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After addressing their greatest need by taking nose tackle Dontari Poe at No. 11, the Kansas City Chiefs added offensive beef at pick No. 44 by taking Illinois’ Jeff Allen.

He played both tackle spots in college, but he projects as a guard in college. He will push Ryan Lilja. Allen is set to team with former college teammate Jon Asamoah, a starting guard for the Chiefs who was a third-round pick two years ago.

The Chiefs are going to be very young in the interior of the offensive line. Rodney Hudson, a second-round pick last season, is expected to take over at center.

Allen is a tough, big, gritty player who appears NFL ready. This pick helps solidify Kansas City’s offense.

Once again, the Chiefs chose to enhance quarterback Matt Cassel instead of replace him. Allen was taken over several players, including Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins. He could still end up with the Chiefs later in the draft, but the Allen pick shows the Chiefs are bent on giving Cassel the best possible offense he can have. Allen is known as an outstanding pass protector.

In our bloggers mock draft on Monday I selected Stanford guard David DeCastro for the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 11. If DeCastro is indeed the choice, Kansas City's interior offensive line will be getting extremely young.

DeCastro could start right away by replacing veteran Ryan Lilja and would likely play opposite Jon Asomoah. The third-round pick in 2010 started every game last season and the team is excited about him.

The Chiefs also apear to be going young at center. While a final decision hasn’t been made, it appears Casey Wiegmann will retire at the age of 38. The Chiefs seem comfortable with going with second-year player Rodney Hudson as the starting center.

Hudson was a second-round pick last season. Even if Wiegmann decided to play, the Chiefs would likely opt to go with Hudson with Lilja being a potential backup at center if DeCastro were drafted.

There is a youth movement afoot on the Chiefs line and a DeCastro selection would increase it.

The Denver Broncos have gotten a jump on the Peyton Manning chase.

Television news helicopters followed Manning’s ride from a Denver-area airport to the Broncos facility, where Manning is meeting with team officials. It won’t be his last visit. ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that Manning will visit the Cardinals; Kansas City owner Clark Hunt has said the Chiefs have interest in Manning as well.

Expect Manning to make his decision within the next several days. The veteran quarterback will weigh several options before making his decision. Let's look at how the Broncos and the Chiefs stack up in several areas:

Finances

Denver: It has already been reported the Broncos are willing to spend whatever it takes to get Manning. Denver owner Pat Bowlen has seen Manning beat his team’s brains in for years. He’d happily pay to get Manning on his side.

Kansas City: The Chiefs are in great salary-cap shape. They can easily hang with any other team’s offer for Manning.

Supporting offensive cast

Denver: The Broncos have strong offensive linemen, a good running game and some solid receivers. There is room to get better and I’m sure the Broncos would promise Manning improvements, even allow him to make suggestions.

Kansas City: The Chiefs have a better supporting cast in the passing game than Denver. Manning would likely be thrilled to throw to receivers Dwayne Bowe, Jon Baldwin and Steve Breaston and tight end Tony Moeaki. The Chiefs can run the ball, too. And Manning would reunite with former Colts teammate guard Ryan Lilja.

Defense

Denver: The Broncos have an improved defense and are expected to try to get better. If the six-game suspension of linebacker D.J. Williams holds up, however, it will weaken the group.

Kansas City: Romeo Crennel’s defense was fabulous at the end of last season and it has a chance to be a stellar group with a few additions. Manning would have to be impressed by this group.

Coaching staff

Denver: Denver head coach John Fox loves veteran quarterbacks and is a noted players' coach. He and Manning would be a natural fit. Offensively, the Broncos showed last season that they are more than willing to adjust their system to their quarterback. Manning would like this group.

Kansas City: Crennel runs a New England-like ship. No opponent knows how important coaching was to New England’s success better than Manning. I think Crennel and his staff would work well with Manning.

Intangibles

Denver: The Broncos have something no other competitor for Manning has: a Hall of Fame quarterback running the show. John Elway would give Manning what he wanted, and he understands what it is like to be in Manning’s shoes as few others do.

Kansas City: The Chiefs don’t have a Hall of Famer running the show, but Hall of Famer Len Dawson is never too far off.

