Chiefs News

History shows QB Big Ben rebounds quickly
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November 20
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The timing of the Steelers' offense seemed to be off last Sunday in an 18-12 loss to the Bengals. That could translate into the timing not being right for the Chiefs Sunday when the Steelers visit Kansas City for a 1 p.m. game. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will try to rebound from his worst performance of the season against the Chiefs. "In the past, you didn't want to play him (following a bad game)," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said. "He's been outstanding bouncing back, and he takes it personal - like all of us." That is not exactly good news for the Chiefs, who rank 24th in the NFL in passing defense and probably will see a different Roethlisberger than Cincinnati did. ..."
Henry will be pitching coach for Omaha Royals
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November 19
Kansas City Star
 
"Doug Henry will be the new pitching coach for Class AAA Omaha after spending one season as the Royals' roving pitching coach. Henry replaces Tom Burgmeier. The rest of the coaching staffs for the Royals' top four affiliates will return intact, the organization announced on Wednesday. Brian Buchanan will be the new manager for the rookie team in Idaho Falls, helped by pitching coach Carlos Martinez and hitting coach Julio Bruno."
Brown AFC defensive player of the week
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November 19
Kansas City Star
 
"A little more than a week after Chiefs strong safety Mike Brown took the blame for two big plays that led to his team's loss against Jacksonville, he was chosen Wednesday as the AFC defensive player of the week. Brown had a career-high two interceptions and four deflected passes in Sunday's 16-10 win against Oakland. That second interception sealed the Chiefs' second victory of the season. "When they had a chance to win," Chiefs coach Todd Haley said, "he made a play. I'm very excited that Mike got that award. That's good for him." Brown is the first Chiefs safety to win the award since Jerome Woods did so in 1997."
Passing game must adjust to life without Bowe
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November 19
Kansas City Star
 
"Assembling a successful offensive game plan for the struggling Chiefs was going to be difficult enough for Sunday's game against the Steelers. Todd Haley's task has become harder now that he's preparing the Chiefs to play Pittsburgh without leading receiver Dwayne Bowe, who was suspended by the NFL for four games for violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. The Chiefs last week lost their leading rusher when they released Larry Johnson. They were able to find a way to beat the Raiders 16-10 with Jamaal Charles rushing for more than 100 yards. But Bowe was their leading receiver in Oakland, with six catches and 91 yards. The Steelers are also quite a bit more ..."
New Bengal LJ craves chance to play against Chiefs
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November 18
Kansas City Star
 
"Former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, the newest member of the Cincinnati Bengals, knows who's coming to town two days after Christmas. And it's not Santa Claus. Asked at an introductory news conference Tuesday about the Chiefs' visit to Cincinnati on Dec. 27, Johnson said: "I'd be lying if I said I ain't looking at that game (as one) I want to definitely play in … if that happens, it would be the best Christmas gift I could get." Johnson, released by the Chiefs last week in the aftermath of a suspension for several off-field issues, signed a one-year contract with the AFC North-leading Bengals as insurance for running back Cedric Benson, who suffered a hip injury in last Sunday's ..."
Bowe suspended for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs
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November 18
Kansas City Star
 
"They were smiling in the locker room, and that has been an unusual thing to see after Chiefs games this season. The Chiefs had won their second game of 2009, and their wide receivers had as much to do with it as anyone. On one side of the visitors locker room at Oakland Coliseum, third-year wide receiver Dwayne Bowe put on a hat, slipped on a pair of noise-canceling headphones and left. On the opposite side of the room, Chris Chambers discussed what it meant to be part of a win, part of an improving wideouts unit, and part of a reliable tandem alongside Bowe. Chambers said that Bowe has plenty of potential. But… "He's young," Chambers said. "He's got some growing up to do." That became ..."
Chiefs' Bowe suspended four games by NFL
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November 17
Kansas City Star
 
"Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. League spokesman Corry Rush announced the suspension in an e-mail, and the Chiefs have acknowledged Bowe's suspension. In a news release, the Chiefs said Bowe’s suspension will begin immediately. "As a result of the league suspension, the team will have no further comment," the Chiefs' news release said."
Larry Johnson inks deal to join the Cincinnati Bengals
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November 17
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Larry Johnson is a Bengal after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with the team this morning. The Bengals still have not made an official announcement since they still have to make a roster move to put Johnson on the 53-man roster. Johnson arrived on Monday night in Cincinnati and met with the coach Marvin Lewis and his staff. Since being released by the Chiefs last Monday, Johnson had talked but the Bengals will be the one to take a chance on the oft-troubled seven-year running back. Lewis spoke with Johnson last Thursday about possibly coming to the team. Lewis also said on Monday that Johnson would be the fourth running back and that the role of the three backs on the roster ..."
Larry Johnson to sign with Bengals
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November 17
Kansas City Star
 
"Larry Johnson has his second chance. The troubled former Chiefs running back will sign Tuesday morning with the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson's agent told The Star late Monday night. Peter Schaffer wrote in an e-mail that Johnson's deal would be finished early Tuesday, a day after Johnson reportedly was in Cincinnati to meet with Bengals coaches. Reports surfaced Monday that Johnson, who was released last week by the Chiefs after 6 seasons, was being courted by the Bengals after running back Cedric Benson suffered a hip injury in Sundays win against Pittsburgh. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis told local reporters Monday that, if his team signed Johnson, the 29-year-old rusher would be insurance ..."
Chiefs coach Haley finding out it's not easy making the decisions
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November 17
Kansas City Star
 
"During his 12 years as an assistant coach, the critical game decisions that a head coach has to make always looked simple to Todd Haley. "When I was an assistant," Haley said Monday, "I had all the answers." Those answers are proving more elusive to Haley in his first year as the Chiefs' head coach. Many of his game decisions have been puzzling, and not merely because they haven't worked out in Kansas City's favor. "It's difficult," Haley acknowledged. "Ultimately, you're responsible for how they all turn out." The latest examples of Haley's questionable game management came in Sunday's 16-10 win over the Raiders in Oakland. With the Chiefs in easy field-goal range for kicker Ryan Succop, ..."
Larry Johnson expected to sign with Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday
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November 17
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"Barring any last-minute hiccups, the Bengals are expected to announce Tuesday that they have signed former Kansas City running back Larry Johnson as an insurance policy in case of injuries. Johnson arrived in town on Monday and met with the coaching staff. ESPN reported earlier in the day that the deal would be worth the prorated league minimum. If that's the case, then Johnson would earn $306,764.43 for the remaining seven games. Since being released by the Chiefs last Monday, Johnson has talked to other teams, but it appears as if the Bengals will be the one to take a chance on the oft-troubled seven-year running back. In order to address or quell rumors, coach Marvin Lewis said during ..."
Bengals-Johnson union imminent?
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November 16
ESPN.com
 
"Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was en route to Cincinnati on Monday and, barring a last-minute breakdown, he expects to sign with the AFC North-leading Bengals, a source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN's Michael Smith. A deal, if consummated, is expected to be for the prorated league minimum. The Bengals, along with several other teams, first expressed interest in Johnson last week as depth behind Cedric Benson, who suffered a hip injury in Sunday's 18-12 victory at Pittsburgh."
Succop again proves he's a weapon
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November 16
Kansas City Star
 
"Succop again proves he's a weapon Chiefs rookie kicker Ryan Succop made three of his four field-goal attempts Sunday, missing only from 52 yards. He made kicks from 50, 25 and 31 yards. Succop has made 14 field goals this season, and he trails only Hall of Famer Jan Stenerud's 21 field goals for the team's record among rookies. The Chiefs did, however, keep Succop on the sideline in the third quarter when coach Todd Haley opted to try to convert fourth and 1 from Oakland's 14. Matt Cassel rolled to his right and misfired on a pass intended for tight end Brad Cottam. But the one Haley really wanted back was his decision to have Succop try his 52-yard field goal. His miss gave Oakland ..."
Brown and defensive reserves make big plays for Chiefs
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November 16
Kansas City Star
 
