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Film Study: How the Chiefs can hurdle the lowly Cardinals

By Grant Tuttle

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 28: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs hurdles over Will Parks #34 of the Denver Broncos on his way to an impressive touchdown run during the third quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 28: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs hurdles over Will Parks #34 of the Denver Broncos on his way to an impressive touchdown run during the third quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals runs during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals runs during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Offensive Public Enemy #1:

David Johnson, RB

When there is a good player mixed in with a lot of not-so-good players, it can appear as though they are also not doing well. Pay no attention to the stats. David Johnson should still be the Chiefs number one concern. Josh Rosen has not shown much flash and has been unable to dominate any competition. Keeping Johnson from having a huge day will be the Chiefs number one priority.

Offensive Public Enemy #2:

Larry Fitzgerald, WR

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There is a reason he is known by some as “Larry Legend.” He may be as old as dirt and less explosive than he once was, but the guy can still flat out play.  If the Chiefs cornerbacks give him an inch, he could haul in some great receptions. He is still a huge factor in the Cardinals offense. Kendall Fuller will likely have his hands full with this matchup.

Offensive Public Enemy #3:

Ricky Seals-Jones, TE

Not everyone is Travis Kelce or Rob Gronkowski.  Ricky Seals-Jones is a different kind of tight end. While he does not overwhelm anyone with his athleticism, he is a big and strong receiver. While he may not make a lot of ‘wow’ plays on Sunday, he could make some critical receptions in the middle of the field or the red zone. The Chiefs will need their Safeties to continue to improve.

Defensive Public Enemy:

Patrick Peterson, CB

The Kansas City fanbase was excited to trade for Peterson at the trade deadline; However the Cardinals ultimately decided he would be sticking around. Now, Patrick Mahomes is tasked with playing against him. The Cardinals defense is reasonably talented and Peterson is the brightest part of it.

Offensive Scheming Player #1:

Tyreek Hill, WR

Make no mistake: Tyreek Hill will get open. I understand that Patrick Peterson is very talented; However, Hill has been able to exhaust every defender that has ever covered him. Furthermore, Peterson will likely not be the only one tasked with covering him in a one-on-one matchup. Hill could have some very big plays in this one.

Offensive Scheming Player #2:

Travis Kelce, TE

While Deonne Bucannon is a solid player, it is hard to imagine that Travis Kelce won’t have some big plays against the Cardinals. Kelce is difficult for anyone to cover and if they are unable to lock him down, he could have an enormous game.

Offensive Scheming Player #3:

Kareem Hunt, RB

The Chiefs have been very comfortable with using Kareem Hunt as of late. I do not expect his carries to slow down, especially if K.C. gets out to a lead. Additionally, the Chiefs have been executing more screen passes with Hunt as of late. Look for Hunt to be a big part of the gameplan even against the NFL’s 6th best rush defense.

Defensive player that needs to step up:

Reggie Ragland/Anthony Hitchens, ILBs

The defense has looked slightly less abysmal in the previous couple of weeks. Reggie Ragland and Anthony Hitchens have been part of that. Unfortunately, they have also been a big part of the continued struggle. Against David Johnson, there will be very little room for error. Both players will need to continue to improve and be a part of the solution. If Hitchens is unable to go, it will be on rookie Dorian O’Daniel.

Final Analysis:

I will say this: The Cardinals have played poorly and have the talent to be a much better team; However, they do not matchup well with the Chiefs. Josh Rosen does not frighten me and this receiving corp certainly doesn’t either. Kansas City will need to be wary of overlooking this game, though.

Next. Scouting the enemy: Arizona Cardinals. dark

When you have the Los Angeles Rams in Mexico City coming up soon, it is very easy to look past a lowly Cardinals team. If Kansas City does not come out with intensity and a strong gameplan it could be much closer than many would expect. I, however, don’t expect the Chiefs to blow this one. Not by a longshot.

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