Chiefs Host Bears - Matchups to Watch
Key Matchups the Chiefs Should Try to Exploit Against Chicago
The Chiefs will be hosting a team that should scare them a little bit. While the Bears are a team the Chiefs should easily beat, the recent history points to this game being a lot closer than it should be. Where the Chiefs could take advantage is certain matchups that they have against the Bears on offense and Defense.
Cody Whitehair, Nate Davis, and Lucas Patrick vs Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Mike Danna
While it might make more sense to go with the tackle matchup the interior of the Bears offensive line has been bad. The starting interior of the Bears’ offensive line has allowed nine pressures each for Whitehair and Davis and six for Lucas Patrick. To give you an idea of how bad that is in two games both the starting guards are tied for 3rd worst at allowing pressures in 2023 across the entire NFL. Lucas Patrick is also tied for 3rd worst across all the centers in the NFL.
Chris Jones’ week two game against the Jaguars was phenomenal. He had a pass rush win rate of almost 41% and accounted for 6 pressures by himself on Sunday. When the Chiefs go to the NASCAR package on 3rd downs and Mike Danna and George Karlaftis shift inside the pair creates havoc in the offenses’ pass protection. Add in Jones’ screaming in off the edge and the QB has no place to go but to step forward into the interior pressure.
Justin Fields vs Drew Tranquill
As of this writing Bolton has not practiced during the week. I’m expecting him to miss the game or at the very least play a reduced role on Sunday. One of the things that could help the Bears stay competitive is Justin Fields’ legs. The Chiefs have to stay disciplined and probably spy Fields especially early in the game to try to take away his desire to run.