Julio Jones Headed Toward Elite NFL Receiver Territory

It didn't take long for Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones to show why the team made a controversial move up the draft board to get him back in 2011. One half into his second season in the NFL, Jones had already caught six balls for 108 yards and two touchdowns to the dismay of Kansas City fans.

From Jeff Schultz's blog at the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

Every receiver can be stopped by some defense or cornerback at some point. But opponents are going to struggle to contain Jones this season, particularly in an offense that has so many options and with a coordinator (Dirk Koetter) who is far less predictable in play-calling than Mike Mularkey.

Back in 2011, the Falcons gave up five draft picks to the Cleveland Browns to take Jones No. 6 overall. After a rookie season in which Jones was 41 yards away from becoming a 1,000-yard receiver, the deal looked good by the end of the year. And in what would turn into a 40-24 loss for the Chiefs on Sunday, any doubt left in Atlanta is quickly fading away.

For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. Head over to Arrowhead Pride for updates on the Chiefs.

Video: Chiefs' Shaun Draughn Fights Falcons' Christopher Owens

The Kansas City Chiefs were struggling and as the game against the Atlanta Falcons moved along, it's understandable that tempers were fragile. The Falcons would end up drubbed the Chiefs 40-24 but not before some of those tempers flared.

The Chiefs' Shaun Draughn got into it with Atlanta's Christopher Owens with less than 11 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. With a 40-17 lead, a kickoff return that had already been blown dead somehow escalated quickly into a fight. Punches were thrown between Draughn and Owens, but as quickly as it had begun, the fight was over.

Draughn had six carries for 29 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. Owens recorded a tackle.

Click here to view video of the fight.

Check out Arrowhead Pride for more on the Kansas City Chiefs, or you can head over to The Falcoholic for news and analysis on the Atlanta Falcons. Also check out SB Nation's NFL hub.

VIDEO: Turning Points From Chiefs-Falcons Game

BJ Kissel of Arrowhead Pride talks the turning points from the Kansas City Chiefs' 40-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Check out more coverage of the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride or hit up SB Nation's NFL hub.

Falcons Vs. Chiefs 2012: Arrowhead Pride Reacts To Loss

The Atlanta Falcons had their way with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, pasting the Chiefs in a 40-24 Week 1 matchup.

Needless to say, there were lots of talking points from the 16 point loss for Chiefs fans. The folks over at Arrowhead Pride, SB Nation's Chiefs blog, had plenty to say about the loss.

The Chiefs knew they were going to have trouble against Atlanta's receivers, starting with Julio Jones and continuing with Roddy White and then tight end Tony Gonzalez. Falcons coach Mike Smith said once the Chiefs started to take away Jones, they moved onto White and TG.

"[Julio Jones] was targeted early, and I felt like he and Matt were on the same page. Then they try and take him away and we're able to distribute the ball to Roddy for six catches and Tony got his catches."

There's plenty more reaction, insight and analysis around Arrowhead Pride, so be sure to check it out if you're a football fan -- especially if you're a Chiefs fan.

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NFL Injury Report: Chiefs Escape Unscathed From Falcons Game

Despite the other problems that plagued the Kansas City Chiefs during their 40-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Chiefs can at least claim they had a good game in one respect -- they didn't get smacked with the injury bug.

KC is still missing several players that didn't play in that game, notably cornerback Brandon Flowers, but no big names were added onto the injury list by the time the final whistle blew at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. Tamba Hali will be returning from his one-game suspension for the game against the Buffalo Bills next weekend, which should help shore up the listless defense that came out against Atlanta.

Seven players were listed as questionable or doubtful for the Falcons game, and no word is out yet on how many of them will be available against the Bills.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Chiefs Vs. Falcons: Matt Cassel Looked Good While Defense Struggled Against Matt Ryan

The Kansas City Chiefs fell to the Atlanta Falcons 40-24 Sunday afternoon in Kansas City. While the final score does look ugly from all angles if you're a Chiefs fan, there are some positives you can take away from this game. Most of those would be on the offensive side of the ball as the Falcons punted just once in this game, and that was later in the second half.

In this post we're going to take a quick look at each side of the ball and discuss what went well and what didn't go well for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Offense

The first half of this game was something of beauty if you were just watching the Chiefs on offense. They moved the ball well with the running game and the passing game. Matt Cassel looked crisp, sharp and precise. He knew where he was going with the ball and he was accurate with his passes. As the game got more out of hand in the second half it seemed as if Cassel started to force more passes than he may have normally, but overall there is a lot to feel good about with Cassel at quarterback from this game, at least compared to other areas of the team right now.

Dexter McCluster continued what was a great training camp and preseason and led the team in targets (10), receptions (6) and yards (82) against the Falcons. Dwayne Bowe had a solid game with three receptions for 53 yards.

Jamaal Charles and the running game looked solid as well for the most part. Charles finished the game with 16 carries for 87 yards. The Chiefs offense averaged 5.7 yards per play overall which on any other day would be pretty good, but on this day the Falcons averaged 6.8 yards per play. Which brings us to the defense.

Defense

The Chiefs came into this game without their leading pass-rusher Tamba Hali, their best corner back in Brandon Flowers, and their starting free safety Kendrick Lewis. That's a tough draw for any team against any opponent, let alone Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the rest of the Falcons high-powered offense. But there's no sugar-coating this at all. The Chiefs defense was absolutely dominated by Matt Ryan and the Falcons passing game.

The one positive, if it can be called that, is that the Chiefs contained Falcons running back Michael Turner. He finished the game with 32 yards on 11 carries. The problem in this game is that Matt Ryan picked apart a depleted Chiefs secondary, who wasn't getting any help from the Chiefs front-seven in getting pressure on Ryan in the pocket. Ryan had all the time in the world to decide where he wanted to go with the ball.

It seemed as if every time the Chiefs did send extra guys to try and get pressure on Ryan, which would sometimes be safety Eric Berry or nickel back Javier Arenas, Ryan got the ball out quick to the right guy who made a big play. It's a tough game for the Chiefs and while they didn't play well, you have to give a lot of credit to Ryan and the Falcons, who look every bit as good as a team that had been getting consideration as a top team in the NFC this season.

Let's hope that next week with the return of Tamba Hali and a hopefully-healthy Brandon Flowers, the Chiefs can start playing the kind of defense that many around the league thought they'd be playing this season. If the offense plays like it did today and the defense figures it out, the Chiefs will still win a lot of football games this season.

Mel Kiper Says Kansas City Chiefs Will Select Among Top Quarterbacks In 2013 NFL Draft

As the Kansas City Chiefs enter year four of their commitment to Matt Cassel as the team's starting quarterback, they are still apparently not sold on him for the long term. The team admitted the need for more competition early last offseason and went publicly after Peyton Manning after he was released. Suffice to say that a change might be coming in the near future.

Mel Kiper, Jr., draft analyst for ESPN, says that the Chiefs are likely among the top teams preparing to take a quarterback early in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Arizona Cardinals are the top team, according to Kiper, with the Chiefs falling in line at No. 2.

