SportsBeat KC
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In some ways, the Chiefs’ loss at the Green Bay Packers was their most troubling of the season. The offense couldn’t finish drives with touchdowns in the red zone early. The defense, so good throughout the year, allowed the Packers to score on five of seven possessions. More problems in the passing game, and a bad play on a momentum-turning interception by Patrick Mahomes. We discuss all of it and more, including the importance of Sunday’s home game against the Buffalo Bills with The Star crew that regularly covers the Chiefs, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian. The home stretch of the regular season has arrived. Can the Chiefs return to the form a team that’s played in the last five AFC Championship Games and won two Super Bowls? Story link: Why Skyy Moore slowed down his route on late interception Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It took a few series to get going, but the Chiefs put away the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday and solved a few issues in the process. It had been a month since the Chiefs had scored in the second half. That streak ended. And the Chiefs were very good in short-yardage situations. Wide receiver Rashee Rice had a breakout game. The Chiefs kept the penalties down and didn’t commit a turnover. Good stuff all around from a team that fell behind by two touchdowns. We discuss all of it on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, with beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell. Story link: Rashee Rice received this compliment from Andy Reid after career day vs. Raiders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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With the first half of the season behind them, who has been the Chiefs’ top defensive player? Most improved player? Best newcomer? In this episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian break down the first half of the season through those categories. As you might imagine, the emphasis is on the defense. Also, we single out a couple of plays from the Chiefs’ most recent game, their victory over the Miami Dolphins in Germany last weekend: one by the Chiefs’ defense and one by the Chiefs’ offense. Those plays have helped define the Chiefs season, Story link: What we learned about Chiefs victory over the Miami Dolphins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How bad was last weekend’s loss to the Denver Broncos? The Star’s Chiefs writers count the ways on the latest episode of SportsBeat KC podcast. Beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian broke down the 24-9 loss, especially the offense and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ next challenge is daunting, a trip to Frankfurt, Germany, to take on the Miami Dolphins. Both teams have 6-2 records and a spotlight will fall on Tyreek Hill, the Delphins wide receiver who won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs. Story link: The Chiefs want to talk turnovers. Their problems stretched far beyond that in Denver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Chiefs are off to a 6-1 start and have basic offensive and defensive numbers that rank among the NFL’s best. So, how does this team stack up to last year’s Super Bowl champion? Columnist Vahe Gregorian’s response on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, might surprise you. We talk about how the position groups compare between seasons, and what this season’s improved defense means for the Chiefs’ long term prospects. Also, we look at this week’s opponent, the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs not only have won 16 straight in the series, they haven’t lost in Denver since 2014. We put the Chiefs dominance of the rivalry in historic context. Story link: How to watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos: kickoff time, TV, betting odds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Chiefs have been grinding on offense, at least by their standards. Heading into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers, they rank ninth in points and fourth in total yards. And yet...The Chiefs share the best record in the NFL at 5-1 heading into Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell break down the Chiefs offense and how it can improve in short yardage situations, and when it comes to throwing the deep ball. Defensively, a stout unit figures to get even better as lineman Charles Omenihu rejoins the team after serving a suspension. But what about Frank Clark? Should the Chiefs find a roster spot for the former defensive end? Story link: The Chiefs’ most pressing issue needs a savior, and Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been it https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article280457854.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t exactly pulverizing opponents, but they keep finding ways to win. The Chiefs look to make it five straight when the Denver Broncos visit on Thursday Night Football. On SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell, discuss what’s working for the Chiefs and where improvements can be made. We look ahead to the Broncos, who are off to an awful start at 1-4 and having major issues on defense. Also, former Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr., joins SportsBeat KC for a conversation. An All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl player, Harris spent nine seasons in Denver, inlcuding the Super Bowl championship season of 2015. He describes what he sees with the Broncos defense. On a happier note, Harris shares his observations by recent football success of his alma mater, Kansas. Story link: How to watch Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos: Kickoff time, TV, betting odds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
