Kansas City Chiefs
8.17.02 | 7:30pm
KTRK-TV
Kansas City, MO
August 15, 2002
Texan Shootout
by Jimmy Mohr
HoustonProFootball.com
The Texans travel to Kansas City this weekend in an attempt to extend its longest winning streak ever.
The Chiefs are coming off a disappointing 6-10 campaign last season.Head coach, and resident softy, Dick Vermeil was lured out of retirement in hopes of duplicating his Super Bowl triumph in St. Louis. Unfortunately for Coach Dick, Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk are still with the Rams. Vermiel has had to settle for former Rams QB Trent Green and RB Priest Holmes, two quality players, but not near what he had in St. Louis.
Clouding the Chiefs’ 2002 hopes is their two high profile holdouts. Pro Bowler TE Tony Gonzalez and their number one pick of this year, DT Ryan Sims. This should bode well for the Texans since Gonzalez, Green’s biggest weapon, will not be in uniform on Saturday night, and the Texans have had problems with tight ends.
Well, enough about the Chiefs — HOW ‘BOUT THEM TEXANS!! Last week’s win can be attributed to a stellar defensive effort, particularly form linebacker Greg White. He came up huge with four sacks and two forced fumbles, the last of which led to the game-winning field goal. Expect another player(s) to step up big this week — with only three games to go, some of these players are now fighting for their NFL lives.
Carr
When Houston has the ball
David Carr now has a full 60 minutes of NFL football under his belt. With three games remaining before the opener against the Cowboys, expect the gates to begin to opening slightly. From here on out, Chris Palmer is going to allow Carr more opportunities to show everyone why he was the first pick in the draft. And the Chiefs will be a good test; they picked off three passes last week against the 49ers.
When Kansas City has the ball
KC will sorely miss TE Tony Gonzalez. RB Priest Holmes is their primary ballcarrier but since it’s only their second preseason game, expect a barrage of backups. QB Trent Green has yet to prove himself in Kansas City after losing his job to Kurt Warner in St. Louis, so expect him to go for the big play.
Gaffney
1. Score some more points
The offense has scored 30 points in two preseason games. They are going to have to average better than 15 a game to win in the NFL. It’s time for Palmer to allow Carr to go for the big play, and show us what Jabar Gafney can do.
2. Defense, defense, defense
A defensive effort similar to last week’s against the Saints is imperative to winning this game. The Chiefs offense relies heavily upon the versatility of Priest Holmes, who is an excellent rusher and receiver. The Texans better be prepared for a balanced attack.
3. Old Yeller
Exchanging a copy of the tear-jerker Old Yeller with Chiefs’ game film could turn Dick Vermiel into an blubbering mass not seen since his last retirement press conference. Looking to the sideline and seeing your coach hugging a box of tissue can’t do much for team morale. It’s worth a shot.
Green
Trent Green vs. Texans Secondary
It’s no secret that Dick Vermiel likes to run a spread offense. Trent Green was acquired from the Rams for two reasons. First, he knows the system and secondly he has the talent to make it successful. Will the Texans secondary allow him to quiet his critics?
Texans vs. Arrowhead Crowd Noise
Arrowhead Stadium is notorious for being one of the loudest venues in the league. And this is the Chiefs’ first home game of the season and KC sports fans have spent the summer having ot cheer for the Royals. Expect a raucous crowd for, the first half at least.
Dick Vermeil vs. His Feminine Side
Will he or won’t he? Stay tuned, its not if he will cry, but when.
HoustonProFootball.com’s hard working… working staff weigh in with their predictions for this week’s game.
Bob: Special teams get their first TD; another linebacker steps up with a big game; no Tony G for Chiefs to exploit middle. Texans 13, Chiefs 16
Dave: No double OT thriller this time. Texans 24, Chiefs 20
Jimmy: The ghost of Warren Moon will throw for 527 yards. Texans 20, Chiefs 17
Keith: Another first this week — a winning streak. Texans 20, Chiefs 16
Ric: Madden 2003 has spoken… Texas 27, Chiefs 24
Warren: The former Texans edge the current Texans. Chiefs 21, Texans 17 
TEXANS PASS ATT CMP YDS TD/IN Graham 19 13 131 2/0 TEAM NA NA NA NA RUSH ATT YDS AVG TD Allen 135 469 3.5 1 TEAM NA NA NA NA REC NO YDS AVG TD Bradford 31 526 17 2 TEAM NA NA NA NA CHIEFS PASS ATT CMP YDS TD/INT Green 523 296 3783 17/24 TEAM 528 300 3863 17/24 RUSH ATT YDS AVG TD Holmes 327 1555 4.8 8 TEAM 448 2008 4.5 16 REC NO YDS AVG TD Gonzalez 73 917 12.6 6 TEAM 300 3863 12.9 17 
PRESEASON 8.05 GIANTS 17-34 8.10 @ Saints 13-10 8.17 @Chiefs 9-19 8.24 DOLPHINS 3-24 8.30 BUCCANEERS 13-17 REGULAR SEASON 9.08 COWBOYS 19-10 9.15 @ Chargers 3-24 9.22
3-23 9.29 @ Eagles 17-35 10.06 OPEN 10.13 BILLS 24-31 10.20 @ Browns 17-34 10.27 @ Jaguars 21-19 11.03 BENGALS 3-38 11.10 @ Titans 10-17 11.17 JAGUARS 21-24 11.24 GIANTS 16-14 12.01 @ Colts 3-19 12.08 @ Steelers 24-6 12.15 RAVENS 19-23 12.22 @ Redskins 10-26 12.29 TITANS 3-13 OVERALL 4-12 click on a team to read the GameDay Preview; click on the score to read the GameDay Review 