KC Chiefs: Getting to know New England Patriots before Week 14

The time has finally arrived. This weekend, the KC Chiefs travel to take on the New England Patriots for the first time since New England prevailed over the Chiefs in last season’s AFC Championship Game.

Last year’s AFC Championship Game was a doozy between the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. That game, which took place in Kansas City, saw 38 points combined get scored in the fourth quarter before the contest headed to overtime.

In the extra period, New England scored a touchdown on their first drive, winning 37-31.

But enough of that (still painful) reminder. It’s time to look ahead. Right now, the Patriots, of course, sit atop the AFC East at 10-2 but have the Buffalo Bills right on their heels. The Chiefs, meanwhile, have a solid grasp on the AFC West, but still need help to get a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

To prepare for the matchup, I’ve reached out to Tarringo Basile-Vaughan, an expert at Chowder and Champions, which a) is making me crave soup and b) covers Boston area sports for the FanSided network.

Here’s my Q-&-A with Tarringo:

Right now, the Patriots offense ranks 18th in yards per pass attempt and tied for 28th in yards per rushing attempt. What’s going on?

Tarringo: The Patriots offensive struggles this season starts with injuries and instability along the offensive line. Losing [c]enter David Andrews for the season was huge. Along with [l]eft tackle Isaiah Wynn missing the majority of the season and the struggles of right tackle Marcus Cannon and guard Shaq Mason, it has been a struggle giving Tom Brady the time to throw as well as running the ball where Mason was huge last season.

Obviously, the loss of tight end Rob Gronkowski to retirement was huge for Brady and the passing game. Not only have they not been able to get production from the tight end position in the passing game, they also miss his blocking. Add that to Pro-Bowl fullback James Develin also being out for the season and the running game really hasn’t been able to get going. Sony Michel has not run the ball like he did in his rookie season and the team has gone away from the run game at times when they should’ve stuck with it. 

In summary, the New England Patriots offense need to execute and develop trust amongst Brady and the receivers and stabilize the offensive line so Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels can feel more comfortable with his play calling.

Tom Brady seems peeved this season about the offense’s performance. Should he be held more accountable for the O’s struggles?

Tarringo: With all that Tom Brady had done for this team, it is hard as a fan to want to put blame on him. However, there have been miss[ed] throws, untimely interceptions and him simply throwing the ball away at times. Part of that is the lack of trust he has with some of his receivers. Brady has really struggled going back to last season. Much of that was shielded by how well the run game was going and how well the defense has been playing. Since the second half of that AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Brady really haven’t been the quarterback we are all use to.   

Is it a lack of playmakers? 

That’s part of it as we’ve seen Brady make it work with a lot less.

Aside from Julian Edelman and James White, who’s the offense’s biggest threat?

Tarringo: A healthy Mohamed Sanu is the biggest threat outside of both Julian Edelman and James White. He did have a 10-catch performance in the loss against the Ravens. The team also went to a quick tempo offense which did work against the Ravens. Having Sanu out there on the field did help Brady.

Also, as the Chiefs found out in the AFC Championship game, Phillip Dorsett is good for a big play or two. Brady is also building something with undrafted rookie Jakobi Meyers.

Last season, the Patriots defense ranked 7th in points allowed and 21st in yards allowed. This season, the unit’s 1st in points allowed and 2nd in yards allowed. What’s been the biggest key to that turnaround?

Tarringo: Besides getting off the field on 3rd downs, the biggest key to the turnaround has been the play of linebacker Jamie Collins. Along with Kyle Van Noy and Dont’a Hightower, the Boogeymen have been making key plays. The team is also getting turnovers on a record play. That can be attributed to the lockdown performance thus far this season from Stephon Gilmore. Also, slot corner Jonathan Jones has been solid. Bill Belichick may decide to put him on Tyreek Hill with safety help to allow Gilmore to go against Sammy Watkins or potentially Travis Kelce.

Another key is the pressure the defensive line is getting on opposing quarterbacks.

In light of the losses to the Ravens (37-20 in Week 9) and Texans (28-22 in Week 13), what’s your overall feel for the Patriots?

Tarringo: Those are both road losses against quality opponents looking to make a statement.  In both games, turnovers were a key.  Many people outside of New England see that final score of 37-20 against the Ravens and think blowout.  Yes, Lamar Jackson and the running game exploited the defense, but the game was just 17-14 early in the first half with the Patriots driving with momentum before a Julian Edelman fumble was run back for a touchdown.  They then immediately cut it to 24-20.

Against the Texans, some key miss tackles and suspect offensive play calling told the story.  No excuses for those losses, but as fans we have to still feel good considering the team did not play its best football in either game.  They are still 10-2 with their two remaining toughest games at home.  Starting with your Kansas City Chiefs.

Worried at all about the Buffalo Bills catching the Patriots in the AFC East?

Tarringo: Due to the remaining schedule, there is no fear of the Buffalo Bills catching the Patriots.  In order for them to do so, they basically have to beat the Ravens and come into Foxborough and win a game with Josh Allen at quarterback.

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If the Patriots offense doesn’t get it together, it is possible that the Bills can win a low-scoring slugfest. 

What will the Patriots defense do to contain the Chiefs offense this weekend?

Tarringo: Limit the big play and find a way to contain LeSean McCoy. If there is any weakness in their passing defense, it is running backs getting out on the linebackers. In the last two meetings, the Patriots have done a good job on limiting the Chiefs in the first half of those games. In this game, they would be focused on keeping it up for all four quarters.

Flipping it: how’s the New England offense going to attack Kansas City’s defense?

Tarringo: The Patriots will attempt to run the ball. Sony Michel is starting to pick it up despite the lack of touches against the Texans. If the Chiefs are successful at stopping the run and getting pressure on Brady consistently, I see Josh McDaniels and Brady going to a quick tempo short passing attack utilizing Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu, Rex Burkhead, James White and Brandon Bolden. This could also be a game in which the tight ends Matt LaCosse and Ben Watson are utilized a lot more.

Who wins, and what’s the score?

Tarringo: Patriots win this game 27-21 with the Chiefs having a chance late.

Finally, how do you see the rest of the season playing out for New England?

Tarringo: The Patriots will finish this season no worse than 13-3. The defense will continue to thrive and the offense will figure something out. With Antonio Brown still out there and begging for another shot, he may be the solution in getting the offense rolling again.

In watching the Patriots season after season, they really do use the regular season to set themselves up in the playoffs.

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Another thank you to Tarringo Basile-Vaughan for taking the time to answer these 10 questions. Hope you all enjoyed his answers as much as I did. This weekend’s game should be a blast. Make sure to check Chowder and Champions for more coverage of the Patriots.