Sportsbeat Kc

This week's college episode is happening as the football and basketball seasons begin their crossover.K-State beat writer Kellis Robinett tracked down Wildcats’ basketball coach Bruce Weber for an exclusive interview.Jesse Newell, who covers KU, provides the update on the latest basketball commitment and the first to pledge after the Jayhawks received their Notice of Allegations from the NCAA.Meanwhile, columnist Vahe Gregorian provides the update on Mizzou’s newly minted top 25 ranked football program.Read the stories we discussed:How Bruce Weber recruited one of the nation’s top-rated basketball classes: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article236077988.html“I’m staying home:” Why former KC high schooler says he committed to KU basketball: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article236199038.htmlKU has new offensive coordinator. His contract suggests he’ll get a long look: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/art

After suffering their second straight loss on Sunday, the Chiefs are officially struggling.The offense has slowed, the defense can’t stop opponents — especially on the ground — and injuries have played a role. But is this the right roster?The majority of the team’s 53-man squad was acquired by general manager Brett Veach through the draft, free agent signings and trades.How much has Veach gotten right?That’s part of the conversation with Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian, Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell and SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff. This episode was originally recorded as a Facebook Live for the Red Zone Extra page.Read the stories we discussed:Sam Mellinger: This headline about the Chiefs should be the exact same headline as last week: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article236210283.htmlChiefs Andy Reid on balance of offense: “Our time of possession in way out of whack”: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236211588.htmlWhen Chiefs didn’t score a

Oh boy, now it’s a losing streak for the Chiefs. And that’s two straight at Arrowhead Stadium. The A-Team of Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian joins Blair Kerkhoff in breaking down the Chiefs 31-24 loss to the Houston Texans. Not even the return of Tyreek Hill, who was terrific with two touchdown receptions, could rally the Chiefs, who were ahead 17-3 only to have the offense go into a shell and the defense not come up with a big stop.This episode was originally recorded as a Facebook Live for the Red Zone Extra page.Read the stories we discussed:Sam Mellinger: The Chiefs’ Super Bowl push is being run down. “They’re exploiting us.: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article236093503.htmlVahe Gregorian: Here’s the Chiefs’ dilemma in playing Patrick Mahomes with an ankle injury: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article236092903.htmlMahomes, Chiefs baffled by reversal of Kelce pass interference call: https://www.kansascit

College football seasons usually are 12 games, but if you extend Missouri’s to the last 25, you might be surprised at the Tigers’ record. Columnist Vahe Gregorian’s stat certainly surprised host Blair Kerkhoff. Mizzou plays host to Ole Miss on Saturday, and although Kansas State and KU are off this weekend, Kellis Robinett and Jesse Newell provide updates including news of a new offensive coordinator in Lawrence. Also, what in the world happened to Sporting KC this season? Sam McDowell provides the answers.Read the stories we discussed:Tale of two injuries at MIssouri reminds that now is always the timehttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article235921862.htmlK-State rushing game was a strength. Now it’s a weakness. What happened?https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article235951427.htmlSix games in Les Miles has fired his offensive coordinator. What it means for KUhttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article235860802.html

The A-team brought a jumbo package to Big O Tires in Kansas City. Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian joined Blair Kerkhoff for our weekly Facebook Live discussion of the Chiefs. There was plenty to talk about, from the poor run defense to the lack of success by the passing offense against man coverage.But the national perspective on the game will focus on the quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson, who were selected 10th and 12th in the 2017 NFL Draft and look like future stars. Sunday will mark their first head-to-head meeting.Read the stories we discussed:Chiefs WR Sammy Watkins among 5 players to miss second consecutive day of practice: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236012118.htmlChiefs’ run game featured lots of Damien Williams instead of LeSean McCoy. What gives?: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235999688.htmlMahomes vs. Watson, one winner: Outcome might depend on which Texans show up in KC: https://www.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said his left ankle, injured in the opening game and aggravated in Sunday’s loss to the Colts, was “not perfect” but it won’t stop him from playing in this week’s game against the Houston Texans. Also, tight end Travis Kelce speaks to his push and then hug of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in that game. Finally, it was media day for Kansas basketball, so we share what coach Bill Self had to say about his team’s mental toughness in the face of NCAA clouds this season.Read the stories we discussed:Patrick Mahomes on his injured ankle: “It’s not perfect but it’s good enough”: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235958112.htmlWith injuries to Chris Jones, Xavier WIlliams, Chiefs sign another defensive tackle: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235929667.htmlBill Self says Snoop Dogg’s show, KU promo video not meant as attack against NCAA: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article235

