Arrowhead Pride

It has been 70 games since the Chiefs have had a kickoff return for a touchdown; October 2, 2005,...

2009-11-21T03:57:38Z

It has been 70 games since the Chiefs have had a kickoff return for a touchdown; October 2, 2005, Dante Hall vs. Philadelphia.

It has been 55 games since the Chiefs have had a punt return for a touchdown; October 1, 2006, Hall vs. San Francisco.

College Preview: Punt and Kick Returners - BobGretz.com

Friday Night Open Thread

2009-11-21T03:02:51Z

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

3 months ago: The view from a luxury box during a tour of Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009. With a year to go in the stadium renovation, the Chiefs are set to play a preseason NFL football game in the stadium Saturday. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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Here's a thread to talk about whatever you want.

We'll be back tomorrow morning with a Q&A with Michael from Behind the Steel Curtain and NJ Chiefs Fan will have his usual Arrowheadlines post up.

Chat away.

The best strategy for a Chiefs fan, then, is to put down the controller and seek refuge in the real...

2009-11-21T01:07:40Z

The best strategy for a Chiefs fan, then, is to put down the controller and seek refuge in the real world, where Chris Collinsworth's broken-record analysis cannot find you. He will tell you, you haven't lived until you've caught one of those high hard ones and had one of those clowns flip you upside-down!

The Chiefs In Madden 10: An Exercise In Misery - SB Nation

"Two wins with 22 players off the street" From C.E. Wendler over at WPI. Great stuff as usual.

2009-11-21T01:00:14Z

"Two wins with 22 players off the street"

From C.E. Wendler over at WPI. Great stuff as usual.

Steelers C Hartwig Talks About Nearly Signing With the Chiefs

2009-11-20T23:04:30Z

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

Steelers C Justin Hartwig talked about nearly signing with the Chiefs. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

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The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line has been perhaps the biggest disappointment this season. From the running game to the passing game much of the blame is being heaped on the guys up front. For most of us, an offensive line upgrade usually includes the center, right guard and right tackle, in varying order of important.

Chiefs C Rudy Niswanger is one of the tougher players on the team but he has repeatedly been referred to by pundits as a player who could potentially be upgraded via the draft or free agency.

It almost wasn't like that though. Last year, veteran center Justin Hartwig entered free agency and narrowed his list down to two teams: Chiefs and Steelers.

"When I hit the free agent market," Hartwig told 610 Sports today, "it pretty much came down to the Chiefs and the Steelers. The Steelers persuaded me to come to Pittsburgh."

Hartwig is a KU grad so he had local connections.

"It would have been nice to be in my backyard in Kansas City but, obviously, things really worked out for me last year," he said.

Hartwig played all 16 games last season for the Steelers Super Bowl season. Prior to that, he had been on four consecutive losing teams.

He also said he's hoping the Steelers run the ball more against the Chiefs. The Pittsburgh offense has gone 82 rushing attempts, dating back to week six, without a rushing touchdown.

That's currently the longest streak in the NFL....now that the Chiefs finally scored a rushing touchdown last week.

Doubtful LB Mike Vrabel (knee) - G Andy Alleman (knee) LB Justin Rogers (thigh) RB Dantrell...

2009-11-20T22:44:13Z

Doubtful
LB Mike Vrabel (knee) -
G Andy Alleman (knee)
LB Justin Rogers (thigh)
RB Dantrell Savage (ankle)
Probable
LB David Herron (knee)

This is the Chiefs final injury report for Pittsburgh. Those listed as doubtful almost assuredly will not be available to play.

AP Power Rankings Week 11; You Could Make It At Receiver For The Chiefs Edition

2009-11-20T21:15:10Z

Photo Source

Welcome to week 11 of our AP NFL Power Rankings. Can it be week 11 already? There has certainly been no shortage of drama in Chiefs Nation the last couple of weeks with the jettisoning of Larry Johnson and suspension of Dwayne Bowe for using a diuretic during the preseason. If things weren’t bad enough the defending NFL Champion Pittsburgh Steelers are coming to town this Sunday. What a way to celebrate a win, eh? Seriously. You have to think that if any of us went to Arrowhead and asked for a tryout at WR they would have to at least give us a look, wouldn't they? Heck, I look more like a receiver than Lance Long.

