Arrowheadlines: Kansas City Chiefs News 11/24

Poe Is The Clear-Cut Leader Of The Chiefs' Rookie Class from KC Star

Rookie defensive tackle Dontari Poe, the Chiefs' top draft pick, forced the Bengals offense off the field on their first possession, first by pushing guard Clint Boling backward and knocking down a pass. Poe on the next play used a swim move to beat the other guard, Kevin Zeitler, and forced quarterback Andy Dalton to hurry his throw, which went incomplete.

The Chiefs would eventually lose as their season continued to unravel. But in searching for reasons to believe next year might be better, they can point occasionally if not consistently to Poe.

Chiefs Victory Hinges On Play Of Both Manning And Quinn from The Mothership

While the attention to Peyton Manning is well deserved, there's another QB playing in Sunday's game and he's being asked to lead the Chiefs. With last week's game under his belt (he played in the second half), followed by a full week of first-team reps, QB Brady Quinn is ready for the task ahead.

"I think obviously we need to continue to be more consistent, continue to get drives going and so forth. We had some stops here and there (against Cincinnati). We need to put more points on the board, bottom line," Brady admitted.

Crennel Knows Rules Regarding Challenge Flag from KC Star

Left tackle Branden Albert, who has back spasms, completed the practice week without working and was listed as doubtful on the final injury report of the week for Sunday's game against Denver at Arrowhead Stadium.

Two other injured offensive line starters, center Ryan Lilja (knee) and center Jon Asamoah (thumb), were listed as limited practice participants on Friday and questionable for Sunday's game.

Game Day Activities: Chiefs vs Broncos from The Mothership

It's Chiefs game day! The weather should be sunny with a high in the 50's, so come early to tailgate and cheer on your Chiefs!

See the full list of openings below:
8:30 a.m. - Parking lots open
9:30 a.m. - Club level gates open
10:30 a.m. - Stadium gates open
Tailgating and Fan Fun

Chiefs Celebrate Youth Health And Fitness With Play 60 Game At Arrowhead from The Mothership

On Sunday, the team will join with the Midwest Dairy Association's Fuel Up to PLAY 60 program in recognizing 11 youth Ambassadors participating in that initiative. These students are from Ridgeview Elementary in Olathe, Kan. Their advisor and PE Teacher, Wendy Scholten, was named the Fuel Up to Play 60 Program Advisor of the Year. Wendy will participate in the Ceremonial First Pass with Chiefs Ambassador Anthony Davis during pregame festivities.

After Chiefs' Failure To Lure Manning, Broncos QB Heads To Kansas City Seeking Another Win from The Associated Press via The Washington Post

During the offseason, when just about every NFL team in need of a quarterback was making overtures to the four-time MVP, Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt went on record as saying the franchise hoped to be in the derby. It was a rare acknowledgment from the head of an ownership family that rarely speaks publicly, and even more rarely discusses player personnel matters...

...He wasn't rebuffed so much as never given a chance.

KC Coordinators Facing Big Tasks In Coming Weeks from The Associated Press via The San Antonio Express

In their last six games, KC's impoverished offense has averaged fewer than 11 points while dropping to dead last in scoring, turnover margin (minus-21) and point differential (minus-13.2). In three games, the Chiefs have failed to score an offensive touchdown at all.

As if that weren't enough to give heart to Denver fans, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning brings in a career record vs. KC of 7-1.

Plus, it's not as though Kansas City has made a habit every season of peaking right about now. Since 2007 in November games at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs are only 2-9. The last time they bested an AFC West foe in a home game in November was 2006.

Broncos Game Preview vs. Chiefs: Analysis, Prediction, TV Info from CBS Sports

Arrowhead Stadium was once a house of horrors for the Broncos, losing 10 of 12 regular-season games there from 1995-2006. But those were the Chiefs with names like Marcus Allen, Marty Schottenheimer, Derrick Thomas, Dick Vermeil, Dante Hall, Tony Gonzalez and Priest Holmes. These Chiefs are pale imitators, and as they've struggled -- losing at least 10 games in three of the previous five seasons -- the Broncos' fortunes at Arrowhead have improved. The Broncos have three wins in the past five trips despite not having a winning season during that span.

Chiefs Game Preview vs. Broncos: Analysis, Prediction, TV Info from CBS Sports

What matters: Not a lot. It's tough to find motivation for the Chiefs at this point. Their fans are frustrated and are either not attending games, or showing up with paper bags on their heads or signs that call for the general manager to be fired. Last week, many dressed in black. The team is 0-5 at home and four of those five losses have come by double-digits. They've lost nine of 10 at Arrowhead going back to last season. With Peyton Manning coming to town and Brady Quinn starting at quarterback for Kansas City, it's tough to envision the game playing out any differently than any other home game thus far.

Lady Tells Chiefs WR To 'Work Harder' from The Associated Press via FOX Sports

Even while giving away free turkeys, the Kansas City Chiefs cannot escape the wrath of their suffering fans.

Wide receiver Dexter McCluster, while delivering a free turkey and canned goods to a humble home on Thanksgivng Day, got an unexpected scolding from an elderly woman.

''She put me in my place,'' McCluster said with a grin. ''But she's a sweet lady. She meant well.''

Final Word: AFC West from ESPN

Kansas City Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel said earlier this week his team needs to play perfect to beat the Denver Broncos on Sunday. That means the Chiefs, who have a solid pass rush, must make Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning uncomfortable. That won't be easy. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Manning has been sacked or put under duress just 13.9 percent of his drop backs this season. It is the lowest rate in the NFL. The league average is 21.1 percent.

NFL Is Home OF Some Great Bargains from ESPN

The Chiefs have lost six straight home games dating to last season and are 0-5 at home this season. Kansas City's next home game will be Sunday against Manning and the Broncos, followed by a Dec. 2 matchup versus former No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton and the Panthers, and then a Dec. 23 meeting versus former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck and the Colts.

These are dreary times in Kansas City, where the Chiefs are 1-9 and tied with the 1987 and 2008 teams for the worst start in franchise history. The last time the Chiefs were this bad they fired Herm Edwards after the season and replaced him with general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley. Now the fans in Kansas City are clamoring for more change, and owner Clark Hunt is said to be "evaluating" his entire operation.

Peterson's Comments Show What Pioli Missed from The Examiner

What Peterson said spoke volumes to what Scott Pioli hasn't done in Kansas City. Was Peterson saying Pioli hadn't done right by the fans? Indirectly, I think so.

Without saying, Peterson whispered what most fans are thinking. Even how some fans view Clark Hunt.

Pioli came from New England. Honest question, but what did Pioli really know about the family? The fans?

KCChiefs.com Photo Gallery: Foto Friday Chiefs Vs. Broncos

KCChiefs.com Video: From The Podium: Romeo Crennel

KCChiefs.com Video: Chiefs Kingdom: Tyler