KC Chiefs: Five Keys to Victory VS New England Patriots
By Scott Dillon
A battle to be the best tight end on the field
In order to have a shot at winning, Travis Kelce needs to be the best tight end on the field this Saturday.
Statistically, he had a very similar season to Gronkowski in yards after the catch. He didn’t have the touchdown numbers that Gronkowski had, but no one does really. Rob Gronkowski is the best tight end in the NFL, but the Chiefs have to make sure that he’s only second best this weekend.
He tends to draw a lot of offensive pass interference penalties, so keeping tight coverage may frustrate him into making bad choices.
Travis Kelce had a big game against Houston and with a banged up Jeremy Maclin, he’ll need to do it again. If Maclin plays, he’ll be limited at best and may even be a decoy to help other targets get open. Kelce has got to put his hands on the football and not let it escape him. If he’s had any issues in his young career it’s drops and fumbles.
Rob Gronkowski is as sure handed a tight end as you’re going to find and if you make a mistake he’s capable of beating you over the top. The Chiefs need to keep him draped with Eric Berry or Ron Parker in any passing situation. He tends to draw a lot of offensive pass interference penalties, so keeping tight coverage may frustrate him into making bad choices.
If the Chiefs can find a way to keep Gronkowski out of the end zone, they may find a way to the AFC Championship.
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