LAST WEEK: defeated the Denver Broncos 33-19

WHAT WENT RIGHT

Larry Johnson ran all over the Broncos, rushing for 198 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a 65-yarder that set up a field goal.

Quarterback Damon Huard, filling in for the injured Brody Croyle (shoulder), had an efficient day, completing 21 of 28 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown.

The Chiefs' secondary intercepted Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (one of the NFL's hot players so far) twice.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The Chiefs' secondary also allowed Jay Cutler to throw for 361 yards. He completed 21 of 41 passes.

Kansas City's defense continued to allow big yards, with the Broncos gaining 446 total yards.

3 PLAYERS TO WATCH

RUNNING BACK LARRY JOHNSON: He complained publicly a few weeks ago that the Chiefs were phasing him out. But his 198-yard performance against the Broncos certainly proves otherwise.

TIGHT END TONY GONZALEZ: His receptions (838) and touchdowns (68) are more than any other tight end in NFL history. He needs 3 yards to break the career record for yardage (Shannon Sharpe has 10,060).

DEFENSIVE TACKLE GLENN DORSEY: The Chiefs' first-round draft pick from LSU has 13 tackles but doesn't have a sack yet.

BY THE NUMBERS

9

Consecutive Pro Bowls played in by TE Tony Gonzalez.

12

Game losing streak snapped last week (over two seasons), longest in franchise history.

29

Chiefs' rank in total defense (379.3 yards per game).

OBSERVATIONS

Larry Johnson isn't the only Chiefs player who has been complaining. Tight end Tony Gonzalez said he wasn't happy he didn't get a chance break the career-yardage record at home against the Broncos. He'll certainly get it Sunday in Bank of America Stadium.

The Chiefs' backup quarterback is Tyler Thigpen, a second-year player who played at Coastal Carolina. With Brody Croyle out, Thigpen started and struggled in a loss against Oakland two weeks ago. He has a 38.3 passer rating.

Croyle hurt his shoulder in a season-opening loss to New England and isn't expected back until later this month.

Chiefs coach Herman Edwards is a former college teammate of Panthers coach John Fox (San Diego State).

THE SERIES

The Chiefs lead 2-1. The Panthers' lone victory came the last time they played, 28-17, in 2004 in Kansas City. The win evened the Panthers' record at 1-1 at the time, then they promptly went on a six-game losing streak.

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