Kansas City Chiefs News: Pro Sports Daily

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February 9

Kansas City Star

"On the first 2010 day that teams could release players, the Chiefs took advantage by trimming linebackers Justin Rogers and Weston Dacus from the roster. Dacus played in eight games in 2008 but spent all of last season on injured reserve."

Chiefs helped make Super Bowl the spectacle it is today

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February 7

Kansas City Star

"Tonight, Len Dawson will be in the Super Bowl spotlight again. Dawson, the Chiefs Hall of Fame quarterback, will hand the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the winners of Super Bowl XLIV - 40 years after he and his Kansas City teammates helped spark the transformation of this game from curiosity to national holiday. "To think we were part of that and what jump-started what this is all about today…" reflected Dawson, the game's MVP when the Chiefs shocked heavily favored Minnesota 23-7 on Jan. 11, 1970, in New Orleans. "No one would have dreamed in those days it would be this kind of spectacle." Two people did have an inkling that the Super Bowl had the possibility of captivating America. Ed Sabol, ..."

Chiefs' Waters wins Walter Payton Man of the Year award

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February 7

Kansas City Star

"Chiefs guard Brian Waters was never certain where life might take him. Maybe he would coach or teach. Or maybe he'd be a lawyer or a football player. One thing was never in doubt: Waters would give to others. Before tonight's kickoff of Super Bowl XLIV, the NFL will recognize Waters' dedication to community service when he is introduced as the 40th winner of the league's most prestigious honor, the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes both excellence on the field and in the community. "The stories that are shared with us," he says, "and the little things we're able to do for them is the most gratifying." Waters was a finalist for the second time in three years for the ..."

Legislation seeks to financially punish Chiefs for blackouts

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February 6

Kansas City Star

"The Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Rams would risk state funding if they blacked out local broadcasts of games under legislation filed in the Missouri House. The bill is meant to spur the NFL to overturn blackout rules, which its sponsor contends is unfair to fans, costly to local businesses and ultimately harmful to the football clubs. "All I want is for the NFL take another look at their policy," said Jason Holsman, a Kansas City Democrat. "I want them to examine the economic impact it has on the citizens and businesses of Jackson County." The league-wide policy requires networks to black out broadcasts within a 75-mile radius of the stadium if a game fails to sell out at least 72 ..."

Waters a finalist for Payton award

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February 6

Kansas City Star

"Chiefs guard Brian Waters, who was recognized Friday for his community service, is considering yet another humanitarian deed. Waters, one of three finalists for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, said he and his wife, Yolanda, are looking into adopting a child who has been left homeless or orphaned by the earthquake in Haiti. "The recent disaster in Haiti has been heavy on our hearts in our home," Waters said. "We have been bouncing our brains together and want to do something we feel can be special." Waters is a finalist for the second time in three years for the award, considered the league's most prestigious honor because it recognizes excellence both on the field ..."

To Waters, doing right thing a given

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February 6

Houston Chronicle

columnist Richard Justice

"We interrupt our buildup of the big game to honor the NFL's best. For instance, Kansas City Chiefs guard Brian Waters, a Waxahachie native and former star at North Texas. Maybe you haven't heard of him because he's like hundreds of other NFL players in that he works hard and tries to do the right thing. Sometimes we overlook guys like Waters and focus on the players who run their mouths and get into trouble. Train wrecks are always more interesting. Waters is an offensive lineman on a bad team. He's also someone who makes you feel good about things, a guy who has taken the long road, an undrafted free agent who has had to fight for everything he has. The four-time Pro Bowler has plenty and ..."

New rules may curtail Chiefs' free-agency shopping

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February 5

Kansas City Star

"Clark Hunt has said it many times since becoming chairman of the Chiefs: He believes in building the team through the draft. Hunt and the Chiefs may have little choice this year. The NFL's owners and players are heading into the final year of the collective-bargaining agreement, and new rules will govern the free-agent market when it opens March 5. Teams won't be limited by a salary cap, but a limited number of players will be available. Nobody is certain how things will unfold, but it doesn't appear teams will be able to load up on free-agent talent. "It's going to be very unpredictable," Hunt said. "We haven't been through a year like this when we had this set of rules. On the one hand, ..."

