Shootout in the Show-Me State?

By Clayton Wendler  |   Friday, November 03, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

Kansas City Chiefs
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When the Kansas City Chiefs pass: Trent who? Damon Huard has run his passer rating to 100.4, good for third in the NFL. He torched Seattle's secondary for a season-high 312 yards a week ago, and should find more success this week against a weak St. Louis secondary. The Rams lack experience at corner with Travis Fisher and rookie Tye Hill, and an anemic pass rush isn't doing much to help the situation. No one is more aware of that fact than Rams defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, who blitzes frequently with the wildest combinations of defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs possible.

The zone blitz is really the only consistent weapon the Rams have been able to count on this year, and they also do a good job of disguising which players are coming and from where. Kansas City's offensive line has provided solid protection for Huard the last two weeks against two of the NFL's better pass-rushing teams, but this game will be no cakewalk. The Edward Jones Dome can get loud, and Chiefs right tackle Kevin Sampson is sure to struggle against Rams defensive end Leonard Little, who leads the team with five sacks. The most interesting matchup here is Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez against Rams safety Corey Chavous.


Edge: Even


When the St. Louis Rams pass: 'The Greatest Show on Turf' is far from dead. Despite the departure of offensive guru Mike Martz, the Rams' passing attack continues to flourish. Marc Bulger is enjoying perhaps the best season of his career, with 12 touchdown passes against one interception so far. Kansas City's secondary has been much improved so far, but this might be their biggest test of the season. The Rams' offensive line has the personnel to neutralize defensive ends Jared Allen and Tamba Hali, KC's biggest weapons in the passing game. That means the onus is on Ty Law and Patrick Surtain to prove they are worth the money Kansas City is paying them.

Torry Holt continues to dominate and veteran wideout Issac Bruce is enjoying a resurgence of sorts this year. With Martz's absence, the Rams employ more play action in their passing game than in years past, and they also make more of an effort to protect the quarterback with multiple tight end sets.


Edge: Rams


When the Kansas City Chiefs run: After a cold stretch early last month, the Chiefs' ground game of years past appears to have resurfaced over the last two weeks. Larry Johnson racked up a combined 287 yards rushing against San Diego and Seattle, two of the league's stouter run defenses. Look for more of the same this week against a St. Louis defense that has been gashed all year, no matter the running back. Four of the starting seven running backs the Rams have faced this year have rushed for a season-high. The Chiefs will run right at a small Rams defense that ranks 27th against the run and 30th in yards per carry allowed.


Edge: Chiefs


When the St. Louis Rams run: The Rams are still a passing team, but Steven Jackson gets his fair share of carries. Unlike his predecessor, Rams head coach Scott Linehan refuses to give up on the ground game, even if it's ineffective early in a game. St. Louis will continue to pound Jackson all game long, if only in an effort to make its play-action passing game effective. The Chiefs have been solid against the run and had their best game of the season against the Seahawks a week ago, but they'll have a big test against Jackson on the road. Kansas City has something to prove after allowing an average of 146 rushing yards per contest in road games this year.


Edge: Even


Special teams: Both teams field a solid tandem of kickers. The Rams have struggled to find anyone to return kickoffs this year, but field the superior coverage unit between the two teams. This one is too close to call.


Edge: Even


Intangibles: The Rams will be looking to bounce back at home after a bad loss in San Diego last week, while the Chiefs are still searching for their first road win against a quality opponent. This weekend's game also marks the first regular season Governor's Cup since 2002 (the annual Chiefs/Rams cross-state rivalry game).


Edge: Rams


Prediction: KC's running game will continue to dominate, but the bullets will be flying everywhere in this game. The team that has the ball last will likely come away with the win.

Rams 34, Chiefs 31

Original Kansas City Chiefs analysis, courtesy of RealFootball365.com
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