Film Study: How the Chiefs can defeat the defensive juggernaut Jaguars
By Grant Tuttle
Facing off against the Jaguars incredible defense, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense hope to continue their dominance. Here’s how the Chiefs can win:
The Kansas City Chiefs host the Jacksonville Jaguars in what could be a preview to the AFC Championship. The implications of this game are looming large. If Kansas City wins, it proves that the offense is for real and that they are a legitimate threat to win the AFC. If Jacksonville wins, it proves to critics that they can beat good football teams and puts them atop the conference with a tie-breaker over the Chiefs.
The Jaguars will face their biggest test of the season against the Chiefs. The Jags are 3-1 with wins against the New York Giants, Jets and the New England Patriots and their one loss coming against the Tennessee Titans. There is no question in my mind that the Chiefs will be the toughest test they have seen thus far. For the Chiefs, the Jaguars test their biggest strength. With cornerbacks A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, the passing attack will be challenged even more than it was in Denver. This shapes up to be an incredible game and this is the blueprint for a victory for the Chiefs:
Offensively:
Patrick Mahomes must be aggressive against Man Coverage. (Watch)
There has been a lot of trash talk between Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey this week already. In my opinion, the Jaguars are actually better off in a zone coverage because of their talent across the board. However, if they choose to line up man to man on Chiefs receivers, Patrick Mahomes should be aggressive downfield.
On this play, Sam Darnold misses his receiver. While it was a tight window and a tough throw, these are some of the best looks you will see against this defense. If Tyreek Hill finds himself one one one with either of the Jaguars star corners on this play, I think he has the speed to get to this ball and score.
The offensive line must have a better game this week. (Watch)
Last week at Denver the Chiefs made a lot of bad mistakes along the offensive line. With the exception of Mitchell Schwartz, we saw several penalties and missed assignments. This week the offensive line will have their toughest task of the season. The Jaguars defense has virtually no weaknesses and the Chiefs will have to be at their best along the line.
On this play, the Jaguars run a little stunt to get to Sam Darnold. Malik Jackson bounces back inside and does not even get touched. In watching the tape, the Jaguars don’t do a lot of this because they are so good accross the board that they don’t need to. However, you may see more of this against the Chiefs to try and knock Mahomes off of his game.
Andy Reid will need to call some quick wide receiver screens. (Watch)
With a talented group of playmakers, the Chiefs will want to create more yards from off coverages. One way of doing this is by throwing passes underneath and on screens. While I wouldn’t say the Chiefs need to go full “Alex Smith West Coast Offense,” I think if you throw these plays into the mix, it helps all of the playmakers on the team.
On this play, Tom Brady throws the ball quickly to Coradelle Patterson, who goes for a nice gain. The Patriots did this pretty frequently with some success. If the Jaguars choose to play the Chiefs off the line, I think that Andy Reid would feel comfortable calling a quick screen to Tyreek Hill, De’Anthony Thomas, or Sammy Watkins.
The Chiefs must use play action. (Watch)
Myles Jack and Telvin Smith are very good in the passing game as well as the running game. Kansas City will see a great test of coverage linebackers for the first time this season. With Jack and Smith, the Jaguars can disrupt passing lanes better than any team in the NFL. One way for Mahomes and the offense to beat this is with play action.
On this play, the Giants call a designed rollout play for Eli Manning. With the solid play action fake, the linebackers and safety all jump to the running back. This leaves the passing lanes wide open for Manning to find Odell Beckham Jr. wide open running across the field. If the Chiefs can get some production out of Kareem Hunt, this would be an excellent way to get some open receivers against an aggressive defense.