Arrowheadlines: Kansas City Chiefs News 9/10

Chiefs vs. Chargers: Five Things to Watch from Chiefs.com

2. How much pressure can the Chiefs get on Philip Rivers?

If the running game was the key to the success offensively against the Chargers last year, then pressure on quarterback Philip Rivers was the key to success for the defense, which is often the case.

In the two games last season against the Chiefs defense, Rivers managed to lead his offense to just 6 total points and was sacked 8 times. In his last two games at Arrowhead Stadium, Rivers was sacked 12 times and scored just 10 points.

Heading into 2016, the folks over at Pro Football Focus ranked the Chargers offensive line at No. 29 in the NFL, although they mentioned that most of that had to do with injuries, and the addition of former Chicago Bears center Matt Slauson should improve that group. The Chargers offensive line is healthy going into this game on Sunday.

Chiefs vs. Chargers: Important Gameday Information from Chiefs.com

Important Times

7:30 a.m. - Parking Lots Open (Prepay for parking to save at the gate!)

8:00 a.m. - Ford Fan Experience Opens (NEW LOCATION - Founder's Plaza)

9:30 a.m. - FCA Faith and Family Chapel (Located on the East side of the Pavilion)

9:30 a.m. - Scout Investments Club Level Opens (For Club Level Ticketed Guests Only)

10:30 a.m. - All Stadium Gates Open

12:00 p.m. - Kickoff

Chiefs vs. Chargers: How to Watch and Listen from Chiefs.com

Game Date/Time

Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 12p.m. CT on CBS (KCTV5 Local)

Location

Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.

Forecast

High: 81°

Low: 63°

Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles "Doubtful" to Play on Sunday vs. Chargers from Chiefs.com

Reid told reporters on Friday afternoon Charles "probably won't play," as he continues to work his way back from the torn ACL that cost him most of the 2015 season.

In his place, Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware and Knile Davis will share the backfield for the Chiefs.

10 Things to Know about DB Phillip Gaines from Chiefs.com

1. Best BBQ in KC

Jack Stack

Red Friday Kicks Off With CWO at JC Nichols Memorial Fountain from Chiefs.com

Members of the Chiefs Women's Organization were out at one of Kansas City's most recognizable landmarks Friday morning—the JC Nichols Memorial Fountain—in order to kick off Red Friday by giving out flags in exchange for a $5 donation to the Ronald McDonald House.

Tavia Hunt, the wife of Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, led the charge.

"For us, football is family and it's about family," Tavia said. "The Chiefs organization, Kansas City is family and the Ronald McDonald House is about supporting families with a sick child and children's charities are near and dear to our heart, so to be able to support, for the fourth year, an organization that is helping kids get well and healing families is a tremendous blessing and privilege."

Chiefs Eats: Carne Asada Nacho Fries from Chiefs.com

On home Sundays in the fall, time and time again, Kansas City Chiefs fans have proved that all you need is a grill and great company. It's a tradition that spans since before the mid-1800s.

Some may call it a pastime, but to many in the Kingdom, it's like a religion.

Tailgating is part of the culture for those who fill the seats of Arrowhead Stadium, and each week, the Kansas City Chiefs will highlight an upcoming matchup-themed recipe. So whether you're filling the lots at Arrowhead or catching your Chiefs from the comforts of your own home, you'll have a suggestion to make your Sunday a little bit better.

Chiefs gameplan: Scouting the San Diego Chargers from The Kansas City Star

Four keys to a Chiefs victory

1. Pound the rock

The Chargers had one of the league's worst run defenses a year ago, ranking 27th in the NFL. The Chiefs did their part to contribute to that, rushing for nearly 205 yards — for an average of 4 yards per carry — in their two games against them a year ago. The Chargers are hoping free-agent nose tackle Brandon Mebane (6-1, 311) will make them more stout up front, but the Chiefs need to use 229-pound sledgehammer Spencer Ware and 205-pound slasher Charcandrick West to test the gap discipline and toughness of a defense that surrendered 288 rushing yards in its preseason opener against Tennessee.

Friday Fast Five: Week 1 from Chiefs Digest

2. Trial by fire for the Chiefs secondary

The Chiefs should have a good grasp of their young secondary after facing Philip Rivers on Sunday. The Chiefs listed starters at corner have a combined 24 stars, and nickel back Steven Nelson has never started a game.

The biggest key to the secondary's success may be the ability of Gaines to pick up where he left off before his knee injury last season.

Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton said Gaines feels confident and continues improving each week.

"I think he's feeling more comfortable as a player and his reaction time is improving," Sutton said. "That's where I think he's really making some strides and he's feeling good about it."

