Five to Remember: Chiefs vs. Raiders

Who stood out in Kansas City’s win over the Raiders? Nick Athan looks at five Chiefs to remember.

1. LB/ST Jovan Belcher - He’s quickly making me forget about Boomer Grigsby. Belcher is getting more and more reps on defense and is playing lights out on special teams. He’s always in the action and plays with a lot of emotion. With so much negativity in KC’s locker room and plenty of apathy surrounding the team, a stud special teamer who might find a spot as a starting linebacker next season is a welcome breath of fresh air.

2. RB Jamaal Charles - Finally we see the flash that we’ve all been waiting for. Sunday was the type of game that showed the potential Charles had when he was drafted – 103 yards rushing, four catches, one touchdown. He’s still not an every-down back but does add a dimension to KC’s offense that will help Todd Haley immensely. If the Chiefs are going to develop offensive consistency, Charles has to be productive. Against the Raiders, we saw glimpses of what could be the unearthing of a new style of running back in Kansas City.

3. QB Matt Cassel - He missed several passes Sunday and it didn’t help that his receivers dropped some. But he had plenty of time to throw the ball and maybe that was the problem. Cassel has been beaten to a pulp in every game, so for him to find throwing lanes and open receivers so easily, he must have been in shock. But Sunday was the kind of game that has fans wondering if he’s going to have a breakout game this year. His critical turnover, that came on a routine handoff attempt, makes you wonder.

4. WR Chris Chambers - The San Diego Chargers were idiots for letting Chambers go. He had another nice game catching the ball, but it was his block down the field that enabled Charles to hit the gap for his 44-yard yard touchdown. Chambers gives the Chiefs a fresh body and a player who has something to prove. At this point the Chargers appear poised to take the AFC West with Denver flattening out. That means Chambers has missed a chance to play in the postseason, but he’s playing with heart and making plays, so hopefully he can help Kansas City next year.

5. DE Wallace Gilberry - He’s tied for the Chiefs’ lead in sacks while first-round pick Tyson Jackson hasn’t come close to the quarterback this year. In obvious passing situations, Jackson is on the bench. Gilberry was a solid player at the University of Alabama and now in his second season, he’s starting to come around and could be a long-term find for the Chiefs. Will he be double-digit sack artist? No, but you have to like the fact Haley is giving him a chance to show up the team’s top pick. With experience, he could turn into a player who produces six to eight sacks every year.