SB Nation - Priest Holmes

Tony Richardson: Stay or Go?

John B — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:14:46 -0000

The Jets' offensive line gets a lot of credit for its run blocking. The backs get credit for their production. The fullback helping with the dirty work gets forgotten. Tony Richardson is one of the most important players on the roster. You barely hear his name. He's not a pass catching threat like Richie Anderson and Jerald Sowell were. He doesn't get many carries. What he does is block, the traditional fullback role. He does it very well.

Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Adrian Peterson, and Thomas Jones. That's an impressive collection, right? Richarson was the lead blocker for the most productive years of each one's career. At 38 Richardson's athleticism defies his age. His intelligence does not. Tony consistently reads the defense, finds the guy he needs to hit to spring his back, meets him quickly, and seals him. Richardson is quietly one of if not the best lead blockers in the game.

I think the only question is whether Richardson wants to suit up for one more run at a ring. The Jets should welcome him back with open arms and with another one year contract if he does. Seldom appreciated, Tony is a major part of this team's success running the ball. He'll leave a huge hole if he retires.

I vote stay.

How do you vote?

Poll

Should the Jets bring back Tony Richardson?

Yes

617 votes

No

48 votes

665 votes | Poll has closed

Season Reviews: Charles Woodson

Mitchell_M — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:22 -0000

While our 2009 wasn't as successful as it was for other teams, we saw enough to expect more success in 2010 and beyond. There's a lot to like about the Green Bay Packers going forward, unless of course you're cheering for the other team. But which players fit in the best? Which don't? Which ones are keepers, and which ones need to be driven out of town? It's time to look at who did well (and who didn't), and ultimately what their role will be going forward.

When he was signed in 2006, Charles Woodson was anything but a sure thing. He was coming off of a broken leg and, while widely regarded as one of the most gifted defenders in the league, he had not had the impact he was projected to have coming off of his Heisman award at Michigan. He had never eclipsed 5 interceptions in a season, nor had he shown the responsibility required of a defensive leader.

Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery. Woodson turned into a top-shelf defender after coming to Green Bay, and 2009 was his best season yet. Winner of the DPOY, anchor of a top-5 defense, what more could you ask for?

As far as cornerbacks go, you can't ask for more. Woodson's nine interceptions were tied for tops in the league. He had more forced fumbles (4) and sacks (2) than any defensive back in the top 30 for INTs. His 74 tackles were far and away the most by anyone playing in the defensive backfield. His three touchdowns were rivaled only by former Packer and fellow ballhawk Darren Sharper. Pro Bowler. Defensive Player of the Year. The star player on one of the league's best defenses.

And it'll probably only go downhill from here.

Age is a funny thing. It's easily the biggest enemy of any athlete, more than fatigue, injury, or illness. But it's simultaneously unstoppable and unseeable. It can stop anyone if you give it enough time. Sure, you can stave it off for a few years, but at the professional level, it'll catch up with you some day.

Popular belief dictates that running backs start to decline after their 30th birthday. The list of players who uphold this belief is longer than some care to admit: Shaun Alexander, Priest Holmes, Jamal Lewis, and most recently, LaDanian Tomlinson. However, the position of cornerback doesn't have this stigma, even though it should. While the cut-off obviously isn't thirty (Woodson is currently 33), that's likely because CBs don't take the physical punishment that RBs do.

But the big concern is the same. The quickness is there...just not as much. The straight line speed is there...but it doesn't last as long. The eyes see the play as it develops...but the hands and legs can't react quick enough. You've still got the same physical body that did this before...but you'll never do this again:

The silver lining? Woodson already knows it's happening.

But now, at 33, can he run like he used to? Can he make the one-handed leaping interception he made against Michigan State on a ball the quarterback was trying to throw out of bounds?

"No question," Woodson said. "I haven't lost it all. I can still make that play. Now, I'll tell you this, I can't jump as high as I used to, but hands-wise, if I get my hands on it, I feel like I can come down with the ball. If it's in the vicinity, I can make that play.

"I think straight-ahead I'm just as fast as I've ever been. Quickness, maybe a little less, but straight ahead I can still go get it."

Woodson is one of the smartest players in the game today. Not just in terms of football IQ, but general intelligence. He knows he's aging. He knows he needs to take care of his body to slow the process. He knows not to take chances just because he made that play ten years prior.

He also knows what needs to be done in order to be in position to make those plays. Film work, practice, weightlifting, drills, whatever Woodson did in order to become what he is today is something he can both keep doing for himself and pass along to younger players. Sure, Tramon Williams might not have the same quickness, or Pat Lee might not have the same leaping ability. But they can learn how to be where they need to be and do what they need to do to emulate Chuck.

Unfortunately for the team, that might end up being the best contribution he can make past 2010. Face it; Al Harris has all but been replaced by Tramon Williams, and the team has been trying to find another candidate for a post-Woodson starting CB. So we can expect another great year in 2010, followed by a very good 2011...but in 2012? Well, let's just see how it plays out.

Poll

Where will Woodson go in 2010 and beyond?

