Rams Vs. Chiefs: The View From The Other Side

What if you had a sports trophy that nobody really cared about? I really can't think of a better way to introduce the Missouri Governor's Cup, awarded to the winner of the annual game against the St. Louis Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs. The problem with the Guv's Cup is that it almost always comes in the preseason, and you know how everyone feels about preseason football.

Nevertheless, it is a chance to see our cross-state rivals. And for all KC's faults, they do at least have some damn fine BBQ. To preview the game, I exchanged questions with Joel Thorman, the editor of Arrowhead Pride, SB Nation's Chiefs blog. We talked Matt Cassel, injuries and new coaches.

1. Injuries hit the Chiefs pretty hard last year. Have those players and the team recovered?

All seems to be going well for the Chiefs ACL crew. There's Tony Moeaki, who tore his ACL in the final preseason game. He has a history of injury so the Chiefs are likely more concerned about him than anyone but he's been participating in training camp. There's Eric Berry, who tore his ACL in Week 1. He's the safest bet to return as close to 100 percent as you can. Then there Jamaal Charles, who tore his ACL In Week 2. He has looked fine in training camp and the Chiefs initial preseason game so they think he'll be back to normal, or as close to normal as you can get, by the regular season.

2. What's different about the team now with Romeo Crennel at the helm?

Seems more stable. Not sure if you noticed but Todd Haley didn't exactly give off the vibe of consistency and stability. Romeo's been in the league for a long time and doesn't seem to be as into the mind games that Haley was into. It seems like there's less drama this year.

3. Will Matt Cassel be the QB there in 2013? What are the plans for the position going forward?

I'm not sure if he will or not but I'm not so sure the Chiefs next QB is on the roster. In that case, you'd have to wonder who exactly the Chiefs will replace him with. For now, I'd lean towards saying he will be with the Chiefs in 2013. The plans for the future all depend on this year. It's a big year for Cassel.

4. What's the deal with Dwayne Bowe? Will he be in KC next year?

Not so sure on this either. It's hard seeing the Chiefs just letting him walk so, even if it's with the franchise tag again, I see him staying in Kansas City next year. That said, he's willing to hold out almost all of training camp at this point; how far will he go if he's tagged again?

5. What are the Chiefs going to do this season?

I think they're going to win 9-10 games, if not more. This is a really solid roster from top to bottom. Cassel, obviously, is the big question mark. But even with the Chiefs ACL crew missing nearly all of last season and Tyler Palko actually starting games, the Chiefs were still a blocked field goal away in Week 16 from winning the AFC West.

Thanks to Joel for answering our questions. Be sure to check out Arrowhead Pride.