2.) Linval Joseph
Two weeks against the Eagles, Joseph recorded his first sack of the season and has been a starter on the defensive line to help stop the run. He, along with Ed Oliver, Jordan Phillips and even Tim Settle will have their hands full with running back Isiah Pacheco who is a downhill runner and is physical in between the tackles. Pacheco has double digit carries in all but two games this year and has four games where he averaged 5 yards a carry.
When the Chiefs establish the run, it opens up the pass which is a unit that has not been dynamic like it was in prior seasons. If Joseph can help clog the middle of the trenches and force Pacheco to bounce to the outside and allow guys like Terrel Bernard to make the stop near the sideline, it takes away a comfort zone for the Chiefs’ offense.
1.) Spencer Brown
Unlike previous seasons, right tackle Spencer Brown has not been a liability this season. While he does give up an occasional pressure, it is nothing compared to what it was before. He had a ton of pressure on him going into this season as next year will be a contract year for him. So far up to this point, Brown has been able to keep Allen clean in the pocket. Now he will turn his attention to defensive end George Karlaftis, who currently leads the Chiefs in sacks with eight.
Fans should expect a high-passing offensive affair in the second half between both teams, which will put pressure on Brown to keep Karlaftis away from Allen. It’s not only defensive tackle Chris Jones that can make an impact, but as well as Karlaftis. Overall, the offensive line will have a big task to keep Allen off the ground, but there is an argument to make that Brown will have the toughest challenge going up against Karlaftis.