Arrowheadlines: Kansas City Chiefs News 11/28

Chiefs Thanksgiving Food Distribution from The Mothership

"This is a tradition of the Chiefs; every Thanksgiving we raise money, buy the food items and then help provide meals for families in need," Chiefs President Mark Donovan explained. "This is something that is really important to us and it goes back to the responsibility that we have, as part of this community to continue to give back."

The Chiefs worked along side volunteers from the Derrick Thomas/Neil Smith Third and Long Foundation, which is dedicated to helping others in need.

"My dad was all about helping people, it was one of his main missions when he entered the NFL," Derrion Thomas, son of Derrick Thomas and Third and Long Foundation board member explained. "He came from nothing so he wanted to help others. It means everything to me to be a part of the Third and Long Foundation. As a kid, I got to see him impact the lives of millions and now I get the chance to help continue that through this foundation."

Andy Reid: "You Can Learn From Every Game" from The Mothership

Q: Was there something that New England exposed in their game against Denver that this team can learn from?

REID: "Well, in the second half they did. In the first half, the first three possessions they had were fumbles, and then they had a fourth-down they went for that they didn't get. They had a couple of punts in there and that was kind of the first half. Then the second half, they came out and scored three touchdowns and did some good things there. You can learn from every game and every snap that you watch, so we've looked at that and we'll see how it all works out."

Alex Smith's Wednesday Presser Transcript from The Mothership

Q: With the turnovers and points scored off them last game, do you feel like you have to play almost perfectly offensively this game to win?

SMITH: "No, certainly it is a priority for us, protecting the football, but you're going out there to execute and sometimes they happen. You have to be able to overcome it. You're never going to play a perfect game. It's not going to happen. So much of this is about overcoming adversity; we had opportunities even with the turnover a couple of weeks ago to overcome and just didn't. You're going out there to execute and score points."

Wednesday Wrap-Up From One Arrowhead Drive from The Mothership

Trying to prevent the Broncos from scoring points on Sunday will be the Chiefs defense, which is tied for first atop the league's QB sack list (37). Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton was asked about the challenges he faces in preparing for the Broncos offense, potentially without Pro Bowl LBs Tamba Hali and Justin Houston.

"Obviously, those are two really good football players," Sutton said. "We'd love to have them. If we get them, that would be awesome; they're the guys that have been playing. If they're not there, the next guy has to go. Like anything, the team that's on the field is the team. We're not going to change dramatically what we do - we can't, we have a lot of other players out there that are drilled down in certain things. We're going to continue to do the things; those guys just enhance your opportunity, because of their individual talent."

Twitter Q&A: Chiefs S Eric Berry from The Mothership

In this week's edition of Chiefs Twitter Q & A, which gives fans the opportunity to ask their favorite Chiefs players questions, Pro Bowl S Eric Berrytook time to answer the five tweets below, revealing his favorite Chiefs football moment, thoughts on the red-on-red Chiefs uniforms and more.

Throwback Thursday: What's In A Name from The Mothership

Nicknames for athletes have been around as long as the games have been played, but so many of the ones we hear today come from media personalities like Chris Berman, who routinely looks for pithy monikers for players as he reviews footage on ESPN's "SportsCenter."

But the nicknames that have legs are those fashioned by teammates. In most cases, they fit the culture of their time and, therefore, can seem a bit out of date today. But, for ole time sake, let's look back to some early Dallas Texans nicknames, keeping in mind we might have to refer to Wikipedia to get the connection.

KCChiefs.com Video: Chiefs Brief: Week 13

KCChiefs.com Video: Under The Helmet With Donnie Avery

KCChiefs.com Video: Andy Reid Wednesday Press Conference

NFL.com Video: What's Different About Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs?

Kansas City Still Healing Over Horrific Events Surrounding Belcher Murder-Suicide from FS Kansas City

Nine times.

At least that's what the autopsy said. A police report later suggested he may have fired even more.

No matter. It's all gruesome enough.

It was one-year ago this Sunday that Belcher engaged in one of the most heinous acts imaginable, murdering his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, in a drunken fit. We'll never know the exact reasons why. Was it because of finances? Was it jealousy? Was it over custody of their three-month daughter Zoey?

Belcher took any and all answers to his grave.

Tamba Hali: 'I Plan On Playing' from FS Kansas City

"The training and medical staff have done a great job," he said. "I've been running in the pool, working on the treadmill. It feels better.

"The doctors said it was an ankle sprain, first degree. It's just a blessing to be able to come back and start doing things."

Hali said he's not rushing his return just because Sunday's game is against the Broncos.

"No, if I can play, I can play," he said. "If I can't, I can't. I'm not going to force it. But I feel optimistic I can be out there."

Preview: Chiefs Look To Avoid Another Letdown vs. Broncos from The Associated Press via FS Kansas City

For the first time this season, both the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs are coming off losses, and both were more disappointing than the average NFL defeat.

