Happy Friday! We made it through the week. Still a couple of days to go until the game, so there's time to brush up on your Kansas City Chiefs news. Enjoy.
Open a game with an onside kick? No problem. Pass up an easy field goal to try for a fourth-down conversion? Bring it on. Haley might not be timid, but one question has grown louder this season: Does he lack the restraint to hold off on impulse and make the decisions that have worked in the NFL for decades?
"As we used to joke in my family," Haley said this week, "there were box people — we had box people in our family, those were people that were within the box — and we had outside-the-box-people."
Numbers back up Chiefs coach’s unorthodox play calls from KC Star
Second-year head coach Todd Haley was criticized for the defensive switch because the roster was built for the 4-3. But it came down to doing what he felt was best and then sticking with it.
"As I grew up through this league as an offensive coach, I always in my mind thought preparing for a 3-4 was a little more difficult," he told the Buffalo media during a conference call this week. "The more I talked to people and learned about this game and learned about defense, the more sure I was of how I wanted to play defense if I ever got an opportunity like I have here."
Keeping the faith in 3-4 is good for Chiefs from The Buffalo News
If Chiefs right guard Ryan Lilja, hampered by an injury to his right hand, is unable to play Sunday against Buffalo, rookie Jon Asamoah would make his first NFL start.
Lilja, like running back Dexter McCluster (ankle), did not fully participate in practice for the second straight day Thursday, and his right hand was encased in a thick wrapping.
Rookie Asamoah may start for Lilja from KC Star
Andy Levitre's locker is located across from most of the Buffalo Bills' wide receivers, a group that has a big gift of gab. With all the vocal sparring going on around, Levitre quietly goes about getting dressed for practice.
Such is the unassuming nature of the second-year left guard -- off the field, that is. When the pads go on, he becomes a different person.
Levitre grows into job from The Buffalo News
After a few years of rebuilding, the Kansas City Chiefs appear to have finally discovered the right formula for success. The Buffalo Bills are still searching for a solution to their longstanding woes, but may have found the answer at the all-important quarterback position.
Fresh off a career-best performance, Ryan Fitzpatrick will attempt to guide the suffering Bills to an elusive first victory of the 2010 season in Sunday's road test with an upstart Kansas City squad seeking to continue its newfound winning ways.
NFL Preview - Buffalo (0-6) at Kansas City (4-2) from The Miami Herald
Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner has been scrutinized more than any other season he's experienced so far.
The former 2006 first round pick has been noticed by the fan base for being out of position and not following through on his assignment when he's covering a tight end down the field.
Whitner Outlines Bills' Struggles with TE's from WGR550.com
The Chiefs are averaging 35.2 runs a game with an incredible 5.0-yard average. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are both on pace for 1,000-yard seasons. But the surprising numbers are on defense. Chiefs defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is playing it smart and conservatively on defense. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Chiefs have blitzed less than any team in football. Crennel has rushed an extra defender on only 18.9 percent of the pass plays.
Randy Moss adds fear factor from ESPN
Through four games, Fitzpatrick has thrown for 11 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He ranks behind only Peyton Manning as the second highest rated passer in the NFL so far in 2010.
I think I can speak for a lot of us by saying that I sure as heck didn't expect this.
Find the Fitz! from WGR550.com
And by the way, I wouldn't hesitate to start any of the principals in the Buffalo passing game against the Chiefs this week. Kansas City ranks 25th in the league against the pass, and don't forget that Chiefs head coach Todd Haley fired Gailey as his offensive coordinator shortly before the start of the '09 season. Gailey professes to harbor no ill will about it, but if the suddenly plucky Bills are able to get any sort of lead on the Chiefs this weekend, they probably won't let up on the throttle.
Fitz's Four-Course Fantasy Feast from Pro Football Weekly
The Chiefs will honor veterans and active duty members of the military beginning with in-stadium recognition at Sunday's game vs. Buffalo; and with events and activities leading up to Veterans Day on November 11.
Fans will undoubtedly be moved by the events planned at the New Arrowhead this Sunday, beginning with the greeting they will receive at all gates. Members of the Naval Reserve Center and the Whiteman Air Force Base 509th Security Forces Squadron will be distributing miniature American Flags to ticket holders at all gates for Sunday's game. Fans can also view Military Displays, including military vehicles, outside of the New Arrowhead.
Chiefs Host Military Appreciation Day from WIBW.com
They don't have any big stars. They don't have much of a defense. And the Buffalo Bills still don't have their first win of the year. But one thing they do have, as they head to Kansas City this week, is a red-hot quarterback--Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Bills bring hot QB to KC from WIVB.com