NFL players preparing for 2011 lockout

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February 5

Boston Globe

"As collective bargaining agreement negotiations between the NFL Players Association and the NFL owners continue to drag, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said he expects the owners to lock out the players before the 2011 season. Chad Ochocinco, representing OCNN, asked the first question of a press conference this afternoon in which the NFLPA laid out their message. He asked Smith how worried he is about a lockout next season. "On a scale of 1 to 10," Smith said, "it's a 14." Smith said he and NFLPA president Kevin Mawae have informed players to save 25 percent of their paychecks in order to prepare for a lockout. Mawae said negotiations for a CBA have been "frustrating" and moved ..."

Former Chief Emmitt Thomas joins team as an assistant coach

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February 2

Kansas City Star

"Seated alongside men who have won a dozen combined Super Bowls, Chiefs coach Todd Haley looked to his right Monday and saw the most accomplished faces of his now-complete coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and new defensive-backs coach Emmitt Thomas joined Haley for a news conference at Chiefs headquarters, and the announcement was a reunion as much as anything — especially for the Chiefs' newest assistant coach. Thomas was mostly quiet as he sat to the right of his colleagues, but when he did speak, he talked about wanting to end a long career where it started. "It's a wonderful feeling," Thomas said. "Through all the Super Bowls, the ..."

Former Chief Emmitt Thomas joins team as an assistant coach

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February 2

Kansas City Star

"Seated alongside men who have won a dozen combined Super Bowls, Chiefs coach Todd Haley looked to his right Monday and saw the most accomplished faces of his now-complete coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and new defensive-backs coach Emmitt Thomas joined Haley for a news conference at Chiefs headquarters, and the announcement was a reunion as much as anything — especially for the Chiefs' newest assistant coach. Thomas was mostly quiet as he sat to the right of his colleagues, but when he did speak, he talked about wanting to end a long career where it started. "It's a wonderful feeling," Thomas said. "Through all the Super Bowls, the ..."

Chiefs Mike Richardson charged with possession with open container of alcohol

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January 31

Tampa Tribune

"At least 413 people were arrested Saturday during the Gasparilla Parade, among them a NFL player. And like Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Michael Richardson, 25, the vast majority of those taken into custody were charged with alcohol-related offenses, Tampa police say. Tampa police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said of the 413 arrests, 406 were misdemeanors and seven were felonies. The felony charges included battery on a law enforcement officer, battery on a police horse, being in possession of fake identification, and felony possession of marijuana."

Assistants Pendergast, Ward lose jobs coaching Chiefs

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January 29

Kansas City Star

"Thursday brought more shuffling to Todd Haley's coaching staff. This time, former defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast was left without a job. Haley and Pendergast came to what one source called a mutual agreement that Pendergast would no longer coach for the Chiefs. Earlier in the month, after hiring Romeo Crennel as defensive coordinator, Haley said Pendergast might remain on the staff as the defensive backs coach. Dedric Ward, who was demoted during the middle of the season as receivers coach, was fired. He will be replaced by Richie Anderson, who replaced Ward last year. Among other staff changes, Pat Perles will go from defensive aide to assistant offensive line coach while Anthony ..."

It's a good year for the Chiefs to have an extra second-round draft choice

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January 28

Kansas City Star

"W hen a team is coming off three straight losing seasons, there's never a bad year to have three picks among the top 50 in the NFL draft. But not all drafts are created equal, and this year's group of available players allows the Chiefs the chance to get better in a hurry if they choose wisely. "This could be one of the best draft classes in the last 15 or 20 years," said Shawn Zobel, who runs a draft Web site at www.draftheadquarters.com. "The number of underclassmen is about the same as it's been, but the quality of the underclassmen is a lot higher. There are at least 30 players that have first- or second-round grades that came out this year. You wouldn't have seen that as much in years ..."

