Chiefs' X-factor can turn the Super Bowl on its head
The Kansas City Chiefs will have their hands full in stopping the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. Particularly when the Eagles run the football. That's where the Eagles have their most success. When Jalen Hurts tucks the ball or hands it off to a stable of backs that includes Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, and […]
The Kansas City Chiefs will have their hands full in stopping the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl. Particularly when the Eagles run the football.
That's where the Eagles have their most success. When Jalen Hurts tucks the ball or hands it off to a stable of backs that includes Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott. It wears down the defense and sets up their lethal RPO action.
Therefore, the Kansas City Chiefs are counting on their linebackersto rise to the occasion. Specifically, Willie Gay, who has some boom-or-bust to his game.
On one hand, Gay is an athletic backer that gets sideline-to-sideline with ease. On the other, he can struggle with staying disciplined and focusing on his assignment. When he is on his game though, Gay is a difference-maker.
Chiefs have an X-factor
The Chiefs will need Willie Gay to be at his best on Sunday. That means filling running lanes, staying disciplined, and owning his assignments. Philadelphia will look to control the game on the ground, and that's where Gay needs to show up for Kansas City.
Additionally, Gay has the ability to play a spy role for the Chiefs, if defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo sees fit. That would have the potential to limit the impact that Hurts can have on the game, as he likes to get out of the pocket to throw or run.
Kansas City has shown the willingness to use Gay in that regard before. It's an advantage to use his speed, versatility, and sideline-to-sideline ability that way. Almost like an added weapon to slow down a lethal offense.
Willie Gay has the opportunity to be the X-factor and game-changer for the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. If he rises to the occasion, the Chiefs should be sitting in ideal position to add another Lombardi to the trophy case.
Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
