Bleacher Report - Articles by Josh Knox

Ranking the AFC West Quarterbacks

Josh Knox — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:17:06 -0400

With all of the recent activity of the quarterbacks in the AFC West, I decided to put out my rankings of the AFC West QBs as of right now.

Philip Rivers, San Diego. Rivers, at this moment, is in his own class in the AFC West. He got snubbed last season by not making the Pro Bowl despite a great season (34 TDs, 11 INTs, 4,009 yards) and his QB rating of 105.5 for the season put him in the company of other great QBs such as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning (who also have recorded seasons with 100+ QB rating).
Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs. Cassel was great filling in for the injured Tom Brady last season. In his “rookie” season (and the first game he started since high school), Cassel had 21 TDs, 11 INT, and a QB rating of 89.4. Now the real question is, can he do the same in KC? Time will tell.
Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos. Some of you may find this odd, but here is some of my reasoning. Orton’s career record as a starter is 21-12 (including 9-6 last season with the Bears D on decline and 10-5 as a rookie). His career completion percentage is pretty low at 55.3, but has increased throughout his career, and his career QB rating is 71.1.
JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders. I think based on purely potential, Russell would rank ahead of Orton, but that isn’t how I do things. Russell still seems very inconsistent, and while his career numbers are about the same (sample size compared to Orton is about half), Russell’s career record as a starter is 5-11. This could very well change, but at this moment Orton is more likely to win you a game, and to me that makes him a better QB.

So, there are my rankings of the AFC West QB’s. Do you agree? And if so, tell me why in the comments section below.

Post from: KC Chiefs Football

Kansas City Chiefs Could Play All Away Games This Season

Josh Knox — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:06:03 -0400

Right now, this is just a rumor, courtesy of 810 Sports in KC, but here it is:

The station reported Wednesday afternoon about the construction company doing the renovations at Arrowhead and said if the company and its workers don’t come to an agreement by March 30 at midnight, the carpenters and steel workers union will go on strike immediately.

They also said that if the strike happens and is a certain length of time (something between 45 and 90 days), Arrowhead Stadium would not be ready for the open of the 2009 NFL season.

A source then told 810 that the Chiefs would have to play all of their games on the road, and were asking permission to play all of their games away, just in case.

I’m not pretending to understand what is going on between the union and the company, but as a season-ticket holder, this would suck.

Remember that this is just a rumor at the moment and hasn’t been confirmed by anyone except 810.

What do you think, Chiefs fans?

Here is a link to my buddies over at Arrowhead Pride, who are saying the same thing.

Post from: KC Chiefs Football

Chiefs Will Keep Tony Gonzalez; Not Sure on Larry Johnson and Brian Waters

Josh Knox — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:05:45 -0400

I know it has been so crazy with Chiefs news lately that we haven’t really been able to keep up (ha ha), but Adam Teicher has provided us with some news thanks to his talk with Chiefs owner Clark Hunt.

Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said Monday during a break at the NFL meetings that the Chiefs had decided to hold on to Gonzalez, their longtime Pro Bowl tight end. Hunt also said decisions regarding Johnson and Waters haven’t been made, but added that either or both could return to play for the Chiefs this season.

So on the surface I am really happy, at least about the part where Clark says we are keeping Tony Gonzalez. Maybe Tony G has seen that the Chiefs are heading in a different direction now and wants to be a part of it. But… I can’t help but think this just could be the Chiefs talking the talk, e.g. so they can up Tony’s trade value and if a really sweet deal did come along take it.

Now, with that said why would it make sense in trying to up Tony’s trade value while not making the same about Waters and LJ? I could understand saying you don’t know if you will trade LJ because honestly his trade value isn’t much right now, but with Waters you would think it would make sense to try to up his trade value (if you really are trying to trade him that is). Maybe the Chiefs staff is trying to send Waters (and other Chiefs players) a message that no matter who you are one player is not great than the team.

Personally I hope we can keep Gonzalez, Waters, and even give LJ a shot with the new staff (maybe their no-nonsense approach will be good for him).

Go Chiefs!

