Chiefs vs Lions: 3 Second Half Adjustments Kansas City Must Make

Today's game matches up a pair of teams with plenty to prove.

The Detroit Lions need to demonstrate that they're not the team that lost every regular season game a couple years ago and haven't seen a playoff win in 20 years.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, already had some success with last year's AFC West title. With last week's loss to Buffalo in grand fashion, Kansas City needs to show that 2010 wasn't just a spot of false hope.

So far, the Lions are the ones making their case with a 17-3 lead over the Chiefs.

Kansas City can still definitely compete in the second half despite poor tackling, a series of penalties and the potential loss of Jamaal Charles.

Here are the three things the Chiefs need to do if they hope to leave Ford Field with a win.

Play to Your Strengths

Kansas City needed to come right out of the gate making a statement against the vastly improved Detroit Lions. Todd Haley needed to instill his players with confidence and show he believes his is the better team at Ford Field today.

But like Han Solo says, "Great, kid! Don't get cocky."

The Chiefs won the toss, then pulled the first shock of the game by having his team choose to start on defense.

Kansas City possesses a number of skilled players on defense, but their superstars are on offense. With Jamaal Charles, Dexter McCluster and Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs could come out and score quickly behind an aggressive running game on the edge, with crisp timing patterns to the sidelines.

Instead, the Chiefs let Detroit put their best foot forward. The Lions have never had such a collection of talent on offense, and Kansas City lacks the deep support to stop them after the loss of Eric Berry

Haley threw caution to the wind, and the Chiefs have played from behind since.

Play with Passion, but Stay in Control

Kansas City came into today's game looking for redemption. After last Sunday's debacle against Buffalo, the Chiefs have plenty to prove against Detroit.

Part of doing that requires Kansas City to play angry. They need a sense of urgency in today's game, and so far, have had just that.

They might need to remember the importance of not being ruled by their emotions, though.

Despite Detroit's ability to move the ball on offense, Kansas City nearly took control of the ball before the Lions could find the end zone. Jon McGraw snatched up an interception after Matt Stafford tried throwing the ball away mid-sack.

McGraw didn't secure the ball before starting to run and lost it almost immediately. Detroit recovered and picked up a new set of downs in the process.

Then Brandon Flowers mixed it up with Titus Young on the next play, pulling Young's helmet off in the process. Brandon Carr then came in after Young took a swing at Flowers, shoving Young in the back in full view of the referee.

Kansas City's cornerbacks earned two personal fouls on one play; CBS' commentators wondered whether someone would be ejected following the scuffle.

The Chiefs' defensive line decided to contribute more on the next play. With Stafford throwing the ball away, Glenn Dorsey decided to finish Stafford off with a sack. Never mind that Stafford already released the ball.

There's three personal fouls in two plays.

Kansas City added another personal foul in the second quarter when Demorrio Williams rolled into punter Ryan Donahue's leg. An accidental play, to be sure, but one that cost the Chiefs anyway.

Kansas City needs to keep playing hard, but cannot let themselves make mistakes because they want it too much.

Make Your Own Luck

Kansas City cannot seem to get a break so far this season.  Jonathan Baldwin busts his thumb in a locker room fight. Tony Moeaki, Eric Berry and Brandon Siler all go out for the season. Jamaal Charles could soon follow.

The Chiefs fumble or lose interceptions on fluke plays and are working with a rookie play caller on offense.

Someone could make the case that Kansas City suffers from bad luck this season, and it's hard to fight fate.

Tell that to the Green Bay Packers.

The Chiefs need to ignore the signs that the cards are stacked against them and keep fighting like they're playoff contenders. Except for a couple poor plays, the Chiefs are holding up against a potent Detroit offense and continue to run the ball well despite losing Charles.