Arrowheadlines: Kansas City Chiefs News 11/29

Chiefs Have catching Up To Do At Wide Receiver from KC Star

Bypassing veteran Steve Breaston and fourth-round draft pick Devon Wylie, they turned to Jamar Newsome, who was freshly promoted from the practice squad.

The extent of Newsome's NFL experience to that point: two games last season with Jacksonville.

It's come to that for the Chiefs and their passing game. At wide receiver, at least, their choices this season have often been unappetizing: a usually well-covered Dwayne Bowe, a short pass to Dexter McCluster, or the underachieving Jon Baldwin.

Derrick Johnson Focused On Team, Not Self And Stats from The Mothership

Johnson, who turned 30-years old six days ago, has 841-career stops, fifth best in team history. Last season, he set a Chiefs single-season record with 179 tackles (131 solo) and during the 2012 campaign, DJ leads the team with 92-total tackles (81 solo).

But Johnson will be the last person to tell you his numbers, at least until his playing career is over.

"I'm trying to get better as a player, trying to be consistent as a player and when you do that, you kind of don't worry about the individual accolades. At the end of the day, at the end of my career, I'll look back and see how many tackles I have, see how many interceptions, see what production I had but at the time while I'm here, I'm trying to help my teammates win, that's my main goal and to take care of my body because that's my money maker," Johnson said.

Chiefs To Host The 47th Annual Toys For Tots Collection This Weekend Along Local Marines & Veterans from The Mothership

All the toys will be collected at the Arrowhead Stadium gates by members of the 24th Marine Regiment and local representatives of the Marines Corps League. Gates into the Scouts Investments Club Level open at 9:30 a.m. with the remaining stadium gates opening at 10:30 a.m. Kickoff for Sunday's game is scheduled for 12 p.m. (Noon).

Fans may choose to make a financial contribution in lieu of a toy if they prefer. Cash or checks (made payable to "Toys for Tots") will also be collected at stadium entry points by the Marines.

Chiefs Help In Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts from The Mothership

The Chiefs Community Caring Team visited the Heart to Heart International Distribution Center on Tuesday to help with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Chiefs players, cheerleaders, and Red Coaters spent the morning packing boxes full of necessary hygiene related items which will be shipped to the communities affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Chiefs' Hali Doesn't Practice Because Of Sore Knee from KC Star

Besides Hali, the following Chiefs did not practice: wide receiver Dexter McCluster (head); offensive tackle Branden Albert (back); safety Kendrick Lewis (shoulder) and center Ryan Lilja (knee).

McCluster was cleared to participate in a walk-through and individual drills but has to wait until Thursday to practice.

Chiefs Host An NFL-Military Traumatic Brain Injury Culture Change Forum from The Mothership

Many soldiers and military leaders filled the 144-person lecture room at the Kansas-based post to talk about change and working together to maintain the health of folks who join both professions.

The NFL and Army share similar cultures and believe in similar values such as duty, commitment, teamwork and courage. While playing football and fighting a war are very different activities, NFL players and soldiers approach their jobs in similar ways. This was evident during the forum that took place at the McHugh Training Center on the grounds at Fort Leavenworth.

Former Chiefs Players Meet With Army To Talk Head Injuries from KC Star

Several dozen Army officers listened to the discussion, including comments by Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Willie Lanier, who said he learned the lessons early.

Lanier, who played from 1967 through 1977, serves on an NFL player safety panel studying ways to make the game safer. Lanier suffered numerous concussions in his rookie season, including one that didn't manifest until a week later. Lanier says he changed his playing technique as a result, but only after he sought answers to his injury at the Mayo Clinic.

Carolina At Kansas City from CBS Sports

Though it's been a frustrating season for Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers, they showed signs of life in a rare win last week.

On the verge of matching the longest losing streak in team history, the NFL-worst Kansas City Chiefs can't seem to find a spark.

In a matchup of last-place teams, the visiting Panthers try to build on their latest result and hand the Chiefs a ninth consecutive loss Sunday.

Chiefs Line Holding Its Own During Miserable Year from The Associated Press via The San Antonio Express

Here's a situation that would send shudders through any head coach: Starting a rookie left tackle next to a rookie guard next to a center playing out of position, all against the NFL's best pass rush.

That's exactly what the Chiefs did last Sunday against Denver...

...But lo and behold, with rookies Donald Stephenson and Jeff Allen starting alongside Lilja, the patchwork offensive line played well in a 17-9 loss to the Broncos, providing the shakiest of silver linings to the eighth straight loss in a season of misery.

AFC West Primed For The Draft from ESPN

The 2013 NFL draft is going to be important in the AFC West.

The 1-10 Kansas City Chiefs are on pace to get the No. 1 pick and the 3-8 Oakland Raiders and 4-7 Chargers are not far behind. As of now, Oakland is on pace for the No. 4 pick and the Chargers are on pace for the No. 7 pick.

So, it's time to think ahead.

NFL Play60 Visits Martin City from The Jackson County Advocate

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jamar Newsome (#84) stopped by Martin City K-8 last week to take part in the popular Play 60 Program at the school. Newsome showed Martin City students how to run agility drills, and then coached selected students as they competed in lateral drills, hiking and catching practice, and even a trivia competition against Kansas City's own KC Wolf.

KCChiefs.com Photo Gallery: Heart To Heart

KCChiefs.com Photo Gallery: CWO Childrens Mercy Hospital

KCChiefs.com Photo Gallery: Culture Change Forum Ft. Levenworth

KCChiefs.com Video: Chiefs Live! 11/27/12

KCChiefs.com Video: From The Podium: Romeo Crennel

KCChiefs.com Video: Inside The Locker Room 11/28/12