Chiefs' Jamaal Charles doubtful for season opener from The Kansas City Star

When asked who carried the load in Charles' stead, Reid said it will be a committee. Charcandrick West is second on the team-issued depth chart behind Charles, followed by Spencer Ware and Knile Davis.

"Yeah, they'll all play," Reid said. "We'll roll them in."

Reid was asked directly if Ware, who earned the majority of first-string work throughout organized-team activities and the preseason, will be the first guy in Sunday.

"You could probably say that, yeah, but it depends on the personnel group so don't hold me accountable," Reid said.

Jamaal Charles unlikely to play in Chiefs' season opener from ESPN

Charles was listed on the injury report as doubtful.

Spencer Ware has been getting most of the first-team snaps at running back during training camp and the preseason. The Chiefs also have Charcandrick West and Knile Davis available at running back.

Week 1: Friday injury report from Chiefs Digest

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Practice report

Did not participate in practice: None
Limited participation: CB Jason Verrett (calf)
Full participation: WR Keenan Allen (rest) and G D.J. Fluker (ankle)

Chiefs' Derrick Johnson has redefined the evolution of middle linebackers from The Kansas City Star

In Johnson's first season, middle linebackers were defined by run stuffers like London Fletcher, Zach Thomas and Derrick Brooks. Brian Urlacher was in his prime. Middle 'backers were asked to fill gaps between the tackles. Anything they did outside that area was mostly a bonus.

Twelve years later, filling gaps between the tackles is merely the cover charge, with Johnson and younger players like Luke Kuechly and Clay Matthews redefining what it means to play middle linebacker. Guys don't last long if they can't make plays from sideline to sideline, evolving along with offenses to the point of chameleon — part linebacker, part safety, part coach.

And Johnson does it as well as anyone.

Chiefs look like basketball team with three tight ends on the field from ESPN

The Chiefs have frequently employed three tight ends together since Andy Reid arrived as head coach in 2013. Last year, they were sixth in the NFL in such plays with 91.

The Chiefs have also prospered when they've had such a lineup. They were fourth last year in yards per play (5.1) with three tight ends and third in yards per rushing attempt (4.6).

Judging from how they went through training camp and the preseason, the Chiefs plan to have three tight-end formations on the field often again this year.

Chiefs' Justin March-Lillard took advantage of ‘fair shot' to earn starting job from The Kansas City Star

It was a big moment for March-Lillard, and not just because earning the start validated his hard work in rehabilitating the torn meniscus that wiped out his rookie season a year ago. It was also a confirmation of his talent. He leapfrogged two players — Ramik Wilson and D.J. Alexander — that the Chiefs drafted the same year they signed him.

"I just feel like I had a good opportunity, you know?" said March-Lillard, 23. "They gave me a fair shot when it came to practice, getting reps in preseason games and everything like that."

Chiefs consider implications of Colin Kaepernick's protest during national anthem from The Kansas City Star

As Sept. 11 and the first full day of the NFL season converge on Sunday, Arrowhead Stadium and others across the league will be draped in both the solemnity and celebration.

Amid all that, at the end of "The Star-Spangled Banner" here, thousands will exercise their First Amendment right to free expression by bellowing "home of the Chiefs" instead of "home of the brave."

Meanwhile, in the wake of Colin Kaepernick's preseason protests and their momentum, many eyes doubtless will be scanning sidelines across the nation to see which players also are invoking the privilege that distinguishes the United States from many countries.

Chiefs carry 10-game regular-season winning streak into opener from The Associated Press via FS Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs remember not-so-fondly the way they started last season, dropping five of their first six games and spending the rest of the year digging out of the hole.

This year, they'd rather start the way they finished.

Andy Reid and Co. carry an NFL-leading 10-game regular-season winning streak into Sunday's opener against the San Diego Chargers. In fact, the only loss they've had since October came in the AFC playoffs, when they lost on the road to the New England Patriots.

San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs: Who will win and why from The Sports Xchange via UPI

PREDICTION: Even with a new offense and the Chiefs' defense missing Pro-Bowl OLB Justin Houston due to injury, the Chargers still lack weapons on offense. Until Gordon can prove his NFL worth, the Chargers will rely on the pass too much. Chiefs QB Alex Smith will lead his team to a home victory and a major jump-start to the 2016 NFL season.

OUR PICK: Chiefs 24-14.