Chiefs' Waters a finalist for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

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January 25

Kansas City Star

"For the second time in his career, Chiefs guard Brian Waters is one of three finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. In addition to Waters, Washington linebacker London Fletcher and Cleveland wide receiver Mike Furrey are finalists for one of the most prestigious awards in sports. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the only league award that recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence. The winner will be announced live on CBS before Super Bowl XLIV on Feb. 7 in Miami. Waters was also a finalist in 2008 when Miami defensive end Jason Taylor was selected for the award, which honors Payton, the former Chicago Bears ..."

Finalists named for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

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January 25

NFL.com

"Three community-minded NFL players will be recognized during Super Bowl week as finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, it was announced Sunday. Washington Redskins LB London Fletcher, Cleveland Browns WR Mike Furrey and Kansas City Chiefs G Brian Waters are the top candidates for this year's award, named for the legendary Chicago Bears running back who died in 1999. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the only league award that recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence. The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced live on CBS before Super Bowl XLIV on February 7. Fletcher, Furrey, ..."

Having a coordinator of his very own should help Cassel

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January 21

Kansas City Star

"Rich Gannon had an immediate thought when he heard the Chiefs hired Charlie Weis as their new offensive coordinator, relieving head coach Todd Haley of the play-calling chores. "If anybody's ecstatic about this," said Gannon, the former Chiefs quarterback, "it should be Matt Cassel." Gannon's comment was rooted less in the abilities of Haley or Weis, even though Weis has the reputation as something of a quarterback guru. As the Patriots' offensive coordinator, he helped develop Tom Brady. As the Notre Dame head coach, he worked with Jimmy Clausen, who will be one of the top passers available in this year's draft. To Gannon, it's more about the needs of Cassel. Gannon, now a CBS analyst who ..."

Former Chief Allen is a big hit in Minnesota

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January 19

Kansas City Star

"It's impossible to avoid the larger-than-life persona of Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen in the Twin Cities. Step off the plane, and there's Allen's purple Vikings jersey hanging on the wall at the security checkpoint. Walk past Mall of America Field, and a poster of Allen's menacing visage stares from the stadium walls. Tune in Thursday nights and listen to his weekly radio show, or turn on the television and watch him pop on as a guest on the Vikings' weekly television program. Jared Allen owns this town. "That's Jared," said fellow defensive end Ray Edwards. "He's a lovable guy." Allen added to his popularity as the Vikings reached this week's NFC championship game at New ..."

Haley confident Romeo Crennel will help Chiefs' defense

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January 15

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs have tried this before. They've hired respected defensive coordinators to come to Kansas City to help fix their forlorn defense. It didn't matter. Through Greg Robinson, Gunther Cunningham and Clancy Pendergast, the Chiefs have been unable to play consistently good defense, or at times avoid playing horrendously bad defense, the last nine seasons. Still, coach Todd Haley was insistent that this time, things would be different with the latest Chiefs defensive coordinator, Romeo Crennel. "(Crennel) is a guy I have a great amount of respect for that has the resume to back it up," said Haley, who coached for three years with Crennel in the late 1990s when they were assistants with ..."

Chiefs officially announce Crennel as defensive coordinator

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January 14

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs announced Romeo Crennel as their defensive coordinator today. This deal was obviously a year in the works. ''I was able to take a breath last year (because) I had hip replacement surgery,'' said Crennel, who was out of football last year. "When Todd talked to me last year about the possibility of coming and he was willing to wait however long I felt like I needed, I felt it would be a disservice to him and his program to basically wait until June. ''After sitting out for a year, I'm available. That breath has filled my lungs. The enthusiasm is up, energy is up. My hip, there's no pain in it. I feel really good about coming in and trying to build this program.''"

This Patriots reunion in KC is missing something

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January 14

Kansas City Star

"Wake me when the Chiefs sign Tom Brady, the one with two healthy knees and fearless pocket demeanor. Until then, I'll take a wait-and-see approach with Scott Pioli's New England Relocation Plan. Right now, this smells like a Jackson Five reunion tour without Michael (Brady) or Janet (Bill Belichick). Romeo "Tito" Crennel, the defensive coordinator, joins Pioli, Charlie Weis, Matt Cassel, Mike Vrabel and ex-Pats to be named later in what appears to be a lame attempt at recreating the New England Dynasty. Let me apologize for being unimpressed with this lineup. You're tired of reading it, and I'm tired of writing it. Unfortunately, I'm paid to tell you what I really think. Romeo Crennel ..."

