Chiefs Fix: Hump Day Hodgepodge (Chiefs/Raiders)

First off, the biggie — Priest Holmes’ comeback.

This has finally gotten serious. So serious that I’ve given him a spot on my fantasy squad.

Holmes practiced today, even taking some “live” snaps against the first-team defense. Actually, Priest even took some hits, bouncing back up each time. We’ll see how he feels and possibly looks tomorrow, but barring a setback it looks like Priest will play for the Chiefs this season. I’m not sure if that will be against the Raiders, Packers, or further down the road, but I know we could sure use him as a third-down and short-yardage back right now. – Former Pro Bowl RB Holmes takes another step in comeback – ESPN (there’s a video as well)

It’s good to see that Carl Peterson isn’t going to let Jared Allen wear anything but the Red, White and Gold when free agency hits next offseason. But that doesn’t mean I’m not with King Carl on this one. After all the DUIs and issues, No. 69 had to first prove that his head was in the right place — not St. Elsewhere.

Now that he has, yeah, now we can definitely re-sign the One Man Gang. Would he have rededicated himself to football if we would have re-signed him long term last summer? I’m not so sure. We may have gotten him on the cheap last summer, but we also could’ve gotten screwed. Now, even if we franchise tag Jared we won’t be overpaying, because there’s no denying that he’s one of the top five defensive ends in football. Plus, he’s become a leader both on and off the field. – Peterson says Chiefs intend to hold on to Jared Allen – Kansas City Star

It’s good to see that Herm Edwards is taking a stand with the Chiefs’ on-field behavioral problems. There’s no excuse for being penalized this often. Furthermore, there is no excuse for throwing the temper tantrums both Benny Sapp and Larry Johnson threw last Sunday. You should never fight with your own teammates, Benny. And even though I’m a huge L.J. backer, I can’t stand behind his latest outburst. Not after I saw him completely whiff on two blocks that almost got his quarterback killed. Not blocking then bitching about blocking — that’s prima donna-ish B.S., 2-7. – Herm’s Terms – The Kansas City Star

Apparently, Mike Williams and Thomas Howard are better than expected, Michael Huff isn’t and Daunte Culpepper does well when he has time. Tons of more info on the current state of Raider Nation, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the post includes tidbits about Raider Image posterboys Jarod Cooper and Sea-Bass. – Silver and Black Pride

Last season we were lucky enough to catch the Denver Broncos the week of rookie quarterback Jay Cutler’s first start. Unless it happens during the second meeting between the Chiefs and Raiders at Arrowhead, we will have no such luck with rookie QB JaMarcus Russell. But is that a bad thing for us? No, not according to this columnist, who says:

On Monday, I admit I did some prodding about getting Russell on to the field at some point this season – maybe even soon; and in response, Kiffin opened the door just a bit wider than ever before.

I’m sure Daunte Culpepper’s fumble-, sack- and interception-o-rama in Sunday’s loss to San Diego helped. I’m sure Josh McCown’s non-greatness preceding Culpepper helped, too.

And I’m also sure that even if Kiffin didn’t especially want to draft Russell, Kiffin realizes that Russell is too good to sit behind Culpepper and McCown forever.

Personally, I’m thankful that he’s not starting. The Oakland crowd could easily rally behind him, and his size and athleticism scare me. He’s like a younger, more talented, healthier Daunte Culpepper, really. Plus, I don’t want the Raiders to start his grooming process before we start Brodie Croyle‘s (or, ahem, Brian Brohm’s). – Raiders QB: JaMarcus Now? – San Jose Mercury News

Last but not least, an entertaining and insightful open thread were fans scout the Silver and Black themselves. – Arrowhead Pride