Tune in at 8:20 PM ET as the Chiefs take on the Chargers. Rob Sturney will be liveblogging for your enjoyment.
I'm Rob Sturney here with The Score's continuing coverage of the NFL. Our Thursday night game features two AFC West squads that are struggling. The Kansas City Chiefs are tied with Jacksonville for the worst record in the league at 1-6. San Diego started well, but have lost three on the trot and sit at 3-4.
Cassel is at the helm of the Chiefs offense once again, as Brady Quinn is out with a concussion suffered in the first quarter against the Raiders on Sunday. KC will also miss fullback Euchus with a head injury.
Rivers will have a depleted and sore receiving corps tonight. Goodman is out with a hamstring injury while Royal and Meachem both have hurt hammys as well.
These two teams have tangled already this season, with the Chargers taking advantage of six Chief turnovers to win 37-20 on September 30.
The Chiefs lead the league in turnovers with 25. They have also not led in regulation time this season. That's the first time that's happened since 1940.
Another problem for the Chiefs is not utilizing Jamaal Charles. He started off the season like a house on fire, with an average of 110.2 yards/game in the first five games, but has just 44 yards in the last two games. Asked why Charles only had five carries versus the Raiders last week, coach Romeo Crennel said, "Now, that I'm not exactly sure either." Oy.
Watch out for Houston, Johnson, Hali and Berry for the Chiefs on defense.
The Chargers' defensive notables are LB's Phillips, Spikes and Butler and Atari Bigby at strong safety.
We've covered KC's loss to Oakland but the Chargers lost a "hockey game" 7-6 to Cleveland, only racking up 265 yards along the way. They also failed to score a touchdown versus the Falcons in week 3. They are known for blowing leads. Once more we find Norv Turner's job security at risk.
I think we'll see Charger Vincent Brown getting a few more receptions today, what with Goodman's absence and Royal and Meachem's sore hamstrings.
The matchups to watch tonight might be the Chargers' running backs - Matthews, Battle and Brinkley - versus the KC linebackers. San Diego's left tackle Jared Gaither will be challenged by Chief linebacker Hali.
Next week the Chargers will travel to Tampa Bay to be reacquainted with Vincent Jackson, while the Chiefs head off to Pittsburgh.
Bowe has 37 receptions for 492 yards and 3 TD's this season.
Chargers rookies to check out: centre Molk, defensive end Reyes and outside linebacker Ingram.
Chiefs rookies who might made and impact: nosetackle Poe, right tackle Stephenson, left guard Allen and strong safety Hartman.
Yeah, I guess I should mention that the Chiefs are third in the league in rushing yards and the Chargers own the 2nd best run defense.
Well, Meachem and Royal just aren't sore - they're out. So welcome back, Ajirotutu and time to step forward Alexander and Brown.
Qualcomm Stadium has the vibe that the Chargers can still make the playoffs.
Both these squads have good linebackers in 3-4 set ups, but the Chargers have a suspect O-line on the right side especially, while the Chiefs' D-line. KC will be pleased to have Dorsey back at defensive end.
Is it 7.5 or 8 currently?
Soccer, NFL, MLB and the Tour de France, Joe. Many hats and helmets.
I like to be, that's for sure. Was sad to see baseball end, for many reasons . . .
This is usually the time of year that he starts to get his mojo working. The Bolts may keep the ball a little more on the ground what with their depleted receiving corps.
Yeah, that's a tough one. They were 8-8 last year. Sports Illustrated had them predicted as third at the beginning of the season, though the mag also reckoned the Chiefs would be first.
The cheers have been made, the fingers taped and the players are ready to go.
Let's remember that Cassel has a concussion versus the Ravens three weeks ago. Quinn is the one out with a concussion now.
I just want some touchdowns and some excitement. And for you all to win your bets, haha.
