The day after Thanksgiving and predictably the food hangover is in full force. However, the Kansas City Chiefs need to beat the Buffalo Bills and overcome their own food hangover. In what’s been a “Jekyll and Hyde” season so far the Chiefs find themselves in a must win game. Although, they lead the AFC West by two games and hold the tie breaker advantage over the Los Angeles Chargers, this is a team searching for an identity. After starting the season 5-0, the Chiefs have dropped four out of the last five games.
This is a winnable game. In fact this should be the week the Chiefs return to early season form. It’s quite simple they just need to “get back to the basics”; block, run, catch, and tackle. Winning starts with the fundamentals and sadly that’s an area Kansas City has been lacking.
Week 12 Kansas City Chiefs Keys to Victory
Get Back to Playmakers
The Chiefs began the season hot, white hot by scoring at will running, and passing with video game precision. Then the Pittsburgh Steelers came to Arrowhead, and the Chiefs sputtered. Since then, the offense has failed to really get anything going. Sure there have been moments but, overall the “gimmicky” offense has stalled.
What needs to happen Sunday, begins with play calling. Kansas City has a potent offense with playmakers all over the field. Now is the time not just to use them but, use them effectively. The running game initiates the plan with Kareem Hunt as a budding super star owning great vision and elusiveness.
However, in order for Hunt to run for large chunks of yardage the offensive line has to improve. The line needs to open the running lanes and until this happens, opponents will continue to force the Chiefs to beat them vertically.
Give Smith More Time
Speaking of vertically, once again it’s a fundamental issue. Getting back to fundamentals also involves a line that is underperforming. The reoccurring theme on offense is blocking. Without time, Alex Smith reverts to the “king of the check down”. Smith has been pressured and in turn, has gone from an MVP candidate to an average passer. Additionally, the receivers need to run crisp routes and hang on. With Tyreek Hill’s speed on the outside, Smith must stretch the field keeping opposing defenses off the line.
Finally, it’s time to quit relaying on gimmicky, trick plays that are only effective if used sparingly.
The offensive keys to victory begin with winning the battles in the trenches, allowing the run to open up the pass. Once the pass is opened up, wide receivers need to run sharp, crisp routes which stretches the defense. Finally, Andy Reid needs to call a complete game utilizing a bevy of team strengths.
Power Up Front
The Chiefs defense has been well, in a word bad. Rhythm is impossible for an offense to sustain if the defense isn’t doing their part. Opponents have found it incredibly easy to run, allowing them to control the game. The secondary has been giving up big plays to receivers, and quarterbacks have been allowed to stay in the pocket passing at will.
Once more, the Chiefs are losing the battle upfront. Since the opening weeks of the 2017, campaign Kansas City has failed to generate any kind of pass rush. It means getting consistent pressure on the quarterback which throws off their rhythm, creates errant throws, and allows the defense to be aggressive.
The Chiefs haven’t been able to stuff the run, even with eight men in the box. Bob Sutton has got to get his linemen, and linebackers to stay in position and make football basics “form tackle”. This unit has not been wrapping up, allowing runners into the secondary. This week it will be especially important as the Bills feature running back LeSean McCoy. “Shady”, cannot be allowed to run unimpeded.
The secondary just got better by adding Darrelle Revis. Although, Revis may have lost a step, he’s still the second best cornerback on the Chiefs roster. Speaking of cornerbacks Kansas City features one of the best in the game, Marcus Peters. However, opposing offensive coordinators have found it easy to take Peters out of the game by simply lining up their best receiver opposite of him.
The defensive keys to victory are to keep quarterback Tyrod Taylor on his heels with pressure. That begins by stopping the run and forcing the Bills to beat the Chiefs with the pass. However, actually stopping players by wrapping up each and every time needs to occur. Finally, Peters needs to cover the Bills number one receiver, acting as a determined blanket all afternoon.
Game Plan
Although, it would be tempting to overlook the Buffalo Bills the Chiefs can’t afford to. With a good game plan, this should be the week Kansas City turns it around. Run, block, catch, and tackle. If they do this, the trip home from Buffalo will be a happy one.
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