All to Blame or None Move On to the 49’ers
David Bell
ArrowheadOne took a look at the loss to the Bills and Laddie and I had a full on debate about who should shoulder the balme most for that loss, the OL or the Dl. It was a game that could have, and maybe should have, been won. However, like the Kansas City Chiefs team is doing now, it’s time to look at the upcoming contest vs. the 49’ers. I am not happy about the loss at Arrowhead last week either, but it is, as they say these days, what it is.
Despite Their Record of 3-and-3
Frisco is not a team in good shape, physically. They are missing key players, and that bodes well for the Chiefs. The 49’ers have released the list of inactive players for their match-up on the road against the Atlanta Falcons last week. These players did not suit up for last Sunday’s game which they lost: 14-28. Last Week, vs. the Falcons, their Inactives were:
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DL Arik Armstead (foot, ankle)
DL Nick Bosa (groin)
WR Danny Gray
TE Tyler Kroft (knee)
DB Jimmie Ward (hand)
T Trent Williams (ankle)
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Further, the 49’ers ruled out: Offensive Lineman Arik Armstead, safety Jimmie Ward, and tackle Trent Williams. Their loss last Week to the Falcons was very tough due to all the talent who couldn’t play.
This Week vs. The Chiefs
According to 49ersWire, the Frisco team will have a chance to get Bosa and Williams back for the contest vs K.C.:
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“The 49ers head into their toughest match-up of the year, facing a mountain of adversity on the injury front. That mountain could look more like a molehill if San Francisco can get a couple of their injured stars back, though. Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Sunday intimated the team could get defensive end Nick Bosa and Also LOT Trent Williams. Others on the list appear not to be candidates to make the game. Bosa injured his groin in week 5, missed practice last Week, and was ruled out. This Week? He will probably be active.”
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Shanahan was not optimistic about DT Arik Armstead being available. Shanahan observed about Armstead:
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“Yeah, it’s a huge loss for us right now. Same with [DT] Javon [Kinlaw] and not having him in there either. I’d be very surprised if he’s back this week.”
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For the Chiefs? The major problem is having Bosa Rush Mahomes. Period.
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Chiefs Injury Outlook
This Week, CB Trent McDuffie will be available. At the same time, it remains an unknown factor as to whether Andy Reid will hold him out until after the Bye week.
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Willie Gay is now off his 4-week suspension. That helps, but at the same time, he is returning after a 4-week absence, and Darius Harris has been playing good football.
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It would not surprise me if both players split snaps in this Week Seven (7) game. Such a use would be cautionary, to say the least.
49’ers Run O vs. Chiefs Run D
Last Week, the 49’ers only managed 50 yards rushing on the ground. The Chiefs weren’t much better (68). This is something that I see as an Andy Reid/Eric Bieniemy play-calling issue. With the muscle of the Chiefs offensive line, there is no reason to fail by running the football. Success on the ground means the aerial game is enabled, especially with the play-action pass. I believe this is the most critical aspect of what has sometimes been missing from the Chiefs offense.
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The Chiefs run offense for Week Six was well below what I expected. Part of that was due to the failure of the OL to be physical–across the board. At the same time, Reid and OC Eric Bieniemy didn’t make the play calls to utilize the RBs. I think that was a mistake. I think play-calling was part of the defect. Also, it is time to use Isiah Pacheco far more than Reid has been willing to go after. Pacheco is a far tougher runner among all the RBs.
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I am not happy with CEH. Let me leave it at that. I would be tuned to getting Ronald Jones more involved. CEH just gets bounced to the dirt, too, quickly, in my personal view. McKinnon has been a fireplug to convey the emotions moving by fellow teammates.
Coming off a loss against the apparent heir apparent of the AFC, I expect an upturn of play across the board for the Chiefs this Sunday. Frisco is still missing key players, but I do expect a tough contest. The 49’ers are a good team.
My prediction? Chiefs 34, 49’ers 19.
P.S. I am still irritated as all get out about the two losses to the Colts and Bills. Both games should have, certainly could have, ended up in the win column.
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David Bell — ArrowheadOne
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