Jamaal Charles Gets Peyton Manning's Autograph and Other AFC West News

Jamaal Charles asked for an autograph from Peyton Manning after the Kansas City Chiefs lost 17-9 to the Denver Broncos on Sunday according to KCTV5 in Kansas City. Dwayne Bowe got a picture with the future Hall of Famer and Ryan Lilja chatted with the quarterback he played with in Indianapolis for six seasons.

Here’s the reality that not many fans will accept: players are fans. When the game is over these players are just people that like football. People who like football often like autographs. People also like pictures with celebrities and conversations with old friends. This is very natural.

The Chiefs didn’t take their job any less seriously because they got an autograph and picture with a great player after the game. It happens frequently, just usually outside of the public eye. The Chiefs didn’t lack the right mindset for beating Manning because they are willing to admit that Manning is one of the greatest players of the modern era. If anything players get extra motivated to play great players because you can’t be the best without beating the best.

Players have friends on other teams and there are also at least 10 sets of brothers that play in the NFL. I suppose it’s not OK to have dinner with your brother after the game either? At least an autograph and photograph are impersonal.

If the Chiefs are 10-1 instead of 1-10 this is a non-issue, but the team is like an ant under a magnifying glass right now and it doesn’t take much to start a fire.

More AFC West news…

Kansas City

Chiefs don’t lack motivation despite their record according to Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star.

Reid Ferrin of the team’s official website says the Chiefs are pressing one despite tough winless streak.

Oakland

Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times says the Raiders have talked about involving Terrelle Pryor.

Head coach Dennis Allen has the players’ support, according to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Featured Columnist Nick Kostos pleads with Raiders fans to have patience because it will take time to get over Carson Palmer and Hue Jackson. It’s a great read.

 

Denver

Tom Kensler of the Denver Post says the Broncos’ revamped secondary has become a primary asset.

The Broncos are poised for a big run if turnovers improve, according to Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post.

San Diego

Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego examines how Ray Rice was able to convert on 4th-and-29 toward the fourth quarter in San Diego’s 16-13 overtime loss.

Tom Kensler of U-T San Diego wonders what has happened to Antonio Gates.