There are good teams in the NFL and they sit atop our Power Rankings. The Saints hold on to the top spot though the #2 Colts gained some momentum after their comeback win against the Patriots. The Vikings hold steady at #3 and the Begals got some major street cred when they straight up smacked the Steelers for the second time this season. The once hapless Bungles are now in total control over the AFC North and a win over the Browns later this season will ensure Cinci’s first sweep of the division since…well, ever.

Biggest jump this week was the Cardinals moving up 4 spots from #11 to #7. Epic Fail Award goes to the NY Jets who fell 4 spots from #16 to #20.

Be sure to check out our "Pittsburgh Pirates Division" which features the 10 worst teams in football. Consider it a sort of mini goal for the Chiefs to climb their way our of the Pirates Division by the seasons end. Last week they were ranked #6 in the Pirates division.

Enjoy week 11, try to enjoy the Chiefs game and see you next week.

1. Saints (1.4)

In the last four games Brees has more interceptions then touchdowns and yet the Saints are still undefeated. This is a complete team and they're proving just how good they are.

2. Colts (1.7)

Big win but I see big holes in the runnin ggame and on D. They will lose a game.

3. Vikings (2.9)

Sydney Rice is the best WR in the NFL no one is talking about. Doesn't hurt he has the ol' gunslinger slinging to him.

4. Bengals (4.5)

The Bengals hold a 5-0 record in their division for the first time EVER and only the Browns remain in their path of total division domination. Their next 3 games are against the Raiders, Lions and Browns which means the once laughing stock Bungles could be 10-2 when they head to Mall of America Field for a clash against Bret Favre and the Vikings.

5. Patriots (5.2)

Nothing surprises me about the Pats after spygate. Not even stupid calls that costs them a game.

6. Steelers (6)

The Steelers are basically 2 games behind the Bengals as Cinci owns the tiebreaker. The Champs better keep their eye on the Wild Card standings.

7. Cardinals (7.9)

Warner, "What do you mean I'm supposed to hand off the ball to Beanie Wells?!?! That's just crazy talk." Wells stat line: 85 yards, 2 TD

8. Cowboys (8.4)

Lost the Icebowl reunion, need some running game. Wade Phillips should be working on his resume (I don't like it but that is today's NFL)

9. Chargers (8.6)

Big showdown in The Mile High City as the streaking Chargers hook up with the weeping Broncos. The AFC West Game of the Year.

10. Broncos (10.2)

An UGLY loss in Washington as many questioning Denver's chances hosting a resurgent San Diego squad. This game should be good.

11. Falcons (11.2)

I'm not so sure you could call it a sophomore slump but Matt Ryan is a horrible QB on the road throwing nearly twice as many picks as TD’s and boasting a QB rating around 60. The bad news is this week they’re away to NYG the good news is 4 of their next 5 after that are at home.

12. Eagles (12.3)

Could be career ending for Westbrook…that is not good for the Eagles.

13. Texans (12.7)

Big game Monday night that if they win, will make them a Wild Card contender.

14. Ravens (12.7)

With the division all but out of reach the Ravens will have a tough time making the playoffs in a crowded Wild Card race that includes the Steelers, Texans, Broncos, Chargers, Jaguars and even the Dolphins and Jets.]

15. Giants (14.3)

What a disappointment they have turned in to. Eli has not looked the same since his very awkward heel injury at Arrowhead.

16. Packers (17.1)

Who is this team? They get steamrolled by Tampa and then almost pitch a shutout against a hot Dallas team. NFL is crazy.

17. Jaguars (17.9)

They are better than I thought. MJD is a superstar and this team is underrated.

18. Dolphins (18.6)

Even with Brown out the wildcat will still be effective. They can maybe even win this week.