"Matt Cassel has been on a performance and health roller coaster over a four-season stretch, and, even with a good year from him, I can see the Chiefs looking to find someone to challenge him, or back him up with the goal of taking over," writes Kiper. "Brady Quinn and Ricky Stanzi will be career backups, so unless Cassel stays healthy and plays pretty well in 2012, the plan should be to find someone to either take over or push him in 2013."

Cassel's opening game gave hope in the first half that he could keep the Chiefs moving offensively, but the second half yielded three turnovers and proved the difference in the loss to the Atlanta Falcons. In the end, it was another performance that had the fan base split on their quarterback's ability to lead the team to contention.

Romeo Crennel Says Opportunities For Jon Baldwin 'Just Didn't Come Up Today'

All through the most recent offseason, the most buzz coming from the Kansas City Chiefs centered around the potential for second year wide receiver Jon Baldwin. The Chiefs thought enough of Baldwin's potential to select him with their first round choice in the 2011 NFL Draft, and then watched him reel off several head-turning catches throughout OTAs and training camp. Yet after the team's first preseason game, Baldwin didn't even have a single catch. In fact, he was never even targeted.

After such a promising offseason, many predicted Baldwin would make a major leap forward and give the Chiefs a dynamic red zone target. His rookie season was disappointing after missing the first several games with a thumb injury after a preseason locker room fight with Thomas Jones. After he healed and put in the time, it was clear that Baldwin was focused and ready to make good on his draft stock.

After the game, head coach Romeo Crennel didn't offer a specific reason for Baldwin's lack of playing time or plays drawn up for him. It simply didn't happen.

"Well he's trying to develop a role in the offense," said Crennel after the game. "He's working at it, and I think eventually he will have his spot and he will be making plays, but it just didn't come up today."

The Chiefs certainly have more offensive personnel to get the ball to than ever before in Matt Cassel's tenure with the team, but Baldwin has the size and athletic ability to do what no one else on the team can do. It will be interesting to see if any drama comes of this or if any further explanation is given in the coming days.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Chiefs Players Refuse To Blame Injuries After Falcons Loss

The Kansas City Chiefs were down after their season-opening loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday but it was clear they weren't ready to blame anyone for their troubles. Despite the ability to pin the loss on the suspension of Tamba Hali and the loss of several starters on defense to injury, the team was quick to note that they simply did not get the job done against the Falcons. Nothing more.

"We can't be focused on the injuries because that isn't something that we can control," said safety Eric Berry after the game. "The only thing we can control are the 11 guys on defense, the 11 guys on offense and the 11 guys on special teams and just rally together."

The Chiefs were without their top pass rusher in Hali, but they were also missing their top cornerback Brandon Flowers, starting defensive tackle Anthony Toribio and safety Kendrick Lewis among others.

"I thought we stuck to our game plan," said linebacker Justin Houston, who had the Chiefs only sack on the afternoon. "We knew we needed some guys to step up on defense because we knew that we had some guys that were going to be out. We didn't play our best, but, we've just got to come out and do better."

While Derrick Johnson admitted that Hali would have bolstered the defensive play against the Falcons, it wasn't something he was focused on at all.

"Tamba would have helped, of course," said Johnson. "You've got to find a way. You can't have excuses. I didn't even think about Tamba this week. That's just how it is in the NFL."

Clearly the 40 points put up by the Falcons offense is more than just adding a few players. Instead it's something the team will have to study and scheme for in the days ahead before playing another game against the Buffalo Bills in week two.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Falcons Vs. Chiefs: 3 Lingering Questions For Kansas City

For a while it seemed the Kansas City Chiefs offense had been reborn. With a new offensive coordinator and several new weapons, the Chiefs needed to turn the corner from a miserable 2011 campaign that featured four starts from quarterback Tyler Palko and season-ending injuries to Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki. Instead, the end result against the Atlanta Falcons was a loss at home that was only slightly better than the blowout to the Bills.

Now that the Falcons game is officially in the books and the Chiefs are 0-1, some questions now must be asked about the team -- ones that fans likely never saw coming before the game. Sure everyone knew that Tamba Hali would be missed. When Brandon Flowers was announced as inactive before the game, that became a major concern as well. But there are other questions that must be answered, and here we present three that remain in our minds after the game is over.

1. Where was Jon Baldwin?

The Chiefs receiver was touted all preseason as a breakout candidate due to his big play ability at Pitt and his incredible catches on display during training camp and OTAs. Instead, Baldwin didn't catch a single pass and was a complete non-factor in the game, spending his day on the sidelines. It's the first question that has to be asked about this offense.

2. Are the Chiefs really that thin on defense?

In the NFL, the phrase "next man up" exists because you never know when a starter might go down to injury (or suspension in Tamba Hali's case). Yet the Chiefs saw a tremendous drop-off in talent after Brandon Flowers and Hali today. The end result was Matt Ryan completed nearly 75 percent of his passes. No quarterback in the NFL should be able to compete 3 of every 4 throws. The Chiefs have to find someone to fill the gap, even as both players come back. If the team is really this thin on defense, it will be a long season.

3. Is Matt Cassel even capable of making the leap?

Even when he's surrounded by a much better offensive line and brand new weapons, Matt Cassel still reminds everyone of the same quarterback we've come to know to this point. A good first half gave way to a meltdown in the third quarter. Not everything was Cassel's fault at all, but efficiency cannot be a quarterback's greatest asset. The question that still needs to be answered is whether Cassel can get better even if you surround him with Eric Winston, Kevin Boss and guys returning from injury.

Tony Gonzalez Lands On NFL's Top 10 All-Time Receiving List

As if there were any questions as to whether or not Tony Gonzalez will land in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, the incredible tight end found another feather to place in his cap on Sunday in the Atlanta Falcons season-opening win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Coming into the game, Gonzalez needed 45 yards to pass Torry Holt, the former Rams great, for No. 10 on the all-time receiving yards list. He ended the game with 53.

Gonzalez now has 13,393 receiving yards in his career, making him the only non-wide receiver in the top ten. By surpassing Holt, he now moves up another slot and could also pass names like Henry Ellard and Cris Carter before this season is over.

The Falcons won the game behind the vaunted passing attack of Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White and Gonzalez and finished with a 40-24 blowout at Arrowhead Stadium.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Falcons Vs. Chiefs Final Score: Atlanta Routs Kansas City, Wins 40-24

Matt Ryan scored four total touchdowns as the Falcons thwarted the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-24. Ryan threw three TD pases, two of which went to Atlanta wideout Julio Jones. Jones led receivers on the day with six receptions for 108 yards and those two scores.

Tight end Tony Gonzalez passed Torry Holt for No. 10 on the all-time receiving yards list, becoming the first non-wideout in the top 10. The former Chief ended the day with five receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel struggled in the second half Sunday. Initially, Cassel shined, starting the day completing ten of his first twelve passes with a touchdown. However, two second-half interceptions took away any chance of the Chiefs being able to keep up with the high-rolling Atlanta offense.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Chiefs Vs. Falcons Score Update: Atlanta Offense Clicking, Falcons Lead 37-17

Matt Ryan added a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter for Atlanta, who now lead 37-17 over the Chiefs. Ryan capped a nine play 70-yard drive with a five yard touchdown run on the Falcons first touchdown of the quarter. Later in the third, Ryan connected with tight end Tony Gonzalez for a seven yard touchdown. That score is icing on the cake for the former Chief, as the veteran cracked the top 10 of all time receiving yards.