Post from: KC Chiefs Football

Chiefs will Keep Tony Gonzalez; Not Sure on Larry Johnson and Brian Waters

Julius Peppers to Chiefs Not Looking Likely

Josh Knox — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:14:07 -0500

Juluis Peppers coming to the Chiefs is not looking like a likely scenario.

Since the Chiefs are so far under the salary cap many people (including myself) think the Chiefs should be active in the Free Agent market. Also, when you set any records for the fewest amount of sacks in season most people would look at a pass rusher as an area of need therefore Julius Peppers would be an ideal fit, right? Well, that’s if we are on his list…

AP source: Peppers’ trade list has only 4 teams - NFL - Yahoo! Sports.

Julius Peppers still wants out of Carolina, but he’ll only agree to be traded to four teams, further complicating the Panthers’ efforts to get compensation for the four-time Pro Bowl defensive end.

On the eve of the deadline to place the franchise tag on Peppers, a person close to the player said Wednesday that the impending free agent wants to play for Dallas or three other unnamed teams, two of them in the NFC.

Scott Pioli doesn’t really seem to go after big name free agents so this may not really matter to him, but to the fans of the Kansas City Chiefs this could be a blow.

Since it it unlikely that the Chiefs are the AFC team that he is interested in should they bother going after Peppers now (if they even were to start with)?

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Julius Peppers to Chiefs Not Looking Likely

Chiefs News: Head Coaches, Grocery Stores, and the Rooney Rule

Josh Knox — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:00:50 -0500

Just doing a little catch-up here on some Chiefs news.

If you have never been to a game, this won’t mean as much to you, but the Kansas City Chiefs will now have Hy-Vee as its go to grocery store...so for all of us season ticket holders that means no more, “Chiefs and Chopper! Chiefs and Chopper!”

Chiefs switching supermarket sponsorship contract from Price Chopper to Hy-Vee - Kansas City Star

Say so long to “Chiefs and Chopper.”

After nearly three decades, the homegrown Price Chopper chain will no longer be the Kansas City Chiefs’ “official” grocery sponsor. Price Chopper said the Chiefs indicated that when the sponsorship contract ran out in March, Iowa-based Hy-Vee Food & Drug would take over.

Chiefs Head Coaching News:

Nothing really new as far as Chiefs head coaching news besides a report (especially as of late, we all know how reliable some of these reports can be) out of Chicago saying that Cardinals Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley is expected to interview with the Chiefs very soon.

One part of this article that I find interesting is this:

One source said minority candidates have turned down interviews to fulfill the Rooney Rule because the prevailing feeling in league circles is that the job belongs to Haley.

If the Chiefs are unable to interview a minority candidate because they all believe the head coaching job is already spoken for, then what? Will the Chiefs be fined by the league or will they let it slide because they offered interviews and were turned down? If true, this could be very interesting to watch play out.

Well, that’s all for Chiefs news for now. Go Chiefs!

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Chiefs News - Head Coaches, Grocery Stores and Rooney Rule

Should the Kansas City Chiefs Go to a 3-4 Defense?

Josh Knox — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:15:08 -0500

Ever since it was rumored that the Chiefs were interested in getting Scott Pioli, I had been thinking about the possibility of the Chiefs switching to a 3-4 defense.

Scott Pioli has already proved that he can build a very solid 3-4 defense in New England and with the current state of the Chiefs defense I say now is just as good as time as any to build a 3-4.

Here is how I think some of our current players would fit into a 3-4 Defense.

Tank Tyler: Tank has the size and the strength to be a NT in a 3-4 defense (remember when Tank was drafted he benched more than anyone else at the combine). The question is whether he has the ability to play this position as NT is a very key position in the 3-4.

Glenn Dorsey: This is very interesting situation. I think that Dorsey’s ability to penetrate (shown at LSU), and especially since he does not have the size that most like in a NT, that he would make a great 3-4 DE. Now, some would say why would ‘waste’ a No. 5 overall pick on a 3-4 DE, and to that say I say ‘who cares.’

You put your players in the best position for them to succeed. Am I saying that this is the best position for him to succeed in? No, but I’m saying that it could be.

Derrick Johnson: I think that DJ could benefit more than most if the Chiefs went to a 3-4 defense. I’m not sure if DJ would play an outside or one of the middle LB positions, but the 3-4 would definitely allow him to roam around me and get after the QB, something that he has shown flashes of.