19. Panthers (19.8)

Many wrote this team off early but they are eliminating mistakes, the defense seems to have its identity back and the running game may be unmatched in the entire league.

20. Jets (20.1)

After a great start it is sad to say the Jets won't make the playoffs.

21. 49ers (20.7)

Game MVP for the 49ers last week was Jay Cutler. Always thought this team was a QB away from winning.

22. Bears (21.5)

Jay Cutler stats in 3 Primetime games this year. 73 for 131 - 884 yards. 3 Td's 11 ints. I'm going to send my kids to college by picking the Eagles in SNF

The Dreaded "Pittsburgh Pirates Division"

Photo Source

The teams remain the same but congratulations to the Titans on jumping ahead of the Bills to grab the #1 spot in the Pirates Rankings. One more win may move them out of the cursed division and into the real rankings. The Bears #22 are in danger of sliding into the abyss and if Jay Cutler keeps throwing 5 picks a game the Pirates Rankings may be seeing some new blood. As for the Chiefs, well they are still down here but they did jump up a slot to number 5. Who knows, an upset win over the defending champs just might be enough to get them out of the hole…but don’t count on it.

1. (23.) Titans (22.1)

This team is hot. CJ is the best back in the NFL right now and if his team keeps playing this way they could go 10-6.

2. (24.) Bills (24.2)

So many problems. T.O., Coach being fired, and a horrible record. Good luck Buffalo fans, good luck.

3. (25.) Seahawks (24.6)

The Seahawks lost the game by might have found their version of Jamaal Charles in Justin Forsett.

4. (26.) Redskins (25)

A surprising win over Denver and they seem to be getting some momentum. It will be interesting to see what changes they make.

5. (27.) Chiefs (26.9)

Locking down a must win in Oakland, the Chiefs will host a Steelers team coming off a loss. Going into the game, KC lost its number one receiver due to a four game suspension.

6. (28.) Raiders (28.4)

Russell has been pulled, a journeyman is now under center, and some wonder, "what happened to Jeff Garcia"? This move should have been made weeks ago.

7. (29.) Lions (29.5)

Lions vs Browns. Yes Roger Godell, expansion teams in LA and London is a GREEEEEAT idea when its clear this league is already too watered down.

8. (30.) Buccaneers (29.9)

Young blood is giving them a little spark but I'm still running out of things to say about a team that's downright horrible every week.

9. (31.) Rams (30)

Beat the Lions in Week 9, bye, gave the Saints all they could handle in Week 10. The Rams are on their way to becoming the top floater in the toilet bowl tier of the NFL.

10. (32.) Browns (31.9)

The Browns D put up an admirable fight against the Ravens but the Cleveland offense remains terrible no matter who is calling the signals.

Poll

Who do you think should be #1?

Fantasy Friday: Week 11 Team Scouting Reports From SB Nation

2009-11-20T20:09:59Z

Fantasy Friday: Week 11 Team Scouting Reports From SB Nation

I've got my entry in. Pretty much no Chiefs should be expected to play a big role but I think Cassel can put up some decent yardage if the Steelers shut down the Chiefs run.

It's been a few weeks since we had a little Q&A with the SBN blog of the Pittsburgh Steelers...

2009-11-20T18:31:31Z

It's been a few weeks since we had a little Q&A with the SBN blog of the Pittsburgh Steelers upcoming opponent. Let's get back to it with a few questions from me for Arrowhead Pride, an immensely fast paced and popular blog. Considering just how sorry the Chiefs have been the past two years, it's remarkable just how vibrant and heavily populated a site Chris Thorman and his brother Joel (who I exchanged these questions with) have built.

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (2-7) - Getting To Know Pittsburgh's 10 - Behind the Steel Curtain

Chiefs Owner Hunt, Coach Haley Admire the Steelers

2009-11-20T18:30:12Z

More photos » by Charles Dharapak - AP

6 months ago: From left, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Wards, President Barack Obama, Steelers Chairman President Dan Rooney, Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin, and members of the Steelers, pose with the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Early on in the Kansas City Chiefs search for a new GM last winter owner Clark Hunt referenced the Pittsburgh Steelers as an organization that was doing it right. The Steelers have had three head coaches since the 70s and consistently produce playoff teams and championships.

