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Chiefs postseason keys: The book on beating Houston

By Stacy D. Smith

Houston Texans' Nate Washington (85) catches a pass between Kansas City Chiefs defenders Eric Berry (29) and Derrick Johnson (56) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)
Houston Texans' Nate Washington (85) catches a pass between Kansas City Chiefs defenders Eric Berry (29) and Derrick Johnson (56) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider) /
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Exploiting the Texans’ run defense

The Chiefs amassed 97 yards on the ground in the first contest with the Texans. Jamaal Charles had a modest 57-yard rushing day, but with help from Alex Smith, Knile Davis, and De’Anthony Thomas, Kansas City was able to do enough to maintain a fairly-balanced offensive attack. The Chiefs will need more from their ground game on Saturday. Houston allowed 99.8 yards per game during the regular season. If the Chiefs can win at the point-of-attack, Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West will have room to operate.

The answer: Exposing the soft spots in Houston’s run defense

Atlanta Falcons’ running back Devonta Freeman didn’t exactly gash the Texans in Week 4, but he did find plenty of room running through the heart of Houston’s defense. Dolphins’ back Lamar Miller also exploited Houston’s defensive interior with at least three runs over 10 yards on the day. One of them went for 85 yards and a score. Part of this will hinge upon who the starter is at center for Kansas City. Mitch Morse suffered a concussion in the Week 17 game and must clear the protocol to start on Saturday. Although, Zach Fulton has proved a competent replacement when called upon. Ware and West have been explosive throughout the season, especially in the middle of the field.

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

From my vantage point, these four areas present Kansas City with the best chance to win over Houston on Saturday. Good preparation schematically may well make the difference between advancing and another early-postseason exit for Kansas City. Andy Reid and Bob Sutton will have their work cut out for them this weekend. Keeping Hopkins and Watt in check is vital to victory. The rest comes down to execution and attacking known weaknesses of the Texans’ line protection and spotty run support.

Do you like Kansas City’s chance to get off of the postseason schneid this weekend? Will this be a high or low-scoring affair? Did the Week 17 game give you hope that the team will be well prepared for the divisional round, or is there cause for concern? Use the comment section below to begin the conversation. As always, we appreciate your readership and support.

Until next time, Addicts!

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