Finding solutions for the rushing attack and 4 more things to watch in Chiefs’ Week 3 matchup vs. Giants
Keep an eye on these things as K.C. looks to get its first win of the season.
The Kansas City Chiefs desperately need to get into the win column in Week 3.
They’ll take on the New York Giants, who are also looking to get their first win of the season, in a Sunday Night Football primetime matchup. The Chiefs have areas in which they need to improve, but can also build on some positives from last week.
Here are our top 5 things to watch for during Kansas City’s road matchup against New York.
Finding success in the running game
This could be easier said than done, but the Chiefs have to try. Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are averaging a combined 3.4 yards per carry, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes by far leads the team in rushing yards.
K.C.’s offensive coaching staff either has to change something schematically, or utilize different personnel. If they do the latter, it may be time to see what rookie Brashard Smith can bring to the table. If not him, the Chiefs could activate Elijah Mitchell for the first time this season.
Both Smith and Mitchell have speed and receiving skills that could give the offense a boost. Through the first two games of the season, the Giants’ defense has allowed the most rushing yards in the NFL.
Containing Giants WR Malik Nabers
Nabers is quickly establishing himself as one of the best WRs in the NFL. He leads the league in receiving yards with 238, totaling 14 receptions and two touchdowns. Nabers can do it all, including burning defensive backs deep down the field.
That makes his connection with quarterback Russell Wilson lethal, as Wilson is still one of the best deep ball throwers in the league. It will take a collective effort from cornerbacks Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and rookie Nohl Williams to slow Nabers down.
WR Jalen Royals’ debut
Royals appears ready to make his regular season debut after missing the first two games with knee tendinitis. He was impressive during training camp and the Chiefs’ first preseason game, in which he caught three passes.
Royals has a nice blend of size and speed, and will give quarterback Patrick Mahomes another much-needed receiving option. Royals may not play a ton of snaps as K.C. eases him in, but he could contribute in crucial situations such as third down and redzone.
Force some turnovers
The Chiefs’ defense has yet to force a single turnover this season, but defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said it was a point of emphasis during practice this week. Finding a way to get pressure with only four or five pass rushers would go a long way in helping get turnovers, but that has been a struggle thus far.
With as much as Wilson likes to air it out, K.C.’s defense will have some shots at interceptions. The Chiefs have typically had Wilson’s number in the past, picking him off five times in their previous four matchups against him.
More deep shots from Patrick Mahomes
Whether it was Mahomes or the offensive coaching staff, the Chiefs puzzlingly waited until late in the fourth quarter to take a deep shot against the Philadelphia Eagles last week. Mahomes missed WR Tyquan Thornton on his first deep passing attempt, but made up for it later by connecting with him for a 49-yard TD pass.
Thornton has proven himself as a deep threat during the regular season and preseason. He not only needs more targets, but should be getting them consistently throughout the game. If WR Xavier Worthy returns for this game, he will be in the mix as well. The Giants’ secondary has surrendered the fourth-most passing yards in the league so far
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