KC Chiefs: Five keys to victory vs Texans in Divisional Round
By Gage Stagner
Number 4 – Limit the big play(s) from Will Fuller
Something the Bills did not have to deal with was wideout Will Fuller, who was sidelined with a groin strain. Early indications are he will be back for the Chiefs showdown and that is a tough blow for a banged-up Chiefs secondary, who recently lost rookie safety Juan Thornhill due to injury.
Armani Watts, Daniel Sorensen, and Kendall Fuller will have to step up big time, especially in this game with DeAndre Hopkins on the other side of Will Fuller. From the eye test alone, the Texans are much more explosive when Fuller is out there stretching the field.
Hopkins has been more of a possession, underneath guy this year, due in large part to the middle of the field being open after Fuller has taken safeties with him. This, in particular, is a rough matchup for the Chiefs and second-year safety Armani Watts will be thrown into the fire.
The Texans were 2-3 during the regular season when Fuller sat out due to injury. Even though they beat Buffalo without him, the offense was extremely disappointing until Deshaun Watson decided to take it upon himself to get his first postseason win.
It’s great timing for the Texans in a game they will need to put up a lot of points to win. Kansas City must make a concerted effort to limit the big plays from Fuller, even if that means giving up a big game to Hopkins as a result.
The recipe for the Chiefs is to put up big numbers on offense, which they should be able to do against a suspect Houston defense, and limit the quick-drive, big play touchdowns. That starts with shutting down Will Fuller.