Chiefs should get back on track against ailing Jaguars
The Kansas City Chiefs must be upset with themselves after dropping two straight, and now they have a great shot at redemption against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars may be 3-3, but they’re coming off an embarrassing Monday Night loss at home and
they’re banged up at quarterback. The Chiefs should be l*****g their chops at the potential match-up.
The Chiefs blew a big lead on the road last week in a 35-31 loss at Houston. They will now get a Jaguars team that will be forced to be one-dimensional this Sunday. David Garrard has not been at the Jaguars’ facility all week after suffering a concussion
against Tennessee. Additionally, Trent Edwards hurt his hand in relief of Garrard, which means Todd Bouman may make his first start in five years.
With the Jaguars’ problems at quarterback, they’ll rely heavily on Maurice Jones-Drew to carry their offence. The only thing the Jaguars seem to do well is run the football. They are sixth in the league with 135 yards per game and that’s a testament to how
Jones-Drew has carried the Jaguars’ offence.
The Chiefs happen to be a solid defence. Thanks to draft picks making an immediate impact combined with defensive coordinator Romeo Crenell’s system, the Chiefs are becoming a fierce defence. They’re ranked a stout fifth against the run, allowing just 90
yards per game on the ground. They’re also ninth in points allowed per game with 18.4, but that number could have been a lot better if not for their late-game collapse last week. The Jaguars will have their hands full.
Defence isn’t the only area where the Chiefs are improving. Their offence is getting better and better as well. They’re first in rushing with 164 yards per game thanks to the combination of Jamal Charles and Thomas Jones.
The Chiefs are also improving throwing the football. Matt Cassel is starting to build chemistry with his targets including Dwayne Bowe and the electrifying rookie Dexter McCluster. McCluster is also a threat on special teams.
The Jaguars’ defence is young and struggling. They’re 31st in points per game (27.8), and 27th with 374.8 yards allowed per game. That’s something the Chiefs can take advantage of as they look to continue to make strides as an offence.
What must also be taken into consideration is the fact that this game is in Kansas City. The Jaguars are 1-2 on the road, while the Chiefs are 2-0 at home, as Kansas City is a tough place to play for any team. The crowd is always loud and the weather is
a tough adjustment, especially for a team from Florida.
This game just looks like too big of a challenge for the Jaguars. Missing a starting quarterback is tough for any team, but for the Jaguars, it’s devastating. While Garrard is not an elite quarterback, he was playing well prior to his injury and he forces
defences to respect the passing game. Without him, all attention will be on Jones-Drew and the Chiefs will control the ball with their running game and by winning the turnover battle. The Chiefs should bounce back for a win and maintain total control of the
AFC West. Kickoff is at 1:00 pm from Arrowhead Stadium.
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