Patrick Mahomes should put up serious stats on Rams suspect defense

With the defensive additions this offseason, how did you see this defense looking? 

The expectations were sky high, but so far the potential hasn’t materialized. In three consecutive weeks, they’ve given up 27, 45, and 31 points just last week to a mid-level NFC West team. Even with Aqib Talib out, defending the pass isn’t happening. Offenses can do a lot against this defense, meaning the Rams offense has to score a lot of points.

Marcus Peters has struggled much of 2017. What would you say has kept him from playing at the level he did in Kansas City?

Targets. He’s getting thrown at a lot more in 2018. Talib, who is due back after the bye week should help take some of that pressure, but he’s been the biggest disappointment on that side of the football.

Even with big names on the defense, the unit has struggled in 2018. Does Wade Phillips have the pieces to make his defense work or is he missing pieces still? 

This one is on the players, plain and simple. They haven’t delivered on their name recognition this year. And outside of Aaron Donald, it’s been a grab bag of results.

What would you say are the weaknesses on defense? 

Clearly defending the pass, but perhaps most troubling is you can run on this defense. My biggest concern coming into 2018, and I wrote about it, was an aging offensive line and whether Goff would continue to grow or if 2017 was just a “one-off” kind of year. I don’t think anyone saw the defense develop into their Achilles heel.

How can the Chiefs take advantage of the defense?

Patrick Mahomes should have a monster kind of night that may create some separation in the MVP discussion as they head into December. As good as he’s been, and as suspect as the Rams are on pass defense, scoring points won’t be an issue for him.

How can the Chiefs slow down the Rams offense? 

Few have this season. Obviously getting pressure on Goff is big, but getting to Gurley early and not letting him get to the second level of the Kansas City defense puts pressure on the Rams passing game.

How do you see this game playing out? 

I think it’s a lot of points scored. I also think it might go to late in the fourth quarter before this one gets decided. I like Kansas City in a close one because the Rams defense, especially that secondary, can be beaten. Chiefs win it by a touchdown, 43-36.