Room for friends

Denver: The Broncos could be open to signing several of Manning’s former Colts teammates, including center Jeff Saturday, receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark. That would appeal to Manning.

Kansas City: The Chiefs are pretty set at receiver and tight end. I could see them making room for Saturday, however.

Ability to win now

Denver: The Broncos went from being 4-12 in 2010 to going 8-8 and winning a playoff game in 2011. With Manning and a few more pieces, the Broncos would be a threat to make a deep playoff run.

Kansas City: The Chiefs went 7-9 in 2011 despite several injuries. Adding Manning could make the Chiefs a dark-horse Super Bowl choice.

Conclusion: Both teams have strong selling points to Manning and both have the means to get it done. It will come down to a comfort level for Manning, who will also consider other teams. But there’s no doubt that both the Broncos and Chiefs will be in this chase for the long haul.

Oakland coach Hue Jackson did not say whether starting middle linebacker Rolando McClain he will play Sunday in Miami or not. However, Jackson made it clear he is not pleased with McClain.

McClain was arrested on assault charges in his hometown in Alabama on Wednesday night. He was home to attend his grandfather’s funeral. McClain has maintained his innocence through his attorney. Still, Jackson is clearly not happy.

“I have 52 other players that are doing things the right way and doing things as I see they should be doing it and we’re getting ready to play a game,” Jackson told reporters. "I will deal with Rolando when that time comes.’’

If McClain, who is Oakland’s defensive signal caller, doesn’t play, backup Darryl Blackstock probably will play for him.

In other AFC West news:

• San Diego rookie defensive lineman Corey Liuget was limited with a fibula injury. Left tackle Brandyn Dombrowski continued to be out with a foot injury. That means newly claimed Jared Gaither may play a lot for the Chargers on Monday night at Jacksonville.
• The Vikings will be without star running back Adrian Peterson on Sunday against Denver.
• In Kansas City, guard Ryan Lilja is questionable with a head injury and linebacker Demorrio Williams is questionable with a groin injury.

Denver Broncos star rookie linebacker Von Miller took another step toward not playing Sunday at Minnesota as he failed to practice for the second straight day. He had surgery Tuesday to repair ligaments in his thumb.

Miller suffered the injury Sunday at San Diego, but he finished the game and made a huge play near the end of overtime to help the Broncos. Denver coach John Fox didn’t shed much light on Miller’s status for Sunday against the Vikings.

“It’s in the medical people’s hands, and if they deem him ready to play, he’ll play. They’re working on all those things,” Fox told reporters Thursday. “Again, I’ll meet with the medical people. We’ll make that determination tomorrow.”

Perhaps this is a positive: Fox said Miller is in the process of getting medical protection gear. It will likely be in the form of a hard cast or hard splint. Wednesday, ESPN medical analyst Stephania Bell said Miller will likely be limited if he does play Sunday.

Miller has been outstanding and he has been the catalyst to Denver’s defensive revival, and he's the leading candidate to win the NFL defensive rookie of the year award. He has 10.5 sacks in 11 games.

Also for Denver, running back Willis McGahee (illness) and receiver Eddie Royal (toe) were both limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the San Diego Chargers – who have lost six straight games – are getting healthier.

Linebacker Shaun Phillips (foot), receiver Malcom Floyd (hip) and guards Louis Vasquez (ankle) and Tyronne Green (hand) all practiced fully and are expected to play Monday night at Jacksonville barring setbacks.

However, tackle Brandyn Dombrowski remained out of practice with a foot injury. He is the seventh injured San Diego offensive lineman, and he was playing for Marcus McNeill at left tackle. McNeill was put on the injured reserve Wednesday. If Dombrowski can’t play, newly claimed Jared Gaither could be an option. He was claimed off waivers from Kansas City.

In Kansas City, starting offensive linemen Casey Wiegmann (finger) and Ryan Lilja (head) were limited in practice Thursday.

The Raiders’ injury issues are basically status quo.

Oakland assistant coach Steve Wisniewski and Oakland coach Hue Jackson react to the death of former AFC West star Chester McGlockton. He was an assistant coach at Stanford at the time of his death. He was 42. McGlockton played six years with the Raiders, three years in Kansas City and two years in Denver before ending his career in 2003 with the Jets.