When Arrowhead Pride interviewed Mr. Hunt at the end of September, we asked him about his admiration for the Steelers.

"First of all," he told us, "I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the Rooney family, and clearly, the Steelers are one of the model franchises in all of professional sports - as evidenced by their success.

"We want to make decisions that help our football team for the long term, which is something the Rooneys and the Steelers have done extremely well over the years."

Indeed. The Steelers are currently the only NFL team with six championship rings.

The Chiefs head coach, who has a background with the Steelers, was asked if he someday like his team to resemble Pittsburgh.

"That would never be a bad thing," Haley said. "I think for the Steelers this has been a long time in the making. This is something that was established back in the ‘70s and a blueprint they set about for the entire organization."

Haley's father worked for the Steelers for years so many folks, including team president Art Rooney II, remember him. Haley says their organization is set to run so that it's successful year in and year out.

"But having that inside knowledge of a lot of the stuff that was going on," he said, "I know that they set the stage for what they’ve stayed for a long time. They’re consistently in all areas – personnel, how they draft, all areas, they’re very consistent in nature. They don’t panic. If things don’t go real well early they don’t panic; they’ve proven that over the years."

Vrabel's injury a serious one? ... Yes, fairly serious. I think he'll miss 3-5 games.

2009-11-20T17:54:09Z

Vrabel's injury a serious one? ... Yes, fairly serious. I think he'll miss 3-5 games.

Twitter / Kent Babb

Just talked about this but wanted to highlight that Vrabel could be out for a few weeks.

Chiefs Will be Without Vrabel, Several Others Against Steelers

2009-11-20T17:38:10Z

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

5 days ago: Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski (5) runs away from Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Andy Studebaker (96) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. The Chiefs won 16-10. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

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With each passing day it's looking like we should be more concerned with Mike Vrabel's availability for the Kansas City Chiefs the next several weeks than just this weekend. Vrabel once again did not participate in practice due to a knee injury.

Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star thinks he might miss a few weeks.

He's almost assuredly going to be out this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Andy Studebaker appears in line to get his first NFL start in Vrabel's absence.

Three other Chiefs are in jeopardy of missing Sunday's game:

G/C Andy Alleman - He once again did not practice. We're not even sure exactly what his injury is so his presence on Sunday is a big question mark.

RB Dantrell Savage - Savage hasn't participated all week, and another running back Tim Castille was signed, so don't expect Savage to play.

LB Justin Rogers - Herron hopped aboard the injury report yesterday with a thigh injury. Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com reports it does not appear he will play on Sunday.

***

Looney also noted that three tight ends - Leonard Pope, Brad Cottam and Sean Ryan - saw first team time today which means Haley may be making a decision on whether to keep an extra tight end active to stave off Pittsburgh's blitz defense.

After being the Chiefs No. 1 tight end, Ryan was replaced by Leonard Pope on the depth chart. No word yet on who is coming out ahead between Ryan and Cottam.

Steelers S Polamalu Will Not Play Against the Chiefs

2009-11-20T17:19:54Z

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

about 1 month ago: Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, left, comes down with an interception intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Mohammed Massaquoi (not shown) in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (43) is in on the play. The Steelers won 27-14. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

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Looks like the Pittsburgh Steelers play the secrecy game as well. This week S Troy Polamalu would not answer questions about his injured knee. Head coach Mike Tomlin instructed him not to speak on the topic.

"Who says there's even a real knee, first of all?"

Well, okay then. Knee injury or not Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Polamalu will not play against the Chiefs.

This is a major plus for the Chiefs. The Steelers have only allowed 100 rushing yards on two occasions this season - both were games Polamalu missed.

So, one of the top safeties in the game will not play this weekend. His replacement will be Tyrone Carter, who Polamalu says is a solid player.

"There are a lot of strengths that Tyrone has that I lack and vice versa," Polamalu said. "That's why every time I'm in the game, I come to the sidelines, he's in my ear about the previous drive and each play, and where I can improve and what to look out for."