Atlanta kicker Matt Bryant tacked on a 31 yard field goal, his third of the day, early in the fourth quarter to extend the Falcons lead.

Kansas City rusher Jamaal Charles, who is making his first start since tearing his ACL, has 75 yards on 13 carries.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Falcons Vs. Chiefs Halftime Score: Atlanta Up 20-17 At Half

Matt Ryan and Julio Jones connected on two touchdowns in the first half as Atlanta leads Kansas City 20-17 at the half. Ryan is 17-of-22 for 203 yards and the two strikes to Jones, who has 58 receiving yards on the day so far. Roddy White leads all Atlanta receivers with five receptions for 61 yards.

Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez achieved a monumental milestone in the first half. His 46 yards is enough to pass Torry Holt and crack the top 10 of all-time receiving yards. Gonzalez is the only non-wide receiver on the list.

Matt Cassel has had an efficient first half, going 10-of-12 for 123 yards and a TD to tight end Kevin Boss. Cassel has also rushed three times for seven yards and a score.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Chiefs Vs. Falcons Score Update: Atlanta, Kansas City Tied 10-10 Midway Through Second Quarter

Julio Jones scored Sunday's first touchdown on an eight yard catch from Matt Ryan as the Falcons are knotted up with the Chiefs 10-10 through midway through the second quarter.

Both quarterbacks are off to fast starts in each team's season opener. Ryan stands at 7/9 for 75 yards and the Jones TD. Kansas City QB Matt Cassel is 8/10 for 111 yards and a 22-yard TD strike to tight end Kevin Boss.

Ryan Succop and Matt Bryant each added field goals to get their team's in double digits.

Jones and Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe, two highly touted fantasy pass-catchers, each have 44 receiving yards thus far.

Tight end Tony Gonzalez needs 42 receiving yards to break into the top 10 of all time receivers in NFL history.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Tony Gonzalez Can Make NFL History During Chiefs-Falcons Game

Tony Gonzalez is back at his original home in Arrowhead Stadium today as his Atlanta Falcons take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the season opener for both teams. Perhaps it's a fitting place for Gonzalez to potentially break into the NFL record books.

Gonzalez is already in the NFL record books in several categories among tight ends, but he has the chance today to break into the top 10 all-time receivers in NFL history. He needs 44 yards to tie former St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt, so a 45-yard performance today will place him as the only non-wideout in the top ten.

Gonzalez now has 13,338 yards receiving in the NFL, most of which came with his time with the Chiefs. To come back to Arrowhead to earn such an honor as a top ten receiver in NFL history is fitting for a certain Hall of Famer who deserves all of the attention and accolades that he can get.

Gonzalez can also conceivably break into the top seven by season's end. With 700 yards this season, he can eclipse James Lofton's mark of 14,004 and settle into the No. 7 slot. Jerry Rice is the all-time leader with 22,895 yards.

Brandon Flowers, Kendrick Lewis Inactive For Chiefs-Falcons

The Kansas City Chiefs already had several top defenders listed on the injury report, but the questions that remained as of Sunday morning was whether or not key players like Brandon Flowers, Derrick Johnson, Kendrick Lewis and the lot were going to play or whether they would be declared inactive. The team has finally made that announcement and it appears that the secondary will be hurting without Brandon Flowers and Kendrick Lewis.

Flowers is the Chiefs best cornerback by a long shot and the loss of Brandon Carr this offseason only further displays how much he is missed when he is not on the field. Stanford Routt is going to be the top corner for the Chiefs today. As for Lewis, his absence was expected and Abe Elam will step up to take his starting role.

The good news for Chiefs fans is that Derrick Johnson will play today. The Pro Bowl linebacker was questionable for today's game, so his presence in the middle will make a huge difference.

The Chiefs already lost Tamba Hali for the season opener against the Falcons due to suspension of league substance abuse rules.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Chiefs Vs. Falcons Odds: Atlanta Listed As 3-Point Favorites Over Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs open their season today with the visiting Atlanta Falcons coming to Arrowhead, but despite the boost at home the team is still three point underdogs to Matt Ryan and company according to Bovada.

Typically the boost playing at home is three points by itself, so it's clear that bettors believe the Falcons will be able to come in on the road to a hostile environment and open with a win. The Falcons offense is likely to be celebrated league-wide this season as Julio Jones develops alongside Roddy White. The Falcons can also run the ball and it doesn't hurt to have Tony Gonzalez as their tight end.

The Chiefs defense is also hurting at the wrong time with Tamba Hali's suspension and injury concerns for Kendrick Lewis, Brandon Flowers, Jalil Brown, Derrick Johnson, Jovan Belcher and Anthony Toribio among others.

Kansas City Chiefs To Celebrate Kansas Citians With 'Lamar Hunt Game Changers' Awards

As the Kansas City Chiefs continue to celebrate 50 years as a franchise, the team has already highlighted several aspects of the surrounding KC community through a special celebration tour, fan giveaways and even a Midwestern art initiative. Now the team has announced plans to honor 50 Kansas Citians throughout the 2012 NFL season as "Lamar Hunt Game Changers."

"Lamar Hunt's legacy stemmed from his vision, compassion, innovation, humility and his love for Kansas City," said Chiefs President Mark Donovan in a statement. "This initiative was designed to honor special individuals that share those same qualities our founder embodied."

The honorees will be featured on the team's anniversary site -- kcchiefs50.com -- with a complete profile and Donovan said the Chiefs have chosen a diverse group of people from community volunteers to people in the local spotlight.

Falcons Vs. Chiefs: Game Time, TV Schedule, Injury Updates And More

The Kansas City Chiefs open their 2012 season Sunday by hosting the Atlanta Falcons at Arrowhead Stadium. The game will be Romeo Crennel's first as the permanent head coach of the Chiefs. Crennel took over last season on an interim basis after Kansas City fired Todd Haley with three games left to play.

The Chiefs welcome back a number of players who missed large amounts of time for injury in 2011. Quarterback Matt Cassel returns to action after missing the final seven games of last season with a hand injury. Halfback Jamaal Charles, who tore an ACL in Week 2 last year, also returns to the field, as does tight end Tony Moeaki, who also tore his ACL and missed the entire season.

Crennel's dealing with a whole new set of injuries this week, though, mostly on defense. Cornerback Brandon Flowers (questionable) is nursing an injured heel, linebacker Derrick Johnson (questionable) has an injured ankle and safety Kendrick Lewis (doubtful) hasn't fully recovered from a shoulder injury. Backup cornerback Jalil Brown may also miss the game.

Former Kansas City tight end Tony Gonzalez makes his first appearance at Arrowhead Stadium since being traded to Atlanta prior to the 2009 season. The 12-time Pro Bowler has said he will likely retire after this season.

Coverage begins on Fox at noon CT.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Madden '13 Simulation Has Chiefs Beating Falcons

Madden '13 is finally out and NFL and video game fans everywhere are likely spending much of the weekend watching and playing the opening games of the 2012 NFL season. The latest Madden '13 simulations are out from ESPN and the good news is that the game itself seems to believe that the Chiefs can upset the Atlanta Falcons this weekend as the teams open up against one another.