The San Diego Chargers will win against the Kansas City Chiefs from Bolts from the Blue

The San Diego Chargers haven't beaten the Chiefs in Kansas City since 2013. Fun Fact: Ken Whisenhunt was the offensive coordinator of the Chargers in 2013 and he is once again the offensive coordinator this year. Whisenhunt is one of the better coordinators in the National Football League and he is replacing a man in Frank Reich who was quite simply one of the worst. The huge swing in quality is reason enough to believe that San Diego can pull off the upset.

Chargers (and their fans) ready for new start from The San Diego Union-Tribune

Philip Rivers has worn the T-shirt for several years, the result of an epiphany he had when he heard a Latin phrase.

He has a couple of the shirts, actually. And, in fact, he has been wearing them around Chargers Park longer than most of Rivers' teammates have been at the team's complex.

In yellow letters on a navy blue shirt, the colors of his team, is the mantra that has become as synonymous with the Chargers quarterback as any of his Southern colloquialisms.

NUNC COEPI

"Now I begin."

Jay Paris: Bolts must master AFC West if wanting to rebound from The Coast News Group

Rivers takes his bunch into Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium this weekend, where the Chiefs will be waiting. That and some 76,000 crazed fans that'll be loud, proud and in full tomahawk mode midway through the first quarter.

And it's the season's opening quarter that concerns the Chargers.

Start fast and it often parlays into a good season and just maybe some votes this fall for the team's new downtown stadium measure.

Start slow and all of sudden there's chatter about coach Mike McCoy's hot seat, whispers about general manager Tom Telesco's lack of building a playoff contender and the City of Angels looking to swipe the Chargers, with the devil in the details.

See why the Chargers must break from the gate?

A new start awaits Melvin Gordon in KC from The San Diego Union-Tribune

"It doesn't matter to me anymore what (Gurley) does or how he does because he doesn't play for the Chargers. He could have 2,000 yards. It won't affect our offense."

Gordon can, and he knows it. His opportunity to be a factor in what the Chargers quietly feel could be a top NFL unit starts Sunday against the Chiefs. Gordon, first and foremost, says he wants to leave Arrowhead Stadium with a win. But he also looks to seize the fresh start a new year affords him.

He is ready for one.

"I'm excited to let people know who the real me is," Gordon said. "Last year was just tough all around."

Chiefs players join fans for Red Friday rally at Power and Light District from FOX4KC

The Kansas City Chiefs kick off their season at Arrowhead Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. But before they take the field, they took the stage Friday night at Power and Light for a Red Friday rally.

"We came up here around 1 p.m., we started the day early wanted to make sure we got a good seat. The music is good we are having a good time," Trinda Wheeler said.

And by the time the Red Friday Rally was in full swing, everyone was having a good time as Power and Light was packed with Chiefs Fans. There was X Factor, Kansas City's own Superman, KC Wolf and of course the Chiefs cheerleaders to pump up the crowd.

Marcus Peters gives big smile over Arrowhead's loud fans and salutes Colin Kaepernick's cause from FOX4KC

Peters also talked football, saying he was excited for the return of defensive backfield teammate Phillip Gaines after he lost all of 2015 to an ACL injury, and discussed the home-field advantage of Arrowhead Stadium and its fans.

"It's going to be big. It's going to help us. That's the extra edge that we get with us having such a unique fan base out here at Arrowhead Stadium, all the love that we get and they put all the energy into coming on Sundays, cheering for us. It's a plus for us always," he said.

Ex-Cougar Darrin Reaves cut by Chiefs but re-signed to practice squad from TrussvilleTribune

It appeared to some NFL experts that Reaves might grab the Chiefs' fourth running back spot after racking up 144 yards rushing and scoring two touchdowns. But KC couldn't trade away Knile Davis, a player whose salary and lack of consistent production made him expendable. Davis' biggest point in his favor is that he is a decent kick returner. The possibility exists that the Chiefs still might trade him.

Shields Given Rousing Welcome Back 'Home' from The Lawton Constitution

Surrounded by family and friends at the 50-yard line at halftime at Cameron Stadium, Will Shields stood beaming.

Everyone else was showering him with applause and adoration during Will Shields Night on Friday.

Shields was back in his hometown for an overdue ceremony during which he was given a sizable plaque that held his No. 78 Lawton High jersey and a smaller plate with several of the offensive lineman's accomplishments engraved in it.

8 things to know before Georgia Tech-Mercer from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Durham said that White, a sixth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs, taught him how to analyze game video and study receivers' tendencies and showed him what it meant to improve and compete at the college level.

"He's like a big mentor, kind of a big brother," Durham said.

White is expected to get playing time when the Chiefs open their season Sunday against the San Diego Chargers (including former Tech defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu).

KMBC Video: Chiefs cheerleaders make dream come true for Dream Factory girl