The AFC West rivals will meet for the second time in three weeks Sunday in Kansas City with each looking to take control of the division and avoid another week of looking for a bounce-back game.

Facts And Figures On Broncos-Chiefs Game from FS Kansas City

Jamaal Charles has failed to score a rushing touchdown in his last five games against Denver, but has some good numbers against the Broncos: a 5.4-yard average in his career, and 109.0 rushing yards per contest in the last six meetings between the teams. Charles is 16 rushing attempts away from the 1000th of his career, and 82 rushing yards away from 1000 this season.

Tamba Hali: ' I'll Be Ready To Go' from ESPN

"I know I can push off. I haven't cut yet. I know I can push off and run forward. I haven't run yet, but I believe I can do it because I've been doing it on the treadmill."

Coach Andy Reid said Hali, who has nine sacks this season, has a "good chance" of being available Sunday, when the teams -- both 9-2 -- will play for first place in the AFC West. Hali participated in the walk-through session the Chiefs held before practice.

Final Update: KC Can Clinch Playoff Spot from ESPN

So there are a few ways the Chiefs can clinch a playoff spot. I'm going to throw out the ones requiring a tie as unrealistic and focus on the first two scenarios. Neither of those are likely to happen, but stranger things have happened on a single NFL weekend than the Bengals beating the Chargers, the Colts beating the Titans, the Dolphins beating the Jets and the Steelers beating the Ravens, as required under scenario No. 1 above.

Of course, any of these scenarios require the Chiefs to beat the Broncos.

Culp To Get HOF Ring from The Pro Football Hall Of Fame

Defensive tackle Curley Culp will receive his Hall of Fame ring during a special ceremony at halftime of the Kansas City Chiefs home game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. Culp is the sixth member of the Class of 2013 to be honored this season.

Denver vs. Chiefs Top Battle from The Province

The rematch has lost some of its lustre with Kansas City dropping its last two games and Denver's collapse in New England after beating the Chiefs.

Still, the AFC West showdown is far better than many other matchups this holiday week, and there remains plenty on the line.

Chiefs' Justin Houston (Elbow) Could Miss 2 to 3 Weeks from NFL.com

Testing revealed the presence of sprained ligaments and torn muscles in the elbow, but the timeline is better news than some expected after swelling prevented the outside linebacker from undergoing an MRI earlier in the week.

With Tamba Hali Back, Chiefs Try To Get Pass Rush Untracked from USA Today

Perhaps that early success has only made this current drought feel all that much worse. It has been weeks now since a Chiefs' defensive lineman or linebacker has taken down an opposing quarterback. The Chiefs only sacked Philip Rivers once last week against San Diego, and that came on a blindside blitz from safety Eric Berry on the final drive of the Chiefs' 41-38 loss.

There have been plenty of issues exposed in the Chiefs' two-game losing streak, but none are as concerning as the suddenly invisible pass rush, especially with another game looming against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Have Chiefs' CBs Lost Their Confidence? from ESPN

The shell-shocked looks on the faces of their defensive backs from the weekend were gone Wednesday as the Kansas City Chiefs began preparations for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.

But whether their confidence has returned is another matter. A once-punishing defense has lost its swagger, and it's fair to wonder if the cornerbacks are finally buckling under the pressure of playing constant man-to-man coverage.

Wednesday Round-Up: Seahawks Fans Attempt Guinness World Record For Crowd Noise, Again from Seahawks.com

The Seahawks fan group "Volume 12" - led by former Seahawks defensive lineman Joe Tafoya - recently announced they will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for crowd noise, again. The attempt will come during the Seahawks Monday night game against the New Orleans Saints at CenturyLink Field, when Guinness officials will once again be on hand. The 12th Man set a Guinness World Record reading of 136.6 decibels back in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers, but it was short-lived, as Kansas City Chiefs fans bested the line with a 137.5 decibel reading near the end of an October game against the Oakland Raiders.

Road To MetLife: Week 13 Cheat Sheet from FOX Sports

Denver at Kansas City: The Chiefs' defense showed some flaws last week, with Philip Rivers throwing at will all over them in San Diego's upset win. There are injuries on the defensive line, too. But I like Kansas City at home with their backs against the wall, here. I watched these teams' first meeting a few times over the past couple weeks. Kansas City knows the blueprint to beat Manning and the Broncos. They'll put it into action and complete the job in overtime on Sunday.

The Pick: Chiefs 31, Broncos 28 OT

NFL Heavyweights Set To Clash This Weekend from The Toronto Sun

The road to the Super Bowl can't be found yet on any map but after this weekend, the official cartographers of the realm can probably get busy laying out the route.

For only the second time this late in the season since 1970, the two top teams in each conference will square off this weekend, with some serious playoff implications on the line. In Kansas City, the 9-2 Chiefs will host the 9-2 Denver Broncos and the winner will get a leg up on home-field advantage throughout the AFC playdowns. In Seattle, the 9-2 New Orleans Saints will try to knock off the 10-1 Seahawks in a game that will probably decide home-field advantage through the NFC post-season.

