NFL Week 1: Chiefs Lose If…
By Chris Clark
If there is one group that holds the key to the Chiefs season the most it’s the offensive line. If we are to get specific Parker Ehinger and Laurent Duvernay Tardif please step forward. The Chiefs guard play is going to determine the ceiling and the floor for this team. For the most part the starters have played well but Ehinger has struggled against the better competition in the NFL.
San Diego has already suffered injuries on the defensive line losing Lissemore for the season. Furthermore, Joey Bosa is not expected to play as he is dealing with a hamstring injury. I fully expect SD’s defense to try to confuse the young guards. Stunts and delayed blitzes, using their power and strength to shut down rushing lanes and destroy plays before they have a chance.
San Diego must get pressure on Smith early. Parker must hold up as a blocker and can’t let himself be driven into Alex Smith’s lap. LDT needs to continue what he has shown most of the preseason and not revert back to last season. Chiefs fans remember Mike McGlynn for being a turnstile at guard, and if either of the guards are even close to that bad on Sunday Kansas City will lose.
Both the Chiefs offense and defense should be better than the Chargers units. Scheme, play calling and coaches affect every game and this one will be no different. Reid needs to call a good game offensively and get his team off on the right foot on Sunday.
If he stumbles and hooks it three feet wide of the upright, the Chiefs will be facing an uphill battle the entire season. Even though this Chiefs roster is very good, that pressure wears on teams with shallow depth.. The starters and depth at CB, OLB and OL have many unanswered questions that they must address.
What do you think, Addicts?