Chiefs things I think – 2016 Kickoff Edition
By Ryan Tracy
Top 5 Things
5. Spencer Ware averaged 7.8 yards per carry in the team’s last game against the Chargers. Chris Conley will face cornerbacks Jason Verrett and Brandon Flowers, who are 5 and 6 inches shorter than him respectively. Philip Rivers hasn’t scored a touchdown on KC since 2014. There is not a better opponent to open the season with. The Chiefs have the advantage and the chance to take the first step toward a division title in week 1.
4. Is Justin March for real? We are about to find out. March is about to see his first regular season action at inside linebacker. Can he with stand the first quarter of the season stopping backs Melvin Gordon, Lamar Miller, Matt Forte and DeAngelo Williams? Stopping the run will be a big priority for the defense with its edge rush leaders not 100%. The Chiefs better hope he hold his own now that the real games have begun. They are precariously thin behind him.
3. This team is setup to play well without Jamaal Charles. Despite #10 above, it can be done. I am of the mindset to take is easy with Charles. I dont’ feel like they need to use him as much as possible because of his age. 5.5 yards per carry. His career rushing average makes him and easy Hall of Fame inductee and possibly a first ballot guy. He is still very fast and, if managed cautiously, could take that number even higher. I would advise the team to bring him on slowly and save plan for his biggest impact to come in the post-season.
2. The Chiefs are young. Three defensive rookies could have a chance to play a role from the get-go. In week one, expect to see Chris Jones rotate in not he defensive line. He has shown he can play some snaps right away. Safety Eric Murray could get some time in the three safety sets that Bob Sutton likes to play. His coverage skills are a unique addition to Parker and Berry. Dadi Nicolas could even be called on to rush the passer if Tamba Hali isn’t 100% against San Diego.
1. Alex Smith can shut down his critics early this season. Smith has more weapons available to him on this Chiefs roster than possibly at any other time in his career. He has multiple targets who can gain separation from coverage in the passing game. Smith can be bolder with the football and attack the opposition. He faces three tough tests in the Texans’, Jets’ and Steelers’ defenses during this first quarter of the season.
Smith can show he’s more than a game manager during this early schedule. they will need him to if they intend to make a deep playoff push for the Conference Championship and the Super Bowl.