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Patriots vs. Chiefs: 6 Surprise hero candidates

By Connor Fulton

Sep 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell (19) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Ron Parker (38) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell (19) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Ron Parker (38) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Geneo Grissom Patriots
James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Geneo Grissom

After gradually tracking upward all season, Grissom was finally rewarded for his hard work in Week 17 when he got a clear shot at Ryan Tannehill and recorded his first career sack. Entering the postseason, Grissom is largely an unknown quantity outside of New England, and with his stock rising, he should be considered a surprise hero candidate against the Chiefs.

According to ESPN NFL insider Mike Reiss, the rookie appeared in 12 percent of defensive snaps. So while Grissom hasn’t been a major fact in the pass rush all season, he’s definitely made his share of contributions to one of the NFL’s most underrated front sevens.

Patriots vs. Chiefs: Early thoughts

You may have heard that the Patriots rank second in the NFL in sacks (49) and that the Chiefs have allowed the sixth-most sacks among the 32 teams (46). As long as the Patriots’ pass rush generates its usual heat, Grissom should have opportunities to whack Alex Smith.

After all, Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard will command the most attention from the Kansas City offensive line.

Next: 3. Akiem Hicks

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