, for sure, we sucked,” said CB Brandon Flowers. “We just weren’t all there. We really didn’t have our s*#t together.”

But then suddenly, in the second half the team that stunk up the joint in the first half was unstoppable in the second. QB unknown Curtis Painter ripped them for 237 passing yards in the first half and then throws for 40 yards in the second half. The Colts got only 64 yards in the second half against a defense that as Flowers said, didn’t have their stuff together. …Read More!

Chiefs Stick To Plan, Grab Victory No. 2

From Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

In a remarkable Sunday afternoon the Chiefs did two things you don’t normally see from the same team in an NFL game. They were down by 17 points with just over one minute to play in the first half.

And then QB Matt Cassel took a knee at the end of the game to run the clock out so the Chiefs could walk off the field with a remarkable 28-24 victory.

“The kneel-down is the best play in football,” Chiefs LG Ryan Lilja said. “No matter how you get to that point, if you are kneeling to run out the clock it’s a great feeling.”

Some 30 minutes of football earlier, the thought that the Chiefs would be running out the clock to gain the franchise’s first victory ever in Indianapolis. It’s been a long time since a Chiefs team trailed by 17 points and came back to win.

In fact, it’s 129 games in the past, close to exactly eight years ago. On October 12, 2003 the Chiefs trailed Green Bay 31-14 in the third quarter at Lambeau Field after Packers K Ryan Longwell hit a 50-yard FG. By the time that game was over, the Chiefs won 40-34 in overtime when QB Trent Green and WR Eddie Kennison hooked up on a 51-yard TD pass.

That was against Brett Favre. This time it happened vs. Curtis Painter. With Peyton Manning on the bench because of neck surgery, Painter got his second NFL start and in the first half he lit up the Chiefs. The Purdue product threw for 237 yards and a pair of touchdowns to WR Pierre Garcon. …Read More!

Practice Report/Update – 10/6

From the Truman Sports Complex

All hands were on deck Thursday when the Chiefs held their second practice of the week in preparation for Sunday’s game in Indianapolis.

All 61 available bodies were dressed and were taking part in the workout during the media window. WR Terrence Copper was back after missing Wednesday’s practice with an illness.

Head coach Todd Haley was pleased with the workout.

“It was physical and good energy again; we had a bunch of guys running around feeling good,” Haley said of the practice in full pads. “I feel like we made progress. We’re just trying to get a little bit better every day.”

One player that has made progress in Haley’s view is his first-round draft choice, WR Jonathan Baldwin. In just his second full practice since breaking his thumb on August 16, the coach said he was better than he was the day before.

“I thought he had another real good practice,” Haley said of Baldwin. “I’ve been impressed by what he’s done here early on after being out as long as he was. He’s had two real good days and that’s encouraging to everybody.”

Will Baldwin play on Sunday? …Read More!

Pre-Game: Chiefs vs. Colts

From Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

11:30 a.m. CDT – The Chiefs have left the field after completing their warm-up. It appeared that Jon McGraw was back in the starting lineup at SS, rather than Donald Washington. Enjoy the game, and remember we’ll have coverage afterwards and throughout the evening of the Chiefs and Colts.

11:03 a.m. CDT – Colts have announced their starting lineup changes and they’ll have Jeff Linkenbach moving from RT to LT. Quinn Ojinnaka will start at RT. Starting at RG for will be Mike Pollak.

11 a.m. CDT – Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and Peyton Manning in a conversation at the 50-yard line.

10:55 a.m. CDT – The crew of referee Carl Cheffers is working this game. They’ve done three games so far this season and the home team has been happy all three times with victories. They’ve walked off 44 flags for 382 yards, or an average of 14.6 per game, so they are very active. This group appears to throw more flags on offensive holding and roughing the passer than the average crew.