"After being the victim on a couple of key plays in last week's loss to Jacksonville, Chiefs safety Mike Brown promised coach Todd Haley he would make up for it Sunday against the Raiders. Brown was good on his word in the Chiefs' 16-10 win. He intercepted two passes in the fourth quarter, both on tipped balls. The last one came at the Chiefs' 10-yard line with just 30 seconds left. "I had the feeling," Brown said. "I told him I was going to get at least one. "You know what they say. You'd rather be lucky than good. I just happened to be in the right spot." The Chiefs are fortunate for that. The Raiders, with backup Bruce Gradkowski playing for the benched JaMarcus Russell, moved to the ..."
Raiders do major favor for Haley
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November 16
Kansas City Star
 columnist Jason Whitlock
"Todd Haley answered the question before it was asked. "Was that a well-coached game?" Kansas City's first-time head coach said after the Chiefs' 16-10 victory over the Raiders. "No. No, but we've got to do things - we've got to think outside the box a little bit as we find our way through." Had Raiders first-round disaster Darrius Heyward-Bey held on to Oakland's final pass and the Raiders completed their final drive, Haley's credible tenure as an NFL head coach would've ended nine games into his first season. Heyward-Bey saved Haley's job and what little credibility he has left. By inexplicably bobbling and then batting the ball into the hands of Chiefs safety Mike Brown at the KC 10, ..."
Chiefs benefit from struggles of Raiders' QBs
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November 16
Kansas City Star
 
"JaMarcus Russell said he was confused by being benched Sunday against the Chiefs. He said he thought he was being productive, if not perfect. Whether Russell, Oakland's starting quarterback, was putting an optimistic face on another sour performance - or testing the limits of denial - he and his replacement, Bruce Gradkowski, were as responsible as anyone for the Chiefs' 16-10 victory. Russell overthrew receivers and underthrew them. He threw to their left, to the right and far above their heads. Russell, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NFL draft, was as erratic as ever Sunday, and it helped cost Oakland the win - and possibly Russell's job. "Things were going OK," he said. "I thought we were ..."
Bowe, Chambers give Chiefs some stability at receiver
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November 16
Kansas City Star
 
"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 ..."
Charles leads Chiefs to 16-10 win over Raiders
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November 16
Kansas City Star
 
"Jamaal Charles wasted no time claiming ownership of the newly vacant Chiefs running back job. Charles delivered the Chiefs' first individual 100-yard game of the season Sunday against the Raiders. He provided their first rushing touchdown, a brilliant 44-yarder on a fourth-down play. The Chiefs needed every one of his 103 yards and that touchdown to take their second win of the season, 16-10. "I told the coaches I can make the 40-yard runs, I can make the 60-yard runs," Charles said. "Just give me the chance to prove myself and what type of player I am. I'm not going to be the biggest back, and I'm not going to be the strongest back, but I will go out there and give you my all." That ..."
Kansas City defeats Oakland, 16-10
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November 16
Kansas City Star
 
"The Chiefs seem to have their running back, and it doesn't matter that he's not perfect. Jamaal Charles was competent, reliable and occasionally dynamic. And now he's a winner as Kansas City's featured rusher. Charles scored the Chiefs' first rushing touchdown of 2009, and as dubious an accomplishment as that was, it's something Larry Johnson couldn't do in seven games as the team's primary runner. Johnson is gone, the ball belongs to Charles, and Kansas City defeated the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, 16-10. Charles fumbled in the first half, and that has been a problem for the second-year rusher for most of his career. He's fast and packs a big-play threat, but his coaches have held back on ..."
Punt returns leave something to be desired
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November 16
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Johnnie Lee Higgins finally got some groove in at wide receiver, catching double his season total with four receptions for 41 yards. Now if only he could return punts worth a yard. Higgins returned three punts for minus-2 yards - that's minus-0.7 yards per try - to fortify his standing as the league's last-ranked punt returner after Sunday's 16-10 loss to the visiting Chiefs. "I just need to go back to the basics," Higgins said. "I'll watch film to see what I can improve on." Catching the ball would be a good place to start. Twice, Higgins let a catchable punt hit the ground instead of attempting a fair catch. Yards lost by bounce: 20. "I thought we made some decisions that could have ..."
Raiders hit bottom with loss to lowly Chiefs
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November 16
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Raiders have a big problem on their hands, and not only the 270-pound quarterback named JaMarcus Russell. The passing game is so bad, the scoring offense is so putrid, they can't even beat the one-win Chiefs at home on two weeks' rest. As far as losses go, Sunday's 16-10 loss to Kansas City is as season-sinking as they come. Russell got benched for the second straight home game. The Chiefs won at the Coliseum for a record seventh straight time. The Raiders' 2-7 season is spiraling toward an NFL-record seventh straight trip to the land of 11-plus losses. "This is one that got away," cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. Got away? The Raiders gave it away on a silver-and-black platter. And ..."
Raiders start second half with a dud
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November 16
Contra Costa Times
 
"Things went from bad to worse for the Raiders on Sunday at a time when they expected a turnaround in the second half of their season. Instead, they are all but officially out of playoff contention for the seventh straight season after a 16-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at the Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders also are at a crossroads with quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Raiders coach Tom Cable yanked Russell, the supposed franchise savior, for the second time in three games in favor of Bruce Gradkowski. Russell played inconsistently and failed to generate much production as the leader of the offense. "I'm just looking for the guy who gives us the best chance to win, and the same (goes) at ..."
When it comes to the Raiders' 'Chosen Ones,' it's better to laugh
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November 16
Contra Costa Times
 columnist Cam Inman
"WELCOME TO today's celebrity roast. Have we got a funny show lined up for you. Instead of honoring just one of our beloved Raiders, we've got three on the marquee. You may know them as "The Chosen Ones" - quarterback JaMarcus Russell, running back Darren McFadden and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. Round One draft picks, each of them. Yes, that's true. Go ahead, start your laughter. Oh, these potential busts might get the last laugh before their careers are done. But we kid you not about how poorly they performed in the Raiders' 16-10 loss to the one-win-coming-in Kansas City Chiefs at a half-empty Oakland Coliseum. The Chosen Ones are supposed to boost the Raiders' offense. Awesome, ..."
Web of Raiders' despair on full display in loss to Chiefs
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November 16
Contra Costa Times
 columnist Monte Poole
"THEY ARE TOO stubborn to give up, and they wouldn't be men of status in the NFL if they weren't stubborn. So Al Davis and Tom Cable will not raise the white flag, the international symbol of surrender. But if a flag can be raised to express exasperation, the Raiders boss and his appointed functionary can raise it any minute. Maybe they already have. The Raiders' latest exhibition of self-hatred, a 16-10 loss to the equally young and defective Kansas City Chiefs before more than 20,000 empty seats Sunday at the Coliseum, captured in full a team caught in a web of despair, operating under a thin and paralyzed management and an increasingly distant or uninterested ownership. In between, we ..."
JaMarcus Russell benched as Raiders lose again to Chiefs in Oakland
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November 16
Contra Costa Times
 
"The Raiders marched 70 yards on the game-opening drive and walked off the field with a 7-0 lead. They spent the rest of the game searching for ways to move the ball as the lowly Kansas City Chiefs did just enough to pull off a 16-10 victory at the Coliseum on Sunday. Struggling Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was benched for the second time this season and Oakland wound up losing its seventh straight game at home to the Chiefs. Things looked good for the Raiders in the early going. They took the opening kick, marched 70 yards in four plays and scored a touchdown on a 1-yard leap by running back Justin Fargas. Running back Michael Bush spearheaded the drive by taking a hand-off, ..."
Gilberry a pleasant surprise for Chiefs
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November 15
Kansas City Star
 
