Arrowheadlines: Kansas City Chiefs News 9/12

Chiefs Preparing For Dallas from The Mothership

Typically, after a 26-point victory, you don't often hear players talking about areas they can improve on; the 2013 Chiefs aren't your typical team.

"I'm happy with the win and always eager to watch the film and try to get better off of a win," Chiefs QB Alex Smith said on Sunday. "That's the goal. We got the ‘W', but we want to get better. "

Chiefs, Cowboys Share A Tragic Bond from KC Star

In a span of one winter's week last December, the Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys were linked by an unforgettable tragic bond.

On the morning of Dec. 1, a day before the Chiefs were to play the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Jovan Belcher killed his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, and shot himself at the club's practice facility.

Seven days later, on the morning before the Cowboys were to leave for a game at Cincinnati, defensive tackle Josh Brent was under the influence of alcohol when the car he was driving hit a curb and flipped over, killing passenger Jerry Brown, a linebacker on the club's practice squad.

The two teams, who meet Sunday in the Chiefs' home opener at Arrowhead Stadium, were shaken by the deaths of their teammates but temporarily summoned the strength to continue their seasons.

Chiefs Focused, Houston Awarded And More from The Mothership

"We look forward to the opportunity and the challenge of playing the Cowboys," coach Reid said. "We know they're a heck of a football team and we welcome them here, into Arrowhead to our fans, and just like we have in the past, we'll prepare aggressively this week and make sure we're ready to play against a good football team."

Fortunately for coach Reid, he has great players to prepare for Sunday's clash with the Cowboys, including Pro Bowl LB Justin Houston, who was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Houston said the award means one thing.

Shields Nominated For Hall Again from KC Star

Former Chiefs guard Will Shields, a Hall of Fame finalist the last two years, is one of nine players and coaches with ties to the Chiefs who are included in the list of 126 nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Besides Shields, quarterback Trent Green, running back Priest Holmes, cornerback Albert Lewis, kickers Nick Lowery and Morten Andersen, cornerback Patrick Surtain, and coaches Dick Vermeil and Marty Schottenheimer have been nominated. The list of 126 will be reduced to 25 semifinalists in November. That list will be further reduced to 15 finalists in January.

Chiefs' Charles Held Back In Practice Because Of Quad Injury from KC Star

"Really, the only injury is Jamaal," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said before the afternoon practice. "We're just taking it slow. I think he'll be OK for the game. We'll just see how it all works out."

Charles, who carried the ball 16 times for 77 yards and a touchdown, fully expects to play against the Cowboys on Sunday. He wore pads and participated in some light drills in the 20-minute portion of the practice open to the media.

"It's going to be an exciting week," Charles said. "We're at home to play our very first game. With a new coach, new players ... I'm hyped up, I'm excited. I wouldn't miss this game for nothing."

Chiefs Launch Mobile App & Arrowhead Wifi from The Mothership

The Chiefs are bringing fans another way that will enhance the game day experience at Arrowhead Stadium. Starting this Sunday, Wi-Fi will be available in the stadium, along with a new mobile application connecting fans to the team and to each other.

"Our fans told us that we needed to add this element to their game day experience and we listened," Bill Chapin, Chiefs Senior Vice President of Business Operations explained.

Chiefs To Offer Free Replays And Other Video To Fans Inside Arrowhead from KC Star

The Chiefs are asking fans to send feedback on the wireless system and the app to customerrelations@kcchiefs.com.

"With the new system, we know that over the first few weeks, there will be many things that we will be testing and tweaking to optimize performance," Donovan said. "This adjustment phase could take multiple weeks. As we always do, we're asking fans to interact with the system and provide feedback so that we can make accurate and timely decisions to ensure everyone has a great in-stadium mobile experience."

DeMarcus Ware Is Coming, So Who's Gonna Block Him For The Chiefs? from KC Star

The Cowboys switched to a 4-3 defense this year that puts Ware as a defensive lineman instead of an outside linebacker, and they are apparently intent on rushing him from the right side - a right-handed quarterback's blindside.

There are a million positives the Cowboys see in the switch, but one obvious downside is that as an outside linebacker Ware regularly flipped from the right side to the left in order to take advantage of mismatches. This year, apparently, he will not do that.

Fans' Twitter Questions About The Chiefs Answered from KC Star

This first installment of The Star's Chiefs-based Twitter Q&A covers a wide swath of topics, ranging from the ceiling of quarterback Alex Smith to receiver Dwayne Bowe's somewhat diminished role in the offense in Sunday's 28-2 win.

Be sure to check The Star's Red Zone blog for this feature every Wednesday from here on out. I'll be soliciting questions on Twitter every Tuesday, so why don't you be a pal and follow me at twitter.com/TerezPaylor.

(Waiting for you to follow me on Twitter ... still waiting ... you done that yet? Yes. Good. As Dr. Ray Stantz would say, "Now that wasn't such a chore, now was it?")

