KC Chiefs: Predicting The 2014 Schedule, Part 2
Dec 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) talks with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) after a Chargers win at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Week 7: Kansas City Chiefs @ San Diego Chargers
Talk about a big game, the Chiefs were swept by the Chargers last season and need to get them back, especially if they have hopes of making the playoffs in 2014.
The Chargers made some very subtle moves this off-season, with the additions of Brandon Flowers at corner and Donald Brown at running back. The Chargers are deep in their back field, with Danny Woodhead, Donald Brown and Ryan Matthews.
Partner that with Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates, and breakout tight end, Ladarius Green. If you remember, Green broke a huge touchdown catch on the Chiefs last season in Arrowhead, showing his ability to be a big play threat. Having Gates and Green across the middle for the Chargers is a match-up nightmare for the Chiefs in my opinion and they cannot allow those two to eat them up.
San Diego had a fine showing against the Cincinnati Bengals in the wildcard round of the playoffs last season, but came up short when facing the Broncos for the third time.
On paper, the Chargers roster didn’t get any worse but here’s where I predict they take a step back. The loss of Ken Whisenhunt as offensive coordinator, I feel, will hurt the production of Philip Rivers tremendously. His play calling last season was excellent and he was able to get Rivers back on track.
Now, that’s not to say head coach, Mike McCoy, isn’t capable of continuing his success because we saw how well he did in Denver, even with Tim Tebow under center. I just have a feeling that the loss of Whisnehunt will effect Rivers more than people think.
Now, for the prediction part of it, the Chiefs are coming off the bye, and head coach Andy Reid is 13-2 all time coming off of the bye week. I see KC getting back on track and extending their record to 4-2, winning a tight one, 21-17.