"Three months ago, it wasn't just an upset that Wallace Gilberry would be tied for the Chiefs' lead in sacks at the season's midway point. It was an upset that Gilberry, an undersized defensive end, would merely still be with the Chiefs. He joined the team last season only because a rash of injuries left them short of bodies at his position, one they fortified during the offseason when they drafted Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee and shifted Glenn Dorsey from tackle. But Gilberry survived and for that, the Chiefs should feel fortunate. Their pass rush is still mediocre at best but in large part because of Gilberry's three sacks — he's tied for the team lead with Tamba Hali — the Chiefs head ..."
Smith could start at running back against Raiders
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November 14
Kansas City Star
 
"Chiefs coach Todd Haley said Friday that Kolby Smith could start at running back Sunday at Oakland, but he didn't commit to a starter, saying the first offensive play could influence the decision. Smith was activated last week after missing the previous year while rehabbing from a knee injury. Jamaal Charles and Dantrell Savage are the Chiefs' other options. "This is a major injury that he's come back from," Haley said. "It would be unrealistic to believe that a guy, after 12 months of rehab, surgery, all the things that he's done, to expect him to come in and be at the top of his game. "He's worked very hard. He's practiced now four weeks, so I would say he's getting better. But I would ..."
Chambers, Cassel try to be on the same page
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November 13
Kansas City Star
 
"Chris Chambers had achieved something rare in his career. He was released last week by San Diego, and that was the end of a good run. Chambers, now a Chiefs wide receiver, and quarterback Philip Rivers had played together for more than two seasons. They knew each other's tendencies and strengths. They had learned the boundaries of trust. They knew where not to go, too. Time together does that, especially for a wide receiver who has played now for three teams and with, he estimated Thursday, a dozen quarterbacks in nine seasons. "I kind of was getting used to Philip a little bit," Chambers said. "I at least got two years with one quarterback." There's a new one now to learn. Chambers said ..."
Game against Raiders will be emotional for Cassel
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November 13
Kansas City Star
 
"Last season's New England Patriots, then quarterbacked by Matt Cassel, were preparing for a December game against the Raiders in Oakland when Cassel's father, Greg, died. Cassel eventually played anyway, throwing four touchdown passes in a New England victory. Now with the Chiefs, Cassel will return to Oakland for Sunday's game against the Raiders. He said the game will be emotional for him for that reason. "It brings back memories already," Cassel said. "I've talked with my wife a little bit. It was a tough game last year. It's a tough go anytime you lose your father, but it was a great way to honor him by getting a win out there in Oakland. I thought the team rallied around me and it was ..."
Luck gets you only so far
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November 13
Boston Globe
 
"Someone asked me recently if there was luck involved with fantasy football. My answer: Sort of. When a guy doesn't show up to the draft and needs another person in the league to draft for him, and the no-show guy ends up with Miles Austin in the second-to-last round, and Austin comes out of nowhere to be the top wide receiver in fantasy football (this happened in my league), that's luck. When someone (yours truly) goes over his draft this week and realizes eight of his final 10 picks have been waived, that's not luck. That's mismanagement."
Somewhere, a team for Larry Johnson
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November 13
Philadelphia Inquirer
 columnist Ashley Fox
"The rumors pop up like weeds in the grass, one after another after another. Someone will take Larry Johnson. Someone will be so desperate for a running back, even one that appears used up, that they'll take on Johnson's unstable and unpredictable personality. It'll probably only cost them the veteran minimum. Johnson, the former Nittany LionS running back, will get another chance, because that's what happens in the National Football League. You're not done until the worst team doesn't want you. And yes, the Washington Redskins are in need of a running back because Clinton Portis suffered a concussion last week. So the rumors are there. Maybe Pittsburgh. Possibly Washington. Perhaps New ..."
Raiders won't gloat over Johnson's departure from the Chiefs
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November 12
Kansas City Star
 
