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Chiefs in focus

Email|Link|Comments (3) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff September 5, 2008 08:45 AM

Here are a few nuggets of note about the Patriots' season-opening opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs (4-12 in 2007):

1) Running game in context. The Chiefs have a deep running back corps led by Larry Johnson, but consider that the team ranked 31st out of 32 teams last season in average yards per carry (3.3). Part of that was due to Johnson's injury problems and an offensive line in transition, but another factor is that opponents did not have to respect the passing game as much, allowing them to load up in the box. That explains why the Chiefs were near the top of the NFL in negative running plays last season.

2) Top-ranked third-down defense. The Chiefs were the NFL's top-ranked third-down defense last season -- with opponents converting just 31.3 percent of the time. That was one of the main bright spots of their 2007 season. Past performance doesn't ensure present success, but with defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham still calling the shots, opponents must prepare for a pressure-based attack.

3) Toughest matchups in the passing game -- TE Tony Gonzalez and WR Dwayne Bowe. Now in his 12th NFL season, 32-year-old Tony Gonzalez remains the focal point in the passing game. His 99 catches led the team last season, and when he's taken out of the game, the offense loses some of its flow. Receiver Dwayne Bowe is a tough matchup on the outside -- if the Chiefs can get him the ball -- as he uses his 6-2, 221-pound frame well against smaller cornerbacks.

4) Major changes from last season.The Chiefs have a new offensive coordinator (Chan Gailey), plan to start rookies at defensive tackle (Glenn Dorsey), left tackle (Branden Albert) and cornerback (Brandon Flowers), and also have a new kicker (Nick Novak). They have adopted a youthful approach, as head coach Herm Edwards detailed in Sunday's editions of the Boston Globe.

FINAL ANALYSIS: If the Patriots' plan was to be boiled down to its simplest form, it would be: Stop the run, force the Chiefs into passing situations with quarterback Brodie Croyle (0-6 as a starter), and then limit Gonzalez and Bowe. Offensively, as long as the pass protection is there, the Patriots should be able to move the ball. The Patriots should win the game, but a 15.5 point spread seems a bit high. Prediction: Patriots 27, Chiefs 13.

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3 comments so far...

I respect their youth movement

it might be rough for them for a while, but long term they should develop some good players

Posted by gick September 5, 08 09:19 AM

Assume the Pats are ahead by 14 early in the fourth quarter. Do the Pats protect Brady's foot, bring in Cassel and run the ball?

Posted by Patriot Paul September 5, 08 09:34 AM

The spread seems low to me against what I believe will be the worst team in the NFL this season. The Chiefs are almost criminally young, with an incompetent head coach, going up against the resident league juggernaut. The only way the Patriots don't cover is if they shut it down early to save some wear and tear on their key players.

Posted by Richter September 5, 08 09:46 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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