Five things to watch for in Chiefs game



Damon Huard (left) or Brodie Croyle could get an edge by orchestrating sustained drives.


1 Quarterback play. Herm Edwards wants one thing from the starting offense besides not committing a turnover. He wishes for a sustained drive, one that numbers several plays, covers a lot of yards and eats plenty of clock. The quarterback who delivers it tonight could wind up starting opening day in Houston.

2 Better pass rush. The Chiefs were disappointed in their inability to get more pressure on Cleveland quarterbacks last week. They’d like to rough up old friend Trent Green and send him to the turf a few times tonight.


3 Dwayne Bowe’s debut. The Chiefs are desperate for a wide receiver they can count on other than Eddie Kennison. They aren’t expecting Bowe, who has practiced only twice, to be a star immediately. But they want to see whether he’s capable of getting into the playing mix.


4 Win the game. While Edwards’ signature slogan matters more to him in the regular season, it’s still a factor in games that otherwise don’t count. Edwards was not happy with the way the Cleveland game wound up. He, perhaps more than anyone, wanted the Chiefs to score the winning touchdown.


5 First-team defensive points. The Chiefs scored a defensive touchdown last week with their backups and a safety with guys who won’t be playing for them next month. Edwards and Gunther Cunningham would be happier if the starters can get into the Dolphins’ end zone.