Arrowheadlines: Kansas City Chiefs News 9/19

Chiefs Have Plans To Ground Chip Kelly's High-Flying Eagles Offense from KC Star

When Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton was the head coach at Army, his team ran the wishbone.

So Sutton had to take a look when he heard about an innovative coach named Chip Kelly who was taking option football to the next level at the University of Oregon.

"Before he ever got to Philadelphia, I studied his film in the past out of curiosity because I think it's a great system," said Sutton, 62, who was a coach at Army during1983-99.

On Thursday, Sutton will see Kelly's unique, circuslike, no-huddle spread offense up close as he leads the Chiefs' defense into a prime-time showdown against the Eagles, who hired Kelly as their head coach this offseason.

Chiefs Travel To Philly As Game Day Nears from The Mothership

Kansas City Chiefs QB Alex Smith is prepared for Thursday night's matchup, despite the quick turnaround between games this week.

"I've been on both sides of this, since they started this Thursday night thing," Smith said. "We don't make the rules. That's the schedule that is set up and we have to go play it. With a short turnaround, you have to be even more efficient with your time as a unit, because we do throw travel in there, so you give up another day."

History Shows A 3-0 Start Would Mean A Lot For The Chiefs from KC Star

Of the seven previous times the Chiefs started 3-0, they made the playoffs six times. The only exception was 1996, when they started 4-0 and finished 9-7.

They would have made the playoffs that season had Atlanta's Morten Andersen, the most prolific kicker in NFL history, missed a chip-shot field goal that gave Jacksonville the tie-breaker over the Chiefs for an AFC wild-card berth.

Inside The Lines: Chiefs vs Eagles from The Mothership

LB Justin Houston has 18.5 sacks in three seasons to rank 12th in club history for most sacks. He needs 5.0 more sacks to pass Dan Williams (23.0) for 11th place in team history.

LB Derrick Johnson has three career INT returns for TDs, tying for the fifth-most in team history. He needs one more to tie S Lloyd Burruss (4) for fourth.

Q&A With Chiefs QB Alex Smith from KC Star

Q: What's Philadelphia's defense like?

A. "A lot of volume on the defense there. They show a lot of different looks, they bring a lot of different pressures. They try to confuse you, give you a lot of unorthodox looks. They're very different from the defense we played last week. We have to be on our communication in a loud stadium. Everybody is going to have to be on the same page. The protection unit and the outside are really going to have to be on top of the details."

Q: What's the key to your offense?

A. "Execution, that's it. That's what it's all about. It's about being efficient on second down, putting yourself in good third down situations when you do have them, so that you can convert and keep the guys going. And then when you do get in the red zone, you have to be able to convert to points."

Chiefs-Eagles Scouting Report from KC Star

Bottom line

The Chiefs have been impressive in getting off to a 2-0 start, and the Eagles won in an upset on the road and lost in a surprise at home. But Reid's return makes this the most-anticipated game of the season in Philadelphia, and winning on the road in a prime-time game in a short week could be a bit much for the Chiefs to overcome. Prediction: Eagles 30-27

Chiefs Make Change To Practice Squad Roster from The Mothership

The Kansas City Chiefs signed safety Bradley McDougald to the practice squad and released fullback Toben Opurum, the team announced on Wednesday.

Film Examining The Life Of Chiefs Great Derrick Thomas Screened At Arrowhead from KC Star

For Chiefs fans, the film was a visit to the mostly happy decade of the 1990s, when the regime of general manager Carl Peterson and coach Marty Schottenheimer reversed the sagging franchise.

The uncomfortable side of Thomas' life wasn't spared. Some of the mothers of Thomas' children - and the children - are interviewed. Thomas had seven kids with five mothers. He never married.

There was also the Monday Night Meltdown, when Thomas had three personal-foul penalties on a Broncos' touchdown drive in a prime-time loss at Arrowhead.

