5 Keys For Victory: Chiefs at Dolphins

Sep 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) signals to the crowd during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. The Titans won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

3. Edge Rush

Justin Houston, Tamba Hali, and the rotation of edge pass rushers can own this game today if they come to play. Miami has familiar tackle in former Chief Branden Albert, who we know at sometimes could be beaten by experienced pass rushers. One would have to imagine Justin Houston and Tamba Hali understand Albert inside and out after practicing against him every day.

On the other side Miami has a rookie, Ja’Waun James. James has had a solid start to his NFL career but he has yet to face a pass rusher like Hali. Additionally the Dolphins won’t have Knowshon Moreno available to help out James with chips on defenders and running the ball. James is very much on his own this week.

Further, Ryan Tannehill has had is fair share of struggles developing as a quarterback for Miami. Tannehill’s 5.17 yards per attempt is the second lowest in the NFL and would suggest he gets rid of the ball quickly, but that’s not the case. Tannehill has spent about 45% of his snaps spending 2.6 or more seconds in the pocket. That’s plenty of time of Houston or Hali to get to him and cause problems.