Jon Robinson writes, "Plenty of pundits are picking the Chiefs as their surprise choice to win the AFC West, and Kansas City doesn't disappoint in Week 1, scoring 14 fourth-quarter points to beat the Falcons 24-21. The Falcons led 21-10 heading into the final quarter, but the Chiefs finally woke up thanks to a 59-yard punt return for a touchdown by Javier Arenas, followed by a 22-yard score by Jamaal Charles to seal the deal. Michael Turner ran for 145 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown, in the loss."

It's not a surprise that the Chiefs can win over the Falcons on paper, but the reality is that the Chiefs defense right now is a mess. Tamba Hali is out with suspension. The team could also be missing numerous other defensive starters including Kendrick Lewis, Brandon Flowers, Derrick Johnson, Jovan Belcher and Anthony Toribio. In addition, Allen Bailey is doubtful for the game.

Chiefs fans can only hope for such a late rally and strong start to the NFL season.

The Long-Term Rhetoric Around Dontari Poe Is Nearly Gone

The moment that the draft card for Dontari Poe was turned into the powers-that-be at the 2012 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, it seemed the team had already memorized the necessary rhetoric about the defensive tackle's long-term development.

Fans of the Chiefs learned a few things about Poe very quickly: the team had targeted him all along, his workouts were amazing, his level of competition at Memphis was subpar and the learning curve was going to be steep.

Through it all, the team said to expect very little from Poe up front. Romeo Crennel and other assistant coaches talked about the long-term nature of Poe's impact and how it takes a significant amount of time -- multiple seasons even -- for defensive linemen to learn the proper technique needed to succeed in the trenches. For a fan base still waiting for Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey to turn in a Pro Bowl season, patience was a word that was already in their vocabulary.

Now that week one is here in the NFL, all of that is gone. Or at the very least, things have changed significantly. Poe has been summoned. He will be needed -- not only against the Atlanta Falcons, but for the duration of his rookie year.

It's not that Poe will not need several games to get into a groove or that he will not continue to develop as the season's go on. But it's clear that the Chiefs have not made the investment at the position needed to maintain their initial stance.

If they really wanted to bring Poe along slowly, then they should have brought in a veteran free agent (i.e. last year's acquisition of Kelly Gregg) to help mentor and fill-in. Instead the team has rolled with familiar faces like Anthony Toribio and Jerrell Powe. The team is simply too thin at defensive tackle to take Dontari Poe's presence as anything but a player set to earn major playing time, a player upon whom the team is counting on to deliver at the point of contact for a significant portion of each game.

For Sunday's opening contest against the Atlanta Falcons, injuries further deplete the position to the point that Poe's first game as a professional football player will be one of his most meaningful. Anthony Toribio has been plagued by injuries and it will be surprising if Allen Bailey plays at all.

Perhaps even more surprisingly, the Chiefs have been working out several defensive players this week in the face of injuries but none of them are along the defensive line. Chris Cook got a workout at linebacker while Bobby Carpenter among others got some reps at linebacker in front of Scott Pioli and his staff. But despite the listings on the injury report, no one reported to Arrowhead to help bolster the defensive line.

The reason has been made clear at this point: Dontari Poe is a player the Chiefs believe will make an impact from day one. It should not be surprising if Poe warrants a lot of playing time against the Falcons. If the Chiefs are right, he could also make a strong impact. While no one from the Chiefs has directly said it, it's clear from their lack of roster moves that Poe is expected to make significant contributions from the outset.

For more on the Kansas City Chiefs, check out the discussion and analysis at Arrowhead Pride.

Chiefs Must Play Strong Red Zone Defense Against Falcons

The Kansas City Chiefs host the Atlanta Falcons Sunday afternoon and the Falcons bring with them a versatile offense that is going to test the Chiefs early and often.

The Falcons' offense features perhaps the league's most explosive wide receiver tandem in Roddy White and Julio Jones, not to mention one of the greatest tight ends ever in Tony Gonzales and a Pro Bowl running back in Michael Turner. Friday, Chiefs linebacker coach Gary Gibbs said the best way to keep the Falcons' offense in check is to be aggressive up front, especially in the red zone.

"You certainly have to play good red zone defense against this team. I think our crowd can really help. The crowd can help us in the red zone and the crowd can help us on third down," Gibbs said. "We've got to make some plays. That's always the key when you play a good offense that's so diverse and so explosive."

The Chiefs' defense will get a needed boost against the Falcons' offense. While cornerback Brandon Flowers and linebacker Derrick Johnson are officially listed as questionable, both are expected to be on the field Sunday.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Mike Nolan's Defense Will Present Multiple Challenges For Chiefs Offense

During a season in which first place and last place in the AFC West could be separated by a matter of a few games, the Kansas City Chiefs open with a tough first test against the Atlanta Falcons, a team many are predicting to make the playoffs and even win the NFC South.

Not many know better about the potential problems the Falcons' defense can bring opposing teams than Chiefs' offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Daboll said Friday he worked with Falcons' head coach Mike Nolan last year, adding that Nolan's defenses require extra effort to plan against.

"He has multiple, multiple schemes. It's been a grind these past 10 days here," Daboll said. "Anytime you play the first game of the season, there is a little bit of the unexpected. You prepare hard."

The good news for the Chiefs is they should have a healthy Jamaal Charles and an up-to-speed Dwayne Bowe to deploy against the Falcons' defense.

Kansas City heads in to Sunday's game as a 3-point home underdog. Kickoff from Arrowhead Stadium is scheduled for Sunday Noon CT.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Chiefs' Brian Daboll Discusses John Abraham, Falcons Defense

The Kansas City Chiefs will need a strong effort on the offensive side of the ball when they open the season at home on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Chiefs defense will have its hands full trying to slow down Falcons' quarterback Matt Ryan and his receivers, Roddy White and Julio Jones. The Chiefs' offense is preparing to pull their weight as they try to get off to a good start in Week 1. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll will try to counter an aggressive Atlanta defense that he expects to bring plenty of pressure on the Chiefs.

"They can really get after people," Daboll said on Friday. "Start with (John) Abraham who's done it a long time. I've played against him a few times, and he's a champ to prepare for. (Ray) Edwards is a good run stuffer, and (Jonathan) Babineaux high inside."

Daboll also praised the rest of the Falcons defense without giving up any thoughts on how he plans to have quarterback Matt Cassell and the rest of his offense attack Falcons.

"And then you have these backers with (Sean) Weatherspoon who had 113 tackles last year," Daboll said. "He's aggressive, flies to the ball. (Stephen) Nicholas, and then you're talking about their back end. It's pretty good with (Brent) Grimes there outside at corner who can really get up and play zone. Dunta Robinson is another who can cover and play zone. You have them and you have Mike, so you have to do your best to prepare for a good football team."