Broncos Hoping Moreno Can Go from ESPN

Broncos interim coach Jack Del Rio said Wednesday he was hopeful Moreno would return to practice this week and be available for at least some of Sunday's road game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams are 9-2 and tied for first in the AFC West.

"He didn't go today,'' Del Rio said. "I felt pretty good about the report I got back. We'll just see how the week goes.''

Del Rio characterized Moreno and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (shoulder) as "day-to-day'' and said "they don't appear to be significant injuries.''

NFL Awards Watch: Week 12 from Sports Illustrated

2. Justin Houston, OLB, Kansas City Chiefs (2): Houston has been at the top of this list much of the season, but he's at risk of falling to third now that he has an injured elbow. His numbers continue to be impressive, but the Chiefs defense has sputtered lately and now the outstanding outside linebacker could be sidelined. The momentum is waning and players like Robert Quinn are gaining in a hurry.

Week 13 NFL Picks: Seahawks Make Saints Feel The Noise, Broncos Rebound from SportingNews

Rematch of the Week

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday 4:25 p.m., CBS) . Peyton Manning and the Broncos' passing game got stifled in New England. But then again, the Chiefs pass defense went into the tank against San Diego when its top pass rushers went down. If you recall, they didn't really get to Manning with Tamba Hali and Justin Houston two weeks ago. With Knowshon Moreno banged up, this game goes back into Manning's hands. The whispers about his cold-weather struggles have resurfaced, but he quiets them, at least for a week. Broncos 24, Chiefs 20

Liberty Man Who Won Chiefs Tickets Not Going To The Game For A Good Reason from KSHB

Doug said he is happy to win but he's not going to the game.

"I've decided to put these two tickets on Craigslist when I go home tonight and all the money we raise will go to Dawn for her surgery," Doug said.

Here's To The Better Angels Of The Sports World from The New York Times

Andy Reid, whose revival of the Kansas City Chiefs has made them a contender for the Super Bowl, which they last won after the 1969 season.

Chiefs Move Quickly From Undefeated To Throes Of Losing Streak from The Denver Post

What a difference two weeks can make.

Two weeks ago, when the Chiefs arrived in Denver, they were the only undefeated team in the NFL at 9-0, the one force standing between the Broncos and the top of the AFC West.

You know what's happened since: The Chiefs lost in Denver, 27-17, then went back home and lost again, this time to the Chargers, 41-38.

Consecutive losses, yet their record is 9-2. Two losses, their only of the season, and yet the conversation already has shifted to losing streaks and overcoming and bouncing back.

Athletes Reveal What They Are Most And Least Thankful For from FOX Sports

GEOFF SCHWARTZ, Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman

Most Thankful, Sports: NFL RedZone Channel. Best sports watching invention ever.

Least Thankful, Sports: Too much behind the scenes access to the culture of locker rooms.

Most Thankful, Pop Culture: Twitter.

Least Thankful, Pop Culture: Annoying young pop stars.

Broncos: Down The Stretch They Come from The Colorado Springs Gazette

The fallout from the Broncos' loss at New England has been catastrophic.

In the race for the top seed in the AFC, the Broncos fell all the way... to the same spot they were in before Sunday night, the No. 1 seed...

...Kansas City: Nothing we've seen over the past 4-5 weeks suggest the Chiefs deserve a voice in this conversation.

The Six Best Regular Season NFL Games Left On The Schedule from For The Win

The Broncos face teams with a combined 14-27 record in their last four games while the Chiefs still have to face a tough Indianapolis team in Week 16. That potential roadblock makes Sunday's game even slightly more crucial for Kansas City, who lost to Denver in primetime in Week 11. If they can get a one-game lead on the Broncos as well as a tie in head-to-head matchups, it'll give them a slight cushion should they fall to the Colts or even the Chargers once again.

Week 13 Predictions: Saints Top Seahawks; Broncos Right Ship from NFL.com

Be prepared for a lot of running. Denver gashed New England last week and ran into trouble when trying to force some pick plays, rubs and all those routes out of bunch formations. Kansas City will want to limit Peyton Manning's possessions and not expose a pass rush devoid of Tamba Hali andJustin Houston by pounding Jamaal Charles. Now, I know what you're thinking: Why should theBroncos run if those sack artists aren't in there? Because Hali and Houston don't suck against the ground game, either -- especially Houston. Denver can make hay with Knowshon Moreno running to his left. Otherwise, we don't anticipate Alex Smith keeping up with Manning in a shootout, but theChiefs QB should run 10 times. Make the Broncos respect it. #DENvsKC

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em for Week 13 from NFL.com

DEF Sit of the week

Chiefs defense vs. Denver Broncos: The Chiefs defense has fallen apart in recent weeks, as injuries and a tougher schedule have led to a decline in production. In fact, Kansas City has scored four or fewer fantasy points in three of its last four games. This is a unit to avoid this weekend with Peyton Manning and the Broncos in town.