Chiefs-Falcons: 5 issues to look at throughout Week 3’s Sunday Night time Soccer

After a two-win residence stand to begin the season, the (2-0) Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are touring to play the (1-1) Atlanta Falcons in Mercedes-Benz Stadium within the Week 3 version of “Sunday Night time Soccer.” Kickoff is about for 7:20 p.m. Arrowhead time.

Will probably be a tricky check for the Chiefs and their younger roster. The Falcons will probably be utilizing this primetime alternative to honor proprietor Arthur Clean. He will probably be inducted into their ring of honor. The crew will probably be providing complimentary concessions as a part of the celebration.

If free meals doesn’t gasoline a rowdy crowd, Week 2’s comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles on “Monday Night time Soccer” has absolutely given Atlanta power.

Whereas Kansas Metropolis has narrowly escaped with victories within the first two weeks, the margins on the highway will probably be slimmer — particularly with one massive harm on the Chiefs’ offense. That’s the place we start 5 issues to look at on Sunday evening.

1. The backfield with out Isiah Pacheco

Beginning working again Isiah Pacheco is out for an prolonged interval after fracturing his fibula in Week 2. In response, the crew signed follow squad again Keaontay Ingram to the lively roster and signed former Kansas Metropolis working again Kareem Hunt to the follow squad.

Hunt could generate essentially the most pleasure amongst Chiefs’ followers, however undrafted rookie Carson Steele is more likely to get the primary alternative to fill Pacheco’s position. Within the preseason, Steele’s downhill working type pressured 9 missed tackles over 11 rushes; 81 of his 87 dashing yards got here after contact.

Veteran again Samaje Perine profiles because the passing-down again to enhance the starter, however he may see extra general work, too. In 2023, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry over 53 rushes for the Denver Broncos.

Nevertheless the Chiefs cube up the backfield snaps, there ought to be possibilities to make performs. Atlanta has allowed 323 dashing yards over the primary two weeks after dealing with the league’s fourth-most dashing makes an attempt.

2. Corralling the Falcons’ playmakers

On each snap, the Atlanta offense offers defenses so much to consider. It begins with working again Bijan Robinson, who has averaged 5.7 yards per contact over the NFL’s ninth-most alternatives. He’ll put a variety of strain on Kansas Metropolis’s linebackers, who might want to make sound tackles within the working lanes and preserve observe of him on passing performs.

On the surface, vast receiver Drake London will command consideration from the Chiefs’ greatest in third-down and purple zone conditions — however he additionally performs an element in Atlanta’s robust dashing assault. That’s what Chiefs’ defensive backs coach Dave Merritt famous from finding out London.

“Drake is a fairly daggone good blocker. He jogs my memory of an outdated Hines Ward, throwback-type blocker,” Merritt informed reporters in a press convention on Thursday. “The No. 1 factor we’ve been engaged on this week is ensuring we handle the primary contact — which is our strain key. Then we are able to get to the working again.”

The Chiefs additionally have to have eyes on tight finish Kyle Pitts, a singular athlete at a place the crew has struggled to include through the first two video games.

3. Difficult an skilled Atlanta secondary

The Falcons have gifted veterans within the again finish who’ve particular expertise towards Kansas Metropolis quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Free security Jessie Bates was a part of the Cincinnati Bengals’ protection that upset the 2021 Chiefs within the AFC Championship — and powerful security Justin Simmons has 5 profession interceptions towards Mahomes. That’s essentially the most of any NFL defender.

Cornerback A.J. Terrell joins this duo to kind a disciplined, sound protection unit. Kansas Metropolis offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has seen it on movie.

“They preserve a variety of issues in entrance of them,” he mentioned throughout Thursday’s press convention. “In opposition to Philadelphia, they did a very good job of tackling. They’re bodily. They perceive the scheme… For us, it’s about, ‘How can we play quick?’”

The Bengals’ sound protection bought the perfect of Mahomes in Week 2, throwing off his timing (and luxury) whereas throwing from the pocket. If there are related points in Atlanta, alarm bells may begin ringing.

4. Blitzing Kirk Cousins

The Chiefs’ go rush ought to have a way more simple job in Week 3. Not like the primary two quarterbacks the protection has confronted, Kirk Cousins is a disciplined pocket passer — particularly as he offers with diminished mobility from an Achilles harm. He’s decided to get the ball out from a sure place at a sure time. Kansas Metropolis should disrupt that rhythm.

It received’t be simple. The Falcons’ offensive line is a powerful unit that has allowed solely three sacks this season. On the similar time, the offense faces strain on 36% of its dropbacks — the league’s ninth-highest charge. Cousins has solely two interceptions this season — and each got here beneath strain.

For this reason the Chiefs could manufacture strain with blitzes much more typically than standard. For these to get residence, the protection will want lockdown protection from cornerback Trent McDuffie and others. If Kansas Metropolis can take away Cousins’ major reads, he will probably be extra susceptible than quarterbacks who can lengthen the play themselves.

5. Patrick Mahomes’ blind aspect

The above image represents the Chiefs’ plan for left deal with on Sunday: head coach Andy Reid mentioned rookie Kingsley Suamataia and second-year offensive deal with Wanya Morris “will each have a possibility to get in there this sport.”

That comes after Suamataia was benched late within the Week 2 win. He allowed two sacks and one quarterback hit towards the Bengals, and was known as for 2 penalties. Morris changed him, and drew an important penalty himself.

Every can have a problem enjoying in a highway surroundings, but in addition dealing with veteran edge rusher Matthew Judon. He has gotten in on a sack in every sport this season.