With Crennel, Chiefs add more New England flavor

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January 14

Kansas City Star

"The Patriots football dynasty may be crumbling in New England, but it's enjoying a renaissance in Kansas City with the Chiefs. The final piece was put in place Wednesday with the hiring of Romeo Crennel to take over a beleaguered defense. He joins general manager Scott Pioli, hired last year, and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, signed last week. Together, they helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls in the early 2000s before going their separate ways. Crennel in particular assumes a fearsome challenge in Kansas City. The Chiefs have been terrible on defense for years, and changing the coordinator three times, most recently to Clancy Pendergast, has made little difference. They expect ..."

Romeo Crennel will be Chiefs' defensive coordinator

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January 13

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs have agreed to contract terms with their new defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, although they will have to wait a couple of weeks for him to get to work. Crennel is committed to coaching in the East-West college all-star game in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 23. After that, Crennel will join the Chiefs full-time to replace Clancy Pendergast. The New England Patriots won three Super Bowls with Crennel as defensive coordinator and Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator. Last week, the Chiefs hired Weis as offensive coordinator after he was fired as head coach at Notre Dame."

Romeo Crennel pursuing job with Kansas City Chiefs, source says

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January 13

Newark Star-Ledger

"From the jump, it was pretty clear the Chiefs were the preferred landing spot for Romeo Crennel. Still, Crennel's agent made it clear his client was chatting with the Giants and at least one other mystery team. Well, now Crennel is officially focusing solely on Kansas City. The former Browns coach, an assistant coach with the Giants for more than a decade, has decided to pursue a job with the Chiefs, according to someone familiar with the 62-year-old former Patriots coordinator. The person, who requested anonymity because talks are ongoing, said Crennel's familiarity with Kansas City coach Todd Haley, general manager Scott Pioli and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis was a major factor in ..."

Giants spoke with Crennel

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January 13

The Journal News

"Former Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel has spoken to the Giants by telephone about their vacant defensive coordinator's job but is giving the Kansas City Chiefs the first shot at hiring him. Crennel's agent, Joe Linta, said in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Tuesday that Crennel talked to the Giants on Monday. Linta said Crennel is focused on becoming the Chiefs' defensive coordinator. Chiefs coach Todd Haley fired Clancy Pendergast after the regular season ended."

Crennel wants to work for Chiefs

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January 13

Kansas City Star

"If the Chiefs want Romeo Crennel as their defensive coordinator, the next move is theirs. Crennel's agent, Joe Linta, said Tuesday the veteran coordinator's preference was to work next season for the Chiefs. "Would he take it if they offered the job? I suppose he would," Linta said. Chiefs coach Todd Haley has said he would evaluate the performance of the defensive coaches, including coordinator Clancy Pendergast, and make a determination on which ones would return next season. Defensive line coach Tim Krumrie, whose contract expired, has been told he won't return. Linta said Crennel has already discussed the coordinator's position with Haley. That suggests Haley has decided to make a ..."

Chiefs coach Haley has some surprises on his list of core players

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January 12

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs were often poor against the run last season, but their troubles in that department intensified in two late-season games when Dorsey left the lineup because of a sore knee. "He's another guy that made tremendous strides," Haley said. "That was evidenced by the fact that when he was missing for most of that Buffalo game and the Cleveland game, which (not) coincidentally were games we struggled against the run. "He came in not looking the way we wanted him to look from the offseason. This next offseason is as critical a one as (he's) had. These guys have to take another step, and Glenn is one of those." Johnson finished the season with a flourish by returning two interceptions for ..."

