Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey are defensive X-factors for Buccaneers versus Chiefs in Week 9

Going into the season, Monday's matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was not necessarily seen as an exciting primetime contest. While it will be affected a bit by the injuries to Bucs WRs Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, this game could easily be one of the tightest (and most exciting) matchups on the Chiefs' schedule thus far.

Tampa Bay is looking to return to the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. The Buccaneers already have some wins against really good teams this season. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have an interesting stretch against teams with winning records in Tampa Bay, Denver, and Buffalo over the next few weeks. Can Kansas City continue to play strong as November begins with these fascinating contests?

With an opponent like this, there are many different personnel matchups to pay attention to. However, a major matchup in the trenches is one that stands out above all else. What can be expected when Tampa Bay defensive linemen Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey square off against the Chiefs' offensive line?

Chiefs Offensive Line Overcompensating Once Again

Kansas City boasts one of the best interior offensive line trios in the entire NFL. But, worries and questions surround the overall ceiling of the Chief offensive-tackle duo. What's new? Kansas City has simply been battling that proposition for a few years now. Even when the Chiefs had one of their better performances of the season last week as a pass offense, the play at offensive tackle was still quite shaky. Maxx Crosby made life difficult on Wanya Morris and Jawaan Taylor. And for Morris, it was a day to forget, due to penalties.

We have seen guards Joe Thuney and Trey Smith have to help out even more this season towards their outside shoulder. By overcompensating and having those two give extra effort and attention elsewhere, teams have thrown plenty of different pressure looks at Patrick Mahomes.

Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey obviously have the power and strength to match the stout technique of Kansas City's stellar interior trio. If Tampa Bay is able to force Mahomes off of his spot and make him scramble to the outside, the Buccaneers have the speed at outside linebacker and inside linebacker to run him down. They can also force Mahomes to get the ball off quicker than he may want because of that well-rounded defensive speed.

Where Vea And Kancey Can Surprise

Where can Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey truly surprise or catch opponents off guard? For one, Vea has incredible agility and footwork for a player of his mammoth size. Kancey on the other hand, has an explosive first step when coming off of the line of scrimmage. What do each of those aspects lead to for the opposing offensive line?

Offensive linemen can be blown backwards and lose their leverage. Both of Vea and Kancey have made opponents look silly by getting underneath them when blockers are exposed with poor pad level. Additionally, blockers can also create problems for their own quarterback or running back when facing Vea and Kancey. The shoulder of the offensive linemen can get turned sideways. Any potential holes or gaps can also be clogged up immediately as blockers get knocked down or if their feet get tangled. The backfield just becomes a muddy mess when these Buccaneer defensive linemen get rolling.

Bright Spots On An Up-And-Down Defense

Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey having success is one of the few ways in which the Buccaneers have gotten off the field this year. Head coach Todd Bowles can always get quarterbacks thinking with unique blitzes and by dropping different defensive linemen occasionally into coverage.

Yet, Tampa Bay is seeing a bit of a down year defensively, especially in their secondary. The defensive backs have been more leaky than usual, ranking 29th in passing yards allowed this season. The run defense is struggling to fill all of their run fits against teams that are willing to lean on the ground game.

If Vea and Kancey cannot create enough havoc, the Chiefs can use any options at their disposal on Monday night. Kansas City is only going to be more confident when their offensive line can set an early tone. This week's particular matchup gives the Chiefs a distinct test.