Jamaal Charles source: sports.yahoo.com
Team: Kansas City Chiefs (1-2 4th AFC West)
Offense:
Points: 22.7 (17th)
Yards: 441.7 (1st)
Pass Yds: 250 (16th)
Rush Yds: 191.7 (1st)
Defense:
Points: 33.0 (28th)
Yards: 347.7 (16th)
Pass Yds: 225.0 (12th)
Rush Yds: 122.7 (22nd)
Injuries:
FP – Jake O’Connell (Head) LP – Ryan Lilja (Back) Anthony Toribio (Ankle) Kendrick Lewis (Shoulder) Dexter McCluster (Elbow) Demon Wylie (Hamstring) DNP – Person Hillis (Ankle) Kevin Boss (Head) Steve Breaston (Wrist)
As much as I would love to talk down about the rival team we’re playing this Sunday, I have to admit Kansas City has done a very good job so far in accumulating yards per game, and they have done it with a dominant running game. Not sure how well it will work now with center Rodney Hudson being placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his season. Could that be the weak link in the KC offensive line? Ryan Lilja will be replacing Hudson, but he too has been limited in practice all week for some back problems. Also, if Dwayne Bowe and Glenn Dorsey can’t go come game time, it might be an additional huge loss for the Chiefs.
After three weeks of football, the Chiefs have shown that their highly-revered defense has been merely average. KC is fourth worst in points allowed but the team has been able to limit the amount of yards they give up. It seems to me like special teams has been doing a great job in creating turnovers, and I believe they will be a factor in this game on Sunday.
The Chiefs will be at home, and as we all know, Arrowhead Stadium is one of the loudest in the league and increases when visited by a rival AFC West team. I think a balanced attack of Ryan Mathews should keep this defense honest. Mathews has had success when he is able to get outside, but don’t think we will see that on Sunday. It will be up to Philip Rivers to get his Chargers past KC, as usual and this defense will have to focus on Jamaal Charles all game long. I wouldn’t be too worried about Matt Cassel’s arm beating San Diego down the field.
I hate to predict games, specially when it’s the Bolts I’m supposed to be betting on. If there are no freak accidents like there was on October 31st, 2011, the Bolts should be fine. This is a perfect game to bounce back after that horrible loss against Atlanta. A lot of up-sides to a win this week: we will remain first in the AFC West (2-0 in division play), payback from 2011 and at least they can gain back a bit of confidence and self respect. That loss at home still hurts.
Let me know your concerns, Bolt Addicts. We love hearing from all NFL fans.