"It is life, and as I said as his eulogy, he wasn't a perfect person, but who of us are?" Peterson said. "And the positives of this young man's life so far outweigh any negatives ... I just saw a man with the biggest heart of anybody I've seen in my life."

KCChiefs.com Video: Chiefs Brief: Week 3

KCChiefs.com Video: NFL UP: Jamaal Charles

KCChiefs.com Video: Fantasy Preview: Chiefs vs Eagles

NFL.com Video: Preview: Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles

NFL.com Video: The Sports Car: Jamaal Charles

NFL.com Video: More Important For The Kansas City Chiefs' Offense Or Defense?

NFL.com Video: Weather Update: Kansas City Chiefs @ Philadelphia Eagles

NFL.com Video: Kansas City Chiefs Safety Eric Berry: Chiefs 'On A Mission'

NFL.com Video: Philadelphia Eagle Quarterback Michael Vick Faces Emotional Game Thursday Night

NFL.com Video: 'The Coaches Show': How Good Is Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Alex Smith?

NFL.com Video: Three AFC West Teams Playoff Bound?

Chiefs Defense Can Adapt To Playing Fast from ESPN

The Kansas City Chiefs are third in the league in total defense after two games, but they will get a different kind of challenge Thursday night in Philadelphia, where the Eagles and their fast-paced offense await.

Compounding the challenge is that the game will be played following a short practice week. The Chiefs did some work on the Eagles before this week to help with preparations. They'll have to play various schemes with whatever personnel group they have on the field, which could play to their advantage given the versatility of many of their mainstay defensive players.

NFC East Woes, Kansas City Chiefs' Hot Start And More Mailbag from NFL.com

Here's why I think the Chiefs have a pretty good chance to get to 3-0: The Eagles' defense is awful right now, arguably the worst in the NFL (ranked 30th in yards allowed), and it is particularly terrible against the pass. It seems pretty clear from the first two weeks of action that every Eagles game is likely to be a shootout. They beat the Redskins by jumping all over them early, then hanging on for dear life. The defense fell apart against the San Diego Chargers, though, and the Eagles lost.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs boast a top-tier defense. If the unit can slow Philly's offensive assault -- especially early -- while Reid unleashes his own aerial attack, the Chiefs certainly could pull out a win on the road. They are a more balanced team than the Eagles.

The Andy Reid That Eagles Fans Didn't Get A Chance To Know Is Missed In Philly By Those Who Knew Him Best from FS Kansas City

The man Melissa Firman knew had a heart with its own zip code, a soul that danced on a sunbeam.

The Andy Reid she knew didn't grunt or grouse or keep the media safely away at arm's length. The Andy Reid she knew was a teddy bear, a man visibly shook up upon hearing the horror stories of a wife who'd once been chained by an abusive husband to a sink for days a time.

The Andy Reid she knew went over to that woman, after they were introduced, and felt compelled to give her a hug.

Five Things To Watch For In Chiefs-Eagles Game from The Associated Press via FS Kansas City

Led by LeSean McCoy's NFL-best 237 yards rushing, the Eagles are second in the league with 352 yards on the ground. The Chiefs' defense is second against the run, allowing 54 yards per game. Something has to give. Last week, the Chargers geared up to stop the run, so McCoy had a big day catching the ball. KC may be strong enough up front to contain the run without having to commit an extra defender in the box. The team that wins this battle likely wins the game.

Reid's Arrival Signals Hope, Says Former Chiefs Great from Philly.com

Dawson gives Andy Reid, the former Eagles coach and now the man guiding the Chiefs, a boatload of credit. Reid guided the Eagles to five NFC title games and a Super Bowl in his 14 seasons.

"He is bringing hope because it's been a long time since they tasted the opportunity to really be in a position to win, and win championships," Dawson said in the Chiefs locker room, where he was waiting to interview players. "We see that in him, and he has perhaps the staff and everything else to get this accomplished, and that is what we all want."

