Chiefs RBs vs NE Front Seven – Razor’s Edge KC
 Dont’a Hightower’s return will be a big boost to the Patriots defense. (USA TODAY Images) |
The Chiefs running game took a huge hit when Jamaal Charles went on IR earlier this season. But Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware have done a great job along with QB Alex Smith (team’s #2 rusher), of keeping the running game humming along. KC averages 127.8 yards per game on the ground, good for sixth in the NFL this year.
The Patriots were the ninth best rush defense in the NFL this season allowing just 98.7 yards per game. The front seven with rookie Malcom Brown, Alan Branch, Akiem Hicks in the middle has done a great job of disrupting things at the point of attack.
Here’s where the Patriots will need a healthy or as close to it as possible Dont’a Hightower. Hightower has been immense this season at stuffing the run and blowing up plays at the point of attack. He’ll need to be on top of his game Saturday as the Chiefs run very close to a 50/50 split between run-pass.
The Chiefs have done a great job of running against everyone and they gashed NE for 207 yards a year ago. They like to run often and make their conversions easier on third down. The Patriots will look to force them into third and long with obvious pass situations.
Chiefs WRs vs NE Secondary- Razor’s Edge New England
Alex Smith passed for career highs in yards 3486, and touchdowns 20 this season while throwing only seven interceptions. Jeremy Maclin came over from Philadelphia and had an outstanding season with 87 catches for 1088 yards and eight touchdowns.
Tight end Travis Kelce is the Chiefs version of Rob Gronkowski, they move him inline, outside and in the slot. He’s Smith’s biggest target after Maclin and has been superb. He had a big game against the Texans last week with 8 catches for 128 yards.
The Patriots pass rush has been much improved this season and logged 49 sacks. Edge rushers Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard have done a great job of getting after the QB. Young corners Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan have outperformed expectations and are physical and play man coverage very well.
With Maclin injured and limited if he can play at all, the onus will be on Smith to find Kelce often. Secondary receivers Albert Wilson and Chris Conley had only 52 catches between them. NE’s focus will be to take away Kelce and force the younger players to beat them.
Special Teams- Razor’s Edge New England
The Patriots have two of the best kickers in the business with Stephen Gostkowski and Ryan Allen. Gostkowski missed only three field goals on the season and hasn’t missed an extra point since Week 17 of the 2006 season, his rookie campaign. He’s the best kicker in the business right now and as close to automatic as they come. Allen averaged 45.4 yards per punt.
KC has two reliable kickers in Cairo Santos and punter Dustin Colquitt. Santos made 30 of 37 field goals on the season, he was 4 of 8 from 50+ yards and Colquitt averaged 44.4 yards per punt this year.
The NE coverage units are solid and will have to be. Knile Davis returned the opening kickoff 106 yards for a touchdown last week. Their return game is emerging a bit with Keshawn Martin. KC’s punt coverage unit is outstanding allowing only 6.7 yards per return.
Next up, our prediction on who wins and why…
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
