Section B · Page 6
The University Daily Kansan
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Wednesday, October 7, 1998
Chiefs take muddy path to top
Rainy weather helps defense take No.1 spot
The Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Aided statistically by playing two games in driving rainstorms, the Kansas City Chiefs will go into New England on Sunday rated No. 1 in the NFL in both pass defense and total defense.
The Chiefs (4-1) are allowing an average of 110.4 yards rushing per game and just 129.6 through the air. That includes one of the most futile performances by a quarterback in modern NFL history, the 1-for-15 effort during a steady rain two weeks ago by San Diego rookie Ryan Leaf, who completed more passes to the Chiefs (2) than to his
own receivers, and had more turnovers (5) than passing yards (4).
Then Sunday night in a 17-6 victory against Seattle, a rain and lightning storm hit Arrowhead Stadium so hard that play was suspended for about an hour. Warren Moon, before he went out with bruised ribs, was 0-for-2. Then backups John Friesz and Jon Kita combined to go 11-for-31 for 94 yards and no touchdowns. In the season opener against Oakland, the Chiefs' defense sacked Jeff George 10 times.
"On the pass defense side, the conditions in which we've played have been very helpful in that regard," coach Marty Schottenheimer said yesterday. "It's hard to throw the ball in those kind of conditions."
Nevertheless, it's been a great season getaway for a defense that's been missing Chester McGlockton, who was supposed to be one of its greatest weapons. The 330-pound lineman, a four-time Pro Bowl performer with Oakland, underwent back surgery during training camp and is not expected back for at least another two weeks. John Browning, another defensive lineman, also missed much of the early season.
CHIEFS
The only soft spot has been against the run. The Chiefs' run defense is 15th in the league.
"I would have to say the defensive players as well as the defensive staff would agree that we haven't been as consistent as we'd like to be, particularly as it relates to the run." Schottenheim said.
But despite a weakness against the run, the defense has been particularly tough when backed up to the goal line.
"We had five situations when (the Seahawks) started possession inside our 40-yard line and they only got
six points," Schottenheimer said. "In two of those, they were at or inside the 10. That's as good as you can get in that situation."
On another point, Schottenheimer said the Chiefs have changed their policy and will no longer discuss injuries in any detail. There has been criticism in certain media circles they had not been forthcoming.
Schottenheimer said the Chiefs will only say that players as probable, questionable, doubtful or out.
"It's become apparent to this organization that there's some sense among some that we have been less than forthright or have not been providing enough information with regard to injuries." Schottenheimer said. "In light of that, we're not going to comment any further on injuries, other than that which is required by the National Football League."
49ers owner pleads guilty to charges
The Associated Press
BATON ROUGE, La. — San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie Debartolo Jr. pleaded guilty yesterday to failing to report an alleged extortion scheme involving former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards.
As part of a plea agreement, DeBartolo was placed on probation and assessed $1 million in penalties. He agreed to cooperate in any future trials of the former governor and his son, Stephen Edwards, stemming from an investigation of their roles in the state's riverboat casino industry.
The agreement holds no guarantees on DeBartolo's future as an owner of an NFL franchise. League rules allow commissioner Paul Tagliaube broad discretion to ban owners connected to criminal activity.
target of the investigation.
"Until our office is able to complete a thorough review of today's agreement and related matters. I have directed Mr. DeBartolo to current his current inactive status with respect to both the affairs of the 49ers and the NFL." Taglabue said in a statement.
DeBartolo resigned as 49ers chairman and gave management control of the team to his sister, Denise DeBartolo York, in December 1997, shortly after he was notified by prosecutors that he was a
Tagliabue said York and 49ers president Larry Thrailkill would handle team affairs and the San Francisco stadium project through at least the 1998 season.
"Today's developments will thus have no effect on the current operations of the 48ers," Taglaube said.
DeBartolo gave Edwards $400,000 in cash shortly before his company received a casino license last year.
Neither of the Edward-ses has been indicted but both were
notified late last year that they were targets of the federal investigation that has gone on for more than two years.
DeBartolo did not speak in court. His attorney, Aubrey Harwell, told the judge that it was a mistake not to report what had happened in his attempt to get the license.
He's accepted responsibility,
Harwell said. "He's entered a plea. He's cooperating with the government. He voluntarily
"He's excepted responsibility. He's entered a plea. He's cooperating with the government. He voluntarily stepped away from his team. He has been adequately punished. The man before you in court is a victim."
stepped away from his team. He has been adequately punished. The man before you in court is a victim."
