Kansas City Chiefs: 3 Keys To Victory
By Nick Floyd
1. Air It Out
Dec 14, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) attempts to catch the ball in front of Oakland Raiders cornerback Tarell Brown (23) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
As stated before, it is no secret that the Chiefs have serious deficiencies in the passing game. Analysts and announcers regularly bring up the fact that none of Kansas City’s wideouts have recorded a touchdown. In Week 15, they even had a clock showing just how long it had been since a wideout crossed the goal line.
The Chiefs, for whatever reason, do not air out the ball enough. Alex Smith, referred to by many as “Captain Checkdown,” has not been throwing the ball down the field. However, despite Andy Reid’s decision to play it conservatively, fans caught a glimpse of what it could look like last Sunday. Smith connected on a 40-plus-yard pass to rookie Albert Wilson, getting the crowd pumped in the process. After that, the Raiders had to respect the vertical threat, which is something opposing defenses have not done recently.
Kansas City needs to continue this trend against a weak Steelers secondary, which is currently ranked 25th against the pass. The offense has to find ways to stretch the field, either by designing plays for Smith or finally trusting him to throw the ball (which he has proved he can do).
The Chiefs have a tough test ahead of them. The Steelers know how to score points and tote a vaunted rushing attack—the Achilles heel of Kansas City’s defense. If they want to return to the postseason, the Chiefs must first pass the test in the “Steel City.”
What do you think, Addicts? What do you feel are the keys for a Chiefs victory over Pittsburgh? Sound off below, and thanks for reading.
Go Chiefs!