Downhill: 2009 may have been a career year, but he won't be able to replicate it.

82 votes

About the same: his natural talent and work ethic will help negate the aging process for a while.

255 votes

Uphill: he takes care of himself, he's smart, and he loves the game. Expect a repeat year or three.

78 votes

415 votes | Poll has closed

A Few Former Chiefs Land on NFL's All-Decade Team

Joel Thorman — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:00:30 -0000

The NFL has released their all-decade team and there are a few Kansas City Chiefs connections on there.

First, the obvious ones that have been popping up on quite a few of the all-decade teams.

TE Tony Gonzalez (along with Antonio Gates)
LT Willie Roaf (Along with Walter Jones, Jonathan Ogden and Orlando Pace)
G Will Shields (Along with Larry Allen, Alan Faneca and Steve Hutchinson)
LB Zach Thomas (Along with Derrick Brooks, Ray Lewis, Joey Porter, Brian Urlacher and DeMarcus Ware)
CB Ty Law (Along with Ronde Barber, Champ Bailey and Charles Woodson)
PR Dante Hall (Along with Devin Hester)

Any complaints among these?

Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson had incredible runs but didn't have the longevity to be considered. Brian Waters has been incredibly consistent but I'm not sure I would put him in the Faneca/Allen/Shields/Hutchinson discussion.

After the jump are a few of the All-Decade teams we've been seeing recently.

Dallas Morning News' Rick Gosselin All-Decade team.

Sports Illustrated's All-Decade team.

Sporting News' All-Decade team.

ESPN's All-Decade rankings.

DE Glenn Dorsey on two All-Decade teams here and here.

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 1/24

NJ Chiefs Fan — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:50:26 -0000

via k41.pbase.com

A couple of big football games today. Former Chiefs will be playing big roles. Today we start off with an article by Jason Whitlock that I think everyone will like.

Richardson, 38, will someday retire with the satisfaction of knowing he beat incredible odds — playing 15-plus seasons as an undrafted running back — and played an integral role in the careers of Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Adrian Peterson and Thomas Jones.

"This has definitely been a blessing," Richardson told me Saturday morning on his drive to work. "People forget that I started out as a practice-squad player with Dallas."

He’s finishing up as a key member of Rex Ryan’s surprising New York Jets, the Colts’ unlikely opponent in today’s AFC championship game.

What a remarkable journey for one of the best human beings to ever wear a Chiefs jersey.

Richardson a good guy on the block for Jets from KC Star

The 2000s was the most successful decade in franchise history for the Chiefs when it came to running the football. That was thanks to the strong legs and ability of Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson.

Among the league’s 32 teams, the Chiefs finished ninth in rushing yards over the decade, averaging 122.4 yards per game. That was just less than 12 yards per game behind the rushing leader over the 2000s, the Denver Broncos.

Of the team’s 19,581 rushing yards from 2000 through 2009, Holmes and Johnson accounted for 62 percent of those yards.

Stats Roundup: A Decade Of Rushing from Bob Gretz

Tickets to the Super Bowl are ready to be punched on Sunday as the AFC and NFC Championship. The games will go down in Indianapolis and New Orleans, with the home teams both favored to win.

Some of the best players in the game today are ready to play for a chance to become the 44th winner of the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Championship Sunday … Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz

ESPN college football analyst Todd Blackledge, a Hoover High School graduate, is the featured speaker Monday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club.

Blackledge starred as a quarterback at Penn State, then spent seven years in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Lunch begins at 11 a.m. at Tozzi’s on 12th with the speaker from 12:10 to 1 p.m. Meals are $12 for members, $22 for guests.

Blackledge to Speak at HOF Luncheon Club from Canton Rep.com

Player Tweets

almighty31 At the airport mad early. Where do I go

almighty31 Jus landed n memphis. Here for a hour. Then KC

JarradPage44: RT @mrpriceisright1 I'm callin it right nii: Saints ~ Colts Super Bowl!! Quote me on dat."< lol. It damn sure ain't the ravens or chiefs

mrpriceisright1: @JarradPage44 lol nx year... AFC championship game: Chiefs - Ravens... Beleee dat!!!

almighty31 Jus saw a guy walk past wit his skinny jeans roled up like capris n his button up roled up. Oh wit pink headphones. SMDH

almighty31 Jus landed. The longest flight ever. Wat up KC!!!!! Holla at me

JWilliams48 You learn to live life through the lessons life teach you...pay attention to detail and don't miss a beat..

Media and Fans

SI_PeterKing Vikes invade my hotel in N.O., sereneded by chants of "Brees on the Ground'' from fans out front.

GraceQuek Not sure if I needed to see Romeo Crennel shake his ample moobs after winning the East West Shrine Game. But the man can boogie.

BlondeGirlTrvl: @willszilveszter just like the Chiefs, my football team is awful too, but hey, you love who you love.

kxpx: I'm feelin' the Jets and Saints tomorrow... since my Chiefs are TERRIBLE... maybe @DonteWhitner will request a trade, we need safety help :)

Adam_Schefter A prediction: the Colts will not rest their starters to make sure they're nice and fresh for the Super Bowl.

