AFC West rivalry resumes as K.C., Denver tangle

Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.
Sunday, Sept. 19, 1999

AT A GLANCE: Denver and first-year starting QB Brian Griese go on the road for the first time in ’99 to visit Kansas City in the latest edition of one of the best rivalries in the NFL today.

The Chiefs look to rebound from a disappointing 7-9 season, their first losing season in the ’90s. Their most inglorious moment in ’98 came in a Monday-night game against Denver, when the Broncos administered a 30-7 whipping, and the Chiefs embarrassed themselves with multiple personal-foul penalties. Kansas City fell 20-17 to Chicago in Week One.

The Broncos, who opened their season on Monday night vs. the Dolphins, seek to build momentum after a problematic preseason. Denver’s offense struggled through much of its exhibition play.

One interesting story line is the quarterbacks. Kansas City’s Elvis Grbac is under pressure to prove he should be the Chiefs’ starter, as veteran Warren Moon waits in the wings. For Denver, barring a Monday-night injury, Brian Griese starts his first NFL road game. Bubby Brister resumes his relief role after losing out to Griese in the battle for the starting spot.

Denver has covered the pointspread in five of its last six trips to Kansas City (including playoffs).

WHEN THE BRONCOS HAVE THE BALL:

With Griese replacing the legendary John Elway at quarterback, the unquestioned focal point of Denver’s offense is RB Terrell Davis. The Chiefs will undoubtedly load up to stop Davis, who had pretty decent success vs. Kansas City last season. He takes on a Chiefs run defense that was solid vs. the Bears in Week One.

Griese, a heady but inexperienced passer, does have solid weapons to throw to. WRs Ed McCaffrey and Rod Smith, who both have good size, will work against physical CBs Cris Dishman and James Hasty. Dishman was often burned deep in ’98. TE Shannon Sharpe, who had only four catches in two games vs. K.C. last season, may be a key. The Chiefs will likely have to put SS Reggie Tongue on Sharpe, since LB Derrick Thomas, who will line up over the tight end, is not a coverage specialist.