Denver coach John Fox was also saddened to learn of McGlockton’s death. Fox coached him while an assistant with the Raiders.

“It was a real shock,” Fox told reporters in Denver. “I found out just before we came to practice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Chester was a great player, a Pro Bowl player ... like I said, I’m still in shock. He was a tremendous player. It was shocking news for me.”

Denver leader John Elway tweeted out his condolences to McGlockton’s family.

• New Kansas City quarterback Kyle Orton said he is ready to play for the Chiefs. Tyler Palko is the starter, Kansas City coach Todd Haley has said. But he is also saying Orton could play. Orton got significant practice repetitions Wednesday.
• Oakland rookie receiver Denarius Moore was back at practice Wednesday as Oakland prepares to play at Miami on Sunday. However, Darren McFadden (foot), receiver Jacoby Ford (foot), running back Taiwan Jones (hamstring), defensive tackle Richard Seymour (knee) and middle linebacker Rolando McClain (foot) all missed practice. They will be evaluated throughout the week. McFadden, and possibly Ford, may be out until Week 14 at Green Bay.
• Kansas City guard Ryan Lilja was limited in practice Wednesday after being out last week with a head injury.

The San Diego Chargers got some good news Thursday as linebacker Shaun Phillips practiced on a limited basis for the first time after missing several weeks with a foot injury. Perhaps that is a sign the team thinks he may be able to play Sunday against Denver.

Meanwhile, running back Ryan Mathews took a step back. He did not practice Thursday with a knee injury. He was limited Wednesday. His situation will likely be monitored until game time. Receiver Malcom Floyd (hip), offensive linemen Marcus McNeill (neck) and Louis Vasquez (ankle) were among the players who did not practice Thursday. There is a strong chance all three players will not play Sunday.

Oakland is still having health issues at the skill positions. Receiver Jacoby Ford will likely be out again with a foot injury and rookie Denarius Moore hasn’t practiced this week with a foot injury. Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey did some light work Thursday after suffering a neck injury at Minnesota. Running backs Darren McFadden and Taiwan Jones aren’t practicing either and they look like they may miss Sunday’s home game against Chicago.

Kansas City guard Ryan Lilja has not practiced this week with a head injury and he likely will not play Sunday against Pittsburgh. Chiefs’ linebacker Demorrio Williams (groin) and defensive end Glenn Dorsey (knee) were both limited Thursday after practicing fully Wednesday.

The Broncos are pretty healthy this week.

Quarterback Tyler Palko took the Chiefs’ claim of quarterback Kyle Orton in stride. Palko is expected to start Sunday against visiting Pittsburgh before giving way to Orton for the rest of the season. For what it’s worth, I like the way Palko has handled himself since Matt Cassel was hurt.

Kansas City guard Ryan Lilja did not practice Wednesday because of a head injury. There is a strong chance he will not play Sunday night. Linebacker Demorrio Williams practiced fully after he missed the past two games with a groin injury.

Many Raiders are preparing to challenge Chicago star punt returner Devin Hester on Sunday.

I have arrived in San Diego and I am waiting for the Chargers’ practice this evening. Below are some early AFC West notes to chew on. I will check back before practice as warranted.

San Diego cornerback Antoine Cason is back at practice after suffering a broken finger.

A Florida columnist wants Tim Tebow to come home.

Sixteen, that’s right, 16 players are competing for the five starting offensive line spots in Oakland. Yes, that’s a tad rare. I think very soon, we’ll likely see the players dwindle to about half that number.

Kansas City guard Ryan Lilja calls teammate Casey Wiegmann “one of the wonders of the world.” Early candidate for my favorite line of camp.

Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil continues to shine in camp. He missed all of last season because of a pectoral injury.

Cornerback Kelvin Hayden is visiting the Bears. He has been connected to Oakland.

The 49ers re-signed safety Dashon Goldson. He had been connected to Oakland early in free agency, but nothing developed. His chances of going to Oakland likely ended when the Raiders re-upped with safety Michael Huff.

Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson says he has no regrets about his contract holdout.

I heard rumblings this summer that the Kansas City Chiefs would cut Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters, and I’ve heard rumblings from scouts that his skills have eroded some.