Turk McBride: In this scenario, it would appear that the Chiefs' front three would consist of Tank, Dorsey, and Turk/Tamba. So, whoever the Chiefs think would better fit the mold of a 3-4 DE would most likely get the nod here.

Tamba Hali: Same as Turk.

Brandon Flowers: Although Flowers was drafted to be a cover-two corner he did enough to show me that he can hang one-on-one with almost any WR in the league. So I would not worry about Flowers whether he is in man or zone coverage.

Brandon Carr: Same as Flowers.

Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page: Page and Pollard would retain their post at their respective safety positions. In my perspective they done enough to keep their jobs on the current team (as there is no one better then them on the current roster), but not enough to not be replaced if somebody better comes along (via draft or FA).

Of course all of this is just speculation and will change once free agency and draft take place. I am of the mindset that I will trust Pioli will make the right decisions until proven otherwise.

Now, with that said here is a some of what I would do to address the transfer to a 3-4 defense in FA and the draft (if the Chiefs went 3-4 of course).

3-4 Addressed in Free Agency and the Draft

Sign Terrell Suggs: The Chiefs definitely have enough cap room to take a chance on Suggs in free agency. Suggs would add some instant credibility to the Chiefs defense and is a sack artist. We all know who badly the Chiefs needs someone who can take down the QB.

He also has played big in big-time games (at least from what I saw this post-season, even baring injury and also that fact that he is a veteran who has played in big games is big). His closing speed on the QB is what really impressed me.

If the Chiefs did go to a 3-4 defense this would allow them to not worry about getting a top flight DE in the draft as well (and even more so if they signed Suggs).

This would allow the Chiefs to look at drafting a MLB (Rey Maualuga from USC or James Laurinaitis from OSU ) or even Aaron Curry from Wake Forest who is being projected as in outside LB in a 4-3 or an inside LB in a 3-4.

Another option this would allow the Chiefs is draft the best available player left. Michael Crabtree anyone? Pioli had Moss in NE and we have all seen what Larry Fitzgarald has done in the playoffs this year.

With Bowe and Crabtree at WR the Chiefs would be SET for years to come.

Just to add one more thing here. I am no expert on the 3-4 defense, but I do realize that with the 3-4 defense the importance of the LB position is key. So for the Chiefs to successfully run the 3-4 you have to believe the Chiefs either already have the talent at LB to can get the talent at LB to make this happen.

With Pioli, I am convinced we can identify and get this talent on the roster.

So there it is...What do you think about the Chiefs running a 3-4 defense?

Post from: KC Chiefs Football

Should Chiefs go to 3-4 Defense?

Scott Pioli is the New GM of the Kansas City Chiefs

Josh Knox — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:12:21 -0500

Well, it has finally happened: Scott Pioli is the next GM of the Kansas City Chiefs. I hate to say I told you so, but, I told you so.

from ESPN.com

"New England Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli has agreed to become head of football operations for the Kansas City Chiefs, two NFL sources told ESPN’s Michael Smith.

Pioli was seen packing up his office Tuesday afternoon, a Patriots source said."

So, that means many things for the Chiefs including that Herm Edwards will most likely be sent packing very soon and that means KC will be looking for a new leader very soon.

"The decision to hire Pioli likely means Herman Edwards will not be back as Chiefs head coach next season. Among the top candidates to succeed Edwards is New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo."

This gives me hope. The Chiefs went after and "signed" who most believe to be the best and biggest name GM on the market. If nothing else, this tells me that Clark Hunt is willing to do what it takes to field a winner in KC.

I wish you all the best of luck Scott Pioli. As long as you try your best to field the best team you can you will get a great amount of respect from what I believe to be the loyalest fans in the NFL.

Go Chiefs!

Post from: KC Chiefs Football

Scott Pioli IS the new GM of the Kansas City Chiefs

News on Kansas City Chiefs' GM search: Quietest GM Interviews Ever

Josh Knox — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:04:33 -0500

Clark Hunt says, “You underestimate my sneakiness.” Seriously though, it is being reported that the Chiefs have had “at least a half dozen candidates” interview for the GM Job recently.