With Daboll calling the plays for the first time, Kansas City will have the advantage of the unknown in Week 1 as Atlanta won't know how Daboll plans to use Jamaal Charles, Cassell and his big targets Dwayne Bowe and Kevin Boss.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Chiefs Vs. Falcons Injury Report: Atlanta Healthy Heading Into Week 1

While the Kansas City Chiefs could be missing multiple defensive starters on Sunday, their opponent, the Atlanta Falcons are relatively healthy heading into Week 1, as they have only two players on the injured list. Cornerback Christopher Owens and running back Jason Snelling are listed as probable and fully participated in Friday's practice:

Falcons Injury Report

Missing Owens would not be a big deal as he is a third-string cornerback, but if Snelling had been out, then the Falcons' running game could have taken a hit. Both players should be suiting up on Sunday, and it would be a major surprise if either were listed as inactives on Sunday.

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Chiefs Vs. Falcons Injury Report: Kansas City Could Be Down 4 Defensive Starters

The Kansas City Chiefs finished up practice this week and they have seven players officially listed on the team's injury report. There were three players that did not practice on Friday in defensive end Allen Bailey, defensive back Kendrick Lewis and defensive tackle Anthony Toribio.

Those three did not practice at all this week and are all listed as doubtful, and are not likely to play on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs are likely down a pair of starters in Flowers and Toribio. They also could be down two more as linebacker Derrick Johnson was limited on Friday and is questionable, as is Jovan Belcher.

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Matt Cassel Predicted To Lose Starting QB Job By Yahoo! Sports' Mike Silver

Matt Cassel is a rather divisive figure for most Kansas City Chiefs fans. The team's starting quarterback has a Pro Bowl nod underneath his belt in 2010, yet in three seasons for the Chiefs, he has yet to display the ability to carry the offense on his shoulders. Instead the offense must become an efficient unit to suit him and that has fans split on whether or not they even want him around for the long haul.

Mike Silver of Yahoo! Sports believes this is the final season for Cassel in Kansas City -- at least in a starting role. Among his multiple preseason predictions, Silver has the Chiefs replacing Cassel as the starter at some point in the season. He writes:

"If you believe some of the garbage that has come out of Kansas City the past couple of years, you think that former offensive coordinator Charlie Weis was the reason for Cassel's stunning success in 2010, when Tom Brady's ex-backup made the Pro Bowl and helped K.C. to an unlikely AFC West crown. If you know the real story, you regard Weis as a fraud, ex-Chiefs coach Todd Haley as a miracle worker (at least for that one season, which began with Weis reluctant to coach Cassel, causing Haley to step in) and Cassel as a disaster waiting to happen. With the ever-delicate Brian Daboll now on the job as new coach Romeo Crennel's offensive coordinator, count on it happening."

If that were to happen, it would be interesting to see who Silver believes could replace him. Ricky Stanzi was overwhelmed in the preseason and is likely going to need another year with the team to adjust his game to the pro level. Brady Quinn has yet to show he can be a starter in the NFL even while playing on a Broncos team that suffered with Tim Tebow under center.

Perhaps the Chiefs can pick up a starter mid-season like last year's waiver grab of Kyle Orton, but that's poor planning for a team with so much talent all over the roster. If Cassel is replaced at some point like Silver believes, it likely means the Chiefs season fell apart once again.

Brandon Flowers, Derrick Johnson Expected To Play For Chiefs, Per Adam Teicher

There is still no official word on the statuses of Brandon Flowers and Derrick Johnson for this weekend's game against the Falcons, but things are looking up. At least one observer thinks that the two will play.

After seeing bit of last Chiefs practice of week, I'll stand by my prediction that Flowers and Johnson will play vs Falcons

— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) September 7, 2012

Flowers is dealing with a left-heel injury and just returned to practice after missing the entire preseason. The cornerback has reportedly looked better in practice of late, and with back-up Jalil Brown having also been limited in practice lately, getting Flowers out there on Sunday would be a big boost to the Chiefs.

Johnson has an ankle injury that has his status in doubt, but after not practicing on Monday, he's worked his way back to limited practice and things are looking good.

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Multiple Contract Years Should Play In Chiefs' Favor In 2012

Every season is a big season in the NFL for each franchise and player involved. The beauty of a 16-game season is that each week is a do-or-die affair and reputations are formed for better or worse with each passing week. Unlike the 82 game basketball season or the 162 game baseball season, the NFL realizes that less is more and the level of drama with each game is significant.

Yet every year there is a tier of players for whom the games are that much more meaningful. Players who are entering the final year of their contracts, otherwise known as a contract year, have more on the line than others with a bit more job security. While the NFL can become a cruel business for players who believe they are on solid footing (i.e. the Ravens recent dealings with offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie), the guys who are entering their final season with an official contract all realize a significant level of pressure.

Several members of the Kansas City Chiefs have significant paydays ahead if they can warrant the big payday they are hoping for -- either from the Chiefs or another team on the open market. On both sides of the ball, the Chiefs have several decisions to make to lock up a number of players before next year's free agency period. While fans can become frustrated with the lack of certainty for the Chiefs at a number of positions, it also means these players know they have a 16-game audition with which to impress the powers-that-be.

Think about the names that are out there for a minute: Dwayne Bowe at wide receiver, Brandon Albert at left tackle, Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey at defensive end, Ryan Lilja at guard, Peyton Hillis at running back. Even punter Dustin Colquitt can walk next season. Those are significant players at impact positions for the Chiefs, and that can be a very good thing for the 2012 NFL season.

Several of these players will likely re-sign with the Chiefs at some point, whether by warranting an in-season extension or by returning to the team in the offseason. But the pressure hanging over their heads is likely something that the front office wanted all along for these players in particular.

Let's take the case of Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson, who is technically not a free agent in 2013 but whose contract is certainly cost-prohibitive next year at over $14 million. Both LSU players were top five NFL draft picks (No. 3 in Jackson's case) who have developed an unfair reputation as potential draft busts and players who have failed to live up to the billing. While both are fine run stoppers, neither one has made the national splash expected and their next contract should reflect that perception.

Yet they also have the chance to make that impression over the next 16 games. The Chiefs defense is predicated on what the front line can do to free up playmaking linebackers like Derrick Johnson, Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, so Dorsey and Jackson absolutely must become a consistent force in the Chiefs base to earn that next check. While neither player will find themselves out of the NFL anytime soon, it's that first contract after the rookie deal that can set them up for life. Just ask Brandon Carr.

None of these players can afford to miss a game or fail to practice hard. Every one of these players must show up on every down. While they are always being watched by the front office and coaching staff, this is a significant year of evaluation for each player along the trenches and among the skill positions. This is a good thing for the Chiefs, who can expect each player to perform at the highest levels possible knowing that their earning power is at stake for the next 16 weeks.

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Falcons Owner Says Coach Mike Smith 'Not On Hot Seat'

Some have wondered whether Mike Smith might get the axe if the Atlanta Falcons doesn't have a good season, but Falcons owner Arthur Blank cut out any of that speculation. Blank said plainly in a Q&A with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that both Smith and Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff were safe.

"He's not on any hot seat," Blank said. "Coach Smith, he and Thomas, I particularly feel really blessed -- and I don't use that word every day, all day long -- I feel blessed having them both in place."

The Falcons have been good in the regular season under Smith, but have not had any postseason success. Apparently Smith will still be in charge even if that continues, at least if you believe Blank.

