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Chiefs and Raiders – how do the numbers add up?


Last Update: 9/18/2009 9:54 pm
Quarterback Tyler Thigpen #4 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs the ball against Rashad Baker #27 of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game on November 30, 2008 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Quarterback Tyler Thigpen #4 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs the ball against Rashad Baker #27 of the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game on November 30, 2008 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
By Steve Kaut
KSHB-TV Kansas City


One of the most storied rivalries in professional football will be renewed Sunday when the Chiefs play the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium.

The two teams enter the season trying to regain the glory of past seasons.

The Chiefs are coming off a 2-14 season, the worst in club history.

The Raiders staggered through a 5-11 campaign in 2008.

What do the numbers tell us after the first game of the new season?

The Chiefs struggled a bit on offense, but their 24 points against the Ravens were the most scored on Baltimore in their stadium in more than a year.

The Chiefs rank near the bottom in nearly every offensive stat, including 31st in rush offense and 30th overall in total offense.

The Chiefs hope to get their running game and former All-Pro running back going.

Larry Johnson carried the ball 11 times last week for just 20 yards.

Johnson's averaged more than 4 yards per carry in nine previous games against the Raiders.

He needs just 413 more rushing yards to pass Priest Holmes to become the Chiefs all-time leading rusher.

The Raiders allowed more than 200 yards passing in their game last week against San Diego.

The Chiefs lead the all-time series 53-43-2, with 51 of those victories coming in the regular season.

The Chiefs have won 10 of the last 12 games between the two teams, but most of the games have been decided by a seven points or less, according to statistics provided by the Chiefs.

Chiefs Coach Todd Haley and Raiders Coach Tom Cable make their regular season debuts at Arrowhead.

It's the first season as NFL coaches for both men.


The Talent

John Lindsay - Scripps Howard News Service, Washington

John Lindsay is sports editor for Scripps Howard News Service in Washington, D.C. Writing sports since 1985, John Lindsay has covered NFL, MLB, college football and basketball and major golf events for several newspapers in his career and has been a Heisman Trophy voter since 1996.

Tom Korun - WFTS, Tampa

As we will move forward in our blogging relationship, you and I will likely agree to disagree. You'll learn I mean what I say, and say what I mean. If you don't bring passion, don't waste my time and yours!

David Francois - WFTS, Tampa

A Virginian by birth, David Francois can be found at Elmer’s in Ybor City on Sundays, the only Redskins bar in Tampa. He attended JMU and is proud to say he went to the same school as Scott "Wide Right" Norwood.

Brian Nutt - KJRH, Tulsa

Living in Tulsa means Golden Hurricanes, Sooners, or Cowboys, but not for this guy. Woo Pig Sooie Razorbacks! Nothing like a fall evening in Razorback Stadium calling the Hogs.

Aaron Heintzelman - KSHB, Kansas City

Aaron hopes to use his limited football expertise to fuel many fantasy victories this year, but a quick look at his roster proves he has some work to do. Aaron's true allegiances lie with the Eagles, but you'll also catch him tuning into Chiefs, Steelers and Dolphins games.

Tom Leyden – WXYZ, Detroit

The first book Tom ever read was, "Super Bowl," by John Devaney, written in 1971. He was hooked from that moment. He knows every Super Bowl site, score and MVP. Go ahead - try him. Especially XXI, XXV and XLII. G-Men!

Ian Preuth - WCPO, Cincinnati

I've lived in Cincinnati my whole life so I've seen many bad teams and a few good ones. Most of the time the good teams get screwed because Cincinnati is cursed. I can watch any sport, enjoy competition no matter what it is and appreciate a good debate.

Larry Carney - WMAR, Baltimore

Larry loves crab cakes, football and everything purple and black. He hates Heinz ketchup, Primanti Brothers’ sandwiches and all things Pittsburgh. His fantasy football teams grab running backs on good teams and wide receivers on bad ones. Hidden Talent: Great heckler.

Jeff Heisner - KNXV, Phoenix

I grew up and worked in Detroit and have a keen sense for what bad football really is. After escaping to Arizona I've come to find out professional football isn't all that bad.

Craig Fouhy - KNXV, Phoenix

He's played the game, he's been a coach, and now he's spouting off about it! It's not just about highlights in Phoenix...out here it's a little bit of highlights and a lot of..."Fouhy on Sports!"

Cory Williams - KNXV, Phoenix

Representing the west coast! Cory has spent the last 15 years covering the desert dwelling teams of Arizona. When you’re tired of all the east coast bias (and there's plenty of it here!)...Laugh it off and look west!

Wyatt Wright - WPTV, West Palm Beach

Wyatt Wright is a husband, father and football fan. When he's not yelling at the neighbor kids to get off his lawn, he's reminiscing about seventh grade, when he was a scrappy but undersized linebacker for the 110-pound "B" squad.

Chip Mahaney - E.W. Scripps, Cincinnati

Even though Chip's Cincinnati office has a view of the Bengals' stadium, his heart and mouth are native Texan. His first NFL memory: Super Bowl VI (Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3). Each Saturday in autumn, he prays for a resurrection of the Southwest Conference.

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