10:40 a.m. CDT – The inactive breakdown shows advantage Chiefs, with Indy missing two offensive line starters in LT Anthony Castonzo and RG Ryan Diem.  No official annoucement from the Colts yet, but the Colts have 10 offensive linemen on their roster, but three are inactive today and two were signed just this week. RT Jeff Linkenbach is expected to move from RT to LT, but who replaces him at RT and who starts at RG remains unknown. Candidates are Seth Olsen, Mike Pollak at guard and newly signed Quinn Ojinnaka and Michael Toudouze at tackle.

10:35 a.m. CDT – Inactive players for the Chiefs today are QB Ricky Stanzi, OT Steve Maneri, WR Jonathan Baldwin, DE Brandon Bair, DT Jerrell Powe, S Reshard Langford and WR Jerheme Urban.

10:35 a.m. CDT – Inactive players for the Colts today are LT Anthony Castonzo, RG Ryan Diem, QB Kerry Collins, QB Peyton Manning, DT Drake Nevis, OT Mike Tepper and DB Kevin Thomas. …Read More!

Never In Indy … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs

The Dallas Texans-Kansas City Chiefs have been playing football for 52 seasons. The franchise has won games played in cities from Seattle to Miami, Boston to San Diego, Minnesota to Houston.

There is only one stop on the NFL highway where the Chiefs have never tasted success whether it was pre-season, regular season or post-season. The victory wasteland for the Chiefs is Indianapolis, Indiana, the location of their next game, coming up this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Since the Colts left Baltimore in the middle of the night and the Mayflower moving vans deposited the team in Indy back in 1984, the Chiefs have made five visits to central Indiana; four in the regular season and one in the playoffs. The outcome was the same all five times:

L, L, L, L and L.

They lost by four, eight, three, 15 and 10 points, the most recent defeat coming last year, when they went into the fourth quarter with a chance to beat the Colts but ended up losing 19-9. …Read More!

Personnel File – Indianapolis Colts

Personnel leader: Vice Chairman Bill Polian – he’s been building pro football rosters since 1978, when he spent five years as a pro scout for the Chiefs. He later worked in the CFL and USFL, before helping build the Buffalo teams that went to four Super Bowls and the expansion Carolina Panthers. Polian took over as Colts GM in 1998. He’s a six-time winner of the league’s Executive of the Year Award.

Key aides: Vice President and General Manager Chris Polian and Director of Player Personnel Tom Telesco.

Personnel department: 14 executives and scouts.

Personnel philosophy: build the roster through the draft and undrafted free agents, filling in the holes with veteran free agents.

Salary cap status: as of October 1, Colts had $5.4 million remaining under the cap. …Read More!

Practice Report/Update – 10/5

From the Truman Sports Complex

WR Jonathan Baldwin was a full participant in the Chiefs practice on Wednesday afternoon.

Missing from full-time participation since he broke his right thumb on August 16 in a training camp altercation with teammate Thomas Jones, Baldwin took part in all aspects of the practice, including team work.

In the past seven weeks, Baldwin has done limited positional drills with the wide receivers and then gone to a separate field where he’s worked in the rehab area and ran some plays by himself with the help of a coach.

Whether or not Baldwin is active for Sunday’s game in Indianapolis is another story. To get a spot on the 46-man roster he will have to contribute on special teams, so the biggest hurdle he must overcome this week will be what he does in the kicking game. Baldwin is not viewed as a returner, so his efforts will have to come as a blocker or in coverage.

The Chiefs made a change on the practice squad, adding RB Shaun Draughn and releasing OL Butch Lewis. Draughn (6-0, 250) came out of the University of North Carolina and signed with the Washington Redskins as a rookie free agent. The Tarboro, N.C. native ran for 2,070 yards and 10 touchdowns during his career with the Tar Heels.

Not at Wednesday’s practice was WR Terrance Copper, who was out because of an illness. Also listed on the injury report was Baldwin and SS Jon McGraw (shin), and both were listed as full participants.

Lengthy injury/practice report from the Colts. QB Peyton Manning is out with his neck injury. Not practicing on Wednesday were LT Anthony Casonzo (ankle), G Ryan Diem (ankle), DE Dwight Freeney (abdominal), DT Fili Moala (ankle) and DT Drake Nevis (back). Limited participants were QB Kerry Collins (concussion) and LB Ernie Sims (knee). Full participation was TE Brody Eldridge (knee), G Mike Pollak (arm) and G Joe Reitz (ankle).

