Kansas City Chiefs: Top matchups from 2016

Spencer Ware vs. Raiders Run Defense

Early in the season Spencer Ware was averaging over 100 total yards a game, and had his biggest game of the season against the Raiders in Week 6. Ware would finish the game with 163 total yards on 24 rushing attempts and two catches.

Of Ware’s 131 rushing yards 96 on 10 attempts came from the left side of the field away from Kalil Mack. Ware managed just 19 yards on eight attempts on the right side of the field (Mack’s usual side).

Ware’s effective running allowed the Chiefs to control the time of position (36:45) averaging 3:40.5 per drive. The Raiders managed just two drives longer than the Chiefs average and neither led to points (a missed field goal and turnover on downs).

In the second half of the season Ware seemed to slow down at the same time the Chiefs were dealing with injuries and inconsistencies along the offensive line. It remains to be seen if Ware will continue to be the Chiefs featured back heading into 2017.

Robert Aguayo vs. Chiefs Special Teams

Aguayo the second-round pick out of Florida State had his best game of the season against the Chiefs. Aguayo connected on all five kicks including four field goals and an extra point. What makes this such a big deal is Aguayo had not made all his field goals in a game when attempting more than two.

The Chiefs special teams on the other side had a fairly quiet day, and may be responsible for the Chiefs falling to the Buccaneers, 19-17. Tyreek Hill had one punt return for 20 yards and one kick return for 21 yards. Cairo Santos made two extra points and a field goal. There weren’t any glaring mistakes, but there was a lack big plays that we’ve come to expect.