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

Kicker Cairo Santos:

Sep 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos (5) misses a field goal with punter Dustin Colquitt (2) holding during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Longtime Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop was let go this summer as Kansas City moved on after five years and went with rookie Cairo Santos out of Tulane. After a strong preseason won him the job, Santos has had a rough go of it to date. After having five of seven kickoffs not returned, he did not have a single touchback last week.

Of bigger concern to the Chiefs is that the rookie kicker is making just 50% of his field goals as he missed one in both week one and week two. Last week the Chiefs were scoring touchdowns so Santos only had to make some extra points. With points likely to be at a premium in what could be a close game Monday night, one has to wonder if the Chiefs will forego a long field goal attempt and go for it or punt on fourth down in Patriots territory. A shaky rookie kicker is one of those under-the-radar performers who can make or break a team on an early season prime-time match-up.