Pre-Game stuff:
By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff
We go to our man Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star to find out what's going on with the Chiefs.
Before you get to the Q&A, make sure you check out Kent's story on Chiefs general Scott Pioli and how other former Patriots have fared trying to duplicate the Patriots' Way.
And away we go:
1. So, is Falko Calabaloo (aka Tyler Palko) capable of this or what?
Babb: "I have no reason to think he is. What I saw of Palko during training camp and the preseason is exactly what you'd expect to see from a guy who has barely played in the NFL, and most of that coming on practice squads. He is athletic, and that could help to mask the Chiefs' dreadful pass protection, but he's not accurate, and his arm isn't especially strong. I learned in 2008 to never count out a quarterback, because back then, Tyler Thigpen occasionally gave the Chiefs a chance to win. But the odds are pretty bad for Palko."
2. Who is the one Chiefs player most Patriots fans don't know right now, but will by the end of the game on Monday?
Babb: "Tamba Hali, the Chiefs' best outside linebacker and one of the NFL's best -- but most unknown -- pass rushers. He's a bit of a mystery man, almost never talking to the media and all, but the guy can get after quarterbacks. The Chiefs' defense is banged up, and if it has a chance of disrupting the Patriots' passing game, it'll be because Hali was a big problem for Tom Brady."
3. What's the biggest weakness on the Chiefs' offense you expect the Patriots to try to exploit?
Babb: "There are a few. Palko is the obvious one, but more than that, the offensive line and running backs aren't the least bit intimidating. If New England's line can push around the Chiefs' offensive linemen, which at least on the right side -- Palko's blind side -- seems like a foregone conclusion with Barry Richardson presumably still lining up at right tackle, it could further disrupt what little rhythm the Chiefs get going."
4. What's the biggest weakness on the Chiefs' defense you expect the Patriots to try to exploit?
Babb: "The secondary is dealing with some injuries, most notably, of course, safety Eric Berry, who's out for the season with a torn ACL. But Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr, the Chiefs' top two corners, have some injuries, too, and are questionable. There's a lot of talent in the secondary, but it won't be effective if players aren't 100 percent."
5. Finally, Chiefs win on Monday night if....
Babb: "...Tyler Palko is somehow the next Tom Brady or Tony Romo, a guy teams passed on and really had no idea about, and then became a star. The odds of that happening are about as bad as the Chiefs winning at Gillette Stadium, with a first-time starting quarterback, with a wounded pass defense."
http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal.../extra_points/
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