This weekend, it'll be Polamalu on the sidelines getting in Carter's ear.

The Chiefs Second-Half Scheduling Looking Harder Than Originally Thought

2009-11-20T17:00:16Z

by Phil Coale - AP

View full size photo »

It's amazing how quickly the tides change in the NFL. What once seems destitute and unsalvageable can quickly become exciting and promising. Yet for the Chiefs, one glimmer of hope - namely, the second half of the schedule - has morphed into something rather unsightly.

In the months leading up to the 2009 season, it was quite obvious that the early season rotation through the NFC East was going to be a scheduling beast. After all, in all time head-to-head match-ups against various franchises, teams like the Giants, Cowboys and Eagles rank among the toughest. In fact, if you include the Steelers and Jaguars, the Chiefs literally face the five teams with the worst all-time winning %:

Team, Chiefs All-Time Record Against (Win. %)
New York Giants, 2-10 (.167)
Jacksonville Jaguars, 2-6 (.250)
Pittsburgh Steelers, 8-17 (.320)
Dallas Cowboys, 3-6 (.333)
Philadelphia Eagles, 2-4 (.333)

So Chiefs fans braced themselves early for this, knowing the storms of this season would prove rough-going in various weeks. But as we watch the season unfold, some things only become more difficult.

Before the season, KC fans scoffed at the drama unfolding in the preseason in Denver. The Broncos were the laughingstock of the NFL after Jay Cutler successfully wormed his way out of the Mile High City and Brandon Marshall tried to follow suit. And we dreamed of playing Kyle Orton twice a year. Many believed that was a possible two wins on the schedule and opened up the AFC West wide open. Now, the Broncos sit atop the standings, even with the current losing streak.

Another game that seemed to bring hope was the second to last game - a road trip to Cincinnati to play the Bungles, er, Bengals. Once a desperate franchise that housed every shady character this side of the Mississippi (i.e. the Portland Trailblazers from five years ago), now they are dominating the absolutely brutal AFC North division and just defeated the Steelers twice this season. That late game could now have home turf playoff implications for Cincy and that spells bad news for Kansas City.

Of course, the Browns and Bills still linger on the schedule and you just never know what can happen week to week in the NFL. But what once was a beam of light on the back nine of 2009 now becomes as potentially frustrating as the front.

Steelers the Only Team With a Winning Record in Arrowhead

2009-11-20T16:12:56Z

More photos » by Ed Reinke - AP

about 1 month ago: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks with an official during their 23-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)

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The Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend and, if history tells us anything, the Steelers are more likely to walk out there with a victory.

The Steelers have won 9 of 13 contests in Arrowhead Stadium including the playoffs. They are the only team with a winning record in Arrowhead that has played at least two games there. Under current head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers are 11-9 on the road. Todd Haley's road record is 2-3.

However, the Chiefs tend to do well against coaches making their Arrowhead debut. They have won 25 of 36 games against coaches popping their Arrowhead cherry.

Hard hitting analysis: Steelers win when they score a lot of points, Chiefs win when they stop opponent from scoring a lot of points.

Yes, analysis like this is why you read Arrowhead Pride. Let me explain a little more.

The Steelers are actually similar to the Chiefs in one category and that's games decided by seven points or less. Both teams have won just one of four games in close calls. The Steelers' three losses have come in these games by a total of 12 points.

So, the Steelers don't get blown out. The Chiefs, on the other hand, have been losing by an average of 12 points.

Check out other interesting stats by Mr. Pete Moris of KCChiefs.com.

Chiefs WR Wade Experienced Similar Issues Surrounding KU's Mangino

2009-11-20T15:00:14Z

by Alex Brandon - AP

Chiefs WR Bobby Wade experiences similar situations surrounding KU head coach Mark Mangino. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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I don't venture outside of the NFL very often. The majority of my news sources are focused on the NFL and other than catching a score here or there, or checking out future NFL players, I can't say I'm a big college football junkie. However, I have been following the tail end of this mess with KU and head coach Mark Mangino.

