Arrowhead Pride
In a Week 3 matchup between two winless teams, the Kansas City Chiefs are taking on the New York Giants for “Sunday Night Football” at MetLife Stadium.
Kansas City is trying to rebound after back-to-back one-possession losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and the Philadelphia Eagles. While a phrase like “must win” seems like hyperbole in September, starting a season 0-3 digs a hole from which very few teams can escape.
Fortunately for the Chiefs, they are among the league’s most experienced teams. They should be able to handle the challenge.
As they try, here are some things to watch.
So far, Kansas City’s running game has been ineffective. A combination of blocking miscues, poor reads from the backs and a bland running scheme has held the offense back. In fact, most of the production on the ground has come from quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ legs.
Against Philadelphia, we saw poor reads by running back Isiah Pacheco — and at the point of attack, ineffective blocking by tight end Noah Gray. The inexperience on the left side of the Chiefs’ offensive line — paired with conservative play-calling from head coach Andy Reid — has also contributed. It may be only a matter of time before Reid opens up the playbook. Just the same, when the opportunities are there, Pacheco and colleagues need to hit the holes decisively.
So far, most snaps have gone to Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, but Kansas City could also use Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell this week.
If there were ever a week to turn the ground game around, this is it. Through two games, New York has surrendered a league-high 355 rushing yards and allowed a staggering 5.9 yards per carry. If the Chiefs cannot run effectively against the Giants’ defense, that should be a red flag.
Second-year wide receiver Malik Nabers has emerged as a budding star. He currently leads the league in receiving yards. His performance in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys — nine receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns — highlighted both his explosive playmaking and contested-catch ability. During his Thursday press conference, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo referred to Nabers as a “game-wrecker.”
The Chiefs must find a way to contain him.
The obvious choice to cover Nabers will be All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie — especially on snaps when Nabers lines up inside. Given his size and contested-catch skills, Kansas City may also mix coverages and use longer corners such as Jaylen Watson when he aligns outside.
So far this season, Nabers has been the focal point of New York’s offense. If the Chiefs can limit his production, they should be able to control the game.
Don’t let their 0-2 record fool you. The Giants have built a formidable defensive front.
Led by All-Pro nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, edge rushers Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns and rookie Abdul Carter headline...
