Chiefs News 12/24: Stadium cannot replicate Arrowhead’s atmosphere

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Chiefs’ coming move to Kansas a “shock to the system” for Missouri politicians | NBC Sports

“No matter how long we had to . . . think about this as a possibility, it’s still a shock to the system,” Missouri

House Speaker Jonathan Patterson told the Kansas City Star.

It shouldn’t have been. It was, as it usually is, about money. Jackson County, Missouri, voters overwhelmingly rejected in April 2024 the potential extension of an existing sales tax to fund a renovation at Arrowhead Stadium, along with a new park for the Kansas City Royals. Kansas was able to come up with a better deal, for a more versatile (but not necessarily better) domed football stadium that can host other events and presumably attract a Super Bowl.

“Unfortunately, team ownership has decided to abandon Lamar Hunt’s legacy at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium, a place that Chiefs fans have rallied around since 1972,” Governor Mike Kehoe said in a statement. “At Arrowhead, every game feels like a Super Bowl. No new stadium will replicate that.”

Chiefs DL Chris Jones emphasizes finishing the regular season strong | Chiefs Wire

“I think my job doesn’t change on this team, I’m still who I am, no matter if the record was 0-16. I still play the game with passion. I still love what I do. I’m still going out there, fired up every play, every opportunity I’m on the field, and everybody else on defense. “It’s not our job to predict the situation,” said Jones. “We’re in a very unfortunate situation where sometimes you can’t control it, and it’s okay.” You know, you can finish strong. You can worry about the things you can control: your attitude and your effort. You know, a lot of people can talk when they’re up. It’s about those who have character when you’re down or when you’re not in a favorable position.”

Five Quick Facts Following the Chiefs Week 16 Loss to Tennessee | Upon Further Review | The Mothership

5. Kansas City committed 10 penalties on Sunday.

The Chiefs were called for 10 penalties in Sunday’s game, matching their second-most in a single game this season.

It was the fifth time this season that Kansas City committed double-digit penalties, and unsurprisingly, the Chiefs lost all five of those games.

Kansas City will now need to move on quickly as they prepare to take on the Broncos on Thursday.

How NFL Draft can help Lions, Chiefs, other 2024 playoff teams that flopped this season | The Athletic

Kansas City Chiefs (6-9)

Like the Lions, the Chiefs have a lot of work to do at the line of scrimmage. Prior to going down for the year with a knee injury, Patrick Mahomes was playing through the second-highest pressure rate of his career (38.1 percent). Moreover, Mahomes was hit 102 times this season (third most in the NFL, just behind Goff); had he continued to play, he would’ve easily eclipsed his career-high number of 108, set last year.

So, to recap, the Chiefs’ franchise player has been hit a combined 210 times over the last two years — and he’s not getting any younger.

Kansas City has to get more out of Josh Simmons next season, to begin with. But the Chiefs still need at least another tackle opposite Simmons and probably need more help at guard, as well, because depth remains a concern. Kansas City also has to improve at tight end, whether Travis Kelce is back for the 2026 season or not. Finding replacements for older players is a bit of a theme here, because Kansas City could be in the market for help at running back and along its defensive front.

The Chiefs could use a bit more draft capital, but they’re in pretty good shape with three picks inside the top 75. This will be new for Kansas City, though, which is usually picking late in the first round. This year, it could be looking at a top-12 pick — a huge opportunity for a talented, but flawed, squad.

2026 NFL Draft order and updated needs for every team | NFL.com

12 – Kansas City Chiefs

6-9

Strength of schedule: .518

Remaining SOS: .467 (T-19)

Week 17 opponent: vs. Broncos | Thursday

Biggest needs: TE, WR, RB, CB, DL

The Chiefs must prepare for the end of the Travis Kelce era, as the impending free agent seems likely to consider retirement. Finding a reliable playmaker at tight end will be paramount for Kansas City if the future Hall of Famer steps away.

Around the NFL

DK Metcalf suspension voids $45 million in guarantees, could alter Steelers outlook | CBS Sports

The two-game suspension for what the NFL terms “conduct detrimental” to the league now voids at least $45 million in future guaranteed money for the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver. Metcalf would still be able to earn that money over the next two years.

His four-year, $132 million contract from March, reviewed by CBS Sports, notes that if he “fails… to practice or play with the Club for any reason,” which includes “Player’s suspension by the NFL or Club for Conduct Detrimental,” his guarantees “will be NULL AND VOID.”

Metcalf appeared to throw a punch at a Lions fan during the first half of Pittsburgh’s eventual 29-24 win Sunday. Metcalf reportedly had prior history with the fan when he was a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride

3 biggest questions ahead of Week 17’s Chiefs-Broncos matchup

2. Can Travis Kelce make another legendary Arrowhead moment?

We don’t know if this will be Kelce’s last home game, but we should be prepared for that possibility. Kelce is not under contract next year, and he has been contemplating retirement for a few years. I have the gut feeling he’s finished after the season ends.

If that’s the case, Kelce will surely turn it up one last time. He may not get the storybook ending of retiring after a Super Bowl victory, but there’s a chance for Kelce to beat a rival one last time.

Even if the Chiefs don’t win, it would be a light in the dark for Kelce to have a stronger performance than the one catch for six yards he produced last week. It just wouldn’t be right for Kelce’s career to end with three-straight meaningless games where he is quiet. Even if he just manages to score in this game, it should be a strong moment.

A decade down the road, no one will remember Kelce for the end of his career, but for all he has done for the organization. Either way, he deserves a strong finish. Kelce will have to work to get his moment, so he should be playing his heart out one last time.