Dissecting Most Crucial Matchups in Kansas City's Week 9 Contest with New York

The Kansas City Chiefs are 4-3, above .500 for the first time this season and want to continue their hot run after winning four of their last five games. Coming up, the Chiefs play host to the New York Jets, who have gone through a ton of mishaps this year.

As you will notice below, one major key for both teams will be protecting their own quarterback. Preventing the opposing defense from getting pressure and sacks will allow the offense to stay on the field and continue its drive, eventually scoring. Kansas City and New York are tied for fourth in the NFL in sacks with 24 on the season.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid knows Mike Vick, who was announced as the starter this week over Geno Smith, pretty well. Reid should have a good game plan for Kansas City's defense to beat Vick, similar to last year when the Chiefs visited him when he played for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Below are the top three most crucial matchups for Kansas City going into Week 9's game at Arrowhead Stadium. 

1. RT Ryan Harris vs. DE Muhammad Wilkerson

Ryan Harris has been average while filling in for Donald Stephenson at right tackle, allowing three sacks on the season. This Sunday, Harris will go up against Muhammad Wilkerson, who leads the Jets in sacks with 4.5.

Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith has done well when his offensive line keeps his jersey clean and will need his line to continue to improve.

If Harris can limit Wilkerson and keep him quiet, it will be a key step in helping the offense do well, which should translate into a good chance at winning.

2. OLB Justin Houston vs. RT Breno Giacomini

Justin Houston, who currently leads the NFL in sacks with 10, has his biggest challenge yet when he goes up against one of the best right tackles this season in Breno Giacomini.

Giacomini has surrendered just 0.75 sacks through eight starts this year. With Vick announced as the starter this week, he surely remembers what happened when he played the Chiefs in Week 3 last year as the QB for Philadelphia: Houston sacked him 4.5 times.

Kansas City has played well on defense, pressuring quarterbacks and ranking first against the pass. Putting pressure on Vick will hurt the Jets’ chances of winning immensely, as it would shut down their offense and force plenty of punts.

3. CBs Jamell Fleming and Sean Smith vs. WRs Eric Decker and Percy Harvin

The Chiefs have used Jamell Fleming more in the past two games at cornerback and hope he and Sean Smith can do well against New York’s receivers.

Eric Decker is a familiar name in Kansas City after he lit up the Chiefs last year when he played for the Denver Broncos. Decker caught eight receptions for 174 yards and four touchdowns in Week 13, earning him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Newly acquired Percy Harvin made his debut for the Jets last week, and he was used in multiple ways, lining up on the outside, in the slot and coming out of the backfield on offense.

Fleming and Smith will rely on Houston and the front seven to quickly invade the pocket and bring down Vick (or Geno Smith, if he plays). If the front seven struggles, the secondary must keep up with Decker and Harvin, as they will have a veteran receiver throwing to them.

Statistics courtesy of STATS LLC.

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