Kansas City Chiefs: Predicting results of every game in 2019
Week 4 – Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions (Chris)
The Bill Belichick coaching tree has produced a good number of head coaches, none of which have had any real notable success. The former Patriots defensive coordinator and current Lions head coach, Matt Patricia, is working to buck that trend.
In order for Patricia to make his mark in year two as a head coach, he’ll have to show that he can compete with a team like Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately for Patricia, the odds are against him in the Motor City.
Before Patricia, only one out of the last six Lions head coaches walked away from Detroit with a winning record. He may have a better chance being exposed to a successful system in New England, but as history shows, others have struggled to replicate that success when given the opportunity. In his first year as head coach, Patricia didn’t seem to be changing the direction of the Lions franchise with a 6-10 record.
Year two isn’t looking to be a lot different either.
This Lions roster doesn’t appear to carry much depth of talent. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is a notable name on the offense, while the defense has a Pro Bowler in cornerback Darius Slay.
The Lions were able to lure defensive end Tre Flowers away from New England this last offseason, but is he that talented or more of a productive of Belichick’s system? The offseason additions of two tight ends – former Steeler Jesse James and first-round draft pick T.J. Hockenson – may help to improve what Stafford will be able to do.
While the 2018 Lions didn’t boast much talent, they still managed to produce the league’s tenth ranked defense. This makes sense with Patricia taking the reins as a former defensive coordinator, a theme that will likely continue.
The Chiefs will have already faced two of the premier defenses from 2018 in the Jaguars and the Ravens by week four, so they’ll be prepared for what Detroit could bring. Thankfully, for Chiefs Kingdom, Patrick Mahomes spent 2018 proving that he could overcome some stingy defenses.
PREDICTION: This game may be played in the Lions’ den, but it won’t matter to the Chiefs’ juggernaut offense. Even if the Lions’ defense proves to be a bigger bump in the road, their offense will underwhelm against an improved Chiefs defense. Kansas City will leave Detroit with their third road victory in four weeks.
Chiefs 27, Lions 13
STANDOUT PLAYER: Travis Kelce puts on a show with two touchdowns, three crucial third down conversions, and 120 yards receiving. Lions’ rookie tight end, T.J. Hockenson, gets to see first hand what the league’s best player at his position looks like.