5 Ways The Chiefs Can Beat The Lions

The Kansas City Chiefs will look to get their season back on track when they travel to Detroit today to take on the Lions.

Here are five ways the Chiefs can escape the Motor City with a victory.

1. Show Up

This normally would go without saying and thus wouldn’t need to be mentioned here but unfortunately, we have to. The Chiefs have yet to show up to play football this season. They didn’t show up for the preseason, and they most certainly didn’t show up for the season opener. The Chiefs need to start this game taking care of the football, making smart decisions and playing as a team. If they don’t, none of the rest of the items on this list will be relevant.

2. Commit to the run game

Teams are going to try to stop the Chiefs from running all season. There will be no sneaking up on anyone this year. The whole league has an entire season of tape on the KC run game. Things are going to even out a little bit.

But running the football is still going to be what the Chiefs can do best. Todd Haley and Bill Muir need to refrain from overreacting and giving up on the running game. Last week the Chiefs were still in the game at the half, but Jamaal Charles only got two carries in the second half.

If the Chiefs give up on the running game too early, it could be a long day in Detroit.

3. Someone other than Tamba Hali must pressure the QB

Buffalo spent a lot of time double teaming Tamba Hali. Teams are going to do that until somebody else int he KC front seven proves he can rush the passer. Last week the Chiefs used Cameron Sheffield to rush the QB and took Justin Houston out. Perhaps this week they need to cut Houston loose. He showed the ability to get after the QB in the preseason. He’ll make mistakes like all rookies do but the Chiefs can’t afford to wait on him.

4. Keep Kelly Gregg on a short leash

Kelly Gregg got pushed around badly last week and the Bills were able to run right at the Chiefs. If it looks like Gregg is struggling again, the Chiefs need to get more snaps for Amon Gordon. They might also want to consider actually activating Jerrell Powe.

If the Chiefs can’t stop the run, Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford will tear up the secondary.

5. Eliminate turnovers

This is another fundamental thing but it is something the Chiefs failed to do last week. If two fumbles and an interception will get you beat at home, then it will most certainly get you beat on the road. If the Chiefs keep coughing up the football, they’re doomed.

It will be a tough game but the Chiefs are talented enough to win it.