The story's been hot on sports talk radio in Kansas City but here's a quick version: KU athletic director Lew Perkins held a meeting with the KU football players concerning some stories of verbal and physical abuse from current and former players. An independent and unbiased person will conduct an internal investigation into the allegations.

The allegations have the majority of afternoon radio time devoted to determining what will come of this.

Chiefs WR Bobby Wade played under head coach John Mackovic at Arizona and experienced a similar situation from the players view. Mackovic was under similar circumstances to Mangino where former and current players were complaining of verbal abuse from the coach.

Wade talked about these experiences on 810 WHB.

Wade points out that when new coaches come in, "a lot of them start to second guess themselves with where they're at and talk about transfers and stuff like that." Just like a new head coach in the NFL, there's a lot of change in the program with a new head coach.

"The players felt it was getting ridiculous. He thought it was more about him and not the program," Wade said.

Mackovic reportedly told one of the tight ends that he was a disgrace to his family. This led to a backdoor meeting with some of the players and the school president.

"It was a players only thing," Wade explained, "and the players went in there and talked to the president and told them what they felt about it."

Sound a little familiar? Yeah, that's pretty similar to the situation in Kansas. Wade says that it got to the point that some players, mainly the younger ones, let Mackovic "take a lot of the love of the game out of them."

Three Things to Expect from the Chiefs v. Steelers This Weekend

2009-11-20T13:35:02Z

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

Yeah he's a Steelers fan but I can respect that dedication. At least he's not in a werewolf costume or wearing spiked shoulder backs like the fans last weekend in Oakland. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

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Football returns to Arrowhead Stadium this weekend as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In case you didn't know, the Steelers are the defending Super Bowl Champions and have a pretty good defense. And a good quarterback.

It's going to be a tough one for the Chiefs this weekend. I've put together three random things I expect to happen this weekend.

Unfortunately, one of those random things is not a Chiefs win. Don't worry - I'm still going to pick the Chiefs to win in my game day prediction. But it's Friday and objectivity rules today. This Steelers team is a huge challenge for the Chiefs

Talking expectations, after the jump.

Increased load for RB Kolby Smith

I know people are saying Jamaal Charles should be getting the majority of the carries for the Chiefs but I don't see that happening. I think Charles' increased load last weekend was a placeholder tactic until Kolby Smith is up to speed.

RB Jamaal Charles had 18 carries last weekend - tied for his career high in rushing attempts. Charles had 18 carries against Tampa Bay last season but no more than 7 carries in any other game.

My point? Jamaal Charles is not ready to be an every down back and probably never will be. Fumbles anyone?

That's why I think we'll see RB Kolby Smith carry the ball more than the 9 times he did last week.

The Pittsburgh offense won't be scary (but they'll be pretty good)

The Steelers' offense is pretty middle of the road - 15th in points; 9th in yards; 8th in passing yards; 17th in rushing yards.

They're bolstered by a top notch defense that ranks second in the NFL in yards allowed per game and first against the run. This strong running defense is also a reason I think we'll see Kolby Smith more.

We're all pretty familiar with the Steelers style of play - less than flashy offense; grinding defense. And I think that's the exact combination we'll see this weekend.

QB Ben Roethlisberger won't screw up this week

Last weekend, here's what Ben Roethlisberger had to say about his team's loss to the Bengals:

"You know what? I had a bad day," Roethlisberger said Thursday, the first time he has talked to reporters since the game. "Everyone in here's had a bad day. ... I flat out had a bad day, and it's going to happen sometimes. It's just unfortunate that when the quarterback has a bad game, it affects the whole offense. That's why you can't afford to have too many bad games."

I'm secretly a huge Big Ben fan because I think he's arguably the first quarterback I'd pick up if I was building a team. It's not in his nature to have two bad games in a row, especially against an inferior team like the Chiefs.