Smith signed a three-year contract extension last year and starts this season in Kansas City, where his Falcons will take on the Chiefs. While Blank may have given Smith a vote of confidence, you can bet that the pitchforks will come out if the team gets off to a slow start.

NFL Week 1 Predictions: Sports Guy Bill Simmons Picks Falcons Over Chiefs

Week 1 in the NFL is finally here and that means a slew of predictions and picks columns will begin to emerge over the next 4-5 months, including the always entertaining Bill Simmons, a.k.a. The Sports Guy. The Grantland/ESPN columnist has released his first predictions feature for the 2012 season and that includes the upcoming Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons game this Sunday.

Simmons writes, "Feels like a 'fool's gold' victory much like the one Dallas just had - Atlanta comes through outdoors on the road against the banged-up Chiefs, everyone gets a little too excited, and ultimately, it doesn't mean much. Here's where I remind you that Rex Grossman and the Redskins beat the Giants in Week 1 last year, followed by people picking up Rex in fantasy leagues and stuff."

The Chiefs are 2.5 point underdogs to the Falcons, but Arrowhead is a tough place to play. It should be interesting to see how the Chiefs respond to numerous injuries on the defense, especially against such a dominating Falcons' offensive unit.

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Scott Pioli, Thomas Dimitroff Discuss Friendship Before Chiefs-Falcons

When the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday it will be a reunion of sorts for general managers Scott Pioli and Thomas Dimitroff. Now leading their own teams, Piolo and Dimitroff got their start two decades ago in Cleveland and, well, their jobs weren't nearly as glamorous as they are now.

"I was hired in 1992 and Thomas’ dad, Tom Sr., was on the staff and he was a regional scout at the time for the Browns, said Pioli. "And, correct me if I’m wrong Thomas, but you were in the World League at the time, just as that version of the World League was folding and Thomas moved back … right around Cleveland and Thomas and I were able to meet, work together. We kind of worked together. We were going to the same address each day. You were lining fields and I was making coffee, I think."

So the future general managers of the Chiefs and Falcons started their careers making coffee and painting lines on field. If there is ever a story of starting at the bottom and work your way to the top, this is it.

Now their teams square off and they can remember what is was like to make coffee and paint fields while staring at each other and wonder which guy had it worse. Then they can consider their big money contracts and being one of just 32 general managers in the NFL and think that it was all worth it.

NFL Picks Week 1, Falcons Vs. Chiefs: Experts Like Atlanta To Win

On Thursday, Peter King of Sports Illustrated said that the Falcons and Chiefs opener is the "Game of the Weekend," as it should feature plenty of explosive plays between two teams with plenty of playmakers. However, he chose to lean in favor of the Falcons, picking them to beat the Chiefs 33-26 on Sunday, due to the absence of pass rusher Tamba Hali against an Atlanta offense that will want to throw deep.

Having watched the Chiefs all through training camp and preseason, though, Joel Thorman of Arrowhead Pride thinks it will be the home team that takes the opener. In fact, he cites the home crowd in the season opener as his reasoning for picking a 23-20 win for the Chiefs:

It's the home crowd, it's the season opener, Arrowhead will be rockin'.

However, while the game is considered to be a close one among two playoff contending teams, it appears that most analysts are leaning in King's direction, picking the Falcons to win in Week 1. Of NFL.com's four experts, only Gregg Rosenthal took the Chiefs to win while Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler and Jim Reineking all picked the Falcons.

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Seattle Seahawks Sign Former Chiefs LB Gabe Miller

Gabe Miller, a fifth round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, was released by the team that drafted him when the Chiefs made final cuts last week. However, Miller wasn't out of work long as he was placed on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad on Thursday.

Most interesting about the Miller signing for the Seahawks is that the team lists him as a tight end, after he played outside linebacker with the Chiefs. This isn't the first position switch for Miller who originally joined the Oregon State Beavers as a tight end before getting moved to defensive end.

When he was drafted by the Chiefs he converted from a defensive end to an outside linebacker, but he has apparently come full circle, re-entering the tight end ranks with the Seahawks.

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Week 1 NFL Odds: Falcons Slightly Favored Over Chiefs

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs will kick off their NFL season against the Atlanta Falcons. As the game approaches, Atlanta continues to be a very slight favorite. According to the odds at Oddsshark.com, the Falcons are being listed as anywhere from a two and a half to three point favorite by the various odds-makers listed.

SB Nation's NFL odds page has the Falcons listed as the favorite by a single point.

Around the NFL, the biggest margins given are for the Chicago Bears, who are a nine point favorite over the Colts, and the Detroit Lions, who are given the same margin over the St. Louis Rams.

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Chiefs Work Out Linebacker Bobby Carpenter

The Kansas City Chiefs worked out linebacker Bobby Carpenter earlier this week, according to reports.

Adam Caplan of The Sideline View tweeted the news on Wednesday. The Chiefs also worked out linebacker Bryan Kehl, Caplan said.

Starting inside linebacker Derrick Johnson is fighting an ankle injury and told the Kansas City Star he's "optimistic" he'll play in Sunday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Jovan Belcher, the Chief's other starting inside linebacker, missed practice Thursday (after it was reported that Carpenter and Kehl had worked out) with a sore groin.

The workouts of Carpenter and Kehl were likely intended to bolster depth amid a slew of injuries to Kansas City's defense, but the latest news on Belcher may make the situation more urgent.

Carpenter was the No. 18 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He was traded to the St. Louis Rams in May 2010 and was cut in September 2010. He has since spent time with the Miami Dolphins, the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots.

The Chiefs kick off against the Falcons on Sunday at 12 p.m. CT on Fox.

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Chiefs Players Have High Expectations For Offense In 2012

The Kansas City Chiefs have been a bad preseason team for a while, and just finished the 2012 preseason with 1-3 record, but that hasn't dampened the team's hopes as they head into their season-opener against the Atlanta Falcons at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.

Key components of the Chiefs offense have high expectations for 2012.

Kevin Boss: "I think we're a pretty confident bunch. It started off well that first game. We didn't play as well as we wanted the last couple of preseason games, but our confidence is still pretty high. We still have all of our weapons. It's good to have D-Bowe back. We're excited about him coming back and looking forward to getting into a real game."

Steve Breaston: "I think we feel comfortable, especially with the guys that we've got. One of the big things is having Jamaal back in the backfield. The addition of Peyton and the run game, it's going to help open up things on the outside and vice-versa. If you make plays on the outside, it will open the run game. I think we have a nice balance right now. We just have to keep working and polishing some things up. As a team, I think we're ready."

Matt Cassel: "It's been a long time coming. We've put a lot of hard work and effort into not only the offseason but mini-camps and then you get into the season and you've had four preseason games and now it's for real. We're all excited, we're enthusiastic about it, this team is working hard, so we couldn't be more excited. And, the fact that we also get to have the Opening Day at home in front of our fans and all the traditions that go along with it with Red Friday and everything else, it's going to be a great weekend."

The Chiefs, are 3-point favorites over the Falcons, according to OddsShark.

Kick off at Arrowhead Stadium is slated for noon CT. The game will be televised on FOX.

