Ask any defensive coordinators in the NFL, and most will tell you that game plans often surround a single player. The ability to take away the offense’s best player forces teams to beat them in different or unfamiliar ways, giving the defense a chance to win the day. Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell made a reference to this during his Friday press conference when talking about the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense.
“They’re no different than any great defense or great defensive coordinator, they’re going to try to take away what you do best first,” Campbell said. “Like what is the one or two things you hang your hat on, and let’s shut that down, and if something else beats us, so be it. So that’s what we have to be ready to counter.”
The Lions’ defense has their hands full this week. Not only is the Chiefs’ offense always dangerous with future Hall of Fame quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but the Lions’ secondary is beat up and short-handed. So what should defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s game plan be focused around? Who should they try to take away? Is there any equivalent on the Chiefs’ defense that must be considered?
Today’s Question of the Day is:
Which Chiefs player should be the Lions’ primary concern?
My answer: The obvious answer is Mahomes and his work outside of the pocket. Any time the Lions face off against a mobile quarterback, one of the primary goals is to contain them within the tackle box and squeeze the area around him. But that’s the boring, obvious answer.
I am almost equally concerned about Detroit’s secondary. Giving up big plays has already been a bit of an issue for the Lions’ pass defense, and now, without both starting cornerbacks, potentially one or both of their safeties, and likely their primary nickel depth, it’s looking daunting.
The Chiefs have a ton of speed, and while their receiving corps has a bunch of familiar names, it’s one of the more unknown players who has been Kansas City’s big-play threat this year. Tyquan Thornton has already set a career high with 272 yards this season, and he’s doing it with explosive plays. He already has seven catches of 20+ yards this season, while no one else on the team has more than two. Detroit will have to make sure the 4.28-speed receiver doesn’t get behind them. Otherwise, it could be a long day.
Which Chiefs player on either side of the ball do you think requires extra attention this week? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
