Archives for November 2013

‘”Changes in the marketplace have raised questions about whether these rules are still in the public interest, particularly at a time when high ticket prices and the economy make it difficult for many sports fans to attend games,” said Mignon L. Clyburn, acting chairwoman of the FCC.’

‘”I think that we’re going to have discussions this afternoon and tomorrow, if Thad can’t go, on which quarterback gives us the best chance to win,” Marrone said. “That’s really not finalized in our minds. We’re trying to hold out to see if Thad will be ready. This one is a pain tolerance situation to see what he can do.”‘

‘The Chiefs have been succeeding largely with an ultra-tough defence that has yielded an average of just 12.3 points per game and not more than 17 any week. Added to the challenge for whoever the Bills put under centre on Sunday is the Chiefs D’s league-leading 36 sacks.’

Chiefs’ Alex Smith balances risk, reward in role as a ball carrier (Kansas City Star)

Chiefs are unbeaten, but some fans have yet to climb back on the bandwagon (Kansas City Star)

Chiefs get support, advice from franchise’s only team to get to 9-0 (Kansas City Star)

Chiefs wary of Bills defense (Kansas City Star)

Bills quarterback Thad Lewis doubtful to play against Chiefs (Kansas City Star)

Is Bills game a ‘trap game’? No, there’s no such thing (Fox Sports Kansas City)

Friday Practice Primes Chiefs for Sunday (KCChiefs.com)

Andy Reid: Bills LBs ‘extremely fast and athletic’ (KCChiefs.com)

Inside the Lines: Chiefs vs. Bills (KCChiefs.com)

‘Lewis returned to practice on Friday on a limited basis. He participated in drop backs with his fellow quarterbacks during the portion of practice open to the media but did not throw any passes.’

‘”They know the situation,” said Marrone about his backup quarterbacks. “I’ve spoken to them about it. That’s what it is. I know that everyone would like to know and have an answer and do that. We’ve talked to the other guys on the team; they just need to concentrate on themselves getting ready to go. As soon as we make the decision I’ll tell the team.”‘

‘If he cannot go, the Bills will likely turn to Jeff Tuel over recently-acquired Matt Flynn.’

‘”Really with Thad, we’re really going to take a good look later on this afternoon,” the head coach said Friday. “It’s just to see where he is, really. We’re going to have discussions this afternoon and tomorrow, if Thad can’t go — which quarterback gives us the best chance to win. So that’s really not finalized in our minds. Those discussions will be myself, Nathaniel Hackett and Doug Whaley in what we’re doing.”‘

‘Marrone described Lewis’ chances of playing as 50-50 earlier in the week, but a doubtful designation by NFL description means a player has just a 25 percent chance of playing. Still, Marrone is not going to make a decision on his starting quarterback until the weekend.’

‘”I looked at it as a learning experience,” Moats said. “I took it as an advantage for me, because in the long run, as in now, I’m able to understand ‘Well in the SAM (strong side linebacker) this is what he’s thinking about, the RUSH (linebacker) this is what he thinks about, the MIKE (middle linebacker) this is what he thinks about.’ This helps me out so I know my responsibilities and where I can get help.”‘

‘This is for the game now, EJ Manuel is out. Thad Lewis is doubtful. Chris Hogan is questionable and then probable is Goodwin, Kyle Williams, Freddy Jackson, Kraig Urbik, Manny Lawson, Stevie Johnson, C.J. Spiller and Mario Williams.’

‘If the Bills can stay in 3rd-and-3 or less it’ll go a long way into staying on the field. Opponents are converting 3rd-and-3 or less 52 percent of the time against Kansas City (16-29). If it’s 3rd-and-4 or more Chiefs’ opponents are converting less than 14 percent of the time (9-66, 13.6%).’

‘”I came from a good organization and I’m lucky enough to be in another good organization. That’s really it. I didn’t look at records or anything else. When Clark (Hunt, Chiefs’ CEO) called, that was enough. His name and reputation meant everything.”‘

‘The result has been an unrelenting defense that is allowing an NFL-best 12.3 points per game. Under defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, Kansas City has held every opponent to 17 or fewer points in all eight of its victories, one game shy of the NFL record of nine games.’

‘”We’re still not ready to make a decision right now, until we get more information,” Marrone said. “I spoke to Thad. I spoke to the trainers. I know there was a report out there from a league source. I’m hoping the league source is right, because I really don’t know right now. It’s 50-50, trust me.”‘