Getting to Know the Enemy: Chiefs Next Up for Patriots

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Q: The Chiefs rush defense is currently ranked 23rd in the NFL, having allowed  130.3 yards per game through three games. Do you see the Patriots having a strong showing if they choose to establish the run with Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen?

A: Yes, the Patriots should be looking to run the ball. The Chiefs lost the heart and soul of their defense when 10-year middle linebacker Derrick Johnson fell to the turf with a ruptured achilles. Johnson was the beast in the middle that was so good at eliminating the run. Now the Chiefs are forced to start James Michael-Johnson and Josh Mauga. Those two aren’t horrible, but they are vulnerable when teams run and throw at them. The Dolphins gave Lamar Miller the ball out of the shotgun several times last week and he ran wild. If Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley get going, and Tom Brady can be effective on play action then there is no doubt they could be in for a good showing on offense.