Chiefs Host Chargers, Game Preview: OPEN THREAD – It’s been 3 years since the Kansas City Chiefs played a game that didn’t matter. Well, that might not even be true because New Years Day, 2017, was the debut of a rookie quarterback by the name of Patrick Mahomes. The point is we’ve been glued to every Chiefs game that has been played for years now. Which… is truly a testament to Andy Reid and what he has done to make this franchise as relevant as it has become. While this game may not mean much in the standings, it is significant for the Chiefs path to winning another Super Bowl. Getting valuable rest, protecting the best players on the roster and healing up from injuries… so it’s the right decision to sit players by the coaching staff. However, this game is filled with intrigue and opportunity for the future of the Chiefs roster.
What to Watch For
The offensive line rotation – The large amount of injuries and opt outs for the Chiefs offensive line has been well documented by now. Sadly, the way the line is currently
constructed, is how it will be throughout the playoffs. So, this game today presents two opportunities for the offensive linemen. The first is getting valuable rest time for the backs of OTs Eric Fisher and Mike Remmers. The second is getting to see Daniel Kilgore and Stefan Wisniewski play against a strong defensive line. While it’s highly unlikely that the Chiefs make a change at center at this point of the season it would be nice to see Kilgore push Austin Reiter. Wisniewski played two weeks ago which, non-coincidentally, was one of the best games the Chiefs have had rushing the ball. This factor dates back to 2019 as well, the combination of Wisniewski starting and Damien Williams getting healthy allowed the Chiefs to run the ball well in the 2019 postseason. While Andrew Wylie played nobally in New Orleans, he has been the worst graded player along the offensive line all year.
Just lose baby – Look, if you really can’t stand the difference between finishing 15-1 and 14-2… I can’t help you. I get that 15-1 is very noteworthy and would be a nice feather in the cap of the franchise, but Kansas City actually has MORE to gain by losing than winning today.
- Anthony Lynn is likely coaching for his job. He has proven season after season that he is monumentally terrible at managing end game situations, and clock management… and that’s been with a HOF QB in Phillip Rivers and rookie of the year QB in Justin Herbert. If the Chargers win today they will have won 4 straight, including beating the Super Bowl champs. The point: the Chargers keeping Lynn is a long term win for K.C..
- Likewise, the Chargers are sitting at 6 wins, which currently seats them in the draft at 12th. If they win today and pending the results of other games the Chargers could fall all the way down to 16. That can be a big difference for a team that has a talented roster and quarterback.
Young Player’s Growth on the Defense – One of the biggest parts of the Chiefs defensive success in 2019 was the emergence of young players down the stretch. Juan Thornhill, Rashad Fenton and Khalen Saunders all played valuable snaps for the defense down the stretch. Today is a chance for more players to do the same and show how trustworthy they can be in the coming games.
- CB, DeAndre Baker – has yet to play a defensive snap for the Chiefs, the former 1st rounder will hopefully get some snaps against a talented offense (despite no Keenan Allen for LAC).
- LB, Willie Gay – a lot of fans have been waiting to see him on extended snaps
- DT, Khalen Saunders
- DE, Mike Danna
- CB, BoPete Keys
All of these players have the opportunity to make a case for themselves to be a part of the playoff roster and game plans.
The Playoffs Begin Today for Many Teams – First off it’s okay to admit that there are more interesting games on this weekend than the Chiefs game. There’s a ton of parody and wild scenarios that can leave a good football team outside of the playoffs, which makes for a compelling week 17. These four teams are the most likely teams to come to Arrowhead in the divisional round.
- Baltimore – will likely locked it up in Cincinnati
- Tennessee – going to Houston
- Miami – shuffling off to Buffalo
- Cleveland – hosting a host of sitting players from Pittsburgh
Everyone has their opinions about who they would most like, and dislike, seeing in the divisional round. This weekend starts the playoffs for all of them as all 4 teams need to win (or get help) to get in.
Pringle and Hardman- Both players will likely be active today and be a key part of the offensive game plan. Throughout the season the fanbase has gone from thinking Hardman is ready to take the next step, to begging to see more Byron Pringle and back to hoping Hardman is ready to step up. Both players have shown promise this season; playing against a good secondary in a featured role will allow them to gain valuable experience and confidence. Maybe if one of them has a breakout performance, ala “Albert Wilson vs Denver in 2017,” they can find their way onto the field more in the playoffs.
Prediction – Chargers 31, Chiefs 20
The Chargers play the Chiefs starters tough every time and now they’re facing the Chiefs 2nd and 3rd string players. The Chargers are playing for their coaches jobs (whom they admire) and Justin Herbert is looking to put an exclamation point on his Rookie of the Year campaign. The Chiefs have nothing to gain by winning this game and Andy could even allow both (!) head coaching candidates run the play calling for the game. What’s happening on the sidelines this week is much more important than what is happening on the field.
Price Carter — ArrowheadOne
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