Defensive match ups and all other analysis aside, I have a gut feeling that Roethlisberger will have a big day against the Chiefs. Like I said above, I don't think the Steeler offense is going to put up 40 points. But I do think we'll see a solid quarterbacking day from the Steelers' QB - perhaps a 65+ completion percentage, 250+ yards and a passing TD.

***

Those are three of my expectations for this weekend. What are some of yours?

Poll

Confidence poll: Will the Chiefs win this weekend against the Steelers?

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 11/20

2009-11-20T12:24:03Z

via media.kansascity.com

Very slim pickings today.

Chiefs coach Todd Haley has mastered the art of praising the opponent, but it’s not hype when he says this week’s foes, the Pittsburgh Steelers, are the model for what type of program he’s trying to build in Kansas City.

“That would never be a bad thing,” Haley said. “This has been a long time in the making for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is something that was established back in the ’70s, a blueprint they set about in the entire organization.”

Using Pittsburgh as the model goes beyond the fact the Steelers have won two of the last four Super Bowl games, last season’s included.

Chiefs notes | Steelers are what Haley hopes his team can be from KC Star

“Without a doubt, my memories of the Steelers will never be taken away,” said Haley. “It was a phenomenal time to grow up in Pittsburgh and then to actually have a connection to the Steelers through my father and me getting to work for them in a much lower capacity. Those are tremendous, tremendous memories.
“The year they went back to the Super Bowl a few years ago (2005) when they played Seattle, they showed all the old [TV] clips and my wife elbows me and says, ‘are you crying?’ They’re great, great memories and there are still a lot of people there who mean a lot to me.”

Was he crying watching tape of the Immaculate Reception and like moments from Steelers history?

“She knows I’m a pushover,” Haley said with a smile. “I cry at commercials.”

Haley Suffers From Hypocycloids … Friday Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz

Lance Long can’t afford bad days or sick days. Can’t deliver a lazy practice or run a sloppy route. Long has to be almost perfect. Otherwise, someone might notice that he doesn’t seem to belong as a Chiefs wide receiver.

“I’ve been through a few obstacles in my life in the football sense,” Long said this week. “You’ve just got to keep playing and keep going.”

Long has his big chance with the Chiefs from KC Star

Very cool! AP commenter thewaffle1 created this cool AP coin.

2009-11-20T11:43:42Z

Very cool! AP commenter thewaffle1 created this cool AP coin.

Gannon on Chiefs WRs: 'You gotta feel for Matt Cassel'

2009-11-20T02:29:34Z

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

This is a picture from training camp with former Chiefs receiver Jeff Webb. We are running out of Matt Cassel pictures, thus the one with Jeff Webb. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and current CBS announcer Rich Gannon will team with Ian Eagle in this Sunday's broadcast of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gannon weighed in on the current four game suspension for Dwayne Bowe with the folks at 810 WHB and also touched on how the rotating group of receivers affects Matt Cassel as a quarterback.

"Another disappointing notch on his belt for this guy," Gannon said. "He hasn't been the player he thought he was going to be. He's been inconsistent. I think his focus has been and down and his production has been up and down. This is really disappointing."

I would agree with Gannon that this is disappointing but it's a stretch to say he he hasn't been the player he thought he was going to be and his production has been up and down.

His first two seasons in the NFL and he has over 2,000 receiving yards. For a position that usually takes a little longer to develop. Bowe certainly acted (and produced) like a No. 1 receiver right off the bat. He's definitely having a down year for now and, after the suspension, his numbers will be way down.

"And if it turns out it is a diuretic, that's even worse," Gannon continued. I was interested to hear the take of a former player on taking a diuretic. Gannon called this an "unacceptable" mistake.

"You look at the premier receivers in the game," he said, "they take great care of themselves and pride themselves in their preparation all week. Part of your responsibility is taking care of your body, especially at that position, all year round."

Gannon called the rotation at wide receiver a "dysfunctional" situation for Matt Cassel. He says that his 17 years in the NFL have taught him that lots of time with your wide receivers, especially in the offseason, is critical to success. The Chiefs could and will likely feature a set with only receivers signed within the last two months.

"You gotta feel for Matt Cassel," Gannon said.