Chiefs' rebuilding project is very different than the one from 20 years ago

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January 10

Kansas City Star

"The coach was in town for a job interview, taking a tour of the place that would become his new football home. He'd heard about Arrowhead Stadium. Things had changed, though, and the challenge for the next Chiefs coach was to redirect the team toward better times. He visited the offices, passed through corridors where few outsiders go, and stopped finally in the locker room. The coach stood with the Chiefs' general manager, a new hire himself, considering what was possible if a few things broke the right way. A disappointing decade was winding down. The Chiefs wanted to end it with assurances that better days lay ahead. The coach remembers his interview as if it were last week. The colors ..."

New-school Baltimore Ravens trying to achieve old-school New England Patriots success

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January 10

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Baltimore Ravens' first step toward the Super Bowl looms as a statement game. At a frigid Gillette Stadium on Sunday, the Ravens' precocious new guard will clash with the New England Patriots' venerable old one in an AFC wild-card game. Patriots coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady set the standard in the past decade, capturing three Super Bowl championships. Ravens coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco just splashed onto the NFL playoff landscape, becoming the first head coach-quarterback tandem to make the league's postseason their first two seasons. Will the Patriots (10-6) continue their postseason supremacy, or will the Ravens (9-7) further validate ..."

Its a happy reunion for Haley, Weis

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January 9

Kansas City Star

"Thirteen years ago, when Todd Haley was still trying to establish himself as an NFL assistant coach with the New York Jets, he took some of his orders from the team's offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis. The roles will be reversed now that Haley, the head coach of the Chiefs, hired Weis to be the offensive coordinator. During the last five years, Weis was his own head coach at Notre Dame before being fired at the end of last season. But he said Friday that he would have no problem serving for Haley. "That was the first issue we had to get settled," Weis said. "Ten years ago it might have been a different situation, but been there, done that, is really where I am in this stage of my ..."

Weis sees 'mutual fit' as new Chiefs offensive coordinator

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January 9

Kansas City Star

"The Chiefs today introduced Charlie Weis as their offensive coordinator. Weis, in his first public statement as a Chief, sounded the same theme as head coach Todd Haley. Haley had said he was looking for a good fit for his new offensive coordinator. ''As I've been sitting for the last month or so at home studying the different teams in the NFL, one of the things that was really important to me as I was looking for a new opportunity, I wanted to go somewhere where fit was the number one criteria,'' Weis said. ''There are several teams out there that are in the hunt for different types of coaches. ''But there is s mutual fit in my relationship with Todd and my relationship with (general ..."

Weis' hiring by Chiefs could be made official today

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January 7

Kansas City Star

"As soon as today, Charlie Weis' hiring as the Chiefs' new offensive coordinator could become official. There was no word from Arrowhead Stadium this morning about any developments, although coach Todd Haley said Wednesday he had spoken with Weis about the opening. There may not be a better fit as Haley's next offensive coordinator than Weis. The two worked together years ago as assistant coaches with the New York Jets. More important, Weis' offense is almost an exact copy of Haley's. Haley said he doesn't want to disrupt offensive continuity after the Chiefs made late-season progress in that area. "Charlie would allow us to run the offense we're running if he were in this mix,'' Haley ..."

A Weis-Haley union has potential for trouble

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January 7

Kansas City Star

columnist Jason Whitlock

"There is little doubt that Charlie Weis is an excellent NFL offensive coordinator. There is even less doubt that Weis' awareness of his rare ability to design game plans and call plays created a bloated ego that undermined his ability to sustain success while the head coach at Notre Dame. Weis and his bruised-but-still-swollen ego are headed for Arrowhead Stadium. Before we celebrate, let's take a moment to ponder how The Great Weis Hope's and Todd "The Hothead" Haley's hubris will coexist inside one offensive meeting room. Hear me out. I'm not dumping on Kansas City's decision to hire one of football's brightest offensive minds because it's another sign that general manager Scott Pioli ..."