Will Pioli's 3-4 Defense Be Better than the Herm Edwards 4-3 Defense it Replaced?

Jon Yoon — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:57:44 -0000

Jared Allen. How we miss thee. I don't know if I can bear to watch the Vikings' playoff game this Sunday, because it's a brutal reminder of some of the key mistakes the Chiefs' front office made under Carl Peterson. But it also got me to thinking about the 4-3 defense and how close the Chiefs might have been to fielding a very good defense in 2009.

For the record, I support Clark Hunt's decision to hire the man most believed was the top General Manager on the market. And I am fine with Scott Pioli's decision to build the defense he is familiar with. Hiring Romeo Crennel is definitely a big step in the right direction. Still, I think after reading this analysis, you'll agree that the Herm Edwards version of the Chiefs defense was actually not as far away as many might think.

Which begs the question: now that the Chiefs are firmly committed to the path of building a 3-4 defense, was that really the right path to take?

It would be remiss of me not to start with a plug for Herm Edwards and a jab at Carl Peterson's front office. Herm was an absolute lightning rod for criticism when he was in Kansas City and that's a shame. To blame the Chiefs' recent struggles on poor drafting and personnel moves under Herm Edwards' watch is incredibly short-sighted. The biggest contributors to the Chiefs' recent struggles were: 1) poor drafting during the Vermeil years that failed to bring in young replacements for the franchise; 2) lukewarm success in the free agency market before Herm came in; 3) the flawed assumption that older players could play until they were 50 years old. But it didn't stop there.

Carl Peterson was still steering the ship after it crashed. Instead of dismantling the team the minute Herm Edwards stepped into office, Peterson instead insisted on eeking out one last run, to hell with the consequences. Little by little, the Titanic started to tilt. Willie Roaf left. Trent Green, Tony Richardson, Will Shields and Priest Holmes fell out of the equation. Suddenly, the Titanic tilted completely upright. In the process, Peterson's moves also hamstrung the Chiefs in unforgivable ways. His notorious lowball tactics forced Jared Allen out of Kansas City---one of the biggest blunders in the team's long history. Meanwhile, he was perfectly content to sign Larry Johnson to a long-term deal, nevermind his checkered history on and off the field. He hired his head coach and two coordinators from within his network instead of looking to the outside. Nevermind that Solari ran a wide open offense and Gunther Cunningham wasn't a Tampa 2 guy. And oh, by the way, Solari is not coordinating offenses in the NFL anymore and Gunther Cunningham has laid a gigantic goose egg so far in Detroit.

Under Herm's watch, the Chiefs made a big, bold step in the right direction in 2008 when they took a sledgehammer to the decrepit ship and decided they were going to build a brand spanking new one from scratch. It really leaves me to wonder, if Carl Peterson didn't meddle and allowed Herm to rebuild sooner, allowed him to openly interview outside candidates for the Offensive and Defensive Coordinator position, and never got rid of Jared Allen, where would the team be today?

So on the one hand, the Chiefs took longer to rebuild because of mistakes made during the Carl Peterson era. But credit Herm Edwards for forcing this team into the right direction and getting the team moving in the right direction in 2008. It undoubtedly made the switch to a 3-4 much easier. The question is, should Scott Pioli have made that defensive switch at all? I remember arguing that the Chiefs' 4-3 defense was in such a state of disrepair that it didn't matter if the Chiefs switched over. In looking back, the Chiefs' defense actually could have been very good from the get-go. And I'm starting to question whether switching over to the 3-4 is just another example of Pioli trying too hard to mold the Chiefs into the Pats' image instead of building off their strengths or if it really is the approach that will ultimately yield the superior defense.

The 4-3 Defense That Could Have Been:

First, let's point out the obvious. If Peterson didn't stupidly push Allen out of Kansas City, the Chiefs would have lined Allen up next to Glenn Dorsey, with Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr shutting down at the corners. Woof. But let's put Jared Allen aside for a moment.

Even without Jared Allen, the Chiefs were in position to draft a few more playmakers. With their first pick, they could have taken Aaron Curry or Brian Orakpo. They didn't, in large part because Curry and Orakpo weren't nearly as attractive options for a 3-4 defense. With the second pick, they could have taken Rey Maualuga or James Laurinaitis. The 4-3 defense would have looked something like this (in the most ideal situation. And yes, I realize that suggesting that the Chiefs draft Orakpo is a hindsight argument).

Defensive Line: Brian Orakpo - Glenn Dorsey - Tank Tyler - Tamba Hali

LBs: Demorrio Williams - James Laurinaitis - Derrick Johnson

Secondary: Brandon Flowers - Jarrad Page - Bernard Pollard - Brandon Carr

And that's completely disregarding potential free agent pick-ups. I would think that the Chiefs would have been much more aggressive in 2010, especially with Herm Edwards realizing his job was on the line. I don't know about you, but that looks like a pretty mean defense, especially if they had a different, better defensive coordinator calling the plays.

