January 6, 2007

It's Saturday, So Let's Talk AFC Wild Card...

Wow, the playoffs are here already? I guess that 8-8 record the Steelers posted distracted me from how quickly the NFL season flew by.

So we've got Colts-Chiefs today at 4:30 PM, one of the two games this weekend featuring a Manning brother. The Colts can't stop the run to save their lives and Kansas City's only real offense is a Man (a PSU man at that) they call "LJ", Larry Johnson who set the league record this year with 416 total carries. Now, granted the Chiefs aren't exactly a stone wall on Defense either, I still think Kansas City has a really good chance at winning this game. There will be two keys to a Chiefs victory today, and those will be:

  • 1. How well KC's corners are able to match up against standout receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne(the most obvious key).
  • 2. How well KC's pass rush is able to pressure Peyton Manning.

The second key, despite popular perception, I think is actually the more important of the two. Peyton Manning historically folds under pressure. If you rush him, down after down, get a few sacks, hurry him consistently, he WILL make mistakes (same with his little brother Eli in tomorrow's game, but that's a discussion for another time).

Beyond that, if the Chiefs can get Larry Johnson going on offense and pound the Colts D with the run drive after drive (while scoring points) I have a feeling they will win this game. Indianapolis does have an explosive offense, but it can be contained by pressuring Peyton Manning.

So I guess basically what I'm saying is - Kansas City, control the clock, get after the QB and pound the football.

Oh, and in case you hadn't picked up on it...Peyton Manning is OVER-RATED. GO Chiefs!

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