KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs close out the month of September with their third road trip in four weeks, traveling to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions in the first NFC North matchup of the season.
Matt Paticia’s squad ranks 12th in total offense and 23rd in total defense, but the second-year coach is still working to develop an identity for the Lions. A 2-0-1 start while finding answers is encouraging.
The Lions’ defense lacks impactful pass rushers along the defensive line, especially after Mike Daniels’ foot injury.
Additionally, Detroit’s linebackers are slow covering ground sideline to sideline, making them a liability in coverage, while the secondary might be without its difference maker, cornerback Darrius Slay, due to a hamstring injury.
Offensively, the Lions have two legitimate playmakers in wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. and running back Kerryon Johnson. They make the Matt Stafford-led offense go.
Wide receiver Kenny Golladay takes advantage of occasional opportunities but he isn’t a focal point, while tight ends Jesse James and T.J. Hockenson, a rookie sensation from Iowa, are still feeling out their roles.
Veteran receiver Danny Amendola has helped in some spots, but he’s been limited in practice and may not play.
Stafford is at his best when the run game is working and he can use play-action pass of off it.
Otherwise, he will lock in on receivers in shotgun at times and force throws into tight coverage.
The Chiefs (3-0) have a chance to attack the Lions aggressively and set the tempo early. Here are some of the keys to Kansas City remaining undefeated:
1. Stretch defense to sidelines
The Lions’ front seven is limited in terms of athletic ability and strength.
That means the Chiefs’ athletic offensive line has a chance to shine this week by running zone reads off-tackle and stretching the defense from sideline to sideline.
The edge should be there for some explosive runs. Then, if the Chiefs are able to stretch out the Lions’ defense, it should open up additional cutback runs, misdirection and jet sweeps.
2. Maintain gap control
It’s an important week for the Chiefs’ defense to maintain its discipline and hold the point of attack with its gap control.
Oakland and Baltimore both found success with the run game by doubling the Chiefs’ defensive line at the point of attack.
For Stafford to get comfortable, he needs a productive run game to allow the play-action pass game to work.
Johnson likely will test out the right side of the Chiefs’ defense, where other teams had found the most success.
But if Kansas City’s front seven can shut down the run, it will cause Detroit’s offense to become predictable in shotgun, a bad situation for Stafford.
3. Bring blitzes
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo should have fun this week bringing a blitzer on a delay or off the edge.
Stafford speeds up his process when he sees a blitz coming or expects one. The internal clock in his head speeds up and he bails quickly, even if the pocket is clean.
Once that happens, Stafford starts to predetermine some throws and forces passes into coverage or he ties to inaccurately throw on the run.
The Lions’ offense begins to sputter if the run game isn't working and Stafford can't get Jones the football.
4. Isolate linebackers, safeties
Because the Lions linebackers and safeties struggle in coverage, teams have found success by forcing them to cover passes to the flats, down the seams and outside the numbers on intermediate routes.
The Chiefs’ running backs and tight ends could have a massive day if they exploit these weaknesses early in the game
Detroit also struggles with the screen game on the perimeter.
5. Attack over middle with crossers
Kansas City can space out Detroit’s defense so much with speed that the middle of field should be wide open, much like it was against the Ravens.
The Lions likely will be concerned with getting beat by the Chiefs’ speed outside the numbers, which would open up the middle of the field to be attacked on a routine basis.
Detroit’s previous opponents had success at all levels with crossing routes. Defenders were spaced too far apart in zones or were struggling to get through traffic, so opposing offenses routinely can move the chains with this strategy.
Simply by playing their style of football, the Chiefs team ought to be able to go out and win the game.
The notes above demonstrate the massive deficiencies the Lions exhibit.
Were it not for some poorly timed penalties, missed field goals or dropped passes, the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia should have both handed Detroit losses.
One on drive in the Chargers’ game they has an off-tackle run for a touchdown and a screen pass for a touchdown, which both were called back before the drive ended with a missed field goal.
Kansas City should find similar early success with its style of offense, but look for coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes to sustain that success, unlike previous Lions opponents.
Nick Jacobs can be found on Twitter: @Jacobs71. You can also download the weekly 4th and 1 podcast on Apple, Google Podcast, Spotify and Stitcher.
