The smashmouth physical offense of the Titans takes on the the quarterback-terrorizing defense of the Chiefs. And who the heck is Terrance Mitchell?
The Chiefs beat the Raiders last Thursday night, and the Broncos lost to the Titans on Sunday. The Chiefs are in firm control of the division, and can’t do any worse than the No. 2 seed if they manage to win out.
Our opponent this week are the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are coming into Arrowhead sitting at 7-6, and are coming off a huge win against the Broncos. The Titans will need a win against us and Houston in Week 17 if they hope to make it to the playoffs just a year after going 3-13.
So lets take a look at what’s going on this week for the Titans and Chiefs.
Who Is Terrance Mitchell?
Mitchell is on his fourth team since coming into the league in the seventh round in 2014. Coming out of Oregon Mitchell was looked at as a mid-round prospect, but interest didn’t materialize until later. In three games last year with the Cowboys he registered 12 tackles, one sack, one interception and two passes defensed.
Against the Raiders this last Thursday Mitchell put on a clinic holding receivers to just three catches for 14 yards, and played in 72 of 76 possible snaps. Mitchell ended the game on a high note with a game-ending pass breakup on Seth Roberts.
With Marcus Peters locking down the other side of the field, Mitchell can expect to see a healthy number of passes coming his way. It’s his time to shine.
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Who Can Fill D.J.’s Shoes?
As we all know the Chiefs lost a Chiefs all time great in Derrick Johnson to his second Achilles injury. Currently listed behind him on the depth chart is D.J. Alexander and Terrance Smith. The Chiefs worked out six linebackers on Monday, but have yet to sign anyone. Here’s a look at his backups.
D.J. Alexander has been a special teams menace for the Chiefs this season. D.J. Alexander has 15 total tackles and a forced fumble so far this season with the Chiefs. He appears to be the most likely candidate to take over for Johnson for the rest of the season.
Terrance Smith is a rookie who signed as an undrafted free agent out of Florida State this season. Smith has hardly touched the field this season outside of special teams, and there’s not much to expect from him. Smith is the only undrafted starter from the 2013 Florida State national title team.
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Run Baby Run
The Tennessee titans have already surpassed their 2015 rushing total of 1,485 with 1,878 yards so far this season. Over the last four weeks the Titans have rushed for 580 yards on 129 attempts (4.5 yards per attempt). They’ve only rushed for less than 100 yards three times all season.
The Kansas City Chiefs have already allowed more rushing yards this season (1598) than last season (1,571). Over the last four weeks the Chiefs have given up 503 yards on 133 attempts (3.78 yards per attempt). The Titans should have no problem running all over the Chiefs defense.
Most Under Appreciated O-Line?
This season the Cowboys receive a lot of praise for having arguably the best O-line in the NFL. But the Titans have every right to argue their case as one of the better O-lines in the country. Not one of the Titan’s offensive line starters ranks below 19th at their position.
Third year veteran left tackle Taylor Lewan and Rookie right tackle Jack Conklin rank as the seventh and sixth-best tackles overall in the NFL by PFF. Tight end Anthony Fasano ranks as the top run blocker and fifth in pass blocking from the tight end position.
While the Dallas line may have some of the best pure talents in Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Marin. Their line also has a weak spot in right tackle Doug Free who ranks 43rd-overall at the tackle position.
Not to be forgotten, DeMarco Murray ranks second in pass blocking and has the most pass blocking snaps of any running back.
Checkmate Dallas.
Conclusion
Top Players To Watch:
The Chiefs are going to have a war on their hands. The Titans matchup against the Chiefs better than most teams this season. The Titans are 8th in least total giveaways, 3rd in rushing, and 1st in red zone scoring. It’s going to be a tough outing for both teams. Expect to see some very physical football.
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