Speed Will Once Again Be Stiff Test For Chiefs Offensive Line

Embed from Getty Images
As we know, so much of gaining momentum in the NFL playoffs, starts with the play in the trenches. It is never easy to win those battles for a full 60 minutes in the postseason. On the flip side, some teams can surprise opponents with their ability to provide new wrinkles as a defensive line. Playoff runs can be further enhanced, as a result. This is important to note, regarding the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line and the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive line and pass rush.

Ever since the Chiefs reconfigured their offensive line after the Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they have been much more impressive when needing to match more physical defensive lines. But, the issue has generally lied in trying to counteract the faster pass rushes. This week’s Divisional Round playoff matchup will once again force the Chiefs to manage a test of speedier pass rushers.

What makes Jacksonville so difficult to corral, when they are rolling, is the mix of size and speed that they can throw the opponent’s way. Many of the Jaguars pass rushers are dense and can offer substantial length at the point of attack.

What makes the Jaguars so dangerous as a pass rush? Plus, what can the Chiefs do to stay on schedule and keep Patrick Mahomes clean? Let’s kick it off.

Where Is Jacksonville Most Dangerous?

While the Jaguars boast dense pass rushers, their speed is brought from plenty of different angles. Names like Josh Allen, Travon Walker and Arden Key can offer immediate speed at the snap from wider angles. They each do a good job of flattening their angles and getting blockers off balance. Elsewhere, players like Folorunso Fatukasi and Roy Robertson-Harris are able to provide a vertical push from the 3-tech or 5-tech. Overall, this group of pass rushers is most dangerous when they can swarm with a crashing or looping style towards the interior of the pocket. At the same time, the Jaguars do a tremendous job of taking wider routes around blockers. That will truly force the Chiefs to reach their outer landmarks quickly, while maintaining a firm base at the point of attack.

Zig And Zag Jags

Embed from Getty Images
Just when you think the Jaguars pass rush is going to zig one way, they zag the opposite way, so to speak. As mentioned above, they are a fierce group to contain when they crash and loop in from wide angles. On top of that, this group will run occasional games, stunts and twists upfront. Perhaps the most effective way that this has worked, is when the Jaguars allow their defensive ends or outside linebackers to work towards the inside when working behind the slanting defensive tackles. Even if those aforementioned names do not get home, Corey Peters and DaVon Hamilton have quietly started to produce from the defensive interior.

When it comes to the twists, stunts or games, that is when the speed of Jacksonville truly shines. Walker and Key may not be as elusive as top pass rushers like Von Miller or TJ Watt. Nevertheless, this duo can cover ample amounts of space immediately. Whereas with players like Allen, Fatukasi and Robertson-Harris, their lateral quickness and change of direction skills appear to be the toughest test for opposing blockers.

The Chiefs will have to continue to communicate upfront. In order to counteract the speed and quickness of Jacksonville’s pass rush, Kansas City will have to land the early blow, so to speak. Firing your hands late will not cut it against this Jaguars group. Finally, the Chiefs will likely look to use some eye candy with their skill players, as they look to help out the offensive line.

Kansas City Must Continue To Set Tone Early

Kansas City offensive tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie have truly struggled to get proper angles against speed most of this season. That can lead to misplaced punches and late hands at the point of attack. However, each offensive tackle has generally improved in those situations late in the year. That is especially true of Brown Jr., who cut his pressures allowed numbers down in the second half of this season. With interior offensive linemen like Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith and Joe Thuney, the Chiefs are able to provide sneaky good athleticism against interior defensive linemen or even blitzing linebackers.

As mentioned above, the Chiefs have done well to match physical opponents. Jacksonville offers plenty of speed and disguise. Though, this group is not afraid to get feisty and tenacious to possibly throw an opponent off of their game. All in all, Kansas City has done well to start games with an aggressive demeanor as a blocking unit. This group is nasty, yet controlled, offering a relentless mindset against any opposing pass rush. In order to keep Mahomes clean, that mindset must translate when taking on the speed and quickness of the Jaguars defensive front.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. 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.