It was a long journey for Andy Studebaker. Starting 2 yards deep in his end zone, the Kansas City Chiefs’ outside linebacker chugged and churned until finally being brought down at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 8-yard line.

Immediately, he was swarmed by teammates following his pivotal interception and return on Nov. 22 at Kansas City.

“You’re going on adrenalin during the run and when you’re down, you realize how winded you are,” Studebaker said. “Everybody is chest bumping me and I’m like, ‘Where’s the sideline? I need to sit down.’ ”

If Studebaker was breathless, even momentarily, who can blame him? It has been a breathtaking three weeks for the second-year pro out of Congerville, population 500.

A knee injury to veteran Mike Vrabel during a Nov. 15 win against Oakland thrust Studebaker into action. Studebaker started the next week, contributing five tackles and two interceptions in a 27-24 upset of Pittsburgh. He also started this past week in a 37-7 loss at San Diego, making five solo tackles.

continue reading...

The good news is the Chiefs are about to embark on three consecutive home games in December.

The bad news is the Chiefs will be giving up a little bit of their homefield advantage (not that it has been so great the last couple of years) to better-rested teams in all three of the games.

Each of the next three teams coming to Kansas City will have last played on a Thursday night and will have three extra days of rest and preparation for the Chiefs.

continue reading...

Associated Press - December 2, 2009 1:04 PM ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Todd Haley is not happy when the subject of fumbling is brought up in connection with Jamaal Charles.

The coach of the Kansas City Chiefs would rather focus on the contributions and rapid improvement of his second-year running back.

Since Larry Johnson was released last month, Charles has seized the opportunity to put himself firmly in the Chiefs' future plans.

And he's overtaken Johnson for the Chiefs' lead in yards rushing this season. Johnson left with 377 yards and Charles now has 406 - on 54 fewer carries. He did have a costly fumble during last week's loss to San Diego, however, something which has been a problem going back to his days as a Texas Longhorn.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Matt Cassel was the smoking gun in the deterioration of the Broncos’ relationship with quarterback Jay Cutler that eventually led to Cutler being traded out of Denver.

We all know the back story: New Denver coach Josh McDaniels was interested in reuniting with Cassel -- the two had success in New England last season after Tom Brady was hurt. Word broke that Cutler was being discussed in a deal that would bring Cassel to Denver before Cassel was traded to Kansas City. Cutler was upset and it began a five-week spat that ended up with him being traded to the Bears.

Sunday, McDaniels and Cassel will be on the same field again – as opponents. Denver travels to Kansas City to face the Chiefs.

Tuesday, at his press conference, McDaniels talked about facing Cassel. Here are some highlights:

A 27-year-old San Diego woman who had an affair with former Charger Chris Chambers has been charged with 11 misdemeanor counts for allegedly stalking and harassing the wide receiver’s family.

Stacey Bernice Saunders is due in court Jan. 19 for arraignment, said Paul Levikow, a spokesman for the District Attorney’s Office.

Chambers’ wife, Christina, told San Diego police in April that Saunders was harassing her with phone calls. Two months later, Chambers requested a temporary restraining order against Saunders, saying she has “launched an incessant attack verbally on me, and now my wife, her mother and sister.”

continue reading...