Last week the Kansas City Chiefs literally took the win right out of the Carolina Panthers hands. This week, they will take on another NFC South team in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have struggled this season with a 4-5 record. The Chiefs, on the other hand, are tied for the best record in the AFC. They should be able to continue their winning streak too if they can capitalize in a few key areas.
Kansas City Chiefs Week 11 Keys to Victory
Create Pressure from the Edges
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line hasn’t been that impressive this year. They especially struggle at the tackle position. Opposing outside linebackers and defensive ends are able to pressure Jameis Winston consistently. The Chiefs have been strong at this position with Dee Ford and Tamba Hali. In fact, Ford is tied for most sacks in the league currently. That duo should be able to get to Winston repeatedly this week. This is important because it will limit the Bucs big play ability. Mike Evans is a big strong target that poses problems for any defensive back lining up one-on-one. With Winston’s strong arm added to this you have a potential touchdown threat on every play. However, if Kansas City can break through the protection before the downfield routes develop the big play won’t be such a threat.
Get the Running Game Back on Track
The last few weeks, Kansas City has had a lackluster performance on the ground. This has caused some concern since it’s what has been the engine for this offense in the Andy Reid era. Spencer Ware only had 65 yards last week, where the week before Charcandrick West (who filled in for the injured Ware) only totaled 39 yards. Tampa Bay’s run defense is poor, ranking 25th in the league. The Chiefs will need to go to the ground game early and often. You don’t want to get too pass happy because the Buccaneers can beat the Chiefs at that game. Dominating time of possession should be a top priority this week.
Contain Mike Evans
Mike Evans has shown himself to be one of the top wide receivers in the league. While he is not only a large target, he also can turn on the burners. At 6’5″, he provides a real matchup issue with the 6’0″ Marcus Peters. One way to counter this is to give Peters safety help over top. Peters has been burned deep before this season by guys like Amari Cooper and Deandre Hopkins. This week will probably be Peters’ biggest challenge this season. So providing safety help or double teaming Evans could be the answer. If Evans can be held in check, it will force Winston to target Adam Humphries, the Bucs number three wide receiver.
Conclusion
In the last two games, Kansas City has not played well but found a way to win. The defense has carried this team. You can’t keep relying on teams to turn the ball over in their half of the field in the fourth quarter. If the Chiefs can establish a run game, contain Mike Evans, and keep pressure on Jameis Winston, Kansas City should come out with the win.