No AFC team has a better record than the Chiefs at 3-1, and they’re taking a three-game winning streak to Minnesota on Sunday. But wind doesn’t seem to be in the Chiefs’ sails after a 23-20 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football. Uneven play on both sides marked the triumph, and one position group continues to come under scrutiny, the wide receivers. On SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian, along with beat writer Jesse Newell, break down the group and how improvements can happen. Also, the defense continued its mostly stellar play but at times had trouble handling the Jets passing game. The Vikings are 1-3 but have had success in the passing game. Catch it all on SportsBeat KC. Story link: Patrick Mahomes’ final scramble was supposed to be a pass to this teammate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For a blowout victory there was quite the commotion surrounding the Chiefs’ 41-10 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Call it the Taylor Swift affect. There was Swift, sitting next to Travis Kelce’s mother during the game, and the pop star and tight end walked out of Arrowhead together afterwards. As if the defending Super Bowl champion needs more attention. Ready or not, they’re about to get it, and we discuss that and football on this edition of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, with beat writer Jesse Newell. There are plenty of Chiefs topics to cover, and we get into the importance of establishing the run, having the makings of an excellence defense and much more. Oh, and are NFL officials picking on Chiefs tackle Jawaan Taylor? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After the Chiefs won the first Super Bowl with Patrick Mahomes, the team made him the game’s highest paid player. History has repeated itself. Mahomes, coming off his next Super Bowl triumph, has a restructured deal that pushes him back to the top of the earnings list. On SportsBeat KC, Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell discuss the new agreement and its importance to Mahomes and the Chiefs. We also break down the Chiefs’ 17-9 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, an effort that was led by the defense, and look ahead to Sunday’s home game against the Chicago Bears. Story link: Patrick Mahomes has a restructured deal with the Chiefs. Here are the details https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article279481654.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the first time since 2010, Kansas State will visit Missouri on Saturday in a meeting of former Big Eight/Big 12 rivals, and the setting should bring back some happy memories for former Wildcats coach Bill Snyder. His teams won six of nine meetings played on Faurot Field. After engineering one of the greatest program turnarounds in college football history, Snyder stepped down from his Hall of Fame career after the 2018 season. He recently sat down with The Star’s Blair Kerkhoff to discuss his life in football, how he came to K-State, some of the remarkable players and games in program history and more. The conversation is presented in a podcast and Q&A. There’s another Snyder connection to Saturday’s game: He attended Missouri...briefly. Snyder grew up in St. Joseph, and looked to play football for the Tigers. It didn’t work out and after a year he enrolled at William Jewell, where the seeds were planted for an incredible coaching tenure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chris Jones is signed for this season and will be with the Chiefs in practice this week and at their game on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His holdout cost him fines and game check and the maximum value of his deal, with incentives, is $25.2 million. But it’s not a long-term deal, and it might be challenging for Jones to hit all of his incentives. So, who got the better of the deal? On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian break down the contract and what it means for the Chiefs and Jones. Also, the crew breaks down the issues in the Chiefs’ opening game loss to the Detroit Lions and looks ahead at Sunday’s game at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Did missing Travis Kelce make that much difference? Yes it did. Story link: Holdout ends as Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones agrees to contract: details https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article279221469.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Chiefs’ season has arrived, but not Chris Jones. The Chiefs now face the hard reality of meeting the Detroit Lions in their season opener Thursday without their top defensive player, and the short- and possible long-term impacts of his absence are the focus of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. Beat writer Jesse Newell joins columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian in discussing where Jones and the Chiefs go from here. The defense is weakened, but by how much? Who steps up at the position, and who could take on an enhanced leadership role on that side of the ball? Also, the eve of the season opener is projection time. We speculate on such topics as who might lead the Chiefs in receiving yards and which player from the most recent draft class will make the biggest contributions. Story link: Skyy Moore expects this Chiefs role in 2023: ’I’m excited to just show the world’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
College football season is back and area colleges should all get off to good starts. Kansas State, Missouri and Kansas each played in a bowl game last season, and returning to the postseason is at least the objective for all of them this season. On SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, the beat writers check in to preview their teams, offer strengths and weaknesses and provide a projected final record. Kellis Robinett covers the defending Big 12 champion Wildcats, who return quarterback Will Howard. Chris Kwiecinski covers Mizzou for the Columbia Tribune, and Shreyas Laddha follows the Jayhawks. Spoiler alert: All have the teams they cover headed to another bowl game this season. Story links: Kansas State vs. Southeast Missouri: 5 things to know https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article278605079.html Kansas vs. Missouri State: 5 things to know https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article278673024.html Missouri: Game by game predictions, and five bold predictions https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article278419829.