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New England Patriots: 4 Keys to Victory Against the Kansas City Chiefs

By Michael Perry

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs shake hands after the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Chiefs 27-20. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs shake hands after the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Chiefs 27-20. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – OCTOBER 04: The New England Patriots defense celebrates during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – OCTOBER 04: The New England Patriots defense celebrates during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

1.    Defense needs to step up

The New England Patriots defense had a shaky finish to the game last Thursday against the Colts, especially in the passing game. They gave up 3 touchdowns and 355 yards through the air to an offense that is not toward the top of the league and were without their two offensive weapons.

Kansas City brings young quarterback Mahomes along with his top weapons including Kelce, Hunt and Hill. All three gave the New England Patriots’ headaches last season on opening night.

The first thing the New England Patriots’ defense needs to do is get consistent pressure on Mahomes. Last week, Andrew Luck had all the time he needed to throw the football but Dont’a Hightower, Trey Flowers and company cannot let the offense march up and down the field because it will be a long day for the home team.

Another thing they can do to be successful is the secondary needs to do better in pass coverage. Kelce is a big man so it will take at least a double team to keep him from lighting up the stat sheet. Hunt and Hill can do a lot of damage because they have a lot of speed. So the secondary, including Stephon Gilmore and Devin McCourty will be responsible for keeping these offensive weapons in check.

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