The Chiefs pass defense:
National media is quick to say that the Chiefs defense is bad. While it is not great, many are, in my opinion, equating this defense with last year’s and that is just wrong. That said, the Chiefs have a real opportunity to show that they are improved and do have real potential against the Patriots. The Chiefs run defense has been a struggle, but the pass defense has been a real success story for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Throughout the offseason many Chiefs fans, myself included were calling for more talent at the cornerback position. The Chiefs brought in Morris Claiborne and Bashaud Breeland as a response. While the additions were less than exciting on paper, the defensive backs in Kansas City have done an admirable job this season, especially if there is a reflection on last season’s defense.
Brady does not have the weapons that he has in the past and it will likely be up to James White and Edelman to carry this offense. While I will be the first to admit that these matchups are not great for the Chiefs, I believe that Juan Thornhill, Tyrann Mathieu, and Charvarius Ward could all be rotated in man coverage with the duo. The Texans ran a similar style defense and it worked all game long. If the Chiefs can contain these two players, the defense could show up in a big way against the Patriots.
It should also be of note that the Patriots are injured upfront. The team is now on to its third center of the season. Brady has never been comfortable against A gap pressure and Chris Jones is one of the best in the business. I expect Jones to have a solid game against New England and that should be of concern to that offense.