Patriots vs. Chiefs: Examining the pass catchers

Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) prepares to line up during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) prepares to line up during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots vs. Chiefs: Examining the pass catchers

Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

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 running back position. Today, we’re focusing on the wide receivers and tight ends.

Patriots playoff preparation to-do list

To get things started, here’s a glance at the respective stat sheets for the top five pass catchers for the Patriots and Chiefs. Here are the Patriots top-producing receivers:

Rob Gronkowski – 72 receptions, 1,176 yards, 16.3 average, 11 touchdowns

Julian Edelman – 61 receptions, 692 yards, 11.3 average, seven touchdowns

Danny Amendola – 65 receptions, 648 yards, 10.0 average, three touchdowns

Brandon LaFell – 37 receptions, 515 yards, 13.9 average

James White – 40 receptions, 410 yards, 10.3 average, four touchdowns     

And the Chiefs:

Jeremy Maclin – 87 receptions, 1,088 yards, 12.5 average, eight touchdowns

Travis Kelce – 72 receptions, 875 yards, 12.2 average, five touchdowns

Albert Wilson – 35 receptions, 451 yards, 12.0 average, two touchdowns

Charcandrick West – 20 receptions, 214 yards, 10.7 average, touchdown

Chris Conley – 17 receptions, 199 yards, touchdown

Looking at the numbers, it’s clear which team likes to throw the ball more. That being said, the Patriots and Chiefs are similar in that both of their top five pass catchers consist of three wide receivers, a tight end and a running back.

Related Story: Patriots vs. Chiefs: Who has the advantage at QB?

Should Maclin miss this game, the Chiefs will be severely undermanned at the wide receiver position, putting a ton of pressure on the shoulders of Kelce. Even with Maclin on the field, Patriots cornerbacks Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan and Leonard Johnson match up very well with this receiving corps. Wilson and Conley aren’t scaring anyone.

Tom Brady’s career history against the Chiefs

Meanwhile, the Patriots’ pass catching group is looking better now that Edelman is expected to go “full throttle” on Saturday. When Edelman is in the lineup, the entire Patriots’ receiving corps benefits from the attention he demands in underneath and crossing routes.

Advantage: PATRIOTS

We haven’t even mentioned Gronkowski yet; his presence alone gives the Patriots the advantage in this category. Add in the return of Edelman and considering how well White has been playing catching balls out of the backfield, the Patriots easily have the advantage in this realm of the game.

Oh, and don’t forget the playoff heroics pulled by Amendola and LaFell last year. LaFell, in particular is someone to keep an eye on this game; he hasn’t reached the end zone since Super Bowl XLIX.

Next: Top 15 Patriots Moments of 2015

Go Pats.