Now, onto the mailbag.

KCChiefs.com Video: Smith Eager For First Regular Season Home Game

KCChiefs.com Video: Andy Reid Discusses Playing The Cowboys

Jamaal Charles Expected To Play from ESPN

"I'm feeling good," said Charles, who is from Port Arthur, Texas and played in college at Texas. "My mind is in a good place. My head -- I'm focused on Sunday, just trying to get better (during) the week.

"I don't want to miss this game for the world because everybody from Texas will be watching this game. I think I need to go out there and just show everybody what kind of Texas player I am."

Matchup To Watch: Dallas Cowboys LB Sean Lee vs Kansas City Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles from The Dallas Morning News

There will be several intriguing matchups that could develop Sunday, when the Cowboys play the Chiefs. Among them is the battle that could break out between Cowboys middle linebacker Sean Lee and Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles. Here is a look at each player:

Chiefs' Film Room: Breaking Down The Offense from KC Star

Welcome to yet another new feature here on the blog - The Red Zone Film Room. Each week, I plan on breaking down a few plays from the previous week's game, supplemented by insight from the players and coaches who participated in them.

I'll also pass along any trends and stats I dig up as I sit down and analyze the film and gather research from across of the web in an effort to help you become as knowledgeable as possible about the Chiefs.

Now, with those pleasantries out of the way, let's dive into the offense-only edition of the film room.

QB Watch: Chiefs' Alex Smith from ESPN

Things should get more difficult for Smith on Sunday against the Cowboys. In Jacksonville, he was able to take advantage of several favorable matchups as the Jaguars frequently appeared confused on defense. In DeMarcus Ware, the Cowboys have a premier pass-rusher capable of getting Smith out of his comfort zone. Dallas also has far more experience in the secondary than Jacksonville, which started two rookie defensive backs.

Cowboys, Chiefs Renewing Rivalry At Arrowhead from The Associated Press via The Tacoma News Tribune

It's called the "Preston Road Trophy," dreamed up by his longtime friend and the late Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt, and named after the street on which they once lived just 300 yards apart.

Ever since 1998, the trophy has been presented to the winning side on the rare occasions that Dallas plays Kansas City - as is the case this Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. Jones has had the trophy since 2005, but the Hunt family had it the seven years prior to that.

And 'ol Lamar made sure to tweak Jones with it, too.

Brian Waters Getting Closer To Playing from ESPN Dallas/Ft Worth

After signing with the team last week, Waters has been working on his conditioning, getting in football shape and learning the offense. In regards to playing in the Week 2 game at Kansas City, a place he called home for a decade, Waters said he wasn't sure.

"I have no idea," Waters said after Wednesday's practice. "That will be Coach's call, I'm just going to prepare myself as ready as possible the best that I can. I want to play regardless. The Kansas City aspect of it, is just the way the schedule fell. I definitely want to try and get on the field as fast as possible. I don't think, it really doesn't makes a difference that it's Kansas City."

Four Years Ago In KC, Cowboys Receiver Miles Austin Became A Household Name from The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Miles Austin didn't come out of nowhere. He came from Monmouth University, arriving at Valley Ranch in 2006 as an undrafted rookie free agent full of potential.

But few outside the Cowboys' locker room knew Austin's name until Oct. 11, 2009, in his 42nd career game and his first career start.

"We just had this conversation today," said newly signed guard Brian Waters, who was playing for the Kansas City Chiefs that day. "I told him, ‘We didn't know who you were.' We were all looking at each other like, ‘Who in the world is 19?' We had no idea who this guy is, but he hit us for 250 and 10 catches."

Chiefs' Poe Is Playing Leaner And Meaner Than Ever Before from FS Kansas City

"I think he's definitely, right now, a lot more powerful and explosive than he was last season, no doubt," Roland says. "I'm expecting some great things out of him this season. I'm already seeing a difference.

"He's got some fast hands, man, extremely fast. I've never seen that out of a guy his size ... and I think he's taken a lot of what I taught him about nutrition, training and techniques. He calls me and tells me all the time he's taking a lot of that and applying it to what he's doing now.

"I know some people, when they go into the league, they were at their best and they slowly diminish. (With Poe), you're going to see increased persistence and drive and determination ... I think he's better-equipped to go ahead and explode and drive and take off. I think the best is yet to come."

Chiefs' Decision On Carr Still Looks Good from ESPN

Former general manager Scott Pioli has been roasted, most times deservedly so, by Chiefs fans angry with many of the personnel moves he made in his four seasons in Kansas City. One of the unpopular moves I happened to agree with: his decision last year to let cornerback Brandon Carr become a free agent.

