Week 8 Key Match Ups: Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree (48) attempts the tackle during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Charcandrick West Replacing Jamaal Charles

When Jamaal Charles was lost for the year with a torn ACL, the general consensus was that the Chiefs’ offense was lost with him. Charcandrick West has done a respectable job filling in for the all-star running back. Last week, against the NFL’s eighth best run defense in yards per game, West put up 110 yards on 22 carries and scored a touchdown. That’s certainly enough production to keep defenses honest which is a necessity for Alex Smith and the Chiefs’ passing game.

On the other hand, the Lions’ run defense is kind of bad. It seems each week Lions fans are saying “the run defense looked pretty good except for that one big run”. That’s not how you describe good run defenses. They’ve done more than should be reasonably asked of the motley crew Teryl Austin is forced to trot out on the defensive line, but they are still averaging 123.4 yards allowed per game on the ground. If West is productive enough to get 20+ carries, the Chiefs offense will be hard for this defense to stop.