NFL.com Blogs » Blog Archive Few leaks in Chiefs’ GM search «.

"Candidates interviewed include Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli, Chargers director of player personnel Jimmy Raye, former Broncos GM Ted Sundquist, former Titans GM Floyd Reese and former Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer."

Of course Scott Pioli still seems to be the Chiefs favorite

"League sources insist the Chiefs are waiting on Pioli, that he’s their No. 1 candidate for the job. If the two sides can’t agree on a contract, then Kansas City will be prepared to move on. But apparently it still is in talks with Pioli, though no decision is imminent."

So really, no new news on the Pioli and Chiefs situation, but I find it pretty amazing that Clack Hunt was able to keep these interviews so quiet, especially in today’s world with ESPN and the Internet.

What do you guys think about the other candidates that the Chiefs have interviewed? Are that any that you would take either over Pioli or as a second option if Pioli doesn’t work out?

Post from: KC Chiefs Football

News on Chiefs’ GM search: Quietest GM Interviews Ever

Sources: Beanie Wells, Michael Crabtree, and Jeremy Maclin To Declare for NFL

Josh Knox — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:54:48 -0500

Looks like all three of these players will enter the 2009 NFL Draft. This shouldn’t really come as a surprise.

The National Football Post | Sources: Wells, Crabtree, Maclin to Declare.

"Trusted sources close to the National Football Post have just informed me that Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree, Ohio State running back Beanie Wells and Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin all intend to declare for the 2009 NFL Draft in the very near future."

Personally, I would LOVE to see Crabtree in a Chiefs uniform, but it doesn’t really make sense for the Chiefs to draft him at No. 3; we have greater needs.

So what do you guys think? Any of these players you would like to see in a Chiefs uniform?

Post from: KC Chiefs Football

Sources: Wells, Crabtree, Maclin to Declare

Patriots' Scott Pioli Offered Kansas City Chiefs GM Job

Josh Knox — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:04:55 -0500

Kansas City radio station 610 Sports, along with my buddies over at Arrowhead Pride, are reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs have offered Scott Pioli the job of general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs.

It is being said that there are two sticking points, including money and control over football operations, specifically the coaching staff.

As far as money goes, it is unclear how close theses two parties are to any sort of agreement. Unless Pioli wants some un-Godly amount of money, I don’t think this will be a problem. If Clark Hunt really believes that Scott Pioli is the man for this job and they are to the point of negotiating dollars and cents, it will happen.

Power: Also according to 610 Sports, Pioli is asking for more control over football operations, in particularly the coaching staff. Most seem to agree that means that Pioli wants Herm gone as head coach, and as Clark has said, the new GM will definitely be a part of the decision about the head coach.

I don’t see this as a problem. I believe this could be an issue because while Carl Peterson was here he gave his head coach control over his own coaching staff.

I believe the two sources above much more than this, but there was also a comment on the Red Zone blog stating the following (take it for whatever it’s worth)

Update from someone inside the Chiefs organization!

Submitted by Rocky Alden on Jan. 7, 2009 - 6:13pm.

Okay gang, as many of you know I still have friends at the highest level in the Chiefs organization and have this info to share with full confidence: Scott Pioli is the new GM. His announcement will come Thursday or Friday at the latest. Clark and Scott are working out the finer points of his contract tonight, but the deal is sealed. Also, Clark informed Herm Edwards and his coaching staff that they will be released. All assistants can reapply through Scott.

I only share this information because I’m no longer with the team and it’s fun to share that a new day is dawning at Arrowhead. Scott Pioli will quickly move to clean out the front office and hire a new coach.

The only info I have on the new coach is it will not be Kirk Ferentz from the Iowa Hawkeyes. Kirk coaches his son at Iowa and does not want to leave until his son graduates.

Mike Shanahan has contacted Pioli, but I don’t know any info beyond that.

So, I guess now we all just wait to see if this news is true or not. I will post any news as soon as I find out.