Chiefs and Weis are a good fit, Haley says

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January 7

Kansas City Star

"Todd Haley spent a significant portion of his season-ending news conference Wednesday talking about his coaching staff and how it's essential that any new members fit in with what he's tried to build in the past year. There may not be a better fit as Haley's next offensive coordinator than Charlie Weis, recently fired as Notre Dame's head coach. The Chiefs could announce as soon as today that Weis has been hired as their new coordinator. Haley and Weis worked together years ago as assistant coaches with the New York Jets. More importantly, Weis' offense is almost an exact copy of Haley's. Haley said he doesn't want to disrupt offensive continuity after the Chiefs made late-season progress. ..."

Charlie Weis accepts job with chiefs; Weis-Haley reunion

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January 7

Kansas City Star

"There is little doubt that Charlie Weis is an excellent NFL offensive coordinator. There is even less doubt that Weis' awareness of his rare ability to design game plans and call plays created a bloated ego that undermined his ability to sustain success while the head coach at Notre Dame. Weis and his bruised-but-still-swollen ego are headed for Arrowhead Stadium. Before we celebrate, let's take a moment to ponder how The Great Weis Hope's and Todd "The Hothead" Haley's hubris will coexist inside one offensive meeting room. Hear me out. I'm not dumping on Kansas City's decision to hire one of football's brightest offensive minds because it's another sign that general manager Scott Pioli ..."

Chiefs have work cut out for them with contracts

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January 6

Kansas City Star

"Forget, for a moment, about the Chiefs trying to field a competitive team in 2010. They've got plenty of work to do to field any kind of team. Twenty-two of the 65 players who finished the season with the Chiefs or on the injured-reserve list are without a contract for 2010. Linebacker Mike Vrabel, wide receivers Chris Chambers and Bobby Wade and safety Mike Brown are among the potential free agents who may have played their last game for the Chiefs. The situation is clouded by uncertainty over the fate of the collective bargaining agreement. If the players and owners can't agree on terms of a new agreement by the beginning of the new league year on March 5, the NFL's rules governing free ..."

Source says Weis could be Chiefs next offensive coordinator

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January 6

SI.com

"Amid speculation that former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis could be headed to Chicago to replace fired offensive coordinator Ron Turner, a league source said that Weis actually might be bound for Kansas City. Weis has spoken with the Chiefs multiple times since being fired Nov. 30 after losing four in a row to finish 6-6 in 2009 and 35-27 over five seasons. He has relationships with a number of people in the organization, including general manager Scott Pioli, whom he worked with in New England, and head coach Todd Haley, with whom he shared office space as assistants with the Jets. "I would expect a decision in the next couple of days," the source said."

A kicker's perception of goal posts changes depending on success

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January 5

Kansas City Star

"With the NFL playoffs set to begin Saturday, we hate to bring up Lin Elliott's name yet again. But in the name of science, it's important. Sure Elliott missed three field goals in that playoff game against the Colts in 1996, but there may be a good reason for it. The goal posts likely looked narrower after each miss. Research by Purdue University professor Jessica Witt found that a player's perception of the goal posts changed after a missed field goal. The results of her study appeared in the publication Perception. "Most people who study perception think it's all about optical information that comes to the eye, and if you think about that, it makes sense," Witt said in a phone interview. ..."

Waters thinks Chiefs don't need offensive-line upgrade

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January 5

Kansas City Star

"To Brian Waters, the numbers speak with clarity. During the season's final few games, the Chiefs became one of the league's most explosive running teams while significantly reducing the number of times quarterback Matt Cassel was sacked. There can be no better endorsement of the Chiefs' much-maligned offensive line. "They say stuff rolls downhill, and we're at the bottom," Waters said Monday as the Chiefs, who finished their 4-12 season with a 44-24 win over the Broncos on Sunday in Denver, cleared out their lockers and scattered for winter. "We take that burden because we're big boys. "But the last two years, I don't think that some of my offensive linemates have been judged properly. I ..."

Pioli says he saw growth from Haley this year

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January 4

Kansas City Star

"The desired results didn't come until Sunday, when the Chiefs were able to finish their season on a high note by routing the Denver Broncos 44-24. But general manager Scott Pioli said he has been seeing the indicators all along that Todd Haley was the right coach to guide the Chiefs through these turbulent times and on to better days. Foremost, Pioli said, was that the Chiefs continued to play hard for Haley despite their record, which will stand at 4-12 in Haley's first season. "He coached very passionately and he coached hard," Pioli said in confirming Haley would coach the Chiefs again in 2010. "There were a lot of reasons at different times of the year for this team to quit and the ..."

