Kansas City Chiefs: Five things to watch in AFC Championship Game
By John McCarty
WHAT TO WATCH IN AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Eric Berry
Will the elite level safety play Sunday?
After missing the Colts game, can the veteran safety that has battled apparently a debilitating heel injury all season get on the field? If he’s in shape and ready to go, his presence could go a long way in helping the Chief win the game.
Perhaps no game in recent memory could the presence of a smart, tackling safety be more utilized than against a Patriots offense that loves to throw to the running backs? If Berry can go and is able to provide support to slow down the Patriots passing offense, the rest of the defense will benefit from his presence.
If he is unable to go, the responsibility to cover the backs may very well fall to Anthony Hitchens, who struggled a great deal in that role the last time the Chiefs and Patriots matched up.
Hitchens had a good game against the Colts so perhaps he is better able to take on the role now than in week six, but the Chiefs certainly would prefer someone like Berry taking on the role.