Chiefs OL big reason for late-season turnaround

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Alex Smith likes to do something special for his offensive line during the holidays, a small token of appreciation for the hard and often thankless work they do keeping him upright.

The Chiefs quarterback gave them custom suits last year, and this year the big guys walked into the locker room to find pricey Yeti coolers amid the swag waiting for them at their stalls.

“They’re always kind of the underappreciated group on offense,” Smith said. “Those guys work really hard and take a lot of pride in what they do. They’re a tight-knit group. Just a small token here this time of year, just try to let them know how much I appreciate him.”

Good thing they’ve played well the past few weeks, though.

Smith was probably planning

Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith (11) does something special for his “underappreciated” offensive linemen during the holidays.

to give them a lump of coal for quite a while.

One of the most expensive position groups on the roster was dynamic early in the season, when the Chiefs rattled off five straight wins.

But injuries and inconsistency set in during a midseason slump and the Chiefs promptly lost four straight and six of seven to slip into a tie atop the AFC West.

Now, the Chiefs have won two straight and can clinch the division with a victory on Sunday, and a big reason for File, Ed Zurga / AP

their revitalization has been the offense — and the offensive line.

“Those are proud guys and when they put their mind to something they make it happen,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, himself a former offensive lineman and position coach. “They just kind of put their mind to it and said, ‘Hey, enough’s enough. We have to take charge here and get this thing rolling. Whoever’s fault it is doesn’t matter.’ You played the position, you know.” The Associated Press

RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks have been fined $100,000 for not properly following concussion protocol with quarterback Russell Wilson during a game in November.

The NFL and NFLPA announced their decision on Thursday following an investigation that lasted more than a month. Along with the financial penalty, Seattle’s coaching and medical staffs will be required to attend remedial training regarding the concussion protocol. The investigation determined that Wilson was allowed back on the field before a required evaluation was performed on the sideline.

Wilson was hit in the chin by Arizona’s Karlos Dansby, who was flagged for roughing the passer. Referee Walt Anderson sent Wilson off the field. But Wilson was in Seattle’s injury tent for only a few moments and he missed just one play before returning to the field.