Chiefs vs. Falcons: Matchup analysis

Phillip Gaines vs. Falcons Receivers

It’s no secret that Phillip Gaines struggled mightily against the Broncos last Sunday. In total Gaines was targeted eight times and gave up six catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns. The two touchdown throws against Gaines came without any help, and attributed to 111 of the 209 total yards given up. For much of the season when healthy Gaines has been a serviceable outside/inside corner, but this most recent game may have exposed him a bit. Teams have become hesitant to target Peters this season leaving Gaines with extra attention.

Thankfully Steven Nelson has returned to practice this week and should be a boon for the Chiefs backfield.

So who are Gaines responsibilities this week? Julio Jones, Mohammad Sanu, and Taylor Gabriel all rotate inside and out in the Falcons offense. Julio Jones will likely see extra attention from Ron Parker and Daniel Sorensen in their dime formations. That will leave Gaines main responsibilities to stopping Sanu and Gabriel. Taylor Gabriel over the last four games has torched teams for 271 yards and four touchdowns. Sanu over the last four games has gone for 237 yards and one touchdown.

Before the game against the Broncos, opponents second and third WRs averaged just 50 yards a game and only 1 touchdown combined. During the Broncos game Gaines did interfere with two other passes that easily could of ended up touchdowns. So with Steven Nelson and Dee Ford both potentially back for the game, Sanu and Gabriel should remain in check.