It's too soon to judge whether Pioli made the right decision to move to a 3-4. I do have some concern as to whether the Patriots' two-gap version of the defense might be slightly outdated. And I think what's going to put a lot of pressure on Pioli to build a great 3-4 defense is the consideration of what he sacrificed to move the team there. The team took a step backward to get to the 3-4---I'm okay with that point. The question is whether his version of the defense will fare better than the version he could have built with the pieces the Chiefs already had. I don't think that's nearly as easy a question to answer as people think, especially after you take a quick look at that 4-3 lineup that could have been.

Pioli will need to spend the next few years justifying that this was the right decision. And if that 3-4 defense is nothing short of spectacular by then, we can legitimately question whether Pioli destructed a perfectly good, working defense in exchange for an inferior defense he was more comfortable with.

Opponent History: Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs

sireric — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:00:22 -0000

Buffalo Bills (4-8) at Kansas City Chiefs (3-9)
Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 1:00 PM EST
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Two long-time rivals get re-acquainted this week when the Buffalo Bills travel to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. This will be the 41st all-time meeting between these two storied franchises, dating all the way back to November 6, 1960, when the Bills lost to the Dallas Texans 45-28 in their first-ever meeting. The Bills hold the all-time series lead 22-18, even with this being the sixth time in the last seven meetings that the Bills have had to travel to Kansas City. Recaps of the last five meetings between these two teams are after the jump.

November 19, 2000: Bills 21, Chiefs 17
Elvis Grbac and Tony Gonzalez beat up on the Bills' defense in this one. Grbac finished with 341 yards and two touchdowns, and those two touchdowns were both hauled in by Gonzalez, who had nine total catches for 76 yards and the two scores. The Bills countered with Rob Johnson. Yes, you read that correctly. Johnson only had 196 yards passing, but he did throw two touchdowns - one each to Jay Riemersma and Eric Moulds - and he was the leading rusher with 42 yards, including a score of his own. The rushing score came with under three minutes to play and gave the Bills the win. If you can believe this, Grbac was sacked more than Johnson, too. The Bills had five sacks - two each by Sam Rogers and Marcellus Wiley, and one by Keith Newman. Chris Mohr even hit Daryl Porter for a 44-yard gain on a fake punt.

November 17, 2002: Chiefs 17, Bills 16
Almost exactly two years to the day after their last meeting, the Chiefs again scored 17 points against the Bills; this time, however, their defense holds the Bills' offense to only 16 points in victory. In the battle of the running backs, Travis Henry got the better of Priest Holmes. Henry finished with 126 yards on 24 carries and added another 38 yards on four catches. It is a safe bet that he went out and fathered another child to celebrate his good day. Holmes finished with 104 yards on 31 carries and added 23 yards on three catches. Holmes, however, put the ball into the end zone, while Henry did not. Mike Hollis hit three field goals and Moulds brought in a nine-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe for a score, but it was a nine-yard scramble by the ever fleet-footed Trent Green that proved to be the decisive score. Chidi Ahanotu recorded the only Bills sack.

October 26, 2003: Chiefs 38, Bills 5
The Bills started the game by blocking a punt out of the end zone for a safety; it was pretty much all downhill from there. Three straight Kansas City touchdowns - two by Priest Holmes - would provide all the scoring Chiefs needed. After Rian Lindell hit a meaningless field goal, Gonzalez and that Holmes guy each scored to put the game away. Holmes was again out-rushed by Henry, 83 to 124 respectively, but again it was Holmes who put it in the end zone. Henry again fathered a child after the game as per his post-game ritual.

November 13, 2005: Bills 14, Chiefs 3
After Lawrence Tynes opened the scoring with a field goal for Kansas City, the Chiefs' offense went and hid. The Bills didn't do much better, and were in fact out-gained on the day 316-209. The Bills, however, benefited from two J.P. Losman-to-Lee Evans touchdown passes to get the win. The Bills sacked Green six times, with Aaron Schobel (2.0), Justin Bannan, Angelo Crowell, London Fletcher and Ryan Denney doing the honors.

November 23, 2008: Bills 54, Chiefs 31
Turnovers were the story of this game. The Chiefs had five turnovers and the Bills had none. Neither defense could stop the other offense, but Leodis McKelvin's two interceptions, one of which he took back 64 yards for a touchdown, helped put the Bills over the top. The Bills kicked the ball off eleven times. Think about that - when was the last time the Bills kicked the ball off ten or more times in a game? I also have to throw some love Trent Edwards' way. He had his best day as a pro in this game, completing 24 of 32 passes for 273 yards and two touchdown passes. He also scrambled for 38 yards and two more scores.

Wiegmann Feels Sorry For Some of the Chiefs Players

Joel Thorman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:14:15 -0000

Denver Broncos C Casey Wiegmann spent the best years of his 13 year (and counting) career in Kansas City. While with the Chiefs, he was a key component of perhaps the best offensive line in history and made way for record breaking performances by Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson.

