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.html

Vahe 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.html

Mahomes, Chiefs baffled by reversal of Kelce pass interference call: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236092143.html

Another brutal day for Chiefs’ defense in loss to Houston Texans. The bitter details: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236164758.html

“Like a video game in real life” Chiefs teammates happy to get Tyreek Hill back: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article236173703.html

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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.html

K-State rushing game was a strength. Now it’s a weakness. What happened?https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article235951427.html

Six 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

Sporting KC’s season of misery ends with 6-0 thumping at hands of Dallas FChttps://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article235860817.html

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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.html

Chiefs’ run game featured lots of Damien Williams instead of LeSean McCoy. What gives?: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235999688.html

Mahomes vs. Watson, one winner: Outcome might depend on which Texans show up in KC: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235997093.html

Did Kelce cross line in pushing Bieniemy? ‘Of course,’ coach says, but all good now: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235997893.html

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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.html

With injuries to Chris Jones, Xavier WIlliams, Chiefs sign another defensive tackle: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235929667.html

Bill 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/article235943312.html

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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.html

KU prospects Robinson, Brown-Ferguson say they had a stellar time in Late Night at Phog: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article235864982.html

Two fans won $5,000 from Bill Self at Late Night. Here’s how they plan to spend it: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article235821747.html

Late Night + early kickoff made for a lost weekend for KU Athletics. Here’s how and why: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article235838297.html

NCAA alleges major violations against KU basketball. Self, school to fight charges: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article235409312.html

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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.html

These two clear trends are pushing against the Chiefs every week now: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article235862582.html

Colts’ run game, injuries, poor defense combine to lift Indy past Chiefs in prime time: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235858867.html

Former K-State receiver Byron Pringle has career night in Chiefs’ loss to Colts: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235859687.html

Report card: With so many injuries, should Chiefs be graded on a curve? No: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235859907.html

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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.html

Kansas 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.html

Barry Odom has struggled following bye weeks at Mizzou. He thinks that changes Saturday: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-missouri/article235689317.html

Called upon to make a play on offense, Chiefs’ tight end Deon Yelder delivered...twice: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235804482.html

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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=mainstage

Chiefs’ Mahomes on facing pal Justin Houston: “Hopefully he’s not hitting me too much”: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235722237.html

Why Tyreek Hill’s return to practice could come at an ideal time for the Chiefs: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235724542.html

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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.html

Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill returns to practice: “We’ll see how he does,” Andy Reid says: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article235720282.html

Patrick Mahomes looked at ref to make sure there was no penalty before scrambling: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article235602132.html

Sports Illustrated: What’s next after California signs game-changer Fair Pay to Play Act into law?: https://www.si.com/college-football/2019/09/30/fair-pay-to-play-act-law-ncaa-california-pac-12

Get access to all of them by signing up now for a digital subscription. Use the kansascity.com/sportsbeatkcoffer  link to get a 40% discount.

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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.html

Royals players who established themselves in 2019 must learn to win in 2020: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article235638777.html

Mellinger Minutes: Chiefs’ needs, The Mahomes Effect, Frank Clark, the next Royals manager: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mellinger/article235643162.html

Get access to all of them by signing up now for a digital subscription. Use the kansascity.com/sportsbeatkcoffer link to get a 40% discount.

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