The 1st Quarter Best/Worst … Cup O’Chiefs

Todd Haley almost held a celebration after last Sunday’s game. It wasn’t so much the Chiefs picking up their first victory of the season, but it was the end of the first quarter of the 2011 season.

As most fans know by now, Haley likes to divide the season into four quarters, each one made up of four games. The idea is to not focus on going 16-0, but to go 4-0, 4-0, 4-0 and 4-0. Of course, the baseline idea is to win each game, and by beating the Vikings 22-17, the Chiefs wrapped up the first quarter of the season with a 1-3 record.

It was an ugly quarter of the season and has put the Chiefs in a hole as they look at the last three quarters of the season. They are two games behind the division leading San Diego Chargers, a team that finally found a way to win early in the season. The Chiefs are a game behind Oakland and they are tied with Denver with the Broncos also 1-3.

There was the embarrassment of the opening two games, the tough loss to San Diego and then the victory over Minnesota. A lot of football passed under the bridge in just four weeks, some of it good, most of it bad. Here is a look at both ends of the spectrum with the First Quarter Awards. …Read More!

The Numbers Game: Chiefs @ 4 Games

The first quarter has come to an end. The Chiefs are 1-3.

In Charlie Sheen’s words “Not Winning!”

That’s the big picture.

Not surprisingly, the Chargers are leading the AFC West; they were the pick of most prognosticators. The Chiefs are a three-point loss to the Bolts out of first place. Here’s how the division has gotten where it is in four weeks. The AFC West teams all play against the AFC East and NFC North.

The Chiefs, after the abysmally slow start, lag behind their pace of 2010 in almost every key category on offense and defense after four games. The only place where the Chiefs are better in raw yardage in 2011 compared to last year is in pass offense averaging 159.8 yards per game (compared to 158.0 in 2010) – though that too is worse statistically in terms of where it ranks in the league.

Both Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones had more rushing yardage than the Chiefs leader this season, Dexter McCluster. Quarterback Matt Cassel had a 74.0 passer rating in 2010, and is at 75.2 this year after four games. Dwayne Bowe had just nine catches for 152 yards a year ago. He’s at 16 catches for 252 yards so far this year. Tamba Hali had 4.5 sacks compared to 4.0 this year. …Read More!

Succop Wins Special Honors

Ryan Succop’s ride from the kicking outhouse to the penthouse continued on Tuesday when he was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Succop’s 5-for-5 day on field goals earned him the nomination from the folks at the league office. Two of those kicks were from 50-plus, including a career long 54-yard FG in the third quarter.

His 5 FGs in one game tied the club record previously set by Hall of Famer Jan Stenerud and Nick Lowery.

He’s the first Chiefs player to earn the conference special teams player honor since the opening week of the 2010 season when RB Dexter McCluster was named after his 94-yard punt return in the opener against San Diego.

Button Pushing … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs

Buttons.

We all have buttons. I’m not talking about what might be on the shirt you are wearing or in the waistband of your trousers or dress.

It’s the buttons that can be pushed into our personality, our psyche, our minds, our hearts, even our souls. Maybe you don’t realize you have those types of buttons, but you do … we all do.

And, there are people in this world that push the buttons of other people. Whether it’s family, friends, neighbors or co-workers, these folks know exactly what to say, what to do and when to make it happen to create the greatest reaction.

That would be Todd Haley. Pushing the buttons of those players and other people that work for him is a large part of his daily duties as head coach. It’s all about discovering what makes people tick, what they find most important, what motivates them on an individual basis. When Haley finds those buttons, he’s not afraid to draw them out when the time is right. …Read More!

Vikings Leftovers – Class of ’09 Steps Up

From Arrowhead Stadium

GM Scott Pioli’s first draft class in charge of Chiefs personnel has been a major disappointment. The draft class of 2009 hasn’t produced much on the field, but what’s left of the group made a mark in Sunday’s victory over Minnesota.

