Chiefs: Patriots Aren’t Underdogs,
But They Should Be Put Down
by Ransom Hawthorne | January 18, 2019
As laughable as it is, the New England Patriots seem to be painting themselves as underdogs. The team that no one believes in. Never mind the fact that they’re the odds on favorite to win the Superbowl, or that they’ve already beaten the Chiefs this season. Whatever trick Belichick needs to fire up his team, he’s free to use it, but let’s make one thing clear: Patriots aren’t the underdog. They’re the top dog. A nasty old Pit Bull of a team, who’s existence persists, despite their propensity for biting. They have a long history of dirty play, dirty play-calls, and outright cheating. It’s time for someone to put this bad dog down, and everyone is counting on the Chiefs to get the job done.
Be Careful: You fool around with a mean dog, you’re gonna get bit. Chiefs need to know that the Patriots will do anything to win. They’re not above late hits, and low blows. Players need to stay alert after the play, and the team needs to protect Mahomes. Edelman was fined over 60k for three separate instances of unnecessary roughness, in one game, against the Bills. You think they’re going to play nice against a good team? Chiefs fans, Mitch Morse, and Jamel Flemming already know the answer to that question: NO.
Be Aggressive: Remember when Denver used to bully the Chiefs every year? Then, one game, Chiefs finally came out swinging first. Sure, Jah Reid got a penalty for flattening Von Miller, a little late, but the message was received: “If there’s going to be any pushing around, we’re gonna be the ones doing it.” Am I saying Chiefs should stoop to Patriots’ level? Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. Do whatever it takes to win, and take advantage of every opportunity to dominate your opponent, whether the play is going your way or not. Impose your will. Don’t hold back anything. If it comes to it, give Edelman a taste of his own medicine.
Be Smart: the Chiefs have the best QB in the game. It’s gonna be tempting to pass a lot. Don’t. For Chiefs, every previous win, over the Patriots, has had one common denominator: a strong rushing game. In both blowouts (2014, 2017) Chiefs rushed for over 180 yards. In both losses (2016, 2018) Chiefs rushed for less than 130 yards, and this year, they didn’t even crack 100, despite Hunt averaging 8 YPC. Belichick has made a living out of giving up the run, to stop the pass. Chiefs will need to pass enough, to keep them honest, but a run-heavy game plan is what the doctor ordered, especially with the red line, on the thermometer, looking more like a dot.
Be Unpredictable: Brady has pretty much seen it all, in his time in the league, but Chiefs need to show him something he hasn’t seen on KC game tape. If he knows what you’re doing pre-snap, you’re toast. If Chiefs can offer a varied attack, and sprinkle in some unique blitzes, they have a fighting chance of getting just enough stops, to support the offense. Getting Eric Berry back is HUGE, in this regard, as he can do it all. If Brady can’t figure out whether Berry is blitzing, dropping back or attacking a gap, before he snaps the ball, it gives the pass rush that split second, it needs, to get the sack.
Be Loud: Crowd noise makes it impossible to use a hard count. This is a huge advantage for the pass rush, as silent counts are more predictable, make the OTs react slower, and don’t require as much discipline to avoid false starts. Patriots will try to negate Chiefs crowd noise with an up-tempo no-huddle offense. It’s imperative that fans stay in the game, no matter the score. At the end of the first half, this year, Chiefs were down, to the Pats, 9-24. They went on to lose that game 40-43. As long as Mahomes is the QB, and there’s plenty of time on the clock, Chiefs can make a comeback. Don’t let a hot start, shut you up. Your vocal chords can rest during the pro-bowl. Last game in Arrowhead, this year, make it count.
Bottom Line: You never take the Patriots lightly. They’ve proven year, after year, that they’re the best team, in the AFC. For football fans everywhere, Chiefs need to do the right thing, and put this old dog down. Patriots have had a long run of success, it’s time for something new. Bring the Lamar Hunt trophy home. Do it with attitude, pride, brains, guts and the loudest stadium in the NFL. No regrets, nothing held in reserve. Fear nothing, attack everything. Go Chiefs.
Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne
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