Wiegmann's seven years in Kansas City means he's familiar with a few of the Chiefs currently on the squad. And, he feels for them.

"It is," he said when asked if it was sad to see all the empty seats at Arrowhead. "I feel bad for the guys that experienced the good years when I was here. It's unfortunate. But, they'll get back to where it was. The fans in Kansas City are good and they know how to root their team on. They'll be back.

"But, I feel sorry for the guys."

Following a four win 2007 season, then head coach Herm Edwards and GM Carl Peterson decided to go young and released the veteran center. The right decision? Eh, probably not. The Chiefs have had center issues this season (and last season). Wiegmann made his first and only Pro Bowl last season (as an alternate).

Wiegmann isn't bitter or upset with the organization after their divorce. In fact, Kansas City, like so many of us, still holds a special place in his heart.

"I had seven good years here," he said. "I was happy to be a Chief. We'll probably call this home when I am done playing. I definitely miss the Chiefs. It's good to be here."

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 12/5

NJ Chiefs Fan — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:06:00 -0000

Good Saturday morning, Chiefs fans. Her's your daily roundup of news from across the internet.

When it comes to beating the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium in this decade, the Chiefs offense relied heavily on the running game.

The last 10 times these two teams have met in Kansas City, the Chiefs won eight games. From 1999-2008, the Kansas City offense averaged 171.7 rushing yards per game.

Consider that number for a moment: 171.7 yards on the ground.

In that span, four different Kansas City runners went over 100 yards against Denver: Kimble Anders, Tony Richardson, Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson. In three of those 10 games, the Chiefs ran for more than 200 yards. The only time they ran for less than 100 yards was in 2007, when they were beaten by the Broncos.

That’s the history. The present doesn’t look so rosy when it comes to the Chiefs running game.

Patching The Run Game … Saturday Cup O’Chiefs> from Bob Gretz

Todd Haley has tried screaming, changing lineups and emptying the playbook, but nothing has worked in his effort to get the Chiefs off to a quick start offensively.

"That’s the magic question," Haley said. "We’ve tried a number of different ways to start and try to recreate a sense of urgency, whether it’s no huddle, running the ball, throwing the ball, screening or whatever. We’ve tried a lot of different avenues in practice, (such as) tempo. I really feel like we’re pushing the envelope of trying to find a way."

But the Chiefs have only a field goal against Jacksonville to show for the first drive in each of their 11 games. In those 11 first quarters, they have just 19 points, and the only touchdown was on Jamaal Charles’ kickoff return to begin the recent game against Pittsburgh.

Chiefs hope to get off to a quicker start against Broncos from KC Star

In the 16 meetings where the Chiefs were able to score 4 times they never lost a game.

So, in conclusion, the Chiefs’ Magic Number to escape with a victory is 4, which would be the number of times Kansas City needs to put up 3 or more points on the scoreboard. That will properly complete Derrick Thomas’s day.

Magic Number for Denver> from Bob Gretz

It’s a record that still sits there in the franchise record book, unlikely to be broken any time soon. It hasn’t been close for the last 49 seasons.

On a rainy Sunday in Dallas on December 4, 1960, the Dallas Texans held the Houston Oilers to minus-27 rushing yards in grabbing a soggy 24-0 victory.

In the 12th game in franchise history the Texans established a record that has not been broken. The closest a defense came to the number was the n ext season, when they allowed the San Diego Chargers just three yards rushing.

Defense Stymies Oilers, Texans win 24-0> from Bob Gretz

Kyle Orton is the starting quarterback of the Denver Broncos.

Jay Cutler is throwing gobs of interceptions for the Chicago Bears, instead of for the Broncos.

Over in Kansas City, Matt Cassel’s doing what he can to make the Chiefs a winning team.

For the most part, the three quarterbacks haven’t had much to do with each other during their NFL careers.

During the spring, however, the three were linked to one another as the Broncos and Cutler played out a public feud.

Broncos coming full circle: Denver faces final piece of the offseason’s QB controversy on Sunday from The Longmont Times-Call

Hoye has been a Broncos hater for almost 40 years. During that time, he has spent Sunday afternoons pulling for two teams: the Kansas City Chiefs, and whatever team is playing the Broncos.

There's just one problem. Hoye, an Iowa native, has lived in Denver since the early '90s. No, make that two problems. There's also the matter of the Chiefs having fallen off the NFL map, with six wins in their past 32 games.

And so it was that Hoye recently sent an e-mail to The Post entitled: "Chiefs fan living in Denver needs an intervention."

Hoye was so desperate, so frustrated, so alienated from his friends and family on Sundays, he asked if the newspaper could arrange for him to be hypnotized so he could accept the dreaded Donkeys into his heart.

Broncomaniac wannabe from The Denver Post

Becoming a great defense in the NFL usually means investing high draft picks in defensive linemen, even if the payoff isn’t immediate.

The Kansas City Chiefs are finding that out this season. In the next few years, the Denver Broncos> likely will experience it as well.

Last year, Kansas City took defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey with the fifth pick of the draft. This year, the team shocked many people by drafting LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson with the third pick.

