Patriots’ O-line versus Chiefs’ pass-rush should determine AFC champion

In a classic tale of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, the Kansas City Chiefs will sic their pass rush on the New England Patriots‘ offensive line.

Sammy Davis Jr. sang about it way back in 1955: “When an irresistible force such as you meets an old immovable object like me, you can bet as sure as you live – something’s gotta give.”

The lyrics feel especially appropriate for this weekend’s big clash between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are that “irresistible force” taking the NFL by storm, spearheaded by a young and exciting MVP-frontrunner in quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The Patriots are perfectly cast as the “old immovable object,” the 800-pound gorilla planted firmly atop the conference for nearly two decades now. Belichick and Brady are both in the twilight of their careers, yet neither man appears ready to concede his iron grip on the crown to the NFL’s next wave of upstart challengers.

Looking deeper into each team’s identity, the analogy fits even more like a glove, particularly when it comes to one of the most crucial matchups in Sunday’s game: the Chiefs’ vaunted pass-rush versus Brady’s phalanx of protectors up front.

Calling Dee Ford, Justin Houston, Chris Jones, and the other members of the Kansas City defensive front an “irresistible force” might not do them enough justice. The Chiefs finished tied with the Steelers for the most sacks in the league during the regular season, tallying 52 before all was said and done. Frighteningly enough, that total was achieved even with several defensive players missing significant time due to injuries over the year.

The Chiefs added on another 3 sacks last week against Andrew Luck and the Colts in the divisional round. At first glance that number might not sound that impressive, but consider that Indianapolis actually finished the regular season having allowed the least number of sacks in the league with just 18.

In other words, a Colts offensive line that was ranked No. 1 in the NFL after only allowing 1.1 sacks per game surrendered three times their season average to the Chiefs in the playoffs. It wasn’t the primary cause of the Colts losing to the Chiefs – that would be Kansas City’s quick scoring output and Indianapolis’ own offensive miscues – but it certainly cost Indy a chance at the upset.

Patriots fans were likely rooting for the Colts to upend Mahomes and the Chiefs in order to bring the AFC Championship Game back to Foxborough for a third consecutive year. Instead, they’ll have to hit the road and travel west to chilly Kansas City to try and improve upon their woeful “away” record this season and punch their tickets to Atlanta.

New England’s offensive line wasn’t far behind Indianapolis this year in terms of quality play. The Pats’ big men up front coughed up just 21 sacks during the regular season, an average of 1.3 allowed per game, which was good enough for the No. 3 spot overall in the NFL – right behind the Colts at No. 1 and the Saints at No. 2.

They are the “immovable object” in the song: a fearsome fivesome under the excellent tutelage of longtime coach Dante Scarnecchia. We circled the play of left tackle Trent Brown as being of particular importance last weekend against Chargers standout Melvin Ingram. Brown, along with left guard Joe Thuney, proved up to the task of keeping Ingram in check; this week, they’ll take on Allen Bailey, Reggie Ragland, and the rest of the Chiefs’ rushers on the right side.

Patriots right tackle Marcus Cannon and right guard Shaq Mason might actually be more in the spotlight this week than last week, as the Chiefs’ best pressure typically comes on the left-hand side behind Chris Jones and Justin Houston. Jones had 15.5 sacks during the regular season, one of which came against the Patriots in Week 6. Houston missed the game against New England earlier this year, but still managed to pick up 9 sacks of his own in a shortened season.

Perhaps the most dangerous man of all in the Chiefs’ pass rush is Pro Bowl linebacker Dee Ford. Ford finished the regular season with a career-high 45 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles. He terrorized quarterbacks and linemen all season, and now gets to set his sights on the 41-year-old Brady. If Cannon, Mason, Brown, Thuney, and center David Andrews don’t play up to their best abilities, it could mark the end of the Patriots’ Super Bowl appearances streak.

Of course, the play of the Patriots’ offensive line isn’t just limited to pass protection and keeping Brady upright. They also need to pave the way for running backs Sony Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead to carry the ground game and control the clock.

Thankfully for New England sports fans, the O-line finished the season ranked No. 3 in run-blocking. That’s an encouraging stat headed into Sunday, as the Patriots’ success running the ball may help take some of the pressure off Brady, which in turn would force the Chiefs’ defense to play more conservative, negating their ability to seek sacks on every snap.

The absolute worst thing that could happen for Patriots fans would be to see their team fall into an early hole on the road. Not only would it force New England into a shootout – which plays right into Kansas City’s hands – it would also allow the Chiefs’ defense to do what they do best: pin their ears back and get after the quarterback.

Here’s hoping Scarnecchia gets his “immovable object” as absolutely immovable and impenetrable as possible come kickoff this weekend. If he does, the Patriots will have a real chance to emerge from Arrowhead victorious and ready for action in their third straight Super Bowl.