How the Kansas City Chiefs can take down the Cincinnati Bengals
By Grant Tuttle
After being handed the first loss of his career, Patrick Mahomes leads the Chiefs in yet another primetime event. This is how K.C. can come out on top.
It’s another big week for the Kansas City Chiefs. After being handed their first defeat of the season, they remain intact, in sole possession of first place in the AFC. However, they no longer have the cushion that they had before. Both the Patriots and the Bengals are in a position to take that spot away if the Chiefs lose a step in the upcoming weeks.
In addition to this, the Los Angeles Chargers are playing well at only one game back from the Chiefs in the race for the AFC West. That makes every week an important week.
The Cincinnati Bengals come into Kansas City limping with the hope of bouncing back after a tragic loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. At this point of the season, they hold a 4-2 record and look like a contender.
While Marvin Lewis and Andy Dalton have not had a great track record with the Bengals, they look the part thus far in the season. With an offense made of talented playmakers and a solid defense, the Bengals look like one of the teams to beat in the AFC. The Chiefs are looking to do just that and this is how they can do so.
Offensively:
Attack with Quick passes. (Watch)
The Bengals have a good defense. However, they don’t flow quickly enough to ball carriers. With the speed that Kansas City possesses, this could be an easy point of attack. Both Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins have the ability to bounce to the outside for huge gaines. Therefore, the Chiefs should look for their fast weapons on the outside on short routes. This would not allow the talented Bengals defensive line very much time to get to Patrick Mahomes and it would exploit their lack of speed in the middle of the field.
On this play, it obviously is an unsuccessful play. However, if the intented target holds on, there is a chance that this play goes for 35+ yards. If the Bengals don’t improve their flow to ball carriers, they may be in for a long game.
Exploit linebackers in coverage. (Watch)
This is simple. The linebackers for the Bengals are on the same level as the Chiefs in terms of coveage skills. That being said, I expect Travis Kelce to get a lot of looks because they cannot cover him man to man or in zone coverages. I would also anticipate we see a little more from Damien Williams in the passing attack.
On this play, the linebackers play very soft coverage that allows the receiver to be wide open. If they give this kind of coverage to anyone for KC, they will regret it. I like the matchup with the Bengals middle of the field on defense.
Look for passes over the midde. (Watch)
In addition to poor coverage skills by the linebackers, it also appears from the tape, that the team struggles in the middle of the field. Whether it be lack of awareness, communication, or speed, someone manages to get open. This why I think that KC is matched up sp well with this team. Everyone is a threat to score in this game.
On this play, the Bengals bring a blitz leaving two receivers open. Roethlisberger opts to take the deep route. However, either player was open. Even when they don’t blitz, players find a way to get open. If the Chiefs decide to attack with crossing routes, they should be in good shape.