The Chiefs want to build the defense starting up front, and great defensive linemen are rare and expensive in free agency.

"In order to succeed in the league, you need offensive linemen and defensive linemen that can play at a high level," Kansas City coach Todd Haley said. "This defense has been one that has struggled here over the last handful of years, and usually when you’re struggling on defense that’s an area that you need to invest in."

Defensive line top priority for many NFL teams from The Colorado Springs Gazette

Lanier went on to become one of the greatest linebackers in football history. He earned a place in both the College and Pro Football halls of fame. He also returned to Richmond and became a successful businessman and community leader.

To honor his accomplishments on and off the field, the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Touchdown Club of Richmond are naming the award for the state's small college player of the year for him.

The first Lanier Award will be presented Tuesday at the Greater Richmond Convention Center as part of the Dudley/Lanier Awards. The Dudley Award, named for former U.Va. great Bill Dudley, is given annually to state's top Division I player.

Award named for Richmond gridiron great Lanier from The Richmond Times-Dispatch


If you asked an NFL player to identify the team he gets the most amped-up to play against, odds are good that you’d get a clichéd answer about giving 100 percent no matter who the opponent is. While there’s surely a lot of truth in that sentiment, there’s no denying that certain opponents tend to bring out the best in players. That can be particularly true in rivalry games, where the outcome means a little bit more. Going back as long as I can remember, the Chiefs have always seemed to have at least one player who turned in his best performances against the Denver Broncos. But with the most recent "Bronco Killer" now gone from Kansas City, the position is officially open. Will someone new step up and assume the title for themselves? Or, at least for the time being, could the era of the Bronco Killer be over? Searching For The Bronco Killer from WPI

Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins is questionable for Sunday's contest against division-rival Kansas City with an ankle injury.

The 36-year-old did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, and took limited reps on Friday. Dawkins has played in all 11 games for Denver this season.

Broncos S Dawkins questionable for Chiefs from KMTR.com

Going tweet-free this morning.

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 12/3

NJ Chiefs Fan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:16:12 -0000

via media.kansascity.com

Good morning Chiefs fans. Looks like it's cold as all get out in KC, and I can tell you it's raining like no one's business out here in Jersey. Here's today's Chiefs news.

Winter arrived in Kansas City on Wednesday. Temperatures were in the 30s, with the wind blowing from the north-northwest, gusting at times to 20 mph. That pushed the wind chill down into the 20s.

But there were the Chiefs, a perfectly good – and heated – practice facility sitting empty as they practiced in the winter conditions.

And, there was there head coach Todd Haley, not a child of the beaches of southern California or the hot house of Florida, but of western Pennsylvania where it gets plenty cold, walking around during the nearly two-hour practice wearing shorts.

Putting Chill In The Chiefs … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz

Eventually, false perceptions in the NFL get pancaked.

Brett Favre is too creaky to throw. Josh McDaniels is too young to coach.

And now there's this: The Kansas City Chiefs are difficult to beat at home in December.

Favre and McDaniels already have done their part to expose untruths pertaining to them. But for all the talk this week of how difficult it is to beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in the season's final full month, the truth is they haven't won a December home game in almost three years.

True, the Chiefs once were all but unbeatable in December at Arrowhead. Starting with the 1983 season, otherwise known around these parts as the beginning of the John Elway era, the Chiefs have gone 37-10 at home in December.

Chiefs no long December darlings from Denver Post

Former Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil used to say he wanted to give more rest to his smallish featured back, Priest Holmes, but rarely removed him from the lineup in fear the play he missed would be the one Holmes would have made to win the game.
Vermeil and Holmes are long gone, but current coach Todd Haley knows the feeling. He’s suddenly facing a similar dilemma with his new featured back, Jamaal Charles.

The Chiefs have quickly become addicted to Charles and not just as a runner.

Chiefs find using Charles a lot harder to avoid from KC Star

The Chiefs just added a player to their practice squad who may never play in a game.

But the signing of offensive lineman Jermail Porter is intriguing.

Porter, who originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with New England (where else?) this year, did not play college football but was an All-American wrestler at Kent State.

He finished sixth at the 2009 NCAA championships after winning the Mid-America Conference heavyweight title as a senior and going 31-4.

Daily download: Porter is a fascinating pickup by Chiefs from KC Star

NFL teams now have new, stricter instructions for when players should be allowed to return to games or practices after head injuries, guidelines that go into effect this week.

In the latest step by the league to address a hot-button issue, commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to the 32 clubs Wednesday saying a player who gets a concussion should not return to action on the same day if he shows certain signs or symptoms. Those include an inability to remember assignments or plays, a gap in memory, persistent dizziness, and persistent headaches.

NFL changes return-to-play rules for concussions from KC Star

Chiefs coach Todd Haley said the team has studied center Rudy Niswanger’s bad snaps from last weekend’s 43-14 loss at San Diego, and Niswanger will spend this week trying to correct those mistakes.

Niswanger delivered two errant snaps to quarterback Matt Cassel, who was in the shotgun formation.

