Arrowheadlines: Chiefs New 9/1

Good morning! We have our 53 man roster (that could very easily change as early as this afternoon with waivers). Read on for your Kansas City Chiefs news and analysis. Enjoy!

75-21 = 54. The Chiefs 53-man roster is one player heavy because outside linebacker Tamba Hali does not count against the Chiefs roster while he serves his Week One suspension.

Donald Washington was the longest-tenured Chief let go, originally joining the team as a fourth-round draft pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played in 32 games for the Chiefs, starting five games at safety over the past two seasons.

Ten Observations About The Chiefs Initial 53-Man Roster from The Mothership

While the Chiefs' four exhibition games did not have any egregious gaffes or missed calls, some games around the league included cases of referees mis-marking the ball or not even getting the coin flip correct.

"It's not just that," said Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Winston. "It's the little stuff. It's the lack of calls that should be called or the lack of calls that aren't called, the flow of the game. It's different without the real thing in there. It's unfortunate that the real football is starting and every game counts so much in this league.

"You never know when a win is going to be negated by a bad call or a loss or whatever ..."

Chiefs Prepare To Open Season With Replacement Refs from KC Star

The Chiefs reduced their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players on Friday night, and among the 21 players who were either released or placed on injured reserve was free agent Patrick DiMarco, the only fullback on the roster.

Because they use so many two tight end or three wide receiver formations, the Chiefs kept four tight ends - Tony Moeaki, Kevin Boss, Steve Maneri and Jake O'Connell - who will be deployed as blocking backs in goal-line and short-yardage situations.

Chiefs Announce 53-Man Roster, Hartman Makes Team from KC Star

Whether or not the Chiefs sign Smith (doing so after Week 1 would avoid guaranteeing his 2012 contract), I think they could add to the defensive line. I think they certainly will look at help for the secondary because of injuries, and if the right linebacker becomes available, the Chiefs could add some depth. I also think the offensive line might be an area in which Kansas City looks for depth -- it has been trying to add a veteran all summer.

Kansas City Chiefs Cut-Down Analysis from ESPN

One of the pleasant surprises of training camp was Nate Eachus, an undersized running back out of Colgate who managed to win over players and fans with his spirited play. Eachus bulldozed his way for 98 yards rushing against the Seahawks and 99 yards on Thursday night against Green Bay.

His place on the roster could be tenuous, though. Several more cuts could come down over the weekend as the Chiefs consider other players who were let loose by their teams.

Rookie RB Eachus Safe For Now As Chiefs Trim Veterans Gordon, Williams To Reach Roster Limit from The Associated Press from The Washington Post

The injury to Johnson, in particular, could be troubling for the Chiefs if he misses significant time. Kansas City is already without Tamba Hali for the opener against Atlanta because of his one-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. CB Brandon Flowres' status for the opener is uncertain as he has not practiced since bruising his heel in a July 31 practice. Starting safety Kendrick Lewis is out with a shoulder injury, and Flowers' backup, Jalil Brown, missed Thursday's game with a groin injury.

All the ingredients are there to repeat the nightmare that was the beginning of the 2011 season.

Chiefs: LB Derrick Johnson, Backup QB Brady Quinn Injured Against Packers from CBS Sports

"The starters did well tonight, that's all anybody really needs to know," said a Chiefs fan after Kansas City's final preseason against the Green Bay Packers. "The starting defense did pretty good too. The backups just didn't get it done."

Thursday was more about a feeling than a win. I feel better, but not totally sure.

Run Game Must Be KC's Strength from The Examiner

With so many injuries to deal with plus a player suspension for game one against the Atlanta Falcons on September 9th, it's likely the Chiefs coaches and personnel people had a few heated debates about the final 53-man roster. Though most of the cuts were predictable, it's clear the Chiefs are going to be very heavy at running back, tight end and in the secondary.

The Final 53? from Warpaint Illustrated

Can Derrick Johnson walk, let alone run?

What's up with Brady Quinn?

Does anybody have a phone number for Donovan McNabb?

Whom do the pigskin gods hate more: Romeo Crennel or Scott Pioli?

Why is Matt Ryan licking his lips?

Nine days to go. So many questions.

Too many, in fact.

Chiefs Exit Preseason With More Questions from FS Kansas City

When eight NFL teams sought music that would inspire and energize their fan base, they turned to Banshee Music.

The Packers were first, followed by the Cowboys, Panthers, Falcons, Broncos, Buccaneers, Chiefs and Chargers. For this season, Banshee's production crew and artists have developed two songs for the Chargers, one each for the Chiefs and Panthers. Those songs will become available digitally Tuesday, and will be used for a variety of purposes by the clubs.

The music targets specific moments at games - player introductions, opening kickoff, touchdowns - and is designed to add to the stadium experience.

A Hall Of Fame Quality Book from The Wilmington Star News

For E.J. Holub, it's quite easy to properly translate the emotions connected with being selected as a member of the inaugural Texas Tech Football Ring of Honor induction class. In fact, within minutes of discussing the newly established symbol of elite Texas Tech football alumnus, Holub immediately declared it the most rewarding moment of his career...

...Holub became a first round selection in the AFL Draft by the Dallas Texans where he was a five-time All-Pro and became the first player in school history to start two Super Bowls at two different positions as a linebacker and center. He won a world championship with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1970.

The Inaugural Class from TexasTech.com

On being reunited with Brian Daboll:

"It's been great. Coach Crennel is a great man, I've heard good stories about him even before I came to Kansas City. He was in Cleveland before I got there and he's such a player's coach, he knows how to get things done and how to take care of his players. It's just a blessing in disguise to be reunited with Brian Daboll. He's been such a blessing to me in the past and hopefully in the future we can continue the same success."

Peyton Hillis: "This Is By Far The Most Talented Team That I Have Been On" from Sports Radio Interviews

What the Chiefs do best: Cope with adversity.

Safety Eric Berry, running back Jamaal Charles and tight end Tony Moeaki (torn ACLs) sustained season-ending injuries by Week 2, first-round pick Jon Baldwin missed the first five games with a broken hand, and QB Matt Cassel missed the final seven with a hand injury, yet Kansas City was still in a position to win the division on the final Sunday of the season.

What the Chiefs need to improve: Putting points on the scoreboard.

2012 Division Preview: AFC West from Sports Illustrated