Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer and publisher of Chiefs Digest. He joined Chiefs Digest in 2013 and became lead beat writer in 2016. He resides in Kansas City, Missouri.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs players and fans alike enjoy the prestige and that six national television broadcast brings to the team but the spotlight comes at the price of losing the routine of playing every Sunday that makes quarterback Alex Smith and most NFL players creatures of habit. “Come regular season you do really live by the week,” Smith …
Kansas City’s first-team offense remained perfect in the preseason while quarterbacks Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes turned in crisp performances in the Chiefs’ 30-12 over the Cincinnati Bengals Saturday night. “They love challenging each other,” head coach Andy Reid said of his quarterback stable. “They throw the ball against the goal post and compete there. Everything is a competition — …
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up training camp in St. Joseph Wednesday and while all indications point toward the club coming back in 2018, the possibility of a new summer home remains on the horizon. “It is something that we’ll sit down and talk about as an organization,” team chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said when …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One needs to look no further than Arrowhead Stadium on a fall Sunday to find passionate NFL fans, and sports leaders in KC believe that enthusiasm makes the region an ideal candidate for one of the premier events on the league’s annual calendar, the NFL draft. “We always have ‘what’s that next big event’ on our …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One day after the Chiefs passing attacked turned in a lackluster offensive performances, the club’s top three quarterbacks turned in a solid performance with a series of notable highlight plays. Alex Smith led the way, leading a touchdown drive during the two-minute drill portion of practice. Smith picked up a first down, then absorbed two sacks …
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Defensive end Chris Jones hit the practice field at Chiefs training camp for the first time this season, and no one appeared more excited than Jones himself. “I got tired of sitting in the tent just watching,” Jones said. “You know, like a kid at home watching outside and you can’t play with the older kids. …
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The solar eclipse descends on St. Joseph next week but one body already moved in front of another with Patrick Mahomes outshining Tyler Bray and assuming the role as the team’s No. 2 quarterback behind starter Alex Smith. “It gives Patrick an opportunity to step up and work with that second group and see what he …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches, thrust into the starting lineup following an injury to Chris Jones, justified the faith of head coach Andy Reid with a stellar performance in Kansas City’s preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers. “He’s had a good camp and it carried over into the game,” Reid said. “I was kind of curious …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Sam Ficken went to work Monday morning with his nose in a book preparing for a test at work yet on Friday night he spent the evening at his side job — kicking in the NFL. “I was at work in Greenwich, Conn.,” Ficken explained when asked where he received his summons to Kansas City. “I …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Alex Smith started Kansas City out on the right foot in the preseason opener against San Francisco but little else when the Chief’s way in the 49ers 27-17 comeback win at Arrowhead Stadium. “I thought the ones were on top of their game,” head coach Andy Reid said. “I was very happy with them.” Smith delivered …
