New England Patriots Opponent Breakdown: Week 1 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers (98) waits for a snap during the first half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Matchup: Chiefs OLB Tamba Hali vs. Patriots Offensive Line

At 33, Tambi Hali is still a force. His numbers dipped in 2016, s did his playing time, but Hali can disrupt any offensive game plan, so the Patriots will need to focus on stopping his pass rush. New England has added key skill players on offense, but the line remains intact from 2016.

Every player along the offensive line will be put to the test at some point during the game by Tamba Hali. If they can slow him down long enough for Tom Brady to get off a nice pass, they’ll have no problems with KC’s defense.

X-Factor: Patriots DE Trey Flowers

Trey Flowers can become a difference maker in this game, especially if rookie Patrick Mahomes is leading Kansas City’s offense.

Flowers took a huge step forward in 2016 with 7.0 regular season sacks, so if he can continue to improve in 2017 he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with for opposing offenses. Flowers also added 2.5 sacks in the playoffs, all of which came in Super Bowl LI. He should look to rattle the cage of whichever quarterback is in for the Chiefs. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a two sack night against a weaker right side of the KC offensive line.

While New England added help on the outside with Kony Ealy, Trey Flowers remains their go to man heading into 2017. The added depth will only help him succeed even more.

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