At First Glance: A Look At The Kansas City Chiefs from Blogging The Boys

The 2013 edition of the Kansas City Chiefs have the pieces they need to surprise teams this season. They feature quite a few players who are among the better guys at their position, and have a pair of young guys who are ready to make their mark. That, combined with a rowdy crowd that who can impact their team's opponents, makes this a team that the Dallas Cowboys cannot afford to look past. We all remember the trip to Seattle during Week 2 of last season. If the Cowboys fail to maintain their focus, we may see a similar outcome.

Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Defenses For Week 2 from NFL.com

Chiefs defense vs. Dallas Cowboys: In a matchup of the two highest-scoring fantasy defenses in Week 1, the Chiefs should come out as the better option this weekend. Playing in front of their rabid fans and with Tony Romo (ribs) and Dez Bryant (foot) both banged up, Kansas City's underrated defense should find success. They're still available in plenty of fantasy leagues on NFL.com.(Maximum value: Low-DEF1)

Gameday: Chiefs OT Could Give Cowboys Plenty Of Problems from DallasCowboys.com

It might seem odd that I would say that the weapon for the Chiefs in this game would be an offensive tackle but that's the case. In my view, Brandon Albert is a really nice player on that left side. He plays with an ease of movement and can adjust very well in space. He can kick and slide to the outside to work himself into position to make blocks and once he is there, his punch is quite forceful. Have seen him jam a rusher in the chest, stop his charge, buy himself some separation and settle in to complete the block. He can be a load in the running game by getting push on the move. Will use his size to his advantage. Can reach or cut off his man but manage to stay on his feet.

Looking For Big Things From Lacy, Bowe from DelawareOnline

WR Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs: Bowe's involvement in the opener faded as the Chiefs pulled away. Bowe should take advantage of the Dallas Cowboys secondary, which showed coverage leaks in Week 1.

Dan Kohn's NFL Predections: Week 2 from The Appleton Post-Crescent

Dallas at Kansas City: The Chiefs are much improved and coach Andy Reid knows how to beat the Cowboys. Besides, Tony Romo is already hurting. Chiefs 21, Cowboys 17.

Andy Reid: Dallas Cowboys 'Have A Great Owner' And 'They Do It The Right Way' from The Dallas Morning News

On the Cowboys coaching staff: "Before Monte got into the college game, there weren't a lot of people in this league that were better than Monte Kiffin. I think the players down there probably feel that. They know that. And Rod Marinelli, I would tell you the same thing. You're talking about a defensive coordinator that's phenomenal. That coaching staff, Billy Callahan, too. I'm very familiar with him. He's a tremendous coach. Listen, they've got good people right there, and Monte Kiffin is top notch."

Cowboys' Jones Return To Old Stomping Grounds from The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Last year Jones led the Chiefs' special teams in tackles with seven and in fumble recoveries with two. He returned one of those fumbles for a touchdown against Tampa Bay on Oct. 14, 2012, while also becoming one of the Chiefs' most valuable special team players.

Game Of Throws: House Smith from SB Nation

Perhaps you're familiar with Game of Thrones, the popular HBO series based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy novels. The universe depicted in Game of Thrones features warring kingdoms, made up of houses of proud families. Since we're all about sports here, we can't help but equate this with American football. Let's take a look at some of the most notable quarterbacks in the land and imagine what things would be like in Westeros. This is the second in a season-long series.

If you missed the first installment, you can find it here.

House Smith

2013 Fantasy Football: Pickups Of The Week from The Cleveland Plain Dealer

Knile Davis, Kansas City Chiefs - Stop me if you've read this before. Jamaal Charles left Sunday's game. Today, he only participated in the walk-through. If Charles misses any time, Davis will be the one to hear his number called. Any Charles owner should have David on their roster.

Documents, Text Messages Revela Impermissible Benefits To Five SEC Players from Yahoo! Sports

Five Southeastern Conference football stars violated NCAA rules by receiving extra benefits prior to completing their collegiate careers, a Yahoo Sports investigation has found. The benefits - which in some cases came from multiple individuals - were conveyed to University of Alabama offensive tackle D.J. Fluker, University of Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray, Tennessee defensive end Maurice Couch, Mississippi State University defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and Mississippi State wideout Chad Bumphis.

Kindred: Studebaker Now Playing Waiting Game from Pantagraph.com

There is nothing easy about playing in the National Football League. Muscles ache or sometimes burn with pain. Bones bruise or occasionally break.

Collisions come from all sides. Some you don't see ... just feel.

It's a tough way to make a living, even with the hefty financial reward.

Tougher still is not playing.

Former Chiefs Coach Todd Haley Autographs Bar Napkin: "Chiefs Suck" from Deadspin

A reader named Joe sent this our way. It's an autograph he got on a bar napkin from Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Joe explained what happened in an email. This is that story, unedited. Be warned: There are no heroes here. There's a guy being a dick to Haley, and Haley being a dick right back, and allegedly throwing in a little casual homophobia for good measure. In other words, it is a very Todd Haley story.