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The Chiefs, in their toughest test so far, beat Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Sep 23, 2019

Show notes

The Chiefs faced some pressure toward the end, but they won again, improving to 3-0 with a 33-28 victory over the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.

In a battle of next generation quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes prevailed over Lamar Jackson.

Mahomes is on an amazing pace with 10 touchdown passes and no interceptions in three games, but many others contributed to the team’s most impressive victory of the season.

This episode was originally recorded as a Facebook Live video.

Read the stories we discussed:

The Andy Reid-Patrick Mahomes bond continues to grow and the Chiefs are rolling: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article235363597.html

“It’s crazy:” In spite of it all, the Chiefs are looking like a Super Bowl contender: https://www.kansascity.com/article235362442.html

Baltimore was quite aggressive against Chiefs, and that’s a telling sign: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235361932.html

Patrick Mahomes stars again as the Chefs beat the Ravens in long awaited home opener: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235361177.html

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What Colquitt learned from Chiefs vets; Mizzou and South Carolina's short, odd series Sep 20, 2019

Show notes

The first time Dustin Colquitt takes the field on Sunday for the Chiefs game against the Baltimore Ravens, he’ll set the team record for games played. The record is meaningful for the longest tenured Chiefs player who has played for five head coaches, four general managers — not to mention quarterbacks Trent Green, Patrick Mahomes and everyone in between.

Also, Mizzou beat writer Alex Schiffer chats with South Carolina beat writer Ben Breiner of The State in Columbia, S.C., about the big SEC game between the Tigers and Gamecocks on Saturday. It’s been a series of odd games.

Read the stories we discussed:

Even as Chiefs’ Maytag Repairman, punter Dustin Colquitt is integral to franchise

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article235233532.html

Why has Mizzou struggled so much with South Carolina in recent years?

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article235221082.html

Mizzou Tigers football vs. South Carolina Gamecocks: Time, TV, LIne, things to know

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article235142792.html

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It’ll be Mahomes vs. Lamar Jackson in NFL’s showcase game this weekend Sep 19, 2019

Show notes

The Chiefs meet the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in the home opener at Arrowhead Stadium, and it’s the biggest NFL game of the weekend. Both teams are 2-0 and have gotten outstanding quarterback play from Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. In our Where the Rubber Meets the Road segment, the A-Team — which is Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian, Sam McDowell and Blair Kerkhoff — previews the game, identifies players to watch and predicts the outcome. The answers were not unanimous.

Read the stories we discussed:

Among all his throws, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes says this one is his favorite - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235231832.html

Ravens’ Earl Thomas on facing Chiefs: “I plan on eliminating all the big plays.” - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article235250012.html

There’s good news and bad news regarding weather for Chiefs’ opener - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article235209502.html

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None of Mahomes' 50 TD passes in 2018 were his favorite; plus KU football's next step Sep 18, 2019

Show notes

The Chiefs had home field advantage throughout the playoffs last season because of a daring pass by Patrick Mahomes to Tyreek Hill against the Baltimore Ravens, the opponent in the Chiefs’ home opener on Sunday. Mahomes talks about that play and other topics on SportsBeat KC, presented by Big O Tires. Also, Kansas followed a horrible loss with a glorious victory. What happens next is anybody’s guess and no one guesses KU fortunes better than beat writer Jesse Newell.

Read the stories we discussed:

Chiefs’ Eric Fisher will have surgery; running back situation could be in flx, too - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235217777.html

Many fans have wanted KU to go triple option. The Jayhawks ran a version of it vs. BC - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article235204057.html

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Kansas football did what?! And rumor has it the Chiefs are shopping for a cornerback Sep 17, 2019

Show notes

It was a successful weekend for area college football teams largely because of an improbable victory by Kansas at Boston College.

Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger chew on the Jayhawks’ triumph as a 20-point underdog and break down Kansas State’s huge victory at Mississippi State plus look ahead to the battle of Columbia: Mizzou vs. South Carolina.

Also, rumors abound about the Chiefs seeking a cornerback but how hard are they looking and who might be a candidate.

Read the stories we discussed:

The secret sauce behind KU’s offensive explosion vs. Boston College - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article235153942.html

Grading K-State’s 31-24 win at Mississippi State and looking ahead to Oklahoma State - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article235117622.html

Missouri Tigers football vs. South Carolina Gamecocks, Time, TV, LIne, Things to Know - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article235142792.html

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Thanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires!

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Oh what a game: Chiefs beat Oakland Raiders with one phenomenal quarter Sep 16, 2019

Show notes

The Chiefs scored in only one quarter but what a quarter it was.

Patrick Mahomes threw four touchdown passes, and the Chiefs raced past the Oakland Raiders 28-10.

Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian, Sam McDowell and Blair Kerkhoff break down the game that featured the second-best total passing yards in Mahomes’ young but already storied career.

Also, the Chiefs defense stepped up in a big way. After surrendering 10 points to open the game, the Chiefs didn’t allow another score.

This episode was originally broadcast as a Facebook Live video from the Red Zone Extra Facebook page.