KC gets fifth pick in the draft

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January 4

Kansas City Star

"Sunday's win dropped the Chiefs two spots in this year's NFL draft. The Chiefs would have picked third but instead will choose fifth after finishing 4-12. St. Louis, at 1-15, will have the top pick, followed by Detroit, 2-14, and Tampa Bay, 3-13. Washington also finished 4-12 but will pick ahead of the Chiefs because its opponents had a weaker collective winning percentage (49.2) than the Chiefs (51.6). 2010 schedule set The Chiefs' schedule eases in 2010 in large part because they trade opponents from the NFC East for those from the NFC West. At Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs will play Arizona, San Francisco, Jacksonville, Tennessee and Buffalo along with Denver, Oakland and San Diego. On ..."

Chiefs linebacker Johnson makes a couple of big plays

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January 4

Kansas City Star

"Derrick Johnson has been trying to tell the Chiefs all season that he's a playmaker. On Sunday, he showed them. Johnson, a veteran linebacker who's a former first-round pick, has been one of Kansas City's favorite mysteries this season after being benched during the preseason. He lost his starting job and never regained it. He said often that he disagreed with the move and wanted to become a starter. Said he was capable of better. In the Chiefs' final game, he finally made his point. "It's big," Johnson said. "I've been frustrated." Johnson intercepted two Kyle Orton passes, returning both for touchdowns, during Sunday's 44-24 win against Denver at Invesco Field. Johnson is one of 25 ..."

Charles has a record-setting day for Chiefs

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January 4

Kansas City Star

"The week started with the Chiefs merely hopeful of getting Jamaal Charles the 139 rushing yards he needed to get to 1,000 for the season. Things escalated at midweek when coach Todd Haley challenged the Chiefs to get Charles to 200 yards in Sunday's game against the Broncos. It finished in grand style as the Chiefs got Charles not only his 200 yards, but a team-record 259 as he obliterated Larry Johnson's previous mark of 211 set Nov. 20, 2005, against Houston. "It was huge," fullback Mike Cox said after the Chiefs beat the Broncos 44-24 behind Charles and his two touchdowns. "We had it in the backs of our minds that he needed 139 yards to get to 1,000. When he got that, it was like, 'How ..."

Chiefs end season on a winning note with victory over Broncos

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January 4

Kansas City Star

"This season will, in time, be better off forgotten. Twelve losses aren't the kind of thing a team wants to remember. There weren't many hallmark moments in 2009, and the Chiefs can admit that now that it's over. "The important part of this year," Chiefs coach Todd Haley said, "was to get through it." So many losses, ugly moments, questionable calls and odd moves. That's what will probably define Kansas City's third consecutive losing season. But at least Sunday offered a vacation. The Chiefs went on a four-month getaway before the offseason program begins with nothing on their minds but a 44-24 beating of the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs visited a happy place Sunday, and that's not a place ..."

Chiefs can put their faith in Charles

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January 4

Kansas City Star

columnist Jason Whitlock

"When it comes to inspiring hope, faith and a belief in miracles, Jamaal Charles has the right initials - J.C. Sunday afternoon at Invesco Field at Mile High, Charles raised a dead franchise, walked all over the Denver Broncos and just may have stopped me from whining about Scott Pioli and Todd Haley. On a day when the Broncos had to win and the hapless Chiefs had no reason to play hard, Charles smashed the Chiefs' single-game rushing record, darting and dancing for 259 yards in 25 carries, leading Kansas City to a shocking 44-24 victory. When it was over - after he'd eclipsed the 1,000-yard barrier in just half a season as a starter and after he'd surpassed Haley's goal of 200 yards for ..."