But it did come as a bit of surprise to receive the email from the Chiefs that they cut Waters on Thursday. He was a bright light for the organization and the community. He was a classy player and a classy guy off the field.

He was a leader of that team, and I thought the Chiefs might stick around for one more season with Waters. But it’s clear the Chiefs want to transition to some younger players on the line. Jon Asamoah, taken last year, could join veteran guard Ryan Lilja as a starter. Second-round pick Rodney Hudson also could push for guard time as veteran Casey Wiegmann plays one more year at center.

Asamoah and Hudson are good, young players the Chiefs need to look at. Plus, Wiegmann and Lilja will provide veteran leadership, so I think they withstand Waters’ departure. But his presence will be missed in the locker room. He was a pro’s pro.

Waters said his release was mutual (probably because he wants to remain a starter) and he is looking to continue his career elsewhere. I think Waters would be a good fit for a rising young team that needs help on the line.

Oakland, anyone?

Perhaps I wrote that selfishly. Waters is one of my favorite interview subjects and I’d love to get a chance to continue working with him. Wherever he goes, I’m sure he’ll be missed in Kansas City and appreciated for his service there, on the field and in the community, for the past 11 years.

This is the 11th and final player rankings of the 2011 offseason. It is a little different this year because we’re ranking the players before free agency starts and before rosters are set. We will adjust accordingly as we go along. Here are the top 40 players, in my opinion, in the AFC West. For this one, we did not consider rookies.

1. Philip Rivers, San Diego: He is an elite player at the most important position on the field.

2. Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland: There’s a reason he’ll be the top prize in free agency.

3. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City: One of the NFL’s most dynamic young players.

4. Antonio Gates, San Diego: He should end up in Canton.

5. Tamba Hali, Kansas City: One of the NFL’s best defensive players.

6. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City: He is a game-changing talent.

7. Richard Seymour, Oakland: Respected veteran changed Oakland’s defense.

8. Vincent Jackson, San Diego: Expect a strong rebound in 2011.

9. Ryan Clady, Denver: One of the game's premier left tackles.

10. Champ Bailey, Denver: Even at 33, he is special.

11. Eric Berry, Kansas City: He should be the game’s best safety soon.

12. Nick Hardwick, San Diego: An anchor to a strong offensive line.

13. Darren McFadden, Oakland: He is developing into a star.

14. Matt Cassel, Kansas City: Cassel has to continue to make strides.

15. Zach Miller, Oakland: He can make Oakland’s offense special.

16. Derrick Johnson, Kansas City: He is a serious playmaker.

17. Quentin Jammer, San Diego: Solid veteran is an anchor to a good defense.

18. Kris Dielman, San Diego: A steady hand on the Chargers’ line.

19. D.J. Williams, Denver: He is a tackling machine.

20. Marcus McNeill, San Diego: He’s an upper-echelon left tackle.

21. Shaun Phillips, San Diego: He is one of the division’s best pass-rushers.

22. Brandon Flowers, Kansas City: One of the game’s best young cornerbacks.

23. Eric Weddle, San Diego: A hard-nosed playmaker at safety.

24. Glenn Dorsey, Kansas City: He came on strong in 2010.

25. Tommy Kelly, Oakland: Massive defensive tackle had a big season in 2010.

26. Elvis Dumervil, Denver: If Dumervil bounces back from sitting out in 2010, he should be ranked higher next year.

27. Rolando McClain, Oakland: McClain has a chance to be one of the division’s better linebackers.

28. Brandon Lloyd, Denver: Lloyd came out of nowhere for a special 2010.

29. Shane Lechler, Oakland: The game’s best kicking specialist.

30. Ryan Lilja, Kansas City: A gritty, tough veteran guard.

31. Malcom Floyd, San Diego: He can make the spectacular catch look easy.

32. Brian Waters, Kansas City: A great veteran presence on a good line.

33. Jason Campbell, Oakland: Oakland will be depending on Campbell a lot this season.

34. Kamerion Wimbley, Oakland: He can get sacks in bunches.

35. Tony Moeaki, Kansas City: Second-year tight end is a player to watch.

36. Lamarr Houston, Oakland: He has a chance to be special.

37. Antonio Garay, San Diego: He had a strong 2010 season at 31.

38. Ryan Mathews, San Diego: He showed flashes as a rookie.

39. Michael Bush, Oakland: He and McFadden form a nice tandem.

40. Thomas Jones, Kansas City: He can still help the Chiefs at 33.

The April draft didn't just give Matt Cassel another offensive weapon. He also got himself a house guest.

