The Chiefs can get through Foxborough with a win
By Andrew Jones
A lot of talk is going around about how the Kansas City Chiefs have no business beating the Patriots this Saturday. After all, New England has Tom Brady and Bill Belichick and a ridiculous advantage at Gillette Stadium.
I have been reading the headlines around the web for the last two days and few give the Chiefs a shot at the next round of the AFC playoffs. Not that I blame them, the Chiefs may be without leading receiver Jeremy Maclin who suffered a high-ankle sprain in the win over Houston. The Patriots have been getting healthy over their bye week and look to have their full arsenal of weapons ready for Saturday. There is also the minute detail that the Patriots are the defending Super Bowl champions and consistent, playoff juggernauts.
The Chiefs, on the other hand can get past all of that by just playing the way they have played during their entire 11 game winning streak. Even without Maclin the Chiefs can stick to their run game to carry the team. The Patriots have been fairly effective against the run this year but, against teams with multiple running threats they tend to give up more than 100 yards per game.
The Chiefs have three solid threats in the running game with West, Ware and Smith. At times they run the jet sweep with Albert Wilson to create a fourth option. The focus should be on keeping the ball out of Tom Brady’s hands. Running the ball effectively is the best way to chew up clock and yardage.
Defensively the game is all about keeping pressure on Brady to force shorter throws and possible mistakes. Everyone knows Brady’s most beloved target is Rob Gronkowski and he will be heavily involved in the Patriots’ game plan. But the Chiefs have the number two defense against tight ends this season allowing only 42 yards per game to the position. Only Carolina has a better DVOA against tight ends this season. (via footballoutsiders.com)
The biggest reason for this is the comeback of Eric Berry and the general strength of the Chiefs’ secondary. An argument can be made that Brian Hoyer just made awful decisions against the Chiefs, but a closer look will reveal that he consistently had pressure in his face. Only his first pick to Berry, looked like he really had no idea what he was doing.
On special teams the Chiefs have a clear advantage. One of the most surprising losses by the Patriots this year was to Philadelphia at home. The special teams allowed 23 yards per punt return and a touchdown to the Eagles. With Frankie Hammond Jr, the Chiefs don’t do as well on punt returns as they do kick returns but it could be a big day for Coach Toub and company. Expect Chiefs’ returners to get plenty of opportunities to break the game wide open.
Chiefs’ fans will have to face the reality that this will not be an easy win like it was in Houston, but that doesn’t mean they won’t win at all. If the Chiefs can play like they have been playing, with consistency and poise, then they should be vying for a Super Bowl bid on Jan. 24 either at Denver or at home against Pittsburgh. My prediction for the game is Kansas City 27, New England 24.
I will be a nervous wreck throughout a close game but a chance to bring the Lamar Hunt trophy home to Kansas City will be plenty to celebrate.