Week 8 Key Match Ups: Kansas City Chiefs
By Al Stahl
Sean Smith and Marcus Peters vs. Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate
With the firing of Joe Lombardi, everyone is anxious to see what differences the Jim Bob Cooter era will unveil. The Lions have said all week not to expect any big changes, but fans are expecting more deep balls from an offense that was grossly lacking the most prolific aspect of Matthew Stafford’s game.
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This season, the Chiefs have allowed 100 yards or more in a game to five different receivers, most in the league. The Chiefs’ defense is giving up 265 yards per game through the air, just four yards less than the Lions’ defense is averaging. Calvin Johnson has reached 100 yards just once this season, in the Lions’ lone victory, and Tate has yet to reach that benchmark. If ever there was a time for these Lions receivers to go off, it’s this matchup.
Other match ups of note:
Chiefs receiver Jeremy Maclin looks like he’ll be back for this game. Marlin suffered a concussion a couple weeks back.
The Chiefs reshuffled their offensive line last week, their fourth different combination this season. By moving Eric Fisher back to left tackle, the Chiefs allowed only two sacks on Alex Smith. Ziggy Ansah should be able to take advantage of the edge and keep pressure on the immobile Smith.
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