Scouting report: How the Chiefs can beat the Patriots again
By Grant Tuttle
Defensively:
Limit receptions for running backs. (Watch)
First and foremost, this is the biggest threat to the Chiefs defense. The Patriots have gotten incredible production out of James White in the passing game. With the exception of last week, the Chiefs have been bad against receiving backs this season. They will need to be at their best against White.
This is just a quick pass and something the Patriots really like to run. My hope is that the Chiefs don’t rely on Anthony Hitchens to go man-to-man. I believe they will need to try to give him help in coverage. If the Chiefs have any hope of slowing this offense down, they will need to have great coverage against the backs out of the backfield.
Watch out for quick wide receiver screens. (Watch)
This is a lot of the Patriots offense. With quick passes outside, the offense will lull you into complacency. However, this cannot be overlooked. In the early part of the season, Brady has loved to throw outside to Cordarrelle Patterson on quick screens. With Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon now on the active roster, this play could be even more threatening.
The Chiefs will need their cornerbacks to be aggressive and showcase good tackling skills. In order to slow down these quick passes, the Chiefs will also need to flow to the ball quickly. Additionally, they cannot be baited into always believing that the Patriots will throw the short pass. The moment that the Chiefs get complacent, the Patriots will beat the defense downfield.
The Chiefs will need their inside linebackers to have a great game. The Patriots have a very talented running game. Even if Tom Brady is not what he once was, this rushing attack is as good as ever.
Here, the Patriots give a quick handoff and the Dolphins try to close gaps for the runner. Because they don’t attack the runner, he is able to bounce around the contain man and run by the entire defense. This will be a huge test for Anthony Hitchens and Reggie Ragland.