Kansas City Chiefs 2011 NFL Playoffs Preview: Can Matt Cassel Spread Ball Around?
Kansas City Chiefs Superior Running Game Will Be Key to a Deep NFL Playoff Run
The Kansas City Chiefs dismal performance against the Oakland Raiders in their final home game may be a harbinger of things to come in the NFL Playoffs for this Kansas City Chiefs team. Matt Cassel looked disoriented and although Jamaal Charles had a big day the Chiefs look like a perfect candidate to be one and done in the NFL Playoffs.
Will Kansas City Chiefs Running Game Overcome a Good Run Defense in NFL Playoffs?
Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones have been bottled up this season by teams that are not known for solid run defense. The Oakland Raiders had Charles number this season as did the Indianapolis Colts. Charles also had difficulty against one of the better run defenses in the San Diego Chargers.
The Baltimore Ravens are holding opposing rushing games to 93 yards per game and they are solid against the best runners in the NFL. Ray Lewis will be a player the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line will need to be concerned with in this game. Answer: No, the Kansas City Chiefs will not be able to run the ball with authority against the Baltimore Ravens defense.
Can Matt Cassel Utilize His Other Receivers if Bowe is Shut Down in NFL Playoffs?
The Oakland Raiders took Dwayne Bowe out of the picture in their rout of the Kansas City Chiefs in NFL Week 17. Matt Cassel and the Kansas City Chiefs offense must be able to find their open receivers and utilize explosive players such as Dexter McCluster in this offense.
McCluster and Cassel could not get on the same wave length in the Oakland Raiders game but he does have the potential to be a game breaker in the NFL Playoffs. Answer: No, Matt Cassel has not shown the ability to use his third or fourth targeted receivers. He appears to panic under extreme pressure.
Will Kansas City Chiefs Special Teams Players Step Up in NFL Playoffs?
With Javier Arenas and Dexter McCluster on special teams the Kansas City Chiefs will have an edge over the competition when hosting an NFL game on NFL Wild Card Weekend. Arenas is just as explosive as McCluster when he turns the corner and heads up field.
The Kansas City Chiefs will be challenged to take their special teams return unit to another level in their NFL Playoffs game to have an edge. The Baltimore Ravens have been decent against good special teams units this season. Answer: Yes, the Kansas City Chiefs special teams unit will play a key role in their NFL Playoffs success.
Kansas City Chiefs NFL Playoffs Preview & Prediction
The Kansas City Chiefs will be hard pressed to make it out of their first NFL Playoffs game since 2003. They do have a few pluses in their favor. They are hosting the game in Arrowhead Stadium and they are 7-1 on their home field. Cassel has been a better quarterback at home than on the road but there are other factors to consider in this game.
There is underlying animosity in the locker room with the impending departure of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Charlie Weis as the offensive coordinator for the Florida Gators. The strange lateral move by Weis may be proof of a philosophical difference between Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley and Weis. The Kansas City Chiefs will be eliminated by the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL Wild Card Playoffs.
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Todd Jacobs is from Anaheim, California and resides in the city of Las Vegas. Todd worked for Orange Coast Magazine as News Editor in the 80s and recently began writing for several online sites including:... View profile
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- Kansas City Chiefs will be hard pressed to make it out of their first NFL Playoffs game since 2003.
- Kansas City Chiefs are hosting the game in Arrowhead Stadium and they are 7-1 on their home field.
- Matt Cassel & the Kansas City Chiefs offense must be able to find their open receivers besides Bowe.