Charles, Johnson lead Chiefs over Broncos

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January 4

Kansas City Star

"This season will, in time, be better off forgotten. Twelve losses aren't the kind of thing a team wants to remember. There weren't many hallmark moments in 2009, and the Chiefs can admit that now that it's over. "The important part of this year," Chiefs coach Todd Haley said, "was to get through it." So many losses, ugly moments, questionable calls and odd moves. That's what will probably define Kansas City's third consecutive losing season. But at least Sunday offered a vacation. The Chiefs went on a four-month getaway before the offseason program begins with nothing on their minds but a 44-24 beating of the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs visited a happy place Sunday, and that's not a place ..."

Charles gives Chiefs hope

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January 4

Denver Post

columnist Jason Whitlock

"When it comes to inspiring hope, faith and a belief in miracles, Jamaal Charles has the right initials - J.C. Sunday afternoon at Invesco Field at Mile High, Charles raised a dead franchise, walked all over the Broncos and just may have stopped me from whining about Scott Pioli and Todd Haley. On a day when the Broncos had to win and the hapless Chiefs had no reason to play hard, Charles smashed the Chiefs' single-game rushing record, darting and dancing for 259 yards on 25 carries, leading Kansas City to a shocking 44-24 victory. When it was over - after he'd eclipsed the 1,000-yard barrier in just half a season as a starter and after he'd surpassed Haley's goal of 200 yards for the game ..."

Broncos' Orton still standing

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January 4

Denver Post

"It's in there, but you're going to have to look, you're going to have to dig for it. It's past the steady, unflinching gaze, past the winter beard making its way across his chin, past the easygoing gait. But it's in there, all right, and even if you don't believe, Kyle Orton believes. Believes he can be a winner, a big-time quarterback winning big-time games over the long haul. Orton believes it with a white-hot fever that once kept him in a college bowl game despite a dislocated thumb, a cracked rib and a sprained toe. He believes — no matter what anybody says. The question is, do the Broncos believe it? The team Orton leads has lost seven of its past nine games to put its playoff chances ..."

Broncos play same song to end season — "Wipeout"

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January 4

Denver Post

columnist Jim Armstrong

"Why not? What's one more loss at this point? One more embarrassing, incomprehensible loss? Hey, Shanny, you sure you want that Washington gig? Pat Bowlen didn't mean all that stuff he said when he canned you. OK, so it's not that bad. So the Broncos aren't that desperate. But they're close. The only difference between their 44-24 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday and several that preceded it was that this one finally, officially sealed the Broncos' fate in 2009. There's no joy in Mile Highville, and no playoffs, either. Don't look now, but Josh McDaniels, the leader in the clubhouse for NFL coach of the year midway through the season, is doing the same kind of stuff that got Shanahan fired. ..."

B-Marsh's final word: You can't count on me

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January 4

Denver Post

columnist Mark Kiszla

"In defeat, you know the identity of your true friends, men who feel your pain as if it were their own. "To have it end like this, it's sad," said Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley, his disappointment as genuine as the tears the veteran was determined not to leak beyond the corner of his eyes after a shocking 44-24 loss to lowly Kansas City. When it all fell apart for Denver, and the season ended with the thud of a heart hitting the stomach floor, there were embarrassed players staring across the field, while fans too disgusted to boo anymore streamed out of the stadium. It hurt to watch. Too bad Brandon Marshall, the Pro Bowl receiver who stars in a soap opera of his creation, missed the ..."

No need for review: Broncos flat-out quit

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January 4

Denver Post

columnist woody Paige

"The Broncos are quitters. They had 10 scenarios for getting to the playoffs, but the Broncos suffered the most contemptible, despicable and reprehensible, all's-quit-on-the-Western-front, worst-case scenario Sunday. The Broncos were beaten like borrowed beasts of burden by the chump-change Chiefs 44-24. No postseason, no winning season, no season of reason, rhyme or reliability. Josh McDaniels and these Broncos finished with a dubious achievement unequaled by the past eight coaches and 43 teams. They lost their final four games. And they were responsible for one of the worst choke-job, cave-in collapses in modern NFL history. They defeated the other AFC West teams on the road and were ..."