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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It hasn’t been a good few days for the Chiefs. They opened the preseason with a sluggish performance by the starters and a costly turnover by the reserves to seal a loss at New Orleans. Now, injuries are making news. Beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the recent developments on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. We cover the ups and downs of the game against the Saints and look ahead to Saturday evening’s second preseason game, at the Arizona Cardinals (7 p.m. kickoff). And we of course discuss the latest news: The Chiefs on Tuesday announced that they have placed tight end Jody Fortson on IR, effectively ending his season. Three Chiefs receivers left the practice field with injuries Tuesday. All of this, and defensive tackle Chris Jones continues his holdout. Story link: Three Chiefs wide receivers injured at training camp, including Justyn Ross Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach remains confident that a deal will get done with All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, he told The Star earlier this week. You’ll hear his optimism on today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. Veach sat down with The Star’s Chiefs coverage crew, including columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Jesse Newell, and discussed the Jones situation. “For all parties the best resolution would be for (Jones) to end his career here as a Chief,” Veach said. Also hear how the Chiefs had the Jones contract extension in mind when they made the Tyreek Hill trade in 2022, and what Veach has to say about the idea of trading Jones. After a break, we switch to the Royals, who recently rolled up a season-best seven-game winning streak, led by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Through the run came the trade deadline, and Royals beat writer Jaylon Thompson shares his thoughts on the Royals moves. Story link: Chris Jones ‘deserves a big contract,’ Chiefs’ Brett Veach says. Where do things stand? https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article278014703.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Chiefs couldn’t avoid the injury bug hitting NFL training camps. Defensive back Nazeeh Johnson, who had been rising up the depth chart, suffered a torn ACL and is lost for the season. On today’s episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell discusses the impact of that injury and other topics. Johnson was one of five defensive backs selected by the Chiefs in the 2022 NFL Draft. He didn’t play a defensive snap last season, but he did see reps this summer with the first-team defense, earning praise from head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Also, although it’s only been a few days of practice in pads, it’s not too early to offer observations about who has stood out. Among those making a good early impression is undrafted running back Deneric Prince. After a break, we stay with football but switch teams: Kansas State coach Chris Klieman spent time with beat writer Kellis Robinett during Big 12 media days, and today you’ll hear that conversation. Klieman discusses this season’s prospects for the defending Big 12 champion Wildcats, including how K-State will adjust to losing star running back Deuce Vaughn and defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (who’s now with the Chiefs). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Chiefs road to repeating as NFL champions is off to a bumpy start. A few days into training camp, defensive star Chris Jones has officially become a holdout, and wide receiver Kadarius Toney suffered a knee injury almost as soon as he stepped on the field. We discuss these issues and more on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, from training camp at Missouri Western. with beat writer Jesse Newell and columnist Vahe Gregorian. Andy Reid and the Chiefs gave the impression talks were going smoothly with Jones’ camp and it would be a matter of time before an agreement was reached. What are the team’s options, and do they include a trade? Toney, who caught a touchdown pass and set up another with a record-setting punt return in the Super Bowl victory, has been injury prone, and now it’s up to others to step up. The Chiefs’ wide receiver competition will be among the team’s most watched in the preseason. Story link: Here are the Chiefs options with Chris Jones. You might not like them https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article277580888.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Training camp opens for the Chiefs this week and all the questions left unanswered at the end of the off-season activities last month...remain unanswered. But we’re a little closer to resolution when it comes to starters, roster moves and the big one, a new contract for Chris Jones. On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell discusses the biggest issues facing the Super Bowl champions as quarterbacks, rookies and others arrive to camp early. The rest of the veterans report later this week. You’ll hear from Patrick Mahomes, who met with reporters as he checked into the dorm at Missouri Western in St. Joseph. The Super Bowl and NFL MVP addresses his leadership role and participation in the popular Netflix series, “Quarterbacks.” After a break, we switch gears to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which opens this week in Australia and New Zealand. The U.S. is looking to extend its World Cup winning streak to three and enters this event with a new coach, Kansas City’s Vladko Andonovski. Star columnist Vahe Gregorian recently caught up with Andonovski and you’ll hear that interview. Story links: Patrick Mahomes hopes Netflix gave you a peek of his life. We learned something else https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article277443638.html Magical dynamic between Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes has room to grow https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article277439118.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Where should Kansas State fall in the preseason Big 12 football rankings? After all, the Wildcats are the defending conference champions. On today’s episode of SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Kellis Robinett discusses how K-State and Big 12 football are about to play the most unique season in the league’s history. The Big 12 will be 14 strong with the addition of BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston, and we discuss their impact on the league race. Also, two Wildcats are now looking to make an impact in the NBA. Keyontae Johnson was recently selected No. 50 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Markquis Nowell signed a deal with the Toronto Raptors as soon as the draft concluded. How will they fare at the next level? Story link: Kansas State point guard Markquis Nowell signs with NBA team after going undrafted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Royals recent series against the Tampa Bay Ray was quite eventful with continued success on the mount for Daniel Lynch, the end of a miserable run for Jordan Lyles and a major league record for Austin Cox. Plus, the Royals split the series against the team with baseball’s top record. Beat writer Jaylon Thompson and reporter Pete Grathoff broke down the Royals, especially the pitching, and look ahead to this week for the team. Not just the homestand against