Aubrey Harwell
Eddie DeBartalo's attorney
The former governor, one of the state's most flamboyant politicians, was in the courtroom as DeBartolo entered his plea. Edwards has acknowledged receiving $400,000 from DeBartolo but has insisted it was for legitimate lobbying purposes.
FBI agent Jeffrey Santini testified that DeBartolo failed to reveal a scheme to influence the awarding of the state's last available riverboat casino license.
He said DebArtello was afraid he would lose money if he did not pay money to the Edwardses. Although the elder Edwards was out of office at the time, the former four-term governor still held influence with many state political figures.
DeBartolo has connections to other riverboats in Louisiana. He invested $1,000 in the Capri
Edwards has described DeBartolo as a close friend. The former governor said he was offered a high-paying job with the 49ers, but turned it down because he did not want to leave Louisiana.
casinos in Lake Charles and Bossier City, both licensed during Edwards' last term. DeBartolo later sold his interests in both for $85 million.
Eight people have been identified as targets in the investigation, which first came to light in April 1997 when federal agents raided the former governor's home and office, seizing cash and documents.
At times, the investigation has included cattle sales to state prisons, a defunct insurance company and a failed attempt to bring the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves to New Orleans. But in recent months, the focus has shifted to riverboat casino licenses and how they were awarded.
Eagles coach worries about losing streak; refuses to give up hope
PHILADELPHIA — Eagles coach Ray Rhodes' face is haggard, his pride devastated. By his own admission, his name is all across the Philadelphia Eagles' first 0-5 start in 26 years. Still, Rhodes refuses to walk
The Associated Press
Still, Rhodes refuses to walk away.
"I am not going to quit." Rhodes woved Monday while assessing the latest damage, a 41-16 loss in Denver.
"When you still have people that really believe in you and you start to walk away from them, that's something that doesn't sit well with me or anybody that knows me," he said.
This terrible losing season is weighing on Rhodes. He called the latest loss both an embrassment and a nightmare.
It crushed him to walk across the field and shake hands with Broncos coach Mike Shanahan after the game. Rhodes and Shanahan were the coordinators for the San Francisco 49ers 1994 Super Bowl champions. Hired two days apart as head coaches, they have had vastly different fates.
"How can it be any worse than what it is right now?" Rhodes asked. "I mean, it's bad, man... I'm not going to say anything's rock bottom. I'm just saying right now that we've got to find a way to get this thing turned around."
Trapped by an eight-game losing streak dating to last year, Rhodes must do more than produce a victory. He must keep his players from turning on him if the slide worsens.
There is talk in the Philadelphia locker room that Rhodes is a lame duck who may not last the season.
"You hear it," said cornerback Troy Vincent, an ardent Rhodes supporter. "That's played a part in my mind because I came here specifically to play for Ray. I could have stayed in Miami."
"It's unfortunate that you hear it. Yeah, it bothers me. I'm pretty sure there's some people around here that would love to see him go. But here's a man that's proven he can win in the playoffs. He did it his first two years here."
But Rhodes' 20-12 mark in his first two seasons is only a distant memory. He is 6-15-1 in his last 22 games, including a wildcard playoff loss to San Francisco in 1996.
Receiver Irving Fryar bristled at the suggestion that some players were ready to give up on Rhodes.
The Eagles have lost 12 consecutive road games, and now they are in contention with the 1972 team coached by Ed Khayat that started 0-5 and finished 2-11-1.
"If anybody here is ready to give up, then stay in the locker room." he said. "Don't come out
on the field. If you want to fight, then let's continue to go out and fight. We have enough talent to win our fair share of games
and not have a losing season."
The loss to the Super Bowl champions in Denver was not a surprise. But the swiftness and thoroughness of the defeat jarred Rhodes.
"To sum it up the best I can, it reminds me of going to a fight and getting your teeth kicked in your head," he said. "As a coach, that's how I feel."
After the game, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie seemed to indicate he was willing to let Rhodes finish the season. But there has been no ringing endorsement, no blanket immunity for Rhodes coming from the front office.
Rhodes did have a say in the personnel decisions that left the Eagles bereft of talent. Even if he makes it to 1999, Rhodes' reputation will be damaged.
"This is what the business is about," Rhodes said. "We have not played well. When your team's not playing well, your name is all over that."
The Eagles' best chance for a victory comes this week at home against winless Washington in what is being called the Paper Bag Bowl.
"We've hit rock bottom," Vincent said. "It can't get any lower."
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