New England Patriots: Under-the-Radar Performers for Kansas City Who Could Have a Huge Impact Monday Night
By Hal Bent
Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick reacts in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots face the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football in a prime-time match-up between two 2013 playoff teams. Both teams have struggled to date as the Chiefs have been ravaged by injuries and the New England offense has been stuck in neutral. With the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers in a loaded AFC West the Chiefs face a must-win game at home. This week there has been much analysis about how New England will have tough match-ups against star defensive players like defensive tackle Dontari Poe and outside linebackers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. On offense the Patriots face a strong core of quarterback Alex Smith, running backs Knile Davis and Jamaal Charles, and wide receiver Dwayne Bowe.
Of course, the game does not always turn on the big plays by big stars. Many times the game is won or lost by the unheralded players in the trenches, on special teams, and on the field alongside the stars. Let’s take a look at some of the under-the-radar players on the Kansas City roster who could have a significant impact on the final score on Monday night against the Patriots: