Scouting report: How the Chiefs can beat the Patriots again

Offensive Public Enemy #1:

James White, RB

As aforementioned, White is a great receiving back. In addition to those skills, he can make tacklers miss in space. The Chiefs will have their hands full defending against a runner of his caliber. They will need to attack him and keep him from finding a rhythm.

Offensive Public Enemy #2:

Tom Brady, QB

Tom Brady has seen the Chiefs as a bit of a pesky team in previous years. It seems likely that Brady will enter this game fired up to defeat a team that is regarded as the new team to beat in the AFC. While I don’t think Brady is the player that he once was, I expect him to make some “wow” throws against the Chiefs.

Offensive Public Enemy #3:

Rob Gronkowski, TE

Rob Gronkowski will be an incredible challenge for any defensive player that tries to cover him. If the Chiefs want to slow down Gronk, they will need their safeties to play aggressively with him and not shy away from contact. Gronkowski does not have great speed or quickness any more and if he is pressed, be may struggle to create seperation. However, he is still great with contested catches.

Defensive Public Enemy:

Stephon Gilmore, CB

Last week, the Patrick Mahomes threw two interceptions. I would argue that only one of them was actually a bad decision. Mahomes will want to bounce back in a big way against the Patriots and in order to do so, he will have to get the best of Stephon Gilmore. With great coverage skills, I expect him to be lined up mostly on Tyreek Hill, who I expect the Patriots to try and take away. Mahomes will need to make some “franchise quarterback” throws in this game.

Offensive Scheming Player #1:

Travis Kelce, TE

I believe that Kelce could have a great game. Patrick Chung and Dont’a Hightower are no match for what Kelce can provide this offense. I expect the Chiefs to send Kelce on a lot of crossing routes and I expect Kelce to win a lot of the time.

Offensive Scheming Player #2:

Kareem Hunt, RB

The Patriots front seven seems vulnerable. If the Chiefs want to use their power running at any point in the season, this is the game to do so. Hunt is better than any running back that the Patriots have seen and they will have trouble containing him along with the passing game. Hunt could have a huge game if Andy Reid calls for it.

Offensive Scheming Player #3:

Sammy Watkins, WR

Watkins seems like the receiver that the Patriots won’t try to take away. Hill provides the explosiveness that their defense will need to focus on. I expect this to leave Watkins in favorable matchups all game long.

Defensive Player that needs to step up:

Anthony Hitchens, LB

Hitchens has seemingly had a rough start. Not only has he looked poor in coverage, but he has not looked dominant against the run as he was expected to be. He needs to make a huge statement to change the narrative. This is a great chance for him to bounce back.

Final Analysis:

The Chiefs will have a difficult time marching into Foxborough and coming out with a win. However, it is doable. I believe Mahomes and the offense will feast. The key to this game will be showing that last weeks defensive performance was not a fluke. If the pass rush can get to Brady, he will get rattled and will misfire. I expect a close game with both teams showcasing dominant offenses. Whoever has the defense that makes a few plays will likely come away with the victory in Week 6.