The opening of basketball practice is celebrated at University of Kansas like nowhere else in the nation. The event includes skits, dancing, team introductions, a light scrimmage and often a celebrity guest.This year, KU brought rapper Snoop Dogg to Allen Fieldhouse and Late Night got edgy with stripper poles and money guns shooting out fake $100 bills.Coach Bill Self and Kansas officials said they were caught off guard by the show. But what are the ramifications for a program that has received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA for multiple Level 1 violations in the basketball program?Star columnist Sam Mellinger and KU beat writer Jesse Newell discuss with host Blair Kerkhoff.Read the stories we discussed:Mellinger Minutes: Chiefs freakouts and why Snoop Dogg is America’s last honest man: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article235886067.htmlKU prospects Robinson, Brown-Ferguson say they had a stellar time in Late Night at Phog: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/b

The Chiefs were a double-digit favorite against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football. Arrowhead Stadium was packed and all signs pointed to the Chiefs remaining undefeated. Somehow, they lost, 19-13. It was the lowest scoring game of the Patrick Mahomes era. The A-team of Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell and Sam Mellinger join host Blair Kerkhoff to dissect the loss and determine what it means for the Chiefs going forward.Read the stories we discussed:Chiefs’ loss to Colts is a reality check, but it’s hardly defining in a larger picture: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article235861387.htmlThese two clear trends are pushing against the Chiefs every week now: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article235862582.htmlColts’ run game, injuries, poor defense combine to lift Indy past Chiefs in prime time: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235858867.htmlFormer K-State receiver Byron Pringle has career night in Chiefs

In home games on Saturday, Kansas State, Kansas and Missouri face different levels of opponents.The Wildcats figure to be in tight contest with Baylor. KU is a huge underdog to powerful Oklahoma, and Missouri is a heavy favorite against Troy.The college beat writers — Kellis Robinett, Jesse Newell and Alex Schiffer — break down their games and have other news about their beats. And for one of them, it'll be their last time on the podcast. Also, Chiefs third team tight end Deon Yelder made the most of his first two NFL targets last week against the Lions. He chats with SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff about his big day.Read the stories we discussed:K-State Q&A: John Holcombe, new football uniforms, Baylor and basketball recruiting: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article235759227.htmlKansas seems to have lost a top RB, and now another one is likely to miss the season: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article235641397.htmlBarry Odom has str

The Chiefs share the NFL’s best record at 4-0 and so many things are going right for Patrick Mahomes and company. But there are some issues the Chiefs need to address, like rushing defense. The A-team of Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell join Blair Kerkhoff at Big O Tires in Shawnee to break down what has and hasn’t been working for a team with sights on the Super Bowl. They also make their predictions for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.This episode was originally recorded as a Facebook Live video on the Red Zone Extra Facebook page.Read the stories we discussed:Patrick Mahomes is AFC Offensive Player of the Month for second straight September: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235748197.html#storylink=mainstageChiefs’ Mahomes on facing pal Justin Houston: “Hopefully he’s not hitting me too much”: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235722237.htmlWhy Tyreek Hill’s return to practice could come at an ideal time for the Chiefs:

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes weighs in on a variety of topics at his weekly meeting with reporters, from Tyreek Hill's return to practice on Wednesday to how he determines when to make a block.Mahomes also shares what went through his mind when he looked back at the official on a rushing attempt against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. (Psst: He's never practiced it.)Also, Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam Mellinger join host Blair Kerkhoff in a discussion about California’s Fair Pay for Play Act, legislation that could change the college sports playing field.Catch the A-Team on the Red Zone Extra Facebook page Thursday morning when they go live from Big O Tires in Shawnee!Read the stories we discussed:As Patrick Mahomes willed Chiefs to a win, his teammates watched in awe: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235676032.htmlChiefs’ Tyreek Hill returns to practice: “We’ll see how he does,” Andy Reid says: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article23572028

The 2019 season has mercifully ended for the Royals. It couldn’t get worse than last year when they lost 104, and it wasn’t. They lost 103. How long will it take for the Royals to regain competitiveness? Even just-retired manager Ned Yost has thoughts on that.Star columnists Sam Mellinger and Vahe Gregorian take on that question and others with host Blair Kerkhoff. They cover what’s in store for popular outfielder Alex Gordon and who will be the next Royals manager?Read the stories we discussed:Royals’ Alex Gordon faces decision this winter that can change course of the franchise: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article235626347.htmlRoyals players who established themselves in 2019 must learn to win in 2020: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article235638777.htmlMellinger Minutes: Chiefs’ needs, The Mahomes Effect, Frank Clark, the next Royals manager: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article235643162.htmlGet access to all of the

A desperation fourth-and-8 conversion, a hook-and-lateral completion and a 100-yard fumble return were some of the wild moments in the Chiefs’ 34-30 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.This breakdown is provided by the A-Team of Herbie Teope, Sam McDowell, Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian and Blair Kerkhoff. The group was on hand at Ford Field for the Chiefs’ most difficult and perhaps most satisfying victory of the season, one that improved the team’s record to 4-0.This episode was originally recorded as a Facebook Live video on the Red Zone Extra page.Read the stories we discussed:In wild one at Detroit, Mahomes leads comeback drive vs. Lions to keep Chiefs unbeaten: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235602857.html“Football at its finest”: Breeland’s alert fumble return saves Chiefs in crazy game: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article235606077.htmlSmiles pushes and beer: Inside the defining scenes of the Chiefs’ win over the Lions https://

Kansas State at Oklahoma State highlights this week's college football schedule as the Wildcats have won the previous two games in the series.Also, Kansas travels to TCU to meet the only Big 12 team it defeated last season. And though Mizzou has the weekend off, buzz remains from their convincing victory over South Carolina. The Star's college beat writers Kellis Robinett, Jesse Newell and Alex Schiffer have the latest on their teams.And speaking of Kansas State, two years ago, Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle had his best game as a Wildcats player against Oklahoma State. Now Pringle has caught a pass from Patrick Mahomes. Host Blair Kerkhoff has a moment with Pringle to recount the plays.Read the stories we discussed:Why K-State QB Skylar Thompson seems poised for another big game vs. Oklahoma State: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article235462872.htmlHow Mizzou’s defense became one of the nation’s best after rough start at Wyoming: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/s

The A-team gathers to look ahead to Sunday’s game at the Detroit Lions and what it means for a Chiefs team that hasn’t played a regular-season game indoors since 2017.This show includes a rating formula that shows Patrick Mahomes as the NFL’s sixth-rated quarterback through three games this season. Huh?Also, the newest member of the Chiefs coverage team, Herbie Teope, checks in and actually breaks out in song.This episode was originally recorded as a Facebook Live video at Big O Tires in Blue Springs. Follow Chiefs coverage on the Red Zone Extra Facebook page.Read the stories we discussed:Scoring alert! Patrick Mahomes to make dome debut as pro vs. Detroit on Sunday: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235473762.htmlHere’s how that Mecole Hardman 83-yard touchdown against the Ravens unfolded: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235470687.html….Get access to all of The Star's stories by signing up now for a digital subscription. Use the kansascity.com/spo

