Who: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Minnesota Vikings
When: Sunday, November 3 @ 12 PM
Where: Arrowhead Stadium
The Chiefs are preparing for battle, because an invasion of
Vikings is on the horizon. Who will be taking the snaps for the Chiefs still
remains to be seen, but battle is almost upon us so let’s go over the BQB’s
battle plan.
Chiefs:
Back up QB Matt Moore has been described as “serviceable”
and “solid.” And based on what I saw during his game against the Packers, I
don’t think those words do him near enough justice. The first two drives of
that game yielded little, but once Moore found the rhythm between him and his
targets, Moore and his offense heated up quickly. The offense was in fact
leading the Packers 17-14 at the half. This will be key to the Chiefs success
against a formidable Vikings defense.
Moore may not have the flash and fireworks of Mahomes, but
he is an exceptionally skilled passer. Whether it’s short or intermediate
passes, Moore can get to his targets - like Hill and Watkins (who can “Sonic
the Hedgehog” it down the field as soon as the ball is in their hands).
However, Moore needs to be able to get the run game going by opening up the
play action pass. But here’s the deal, if he is going to get the run going, I
have something to say about Shady McCoy.
Look, I like Shady a lot. I think he is a fantastic running
back. But, nothing frustrates me more when I hear Mitch Holthus or Kendal
Gammon tell me that Shady is running with the ball held out in front of him. He
has been in the league for too long and should know better! When you’re running
with the football, hold that thing to your chest like it’s your newborn child.
Chiefs’ defense will be put to all the usual tests trying to
stop the run. Vikes’ running back Dalvin Cook undoubtedly watched Aaron Jones
ride rough shot over the Chiefs’ defense for four quarters last week. Now it’s
Cook’s turn. However, if the Chiefs can step up and hold Cook to a minimum,
then they have a chance of making the Vikings’ offense one dimensional. The
Vikings have a very skilled wide receiver duo in Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
And with the Chiefs rather improved performance against the pass, the probable
return of Chris Jones should assist in this matter. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins is efficient
when he wants to be, but has also proven to be somewhat inconsistent in his
passing game. The Chiefs’ previous pass rushes that gave 9 sacks on Joe Flacco
and 5 sacks on Aaron Rodgers, are certain to exploit that inconsistency,
especially with the return of Jones.
Vikings:
In addition to the previously mentioned 3-Headed Monster
that is Diggs, Thielen and Cook (who leads the league in rushing yards), what
the Chiefs might find themselves struggling with is that Vikings’ defense has
playmakers at every level when Moore and company have the ball. At defensive
tackle stands Danielle Hunter. The Chiefs’ offensive line is currently
patch-worked together even more than it has been with the recent injury to the
Canadian Doctor. Hunter will be looking to put their fortitude to the test. The
Chiefs’ running game must also contend with defensive tackle Linval Joseph.
Known to play a bit of linebacker with his 329 pound bulk, Joseph is the
Vikings’ Jaba the Hutt stuffing the Chiefs’ running game. The Vikings have a
couple of playmakers in the secondary, but in my opinion I believe they will be
most susceptible to the pass and do not have the speed to cover a receiver like
Hill or Hardman.
Blind QB Prediction:
I honestly predict that if Matt Moore finds his rhythm
quickly and the defense finds a way to corral Cook in addition to pass rush
Cousins, the Chiefs have a real chance at winning this game in front of their
home crowd.
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