Good morning, AP! The theme continues today with respect for everything Chiefs (except anything remotely associated with the passing game). Oh, and Pollard seems miffed. Here's your Kansas City Chiefs news. Enjoy.

The Chiefs have yet to give any hints that they are dissatisfied with their starting quarterback, Matt Cassel. But if in private moments they’re looking for encouragement that trading for a young, largely untested quarterback can indeed pay dividends, they need to look no further than the opposition in Sunday’s game against the Texans in Houston.

Cassel, Schaub took the same road to becoming NFL starters from KC Star

After such pleasantries, Haley was asked directly if he could explain why the Chiefs let Pollard go.

"I don't think that I can," he said. "It's not that I don't want to, I just think that this business is a tough business. As coaches, you've got to make difficult decisions that are made for a lot of different reasons, and the No. 1 reason is to make the right decisions for your team. Sometimes, you don't know if those decisions are right or not...

...Informed of his former coach's comments, a wry smile crossed Pollard's face. At first, he was content to allow the gesture to stand as his response.

But finally, the truth prevailed.

"You know what? With (Haley) saying that, I'll just say I can't wait until Sunday," Pollard said. "I can't wait."

For now, Pollard is saving his shots from The Houston Chronicle

"Our goal wasn’t to go undefeated," Haley said. "This is the biggest game that we all have been in together as a group."

He added that although Tuesday was a day off for players, many came into the practice facility to watch film or work out. Quarterback Matt Cassel and tight end Tony Moeaki were among those who said they gave up their day off to refocus and correct some mistakes.

Chiefs notes: First loss sparks even greater motivation from KC Star

Houston is also looking for more from quarterback Matt Schaub. He's thrown for 1,233 yards and completed 62.2 percent of his passes, but he has seven touchdowns to five interceptions and has been sacked 14 times - second-most in the league.

Schaub and the offense should benefit from Andre Johnson's improving condition. The wideout has been bothered by a high ankle sprain, but had five catches for 95 yards last Sunday. He expects to play again this weekend despite continuing to wear an ankle brace.

Houston vs. Kansas City from CBS Sports

The West High School auditorium was a party scene Wednesday afternoon as hip-hop music blared and students welcomed former NFL players Priest Holmes and Quentin Coryatt to the stage...

...Holmes, a former running back for the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, spoke about the importance of students preparing themselves to help others and taking responsibility for their actions.

Former NFL players visit high schools, promote new football team from The Victoria Advocate

Falling

3. Kansas City Chiefs' third-down offense: Kansas City converted one of 10 third-down plays in a 10-point loss to the Colts, wasting a fine defensive effort.

How I See It: AFC West Stock Watch from ESPN

Decertification. Collusion. Lockout.

These aren't the words NFL fans want to hear, especially during the regular season.

Too bad.

Blame the non-football vernacular on the league and its players union for being unable to reach a new collective bargaining agreement. And while not yet overshadowing the on-field product, the public propagation of such terms will only increase as both sides inch closer to a March work stoppage.

NFL owners, players digging in as work stoppage looms from Fox Sports

15. Kansas City Chiefs (15) - Can Cassel receive some help from his receivers?  Just a little somethin', somethin' could go a long way.  McCluster isn't ready yet to be an every down pass catcher, nor is he near prepared to take over as his #1 go-to option.  However, Tony Moeaki is developing into a fine target for Matt.  Nonetheless, expect Jamaal Charles to be the featured guy offensively, and touch the ball more like he did last week in Indy, compared to the first three weeks of the season.  Defensively, the secondary played out of its mind, shutting down world-beater Peyton.  Tamba Hali is a disruptive menace on the defensive line.  Reaches the QB with such relative ease.

SGN Columnist Russ Loede’s Week Six Power Rankings from NFL Gridiron Gab

Kevin Walter, WR, Houston Texans. Since scoring in the first three games, he has totaled 59 yards the last two outings. The Texans face a good Kansas City Chiefs secondary. You wouldn't think about sitting Andre Johnson, but Walter you would.

Studs and duds: Ray Rice should keep rolling against Pats from USA Today

Making things even more confusing for this weekend is the lone consistent for Houston: the ground game. The Texans are fifth in the NFL in rushing yards per contest (142.4), but that might be negated this weekend against an equally solid Chiefs rushing attack. Kansas City has the third best ground game in the NFL (148.8 per game) and its unheralded-but-impressive offensive line has been playing lights-out.

NFL Preview: Eagles at Falcons, Chiefs at Texans from Sports Interaction

In case you haven't noticed, there is a special-teams coverage crisis in the NFL.

Kick returns aren't just routinely going for long gains. They are routinely going the distance...

...Another rookie running back,Kansas City Chiefs second-rounder Dexter McCluster, returned a punt a team-record 94 yards for a touchdown against San Diego.

Rise of returners warrants special attention for coverage units from NFL.com

..but here's what I do believe: I believe Charlie Weis can effectively hide Cassel, I believe the Kansas City defense is no joke, and I believe there's some serious talent in their running game. I hereby apologize for ignoring the Chiefs for this long. I am dumb.

The absurdly premature 2010 playoff picture: Week 5 from Yahoo! Sports