Chiefs at Patriots - Matchups to Watch
A look at key matchups headed into this weekends game
If you look at the teams' records, this is another game where you would expect the game shouldn’t be close. Regardless of records, however, the Chiefs have shown a penchant for losing games they shouldn’t, and we have to take a look at how they can get back on track. The Patriots are a team that the Chiefs should run over, but a few matchups will dictate this game.
Nick Bolton vs Patriots running game
Bolton’s return against the Bills helped slow down the Bills running game and will likely be a key for the Chiefs each week the rest of the year. Kansas City’s pass defense is fantastic in the back end, but they have been susceptible to the running game. Bolton needs to help align the defense and slow down the running attack to give Spags a chance to try to get to Zappe.
Steve Spagnuolo vs Bailey Zappe
Spags has been fantastic this year running the Chiefs’ defense. Zappe is a young QB who must face a Chiefs defense that has been sending players from all over. With the return of Drue Tranquill, look for the Chiefs to get after Zappe early in the game and try to keep him guessing throughout the game. If the Chiefs successfully slow down the running game, Spags should be able to pressure Zappe into mistakes.