Arrowhead Pride
The (2-3) Kansas City Chiefs will host the (4-1) Detroit Lions for the Week 6 edition “Sunday Night Football” on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The game will kick off at 7:20 p.m. Arrowhead Time — and feature one of the NFC’s top contenders against a Kansas City team that desperately needs a win to stay afloat in the AFC West.
The Lions boast a powerful, star-studded offense, along with drastically-improved defense that is quickly closing in on the league’s top-10.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs — fresh off a frustrating 31-28 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on “Monday Night Football,” will be trying to get back to 0.500 — and collect much-needed boost heading into the return of wide receiver Rashee Rice next week.
Here are five things to watch in Sunday night’s matchup.
On Monday night — for the first time this season — Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes regularly lined up under center. That allowed the Chiefs to find big gains on the ground and through the air.
Running back Kareem Hunt ripped off a season-long 33-yard run from the shadow of his own goal line, while Mahomes used play-action looks from under center to fire long completions to wide receiver Tyquan Thornton — and help get tight end Travis Kelce open underneath.
It’s no coincidence that Monday’s game was the best the Chiefs have looked while running the football this season. The downhill nature of the under-center running game perfectly suits both Isiah Pacheco and Hunt. In addition, this improved running game will continue to open up the passing attack — and more opportunities for play-action passes will lead to explosive shots downfield.
Yes… Kansas City lost the game in Jacksonville. But for the second straight week, the Chiefs’ passing attack looked highly efficient. It was the best it has been in two seasons.
On Sunday night, Kansas City’s receivers should still be primed for a big day. The Lions’ defense has allowed 800 yards and seven touchdowns to opposing wideouts this season. That’s the sixth-most yards — and is tied for the third-most scores.
It’s true: some of that production came in garbage time after the Lions built big leads. But the Chiefs should still keep their receivers going. Thornton is having a breakout season, becoming the secondary deep-ball threat Mahomes has needed. Thus far, Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster have both had quality seasons. And even with his torn labrum, Xavier Worthy (and his speed) have been the icing on the cake.
For the Chiefs to hit those deep passes, Mahomes will need time to throw. That will be no easy task against the Detroit pass rush, which ranks second in sacks (16) and eighth in total pressures (42).
Star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has been the key to the Lions’ defensive turnaround. He’s tied for third in the league with five sacks through four games, leads all...