Take A Look At Me Know: Andy Reid Brings Hid Undefeated Chiefs To Philadelphia from SB Nation

When the Eagles have the ball, it will be a battle of strength vs. strength. Kansas City is second in the NFL in scoring defense through two games, and the Eagles are third in scoring offense. The big matchup will be on the ground. Philadelphia and LeSean McCoy have gashed teams to the tune of 176 rushing yards per game. Kansas City, however, is allowing just 54 rushing yards per contest.

Which side ultimately prevails could come down to the individual matchups between the left side of the Eagles' offensive line and the Chiefs' defensive line.

Poe Deserves His Spot On ESPN's MVP Ranking from ESPN

ESPN's Dan Graziano ranks the NFL's MVP candidates each week. This week, with the Kansas City Chiefs advancing to 2-0, he has nose tackle Dontari Poe as No. 10 on his list.

I say Poe is deserving. Has there been a more impactful defensive player in the NFL so far this season?

Chiefs Defenders Say They'll Keep It Simple from Philly.com

"We have to play fast and have to play physical, and that's the way the Kansas City Chiefs play," Robinson said. The one thing the Chiefs have emphasized all week is to keep things simple. "It's different getting ready for that offense," linebacker Derrick Johnson said. "It's difficult because it's different. But we will simplify it. We have a good game plan."

Column: This Year, Chiefs Are No Joke from The Maneater

We know Rome wasn't built in a day, but this is part of the process for the rebuilding of the Chiefs. You have a terrible season; you have good draft picks and are awarded an easy schedule. What's important is taking action outside of those developments. What KC has in a mostly talented roster and very competent head coach is where 2-14 turns into 10-6.

So, don't be afraid, Kansas City. You're not in the Twilight Zone. The Chiefs might actually be decent this year.

Chiefs vs Eagles Preview: Fantastic Four from Warpaint Illustrated

Eagles Wide Receiver, DeSean Jackson, has to be licking his chops facing Flowers. Last week against the San Diego Chargers, he caught nine passes (one of them for a touchdown) and notched 193 receiving yards.

But despite a tweaked knee heading into this game all is not lost on the Chiefs top cornerback. In week one against the Washington Redskins, their cornerbacks challenged Jackson at the line of scrimmage. In doing so, he became increasingly frustrated for parts of the Eagles season opening victory. Still he did end up with 109 receiving yards and a touchdown.

The good news is the Chiefs are a strong press coverage team and if Flowers is healthy he can be physical at the line of scrimmage, he may get the best of Jackson on Thursday.

Chiefs 2-0 Thanks To 'D' And QB from The Morning Call

Most of the focus this week has naturally been on the return of coach Andy Reid to Philadelphia. But the real story of the Kansas City Chief's surprising 2-0 start is the rebirth of quarterback Alex Smith.

Reid's return is why tonight's game at Lincoln Financial Field is being played in prime time for a national television audience. After 14 years as coach of the Eagles, Reid has taken over a team that won just two games last season - or two less than his 2012 Eagles team. And, just liked he did when he first came to the Eagles in 1999, Reid's No. 1 priority in Kansas City was to find a franchise quarterback.

Eagles-Chiefs: What We're Watching from Philly.com

The good news is the Eagles already have five takeaways in the first two games, which is just eight fewer than they had all last season. The bad news is they've only scored twice off of those five takeaways. Given their defensive problems, the offense is going to need to capitalize on every scoring opportunity this season.

Lewis: Pick Eagles Over Chiefs from The Waterbury Republican American

Stram will forever be remembered as the man who yelled, "65 toss power trap!", before a successful Chiefs play in that Super Bowl.

Why so much talk about a coach who died eight years ago? Because the last time anyone cared about the Chiefs was when he was coach. That may be changing now with Andy Reid thumping his way around the sidelines in K.C. The long-time Eagles coach has his new team (and color) at 2-0 heading into Philly of all places for tonight's prime timer.

