Quick Kicks

Thomas benched in K.C.

He’s a nine-time Pro Bowler who likes to compare himself with former New York Giants great Lawrence Taylor.

But Derrick Thomas was not the starter in Kansas City’s 20-17 loss to the New York Jets, benched mostly because of ineffectiveness against the run and partly because he missed a team meeting on Saturday.

It was only the second time since the Chiefs drafted Thomas in the first round in 1989 that he didn’t start.

“We have to find a way to defend the run better than we have,” coach Marty Schottenheimer said after John Hall’s 32-yard field goal with no time remaining handed the Chiefs their third straight loss.

Thomas still played extensively, mostly on passing downs, and got just his second sack since getting six against Oakland in the opener.

“Basically, it comes down to a 290-pound guy playing over that tight end as opposed to Derrick at 240 pounds,” said Schottenheimer. “Let’s not make any mistake about it, our run problems are not all Derrick Thomas’ responsibilities. But I think that alignment of personnel with the return of (defensive end Chester McGlockton) gives us an opportunity to be the most efficient rushing defense we can be.”

Panthers don’t miss Collins

Kerry Collins took himself out of the Carolina Panthers lineup last month. Mike Ditka didn’t have the heart to return him to the field against his former team.

Collins, the first draft pick of the expansion Panthers in 1995, was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 14 after coach Dom Capers said the quarterback told him his heart was no longer in the game.

The former Pro Bowler stood on the sideline Sunday in a baseball cap with arms folded in his team’s 31-17 loss at Ericsson Stadium, where he once led the Panthers to the NFC title game.

“I told the guys in the locker room that there’s a guy on the other sideline that didn’t think you guys were good enough to play with,” said Panthers fullback William Floyd, referring to Collins. “I think it was just time the guys took a stand and they did.”

However, some Panthers still paid Collins respect. Starting QB Steve Beuerlein hugged his friend and former teammate at midfield after the game.

“He is a guy who was a part of this family from the beginning and you just can’t cut loose with those feelings and emotions,” Beuerlein said.

Young plus Rice equals 80

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young and receiver Jerry Rice set more NFL records at Green Bay.

Young and Rice became the NFL’s top quarterback-wide receiver duo when they connected for a 12-yard scoring toss in the first quarter, breaking Dan Marino and Mark Clayton’s record of 79 TDs.

Young’s 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was his 41st TD rushing, surpassing the NFL mark for quarterbacks held by Jack Kemp.

The last word …

“I don’t think we’ve played a worse game than this. I don’t think there is any question that today we hit bottom. Whether we come out of it, I don’t know.” - Ravens coach Ted Marchibroda after his team gave up 42 first-half points at home on their way to a 45-19 loss to Jacksonville.