Chiefs schemes: Does Patriots’ Bill Belichick have secret sauce for defending Mahomes?
Of all the NFL teams to try stopping him, the New England Patriots scripted the best defensive plan against a Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs team.
In the first half of the AFC Championship Game two years ago, the Chiefs were held scoreless, with three first downs and 32 total yards.
The Chiefs were amazing in the second half, rolling up 31 points before falling in overtime. Last season, the Chiefs won in Foxborough but were held to 23 points, matching their second-lowest output of the season.
In other words, New England can put together a scheme. Here’s how Monday’s game might unfold.
When the Chiefs pass
Mahomes faces the only team that’s beaten him twice, including the playoffs. But he’s coming off a sensational game against a top-notch Ravens defense. How will the Patriots’ approach differ?
In previous meetings, New England has concentrated on taking away Tyreek Hill or Travis Kelce. But Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson can make big plays. Could Mahomes come up as big as Russell Wilson did two weeks ago?
Wilson tossed five touchdown passes in the Seahawks’ victory over the Patriots.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Chiefs run
Clyde Edwards-Helaire came up with a nice game against the Ravens with 134 rushing and receiving yards. There may be opportunity here for the Chiefs. The Patriots rank 19th in the NFL surrendering 122.3 yards per game.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Patriots pass
Brian Hoyer is expected to start at QB in place of Cam Newton.
The Patriots’ Julian Edelman has tortured the Chiefs over the years. The Chiefs will be without rookie cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who was off to a fast start with the team’s two interceptions.
But Charvarius Ward returned to action with a fractured-but-mending bone in his hand last week, and the Chiefs got plenty of action from their safeties.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Patriots run
James White is expected back after missing the first two games for personal reasons, and he’s a receiving weapon for Newton from the backfield. Sony Michel has rushed for more than 100 yards in two of the three games he’s played against the Chiefs.
The return of tackle Mike Pennel was a big boost for the Chiefs. Their linebacking crew, which had a good game against Baltimore, has to come up big in this one, too.
Edge: Patriots.
This story was originally published October 2, 2020 at 5:00 AM.