Chiefs Fans Find An Unlikely Home In Eagles Territory from Newsworks

"Some guy nicknamed us Arrowhead East," explains owner Paul Staico, referring to Kansas City's main football stadium, Arrowhead. Chiefs' memorabilia, signed photos, helmets and flags plaster the walls of the bar's cozy back room.

Staico says it all started in 1983. That's when he took over his father's restaurant and started showing the games there.

Playmakes Are On Record Pace from The Vineland Daily Journal

So far, there hasn't been a defense that has stopped the Eagles' trio. The Eagles rank second in the NFL in yards per game with 477, and second in yards per play at 7.86. Vick is coming off a game in which he passed for 428 yards, while Jackson had 193 yards receiving.

Perhaps the Kansas City Chiefs, led by former Eagles coach Andy Reid, will change that tonight when they play the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. They rank second in the NFL in points allowed per game (9.0) and fourth in total defense (248.0 yards allowed per game).

For NFL Coaches, Few Happy Returns from The Wall Street Journal

When it happens, Reid will become the 10th person in NFL history to coach one team for at least a decade before facing that team as an opponent. Reid will be the first to do it in the very next season.

Historically, these types of reunions haven't gone well. Six of the nine previous coaches lost in their first game back, including a couple of all-time greats.

Vito: Eagles Shouldn't Be Distracted By Reid's Return from The Delaware County Daily Times

He won divisions, not Super Bowls. He couldn't manage the clock, or his waist line.

Hey, Andy Reid is back in town. So cue up the jokes and mumble to yourself in a gruff tone, "Uhh, time's yours." This is the day fans have been waiting for since the NFL released schedules for the 2013 season, right? An up-close look at whether Reid could put guys from another team in a better position to win?

Well, here it is.

Eagles Add Cornerback From Texans, Lode Hughes from The Delaware County Daily Times

While the Eagles list cornerback Bradley Fletcher (concussion) as probable for their Thursday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs, they lost their only bit of experienced depth in Brandon Hughes. Hughes strained a hamstring last Sunday and has landed on short-term injured reserve. He's eligible to return eight weeks from today.

Predictions, Meet Garbage: The NFL 2013 Week 3 Bettor's Guide from The Washington Times

Thursday, September 19, 8:30pm

Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5)-Walrus Lite Andy Reid badly wants to beat the team that fired him. His players will go all out for him and he will get it. Upset special, Chiefs win outright

Football Thursday: Andy Reid Has At Least One Safe Haven In Philadelphia from Yahoo! Sports

From the outside there is little to separate Big Charlie's from the dozens of other corner football bars in South Philly. It has the same brown brick facade and oversized square sign above the awning. But look close and notice the absence of the requisite Philadelphia Eagles, whose gleaming stadium is but a mile away. Big Charlie's doesn't run gameday bus and keg trips to Eagles games. You won't find wings on the walls or the local football team on Big Charlie's flat screen TVs.

Because if you walk into Big Charlie's on a football Sunday and meet the cold, probing glares that greet strangers, you better say you are there to see the Kansas City Chiefs or you'll probably want to leave.

Joey Jones On First Three Games: I Feel Like I've Been In 'Braveheart' from AL.com

NFL VISITORS: Scouts from the Atlanta falcons and Kansas City Chiefs were on hand at South Alabama's Wednesday practice, getting a close look at the Jaguars and making notes on possible draft prospects for upcoming seasons.

DeSean Jackson Suffers From Growing Pains from Philly.com

Through two games, Jackson is on pace to shatter personal records. The season is young and continues Thursday night when Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs visit, but it's difficult to imagine the speedy receiver regressing in Chip Kelly's explosive offense. The steps forward he took his first two seasons were followed by more than just one step back. Jackson's numbers steadily decreased the following three years, sometimes for reasons unrelated to his efforts.