New England Patriots’ Four Keys To Victory Versus Kansas City Chiefs

Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) escapes the tackle of Cincinnati Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson (20) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

2. Contain Jamaal Charles, Knile Davis

Alex Smith has done a decent job running Kansas City’s offense this year, but this is still Jamaal Charles’ offense. He is the most talented player on this entire team, and they are at their best when he is getting a lot of carries.

If the Patriots want to limit this offense, they must identify where Charles is located, and then be sure to gang-tackle all game long. Charles will always make at least one guy miss, so if you only send one player to bring him down, he will burn you badly. If they can limit the damage Charles does, this will allow them to be more aggressive in their pass rushing of Smith, and maybe force a few turnovers.

And we can’t forget about Knile Davis either. Charles’ backup has run for 214 yards so far in 2014, and if Charles isn’t 100% (which is likely), Davis will receive a few touches to spell the former Longhorn. It will be up to Vince Wilfork, Joe Vellano, and the linebackers to hold their own at the line of scrimmage, especially with run stopping specialist Sealver Siliga out with a foot injury.