In a locked-out offseason full of oddities, yet another strange dynamic developed shortly after the draft. Cassel welcomed a perfect stranger into his home -- a stranger who is 6-foot-4, can jump like a basketball star, and who gives the Chiefs’ offense a much-needed vertical threat.

Welcome to the Cassel home, Jon Baldwin. Don’t worry about wiping your feet at the door. Just make yourself comfortable.

“It was great getting to know Matt,” Baldwin said this week. “I stayed at his house. I ate dinner with him and his family. We’re really building a relationship together. We’ve talked a lot of X's and O's. It’s important. I think [the lockout] is going to crack soon and we have to be ready. We all have to stay in great shape and hit the job at 100 mph when they tell us. When the lockout is over, we have to be in Kansas City the next day, so this work together is important.”

Cassel, who has been lauded by teammates for his leadership during the lockout, contacted Baldwin shortly after the Chiefs took the big Pittsburgh receiver with the No. 26 overall pick and arranged for him to join him in Kansas City for team workouts. Baldwin said the Chiefs are planning to get together soon for more sessions.

“It’s great to meet everyone, and it’s a really good team,” Baldwin said. “I feel blessed to be part of it.”

In addition to bonding with Cassel at the quarterback’s home, Baldwin and his new quarterback also shared a special experience. Along with offensive linemen Casey Wiegmann and Ryan Lilja, Cassel and Baldwin drove to Joplin, Mo., to assist in the aftermath of the horrendous tornadoes that ripped through the town. Seeing the aftermath of the tragedy not only connected Baldwin to his new teammates but it also gave him a connection to Chiefs fans and his new home state. The players helped clean up livable homes to assist Joplin residents.

“It was devastating to go into a town that was completely wiped out,” Baldwin said. “We just wanted to help the people as much as we could.”

There were reports that Baldwin initiated his involvement in the Joplin trip. While being interviewed for this story, Baldwin sounded uncomfortable talking about that aspect and said he didn't “want to take any credit” for it. Baldwin was soft-spoken and polite during the interview. He often said he was appreciative of the opportunity in Kansas City and he spoke several times of the importance of working hard and fitting in as a rookie.

I've dealt with plenty of diva receivers. I covered the likes of Randy Moss and Brandon Marshall on a daily basis. My diva radar did not sound when I spoke with Baldwin. Of course, he could turn into one, but it seems like he is set on going into the NFL with a clean slate.

He built a bit of a reputation for being a diva in college at Pittsburgh. There were work ethic questions. However, Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli is known for staying away from players who are considered character risks, and the Chiefs have said they are not worried about Baldwin being a problem player in the NFL.

It seems that Baldwin is planning to do his best to take advantage of a good situation. Soon after being drafted, Baldwin received a text from mentor and fellow former Pitt receiving great Larry Fitzgerald. The veteran told Baldwin he was fortunate to be able to play for Kansas City coach Todd Haley. Haley was the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator and has a good relationship with Fitzgerald.

“Larry told me I will love playing for Coach Haley,” Baldwin said. “I look forward to it.”

The feeling is mutual. In a column that appeared in this blog earlier this month, Haley said he is excited about how the big Baldwin, whom the team wants to be the No. 2 receiver to Dwayne Bowe, will diversify an offense that already is dangerous thanks to the NFL’s top-ranked running game.

“As well as we ran the ball last year, we want to build our offense with more weapons on the outside,” Haley said. “It will make us harder to defend, hopefully. The name of the game is matchups and this hopefully will create some good matchups for us. It should make Dwayne Bowe better. It should make Matt Cassel better, it should make [tight end] Tony Moeaki better and it should make the running game better. That’s the plan. Let’s see if Jon can come in and do what we think he can do.”

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. agrees with Haley that Kansas City's offense got more potent with the addition of Baldwin.

