Can the Chiefs tame the Colts…or will there be a stampede?

Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts Game Preview

On Sunday the Indianapolis Colts will welcome in the Kansas City Chiefs to Lucas Oil Stadium, as we all know the Chiefs have been riding high (along with their fans) from the great start that they had out of the gate going 3-0 in the early part of the season. They added some great talent during the offseason with the acquisition of Thomas Jones formerly of the Jets and they had a great draft bringing in Eric Berry and Dexter McCluster. The surprise for KC is how well the defense has been playing; they have held some pretty good offenses to below average showings during the first games of the season. For the Colts they are coming off a disappointing defensive showing against Jacksonville. The defense has really struggled this season against the teams that run the ball well and they are looking to turn it around against the Chiefs. The Colts offense has been, well looking like a well oiled machine, with Peyton Manning running the show and the receivers making big plays, if the defense can get it together the Colts could make a signature run at another division title.

Key Match-ups:

Peyton Manning versus the Chiefs defensive front

KC running game versus Colts defense

Manning is the master at finding weaknesses in the defenses the key will be can KC disguise the coverage long enough to get Manning to make some mistakes. For Manning it will be a business as usual day, the key will be taking what the defense gives him and looking for the big play when the time comes.

Kansas City loves to rush the ball, with the bruising back in Thomas Jones and then the change of pace back in Jamaal Charles, the first wear you down then they run away from you. In order for Indianapolis to have success they must contain the two backs. Freeney and Mathis must have a good day rushing the passer in order for that to happen they must put KC in 3 rd and long situations.

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Keys to the Game:

Kansas City rushing attack

Indianapolis defense

If Kansas City comes out and does what everyone thinks they will do they will try to run the ball down the Colts throat but we know many times things do not go as planned in the NFL. The key to success for them will be to run the ball effectively giving Matt Cassel time to find the big play receivers down the field.

If Indianapolis is able to stop the run they have the ability to play the passing game, with the two edge rushers they will make life very difficult for the offense of the Chiefs. They are a speedy defense that can make things happen and for this rushing attack they will need all the speed they have.

Prediction:

Kansas City will make a strong case and try to prove that they are no fluke when it comes to their record, but the fact is you have the Colts coming off a loss and they are playing at home two things against the Chiefs already if they can come in and place their brand of football they may escape with a win. But really we all know Indianapolis will be geared up for this game and they will not want to have to deal with another loss, I look for the defense to step up to the table and perform and we know what the offense is capable of and they will have their way on Sunday. I look for the Colts to run away with this game, it will be close early but it will be too much Manning and the offense.

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer