Ex-NFL cornerback sees two reasons why Chiefs’ rematch with Titans could be different
A lot of things went wrong for the Chiefs in their 35-32 loss to the Titans in November at Nashville, Tennessee.
That’s why a rematch in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game could end in a different result. So says former Washington/Oakland Raiders cornerback De’Angelo Hall, who previewed the game for the NFL Network on Tuesday.
One key difference, Hall believes, is the health of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In the first meeting with the Titans, he was playing for the first time after a dislocated kneecap sidelined him for two games.
“Pat Mahomes’ numbers were good ... but he still wasn’t quite himself, because he was just getting out there,” Hall said.
Hall then showed three big pass plays by Mahomes and wondered how the Titans would be able to stop that this Sunday.
Another reason for optimism? Hall said the Chiefs’ defense improved greatly after that game. He added that defensive lineman Chris Jones didn’t play in the November game. Hall hopes Jones can return from a calf injury for this Sunday’s game.
“I thought he was going to have a big game last week,” Hall said. “Didn’t play last week. Hopefully he’s rested and he’s ready to go this week, because they need him.”
“Total Access” host Scott Hanson also noted this weekend’s rematch will be played in Kansas City instead of Nashville.
This story was originally published January 14, 2020 at 2:03 PM.