There are only three players on the active roster from that draft – 1st-round choice DE Tyson Jackson, 4th-round pick S Donald Washington and 7th-round selection K Ryan Succop. All were starters against the Vikings.

Jackson as the third player taken in the ’09 NFL Draft has been a disappointment through his first two seasons. But he played one of his better games in helping the Chiefs defense control Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson. Press box statistics credited him with just one tackle, but Jackson did a great job of holding his end of the line. He did not get pushed around and out of the play. Whether one or two guys were blocking him, he stood them up and controlled his position. That’s what a defensive end is supposed to do in the 3-4 scheme. …Read More!

Sunday NFL Best – 10/2

LONGEST PLAYS

• 107 – N.Y. Jets RB Joe McKnight (left) kickoff return for TD vs. Baltimore (L).
• 97 – Tennessee S Jordan Babineaux INT return for TD vs. Cleveland (W).
• 80 – Tennessee TE Jared Cook TD catch vs. Cleveland (W).
• 73 – Chicago WR Devin Hester kickoff return vs. Carolina (W).
• 73 – Baltimore CB Lardarius Webb interception return vs. N.Y. Jets (W).
• 69 – Chicago WR Devin Hester punt return vs. Carolina (W).
• 68 – Dallas P Mat McBriar punt vs. Detroit (L).
• 68 – San Francisco P Andy Lee punt vs. Philadelphia (W).
• 65 – St. Louis P Donnie Jones punt vs. Washington (L).
• 65 – Buffalo P Brian Moorman punt vs. Cincinnati (L).
• 64 – Tennessee P Brett Kern punt vs. Cleveland (W).
• 63 – Oakland P Shane Lechler punt vs. New England (L). …Read More!

Victory Finally Visits Chiefs

From Arrowhead Stadium

It was not a locker room of celebration Sunday afternoon in the moments after the Chiefs 22-15 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

No, it was more like the feeling of “what took us so damn long.”

For the first time in the last six games that counted and 10 games overall, the Chiefs found a way to win. They did it with contributions from their offense, defense and special teams, and they did it with a minimum number of mistakes. Those things that had been killing the Chiefs in the first three games of this season – turnovers, inopportune penalties, poor field position – did not appear under a clear blue October sky.

QB Matt Cassel threw the ball effectively and productively, hitting WR Dwayne Bowe for a 52-yard touchdown. Bowe finished the game with five catches for 107 yards.

Defensively, the Chiefs got an interception from CB Brandon Carr and a pair of sacks from OLB Tamba Hali. They held Vikings RB Adrian Peterson to 80 yards on 23 carries and kept QB Donovan McNabb off-balance most of the day with their pressure.

• GAME STORY: Victory smiles on Chiefs, at last.
• COLUMN: Passion fires up coach and quarterback.
• SIDEBAR: Succop is back on top.
• SIDEBAR: Play of the Game/Cassel to Bowe TD.
• SIDEBAR: Defense controls Peterson.
• SIDEBAR: Breaston makes himself known.
• SIDEBAR: Flowers sucks it up.
• NOTES: Jared’s return fizzles.
• REPORT CARD: Finally, some passing grades.
• 4 THINGS TO WIN/RECAP: Chiefs got it done
• GAMEBOOK
• Pregame coverage.

They Can’t Afford Another “L” … Game-Day Cup O’Chiefs

There is no way to discount the importance of the outcome of Sunday’s meeting between the winless Chiefs and the winless Minnesota Vikings.

Kickoff is at noon, with TV coverage on FOX.

Todd Haley likes to break the season into quarters, and this game at Arrowhead Stadium is the final chance of the first quarter of the season for victory. Lose to the Vikings and the season’s first quarter has been wasted. The difference between being four games under the .500 mark vs. two games with a victory is huge.

When this game is over late Sunday afternoon, the Chiefs season will either be buried deeply in a hole of their own making, or they will have stopped the bleeding and can consider the possibilities of the next 12 games.