Haley indicated that there was a "common denominator" in Niswanger’s poor snaps, but he wouldn’t reveal the specific problem. Niswanger said he didn’t know what caused the problems, but both he and his coach said the episode was enough to elicit extra work to prevent future mistakes.

Chiefs notes: Team works with Niswanger on snaps from KC Star

Although Cassel said he never talked to anyone from the Broncos during that period and was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs instead, he was unwillingly linked to one of the biggest offseason stories in Broncos history.

"It was crazy, because I was watching ESPN like you were and saying ‘How the heck did my name get thrown in here?’" Cassel said.

Cassel was unwilling participant in Broncos drama from The Colorado Springs Gazette

The Chiefs immediately proffered a six-year, $63 million contract because, clearly, Cassel was a franchise quarterback.

Today, Cassel ranks 24th in the NFL by passing yardage, 22nd by passer rating, 26th by completion percentage and 28th by yards per pass attempt. The Chiefs, whom the Broncos play Sunday, are 3-8.

Cutler and Kyle Orton, who were eventually traded for one another, haven't exactly set the world on fire either, but at least Orton can claim a winning record.

The best thing you can say for Cassel is that it's too early in his Kansas City tenure to say anything.

Krieger: Chiefs' investment in Cassel falling short from The Denver Post

With his team in the middle of the playoff race, quarterback Kyle Orton wants the Denver Broncos to be playing their best football from here on out.

The Broncos hope to fix some mental errors and get their offense in sync Sunday when they visit the Kansas City Chiefs in the first meeting of the season between these AFC West rivals.

Denver (7-4) appeared to be well on its way to the West title after opening with six consecutive wins, but four straight losses dropped the Broncos one game back of San Diego for the division lead.

Denver finally returned to the physical style of play it displayed earlier this season in a 26-6 win over the New York Giants on Thanksgiving. It was the Broncos' first victory since beating the Chargers 34-23 on Oct. 19 and came four days after a 32-3 home loss to San Diego.

Chiefs vs. Broncos from CBS Sports

The Chiefs were driving for what looked like it might be a tying TD in the first half at San Diego when Charles, fighting for extra yardage, had the ball stripped away.

"It hurt. Its not like I got hit hard, or wasn't trying to protect the ball,'' he said quietly, his gaze fixed on the carpeting of the Chiefs locker room. "There was like five people around me and the dude just came around and stuck his arm in. He made a play.''

The Chargers went on to a 43-14 rout. It was similar to the 27-16 loss the New York Giants handed them after recovering Charles' fumble of the opening kickoff and driving in for a quick score. Being fumble-prone already sent Charles to the bench for one game this year.

One of his worst days as a college player at Texas was a close loss to Oklahoma. He was running for the end zone on one play when he was stripped of the ball on the 5. On another, he let a pass slip through his hands for an interception.

But he was touched when the great Earl Campbell sent word he wanted to talk. The two met in the Texas weight room. The older man, the one whose statue stands watch over the stadium, did most of the talking.

Butter Fingers: Chiefs' Charles Must Stop Fumbling from Sports Illustrated

The Abilene Ruff Riders have announced on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 that the organization has acquired former West Virginia University and Kansas City Chiefs defensive linemen, Johnny Dingle, for the 2010 IFL season.

Ruff Riders Acquire Former Kansas City Chiefs DL Johnny Dingle from Our Sports Central

KC Star Video: Matt Cassel continues to make progress

Kim Constantinesco's intriguing argument about the dangers of looking past a mediocre squad playing at a stadium that's seldom been kind to Denver sent me to the Chiefs' official website to look for bulletin-board material -- and it didn't take me long to find it. The page devoted to KC Wolf, the team's mascot, features the dorky, tennis-shoe-clad furball taking out Denver's own Barrelman with a flying kick.
Kansas City Chiefs mascot seen kicking the Barrelman: That prick! from Denver Westworld

Player Tweets

almighty31 wat up to my homies on the eastside

almighty31 so tired but cant sleep

Media and Fans

ChiefsPR #Chiefs QB Matt Cassel has thrown 8 fourth-quarter TDs, the highest total of any NFL QB this season.

jcneedham: ...The Chiefs will win at Arrowhead this weekend. Chiefs 27 Broncos 16

jennarader: I am going to the Chiefs/Broncos game on Sunday...the perfect way to celebrate being done with all these ridiculous group projects.

The Five Best Games of Larry Johnson's Career

Chris Thorman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:40 -0000

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Just think. In a couple of weeks, all of this Larry Johnson drama will have died off and then what will we have to talk about?

So we're riding this Larry Johnson media blitz for all it's worth and giving you some more remembrances of #27 that may have slipped your memory.

I know, I know. It's not fashionable right now to talk about anything positive that Larry Johnson did but amidst the dark times, there were bright rays of light here and there.

I'm talking about the games when it was fun to cheer for Larry Johnson and the Kansas City Chiefs. You know, going back to 2004ish the Chiefs were pretty darn good. I know, my memory is foggy too. Tough to remember those times nowadays.