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Tony Gonzalez Misses Chiefs Fans, Atmosphere

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez hasn't played in Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium since Dec. 21, 2008. The NFL's career leader in touchdowns and receiving yards as a tight end played for the Chiefs from 1997-2008 will make his first trip back to Arrowhead when the Falcons open their season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Gonzalez told Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star that he's very sentimental about his time in Kansas City; he's particularly fond of the fans and the Arrowhead Stadium atmosphere.

From Covitz:

"Everybody is asking me, ‘What's it like in there? Is the stadium loud?' " Gonzalez said of his Atlanta teammates, who last played at Arrowhead in 2004. "And, I'm like, ‘Oh yeah, it's going to be crazy, it's opening day, they've got a pretty good football team ... wait until you hear the national anthem, and wait until you hear, after every first down, the whole crowd shouting, ‘That's a Chiefs' first down!' "

Gonzalez already led the NFL's career list for tight ends in touchdowns, receptions and yards when he was traded to the Falcons prior to the 2009 season for a second-round draft pick. (Gonzalez requested the trade; he did not want to be part of another rebuilding process at that advanced stage in his career.)

Now Gonzalez trails only Jerry Rice in receptions among any position. He has 1,149 career receptions, 13,338 yards and 95 touchdowns.

The Chiefs kick off against the Falcons on Sunday at noon CT on Fox.

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Chiefs Vs. Falcons: Andy Studebaker Ready To Step In For Tamba Hali

Though Pro Bowl linebacker Tamba Hali is sidelined for the Kansas City Chiefs' Week 1 opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, backup Andy Studebaker is preparing to make the most of his increased playing time.

"You don't know how opportunity is going to come, and I say that quite a bit. That day, a team needed me to step in for an injured player," Studebaker, when asked about the opportunity, said. "You just don't know as a backup what your role is going to be and how it's going to come, but you have to be prepared.

"I think when you prepare hard and practice hard as if it's coming today - your opportunity - then you will be prepared and you'll be able to help the team out."

Studebaker will be filling in for Hali while he serves his one-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, and the five-year pro out of Wheaton expects to bring solid football fundamentals to the gridiron for Kansas City.

"I think as far as expectations, it's pretty simple. They're not asking us as a defense to do anything crazy," Studebaker said. "We just need to play sound football. We do say that quite a bit and probably sound like a broken record, but we just need 11 guys to play sound football, run to the ball and just do our jobs. Personally, just do my job and good things will happen."

When asked what 'sound football' is, Studebaker replied with this:

"Like I said, you can't go in there being someone you're not. For me, I'm going to know my job. I'm going to play as hard as I can. We're going to, as a defense, we're all going to play hard, know what we're doing, communicate effectively and put ourselves in a position to have a chance."

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Kansas City Chiefs Pick 2012 Team Captains

Six captains, two from each the offense, defense and special teams units were selected by the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2012 season on Wednesday, according to a report by the Kansas City Star.

The offensive captains are quarterback Matt Cassel and guard Ryan Lilja. Cassel is entering his fourth season with the Chiefs after an injury-shortened 2011 campaign saw him play in only nine games. 2012 will be Lilja's third year in Kansas City after playing for the Indianapolis Colts for five seasons prior.

On the defensive side, linebacker Derrick Johnson and safety Eric Berry, both Pro Bowlers, were selected as captains. Johnson has spent each of his eight NFL seasons in Kansas City since being selected as the team's first round draft pick in 2005. Berry was drafted fifth overall by the Chiefs in 2010 and missed almost all of last season with a torn ACL.

Punter Dustin Colquitt, entering his eighth season with the Chiefs, and wide receiver Terrance Copper were named special teams captains.

Kansas City opens the 2012 season at home against the Atlanta Falcons. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.

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Atlanta Falcons Injury Report Includes Jason Snelling

The Atlanta Falcons have the look of a passing offense if the preseason is any indication, but the potential absence of backup running back Jason Snelling could still prove beneficial for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Snelling (hamstring) is listed as questionable on the Falcons' injury report, as the Chiefs prepare to host the NFC South team in Sunday's Week 1 opener at noon at Arrowhead.

Cornerback Christopher Owens was also listed on the Falcons' injury report for having had limited participation Wednesday.

Snelling, the veteran backup out of Virginia, has proved to be a nice supplemental piece to starter Michael Turner during his six-year NFL career, racking up 1,193 yards on 301 carries. He's been featured prominently as a pass-catching back because Turner's hands are terrible, but some of that role has been shifted to second-year back Jacquizz Rodgers.

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Jamaal Charles Ready, Excited To Be On Field Again

Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson have gotten most of the attention for potential Comeback Player of the Year honors as the 2012 NFL season opens, but there's another offensive weapon looking to return to form from a season-shortening injury fans might have forgotten about.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles' 2011 season was short-lived after suffering an ACL injury Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, a huge blow that followed back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing campaigns. Charles rushed for 1,467 yards rushing in 2010 and has averaged an impressive 6.1 yards per carry going into his fifth NFL season.

It's no surprise the 25-year-old Charles is ready to hit the field again, which he'll do Sunday at noon when the Chiefs host the Atlanta Falcons in a Week 1 matchup.

"It’s going to feel real great. I’m excited to be on the field again, especially with my teammates. The passion out there, everything I said in the interview when I met with you all in the offseason, it’s part of what I want to do when Sunday comes. I spoke it and I have to come and prove it. I feel good, I feel great right now. I just can’t wait until the opportunity comes."

Is Charles worried about re-injuring his knee?

"No, because I’m worried about the Falcons, I’m not worried about my knee. The only thing I’m worried about is staying healthy for the whole season."

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DeMarco Murray, Tony Romo Form Example Template For Chiefs' Success

The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants kicked off the 2012 NFL regular season on Wednesday night and the eyes of football fans everywhere were glued to the game in which Dallas came out on top, 24-17. While it's only the first game of the first week, there were several impressive facets to the Cowboys' victory that many likely took note of -- especially future opponents of both teams. But the Kansas City Chiefs should also take a closer look.

Tony Romo is making every headline coast to coast by Thursday morning for his three touchdown performance. It's the sort of performance Romo will need several of in a row to be able to take his reputation to the next level, and while Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel hasn't even achieved Romo's level of stats or success, both quarterbacks face the same ghosts in the fan base and media that believe they might not be the best man for the job.

Yet one key for Romo's success was found in the man behind him on the offense against the Giants. DeMarco Murray ran 20 times for 131 yards for an incredible 6.6 yards per carry. Murray is expected to be a highly productive back this season for the Cowboys, so the numbers are not surprising. But it's no secret that Murray's success laid the foundation for the Cowboys to air things out the way they did.

The headlines will read Romo and even Kevin Ogletree, the surprise receiver who grabbed two touchdowns from Romo, but the ground game for the Cowboys and Chiefs is all about success on the ground. If the Cowboys can successfully force defenses up in the box, the passing game becomes that much more dynamic.

The Chiefs are relying on Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis to carry the offense this year and they will need both to return from subpar years to keep the offense on the field. Matt Cassel has shown in his three seasons in KC that he is unable to place the team upon his back and lead them to victory. However, the Chiefs are not built to win that way anyway. Expecting Cassel to become like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning is not only unrealistic but it's also not what the Chiefs need.

