Chiefs-Browns: Key Match-Ups, and The Road to a KC Victory

Week 15 kicks off as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Cleveland Browns, as they prepare to not only reel in a fourth victory, but to hopefully build for the future of a franchise that has a combined 9-36 over the last three seasons.

Key Match-ups

Josh Cribbs vs. Chiefs special teams

Cleveland's do-it-all man, Josh Cribbs was a huge part of the Browns 13-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Thursday, as he rushed for 87 yards on just eight carries, Cribbs not only helps in the running game, but he is also their main Kick/Punt returner, as he has put up nearly 2,000 all purpose yards this season, also catching passes in a receiver role.

Earlier this week, Cleveland coach Mark Mangini suggested that he could possibly use Cribbs in more of a runningback role this week, after he has consistently made plays out of the backfield this season.

His role as punt returner will be tested this week as he will be facing a Chiefs special teams that has been one of the best in league. Punter Dustin Colquitt has helped by putting up a 45 yard average off 81 Punts, also with a 41.1 yard net average, putting his punt coverage unit in the top five of the league.

Cleveland Pass Rush Vs. Chiefs O-line

The Chiefs have given up a second worst, 42 sacks this season, ranked only behind Green Bay. While the Cleveland Browns, after sacking Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger eight times, now ranks in the top 10 with 32 sacks on the season, tied with the undefeated Indianapolis Colts.

The fact is, when Chiefs Quarterback Matt Cassel is pressured, it makes his job more difficult to find open receivers and to not make mistakes with the football. When Cassel is pressured, he has a horrid 52.5 QB rating, which is not even acceptable. Yet when Cassel is protected well, he brings his QB rating up to decent 80.5 QB rating.

Cleveland's pass rush has been one of their only bright spots in a season filled with disappointment. It will be difficult for the Chiefs to decide who to key on in pass protection during this game, as the Browns best pass rusher has only 6.5 sacks on the season. This means the Browns come from all angles to attack the quarterback, not just one guy making all the plays. In fact, at least one sack has come from every position on the defense, that includes the Safety and Cornerback positions.

Jamaal Charles Vs. Cleveland's rush defense

The Cleveland Browns are one of the leagues worst against the run. Allowing a total of 1,927 rushing yards to be racked up so far this season.

It all started in week one as Cleveland allowed Vikings runningback Adrian Peterson to stiff arm, juke, and power is way to 180 yards rushing, giving him by far his best performance of the season.

In week four, the Browns managed to hold power back Cedric Benson to just 74 yards rushing on 18 attempts, and zero touchdowns to add to it.

Cleveland was able to stuff Pittsburgh's, Rashard Mendenhall for only 62 yards rushing off 17 attempts in week six.

Then in week 7, Packers runningback Ryan Grant was able to put up over 140 yards rushing off 27 touches, as he helped Green Bay win a slaughter of a game 31-3.

The fact is that Clevelands rush defense has been wildly inconsistent throughout all 13 games so far. Yet they haven't quite seen a runningback like Jamaal Charles yet, a quick, home run hitter, who also has enough power and grit to pick up extra yards after contact.

Although Charles managed to rack up 143 rushing yards last week against the leagues worst rush defense, Buffalo, Kansas City still managed to lose 16-10. The difference in this weeks game is that Cleveland has shown that once they are beaten by a runningback, they have a tendency to lose big. Whether or not Charles has a solid game could determine the outcome.

This is a must win game for both teams, no, not because either team has a shot at the playoffs, but because these are teams that need something to boost their confidence and have something to look forward to heading into next year. Cleveland is a team that seems to be headed into the wrong direction as they have only won two games this season, but could be starting a series of wins after knocking off the defending Superbowl Champions.

The Chiefs are a team that has also beaten the Superbowl Champs, yet after being crushed by San Diego and Denver at home, they have shown little hope for improvement as the season has continued.

Chiefs, 17, Browns, 14 (OT)