Following their loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Chiefs will now travel to Foxborough for a game against the New England Patriots. Going up against a Bill Belichick coached defense is never easy. But Kansas City can’t afford any more losses, especially to a three-win team.
The Patriots have already been eliminated from the postseason and it seems we’re about to see a new chapter begin in New England. According to NBC Sports Boston,it seems more than likely that Belichick and the Patriots will part ways after the 2023 season. However, this is still the NFL, and the Chiefs can’t take any opponent lightly.
New England’s offense
New England currently has the worst offense in the NFL. They just fall short of averaging two touchdowns a game, averaging 13 points per game. After making a pro bowl in his first season, quarterback Mac Jones has severely regressed. In fact, he lost his starting job to Bailey Zappe in week 13. This came after Jones had been benched at different times in previous games.
Patriots QBs Mac Jones (10) and Bailey Zappe (4) – Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
The decision to start Zappe did not bring immediate results. In his first start against the Chargers, the Patriots got shut out at home and lost 6-0. Zappe was 13/25 for 141 yards. However, things did improve in his second start against the Steelers. Last week, Zappe led the Patriots to a win, throwing for 3 touchdowns. New England will ride this momentum into Sunday’s contest.
Given how well the Chiefs defense has played this year, I would not expect the Patriots to score many points. Kansas City’s defense has still not allowed 30 points in any game this season, and New England likely won’t be the first. Surprisingly, New England did score 29 points on Buffalo, which marks their season high.
New England’s defense
The identity of any Bill Belichick-coached team is the defense. This year New England once again has a solid defense. They are 15th in points per game allowed at 20.9. The strength of this defense is their ability to stop the run. They are 3rd in rush yards allowed at 88.2 yards per game. This will be an interesting dynamic as the run game has been good to the Chiefs this year.
Hopefully, Isiah Pacheco returns this week after missing the Bills game with a shoulder injury.If Pachecho can’t go, I would expect to see Clyde Edwards-Helaire get the majority of carries again. Clyde did have some nice runs against Buffalo, ending the game with 11 carries for 39 yards.
New England also features a solid pass defense. They are 15th in the NFL and allow, on average, 218.8 yards a game. It’s no secret that the Chiefs have struggled more than expected throwing the ball this season. Kansas City receivers have now dropped over 30 passes this season. That’s unacceptable and leaves way too many yards on the table.
Perspective
It’s been hard to not overreact about the Chiefs offense this year. But when you take a step back, it’s not as bad as it feels. Despite their myriad of issues, Kansas City is still knocking on the door of being a top-ten offense in terms of points per game. They currently are 11th in average points per game at 22.5. Even more encouraging, they are 7th in yards per game.
True, it’s not the typical Chiefs offense we’ve grown to expect. But it’s not like they’re incapable. The moment they start finishing drives in the endzone will be the moment the entire season changes. I still believe this is coming around the corner, and this stretch of games can do wonders for the Chiefs confidence.
Also, let’s never take Patrick Mahomes for granted. In a year where Mahomes receivers have dropped over 30 passes, Mahomes is still completing nearly 67% of his passes. He’s still 8th in total yards and tied for 5th in touchdown passes. ESPN projects he’ll still throw over 30 touchdown passes. For comparison, Tom Brady didn’t throw for over 30 touchdowns until his 8th season.
It has been frustrating, but we’re still watching one of the best quarterbacks to ever play. Imagine giving this receiving corps to any other QB. If the Chiefs do win the Super Bowl this year, I don’t know what else we could possibly say about Mahomes.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (15) and Bills QB Josh Allen (17)- Ryan Kang/AP
Mahomes and the Chiefs are no longer the new thing for fans to get behind. This week, Mahomes has faced more criticism than any point in his career. People on social media all seemed to enjoy watching his outburst on Sunday. But while everyone is celebrating the “end” of his run, I wouldn’t count Mahomes out just yet. Be careful giving him extra motivation; just ask Bengals fans.
Prediction
Chiefs 34- Patriots 12