Instead, the Chiefs simply need Cassel to play smart, minimize mistakes and take advantage of the opportunities given to him. The Chiefs have the makings of a dynamic backfield and the defense should become an impact unit once everyone gets healthy and Tamba Hali returns from his quick suspension. The elements are there -- just like the same things are there for Tony Romo.

The Chiefs need to average about the same 5-6 yards per carry for Cassel to be able to move the offense down the field against the stout defenses the team will face this year. Taking on Buffalo's defensive front, for example, is going to be a tall order given the tremendous front four that Chan Gailey has at his disposal. But if Charles and Hillis can wear them down, the game becomes much easier past those four, especially if they are looking for the run.

Murray and Romo showed the world what can happen when a ground game opens up the offense. The Chiefs will hope for exactly that on Sunday against the Falcons.

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NFL Predictions Week 1: Falcons Favored Over Chiefs By Pro Football Talk

As the Kansas City Chiefs' season opener against the Atlanta Falcons approaches this Sunday, many predictions will start rolling in. One such prediction, from Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, has been recorded, and it isn't favorable to the Chiefs.

Florio says the Falcons have "too much firepower," even enough to overcome the alcohol-fueled fans of Arrowhead, and will win 28-24. Whether or not his comment on Chiefs fans is a compliment or a jab is up to you. As for the game, his prediction is similar to the current betting odds, most of which have the Falcons as a three-point favorite.

Recent history is of little help on the matter, as the Chiefs have not played the Falcons in the regular season since 2008. That matchup was Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan's third career game and resulted in a 38-14 loss for Kansas City. If you put stock in the preseason, the Chiefs went 1-3. After winning their first preseason game against Arizona, the Chiefs dropped the next three games by a combined score of 99-34.

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NFL 2012 Schedule: Chiefs Open Against Falcons On Sunday

Week 1 of the NFL season finally kicks off Wednesday night as the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants host the Dallas Cowboys. The Kansas City Chiefs will start out their 2012 NFL season against the Atlanta Falcons as one of the noon games on the first Sunday of the season, televised on CBS.

Here's the full NFL schedule for Week 1, all times are CT. You can head to SI.com for a full NFL schedule.

Wednesday, Sept. 5

• Cowboys at Giants, 7:30 p.m., NBC

Sunday , Sept. 9

• Redskins at Saints, 12 p.m., FOX
• Falcons at Chiefs, 12 p.m., FOX
• Eagles at Browns, 12 p.m., FOX
• Rams at Lions, 12 p.m., FOX
• Patriots at Titans, 12 p.m., CBS
• Dolphins at Texans, 12 p.m., CBS
• Bills at Jets, 12 p.m., CBS
• Colts at Bears, 12 p.m., CBS
• Jaguars at Vikings, 12 p.m., CBS
• Panthers at Buccaneers, 3:25 p.m., FOX
• Seahawks at Cardinals, 3:25 p.m., FOX
• 49ers at Packers, 3:25 p.m., FOX
• Steelers at Broncos, 7:20 p.m., NBC

Monday, Sept. 10

• Bengals at Ravens, 6 p.m., ESPN
• Chargers at Raiders, 9:15 p.m., ESPN

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Five Keys For The Kansas City Chiefs On Sunday

The Chiefs will need to make certain things happen to beat a tough Falcons team in the season opener.

Falcons Vs. Chiefs Odds: Kansas City A 2.5-Point Underdog

The Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons open their seasons Sunday against each other, and oddsmakers are giving the Falcons a slight nod. Atlanta is a 2.5-point favorite in the game at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium.

Sunday will begin the Chiefs' first full season under coach Romeo Crennel, who replaced Todd Haley 13 games into last season.

It seems the key to Crennel's hopes Sunday would be in an improved run game against what was a stout rushing defense in 2011. Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles spent much of last season sidelined with an injury, and Kansas City ranked 28th in the league in yards per carry, while Atlanta gave up the sixth-fewest rushing yards in the league.

Charles is now healthy, and the Chiefs signed Peyton Hillis during the offseason to bolster their rushing attack. How Atlanta handles those two will likely determine the outcome of Sunday's game.

Oddsmakers also set the game's over/under at 42.

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Chiefs Vs. Falcons: Atlanta's Mike Smith Keeping Secrets Before Opener

If Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith knows who he's starting in Sunday's season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, he's not telling anyone.

Smith pre-empted any questions about personnel at a Monday media availability in the interest of secrecy. According to Jay Adams' blog at atlantafalcons.com:

"Have we decided on who's going to be the starting (right) guard, and who's going to start at the corner position?" Smith asked rhetorically. "Come to the game on Sunday and see. We're not going to discuss it, simply because I don't want to give a competitive advantage to our opponent."

One major question for which the Chiefs cannot prepare is which Falcon will be returning Dustin Colquitt's punts. Dominique Franks was cut Friday, and he was the Falcons' primary punt returner during the preseason. It seemed he had the inside track to replace Eric Weems, who was the only player to return a punt for the Falcons last year. Weems signed with the Chicago Bears this offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

Smith said he has three players in mind to return a punt Sunday. Who ultimately trots out Sunday is anyone's guess. As Smith said, come to the game on Sunday and see.

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Chiefs Have Second Most Salary Cap Space In NFL

The Kansas City Chiefs have the second-most amount of salary cap space in the NFL, according to Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk.

Florio's entire list can be found here. His calculation was made as such:

...based on the top 51 cap numbers for all players under contract. The calculation converts to entire 53-man roster plus all players on injured reserve and other reserve lists at the launch of the regular season.

The Chiefs have $26.6 million available under the salary cap, which only the Jaguars have topped at $28.7 million.

The number can be seen as a relative competitive advantage moving forward; the Chiefs have money to absorb in trades or free agency that, say, AFC West rival San Diego doesn't have at just $4.1 million under the cap. The Denver Broncos are $11.1 million under the cap, and the Oakland Raiders are $6 million under.

The Chiefs open their season Sunday at home against the Atlanta Falcons. The game kicks off at noon CT on Fox.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

NFL Power Rankings: Kansas City Chiefs Open Season At No. 23

With the start of the season only a few days away, SB Nation has updated its preseason NFL Power Rankings. The Kansas City Chiefs come in at No. 23.

The Chiefs have a tough one to open the year when they play host to the Atlanta Falcons (No. 13 in the rankings) at noon Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.

The rushing game could be key for the Chiefs under new head coach Romeo Crennel if the team hopes to compete in the AFC West. Jamaal Charles returns after missing all but one full game in 2011 and the team added former Cleveland Browns' bruiser Peyton Hillis to ease some of Charles' load. As NFL Editor Joel Thorman says in the rankings, "This has the look of a team who leads the league in rushing."

The Chiefs moved down two spots from No. 21 in the pre-training camp rankings, which was down two spots from the 19 spot in the post-draft rankings. A win over Atlanta would surely vault Kansas City in the rankings.

Read more on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation Kansas City. Head over to our NFL hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

Chiefs Vs. Falcons: KC Season Opener Will Be Tough

The Chiefs opener against the Falcons promises to be one of the more evenly matched clashes of Week 1.