The weekly media visit with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes never disappoints.This week, he reviews the victory over the Baltimore Ravens, including his long touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman. And are we really making too much of him playing in a dome for the first time in the regular season? That's happening this weekend against the Detroit Lions.Bonus: Mahomes talks about his Jonas Brothers concert experience and which teammates he would have in a boy band.The second half of the episode features host Blair Kerkhoff and KU beat writer Jesse Newell, who explains what Kansas is up against now that it has the Notice of Allegations from the NCAA, which include five Level I violations against the men’s basketball program.Read the stories we discussed:Scoring alert! Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes to make dome debut as a pro vs. Detroit Sunday: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235473762.htmlPatrick Mahomes went to Jonas Brothers show after band saw Chiefs play. Yeah really: https://www.kan

The Ned Yost decade with the Royals will end this week. The club announced he’ll step down at the end of this season. Star columnist Sam Mellinger, who has covered the entire Yost tenure, chats with host Blair Kerkhoff about the mostly good times with the manager and speculates on the future of the job. Also, Sam McDowell helps introduce new Chiefs beat writer Herbie Teope, who loaded up the truck from New Orleans to return to a market he knows well. Herbie covered the Chiefs before spending the last four years in New Orleans.Read the stories we discussed:Sam Mellinger: How Ned Yost and the Royals brought out the best in each other:https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article235394907.htmlMike Matheny might not be a slam dunk as next Royals manager: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article235393687.htmlRoyals owner David Glass opens up: Why now, why Sherman, best memories and regrets: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article

The Chiefs faced some pressure toward the end, but they won again, improving to 3-0 with a 33-28 victory over the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. In a battle of next generation quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes prevailed over Lamar Jackson. Mahomes is on an amazing pace with 10 touchdown passes and no interceptions in three games, but many others contributed to the team’s most impressive victory of the season.This episode was originally recorded as a Facebook Live video.Read the stories we discussed:The Andy Reid-Patrick Mahomes bond continues to grow and the Chiefs are rolling: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article235363597.html“It’s crazy:” In spite of it all, the Chiefs are looking like a Super Bowl contender: https://www.kansascity.com/article235362442.htmlBaltimore was quite aggressive against Chiefs, and that’s a telling sign: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235361932.htmlPatrick Mahomes stars again as the Chefs beat the R

The first time Dustin Colquitt takes the field on Sunday for the Chiefs game against the Baltimore Ravens, he’ll set the team record for games played. The record is meaningful for the longest tenured Chiefs player who has played for five head coaches, four general managers — not to mention quarterbacks Trent Green, Patrick Mahomes and everyone in between. Also, Mizzou beat writer Alex Schiffer chats with South Carolina beat writer Ben Breiner of The State in Columbia, S.C., about the big SEC game between the Tigers and Gamecocks on Saturday. It’s been a series of odd games.Read the stories we discussed:Even as Chiefs’ Maytag Repairman, punter Dustin Colquitt is integral to franchisehttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article235233532.htmlWhy has Mizzou struggled so much with South Carolina in recent years?https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article235221082.htmlMizzou Tigers football vs. South Carolina Gamecocks: Time, TV, LIne, things to knowhtt

The Chiefs meet the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in the home opener at Arrowhead Stadium, and it’s the biggest NFL game of the weekend. Both teams are 2-0 and have gotten outstanding quarterback play from Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. In our Where the Rubber Meets the Road segment, the A-Team — which is Sam Mellinger, Vahe Gregorian, Sam McDowell and Blair Kerkhoff — previews the game, identifies players to watch and predicts the outcome. The answers were not unanimous.Read the stories we discussed:Among all his throws, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes says this one is his favorite - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235231832.htmlRavens’ Earl Thomas on facing Chiefs: “I plan on eliminating all the big plays.” - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article235250012.htmlThere’s good news and bad news regarding weather for Chiefs’ opener - https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article235209502.htmlGet access to all of them by s