Post from: KC Chiefs Football

Breaking News: Chiefs Offer Scott Pioli GM Job

Sam Bradford Is Going to the NFL

Josh Knox — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:53:16 -0500

It is being reported that Oklahoma standout Sam Bradford going Pro" onclick="urchinTracker('/outgoing/www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/01/sources-bradford-to-turn-pro/?referer=');">QB Sam Bradford is going pro.

Sources close to the National Football Post have told us that Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, barring an injury in Thursday night’s BCS National Championship game against Florida, will declare for the NFL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound sophomore and Heisman Trophy winner threw for 4,464 yards and 48 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions in leading the Sooners to the Big 12 championship and a 12-1 record.

I find it very interesting that Bradford has made this decision at this time. I always assumed that he would wait until after Thursday's National Championship Game. If he won, we would be gone, but if he lost, he might elect to come back and try again next year.

If Oklahoma wins the National Championship, then he would have nothing more to prove at the collegiate level. I’m not saying that if Oklahoma lost in the championship that he would undoubtedly come back. I just think he would consider coming back for another year.

I know that this news surprised me, but at the same time it makes sense too. Bradford is listed by many to be the top QB in the draft, if not the top player in the draft. If you are going to go out, when would be a better time to go than right now?

Also, I think that he was trying to avoid making a tough emotional decision after the game. If the Sooners lost, I’m sure the decision would be in the back of his mind. My guess is that he sat down with his family and agent and decided that regardless of what happens in the Championship (barring injury or a historic meltdown), now is the best time for him to go. Can’t say that I blame him...

Now...If Sam Bradford somehow gets past the Lions, do the Chiefs take him?

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Sam Bradford Going Pro

Best Part of Going to Chiefs Games Today

Josh Knox — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:06:27 -0500

With the Chiefs being in position for a top five draft pick, what is the best part of coming to the games now?

For me, I love watching the football, but it comes down to two things for me:

Tailgating

Who doesn’t love tailgating? And if you don’t, you must have never been to a Chiefs game at Arrowhead. I have been to some other stadiums around the country and even with the Chiefs being down right now, I have not seen fans that do this better at any other stadium.

Tailgating is all about the party and even when the season isn’t going great, there is still a party atmosphere before the game in the parking lot. Hanging with friends, eating great BBQ, and drinking ice cold drinks…few things are better than that.

The little things

This includes watching the progress of the young players, if we will get a sack today, seeing which fans in your section will continue to come to the games, and if Herm Edwards will make what I think are the right decisions (as far as game management goes).

It has been fun this year watching (some definitely more than others) the young players develop. Brandon Flowers is a gamer, it looks like we could have our LT of the future in Branden “Phat” Albert, and Thiggy is looking like he could be a legitimate QB for this team for years to come.

As far as fans in my section goes there are a core group of us that haven’t missed a game…and our boy “Neck Meat” has only missed one game (that’s your boy Brick). Hey, you got to have someone to high five when the Chiefs actually do make a play.

So, besides the fact that I will always be a loyal Chiefs fan, that is what gets me excited to come to the games still.

What keeps you guys coming to the game? Or what would make you come if you aren’t already?

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Best part of going to Chiefs games now?

Monday Morning Thoughts: Kansas City Chiefs

Josh Knox — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:19:06 -0500

Happy Victory Monday y’all… Hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend.

The Chiefs managed to find a way to score 20 points in a game and still get beat, er win? This may surprise me even more that the Chiefs “only” scored 20 points and still managed to pull out a win than last week when they scored 31 and found a way to lose.

Either way, I’ll take a win here.

Tyler Thigpen: If you would have told me before the game that Thigpen would throw for 162 yards, no TDs, and one INT, then I would have thought for sure we would lose. This is great though, Thigpen showed that for one, he could actually win a game (something Croyle never could do) and two, that he could win a game without his best performance.

These are two qualities that are good to have in a QB.

Chiefs Defense: The Chiefs defense actually played a decent game. The main thing being they didn’t give out in the second half/fourth QTR like they have been for the last I don’t know how many weeks.

Now, I know this was the Raiders, but you have start somewhere, right? Derrick Johnson showed up this week looking like a super star...I sure with Gunther could get him to play that like all the time.

Got to give some props to Maurice “the new Brackenridge” Leggett. He played a very solid game yesterday and as much as he gets picked on we will need more of that in the future.

