Intriguing Game– Week Four
Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chiefs: They surprised me last week and I don’t mean this in a clever way either. How many of you can admit you thought they had that game in the bag last weekend in Indianapolis? That’s the beautiful thing with the National Football League, it’s the sport where you truly have to expect the unexpected. They were in control of that game and the Colts just gained momentum and never looked back. What concerned me about the Chiefs was the play-calling, something I never thought I’d say either. What changed the game was attempting the fake field goal. Just take the 3! It’s that simple! From that point on forward, they were shutout. Coming into the season, I picked the Kansas City Chiefs to win this division and I will continue to stick with my choice. The AFC West is an interesting division because the Broncos are still trying to figure out who they are, the Chargers are dealing with injuries and the Raiders can’t even find the win column. Also, they have the best player in the division in Patrick Mahomes. He’s the ultimate difference maker and with him on the field, you have a chance each week. The one thing that concerns me is the passing game. How can it thrive in the absence of Tyreek Hill? I’m not saying their aerial attack hasn’t been awful at all, but it hasn’t been the greatest either. I’ll also continue to ask this question: After Travis Kelce, who’s that other weapon the opposing defense circles in on? On Sunday night, they’ll seek revenge against the team who embarrassed them on the big stage.
Buccaneers: After opening the season with 2 straight victories on the road, they come back home and lose a tough game to the Green Bay Packers. The minute you saw this matchup, you said the same thing I said, it’s a legendary Quarterback matchup! Future Hall of Famers will battle it out at least once more. When I say it was rough for the Buccaneers on Sunday, I mean that and I’m serious with it. They entered week 3 without Mike Evans due to suspension and both Julio Jones and Chris Godwin are both dealing with injuries. You could just tell Tom wasn’t on cue with the receivers he had on the field with him on Sunday and it showed. The Packers simply punched the Buccaneers in the mouth. I saw a ton of pressure and moving Brady off his spot. That was perfect segue because I want to discuss the GOAT for a quick second. I’ve been watching Tom Brady his entire career and this is the one season where he doesn’t seem focused. As much as many may criticize the pre-season, that time builds chemistry with your teammates and with the time he missed, Tom is still trying to get on the same page with the new additions to the Tampa Wide Receiver room. Chemistry makes all the difference in this game. What’s carried them has been a strong running game and a defense that’s been amazing. Until the passing game regroups, this is their identity. They will welcome a Chiefs team looking to bounce back to town.
Chiefs X-Factor: Chris Jones– Again, this is exactly the reason why you signed him. For games such as this. I’m talking about the games where there’s a star Quarterback on the other team you must get home too. Chris plays similarly to an Offensive Lineman with his physical nature. He’s been such a force for the Chiefs defense since coming out of college. Chris is the closest thing I’ve seen to Richard Seymour. Just as Richard did, Chris can also play inside and outside on the defensive line. I feel he’s at his best as a Defensive Tackle on the interior of the line.
Buccaneers X-Factor: Shaq Barrett– He’s been a stud for years. The Buccaneers as I’ve said have the best group of Linebackers in the league. Each of them does something differently that makes them stand out. Shaq plays his position with the mindset of a Safety with how he’s always around the football. It’s one thing to see him always around the football, it’s the speed he has on display to get to the football that I know catches his opponents off guard. Shaq will chase a Quarterback way out of the pocket. He’s one of those players with a relentless motor.
Final Thoughts: I’ve had the privilege of previewing every single game between Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. It’s been such an honor to watch these 2 square off. As I always say, the key to limiting Brady is to pressure him, particularly from the inside. Make him move outside of the pocket and force him to throw the ball over the top and not underneath or over the middle. This is where Chris Jones will be key. Attacking a shaky Bucs offensive line is crucial for this Chiefs defense. Do you all remember what happened when these teams played each other the last two times? In the first meeting, Mahomes had forever and a day to throw the football. The Bucs played too much zone and it cost them badly. Months later in the Super Bowl, the Bucs amped up the pressure and made life uncomfortable for number 15. Making Mahomes uncomfortable in the pocket must happen. If not, he will pick apart that secondary.
Prediction: Buccaneers 24, Chiefs 21
