Kansas City Chiefs: Getting to know the Patriots before Week 4

Through three weeks of the season, and considering all of the opt-outs the Patriots had, how do you feel about this iteration of the Patriots?

“This is a fun New England Patriots team with a ton of character. Cam Newton has injected a lot of energy and the team is really getting some nice contributions from their young players. N’Keal Harry is starting to do some things and third-year running back Sony Michel rushed for 117 yards on just 9 carries against the Raiders. I think the opt-outs actually help the youth and future of the Patriots as they are getting contributions from the last three draft classes. Harry, Michel, Chase Winovich, Kyle Dugger, Isaiah Wynn, Bryan Cowart are just a few of the names playing big roles for the team in 2020. That doesn’t even include undrafted players like J.C. Jackson and J.J. Taylor.”

What’s the best matchup, on either offense or defense, for the Patriots heading into this game?

“The Patriots running backs vs. the Kansas City Chiefs linebackers is an intriguing matchup because the Patriots have versatile running backs in Rex Burkhead, James White and J.J. Taylor who can impact the game catching the ball. The Patriots will feature some quick passes and a lot of screen plays that will challenge the speed of the linebackers.

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On Defense, whoever Stephon Gilmore lines up against will be a matchup to watch. That could be Kelce, Hardman, Hill or Watkins. The Patriots have a deep secondary probably constructed just to handle the explosive Chiefs’ offense. But Gilmore’s matchup will be intriguing and also whoever J.C. Jackson covers. If you remember last season, Jackson picked off Mahomes early in that game. While Gilmore gets all the type, Jackson is a rising star who shows week-to-week that he has shutdown corner capability.”

And the that most worries you?

“It’s not Tyreek Hill or Travis Kelce believe it or not. It’s actually rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire who could have a big game against the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick won’t be able to take away everything, so I think the rookie has a big game against an inexperienced linebacker crew.”

Lastly, how do you think Sunday plays out? Who wins, why, and by what score?

“Oh, I have a gut feeling about this game. However, it’s hard to pick against the defending Super Bowl champions although this game will feature the last two Super Bowl champions. I think it becomes a defensive battle somehow that will come down to the last few minutes of the game.  The Chiefs will ink it out 31-28, but the Patriots will have their opportunity to win.”

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Big thanks to Tarringo for taking the time ahead of the game for the insight. Check out Chowder and Champions before Sunday for more articles on the Patriots.