Chiefs vs. Buccaneers: Three under-the-radar difference makers to watch

George Karlaftis

The Chiefs are going to be limited on the edges in Week 4, and that’s bad news given that this game could really turn into a defensive battle. Tampa Bay’s defense is their calling card in a season that’s been limited offensively due to so many injuries up front on the offensive line as well as with the team’s pass catchers. While some faces might return to play the Chiefs, the Bucs have to hope that the strong defensive start continues on Sunday Night Football.

For the Chiefs to match the Bucs’ defensive intensity, they’re going to need George Karlaftis to be a steady force for the majority of the game’s 60 minutes if they’re going to come out the other side with a win. The Chiefs are already down Mike Danna on the edge thanks to a calf injury that’s kept him out multiple games now. However they also have Joshua Kaindoh listed as questionable on the injury report, which leaves the team thin on the depth chart.

Carlos Dunlap and Frank Clark are also around and should help contribute, but if any player is going to have to log the minutes given his youth and stamina, it’s going to be Karlaftis. The Bucs have been hurting along the o-line, so it could mean good things for Karlaftis and company, but a big day for Furious George would go a long way toward a victory.