the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Dodgers but also where the trade winds could push the team. Aroldis Chapman, Scott Barlow, Nicky Lopez, who else could be wearing a different uniform soon? Story link: A tattoo tale, ‘Ox’ & ‘Little Bill’: Kansas City Royals’ call-ups are living the dream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Missouri’s quarterback for the 2023 season will be... We look to answer that question and ask more of Chris Kwiecinski and Matt Stahl, who cover the Tigers for the Columbia Daily Tribune on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. Mizzou’s 2024 SEC football schedule, the first without divisions, is explored, and we discuss Kobe Brown’s NBA Draft possibilities, along with prospects for Coach Dennis Gates’ second season, including a stab at a starting lineup for the 2023-24 season. Brown is looking to become the first Missouri player selected in the NBA Draft since Michael Porter Jr., in 2018. Porter just completed his NBA Championship season with the Denver Nuggets. Story links: Missouri Tigers’ 2024 SEC football schedule: let’s talk potential (and possible risks) https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article276425821.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The KU basketball season ended with a NCAA Tournament second-round thud. But the news has been mostly good for the Jayhawks since then. The roster has been bolstered by the return of Kevin McCullar and additions like Michigan transfer Hunter Dickinson. Former Jayhawks player Christian Braun won an NBA Finals championship ring with the Denver Nuggets, and KU should have two players, Gradey Dick and Jalen Wilson, selected in Thursday’s NBA Draft. Beat writers Gary Bedore and Shreyas Laddha talk about these topics and more on SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast. How about some observations from open scrimmages and a projected starting lineup for next season? We have those too. Story link: KU basketball’s KJ Adams focused on developing jump shot as he prepares for new role https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article276560461.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Chiefs entered their short phase of down time with a ring ceremony at Union Station, and the next time we see the Super Bowl champions is when training camp begins at Missouri Western next month. But the work continues in the front office, especially when it comes to the Chris Jones contract negotiation. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jesse Newell breaks down the issues involving the extension. Both sides have said they’d like to get a deal done. Why hasn’t it happened, and what are the prospects of Jones-who missed off-season activities-holding out once training camp begins? Also, we discuss the roster stability, and whether the Chiefs have their starting 22 set. And did you see those rings? Story link: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce provided input for Chiefs’ Super Bowl rings. Here’s how https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article276467056.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Chiefs organization gathered for the private celebration at Union Station, and before that we spoke with some Chiefs. On today’s show, you’ll hear from Patick Mahomes and Andy Reid. This was in the morning before the evening’s event but spoke about the meaning of the rings among other topics. We start the show with a voice from the recent past. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy now holds the same position with the Washington Commanders. He joined several other Chiefs, like safety Juan Thornhill, now with the Cleveland Browns, and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, with the New England Patriots, in returning to celebrate the Super Bowl triumph. Bieniemy talks about the Super Bowl triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles and what he hopes to bring to his new job. Story link: Super Bowl ring bonds Chiefs, even those who have moved on from KC https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article276467931.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
One final week of workouts for the Chiefs before they break for a short summer break, and on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast you’ll hear from three players, starting with tight end Travis Kelce. It’s been a busy schedule for Kelce, with the Saturday Night Live hosting duties, White House appearance and, earlier this week, throwing a first pitch at a Royals game. But he’s all business when it comes to football. Clyde Edwards-Helaire began last year as the Chiefs’ starting running back but he wasn’t on the active roster for the Super Bowl. He shares his feelings and motivation for this season. Defensive end George Karlaftis came on strong at the end of his rookie season. He explains how the game slowed down for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A year ago this week, 16 North American sites were announced as hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Mexico and Canada and Kansas City made the cut. Less than three years remain before the first games are played and the Kansas City effort has an executive director. Katherine Holland, who headed the city’s bid for landing the event, moves into the new role that oversees the Kansas City 2026 preparation. There are plenty of items on Holland’s to-do list. How will transportation work for the thousands of visitors expected for games and if Kansas City is selected as a base camp? How and where will the city present fan festivals? On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, Holland discusses these topics and more. The games and the fans will be here before you know it. “Now we have to bring this to life,” Holland said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
There are several reasons for the Royals last-place position in the AL Central. They’ve gotten there with inconsistent hitting and pitching, and now they’ve added another problem: fielding. They rank near the bottom in several fielding categories, and it’s not just errors. Poor decisions also have hurt the team and played a big role in Tuesday’s loss at the Miami Marlins. On today’s SportsBeat KC, The Star’s sports podcast, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and reporter Pete Grathoff discuss the defensive woes, and how the Royals can make repairs. Also, trade specuation as started and we discuss the top possibilities for the team that has plenty of holes to fill. Story link: Kansas City Royals bumble to 6-1 loss at Miami Marlins. Here’s a look at what went awry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
