{"id":51324,"date":"2018-10-13T18:16:59","date_gmt":"2018-10-13T22:16:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=51324"},"modified":"2018-10-13T18:16:59","modified_gmt":"2018-10-13T22:16:59","slug":"kansas-city-chiefs-cant-contain-new-england-patriots-james-white","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2018\/10\/13\/kansas-city-chiefs-cant-contain-new-england-patriots-james-white\/","title":{"rendered":"Kansas City Chiefs Can&#8217;t Contain New England Patriots James White"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>After a long week of preparation coming off their second straight win against the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/colts\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Indianapolis Colts<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/patriots\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New England Patriots<\/a> have turned their attention to the red-hot 5-0 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/chiefs\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> who are coming to Gillette Stadium looking for a shootout. But how will the Chiefs defense &#8211; ranked dead last in the NFL &#8211; match up against <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/B\/BradTo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tom Brady<\/a><\/strong> and his merry band of misfit receivers? Will Kansas City be able to contain the dual-threat running back <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=WhitJa20,WhitJa02&amp;search=James+White&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">James White<\/a><\/strong>?<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Struggling Kansas City Chiefs Defense Will Struggle Against New England Patriots James White<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/M\/MichSo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sony Michel<\/a> Continues Excellent Rookie Campaign<\/h2>\n<p>We&#8217;ve lamented New England&#8217;s running back woes in previous articles, but the hampered rushing group has <a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/2018\/10\/03\/new-england-patriots-running-backs-trample-indianapolis-colts-defense\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">found its footing<\/a> since blowing out the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/nfl-teams\/dolphins\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Miami Dolphins<\/a> in Week Four.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/M\/MichSo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sony Michel<\/a><\/strong> has made progress as the team&#8217;s workhorse rushing option. Once Michel finds a lane and gains momentum, both the Dolphins and the Colts have had trouble stopping him. After being absent through four preseason games, Michel saw limited use during the first two weeks of the regular season. He racked up just 84 total rushing yards and zero touchdowns between two games. Since then, the rust has begun to fall away and the rookie running back has rushed for <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/3128721\/sony-michel\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">210 yards and two touchdowns<\/a> (one in each of the last two outings).<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Justin Houston is doubtful, De&#39;Anthony Thomas is out, and full <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/KCvsNE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#KCvsNE<\/a> injury report. \u27a1\ufe0f <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/lRDuC5zKQl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/lRDuC5zKQl<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/UJ00Xl9HYP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/UJ00Xl9HYP<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Chiefs\/status\/1050837113858478080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">October 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>To date, Kansas City has allowed six rushing touchdowns and an average of 118.8 rushing yards per game. Per the final injury report released prior to Sunday&#8217;s matchup, Kansas City could be out two linebackers come kickoff. Both <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HousJu00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Justin Houston<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/K\/KpasTa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tanoh Kpassagnon<\/a><\/strong> are questionable to play on Sunday, and Houston is looking more and more unlikely as time passes. If neither player suits up, the Chiefs <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chiefs.com\/team\/depth-chart\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">entire LOLB (left outside linebacker) depth<\/a> is washed away &#8211; a weak spot that the New England rushing offense could exploit.<\/p>\n<h2>James White: Secret Weapon<\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">IT&#39;S OVER! IT&#39;S OVER!<\/p>\n<p>JAMES WHITE WINS IT FOR THE <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Patriots?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@PATRIOTS<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>WHAT A GAME! <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SB51?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#SB51<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PATRIOTS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#PATRIOTS<\/a>  <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/nZzQJGWRmC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/nZzQJGWRmC<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NFL\/status\/828444755197521920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">February 6, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Or maybe not so secret. By now, every team in the NFL should be on notice that when you play against the Patriots, they will use White to burn you. Since aiding the team&#8217;s epic comeback in Super Bowl LI, <a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/2018\/10\/05\/james-white-the-nfls-most-underrated-player\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">White has proven himself<\/a> to be one of the team&#8217;s best offensive weapons. Why? He&#8217;s good at everything.