Kansas City Chiefs: Taking down the Lions in London

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates a sack during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chiefs 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

1. Disrupt the pass.

It is not secret the offensive line of the Lions is hurting. While they have not given up as many sacks as the Chiefs, they are still struggling.

The pass of the Lions is good. They have threats on the outside such as Calvin Johnson, and Golden Tate. However, they also have a up and coming tight end in Eric Ebron who can stretch the field for their offense. In order for Kansas to make sure they get the win is to get in the face of Matthew Stafford.

Justin Houston, while his stats are not the same as last year, has been a force to be reckoned with. Houston knows how to hurry the quarterback and cause those key mistakes. He should have a field day against the struggling line for Detroit. Tamba Hali, who seemed to slow down really came on against the Steelers, causing the strip sack which allowed the team to hang on for the win last week. If this team wants to make the first game in London a good one, it starts with the pass rush and disrupting the timing of a good quarterback.

2. Give West the ball early and often.

Undrafted rookie running back Charcandrick West has been a pleasant surprise, minus the fumbles. West has Jamaal like moves when it comes to his running style, unlike Knile Davis who is a straight downhill runner.
West showed last week that if the team continues to use him he has extreme value, as he both rushed for over 100 yards, 129 total yards, but also averaged 5.0 yards per carry. West has also shown he can be a duel threat when called upon to catch passes whether it is screen plays or occasional check-downs.

The grouping of West, Davis and De’Anthony Thomas should be able to keep Detroit on their toes when it comes to the run game. This will of course open back up the pass, which concussed Jeremy Maclin should return for this game. It needs to start with the run and that should open the playbook for the pass against the struggling Lion defense.

Next: Let's see that offense...