"T he Chiefs, tangled in recent weeks in the storm surrounding the suspension and release of running back Larry Johnson, are trying to move past the controversy and find a way to win a game. That will put things out of kilter Sunday when the 1-7 Chiefs play the 2-6 Raiders in Oakland. The Raiders have had a tumultuous season, even by their standards, but things in Oakland have been relatively peaceful the past couple of weeks. The Chiefs aren't strangers to controversy, particularly as it relates to Johnson, but normally that's an area where they can't compete with the Raiders. Oakland almost always had a drama or two keeping the Raiders occupied. "We're still the controversial team, ..."
Goff will miss remainder of season
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November 12
Kansas City Star
 
"Chiefs guard Mike Goff was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, and the shoulder injury that kept him out of Sunday's starting lineup also will end the veteran's season. Kansas City signed Goff during the offseason, after he had played his first 11 seasons with Cincinnati and San Diego. Goff, 33, started the first seven games this season. Coach Todd Haley said Wednesday that Andy Alleman probably will move into the starting role. Alleman, whom the Chiefs acquired in a trade earlier this season with Miami, started against Jacksonville. "Andy stepped in and played, and he missed a couple of plays but fought back and finished the game strong," Haley said. "We'll have to carry on. Guys have to ..."
Without Larry Johnson, Chiefs minus star power
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November 12
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"As far as Raiders rivals go, the Chiefs have become unrecognizable. Since last year alone, there's no Jared Allen to block, no Tony Gonzalez to cover, no Priest Holmes to tackle ... and now no Larry Johnson to chase. The Chiefs released their embattled running back Monday, robbing the 101-game-old series of its most recognizable name before Sunday's game at the Coliseum. Prepare for the Chiefs without L.J.? That's like facing the Chargers without L.T. - just a little weird. "It's going to be a little different," Raiders middle linebacker Kirk Morrison said. "We all know what Larry brings to their football team, what he did." What Johnson did was rush 222 times for 938 yards (4.7 yards per ..."
Source: No team claimed Larry Johnson
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November 11
ESPN.com
 
"No team claimed running back Larry Johnson off waivers, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, which means Johnson now is free to sign with any team and the Kansas City Chiefs must pay him the balance of the $2.1 million left on his contract this season. The Chiefs released Johnson on Monday, the day he was due back from his second suspension in the past 12 months. Johnson was suspended for posting a gay slur on his Twitter account and questioning the competence of head coach Todd Haley. The 29-year-old was also fined for his actions. Last week, an online fan petition was started asking the Chiefs not to let Johnson become the team's all-time leading rusher -- a record he's ..."
Texans not pursuing free agent RB Johnson
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November 11
Houston Chronicle
 
"After evaluating Larry Johnson for the last two days, the Texans have decided not to pursue the free agent running back. Johnson, who turns 30 next week, was placed on waivers by Kansas City on Monday, the day he returned from a two-week suspension for using anti-gay slurs and for criticizing Chiefs coach Todd Haley. Johnson, who also was suspended in 2008, cleared waivers, making him an unrestricted free agent. The Texans were considering Johnson because they're trying to improve a disappointing running game that ranks 27th with an average of 90.8 yards a game. The Texans evaluated running back Edgerrin James last week after Seattle released him. They ruled out James and now Johnson, ..."
Johnson tells radio show he'd like to return to Chiefs someday
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November 11
Kansas City Star
 
"Larry Johnson is a Kansas City outsider now, even if he does still say "we" when he's referring to the Chiefs. He's part of the past, even if he does want to someday return and break the team's career rushing record. Whether his release was what Johnson wanted or what he needed, that's the way it is for the 29-year-old running back. And in his first public comments since a series of Twitter posts began a career-changing mess, Johnson told a syndicated radio show Tuesday that he didn't want out of Kansas City — but that he thought it was time to move on. "It just felt like it was just time," Johnson said on the Dan Patrick Show. "I just felt like I gave Kansas City all that I had as far as ..."
Holmes left with mixed emotions after Johnson's exit
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November 10
Kansas City Star
 
