![]() Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard can provide pressure from the edges, and D.J. With just one elected Pro Bowler ( Trey Hendrickson), the Cincy D remains a force because it plays on a string, each part complementing the other. Cincy allowed the lowest completion percentage (58.1) and passer rating (79.9) in the NFL in 2022, including playoffs, all while compiling 33 sacks (29th in the NFL). His defense masters the ability to disguise coverages and blitzes, befuddling signal-callers. ![]() For Kansas City's defense to thrive, Chris Jones and Frank Clark must terrorize the Bengals' banged-up O-line.ģ) Will Big Lou Anarumo's defense steal the show? While he's gotten more pop this postseason, Anarumo remains one of the most underrated play-callers in the NFL. Discombobulating Burrow, however, is a taller task, particularly with a young secondary. K.C.'s defense has come on strong down the stretch, and the pass rush dominated the Divisional Round against Jacksonville. Burrow ranked in the top five in completion percentage (60.6), TD-INT ratio (10-3), passer rating (98.1) and completion percentage over expected (+2.0) when under pressure in 2022. When defenses do get pressure, the QB remains cool. A savant at reading and manipulating coverages, Burrow often beats a defense before the ball is snapped. Burrow's ability to get the ball out quickly has negated offensive line injuries that have damaged the Bengals' blocking. In those games, he's generating 327.3 pass yards per tilt, 9.1 yards per attempt, an 8-1 TD-INT ratio and a 121.0 passer rating. The reality is Joe Cool is 3-0 versus Spag's defense. If Mahomes can't extend plays like he's used to, it could limit a Chiefs offense that has feasted from the QB's playmaking ability.Ģ) Will Joe Burrow dice up Steve Spagnuolo's defense? All week we've heard how Burrow is 3-0 versus Patrick Mahomes. His 116 pass attempts on the run (8+ mph) ranked second in the league. He had 117 pass attempts outside the tackle box and 99 extended pass attempts (4+ secs) in 2022, most in NFL, per Next Gen Stats. Yes, he's dynamite in the pocket, but no one makes more plays out of the play's structure than Mahomes. Then there is the question of Mahomes' mobility. Mahomes also struggled to get to extended handoffs on the wobbly ankle. But how might any lack of mobility change Andy Reid's game plan? Last week after the injury, the Chiefs got away from play-action in the second half. We know even playing through injury, Mahomes remains one of the most lethal passers in the NFL. The following week that season, he threw for 443 yards and four TDs. Mahomes even noted that the sprain wasn't as bad as the one he suffered in Week 1, 2019. Here are five things to watch for when the Bengals visit the Chiefs on Sunday:ġ) How might Patrick Mahomes' injury affect the Chiefs' offense? To hear Mahomes and the Chiefs talk this week, you'd think the MVP quarterback was in the clear after suffering a high ankle sprain in the Divisional Round. ![]() If Jones' flippant "Burrowhead" comment Friday is any indication, we're in for a nasty battle Sunday night. In addition, Steve Spagnuolo's defense has surged down the stretch, making tackles in space and finding pass-rush oomph it missed in the early half of the season. Even with questions surrounding Patrick Mahomes' ankle, the Chiefs' offense still boasts creativity and playmakers to churn out yards and put up points. Kansas City's only loss in its last 12 games came at the hands of the Bengals in Week 13. Cincy's defense is an underrated ghoul, capable of slowing any offense, including the Chiefs' vaunted attack. Despite missing three starting offensive linemen, Burrow continues to slice and dice defenses like a James Beard Award winner. The Bengals enter on a hot streak, having won 10 consecutive games. Heard the reminders of last year's championship game in which they let a 21-3 first-half lead slip away to lose in overtime. Heard about how they have been unable to slow Burrow and the Bengals' explosive playmakers. See you all at Burrowhead Stadium."Ĭhiefs players have clearly heard the noise. On Friday, Chiefs star defensive lineman Chris Jones flipped the script, slyly ending his presser: "Take care. Two of those games took place in Cincinnati, but that hasn't stopped some from considering Burrow Kansas City's kryptonite. ![]() Much has been made this week about Joe Burrow's success against the Kansas City Chiefs, going 3-0 over the past two seasons, including last year's AFC Championship Game win in K.C.
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