“I think they will ask Baldwin to be pretty much just a deep threat,” Williamson said. “He isn't a super quick-twitch guy, but he does have build-up speed and certainly knows how to get up and make plays on the ball deep downfield. And that ability should help Cassel, who isn't a real accurate passer deep.”

Baldwin said that the Chiefs' offense was plenty dangerous before his arrival and that he simply wants to enhance the group. If he does, he’ll likely be welcome back at Cassel’s house any time.

» NFC Underrated Players: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

A team-by-team look at the most underrated players in the division.

Denver Broncos

D.J. Williams, linebacker: Williams was a first-round pick in 2004, and the Broncos paid handsomely to keep him a couple of years ago. He is appreciated in Denver, but this athletic, smart linebacker doesn’t get much national notice. He has never been to a Pro Bowl, yet Williams is a tackle machine. He has had at least 119 tackles in three of the past four seasons. He is versatile and has played virtually every linebacker position possible.

Kansas City Chiefs

Brandon Carr, cornerback: I chose Carr over stout guard Ryan Lilja and playmaking linebacker Derrick Johnson. Carr is younger than Lilja and Johnson, and he may eventually get the recognition he deserves. One of the reasons Carr is overshadowed is that he plays opposite fellow four-year cornerback Brandon Flowers. Flowers was a second-round pick in 2008, and Carr was taken three rounds later. The terrific Flowers has gotten most of the accolades, but Carr is a standout as well. He is approaching free agency soon, and he’ll hit the cornerback jackpot with the Chiefs or some other lucky club.

Oakland Raiders

Marcel Reece, fullback: The fullback is becoming extinct in the NFL. Many teams just don’t have a use for this position. The fullback, however, thrives in Oakland, a franchise with a rich tradition of fullback play. The Raiders have scored again with Reece. A college receiver, Reece gives Oakland’s offense a delicious variation. He is a key blocker in one of the NFL’s best running attacks, and he is a receiving weapon in short-yardage situations. Plus, the intelligent Reece has become a leader of the unit. The fullback position is alive and well in Oakland.

San Diego Chargers

Antonio Garay, defensive tackle: Garay had an incredible impact on the No. 1-ranked defense in the NFL last season. The Chargers’ defense was long ignited by the ferocious nose tackle play of the massive Jamal Williams. When Williams got hurt in the first game of the 2009 season, ending his career in San Diego, the Chargers were worried that their defensive identity was gone. But Garay, a 31-year-old journeyman, took over in 2010. He instantly became an anchor on the defense and dominated the line of scrimmage. The dominance of the nose tackle has continued in San Diego with Garay.

The Denver Post is reporting that the Broncos are close to hiring former Atlanta and Seattle coach Jim L. Mora as defensive coordinator.

If Mora gets the job, he’ll be Denver’s sixth defensive coordinator in six seasons. Denver should improve defensively under the guidance of Mora and new head coach John Fox, a defensive specialist. Denver was last in the NFL in total defense and points allowed in 2010.

• Pro Football Weekly named Kansas City Chiefs’ general manager Scott Pioli as the executive of the year. Pioli’s strong drafting and free-agent pickups of running back Thomas Jones and offensive lineman Casey Wiegmann and Ryan Lilja helped the Chiefs turn around and win the AFC West.

• Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles and Oakland punter Shane Lechler made the magazine’s first-team all-NFL team. Oakland defensive lineman Lamarr Houston, linebacker Rolando McClain kick returner Jacoby Ford and Kansas City safety Eric Berry were named to the all-rookie team. The Raiders were also were represented in another all-rookie team.

• Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley raised some eyebrows when he said he didn’t want to play in a cold-weather city. My reaction? I’m sure everybody would like to work in a warm climate, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Fairley -- who will likely be a target of Denver with the No. 2 pick -- will get over it if he has to play in chilly weather.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –- The Kansas City Chiefs weren’t overly concerned with the scoreboard as they met in their locker room at halftime Sunday.

Sure, the Baltimore Ravens were leading 10-7, but the Chiefs knew they were the faster, fresher and crisper team in the first half. They just didn’t have the points to show for their first-half success. But the score was irrelevant. The Chiefs outplayed Baltimore for much of the first half and they knew it.

The game plan for the second half? More of the same and find the end zone.

