Patriots vs. Chiefs: Examining the Running Backs
Patriots vs. Chiefs: Examining the Running Backs
Leading up to the Divisional Round showdown between the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, we here at Musket Fire are examining each of the positional groups and deciding which team has the advantage. Yesterday, we took a closer look at the quarterback position. Today, we’re focusing on the running backs.
NFL Power Rankings: Divisonal Round
Much of the reason the Chiefs find themselves in the position they are right now has to do with success running the ball. Even without Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs have committed to the ground game and reaped the benefits.
In addition to having the best first name in the league, Charcandrick West led the Chiefs on the ground with 634 yards and four touchdowns, averaging a solid four yards per carry. West’s efforts were echoed by Spencer Ware, who reeled off 403 yards on just 72 carries (5.6 yards per carry) as well as six touchdowns.
Knile Davis (72 yards, touchdown) and De’Anthony Thomas (34 yards, touchdown) round out the Kansas City backfield. Both of those players are better in open space rather than between the tackles like West and Ware. Davis made his presence felt in the Wild Card Round by taking the opening kickoff all the way back for a touchdown.
Patriots vs. Chiefs: 6 Surprise hero candidates
All in all, the Chiefs have produced the sixth-most rushing yards (2,044), second-best yards per carry average (4.7) and are tied for the most rushing touchdowns (19).
Meanwhile, the Patriots are one of the NFL’s worst teams when it comes to running the ball. Things have gone from bad to worse; if you look at the stat sheet, you will see that the Pats’ top two rushers on the year, LeGarrette Blount (703 yards, six touchdowns) and Dion Lewis (234 yards, two touchdowns), have both gone down with season-ending injuries.
That has translated into more playing time for a thrown-together backfield stable of Brandon Bolden (207 yards), James White (56 yards), Joey Iosefa (51 yards) and Steven Jackson (50 yards). The Patriots prefer Bolden as a primary special teamer and White as a pass catcher out of the backfield, meaning that Jackson will see the lion’s share of the carries in the Divisional Round.
Patriots playoff preparation to-do list
In summary, the Patriots rank third-worst in the NFL having racked up just 1,404 yards on the ground. Their 3.7 yards per carry average ranks 28th. The only encouraging stat is their 14 rushing touchdowns, which is more than 21 teams.
Advantage: Chiefs
This is a no-brainer. The Chiefs make their bread in the running game, so naturally, their running backs have experienced more success than those of the Patriots.
Remembering all 6 of Tom Brady’s career games against the Chiefs
Of course, the Patriots will trot onto the field with one of the best running backs of this century in Jackson, so don’t sleep on the New England ground game. As noted by ESPN Patriots insider Mike Reiss last week, the Patriots are turning to Jackson as their feature power back.
Having not played in the postseason since his rookie season back in 2004, you can bet that Jackson will be looking to make good on the Patriots’ belief in him.
Be sure to join us tomorrow as we break down the wide receivers and tight ends and determine who has the advantage.
Next: Top 15 Patriots Moments of 2015
Go Pats.