<table> </table> The three QBs Brodie Croyle still hasn’t won a game as the Chiefs’ starter, so don’t tell him the preseason doesn’t count. Croyle and the Chiefs would love any kind of win, and a few early passing touchdowns would help endear Croyle’s teammates to the young passer. Backup Tyler Thigpen also needs to show why coaches promoted him past veteran Damon Huard.The RETURN OF Larry Johnson The Chiefs’ veteran running back says he is 100 percent after missing the second half of last season because of a foot injury. Johnson needs to prove he can carry the full load of carries and, although he’ll come out after 20 or so snaps, remind everyone he’s the same old LJ.The offensive line Last year’s line was old, tired and ineffective. The Chiefs spent the offseason overhauling the line, but with rookie left tackle Branden Albert likely out for the preseason because of a sprained foot, the team won’t be able to build the continuity coach Herm Edwards wants. With Albert out, veteran guard Brian Waters has to hold down the left side.The Chiefs’ young players About half the Chiefs didn’t experience last year’s nine-game losing streak, and that’s probably a good thing. The Chiefs are trying to start fresh and build chemistry. Tonight’s game will be the first look at whether this year’s team is positioned for a different kind of season than 2007.Rookie CB Brandon Flowers The rookie cornerback will start on the right side tonight, and he’ll be the Chiefs’ highest draft pick in the starting lineup. Edwards expects Flowers to be a starter for a long time, and Flowers will have a chance to show off against the Bears’ suspect passing game.<hr class="infobox-hr-separator" /> <div class="infobox"> @ Go to KansasCity.com for video and photos from training camp, and Red Zone, our new Chiefs blog.</div>

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Posted on Wed, Aug. 06, 2008 10:15 PM

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Five things to watch in tonight’s Chiefs-Bears game

Most Chiefs starters may get extended playing time against the Bears

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The three QBs
Brodie Croyle still hasn’t won a game as the Chiefs’ starter, so don’t tell him the preseason doesn’t count. Croyle and the Chiefs would love any kind of win, and a few early passing touchdowns would help endear Croyle’s teammates to the young passer. Backup Tyler Thigpen also needs to show why coaches promoted him past veteran Damon Huard.

The RETURN OF Larry Johnson
The Chiefs’ veteran running back says he is 100 percent after missing the second half of last season because of a foot injury. Johnson needs to prove he can carry the full load of carries and, although he’ll come out after 20 or so snaps, remind everyone he’s the same old LJ.

The offensive line
Last year’s line was old, tired and ineffective. The Chiefs spent the offseason overhauling the line, but with rookie left tackle Branden Albert likely out for the preseason because of a sprained foot, the team won’t be able to build the continuity coach Herm Edwards wants. With Albert out, veteran guard Brian Waters has to hold down the left side.

The Chiefs’ young players
About half the Chiefs didn’t experience last year’s nine-game losing streak, and that’s probably a good thing. The Chiefs are trying to start fresh and build chemistry. Tonight’s game will be the first look at whether this year’s team is positioned for a different kind of season than 2007.

Rookie CB Brandon Flowers
The rookie cornerback will start on the right side tonight, and he’ll be the Chiefs’ highest draft pick in the starting lineup. Edwards expects Flowers to be a starter for a long time, and Flowers will have a chance to show off against the Bears’ suspect passing game.

@ Go to KansasCity.com for video and photos from training camp, and Red Zone, our new Chiefs blog.

| Kent Babb, kbabb@kcstar.com

Posted on Wed, Aug. 06, 2008 10:15 PM

Buzz Up

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