Five Keys to Victory: Chiefs vs. Bills
By Jason Seibel
Sept. 16, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) tackles Buffalo Bills running back Johnny White (29) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Chiefs 35 to 17. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Every week, we here at Arrowhead Addict break down the Kansas City Chiefs’ matchup of the week and predict five things the team will have to do in order to win. Welcome to Five Keys to Victory.
Addicts, we have passed the mid-way point of the 2013 NFL season and the Kansas City Chiefs are still undefeated. The best start this franchise has ever had was in 2003 when they began their season 9-0. This team has the opportunity to tie that record with a win today. Standing in the way is the Buffalo Bills. Let’s see what the Chiefs have to do in order to head into their bye week flawless.
Key #1: Control The Thundering Herd Rushing Attack
The Bills are currently the seventh best rushing team in the NFL. Relying primarily on the legs of Fred Jackson as C.J. Spiller has been injured and ineffective, the Bills are averaging 133 yards per game on the ground this season. The Chiefs defense, as good as they are, has struggled against the run at times this season. Though a really good rushing game from the Eagles have skewed the numbers a bit, the Chiefs are ranked 24th in the league, allowing 103 YPG on the ground. In order to survive this match up, the big men up front will have to buckle down and not allow Jackson, Spiller or whoever else the Bills throw into the mix to break free.
Key #2: Tune Out the Crowd
Though Addicts (including me) have proven that once again Arrowhead is the loudest stadium in the world and one of the most difficult to visit, don’t discount the fans in Buffalo. Bills’ fans are passionate and love their team just as much as any fan base. Just because they are 2-5 doesn’t mean anything. Bills fans have had a couple of things to cheer about this year, and I wouldn’t count out more fans showing up for this game just because the hometown Bills have the opportunity to knock off the undefeated Chiefs. The offense will need to minimize mistakes and get in and out of the huddle quickly to avoid any penalties.
Key #3: Let the Air Out
Where the Chiefs have the 24th rushing defense in the league, the Bills have the 24th passing defense in the league. While this may not mean much considering the Bills are playing the Chiefs and not the Green Bay Packers or the Denver Broncos, this could open up the opportunity for the Chiefs to air the ball out a bit. Nothing like playing to the level of your competition.
Key #4: Keep Smith on his Feet
The Chiefs defense is known this season for its wicked pass rush and quarterback sacks. However, the Bills have an elite pass rusher of their own. Mario Williams is quietly having an all pro season. He is tied with the Chiefs own Justin Houston at 11 sacks on the season. This could be a long afternoon for rookie right tackle Eric Fisher if he can’t settle down quickly and keep Williams out of the Chiefs backfield.
Key #5: Touchdowns, Touchdowns, Touchdowns
The Chiefs absolutely have to score touchdowns. Ryan Succop is a hell of a kicker in a pinch, but he should remain on the sideline unless an extra point is required. This is the last live game the Chiefs will have before travelling to Denver under the lights to meet the Broncos in two weeks. The Chiefs have to get into the end zone today. They need to set up camp there early and come back to visit often. This could be a blow out by the end of the first half.
There you have it, Addicts. My Five Keys to the Chiefs finding victory today. Did I miss anything? Let me know down below. Thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!