1.  The Chiefs have seemingly done a great job in the draft over the last couple of years, so could you update Rams fans on some of the guys from both the 2010 and 2011 draft classes?
 
The 2010 Chiefs draft was fantastic. Standouts include Eric Berry (Pro Bowler), Tony Moeaki (TE, awesome) and Kendrick Lewis (5th round free safety). Then you have some really solid contributors in Javier Arenas (nickel corner) Dexter McCluster (deadly with the ball when healthy). They also grabbed Jon Asamoah at guard. The Chiefs like him so much they cut multi-time Pro Bowler Brian Waters so they could start him. He has looked awesome in the preseason so far. The only player that did not contribute in 2010 was LB Cameron Sheffield who landed on IR in the preseason with a neck injury. Still, Sheffield has flashed ability and looks like he will make the team. The entire 2010 draft class can play in the NFL either as a starter or a solid reserve. There appear to be no busts.
 
The 2011 draft class doesn’t appear to be as special. Jon Baldwin (1st round WR) got into a fight with Thomas Jones and broke his thumb. Ricky Stanzi hasn’t looked all that great at QB. Gabe Miller hasn’t really made much of a splash. Jalil Brown got smoked last week on coverage.
 
That being said, there is certainly some talent here. Jerrell Powe looks like he could be a big contributor down the road. Justin Houston is flashing ability to get to the QB. Last week against the Ravens he had two sacks and a forced fumble on special teams. Allen Bailey is a beast.
 
The 2011 guys could contribute this season but probably in a smaller way than the 2010 class.

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Storm The Cassel – Matt Cassel didn’t have a monster day or anything (15-29, 184 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT), but he made a couple of big throws when his team needed them. I didn’t feel like the Rams got to him enough, and I don’t really remember an instance of somebody on our defense really nailing him to the ground. It seemed like Sam Bradford had somebody in his face every time he dropped back, but Cassel had too much time.

Thunder And Lightning – Obviously the tandem of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones put the hurting on the Rams defense. Charles had 126 yards and a score, and Jones finished with 62 yards and a touchdown of his own. I will say the defense did a better job against Jones than I expected (22 carries), but Charles was pretty dynamic all day. It’s tough to keep those guys under wraps all day, but you can’t give up close to 200 yards on the ground and expect to win.

Something’s Different – It’s hard for me to say whether or not the shortcomings of the offense were directly related to the Chiefs 3-4 defense, but it was difficult to watch for most of the game. After the first drive of the game, the offense was pretty much nonexistent until the fourth quarter. Between the penalties and dropped passes, it was not something I want to see again.

Home Field Advantage – There were plenty of Chiefs fans in the Dome, but I don’t think that had anything to do with the game. There were more open seats than I anticipated, which was a disappointment, but the crowd was a nonfactor. I was really hoping the Dome would be rocking, but that wasn’t the case.

I think we have gone over the trainwreck that was yesterday’s game enough at this point. So let’s just put this one behind us and look forward. This team is still in a great position to win the division, but if they dwell on this game, it won’t happen. On the injury front, Chris Long has a bruised left thigh, and Britt Miller is done for the year with a torn ACL. Ken Darby and Illini Mike are both hoping to practice this week, so things are improving on that front.

Storm The Cassel – I am still pretty sure Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel will start under center unless something happens between now and then, and if he plays, we have to be all over him all day. He didn’t take a ton of reps in practice this week, and I guarantee he is still going to be tender on and around the operated area. The Rams need to hit him even if they don’t get the sack, and I could see Cassel getting happy feet if we get on him early. If he stays clean and comfortable, we could be in trouble.

Thunder And Lightning – I know that’s not the nickname for Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles, but it certainly fits. These guys have been running all over everybody this season, but the the Rams’ can’t let that happen if they want to win. I think these guys combined will get their yards, but they key is limiting the big plays. Put the Chiefs in third-and-mid or long and I think we will be in a good position.

Something’s Different – It’s not completely different, but the Rams will be seeing a 3-4 defense from the Chiefs in this game. We have struggled a bit against the 3-4 this season, so the offensive line will have to be better today if we are going to move the ball consistently. This Chiefs defense is pretty good, but they can be had. How the team handles the 3-4 alignment could determine the outcome.

Home Field Advantage? – I’ve heard rumors that the Dome is going to be heavily populated by Chiefs fans today, and I hope that’s not the case. This is the biggest NFL game in St. Louis in a number of years, and it would be a shame if the people don’t recognize that. The Rams had to go to a silent count the last time the Chiefs were in town because of all the visiting fans, so don’t let that happen again. Dome Field Advantage could play a major role in this game, so be loud and be proud if you are in the house.

Now, for my prediction. As those of you who are regular readers know, I usually get a gut feeling about the outcome before Sunday’s game, and my prediction usually reflects that hunch. With that being said, I have no idea what to predict here. Part of me really likes the Rams to get the win, but I’m starting to wonder if my emotion is clouding my judgement. I’m going to say 24-20 Rams, but I’m far from confident, not in the Rams, but in my prediction.