The Star’s Chiefs-Patriots AFC Divisional Playoff preview
Fresh off their first playoff victory in 22 years, the Chiefs now set their sights on the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Playoff game. Kickoff is at 3:35 p.m. Saturday, and the game is on CBS (Chs. 5, 13).
The Kansas City Star is publishing a special section in Saturday’s print editions, including souvenir poster pages.
Here are some of the stories:
With tightly knit Chiefs, notion of ‘family’ goes deeper than words
Terez A. Paylor writes that every NFL team talks about being a family, and much of it is just that — talk. But there’s more at play here in Kansas City. These Chiefs say they rebounded from one of the most miserable starts in franchise history by caring about one another.
Alex Smith’s best times are following his worst, and ‘Mr. High Road’ is happy for both
Sam Mellinger writes that the 49ers gave Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith enough to be bitter about his old team. Even his family tries to get Smith to talk trash, but he never does, because Smith is too happy with his new team and too content now to be bitter.
Once-suspect Eric Fisher coming of age for Chiefs
Vahe Gregorian writes that Eric Fisher once struggled to make good on the expectations that came with being the NFL’s overall No. 1 draft pick in 2013. Injuries hampered much of his first season and perhaps had a role in his struggles last year. The season began with skepticism about his toughness, a question he has since answered.
Five major keys to a Chiefs win over the Patriots
Terez A. Paylor identifies five key objectives the Kansas City Chiefs need to execute to defeat the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Playoff game Saturday.
Stopping Rob Gronkowski, Patriots’ offense takes a village of Chiefs
Blair Kerkhoff writes that Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will be a focal point of the Chiefs defense in their AFC divisional playoff game, just as he is every opponent. Gronk lines up in several places, forcing a defense to change its plans on the fly.
Chiefs have created own way back from ruins of following the ‘Patriot Way’
Vahe Gregorian writes that the Chiefs hired Scott Pioli as general manager in 2009 believing he could duplicate the Patriots success. The Pioli regime proved a disaster. Now John Dorsey and Andy Reid have paved their own way for the Chiefs as they take on the Patriots in an AFC Divisional Playoff game.
Chiefs-Patriots scouting report
Terez A. Paylor offers an in-depth look at Saturday's game between the Chiefs and Patriots, and which team has an edge in different phases of the game.
The 2015 season shows why Patriots’ Tom Brady may be best quarterback ever
Randy Covitz writes that New England had significant injuries at running back, receiver and on the offensive line this season. Still, quarterback Tom Brady threw for a league-best 36 touchdowns. He’s also in possession of four Super Bowl championship rings.
With air of secrecy and a hint cheating, Patriots draw ire of many
Bill Speros writes much of the league seems to hate New England or suspect it doesn’t play by the rules. But Patriots fans love the team, particularly Tom Brady.
Blowout loss to Chiefs in 2014 still fresh in Patriots’ minds
Randy Covitz writes that the Chiefs whipped New England 41-14 on Sept. 29, 2014 on “Monday Night Football,” and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said the team has studied the film of the game. “Hopefully we can flip the script,” Brady said ahead of Saturday’s game.
This story was originally published January 15, 2016 at 5:02 PM with the headline "The Star’s Chiefs-Patriots AFC Divisional Playoff preview."