Hello Chiefs fans! We have a loaded Arrowheadlines today. There are some interesting previews for Sunday's game, a nice look at the Chiefs' running game from ESPN, and a good number of videos in this morning's post. Enjoy!
Eric Berry played in some rowdy opposing venues in college at Tennessee, but teammates Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers found it necessary this week to prepare the rookie safety for what he will encounter Sunday when the Chiefs venture to Oakland.
"They told me they love playing there," Berry said. "It’s kind of intense, I guess. I don’t know what to expect, really. I’m just going to go in there and focus on what I’ve got to get done."
Chiefs prepare for trip to Oakland’s Black Hole from KC Star
"For the fans of the game, which we all are, the Raiders and Mr. Davis are such a big part of NFL lore and history," Haley said, referring to Raiders managing general partner Al Davis. "You can't put on NFL Films and not see the Raiders and the great teams they've had through the years.
"So anytime you have teams like the Raiders and Chiefs that are big foundations of the league playing each other, it's a big thing. Add into the mix that both teams have been able to have some success early in the year, and it, obviously, makes it special for everybody's who's a fan of the NFL."
Kansas City Chiefs-Oakland Raiders rivalry finds relevance again from The San Jose Mercury News
NFL.com Video: 4 minutes with Run-DMC
NFL.com Video: Playbook: Raiders offense
MSN Video: After Party: Matt Cassel
ESPN Video: Countdown Daily AccuScore Report: KC-OAK
Inside the NFL Video: Todd Haley and Matt Cassel Miked Up
Coach Todd Haley was asked Wednesday, shortly before the afternoon’s claim deadline, whether his team was interested in bringing Moss to Kansas City.
"At this time, no," Haley said. "All personnel decisions we make around here, there’s a number of different factors. Whenever there’s names on the wire, we have a discussion. But really, it is a private discussion of what we think and how we think different guys can help us."
Chiefs didn’t pursue Moss, who is claimed by Titans from KC Star
Chiefs guard Ryan Lilja, who missed Sunday’s game because of an injured right hand, was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. He worked with the first-team offensive line during the portion of the workout that reporters were allowed to watch.
Chiefs buzz: Lilja gets back to work from KC Star
Is Tyson Jackson headed for the Ryan Sims / Trazell Jenkins club of monster bad 1st round picks? Man is he slow.
The thing that's so interesting to me about this is that Tyson Jackson, if he continues the way he's going, would be the perfect and obvious and undeniable face of Scott Pioli's failure as Chiefs GM...if Pioli was, you know, failing as Chiefs GM.
Don't Kill The Mailbag: Scott Pioli's drafting, Frank Martin vs Bill Self, and more talk about Zack and burgers from Don't Kill the Mellinger
As the official driver of the2010 Oakland Raiders bandwagon, it's my duty to warn all latecomers that this week is the last and final chance to get on board the train. When I took the wheel of this puppy back in August, it was me, Al Davis, Tommy Cable and a bunch of dudes with spikes and face paint in Darrius Heyward-Bey jerseys.
Don't look for predictable this season from Fox Sports
4. If The Run Game Is Working, Run Until They Stop It
The Chiefs were driving me nuts against the Bills. They would use Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles to march down the field into the Buffalo redzone and then they'd start passing the ball. Then they'd get to 4th down and fail to convert.
This week, the Chiefs had better not pass up any points and they had better not pass if the run game is working.
5 Keys to Beating the Raiders from Arrowhead Addict
Q: Why is the Kansas City offensive line not getting more credit for being the best in football? The Chiefs have stellar run blocking and have allowed only eight sacks.
Matt in Ames, Iowa
A: The reason the line isn't getting much attention is because the Chiefs aren't getting much attention -- yet. Everyone agrees they're one of the most improved teams in the league, but there hasn't been a big game to draw national attention. Example: The Chiefs-Raiders game this week is huge.
Redskins plotting for Michael Vick? from ESPN
Welcome back, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and St. Louis Rams, to postseason-contending relevance.
And do not forget the return of the long-downtrodden Oakland Raiders, who check in at 4-4, the latest they've been at .500 this late in the year since their Super Bowl season of 2002.
"Hey, even the Raiders are in there with a shot to go to the playoffs this season," says former Indianapolis Colts coachTony Dungy, now an analyst on NBC's Football Night in America.
At midpoint of NFL 2010, little has gone as planned thus far from USA Today
The Chargers are still a few games behind the Chiefs, but they picked up nearly 10 percentage points this week despite a win by K.C. Kansas City is still the favorite to win the AFC West at 54 percent, but its advantage over San Diego is not as great as you would typically see when a team has a 2 ½ game lead. The Raiders have proved that they definitely should not be ignored.
AccuScore: Colts, Dolphins make biggest climbs from Yahoo! Sports
One of the most difficult things for sports handicappers to do is admit their preconceived notions about a team, or several teams, are incorrect. But the wagering line is a stern teacher, and bettors ignore trends at their own peril.
The Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams, and Oakland Raiders are clearly much better than most folks would have thought going into the season.
It's time for some new notions from The Philadelphia Inquirer
Off to its best start since it was 9-0 in 2003, Kansas City (5-2) leads Oakland (4-4) and is 2 1/2 in front of San Diego atop the division.
The Chiefs, though, are 1-2 away from Arrowhead and face the Raiders and West rival Denver on the road the next two weeks.
Kansas City is averaging nearly nine points fewer on the road while giving up 9.5 more per game away from home.
Oakland vs. Kansas City from CBS Sports
There's little doubt that Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles have been the most impressive rushing tandem in the NFL this season. They're both on pace for 1,000-yard seasons after seven games (Charles has 666 yards and Jones has amassed 538) and they've helped give the Chiefs the best rushing offense in the league. A good amount of that success is the result of an improved offensive line that was suspect at this time last season. But the skills of both Jones and Charles have plenty to do with this Kansas City resurgence, as well.
Chiefs won't back down from ESPN
Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski took some snaps with the first-team offense Wednesday in a sign that he is close to returning to action.
Raiders coach Tom Cable said he isn't sure whether Gradkowski or Jason Campbell will start against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. He won't decide until he sees how Gradkowski holds up in practice through Friday.
Raiders notebook: Coach Tom Cable isn't sure about starting quarterback from The San Jose Mercury News