Key Matchups: Chiefs Vs Washington Football Team

This Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Football Team is full of top, young stars. However, both of these teams have been struggling in the first five weeks. There are also many major contributors dealing with injuries on each side. Because of that, the coaches of Kansas City and Washington will have to adjust their game plans to a degree.

Whichever side can overcome that will move to 3-3. Can Patrick Mahomes overcome a possibly limited top wide receiver in Tyreek Hill (quad injury)? Does the Washington defensive front finally show some signs of life against a much improved Chiefs offensive line? Those are just a couple of the questions that are up in the air due to ailments on both sides.

Which personnel matchups could help one team gain an advantage over the other? Today, we will list our top five key matchups entering Sunday’s game between the Chiefs and the Washington Football Team. Let’s kick it off with a matchup in the trenches.

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Chiefs Offensive Line Vs Washington Pass Rush

Going into 2021, the Washington Football Team pass rush was one of the most fearsome units across the NFL. Saying they have not lived up to expectations would be putting it lightly. Entering Week Six, Washington has only registered nine sacks (tied for third lowest in the league). They are still creating pressure (60 on the season). But, that has created little to no effect on the opposing quarterbacks.

Chase Young and Montez Sweat form one of the best young defensive end duos in the NFL. And they both rush the passer in styles that are unique from each other. Washington’s defensive scheme is constantly showing twists and stunts in their pass rush. Furthermore, they play certain gaps differently throughout the course of the game. Young is more powerful, whereas Sweat plays as a technician.

And that is not all upfront for Washington. Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Matt Ioannidis will be some of the most tough and stingy defensive tackles that the Kansas City interior will see all year. They present chances of missteps or confusion because of their different stunts and switches against the offensive line.

Kansas City has done well overall protecting Mahomes. Although, results have been more mixed against power, compared to speed. The Chiefs have done more one on one man blocking schemes lately. In this case, all five will be challenged to stay low and anchor quickly against a unique and challenging Washington pass rush.

Antonio Gibson Vs Chiefs Front Seven

The Chiefs are only in the middle of the pack when it comes to the amount of rushing attempts that they have faced. Despite this, they have allowed the third most rushing yards this season and are allowing a staggering 5.2 yards per carry. Missed tackles, lack of effort and not taking correct angles have led to a miserable showing by the Kansas City front seven when facing the opposing rush attack once again.

This Sunday, Antonio Gibson (if healthy) will be licking his chops. He has dealt with a shin injury. Nonetheless, Washington has fed Gibson more in the last couple of weeks. His rushing style also presents an intriguing matchup for the Chiefs defense. He can win with power, patience or underrated speed. Gibson is also just as lethal in between the tackles or outside of them.

In the power aspect, Gibson has the strength in his lower half to break tackles, while also staving off good tackling form due to his stout upper half. His patience truly shows off his impressive field vision. This is important for Washington, given he was not a true running back in college. Finally, his speed can outmatch anybody in the Chiefs front seven. The way Gibson puts his foot in the ground and how he hits the hole keeps defenders on their heels.

Washington Wide Receivers Vs Chiefs Defensive Backs

It remains to be seen which wide receivers will be playing for Washington on Sunday. Curtis Samuel (groin) has already been ruled out. Meanwhile, Terry McLaurin, Cam Sims and Dyami Brown are all question marks for Sunday, as far as availability goes. No matter who plays, Washington provides different play styles across the board.

McLaurin can win vertically or inside. Sims and Brown can also push the field vertically with larger frames. On the other hand, Adam Humphries, Dax Milne and DeAndre Carter can all test opposing defenses with savvy route running, shiftiness and quickness.

The Chiefs secondary saw Rashad Fenton lead the way with his play last week. It was not a perfect performance. However, Fenton played the ball well when it was in the air. He also remained patient and calm when guarding the opposing routes. Will we see more zone coverage looks against Washington? Does Kansas City call for more playing time with Deandre Baker, Juan Thornhill or even Chris Lammons? If more panic and confusion ensues in the Chiefs secondary, the team should not hesitate to make lineup changes.

Williams And McKinnon Vs Washington Front Seven

Clyde Edwards-Helaire (MCL sprain) is out for at least the next three weeks. This opens the door for Darrel Williams and Jerick McKinnon. Williams will likely generate the bulk of the rushing attempts. And quite frankly, he has generally answered when being called upon by Andy Reid. His straightforward running style, combined with toughness make him difficult to bring down. His stout ball security and comfort in pass blocking or pass catching could lead to ample opportunities on Sunday. Williams also registered 94 total yards on 17 touches in last year’s Divisional Round playoff game while CEH was out. The team has tremendous confidence in him.

McKinnon brings a different layer to the table. He has a bit more patience and a solid feel for the flow of the defense. If he sees a cutback lane, McKinnon will not hesitate to expose it. Watch for him to work to the outside on stretch run attempts if given the chance.

Washington’s linebackers are led by Cole Holcomb, rookie Jamin Davis and David Mayo. Collectively, this group is instinctual and quick to trigger downhill on run plays. This group has shown they are not afraid of more powerful running backs, which makes this a fascinating matchup against Williams. Washington also takes great pride in corralling runs to the inside. If they let a play bounce to the outside, big gains can often be achieved. Seeing how the Chiefs decide to attack certain directions and angles with the rushing attack will be something to monitor.

Kelce Vs Holcomb And Collins

It was still an admirable day of production last week for Travis Kelce (six catches, 57 receiving yards and a touchdown catch). At the same time, Kelce was not quite as in sync with Mahomes as we are used to seeing. Those releases from man coverage and finding the soft spots in zones were largely absent. Kelce also struggled to dissolve double teams as often as we have seen in the past.

On the other end, it remains to be seen how Washington will go about defending the tight end. Holcomb allowed 70 passing yards when dropping back into coverage last week. Mostly, Holcomb can hold his own in coverage, due to the aforementioned instincts he has. He also does well to keep the ball in front of him.

Could we see Landon Collins lined up against Kelce? Collins is listed as a safety. Though, he can play in the box as a hybrid linebacker. His physicality is unmatched in the Washington secondary. We know that aspect has hurt Kelce and the Chiefs passing attack beforehand. If Collins receives the assignment against Kelce, look for Kansas City to attempt to win more often with outside leverage throws.

Be on the lookout for our Chiefs vs Washington game preview article on Saturday morning. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.