via www4.pictures.zimbio.com

I'm trying to decide if I like tha fact that most of the stories I have seen about the Chiefs lately are raving about our kicker. I'm happy for Succop, but I do wish something else was going a little bit better and warranted press.

“I got a tape of one of his other workouts,” [Special Teams Coach]Hoffman said of Succop. “He worked out for the Steelers and a few other teams. One of our scouts had the DVD of that workout. I noticed on that how smooth he was and how well he handled things. It was a cold, rainy day and he kicked really well.

“Then I looked at his game tapes and one of the things you look for in the games, does his technique change at any point in the game? Does he swing the same for a PAT as he does for a 45-yard field goal. Sometimes a guy may make a kick, if he’s technique is changing in the game, it’s a telltale sign to me that the guy is not mentally tough. He can’t separate the conscious mind from the sub-conscious mind. You need a guy that can do that.

“It’s an innate talent that some kickers have. Baseball hitters have it. Golfers have it. Foul shooters have it. I don’t know how you develop it. I’m sure a sports psychologist would say you could, but I think it’s something they are born with.

“Ryan has that.”

Mr. Relevant’s Good Start … Saturday Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz

KC Star Video: Chiefs Derrick Johnson speaks out

Todd Haley tried everything he could think of to get the Chiefs to better protect quarterback Matt Cassel. He screamed and yelled, he ran offensive linemen into and out of the lineup.

None of that worked well, so this week he tried appealing to the basic human instinct of pity. During the video review of last week’s game in Washington, Haley stopped the video whenever Cassel took a big hit, which was often, in an effort to drive home how much physical punishment the quarterback has been taking.

“It kind of makes you want to make sure no one ever touches him or gets shots on him in a game,” running back Larry Johnson said.

Chiefs hope to give Cassel better protection from KC Star

Chiefs left tackle Branden Albert, who suffered a sprained ankle two weeks ago and missed last week’s win at Washington, will be evaluated again Sunday morning before coaches decide whether to play him against San Diego.

Albert returned to practice in a limited role Friday, after spending the first two practice days walking around the rehab field.

Chiefs notebook | Albert will be game-time decision from KC Star

The 1-5 Chiefs, who host the 2-3 Chargers tomorrow at Arrowhead Stadium, are a mess on offense.

Haley instigated the rarest of sendoffs, firing his offensive coordinator, Chan Gailey, during training camp and taking over the play calling. An already patchwork line is hobbled by injuries and has allowed 22 sacks, tied for second-most in the NFL. The receiving corps is underwhelming, with nobody who approaches the talents of New England's Randy Moss or Wes Welker. Even the presumed go-to guy, Dwayne Bowe, was benched by Haley in the preseason for lack of effort.

Larry Johnson, who turns 30 next month, is a workhorse running back, but he's averaging just 2.7 yards per carry this season and the Chiefs still rank 25th in the league in rushing yards per game (98.0) and 30th in total yards (259.7).

Into this storm steps Cassel, 27, who is not exactly a battle-tested vet. Last year, he became the first quarterback in NFL history to start a game after not playing a down in college football. He spent his career at USC as a backup after coming out of Chatsworth High in the San Fernando Valley.

Cassel's star has not risen in K.C. from The San Diego Union-Tribune

After the 23-year-old, who was the final pick in April's draft, made all four field goal attempts (39, 46, 46 and 24 yards) in heavy wind during the Chiefs' first victory, he was singled out by coach Todd Haley.

"It was a huge game for him in poor conditions," Haley told reporters after Sunday's win. "The field was re-sodded, and where they were kicking from was not real good. The wind was difficult, but he stood up and made the tough kicks." 

Succop earns rave reviews with Chiefs from Gamecocks.com

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Media and Fans

atArrowhead headed to chiefs cheerleader practice for our alumni reunion!

CURBCYDE: looking forward to sunday to see if my chiefs can make it two wins in a row againts the chargers

alwayzactive: I am more intelligent and sophisticated after the KC symphony 2nite, but this will be completely negated Sun when I go to the KC chiefs game

BornAGorilla: Going to KC for the weekend. Heading to the Chiefs game at noon on Sunday. Hope the weather situation is better than my previous Chiefs game

Diggz182: @Adam_Schefter if the chiefs pull one out against SD sunday do they earn the title "bad team you dont wanna play..?"

lauraeilers: Missing the Chiefs Cheerleader Alumni Reunion this weekend in KC.... love you girls, have fun, go CHIEFS!

alishasackett: About one hour from kansas. Chiefs game here we come!

dehutche: In KC for some Asleep at the Wheel, Sooners/KU, and Chiefs. Oh yeah, Okla. Joe's BBQ too!