For a period of about two seasons, Larry Johnson and the Chiefs crushed opponents on the ground. It just wasn't fair. It got to the point when I would check the box score and it was completely normal to see LJ rack up 150+ yards rushing. Those were the days.

So let's step out of our I Hate Larry Johnson Attack Mode for a minute and remember some of the best games LJ ever had as a Kansas City Chief. These are good memories after all.

It's all there in chronological order, after the jump.

#1 12/19/2004 - LJ's coming out party against the Broncos (box score)

I don't think this is from 2004 but it's the best I could find (via MSNBC)

Larry Johnson had a couple of nice games before the Chiefs' Week 15 match up with the Denver Broncos. But this week was his coming out party - 30 rushes, 151 yards and two touchdowns. Dante Hall added one carry and Omar Easy had four. The Chiefs destroyed the Broncos 45 to 17.

Included in those yards was a 32-yard TD run by Johnson.

From CJOnline.com on 12/20/2004: Surging Johnson is trade bait for Chiefs

"No one's ever doubted he could play," Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said. "He needed a better opportunity, and he needed to grow up."

#2 11/20/2005 - Larry destroys the Houston Texans (box score)

Richard Carson / Reuters

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson is lifted into the air by teammate Jason Dunn after Johnson's touchdown in the first half on Sunday. Johnson rushed for a team-record 211 yards. (via MSNBC)

This is still back when the Chiefs offense was murdering opposing defenses. And Larry Johnson took great advantage of the talent around him.

Against the Texans on the road, LJ rushed for 211 yards on 36 attempts and tacked on a couple of rushing touchdowns. This was the third game into Larry's forthcoming string of amazing games at the end of the 2005 season. He finished the '05 campaign with 1,750 rushing yards and twenty-one total touchdowns.

From ESPN on 11/20/2005: Game recap

Johnson was supposed to come into the interview room after the game, but then told Chiefs officials he wouldn't talk.

"We were looking for big things from him," Chiefs quarterback Trent Green said. "It's very important for him to come up big. When Larry's had opportunities to play, he's played well."

#3 12/17/2005 Another workhorse weekend against the Giants (box score)

At this point, in Week 15 of the 2005 season, we knew we had a special running back on our hands. LJ rushed for 167 yards on 31 attempts. He ran it into the end zone twice in what would become his characteristic workhorse fashion. Larry averaged 30 attempts per game through the final seven games of the '05 season.

The Chiefs would lose this game to the Giants 27 to 17. But it wasn't because of Larry Johnson. It was because the Chiefs forgot how to tackle and gave up 220 yards rushing to Tiki Barber. Yeah, it was that game.

From The Sporting News on 12/30/2005: The punisher: Kansas City's Larry Johnson has been virtually unstoppable

Johnson has done the same thing for the Chiefs as their feature back. Since a season-ending injury to Holmes, he has seven straight 100-yard rushing games--including a 211-yard performance against the Texans-and is establishing himself as a big-time runner and the force who is keeping the Chiefs on the outskirts of playoff contention.

It's hard to find fault with Johnson as a runner. He is aggressive and seeks confrontation. Unlike Holmes, Johnson can make his own hole when one isn't provided for him.

#4 1/1/2006 2005's punctuation mark (box score)

via Sports Network

In the Chiefs' tenth win of the season, LJ angrily stomped all over the Cincinnati Bengals. He rushed for 201 yards on 26 attempts. That's an eye-popping 7.7 yard per carry average.

Larry would also have three touchdowns and if you remember one of those was a 49-yard run. That was LJ's first of two touchdowns in the first half. This is possibly LJ's most dominating day on the football field.

From the Mothership's post game notes:

On a nine-yard run in the second quarter RB Larry Johnson set the Chiefs single-season rushing record, bypassing the previous mark of 1,615 yards established by RB Priest Holmes in 2002. Johnson finished the season with 1,750 rushing yards. He also produced 2,093 yards from scrimmage, the fourth-best seasonal total in Chiefs history.

#5 10/29/2006 The Chiefs ride Larry Johnson to victory (box score)

It's the middle of the 2006 season. We're in full on, survive with Damon Huard mode. It's the Chiefs and Seahawks. What do you do?

Hand the ball off 53 times, 39 of those to Larry Johnson. LJ would rush for 155 yards on four total touchdowns on that day - three rushing one receiving.

Larry would rush for 172 yards the next week against the Rams and would have a handful of great games after this one. But it's tough to top a game where the coach basically rides you to a one touchdown victory under less than ideal quarterback conditions.

Conclusion

Yeah, I'm glad Larry Johnson isn't a Chief anymore. It got to the point where keeping him around was disrespectful to what the Kansas City Chiefs stand for.

But...for a couple of seasons, Larry Johnson was one of the most dependable, consistently producing running backs in the NFL. And that's what this post is about - looking back at the days when it was fun to cheer for Larry Johnson, not against him.

Reminisce away AP readers. I know a lot of these games won a lot of fantasy football games for you guys.