After starting off slowly and being written off by the naysayers of the world, the Patriots now seem to be cruising into mid-season form. Sunday night they get to host the NFLs latest darling, the Kansas City Chiefs. Recently known for having quick starts, only to fizzle out as the season progresses, this year's Chiefs team may be more of a contender in the long haul. Nevertheless, as usual the Patriots do have what it takes to be the top dog in the NFL once again. If they are going to win on Sunday, here are some things they need to to do.
GET OFF TO A QUICK START- Assuming the Patriots win the coin toss, they need to take the ball and march down the field putting 7 on the board. Obviously starting the game with a quick score is a great way to put the other team on their heals. However the fact that the Patriots have been horrible coming out of the half with the ball is another reason for not deferring. In years past the Patriots' dagger to the heart has been the old score before the half and follow it up with a score to start the second half. This year that hasn't happened yet, so don't bank on it Sunday night.
AVOID LETTING KC HAVE A QUICK START- The Chiefs started the regular season with a Tyreek Hill 91 yard punt return for a touchdown. Game two they started with another great punt return, this time it was by De'Anthony Thomas. While he didn't score a touchdown, he did get the ball to the 10 yard line giving Mahomes some sweet field position. On the season, the Chiefs are tops in the NFL with 31 points off their first possession. If the Patriots want to give themselves a better chance to win the game, the key is making sure they don't give the Chiefs the hot start.
CONSERVE TIMEOUTS- While the Patriots have yet to waste timeouts this season, in recent years losses usually included some boneheaded timeouts taken. If the Patriots don't have to waste timeouts on offense, they can use them if they caught in a rough spot on defense.
CONSERVE TIMEOUTS- While the Patriots have yet to waste timeouts this season, in recent years losses usually included some boneheaded timeouts taken. If the Patriots don't have to waste timeouts on offense, they can use them if they caught in a rough spot on defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS- Last week was the first time the Patriots were the better team at special teams this season. If they want to win on Sunday they are going to need to have a big game from Ryan Allen. Five games into the season, the Chiefs are tops in the league with an average of 26.7 yards per punt return. Should the Patriots need to punt, pinning the Chiefs inside their 20 will be a recipe for success.
3RD AND 4TH DOWN STOPS- Andy Reid has been going for it on 4th down early in games this season. You probably haven't heard much about it since they've been so successful. After successfully going for it in their first possession of game three, they rolled the dice from their own 34 in game 4 against Denver. Once again they were successful. On the year they are a perfect 3 for 3 on 4th down attempts.
3RD AND 4TH DOWN STOPS- Andy Reid has been going for it on 4th down early in games this season. You probably haven't heard much about it since they've been so successful. After successfully going for it in their first possession of game three, they rolled the dice from their own 34 in game 4 against Denver. Once again they were successful. On the year they are a perfect 3 for 3 on 4th down attempts.
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