Tennessee Titans: 3 keys to victory over Kansas City Chiefs
By Ravi Konjeti
Stop the Chiefs in the Red Zone
The Chiefs have one of the most terrifying offenses in the NFL. The Chiefs are led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is a Swiss Army knife under center. Mahomes has amazing accuracy, arm strength and mobility that makes him one of the most unstoppable players in the league.
Last time these two teams faced, Mahomes threw all over the Titans secondary, putting up 446 yards passing and three touchdowns. Mahomes, paired with offensive guru and head coach Andy Reid, is terrifying.
Reid is one of the most successful head coaches and offensive minds in the NFL. Reid has shown he can design a flashy and productive offense behind Mahomes and the multitude of weapons at his disposal. Tyreek Hill is possibly the fastest player in the NFL and Travis Kelce is a mismatch against all defenders alike.
Even if the Titans match up against Hill and Kelce, the Chiefs then bring out Mecole Hardman, Damien Williams, and Sammy Watkins, all of whom possess elite speed. The key for the Titans will be to limit the touchdowns that this offense can put up.
The Titans should not fear giving up yardage but limit the big plays. The Titans need to force Mahomes to throw short and settle for easier passes. The Titans won’t be able to bottle up this offense all game long but they should not be discouraged if Chiefs are putting together multiple long drives as long as they don’t score touchdowns and instead settle for field goals.
Last time, the Titans forced the Chiefs to settle for six field goal attempts. Making the Chiefs settle for three points is a victory in and of itself. The Titans have the offensive power to score touchdowns on the other side of the field. The Chiefs will get frustrated if they are consistently getting into the red zone but settling for three.
Reid saw Hill as a mismatch last game around, targeting him 19 times for 11 catches for 157 yards and a touchdown. Kelce also caught seven passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. The Titans will need to shut one of these players down — and particularly Kelce, who is a massive target for Mahomes in the red zone.
The Titans’ secondary is playing at the highest level now with amazing chemistry. The return of Adoree’ Jackson has helped Logan Ryan and Tramaine Brock shut down opposing wide receivers.
Jackson has the speed and coverage ability to help shadow Hill. Kevin Byard and Kenny Vaccaro are also playing at an elite level and will need to shut out Kelce like they shut down the Ravens’ tight ends last week.
The Titans need to force Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker onto the field as much as possible for field goals. If the Titans can stop this offense a few times, then it gives enough leeway for the Titans offense to rack up a lead.