Chiefs Vs Cardinals: Final Headlines, X Factors

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The time for talking is almost done before Sunday’s kickoff. The Kansas City Chiefs are set to travel to Arizona for a non-conference game against the Cardinals. After what felt like an even longer offseason, compared to normal, players and coaches have to be ecstatic to finally have opening weekend here. With this being a non-conference game, the Chiefs and Cardinals do not see each other very often. However, there is a lot riding on a quick start for both squads. Kansas City hopes to end their season right back in Arizona, the site of Super Bowl 57. While it would be surprising to see the Cardinals make it to the Super Bowl, history is on their side. Of course, the last two Super Bowl champions won the big game in their own stadium.

We have discussed key matchups and gameplans all week long. What are the final headlines to watch for before Sunday’s kickoff? We will list those, along with players to watch for, who could be viewed as under the radar x factors entering the game from both the Chiefs and the Cardinals. Let’s kick it off.

Final Headlines

Can Arizona Depend On Anyone Offensively?

As of this writing, there is no official injury designation for the Arizona Cardinals. What we do know, is that many prominent players were unable to practice throughout much of the week. The Cardinals are already without wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, due to a suspension. Second-year wide receiver Rondale Moore suffered a hamstring injury in practice on Thursday. Kliff Kingsbury entered Friday’s practice saying Moore had a “50-50 shot” to play, and they would see where things stood entering Sunday. Finally, tight end Zach Ertz did not practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday with a calf injury.

Arizona has a brutally tough schedule to open the season. Offensively, the Cardinals must find some balance and stability during that stretch. That is especially true, after the way in which that unit faceplanted during their Wild Card playoff loss last postseason. Kyler Murray could be without many of his top targets. As a result, veteran AJ Green or depth options Andy Isabella or Greg Dortch may get increased opportunities in the passing game. Perhaps, the Cardinals look to rely on the running game more often too, depending on who is officially active or inactive on Sunday.

How Will The Chiefs Utilize The Running Back Position?

Speaking of the running game, it will be interesting to see how the Chiefs go about utilizing the running backs on Sunday. Kansas City head coach Andy Reid spoke earlier in the week about this topic. Essentially, special teams will play a major factor in how many running backs will suit up on Sunday in Arizona. Special teams coach Dave Toub confirmed early in the week that rookie Isiah Pacheco will be the kick returner to open the season. Elsewhere, Jerick McKinnon was part of some special teams units last season as well.

You would have to think that Clyde Edwards-Helaire will get the chance to create some momentum as the number one running back. At the same time, Reid hinted at every running back getting some offensive reps, as long as they were active. With the talk about special teams value, it would not be surprising if Ronald Jones was a healthy scratch on Sunday. Kansas City may want his bruising running style to turn to on short downs and distances. Nonetheless, nothing is guaranteed for Jones, especially with the hype and opportunities for the other Chiefs running backs.

Chiefs Look To Extend Opening Weekend Winning Streak

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Starting off the season on the right foot is easier said than done. Yet, the Chiefs have continued to find a spark in the opening weekend of the regular season. They enter Sunday with the longest active NFL winning streak in Week 1, having won seven consecutive openers. If they defeat the Cardinals on Sunday, Kansas City will be the first team to win at least eight straight Week 1 games since the New England Patriots won 10 in a row from 2004 to 2013.

Overall, this Chiefs team knows how important the early season games are. You cannot win the Super Bowl in September. But, your chances at a Super Bowl title can drastically drop with a horrid September showing. In 30 September games as Kansas City head coach, Reid has led the Chiefs to a 23-7 record. It is not unforeseen to see his teams start out the season hot. Though, this is the first time in a while that this Chiefs core will be relatively new and young.

X Factors

Chiefs TE Jody Fortson

Travis Kelce will garner most of the attention at the tight end position. On the other hand, the Chiefs are stoked to have someone like Jody Fortson back in the fold. He made the Kansas City active roster for the first time last season, after three years in the program. Unfortunately, a torn Achilles ended that run after six games. Now back with a vengeance, the tall, dense pass catcher is looking to do damage. He offers so much versatility within the Chiefs offense. Because of that, Fortson is a matchup nightmare, along with having soft hands and yards after catch ability.

Cardinals SAF Jalen Thompson

Jalen Thompson is not the number one safety in the Cardinals defense. However, he has continued to grow and improve year after year with Arizona. Thompson is able to keep a seal on the top of opposing offenses. That may be vital for him against this Chiefs offense. Meanwhile, Thompson has an intriguing blend of length and change of direction skills. Arizona can depend on him to make tough stops in many different areas of the field. Can he give the Cardinals some momentum against a relentless Kansas City passing attack?

Chiefs SAF Juan Thornhill

Like Thompson, Juan Thornhill is not the top safety in his own defense. There is a lot riding on this season for the Chiefs safety. He enters the final year of his rookie deal with Kansas City. As far as depth in the secondary goes, the Chiefs wasted no time in stockpiling the defensive back room with fresh faces in 2022. Thornhill can still land a second contract with the team with a good showing, though. Simply, he must prove that he can be trusted as the last defender over the top, as well as showing that he has improved as a tackler.

Cardinals LB Isaiah Simmons

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Isaiah Simmons is a unique defender. Basically positionless, the former Clemson Tiger is a hybrid defender that can act as both a linebacker and defensive back. Simmons is seen as a neutralizer in space. With Kansas City looking to spread the ball all around the yard, this defender could be major for the Cardinals. Simmons showed some improvement last season. There is still some room for growth, nevertheless. If Simmons plays up to his potential, he can affect the Chiefs as a blitzer, in pass coverage and as a downhill run defender.

Be on the lookout for our FPC Chiefs recap articles and analysis following Sunday’s game. 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.