New England Patriots: Under-the-Radar Performers for Kansas City Who Could Have a Huge Impact Monday Night

Defensive tackles Allen Bailey and Kevin Vickerson:

Nov 24, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Denver Broncos defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (99) in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The last time Tom Brady saw Kevin Vickerson he was looking at a 24-0 halftime deficit as Vickerson and the Denver Broncos simply destroyed the Patriots (well, in the first half!) last November. It was not a coincidence that the Patriots scored to cut the lead to three on the way to their epic comeback one play after big number 99 in the blue and orange left the game with a dislocated hip. Vickerson missed the rest of the season and joined Kansas City as a free agent after he was cut due to salary cap reasons before the season began.

All Vickerson did last year against New England was be credited with two tackles, a sack, a quarterback hit and a hurry while making life miserable for Brady and the running backs. Vickerson has not played much, but there is little doubt Brady will forget the nuisance Vickerson was last year.  Fourth-year pro Allen Bailey has taken the majority of snaps at defensive end for the Chiefs as former Jets defensive end Mike DeVito (along with run-stuffing inside linebacker Derrick Johnson) is lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon injury.

Bailey bulked up in the off-season as his career to date has been marked by inconsistency. Bailey would have strong games (four pressures in week five against Tennessee, seven pressures against San Diego in week twelve, and eight tackles including five run stops in week seventeen against San Diego last season–per ProFootballFocus.com — subscription required) followed by a number of games without making any significant impact. If Bailey has one of his big games against the Patriots’ weak interior offensive line, it could be a long night in Arrowhead.