Patriots vs. Chiefs: Breaking Down Kansas City's Game Plan

The Kansas City Chiefs won their first game of the season last week and hope that it was the start of a turning point for 2014. In order to know for sure if the Chiefs can create a streak, they will have to get through the New England Patriots at home on Monday Night Football.

The Chiefs will play to host one of the best teams in the NFL in the Patriots as there are several key matchups that fans should keep an eye on throughout Monday night’s game.

WR Dwayne Bowe vs. CB Darrelle Revis

With the exception of the postseason game against Indianapolis, the Kansas City Chiefs are waiting for Dwayne Bowe to have a breakout game and emerge as an elite receiver. Bowe is due for a big game at some point, but it is doubtful that it happens on Monday night.

Darrelle Revis, not generally known for his statistics, is tabbed as one of the best lockdown and man-to-man cornerbacks in the NFL. But how do you eliminate Revis from being a factor? By throwing in the other direction.

Expect Alex Smith to throw very few passes in the direction of a pass-catcher defended by Revis.

TE Travis Kelce vs. Patriots defense

Travis Kelce showed off his speed on a couple of long catch-and-run touchdown plays in the preseason. He proved he can do it in the regular season when he earned his first career start as well as his first touchdown against the Dolphins during Kansas City’s first win of 2014.

With the hope that the team has a newborn star at tight end, the Chiefs will continue to use Kelce and make him a big part of the offense. Smith will not hesitate for a second to throw in his direction, especially if New England’s defense collapses on a play and allow him to get wide open.

LT Eric Fisher vs. DE Chandler Jones

Eric Fisher, quickly labeled as a bust by many fans, has pulled through lately for the Chiefs. After silencing DeMarcus Ware and Olivier Vernon and paving the way for Knile Davis, Fisher is starting to come together as a strong starting left tackle.

Chandler Jones, who’s recorded two sacks so far this year coming off an 11.5-sack season, will keep Fisher busy throughout the game. With Fisher’s recent improvement, this makes for an intriguing matchup.

Fisher has allowed only one sack and yet to commit a penalty this year. Under the national spotlight, Fisher has another challenge before him.

Interior OL (LG Mike McGlynn, C Rodney Hudson, RG Zach Fulton) vs. DT Vince Wilfork

Vince Wilfork has been one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the league for years, giving interior offensive linemen real problems. Mike McGlynn has allowed three sacks so far filling in at left guard, while rookie Zach Fulton has allowed just one sack.

Kansas City’s interior linemen must play better and keep Smith’s jersey clean. With New England’s offense likely to score some points, Kansas City must respond well throughout the game by lighting up the scoreboard. It will start with sound and solid blocking up front.

OLB Tamba Hali vs. Nate Solder and OLB Justin Houston vs. Sebastian Vollmer

Tamba Hali is one of the most feared pass-rushers in the NFL. In addition to having an elite sidekick in Justin Houston, opposing offensive tackles are under pressure to play their best to limit Kansas City’s pass rush as much as possible. If New England’s offensive tackles, Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer, struggle against Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, New England will have a hard time scoring and its chances of winning diminishes.

Hali vs Solder: Through three games, Solder has given up a pair of sacks and has been penalized three times. Alongside his two sacks, Hali has consistently invaded the pocket and to pressure quarterbacks.

Houston vs. Vollmer: Vollmer has played well, allowing only one sack. However, his biggest challenge of the season comes against Houston on Monday night. Like Hali, Houston has managed to terrorize quarterbacks and is on pace to have double-digit sacks for the third straight season.

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