“We just need to go out and win; it’s a must for us to do that,” said ILB Derrick Johnson. “We’ve got to get this thing turned around or before you know it, we are so far behind the rest of the season doesn’t have much meaning.

“This isn’t a season where we just wanted to play 16 games. We wanted to defend our division title. We wanted to go back to the playoffs. The only way that happens is if we win and that needs to start now.” …Read More!

4 THINGS CHIEFS MUST DO TO BEAT VIKES

HISTORY

• This is the 11^th meeting between these two teams that were originally scheduled to be part of the first season of the American Football League in 1960. But the Vikings ownership backed out when they were promised a spot in the NFL for the 1961 season.
• The Chiefs have a 6-4 advantage in the series, including the Super Bowl IV victory over the Vikings in January 1970 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.
• The last time these teams faced each other was in 2007, when the Chiefs grabbed a 13-10 victory at Arrowhead.
• Minnesota is 1-2 at Arrowhead, with the 35-15 victory coming back in 1974 that proved to be Hank Stram’s last game as Chiefs head coach.

4

RUN THE BALL

Even without Jamaal Charles, down for the season due to a knee injury, the Chiefs have enough talent that they should be able to run the ball. They need desperately to start stringing together longer drives that would allow the defense to stay off the field. Opponents average nearly 9 minutes, 30 seconds more in time of possession. Part of that is the fault of the Chiefs defense. Part of that is an offense that can’t sustain drives and hasn’t been able to run the ball with effectiveness. …Read More!

A Platter of Viking Appetizers

It will be interesting to see just how many bodies are in the seats at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday for the Vikings and the Chiefs.

The game was not blacked out for local television viewing but as we’ve learned over the last few years, lifting the 75-mile blackout does not provide any indication of the stadium being sold out.

There are plenty of tickets available for this game at various outlets, including on-line sites like that at NFL.com or other ticket brokers like LavaTickets. In today’s NFL, never assume that any game is a sold out.

Even in Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers have a sellout for the first time in their last 11 home games. They are hosting Monday night football and the Indianapolis Colts. It’s the first home Monday night game for the Bucs since 2003.

With a one-day extension from the league, Jacksonville sold enough tickets to lift their blackout for Sunday’s game against New Orleans. Oakland now has two straight games without a TV blackout as Raiders fans bought seats for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.

Right now, it appears the only local TV blackout this Sunday will go down in San Diego. Despite the Chargers 2-1 start and victory last week over the Chiefs, they didn’t come close to selling out for their game against the Dolphins.

**********

Donovan McNabb will play in game No. 165 of his career on Sunday. But it’s only the third time since he came into the NFL in the 1999 NFL Draft out of Syracuse, that he’ll face the Chiefs. …Read More!

Frosh Contribution Slim … Saturday Cup O’Chiefs

From the first day of training camp, Todd Haley said his team needed contributions from its 2011 NFL Draft class to achieve success this season.

The lack of rookie performance is a factor in the team’s 0-3 start, and that starts with first-round draft choice WR Jonathan Baldwin. He’ll miss his fourth regular season game on Sunday and it’s his seventh overall DNP as he tries to recover from the broken right thumb he suffered on August 16.

The team’s first, fifth and sixth-round picks have been inactive for all three games. Another fifth-round pick is on the injured-reserve list. The seventh-round selection is on the practice squad.

Of the team’s nine selections in the draft, only third-round choices DE Allen Bailey and OLB Justin Houston (right) have made regular appearances on the field. Fourth-round CB Jalil Brown (left) has gotten some play time on special teams with a handful of defensive snaps. Second-round pick Rodney Hudson is on the PAT/FG protection team; he’s been on the field for 8 plays.

Bailey and Houston are part-time players. Houston is a starting outside linebacker who showed an ability to rush the passer in the pre-season. But he comes off the field when the Chiefs go to their sub-defense which is normally when the opponent is in a passing down or alignment. That’s when Bailey comes in, as one of two defensive linemen in the sub-defense.

Here are the numbers for those three: …Read More!