Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs Preview: Behind Enemy Lines with Arrowhead Addict
By Brad Andrews
Sep 11, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) rushes for yardage against the Buffalo Bills in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Buffalo won the game 41-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE
Editor’s Note: We’re very lucky here at BLD to be part of Fansided, a wide-reaching network with blogs for every NFL team (as well as a huge selection of NBA, NHL, MLB, and other blogs as well). We’d be dumb not to take advantage of these resources, so welcome to our weekly feature: Behind Enemy Lines. Each week, we’ll be checking in with the staff from the Fansided blog representing the Bills’ opponent for that the week.
This week we’re checking in with Patrick Allen, senior editor of Arrowhead Addict, Fansided’s oldest and most successful blog. The work Patrick and his staff turn out is simply awesome. Be sure to check it for the latest Chiefs-related news.
Anyway, big thanks to Patrick for taking the time to answer some Chiefs-related questions for us as we get ready for Sunday’s huge home opener.
1) If any team had as bad a Week 1 as the Bills, it was the Chiefs. Is it already time to panic in Kansas City?
It was certainly a downer but only because of how lopsided the final score was. It is easy to panic when you get your butts kicked but as the chiefs showed us last year, you can get smoked in your first two games, losed the third and still nearly win the division. It is a long season.
The Chiefs were missing four starters on defense and the Falcons are one of the best teams in the NFL. They were just outmatched.
2) Are Chiefs fans pretty much ready to abandon ship on Matt Cassel, or is there still hope there?
Chiefs fans understand that Cassel has serious limitations but they also understand that he is the best QB on the team and for now at least, we’re stuck with him. Cassel is an interesting case. He can be very effective when everything else is going well. During the first half of the Falcons game he looked like an All-Pro. His problem is, when the going gets tough he crumbles.
3) There’s good news for the Chiefs defense, as it looks like CB Brandon Flowers will play. The defense really struggled in Week 1, so I imagine any good news is welcome. Are there reasons to suspect this unit is much better than it looked against the Falcons?
I think KC will do better simply because the Bills are no Falcons. I don’t mean that as an insult. The Bills crushed the Chiefs last year. Chan Gailey is a hell of a game planner so I would never feel comfortable going into a game against him.
But the Chiefs will be getting their best corner and their best pass rusher back this week so I think they will put up more resistance for sure.
4) Which young players are you expecting to have a breakout year for the Chiefs?
Dexter McCluster. It is his third season but it appears he has finally found a role in the offense a slot receiver. Also keep an eye on Jonathan Baldwin, the 2nd year WR out of Pitt. He has been wowing coaches in practice. It hasn’t translated into game performance yet but it will at some point.
5) Any other story lines to keep an eye on Sunday?
Eric Berry and Steve Johnson. There has got to be some bad blood there after SJ ended EB’s season last year. I don’t think Berry will be looking for a dirty hit on Johnson but I bet he will lay some wood on him if he gets the chance. Heck, I know I would if it were me. Then again, if I ran into Steve Johnson I’d probably just end up hurting myself but you get the point.
6) Finally, how about a prediction for the game?
The Chiefs are so inconsistent I don’t know what to think. I have seen them look great and terrible so far in 2012. But I think (hope) they put it together this week. Chiefs 28, Bills 24