Three keys to success for Kansas City Chiefs against Jacksonville Jaguars

Chiefs RBs vs. Unproven Jaguars Defenders

One thing the Chiefs can do to limit exhaustion of their players while also wearing down the Jaguars defense is running the ball with the multitude of running backs they are coming into Week 1 with. Following the recent signing of LeSean McCoy this past week, the Chiefs are looking at a backfield that could do some damage adding to Damien Williams, Darwin Thompson, and Darrel Williams.

This will not be an easy task, however, as the Jaguars are very powerful up front. Another way to utilize them which head coach Andy Reid is known for doing is uying them in the passing, screen, and motion game. If anything, just send out two running back sets and move them out wide and force these young Jacksonville defenders to cover running backs that run routes almost like receivers. This will not only spread out the inexperienced personnel in the middle of the Jaguars defense but force matchups that allow for less stacking of Tyreek Hill or Travis Kelce.

The field is likely to be a swamp, so utilizing your backs will benefit the rest of the offense. One of the listed Jaguars defenders on the injury report for Week 1 is defensive tackle Marcell Dareus who is the main run stuffer in the middle. He’s been limited in practice this week with an elbow injury. While he will likely end up playing, if the Chiefs can take advantage of this injury along with inexperience in the middle of the second and third levels it could serve well.

This game will be a big storyline for Kansas City to start off their Super Bowl run in 2019. These, to me, are the three key factors of winning the game against an opponent who shouldn’t be too much of an obstacle. While the defense is strong and looking to get back to it’s dominant self, I don’t see them returning to what they were prior to even last season with the amount of losses they sustained over the off-season.

I’m interested to see how the Chiefs look in Week 1 given the scheme, coaching, and personnel changes on defense. I also want to see how well they can stay hydrated and playing at a high level in the fourth quarter due to weather and being the first game, and whether or not the defense comes with a new aggressive and cut-throat attitude that’s been lacking for years.

Jacksonville tried to bully Kansas City last time these two teams met, and I’m sure they will try to do the same in this game. They should have a fire to be taken seriously once again. Will the Chiefs show that they won’t be bullied and will bullies on the Chiefs defense arise?