"Priest Holmes takes pride in the fact he'll remain the Chiefs' all-time leading rusher now that Larry Johnson has been released 74 yards short of the record. He also takes pity on Johnson, whose inflammatory remarks against his coach and slurs toward gays led to a groundswell of opposition by Chiefs fans who circulated a petition urging the team not to retain Johnson. "Breaking records is part of football," Holmes said Monday from the offices of his Priest Holmes Foundation in San Antonio. "The goal is always to break that record. But to see how fans rallied and petitioned … it's unbelievable. … I definitely will carry that record in high regard." Petitions alone were not why Johnson was ..."
Chiefs will probably use running-back committee to replace Johnson
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November 10
Kansas City Star
 
"When he wasn't suspended or injured, Larry Johnson constituted almost the whole of the Chiefs' running game the last four years. The Chiefs seem almost certain to split that role into two or more parts now that he's gone. "It will probably be more of running back by committee," said Kolby Smith, who will be a member of that committee. "It won't be solely on one person's shoulders." The Chiefs got a glimpse of life without Johnson for the first time this season in Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Jaguars in Jacksonville. The Chiefs split the work among Smith, Jamaal Charles and Dantrell Savage, and appeared pleased with the results. Charles and Smith averaged better than 4 yards per carry, and ..."
Here's why one former Chief fears CTE
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November 10
Kansas City Star
 
"Some recent scientific findings must be chilling for current NFL players. Former Chiefs offensive lineman Michael Oriard wrote an essay for deadspin.com last month chronicling his concern and he's been out of the NFL since 1973. One scientific term in particular caught Oriard's attention. "Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), of which I'd never heard until a few weeks ago," Oriard wrote, "suddenly seemed the NFL's version of the Black Death." So what is chronic traumatic encephalopathy? CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive trauma to the brain, said Robert Cantu, co-director of Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy. "What it ..."
Johnson's legacy with Chiefs not the one he wanted
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November 10
Kansas City Star
 
"Dick Vermeil recalls a running back who ran with a vengeance. A young man who wanted his coaches and teammates to do more than just notice. Larry Johnson wanted them to remember. Johnson would take the ball, run toward the opening at the line and target a defensive player. They wouldn't forget this. "He knocked the hell out of them," Vermeil, a former Chiefs coach, said Monday. But Vermeil also remembers a player who wasn't always in control of his emotions, who occasionally practiced poor judgment, whose unfiltered words and deeds made those outstanding things he did on a football field seem secondary. Johnson's time in Kansas City came to an end Monday morning when the Chiefs released ..."
Next stop for Johnson could be NFC East
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November 10
Kansas City Star
 
"If Larry Johnson has any immediate future in the NFL, it could be in the NFC East. Both Philadelphia and Washington have issues at running back. The Eagles' Brian Westbrook has missed two straight games because of a concussion and an ankle injury, while Washington's Clinton Portis left Sunday's game at Atlanta because of a concussion. Washington coach Jim Zorn said Monday that Portis is doubtful for this week's game against Denver and the team has had internal discussions about Johnson. "I talked to Clinton Portis (on Monday morning), and he has a headache," Zorn said. "We have to be very cautious with a concussion." The Eagles have taken a cautious approach with Westbrook as well. ..."
Oakland Raiders' Chaz Schilens eyes his 2009 debut vs. Kansas City Chiefs
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November 10
Contra Costa Times
 
"Wide receiver Chaz Schilens is scheduled to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Finally. Schilens missed the first eight games of the season while recovering from a broken bone in his left foot that he suffered Aug. 18. Initially, he targeted the second game for his 2009 debut, but his foot proved slow to heal after surgery. Raiders coach Tom Cable said Monday that Schilens is completely healed and ready to go. "I'm confident," said Schilens, who participated fully in Monday's practice. "We'll see in practice, but I'll be good this week. "... It's not 100 percent like I'd like it to be, but I've just got to work through it." Schilens was the projected No. 1 receiver entering ..."
Released Chiefs' running back isn't Seahawks solution
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November 10
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
 
