Chiefs Vs Colts: 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 Indianapolis for a date with the Colts. Overall, this is the first of four games where the Chiefs will face the AFC South this season. With a win, Kansas City would sit at 3-0 before a crucial trip to Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. The Colts are just simply looking to find their footing. After a slow start in Houston in Week 1, they were lucky to get a tie against the Texans. Last week, Indy failed to show up against the Jacksonville Jaguars, losing 24-0.

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 Colts. Let’s kick it off.

Final Headlines

Avoiding The Trap Game

Going into the season, this was not considered to be such a lopsided game. At least on paper, the Chiefs and the Colts were seen as two playoff contending teams. Kansas City is not treating this as an easy contest, by any means. Nonetheless, there are items that could cause the Chiefs to sleepwalk.

You of course have the highly anticipated matchup against Tom Brady and company the following week. There is also the youth and new additions that are still learning through their early challenges. Whereas with the Colts themselves, Indianapolis could have some tricks up their sleeve. That is especially true after getting shellacked last week. When you have a physical and tough style like the Colts do, they are going to look to impose their will early. The Chiefs must look to start fast and pounce on the Colts, rather than keep them in a game after Kansas City had extended time off.

Can Mahomes And Pass Catchers Find Rhythm?

Another element of starting fast, is seeing how the Chiefs’ passing attack is doing. Patrick Mahomes still had a fair showing against the Chargers last game. However, there were up and down results when testing Los Angeles deep down the field. We saw some miscommunication during route concepts. As for the timing, things were just not completely in sync.

Kansas City did well to get the ball out quickly and spread it around in Week 1. Items like play action, moving the pocket and adjusting protections helped Mahomes have a clean base. He was under control and made urgent decisions. Can the wide receivers show an improvement in gaining separation? If so, the Chiefs can manipulate the pace against the Indianapolis defense.

Will Colts Be Able To Lean On Rushing Attack?

This last headline is vital for the Colts right now. Matt Ryan was horrid with his pocket awareness last week. As a result, the Colts were left in longer downs and distances against the Jaguars. When he was able to get the ball off, his accuracy was all over the place. Indianapolis turned the ball over three times in Jacksonville, all interceptions from Ryan.

Jonathan Taylor is one of the most dominant running backs in all of football. As we talked about earlier this week, the Chiefs will also be without linebacker Willie Gay. Gay was hit with a four-game suspension, due to a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, stemming from his arrest last January over a domestic dispute. Thankfully for Kansas City, Nick Bolton is still in the fold. He definitely relishes opportunities in these kinds of matchups.

Even still, Taylor has durability, long speed, contact balance and power as a runner. If he is able to get in the open field and make defenders miss, Indianapolis could keep it close. The Chiefs know that Taylor could receive a heavy dose of touches. Grinding out difficult stops will be top priority. If the Colts cannot make stops or move the chains on the ground, Kansas City will force Indianapolis to get away from their bread and butter of Taylor.

X Factors

Chiefs CB Rashad Fenton

It was a night to forget in coverage last week for Rashad Fenton. Penalties and ill-advised decisions by the cornerback put the Chiefs defense in bad spots in their own end. On the other hand, Fenton was unable to break up any passes, even when he did have tight coverage. Assuming Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce return to the lineup this week, it will be a perfect bounce back opportunity for Fenton. Can he play calmly against the added size of the Colts wide receivers?

Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox

Not a lot of catches have been made by tight end Mo Alie-Cox so far in 2022. However, this is a player that can be key for Indianapolis in challenging third downs or in opponent’s territory. Alie-Cox provides strength at the catch point and sneaky spatial awareness after the catch. With his basketball background, Alie-Cox is no slouch with his change of direction skills, despite his massive build. It may not be flashy. But, these big games is where Alie-Cox can win tight battles and keep the Colts in it.

Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman

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The Chiefs saw Mecole Hardman take an awkward hit and hurt his lower body against the Chargers. He has been limited in practice this week. Mainly, he appears to be trending towards playing on Sunday. The Chiefs have seen him make some necessary catches in traffic so far this season. Hitting on those explosive plays have been a work in progress, however. With the length, toughness and tenacity of the Colts secondary, Hardman may be forced to make a play down the field. Will he be able to come through for the Chiefs offense?

Colts CB Brandon Facyson

Indianapolis cornerback Brandon Facyson has been a journeyman throughout his career. At the same time, the Colts have to be impressed with his ability to improve in man coverage. That is part of the reason as to why they added him this offseason. Additionally, Facyson has the length and awareness to press at the line of scrimmage. If the Colts allow him to do so, will the Chiefs wide receivers be able to create ample separation? Facyson could be a sticking point in getting Indy off the field on third down.

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.