Chiefs Vs Jaguars: Key Matchups

The Kansas City Chiefs are set to host the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday. Despite a 6-2 record, Kansas City is still looking for more consistency at certain spots. Jacksonville is still struggling to string wins together. But, the talent and coaching of this year’s Jaguars team is much more encouraging than years past for this AFC South squad.

Which position battles could have the greatest impact on Sunday’s outcome between the Chiefs and the Jaguars? Today, we will list four key matchups that we have our eyes on entering the contest between Kansas City and Jacksonville. Let’s kick it off.

Chiefs Offensive Line Vs Jaguars Pass Rush

As we mentioned above, more consistency is needed at specific spots for the Kansas City Chiefs. No spot has been as up and down as the Kansas City blocking unit. In some moments, the Chiefs create easy movement and dominate opposing defensive lines. There appears to be certain opponents and challenges that awaken this group. But in other matchups, Kansas City’s front five appears to play down to the competition. And when that occurs, it generally is not only one or two blockers who struggle. This entire Chiefs unit seems to collapse all at once when things get dicey.

If you look at the stats, there is not a lot to love about the Jaguars pass rush. Jacksonville has just 16 sacks through nine games this year. Overall, that is the sixth-lowest sack total in the NFL, tied with the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants. However, it is the traits and defensive scheme that Jacksonville uses that could give the Chiefs the most trouble. The Jaguars will be able to test Kansas City with speed, especially with players like Josh Allen, Folorunso Fatukasi and Roy Robertson-Harris. Finally, the Jaguars are not afraid to alter defensive fronts and use twists or stunts upfront.

Etienne Vs Bolton And Gay

The Jaguars do not garner much headlines. Nevertheless, Travis Etienne is one of the more exciting young running backs that NFL fans should be paying attention to. In just his last five games, the Clemson product has totaled at least 108 scrimmage yards or more in each contest. Moreover, Etienne has generated 109 rushing yards or more in three consecutive games. Jacksonville is also giving him a greater workload after trading James Robinson away to the New York Jets. As a result, Etienne is able to show off his versatile skill set. He has long, wide strides, plenty of long speed, shiftiness when running in between the tackles and can cause stress as a pass catcher.

After a decent start to the season, the Kansas City Chiefs have been concerning as a run defense. We have seen past mistakes like missed tackles and overaggressive pursuit angles cost this defense mightily in recent weeks. When taking on someone like Etienne, perhaps the physicality and speed mix of Nick Bolton and Willie Gay can keep the Chiefs grounded. Bolton has the necessary instincts to take on the elusiveness and dense lower half of Etienne. Whereas with Gay, this linebacker may be a key neutralizer against the pass catching ability of Etienne in space.

Chiefs Running Backs Vs Jaguars Linebackers

While the Chiefs will largely rely on the arm of Patrick Mahomes, this team needs to find their footing as a rushing attack. Outside of the quarterback, Kansas City gained just 14 yards on 13 carries from their running backs last week. Both Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon tied for the longest carry against the Tennessee Titans, which was a measly three yards. CEH appears to be demoted to certain situations. McKinnon has the speed needed to give the Chiefs a jolt. However, Kansas City likes to use him more as a pass catcher or pass protector. Isiah Pacheco has had some strong moments. Though, there is still a learning curve for him, when it comes to reading blocks and with his timing on attacking the hole.

At linebacker, Jacksonville has a do-it-all duo in rookie Devin Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun. Both defenders have above average range. The short area quickness and instincts that each Jaguars linebacker presents is able to give Jacksonville momentum from many areas. On top of that, these two are incredibly versatile, perfect for today’s pass heavy NFL. Lloyd has the ability to blitz, drop into coverage and make run stops in space with lateral quickness. As for Oluokun, he is a downhill thumper that excites with power. Running routes against him in the middle of the field can come at a harsh price.

Jaguars Wide Receivers Vs Chiefs Cornerbacks

Jacksonville has not seen many substance from their wide receivers this season. Christian Kirk was paid a boatload of money this past offseason. While his numbers are adequate this year, he is not winning with the explosive plays and yards after catch ability like he often did with Arizona. Kirk has mostly been sitting in shallower areas in between defenders and in zones. Once in a while, he will run a deeper route towards the sideline. Elsewhere, Zay Jones has been used more as a possession receiver on shorter routes. Marvin Jones has not had the production that he had in the past. Some of that could be attributed to faults outside of his control, however.

Kansas City has to be pleased with how their rookie cornerbacks have fared so far. Trent McDuffie returned last week after missing time with a hamstring injury. Despite the minimal amount of snaps for him, the Washington product has still not allowed a catch in coverage. Jaylen Watson is displaying extreme confidence and ball skills when going toe to toe with some of the league’s best pass catchers. Additionally, Joshua Williams has been able to make a difference in run support and when bracketing in coverage, as he continues to learn. The length and physicality of these Chiefs cornerbacks could be a trying test for this otherwise compactly built group of Jaguars wide receivers.

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.