"Before it even becomes a discussion, let's end this one. Yes, the Seattle Seahawks running game needs help. But, no, the Seahawks do not need Larry Johnson, the former Kansas City Chiefs standout who was released Monday morning. Johnson was cut Monday after Chiefs management ran out of patience. Johnson criticized Chiefs coach Todd Haley two weeks ago, then used a gay slur first on his Twitter page and then to a group of reporters. Johnson is a two-time Pro Bowl running back in 2005 and '06, but has a history of off-field problems that include assault charges and contract conflicts."
Texans to look at ex-Chiefs running back Johnson
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November 10
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans' running game is so bad they are interested in signing former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. The Texans, who are 5-4 and averaging only 90.8 yards rushing, are one of several teams showing interest in Johnson, who was placed on waivers Monday. "We're going to do our homework on him just like we did our homework on Edgerrin James last week," coach Gary Kubiak said. "Obviously, I think when a name like that (Johnson) comes on the free-agent market like today, we'll take a look at him just like any other player. "He's been a good player in this league, and I'm sure he'll get a lot of interest from a lot of people." Johnson, who turns 30 on Nov. 16, will be an ..."
Chiefs release Larry Johnson
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November 9
Kansas City Star
 
"The Chiefs released running back Larry Johnson on Monday, his first day back from a two-week suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. Johnson called out coach Todd Haley two weeks ago in a Twitter post before using a pair of gay slurs on his Twitter profile and, a day later, to a group of reporters. He missed Sunday’s game at Jacksonville, and the suspension cost him about $330,000. He also ended his Chiefs career 74 yards short of the franchise rushing record, set by Priest Holmes. Johnson’s high point with the Chiefs was in 2006, when he established an NFL single-season record with 416 rushing attempts and a franchise single-season mark with 1,789 rushing yards. He was the Chiefs’ ..."
Chiefs' onside kicks give Jaguars some anxious moments
Comment
November 9
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"When Kansas City scored on a 54-yard bomb from Matt Cassel to Chris Chambers with 2:32 left in the game, everyone knew what was coming next. Trailing 24-13 and needing two scores, the Chiefs lined up for an onside kick. Kansas City kicker Ryan Succop hit a knuckleball into the Jaguars front wave of blockers. The ball bounced off the hip of Jaguars 322-pound tackle Atiyyah Ellison and into the arms of Succop who made his first recovery of one of his own kicks spanning his high school, college and professional career. Ellison, a regular on all kickoff return teams, expressed surprise that the ball came his way. "Usually when they kick it, the ball goes over my head and I'll block someone," ..."
New Chiefs receiver Chambers says offenses are easy to learn
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November 9
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Matt Cassel and Chris Chambers proved that a quarterback and wide receiver don't have to play and practice with each other for years to be in tune with each other's moves. "Overrated," quipped Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley, after Cassell and Chambers connected on two late touchdown passes Sunday to make things uncomfortable at the end in the Jaguars' 24-21 victory at the Municipal Stadium. Chambers, a nine-year veteran, was signed by the Chiefs early last week and practiced with them for the first time on Wednesday. Despite that, he caught passes of 54 and 5 yards from Cassel in the last 2:32 of the game to turn a Jaguars' rout into a tense finish. Chambers finished with three ..."
Chiefs get going too late in 24-21 loss to Jaguars
Comment
November 9
Kansas City Star
 
"The Chiefs spent two weeks working on tweaking the offense, working on fine-tuning, working on improvement. The play calls and approach looked different. The result did not. Kansas City lost again Sunday, and it did it the same old way: poor pass protection, questionable play calls, and the appearance of a disorganized unit that couldn't adjust quickly enough. Coach Todd Haley took a magnifying glass and scalpel to his offense for two weeks. Time was supposed to help the Chiefs swerve back onto the road toward progress. But this didn't look much like progress: a 24-21 loss to Jacksonville, a team with problems and a fan base that seems leery that improvement is taking place. Sound ..."