Defensively:
Attack the gaps and show no hesitation.
The Chiefs will need to do what they have not done all year; Be aggressive against the run. Bob Sutton’s defense has been soft and hesitant against the run, making them 26th in rushing yards allowed per game. With the Seahawks league best rushing attack, the Chiefs will need to attack the gaps, instead of retreating.
On this play, Chris Carson gets five yards because the linebackers for the Packers are hesitant to attack. If the linebackers give any push at all, this play would likely go for no more than three yards. I would like to see the Chiefs to line up in their base defense more than they have been, especially with Eric Berry over the middle.
Press receivers and be physical
Again, this is something that the Chiefs have not done a lot of: press coverage. If the corners successfully press the outside receivers, it makes them closer to the line of scrimmage, helping in the run game. If the Seahawks call a passing play, bumping receivers off of their routes would help make the pass rush more effective as it allows them more time to get to the quarterback.
On this play, the Panthers are lined up five yards off of the receivers. That, in and of itself is not horrible. The problem here is that they are not physical within those five yards with the receiver. Because they are nervous about getting beat deep, they decide to play soft on Tyler Lockett. He takes advantage and gives his team a first down.
Be wary of the “change of pace” plays.
The Seahawks will likely run the ball a ton in this matchup. Trailing only the Baltimore Ravens in rushing attempts on the season, Seattle has ran the ball an incredible 457 times this season. For reference, the Chiefs have ran the football 341 times this year. While the Chiefs get locked in on stopping the run, they must not get fooled on “change of pace” plays. Whether it be play action, a screen or a reverse, the Chiefs need to be on top of it.
On this play, the Seahawks fake the hand-off and Carson bounces to the outside. The 49ers get fooled into believing it may be a shot down the field. Instead, it is a play action “slip” screen. Carson finds the open field and Seattle executes on a well designed play.