Chiefs' Tamba Hali: Oakland Raiders always play dirty

The Oakland Raiders have been considered a kinder, gentler organization since the passing of Hall of Fame owner Al Davis. Not according to Tamba Hali.

"It's a tradition," the Kansas City Chiefs linebacker told the Kansas City Star ahead of Sunday's matchup between the  longtime AFC West rivals. "The Raiders, they come in, they cheapshot, they hit you.

"I'm not saying names. It is what it is. We've got to be ready to play and keep our composure, stayed poised and be able to get this win."

The 2012 Raiders? The 2-4 Raiders? Did Bill Romanowski walk through that door? Did Steve Wisniewski turn back the clock? Did Jack Tatum re-sign?

The Raiders aren't even among the 15 most-penalized teams in the NFL. These Raiders?

"The core guys that have been here, they understand what we've got going on Sunday," Hali said. "(The Raiders) are coming in and they're a good team and a fast team and they play dirty. We've got to come out swinging.

"We've got to be ready for that. You can let these guys come in, and if they do it and you let them do it, they're going to enjoy themselves doing it and they'll run over you. So you have to be prepared for that and stay with the game plan."

Sometimes a reputation is hard to shake, apparently.

Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.