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New England Patriots 4 Downs Preview: Week 14 vs Kansas City Chiefs

By Michael Perry

FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 14: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 14: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 1: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans is sacked in the second half of a game by Donta Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Patriots 28-22. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 1: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans is sacked in the second half of a game by Donta Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Patriots 28-22. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

4th Down: Defense, keep doing what you’re doing

The New England Patriots defense, despite two losses in which they’ve given up 37 and 20 points, are still statistically the NFL’s best. Their pass rush is top notch and their secondary is giving opposing wide receivers and tight ends nightmares. They have been solid against the run most of this season, though they’ve had some struggles with mobile dual-threat quarterbacks.

That said, New England did a nice job solving Patrick Mahomes in their two meetings with Kansas City last year. They held him in check in the first half of the regular season game in Foxboro and then in the AFC title game at Kansas City. The Patriots front seven needs to keep him in the pocket but also have a spy on him in case he starts to use his legs.

Stephon Gilmore will most likely take on Travis Kelce or Sammy Watkins, leaving Tyreek Hill to be taken by Jonathan Jones – who covered him with Devin McCourty in the conference championship.

Next. 3 keys to the Patriots beating the Chiefs on Sunday. dark

The New England Patriots overall need to trust their defense to just keep doing what they’ve been doing all season. Assuming everyone plays up to their capabilities and the style they’ve been playing from Week 1 on, they should be able to handle the Kansas City Chiefs at home on Sunday.

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