Overall good week, Chiefs fans, enjoy the victory week and in case you still don’t believe it, YES, we actually won! :O

Now some news about this site

As you know by now, I have changed the look of the site here at KC Chiefs Football dot com blog. Of the people that did leave feedback all of them seemed to like the new look (as do I) so I think we are going to roll with it.

Also, the loading time should be much better on the site as a few adjustments were made after I did the last Monday Morning Thoughts… I actually did a post a post about the changes that can be viewed here:Changes to KC Chiefs Football.com blog

Well, that’s all for this Monday. Hope you guys have a great after-Turkey week!

Go Chiefs!

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Monday Morning Thoughts…

Trade Update: Tony Gonzalez Still with the Chiefs

Josh Knox — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:10:35 -0400

I have not heard anything for the last little bit and now that the trade deadline has come and gone I think it is safe to say that Tony Gonzalez is still a Chief. Whew…

< Here is a link that confirms (Gonzalez stays with the Chiefs) >

I understand Tony G’s point of view here and the Chiefs could definitely use all the draft picks they can get, but deep down I’m a somewhat selfish fan who is happy that Gonzalez is still with the team. Sure, I could have dealt with it and understood if he was gone, but this makes it so much easier.

I wish you the best of luck Tony. You and the rest of your Chiefs will definitely need it the remainder of the season.

What do you guys think about this whole situation? (or any other Chiefs that didn’t get traded).

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Trade Update: Tony Gonzalez still with the Chiefs

Tony Gonzalez to Be Traded? Maybe to the Giants?

Josh Knox — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:16:36 -0400

There has been lots of talk about the Chiefs and a possible trade of Tony Gonzalez. I have said before that maybe we owe it to Gonzalez to play for a contender, but as it possibly gets closer to actually happening, I am developing a pain in my stomach.

I would understand it if Tony G wanted to play somewhere he has a chance at the Super Bowl, but I would absolutely HATE to see him in another uniform.

Here is some of the "news" that is being reported about the possible Tony Gonzalez trade from around the net:

Jay Glazer has this to say about the Tony Gonzalez trade:

The Giants are the perfect fit as they'd provide Eli Manning with one of the most reliable targets in the league. Between Gonzalez and Plaxico Burress, their red-zone threat would be downright scary. The Giants should take the second and fifth-round picks they got for Jeremy Shockey's trade and offer them to the Chiefs for Gonzalez. Shockey for Gonzo? Who doesn't do that?

If I were the Giants, and Chiefs offered me Gonzalez for the same second and fifth-round picks that they got for Shockey, I would take that in a heartbeat. Gonzalez, although older, is a MUCH better (more complete and injury free) TE. IF the Chiefs make this trade I would hope they would get more than that for him. Don't get a Shockey for giving a Gonzalez (future HOF'er and best TE EVER).

Pro Football Talk: Tony Gonzalez traded to Giants?

Though we haven’t confirmed that KSHB is reporting this information, we’ve learned separately that, indeed, an effort is afoot to move Gonzalez out of Kansas City.

So who knows what or if any of these rumors are valid, but you never know. Tony G say that, since it could take a few years that maybe the Chiefs should see what they could get for him and ship him off.

The trade deadline is Oct. 14 at 4:00 PM EDT. We should all know something by then.

From: KC Chiefs Football

Congrats Tony Gonzalez for setting all-time TE yardage record

Josh Knox — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:46:07 -0400

Sorry it had to come like this Tony G. We all know you that you would have loved to have broken the record against Denver, but it happened at an away game on a short pass early in a 34 - 0 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Gonzalez broke this record with a six-yard reception late in the first quarter that gave him 10,064 career yards, surpassing the previous record of 10,060 by former Donkey Shannon Sharpe.

Tony G is already the career leader in touchdowns and receptions by a tight end. He has also now caught a pass in 120 consecutive games.

So lets give it up for Tony Gonzalez, we all know that you are greatest TE ever. Show some love to him in the comments people.

