Chiefs vs. Patriots: 5 Halftime Adjustments Kansas City Should Make

Nick YokoyamaNov 21, 2011

Tonight the New England Patriots take on the Kansas City Chiefs under the lights in Foxboro.

We should be in for a great finish as the Chiefs look to take down the high-powered Patriots without QB Matt Cassel.

Can Kansas City pull off this huge road upset?

Here are five halftime adjustments the Chiefs should consider if they want to come back for the win.

1. Limit Mistakes

KC cannot afford any more red zone mistakes in the second half. On their first scoring drive they had a crucial illegal shift penalty on first and goal and were limited to a field goal.

If they want to win this game, the Chiefs need to cut out the stupid penalties and blown coverages and actually execute.

2. Attack the Secondary

The Patriots' secondary has been ravaged with injuries throughout this season. Even with the inexperienced Palko at QB, KC needs to try and attack the secondary and stretch the defense.

In the second half, Palko should look for holes over the middle of the field and perhaps take a couple shots deep to WR Dwayne Bowe.

3. Quick Tempo

The Chiefs' offense has been most efficient when they have been able to control the tempo and hurry the pace.

Although New England's battered D will most likely come out of halftime better prepared, KC should still try to push the tempo and look for confusion in the secondary.

4. Pressure Up the Middle

There is no doubt that Tom Brady is an elite QB.

Although he doesn't have many inconsistencies in the pocket, the one way the Chiefs can truly disrupt Brady's game is with straight pressure up the middle. Brady likes to step up in the pocket and deliver his throws and if KC can bring the heat down the center, we should see some mistakes in the second half.

5. Keep Rolling the Dice

The Chiefs should keep taking chances in the second half. Whether they run more gadget plays or continue to execute multiple defensive looks, KC needs to roll the dice.