The timing of Chad Pennington's availability couldn't be better for the Chiefs. They'll get a nice, long look at Tyler Thigpen in tonight's game against the Bears.

If Thigpen plays poorly, the Chiefs will have a lot more urgency about signing Pennington than if he plays well.

The only way Pennington makes sense to the Chiefs is if they feel Thigpen isn't capable of being a competent number two. As committed as Herm Edwards is to this youth movement, he wants a quarterback capable not just of getting the Chiefs through a game or a season, but one who can get the Chiefs through the next five years.

That's why the Chiefs weren't interested in Brett Favre.