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Congrats Tony Gonzalez for setting all-time TE yardage record

Chiefs-Panthers: Postgame Thoughts

Josh Knox — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:39:37 -0400

CHIEFS vs. PANTHERS

Hold on to your seats, Chiefs fans, our beloved red and gold are on a quest for a winning streak. Though things didn’t start out as one would hope for the Chiefs, both sides of the ball came into this game flat, perhaps they're still celebrating the upset victory over the Broncos last week. Chiefs players didn’t show the same fire and desire against Carolina as they did against their division rival.

Some disappointing game stats sum up this contest better then any words I could spill out. Larry Johnson had literally a heart-stopping five rushes for four yards in the first half, ending the game with two yards on seven attempts.

Plus, our patched-up offense didn’t pick up a first down until 9:12 of the second quarter. All the while, Herm seemed to always have a confused look on his face every time the camera crew would scan the down-and-out Chiefs' sideline.

Though I am still a firm believer in the youth movement of this once-proud franchise, we as Chiefs fans can expect the ups and downs that can come, week to week, with such a young roster.

That still doesn’t give them any reason to come out and not show any heart. I think a major factor in the games thus far has been if the Chiefs can get out of the gate effectively or not. We can’t forget that a lot of our young players are still gaining confidence that they can in fact play in the NFL.

Today isn’t a day the Chiefs need to dwell on. I think it would be wise to throw out the game film and just get back to finding ways to move the offense. Going into the bye week, the Chiefs need to work Brodie back into the offense.

I think, after watching a healthy Jake Delhomme affect both sides of the ball for the Panthers this week, you can’t stress enough the importance of quality quarterback play in the NFL.

FINAL THOUGHT

It didn’t look like the same team on the field this week; the lone bright spot that I saw was the continued high level of play from linebacker Derrick Johnson. Though fear not, things can only get better from here.

I have confidence that the Chiefs will once again rise back to their high level of play. I am asking you to stick behind our young team and remember that one day the sea of red at our beloved Arrowhead will rock again.

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The Final Whistle - Post Game Thoughts: Chiefs vs. Panthers

Chiefs-Panthers: Matchup Edges Kansas City Needs to Take Down Carolina

Josh Knox — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:04:05 -0400

The Chiefs are 1-3 and would love to come out with a second straight win. Here are some of the matchups they would have to win against Carolina Sunday in order for this to happen.

Chiefs Offense Line vs. Carolina Defensive Line

As you can tell from one of my latest articles, Top 5 Reasons to Believe in the Young Chiefs, I think the Chiefs offensive line is on the rise. This line has given up 12 sacks this year, but only three in the last two games combined.

The Panthers are ranked 19th in the league with seven sacks, which is really just middle-of-the-pack, but five of those sacks have come in the last two games. With both lines playing their best, the last two games this should be a great matchup to watch.

Chiefs Running Game vs. Panthers Rush Defense

The Chiefs' running game, particularly Larry Johnson, has really been picking up stream lately, and this matchup could be one of the main deciding factors of the game.

The Chiefs are currently averaging 4.9 yards per attempt (seventh in NFL) and 138.5 rushing yards per game (also good for seventh).

The Panthers are allowing 4.1 yards per carry (15th) on average, along with 114.2 yards per game (19th). On paper, this match up looks like it could go to the Chiefs.

Carolina Running Game vs. Chiefs Rush Defense

This is a matchup that has the potential to be bad for the Chiefs. The Chiefs are giving up an average of 5.3 yards per rushing attempt (29th in the league) and are also allowing an average of 176.5 yards per game on the ground.

Carolina likes to run the ball, but the Panthers rushing game does not blow you away, as it is averaging 3.6 yards per attempt (19th) and 102.5 yards per game (also 19th).

Carolina Receivers vs. Chiefs Secondary

With the possibility that cornerback Pat Surtain might be out again this week, the Chiefs could be forced to start the two rookie Brandons (Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers) again, and this may not be a bad thing.

Last week, the young cornerbacks did a very good job against a very good Denver receiving crew (the numbers don’t do this justice, as quite a few of those catches and yards came when Denver was playing catchup).

With all of that said, these young cornerbacks, along with third-year safeties Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard, will have their hands full containing the elusive Steve Smith and comeback kid Muhsin Muhammad.

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Kansas City Chiefs vs Carolina Panthers - Matchups to Watch