The Chiefs went back on the field and it all went so wrong. Baltimore completely took over the game, fueled by uncharacteristically sloppy play by the home team, and the suddenly perky Chiefs -- the feel-good story of the NFL season -- became a one-and-done playoff participant. Baltimore outscored the Chiefs 20-0 after halftime on its way to a 30-7 win.

Everything changed in 30 minutes.

“I tell you this,” Kansas City guard Ryan Lilja said. “We felt a lot better at halftime than we do right now ... We thought we had a chance, we really did, and that’s why this stinks so bad.”

The game was Kansas City’s seventh straight playoff defeat, an NFL record. The Chiefs’ last playoff win came in the 1993 season, when they were led by Joe Montana. On Sunday, the Matt Cassel-led Kansas City offense was nowhere near up to Montana’s postseason splendor.

Sunday’s defeat and the end of an unexpectedly positive season in Kansas City must be pinned on poor offensive execution, which was not a problem for much of the season. Coincidentally or not, Kansas City’s offense took a nap after news broke Dec. 31 that offensive coordinator Charlie Weis would take the same position with the University of Florida.

Several Chiefs players have said Weis’ pending departure had nothing to do with their sudden offensive failures, but Chiefs fans will likely question that. In fairness to Weis, he didn’t miss any time with the Chiefs after he took the Gators’ position. Weis is now done with his duties in Kansas City as he heads back to the college ranks.

But the truth is Weis’ offense was awful in Week 17 against Oakland and on Sunday. The Chiefs were outscored 61-17 in the two home losses after starting the season 7-0 at home with the hopes of home dominance being a major factor in the playoffs.

The biggest reason for the Chiefs’ inability to score in the final two games under Weis was their sudden lack of ball security. The Chiefs committed five turnovers Sunday and two last week. They had 12 turnovers in the first 15 games of the season.

Cassel threw three interceptions (one when the game was out of hand) and Kansas City lost two fumbles. Two of Kansas City’s turnovers came in the third quarter, when the Ravens stretched their lead to 23-7.

“We hadn’t done that all season,” Lilja said. “Ball security was a point of emphasis all season and was this week as well. It was just stuff that snowballed.”

Added rookie Dexter McCluster, who had one of the fumbles: “We’ve been a disciplined team all season. That got away from us today and it hurt us.”

Cassel -- who threw just five interceptions in the regular season -- couldn’t get anything going. Betrayed by poor offensive-line protection for the second straight game, Cassel finished 9-of-18 for 70 yards with a passer rating of a startling 20.4. ESPN Stats & Information, through Pro-Football-Reference, reports that it was the third time since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 that a quarterback threw for less than 75 yards and had three interceptions in a playoff game. The others were Craig Morton in 1977 and Dave Krieg in 1983. Cassel was historically bad in his final game under Weis, a coach who helped him develop into an effective player this season.

Cassel didn’t get any help from his favorite target, Pro Bowl receiver Dwayne Bowe. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Bowe wasn’t targeted once Sunday.

It was the first time all season Cassel didn’t throw to Bowe’s direction. Bowe, who had 15 touchdown catches this season, missed practice Wednesday because he had the flu, but he practiced fully the rest of the week.

The Chiefs did everything they could to avoid a flu outbreak this week, but they couldn’t avoid a putrid offensive performance Sunday. Coach Todd Haley’s penchant for going for it on fourth down hurt the team in the third quarter when running back Jamaal Charles -- who gave Kansas City a short-lived 7-3 lead on a 41-yard touchdown run in the first quarter -- was stopped for a 4-yard loss on fourth-and-1 from the Baltimore 33-yard line on the Chiefs’ first possession of the second half. It signaled the end of the game for Kansas City.

“We really couldn’t do much after that,” Kansas City center Casey Wiegmann said of the fourth-down failure.

This is a team that transformed from a weak outfit that won 10 games in its previous three seasons to a 10-6 division winner by playing complete, mistake-free football on offense for much of the season. Its old standbys disappeared. Weis’ play calling wasn’t working. Cassel’s efficiency was gone. Bowe’s route running was absent. Charles’ ball security was out to lunch. The protection was on vacation.

And now so are the Chiefs.

“A lot of guys grew up this season, but the disappointing thing is how it ended,” Wiegmann said. “We fell apart at the end.”