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

Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) runs against the Oakland Raiders during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

4. Establish An Early Run Game

Forget targeting guys not named Edelman and Gronkowski. The second offensive key for the Patriots in this one is the running game. In the long term, yes, they are going to need Danny Amendola, Aaron Dobson, and Brandon LaFell to get more involved in the passing game, but they need to keep Brady in one piece tonight.

By giving Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen early touches in this one, they will not only force the Chiefs to devote more players to the run game, (which will open up windows in the back end), but it will also allow the Pats to go to the play-action game, which gives Brady more time to work in the pocket. At this current time, the Patriots’ offensive line is not good enough to protect Brady in a traditional five-step dropback in the shotgun, which means they have to get creative to give number 12 time.

I am hoping the Pats will go back to some old-school football tonight, by running the ball, controlling the clock, playing good defense, and ultimately getting the tight victory.