<\/p>\n<p>White&#8217;s only run for 541 yards in his career, and in that span of time, he&#8217;s also walked in 22 touchdowns. His low yardage is a reflection of his use. Where <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/B\/BurkRe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rex Burkhead<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/L\/LewiDi00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dion Lewis<\/a><\/strong>, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/B\/BlouLe00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LeGarrette Blount<\/a><\/strong> once served as New England&#8217;s workhorse running backs, White was used as an elusive third-down threat. Where other backs have powered through defensive lines to eat up yardage, White&#8217;s ability to break ankles on the field has been invaluable to New England&#8217;s rushing offense. But White&#8217;s offensive capabilities aren&#8217;t just limited to his rushing talent.<\/p>\n<p>The 5&#8242; 10&#8243; running-back-by-definition has also seen a lot of action as a wide receiver, racking up nearly 1,700 receiving yards since 2014. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.patspulpit.com\/2018\/10\/11\/17960844\/new-england-patriots-running-back-james-white-catches-adding-up-in-hurry\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">So far this season<\/a>, White has reeled in 32 receptions for 270 yards and four touchdowns &#8211; an average of 8.4 yards per reception and one touchdown per game.<\/p>\n<p>Imagine this: A dual rushing\/receiving threat going up against a team whose linebacker depth on one whole side is completely depleted or, at the very least, seriously weakened. Now imagine the rest of that defense trying to cover White while also holding up the line against Michel. Now <a href=\"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/2018\/10\/12\/julian-edelman-patriots-wide-receivers-week-six\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">throw a handful of receivers into the mix<\/a> &#8211; guys like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/E\/EdelJu00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Julian Edelman<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/G\/GordJo02.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Gordon<\/a><\/strong>, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/G\/GronRo00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rob Gronkowski<\/a><\/strong>. Suddenly covering all of these options becomes a much more daunting task.<\/p>\n<h2>Last Word on Matchup Between New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs<\/h2>\n<p>Mahomes appears to be the real deal, and both <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HuntKa00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kareem Hunt<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HillTy00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyreek Hill<\/a><\/strong> will prove their worth against a still-recovering Patriots defense. Let&#8217;s not forget someone has to cover <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/K\/KelcTr00.htm?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Travis Kelce<\/a><\/strong> as well.<\/p>\n<p>The Chiefs will struggle to contain a rolling Patriots offense. Even after a serious injury bug swept through the Patriots roster earlier this season, the team has found footing and won&#8217;t go down against Kansas City without one hell of a fight. On the receiving end, I expect Gordon and Gronkowski to excel in this matchup. On the rushing end, White is likely in for a feast.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately this game will come down to coaching. The Chiefs tend to perform admirably in New England, typically flying home with the win and a boosted ego. Will their lossless streak continue into next week? I think not. This is a statement game for both teams, and I think New England&#8217;s sheer will is enough to stun the naysayers and hand Kansas City their first loss of the season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prediction: Patriots 41, Chiefs 38<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"DljsiVgfTEFGsTT4yikzYg\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1045772384\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'DljsiVgfTEFGsTT4yikzYg',sig:'et1FLTkUKtJb47rUiKmJbV6n5JkfH5-uN-rprhEaCvA=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1045772384',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How will the Kansas City Chiefs defense contain running back James White and match up against a rolling New England Patriots offense?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2508,"featured_media":51368,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"1","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,54],"tags":[61,955,122,38,40,1576,3645],"class_list":["post-51324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-patriots","category-editorials","tag-football","tag-james-white","tag-kansas-city-chiefs","tag-new-england-patriots","tag-nfl","tag-patrick-mahomes","tag-sony-michel"],"modified_by":"John Bava","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2508"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51324"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51324\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51368"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}