5 Keys to Victory: Chiefs vs. Packers

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell (6) rushes with the football during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Chiefs 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

There’s just one left. That’s right, Addicts, one preseason game before Chiefs fans can put the practices, camp, OTAs and even these “meaningless” contests behind them and start looking forward to games that count in the win-loss column. One game until Chiefs’ Kingdom can tell if all the work head coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey have done will really pay off.

But…since there is one game left, we here at AA would be remiss if we didn’t put out one last preseason edition of 5 Keys to Victory.

#1 Stop the Aerial Attack

The Pack loves to throw the ball. It doesn’t matter if it’s Aaron Rodgers under center or any of their backup QBs, they love to throw the ball. This is how the “legend of Matt Flynn” all started. The Chiefs have a decent secondary with the weakest link being, perhaps, free safety Kendrick Lewis. That being said, one downfall to defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s “attacking style” 3-4 defense is it leaves the secondary open to attacks through the air. The Chiefs’ cornerbacks and safeties (both first and second teamers) looked awfully suspect against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, giving up several big pass plays. Hopefully they’ve worked on that this week.

#2 Fight Fire with Fire

Looking at the passing stats from last week’s game, it’s clear that the Chiefs can move the ball through the air. In the first half, starting quarter back, Alex Smith, threw for 158 yards with a 70% completion rate and one touchdown. If you extrapolate those numbers out for the whole game, that’s 34/48, 2 TDs and 306 yards. And oh, by the way, he had a 38 yard gallop as well. But…Smith will likely not play much, if any, of the game tonight. Which leaves backups Chase Daniel and Tyler Bray (notice there’s no Ricky Stanzi…kind of nice). Daniel also had a great game with 152 yards through the air and 45 on the ground. If the Chiefs want to win, they need to air it out.

#3 Create Turnovers

The defense can be “aggressive” and “attacking” all they want. If they’re not creating turnovers either on the ground or through the air, they’re just not going to be good enough to win. Even with some holes here and there, the Chiefs defense has enough talent to pick off the ball or create a fumble. They not only need to force the Pack to put the ball on the ground but capitalize on those opportunities when they arise.

#4 Limit the Penalties

It seems to me that the preseason is truly the preseason for everyone, including the officials. While some of them may be a bit a “flag happy” that doesn’t excuse some of the dumb penalties the Chiefs have committed during the preseason thus far. In three weeks worth of non-counting games, the Chiefs have been penalized 24 times for 320 yards. That’s not okay. Reid needs to discipline both sides of the ball to ensure these costly mistakes don’t continue to be committed.

#5 Stay Healthy

This one goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyways. This is the last “nationally televised scrimmage” for both teams this season. Even though the starters will likely see very little action, anytime they’re on the field, they should be extra conscious. I also recommending wrapping Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles in bubble wrap and leaving them in the locker room. I’m just saying.

That’s it, Addicts. We have one more “meaningless” game to sit through before we find out what this year’s Kansas City Chiefs can do.

Thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!