"Dwayne Bowe joked about the old man in the corner, and Chris Chambers wondered aloud whether he could learn a thing or two from the student.

"He doesn't listen to me," Bowe said with a laugh.

As the most inconsistent and frequently upgraded position group inches toward noticeable rhythm, the two Chiefs receivers are benefiting from the other's presence. Bowe finally has a wingman, and Chambers has a receiver who relieves pressure while he proves he still belongs.

Bowe, the young receiver, was immature. Bullied by coach Todd Haley. Miles from his potential. Chambers, the old guy, was given up on by San Diego. He's 31. That's ancient in his universe. Now they've landed in the same wide-receiver corps, and both already are seeing benefits.

"We're just trying to find out what pieces work together," Chambers said, "and trying to build an identity."

Chambers said that in the locker room Sunday after Kansas City's 16-10 win against the Raiders. Across the room, Bowe was dressing and heading for the exit. Different as their approaches might be - and despite the directions their careers might be heading - Bowe and Chambers have given the Chiefs something they have lacked since before training camp began: the first sign of stability at wide receiver.

Bowe had six catches Sunday for 91 yards. Chambers had three receptions for 60. Bowe had a 41-yarder. Chambers had two for at least 20 yards. The Chiefs have spent months experimenting with wide-receiver combinations. It has taken them this long to find something that seems to work.

"I really think that group has made progress," Haley said."