Croyle confident as he prepares for his first start

~ The Chiefs turn to their QB of the future to replace Damon Huard.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- It's hard to believe Brodie Croyle is not nervous.

Not only is Kansas City's second-year quarterback about to make his first NFL start, he's doing it on the road, in a roaring RCA Dome. And he's facing the defending champion Indianapolis Colts, who will be smarting from a second-straight loss.

Besides that, he will be competing against one of the game's great quarterbacks. Peyton Manning may be angry after throwing six interceptions last week at San Diego.

And if all that is not enough, the soft-spoken Alabama native will be directing an offense that has struggled all year and is currently ranked 30th in a 32-team league.

"It's a tough position for him to be in," tight end Tony Gonzalez said with a slight grin. "But he raised his hand to play quarterback."

Daunting or not, Croyle is keeping that hand high in the air.

"What better stage can you go into?" he said Wednesday after his first full practice as the starter.

"Going in there and playing one of the best quarterbacks that's ever played, playing a great defense -- defending Super Bowl champs. You just go in there and play. I'm anxious. I'm ready to get in there. It's something I've been working for since I was a young kid. It's finally here."

Chiefs coaches and front office executives are also saying, "It's finally here."

They drafted the strong-armed Croyle out of Alabama two years ago hoping to find someone for new coach Herm Edwards to build an offense around.

After Trent Green got traded to Miami, everyone figured Croyle would win the job in training camp. But turnover-prone, he played himself right back onto the bench and veteran Damon Huard was handed the keys. But Huard never found any rhythm behind an aging and ineffective offensive line that seemed to highlight his own shortcomings.

Finally, Croyle was sent into action during the third quarter against Denver last week when Huard was knocked woozy after committing his third turnover.

Now it's time for the young quarterback his teammates call a "gunslinger" because of his strong arm to take control.

Surrounded by a veteran offensive line, a three-time Pro Bowler at running back and an eight-time Pro Bowler at tight end, he's not likely to start barking out orders.