Following last Sunday’s loss to Baltimore, the Chiefs return home for a
divisional matchup against the Chargers — a team coming off a devastating loss of their
own. At the moment, Kansas City is a 6.5-point favorite. Here are three ways the Chiefs
can keep it that way.
By Jack Johnson, Sports Radio 810 contributor
1. Generate pressure up the middle
On Sunday in Baltimore, the Chiefs’ defense got to Lamar Jackson once on a delayed
blitz by Daniel Sorenson. Other than that, the banged up Ravens offensive line silenced
a talented front seven. For the Chiefs to find success Sunday, the defense can’t solely
rely on pressure from Chris Jones. On the interior, Jarran Reed and Derrick Nnadi have
to find ways to force Herbert outside the pocket and toward the sideline. If they do, the
running game and Herbert become far less effective.
2. Get Clyde Edwards-Helaire going early
The worst moment, so far, in Edwards-Helaire’s career came in the final moments of
Sunday’s loss. However, despite the fumble, the offense is at its best when the
22-year-old is staying involved in the offensive game plan. That doesn’t mean force
feeding him 15-20 times a game, but rather utilizing his talents in the passing game.
Los Angeles has allowed the third-most rushing yards in the NFL this season — two
spots behind the Chiefs. If Edwards-Helaire is going to redeem his fumble, the opening
drive on Sunday is the perfect opportunity to do so.
3. Rediscover the killer instinct
The Chiefs had their chance to step on Baltimore’s throats midway through the third
quarter. However, Patrick Mahomes’s first interception in September and a few
three-and-outs allowed the Ravens to claw their way back.
The Chargers, like Baltimore, have an offense capable of keeping up with Kansas City.
With the Chiefs struggling to defend the run, nullifying Los Angeles’ shot to tie or take
the lead in the fourth quarter could be the deciding factor in the outcome of the game.
It’s true that the ground game for Kansas City is lacking, but moving the ball through the
air is their best offense. Simply put, If they take the ball out of Herbert’s hands, Kansas
City comes away as a winner on Sunday.