The long-awaited NFL season is finally upon us, and what better way to start a season than against a divisional opponent. The Kansas City Chiefs will be going up against one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers. If the Chiefs want to come away with the win, they are going to need to execute in three key areas this Sunday: getting the running game going, being able to create pressure, and not settling for field goals.
Kansas City Chiefs Keys to Victory in Week One
Establish The Run
Keeping Philip Rivers off the field, and limiting his opportunities are essential if the Chiefs want to come away with the win. What better way than running the football down your opponent’s throat? It’s looking like the Chiefs will be without Jamaal Charles this week, leaving the responsibility on Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West. The duo certainly showed they could get the job done in 2015 during the team’s 11 game winning streak. They also are going up against the sixth-worst rushing defense from last season. Attacking San Diego’s weak point will open up more opportunities in the passing game for speedsters Jeremy Maclin and Chris Conley as well.
Create Pressure
The Chiefs will be taking on a Chargers offensive line that was ranked the third worst by Pro Football Focus. That combined with the San Diego having the second worst rushing offense in 2015, means they will be throwing the ball a lot. With Keenan Allen and new addition Travis Benjamin, San Diego has some real deep threats to go to if Rivers has time. The Chiefs will need to get to Rivers quickly and force him to throw to his check down receiver before anything develops downfield. Without Justin Houston and possibly Tamba Hali (currently listed as questionable), it may be a more difficult task than it would seem on paper.
Don’t Settle For Field Goals
Last season, Chiefs fans grew increasingly frustrated by promising drives that came to grinding halts once they got into enemy territory. Many times the Chiefs would get into the red zone only to opt for a field goal. In fact, the Chiefs actually had the seventh-most field goal attempts in 2015.
Many blame this on Andy Reid’s conservative play calling, such as the frequent screen plays run on third and long. If the Chiefs want to keep drives alive, they are going to need to be more aggressive and work the ball down the field. One player that was underutilized last season in the red zone was Travis Kelce. Kelce was only targeted 10 times in the red zone, which is surprisingly low for a tight end of his caliber. Compare that to Rob Gronkowski’s 19 red zone targets or Jordan Reed’s 21 and you will see a stark difference. If Alex Smith is able to get the ball to Kelce the ball more in the attacking half of the field, instead of checking down to running backs, they shouldn’t have to opt for so many field goals.
If the Chiefs are able to execute in these three areas, they should undoubtedly come away with a victory. While it may be week one, it still is an important game considering the strength of the AFC West this season. Regardless, the eight-month wait is over and we can finally get back to football.