Read the stories we discussed:

All it takes is one quarter for Chiefs and Mahomes to lower the boom on the Raiders: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235122357.html

Mellinger: Chiefs used to plan their season around Raider week. Now it’s just another step: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article235122002.html

Gregorian: The Mahomes Factor: Quarterback is the tide that lifts Chiefs and crushes opponents’ souls: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article235123447.html

“(Bleep) the Chiefs!” Welcome, and farewell, to the Raiders Black Hole in Oakland: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235121007.html

Raiders tried to take away Chiefs WR Watkins. Demarcus Robinson nullified that plan: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235130787.html

Chiefs report card: Can you give a higher grade than an “A” for this passing offense: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235122492.html

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Weekend rundown: Chiefs will get dirty in Oakland, and what's ahead for K-State, KU and Mizzou Sep 13, 2019

Show notes

The final trip to Oakland for the Chiefs comes early enough to play on a field that is still being used for baseball. So part of the game will be played on infield dirt. There was a time when this was common in sports, as columnist Vahe Gregorian and host Blair Kerkhoff recall.

Plus, the non-conference portion of college football schedule is closing and big tests await Kansas State at Mississippi State and KU at Boston College (a Friday game). Beat writers Kellis Robinett, Jesse Newell and Alex Schiffer bring us up to speed on the Wildcats, Jayhawks and Mizzou.

Read the stories we discussed:

Goodbye forever to Oakland Coliseum: “The Raiders had a stink to them too”: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article235028817.html

Appropriately enough the Chiefs last game in Oakland will be in the dirt: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article235029262.html

Kansas Jayhawks vs. Boston College Eagles: Prediction, kickoff time, TV: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article235013467.html

Mississippi State’s Kylin Hill presents daunting challenge to Kansas State: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article235028772.html

How Missouri’s Nick Bolton backed up Barry Odom’s hype vs. West Virginia: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article235014797.html

Get access to all of The Star's stories by signing up now for a digital subscription. Use the kansascity.com/sportsbeatkcofferlink to get a 40% discount.

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders preview: Here's the dirt with the A-team Sep 12, 2019

Show notes

The A-team — that's Vahe Gregorian, Sam Mellinger, Blair Kerkhoff and Sam McDowell — got together Thursday at Big O Tires in the Northland to preview the Sunday Chiefs game at Oakland.

With the Raiders scheduled to move to Las Vegas next season, this is likely the final game the Chiefs will play at Coliseum, which also doubles as a baseball field, so there will be dirt. Both teams are coming off victories and the winner will have an upper hand in the AFC West.

Listen to our picks for who will have the biggest game this weekend. Hint: Two picked offensive players, two picked defensive players. Plus: Sam Mellinger lists his favorite things about Coliseum.

Read the stories we discussed:

Can Mecole Hardman replace Tyreek Hill in Chiefs’ offense? That’s not his objective: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235029502.html

Patrick Mahomes good to go Sunday. Tyreek Hill is not. How the Chiefs will adjust: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article234971172.html

Chiefs film review: Here are four plays Patrick Mahomes probably wants back: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article234963882.html

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Thanks to our sponsor, Big O Tires!

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Relax Chiefs fans, Patrick Mahomes declares his ankle healthy; and K-State has a big game ahead Sep 11, 2019

Show notes

Chiefs fans can breath easy. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes' left ankle, sprained in the victory at Jacksonville last week, is healing, he says. The injury in the second quarter limited his mobility for the rest of the game.

The next test is Sunday at Oakland. Hear what Mahomes has to say about it.

Also, Kansas State visits Mississippi State on Saturday in its biggest contest to date. Are the Wildcats ready for an opponent this formidable? Beat writer Kellis Robinett joins host Blair Kerkhoff for a discussion.

Read the stories we discussed:

Patrick Mahomes good to go Sunday. Tyreek Hill is not. How the Chiefs will adjust: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article234971172.html

On 9/11, Chiefs remember victims, true heroes and how sports played small role ahead: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article234978687.html

Five noteworthy things K-State coach Chris Klieman said ahead of Mississippi State: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article234937827.html

Why a win at Mississippi State would be historic for Kansas State: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article234973857.html

….

Get access to all of The Star's stories by signing up now for a digital subscription. Use the kansascity.com/sportsbeatkcofferlink to get a 40% discount.

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Take the long view of Chiefs’ opening game victory Sep 10, 2019

Show notes

The Chiefs defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season opener last weekend and although fans should celebrate every triumph, there is a larger objective for the Chiefs this season.

What happens in these games that bode well for a team with the Super Bowl in mind? Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian take the long view of the victory, and later provide thoughts on the college football that brought satisfaction to Kansas State and Missouri but heartbreak for Kansas.

Read the stories we discussed:

LeSean McCoy in awe after first glimpse of Chiefs’ offense: “That’s not normal” - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article234921802.html

After giving Chiefs fans a scare, Patrick Mahomes proves he’s as much grit as flash - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article234858647.html

New Chiefs’ defense passes first test with room to improve: “It felt dope, man” - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article234860037.html

How miscommunication hurt KU football’s offense in two underwhelming games - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article234906022.html

Get access to all of them by signing up now for a digital subscription. Use the kansascity.com/sportsbeatkcoffer link to get a 40% discount.

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