It's always interesting preparing for the Kansas City Chiefs games each week because we learn about players on the opposing team that we've never really heard of before. The same goes for the Chiefs opponents getting ready to play KC.
There are tons of young players across the league that only the local team's fan base really knows about. TE Tony Moeaki is a good example. Here in KC, we know this guy is legit and could be a rising star in the league but he's hardly a household name.
Talking to SB Nation's Turf Show Times this week, I wanted to find out about a couple of the unknown players that we'll see in Friday's game. I asked Turf Show Times to name someone on both offense and defense for the Rams who Chiefs fans will get to know on Friday night.
On offense:
Rookie TE Lance Kendricks turned heads with his play and, really, just his constant presence in the offense, working out wide, in-line and in the backfield. People wondered about him as a second-round pick, but the talent is there. Brandon Gibson flashed some talent when he first arrived in a trade with the Eagles in 2009. He's a guy could get some attention this year.
On defense:
The good and bad news is that you would have seen most of the same defense last year, when the Chiefs rolled over the Rams in the regular season. Players like Bradley Fletcher, Chris Long and James Laurinaitis have an upgraded cast around thim. Safety Quintin Mikell was the Rams' first priority in free agency. He improves the secondary and a pass rush that looks a little deeper and more diverse this year.