Key Matchups: Chiefs Vs Cowboys

The matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday has the potential to be a track meet. Most games that have that same ability do not always live up to expectation, despite the highly favorable style to NFL offenses today. But, this one features two of the most dangerous offensive units when they are right.

In fact, Dallas ranks in the top five in points per game (first), total yards per game (first), passing yards per game (fourth), rushing yards per game (fourth) and third down conversion percentage (fifth). The Chiefs rank in the top ten in all of those categories (tenth in points per game, fourth in total yards per game, third in passing yards per game and first in third down conversion percentage), except for rushing yards per game (eighteenth).

At the same time, both of these defenses are largely hot and holding up their end of the bargain just as much. Which unit can come through with more impact stops and get off the field quickly? Which of Dallas or Kansas City will create more turnovers as well?

Which personnel matchups could help one team gain an advantage over the other? Today, we will list our top five key matchups entering Sunday afternoon’s affair between the Chiefs and the Cowboys. Let’s kick it off with a top wide receiver vs cornerback matchup.

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Tyreek Hill Vs Trevon Diggs

Last week in Vegas, Tyreek Hill had one of his classic performances. He won on quick passes and being able to run past defenders that appeared to have him bottled up. Hill was also a pest in the middle of the field. Meanwhile, the cheetah was able to connect on a couple of deep passes with Patrick Mahomes down the field. Any area of the field was there for the taking for Hill, who has continued to evolve with his counters and fakes, allowing for him to create even more separation.

On Sunday against Dallas, the Chiefs will likely be looking to utilize Hill in multiple roles once again. Hill is one of the most pure wide receivers from a speed perspective. Though, the size, length and physicality of the Cowboys secondary overall is assets that have slowed down Kansas City’s top wideout in the past. Hill is somewhat underrated in contested catch situations. Possibly, he will have to come through in traffic in more instances than he is used to during an individual game.

On the opposite end, Trevon Diggs has played like the NFL’s 2021 Defensive Player of the Year so far. Much of that is statistic based. Diggs leads the league in interceptions (eight) and interceptions for touchdowns (two). It is much more than that for Diggs, however. The Cowboys cornerback has displayed improved awareness of play recognition and play flow. That has helped to lead to better timing and attack on the football when in the air or at the catch point. This has helped to lead to 13 pass breakups by Diggs, one short of what he finished with last season. Additionally, he has shown cleaner footwork and agility in order to stick with receivers on lateral or over routes. 

Cowboys Wide Receivers Vs Chiefs Secondary

There are many tremendous wide receivers and wide receiver corps that the Chiefs defense has faced this season. However, none may be more dangerous than the Cowboys’ wide receivers. They arguably have two WR1s in CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper. Lamb has so much cushion and freedom to work with, due to his escapability in space and separation skills. His speed is just a bonus at that point. Meanwhile, Cooper is technically savvy as a route runner. His ability to fight off contact and work through physically tough defenders has continued to grow during his Cowboys tenure.

And that is not all. Michael Gallup has just returned from a calf injury and is a receiver who can push the field vertically and use his size to outmuscle defensive backs. Finally, Noah Brown and Malik Turner have become explosive play threats as secondary options that are used during crucial downs and distances.

The Chiefs secondary is playing the best they have all season, especially L’Jarius Sneed, Rashad Fenton and Tyrann Mathieu. Continued cohesion and communication on the backend will be vital when taking on Dallas. Of course, it would be a shock if the Cowboys were unable to move the ball at all on Sunday. Kansas City’s secondary can still make their presence felt, nonetheless. Fenton and Mathieu have the tough nature that can throw the receivers off balance. The same can go for Charvarius Ward if he is right.

On the flip side, Sneed and Juan Thornhill will be trusted to account for large chunks of the field. Sneed’s speed and Thornhill’s range respectively, will be a fascinating layer to see how often Dallas forces them to use those top attributes. Limiting the explosive plays is obviously priority number one for this group.

Elliott And Pollard Vs Hitchens, Gay And Bolton

As we mentioned in yesterday’s opponent overview of the Cowboys, Dallas is enjoying an Ezekiel Elliott who appears reinvigorated. Much more runs from him are straightforward and full of steam. He is looking to run people over more often now, rather than trying to wait out the opposing tackler. Elliott has had better ball security and a wider array of counter moves to stave off the tackling attempts from opponents.

Tony Pollard brings the same type of mentality, but provides a different flavor for the Cowboys. Taking proper angles against him is a must. Pollard does so well when slicing through tight areas. Moreover, the Memphis product’s long speed and solid route running skills have been utilized more by Mike McCarthy. This one-two punch is being put in more positions to succeed. That has led to the Dallas running backs wearing down opposing defenses quickly this season.

The Chiefs linebacker trio of Anthony Hitchens, Willie Gay and Nick Bolton have all found their grooves. Hitchens is still controlling the MIKE linebacker position on occasion. His confidence and quick trigger have been rejuvenated since returning from a tricep injury. Additionally, Gay and Bolton are being used in spots where they should be. Gay has received more freedom to work in the outside spaces of the field. Whereas with Bolton, there are no restraints when he is able to roll downhill. All three Kansas City linebackers must continue to show no hesitation or timidness when going up against the forceful duo of Elliott and Pollard.

Cowboys Offensive Line Vs Chiefs Pass Rush

Dallas has been forced to shuffle their offensive line a couple of times this season. And while it is not the fearful unit that the Cowboys exuded during Dak Prescott’s early career, it is still an imposing unit. There is optimism that left tackle Tyron Smith will return on Sunday from an ankle injury. He was a limited participant to open the practice week on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the trio of La’el Collins, Connor Williams and Zack Martin are having some of their best stretches. Collins and Martin have the ability to displace defenders on any given play. Williams provides sneaky good athleticism at guard. Lastly, Tyler Biadasz is still working through kinks as a younger player. He is beginning to find his footing, however.

Kansas City’s pass rush has been able to get home more often with natural pressure recently. That is a terrific sign, given the athleticism and ability to work out of structure that Prescott presents. On the other hand, this challenging matchup with the Cowboys will possibly test Steve Spagnuolo the furthest he has been all season.

At least from a pass rush perspective, Kansas City may be forced to bring extra pressure in order to slow down Dallas. There is too much danger involved with the Cowboys weapons for them to do it as often as they did against Green Bay, for example. The veteran leadership of Chris Jones, Melvin Ingram and Frank Clark will be something to watch. Can they and others continue to come through in key moments like they have recently?

Chiefs Running Backs Vs Cowboys Linebackers

It is unclear as of this writing if Clyde Edwards-Helaire will indeed return on Sunday. Andy Reid made it sound like there is a good chance that CEH is back. Yet, they could hold him off just a bit more before the bye week comes. Either way, it will be difficult for Reid to take away opportunities for Darrel Williams, based on how he has played lately. Williams already has the punishing style that could become cunning for the Chiefs offense in a game with high scoring potential. Furthermore, his prowess in the passing game, whether it be yards after the catch or with blocking, could be utilized as Edwards-Helaire gets reacclimated.

Oppositely, the instincts of Keanu Neal and Leighton Vander Esch will be fascinating to watch. They each provide tantalizing anticipation, deciphering and scraping through traffic skills. That is especially vital for Dallas, given the lack of speed for each of Neal and Vander Esch. Can they continue to routinely come through in tight areas and take plays away before large chunks are gained? Or, will Reid and the Chiefs look to work the running backs into the open field more against them?

Be on the lookout for our FPC Chiefs game preview article and podcast episode on Friday. 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.