Sunday Morning Chiefs:
Gold Nuggets, Red Flags
and Attack Plans
by David Bell
Bits and Nuggets
Nate Taylor wrote about Dee Ford for “The Athletic” this past week and it was quite laudatory about Dee Ford. I won’t get deep into what he wrote but I do want to include 3 things Taylor used to bolster is view of Ford:
- Mitch Schwartz had faced Ford when he was at Cleveland had he observed that in 2015, Ford put pressure on the QB. Quoting from the Taylor Article, Schwartz said: “I think everything starts with the speed and his quickness, but I think he’s learned how to use that to straight-up torch a guy or use the threat of it to counter…He has the ability to beat you inside and outside, and he’s stronger than you think. He’s turned into a great pass rusher, and I’m glad we have him here.”
- Taylor also uses Von Miller’s praise of Ford after the 2nd Bronco’s game of 2018: “…Miller expressed his admiration for Ford and his ability to play well after having back surgery. Miller also had another message for Ford, perhaps one about how to approach the second half of his season with free agency looming. “We talk about health and life things,” Ford said. “We have time to talk about (football) stuff. It’s just a matter of, ‘Hey, great job and great to see you.’ But I can’t tell you what he told me, though, the extra stuff.”
Changes to Thursday’s INJURY LIST
Justin Houston and Anthony Hitchens are now Questionable. Morse is out, Berry’s Status is Doubtful. The rest of the players were: full practice.
Xavier Williams
Xavier Williams has had an impact as the following tweet demonstrates. I mentioned him the other day and coupled his contribution with Derrick Nnadi’s. Williams is paying for his keep.
Ben Niemann and Dorian O’Daniel
With Anthony Hitchens out or only partly active we should be seeing a lot of snaps for Ben Niemann. I’ve been looking forward to seeing him play and he’s the type of ILB who is tough as nails, a hitter, well coached and well versed. Let’s hope that Bob Sutton uses the downhill type defense that worked so well against the Bengals.
We all liked what we saw of Dorian O’Daniel Last week. Look for O’Daniel to get more playing time in passing situations versus the Browns. If O’Daniel is in and shuts down “The Flats”, KC could get the ball enough times to score 50 points. However, and this is my view of DOD’s ability inside as well — he doesn’t have the body mass to take a pounding and his skill at reading tackle to tackle needs work. Craig Stout Shares the latter view and I do like Barleyhop’s work.
On the other hand I have a dilemma because I have a great deal of respect for Seth Keyser’s analysis as well. He tweets that O’Daniel was born to be an RB stopper. I got that. OUTSIDE. Inside? I really question it due to body mass, physical punishment between tackles game in, game out. But then, the game is changing so there is that.
Can they both be right? Yeah–on passing downs, reads a stopping the runner or receiver on the outside.
Rashard Davis Tries Out
Also in for a workout was WR Rashard Davis. Kicking the tires I guess and no movement in news of any chance of bringing him aboard.
Visiting Inside Linebackers?
The Chiefs had three journeyman ILB’s in for a workout. This had to have been in case Anthony Hitchens rib injury was worse than expected. None were tendered.
Pluto’s Orbit Around the Chiefs?
Over at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Terry Pluto had an insightful piece in regard to Kansas City’s success and it giving hope for the Browns. Of course this focuses on John Dorsey. To get there from here, go to: “Success of Kansas City Chiefs can give Cleveland Browns fans reason to hope — Terry Pluto”
Are There Red Flags?
Always have to be those and they entail the needs of the Chiefs to take away weapons of the Browns and contain, pressure, hurry and hit Browns Quarterback as often as possible. The Browns defense is fairly stout but carries no big club. They do well defending the run game between tackles but have difficult supporting and stopping the run at the edges. Their Aerial Defense has been good so Patrick Mahomes will need to keep a rein on his gunslinger passes of chance. If he does that and the Chiefs exploit the edges of the field, the Chiefs will not have a problem scoring.
The Browns have not faced an offense of this caliber this season. I think they will be exposed. Writers are talking about a boost from firing Head Hue Jackson and Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley. They elevated their Defensive Coordinator Mike Williams. Ya, I can see from commentary by pundits up in Cleveland that they all are very fine with the coaching departures. None think it’s enough to give Cleveland the edge it needs.
There is a nice article covering the “Bickering Coaches” and their firing at the Toronto Sun Here: “Browns fire bickering coaches Jackson and Haley“
The Chiefs Attack Plan
If the Chiefs pass rush is putting the pressure on Mayfield the defense will be successful and that is what I expect. It is my view that Chris Jones will get 2 sacks as will OLB Dee Ford. I am looking for Breeland Speaks to answer the call as well so more than 5 sacks is what I think will happen though Mayfield can scramble. He has a tendency for careless throws when he does so.
We’ll see if Justin Houston gets his feet in the grass at game time. Even without him though I expect the Chiefs to break down barriers of the Offensive tackles with the outside in rush while employing a LB or Safety blitz two or three times to fully give Mayfield different looks from the pass rush location on the field. Mayfield is struggling with proper reads according to what I have read… and watched in their last loss a week ago.
On Offense, the word is out that the Browns defense is good but weak on run defense on the edges. Look for the Chiefs to pass at that zone, empty it of secondary defenders and then flood it with Hunt. Or run at it. I suspect that Kareem Hunt will have another stellar day. Oh, Travis Kelce is playing in front of his family, friends and former football compadres. Look for a big game from Kelce.
Look for a big play or two from Demetrius Harris as well, when both tight ends are on the field. Kelce will decoy the defenders and Harris will come open several times.
The Browns defense is pretty good but they have not yet faced one of the Top Quarterbacks in the NFL and they will get a big dose of Patrick Mahomes on Sunday. I gave you my prediction on the final score: Chiefs 44, Browns 13, on Friday.
David Bell – ArrowheadOne
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