KEYS TO GAME
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NOTE: PACKERSNEWS.COM POLL RESULTS[/align]
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Packers win by 10 points or more/by field goal 86%
Chiefs win by 10 points or more/by field goal 13% [/align]
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http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071104/PKR01/711040668/1989
Packers at Chiefs: Three keys
Neutralizing TE Gonzalez
The Packers have done many things well on defense this year, but defending some of the NFL's top tight ends is not one of them. Kansas City represents an even bigger problem because along with perennial Pro Bowler Tony Gonzalez, the Chiefs also have a franchise halfback (Larry Johnson) and a good receiver (rookie Dwayne Bowe), so the Packers can't concentrate on Gonzalez exclusively. Gonzalez is 12th in the NFL in receptions (42 catches, 12.0-yard average) and has the speed to challenge on seam routes. The coverage responsiblities for tight ends generally falls on outside linebackers A.J. Hawk and Brady Poppinga, and safety Atari Bigby. When Washington's Chris Cooley hit the Packers for seven first-half receptions earlier this season, defensive coordinator Bob Sanders began using a safety behind Cooley for bracket coverage and occasionally lining up a cornerback on him. But Washington didn't have a receiver as effective as Bowe, so that freed one safety for help and another for playing the run. Perhaps Sanders occasionally will match a cornerback against Gonzalez for a change of pace. Look for Kansas City to try to match up Gonzalez with Poppinga as much as possible, and for Sanders to play coverages that will avoid that matchup.
Improving ground game?
So the Packers might have found Ryan Grant is the best fit on their roster for coach Mike McCarthy's zone-run scheme – he gained 104 yards on 22 carries against Denver, which probably has the worst run defense in the NFL. But the Packers have miles to go in the run game, because when they tried to run out the clock in the fourth quarter, they couldn't run the ball at all.
Still, Grant gives them a strong, 225-pound back who runs decisively, which is paramount in the zone scheme. Kansas City has an average run defense, so if the Packers are making strides in the run game since their recent bye, those improvements have a chance to show up today.
If they can run the ball OK against a decent front seven, then their entire offense opens and receivers Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones become more dangerous.
Chiefs' aging offensive line
The best matchup for the Packers this game is their front seven against the Chiefs' aging offensive line. Kansas City started the season incredibly slowly on offense, and even with one of the best running backs in the NFL in Larry Johnson, the Chiefs rank 28th in rushing yards and 30 in yards per carry. However, he has 231 total yards rushing in the last two games, against Cincinnati and Oakland, so Kansas City's ground game appears back on track. But several of the Chiefs' veteran linemen are in decline and the line is nothing like the dominating group that former left tackle Willie Roaf anchored for years. If the Packers' defensive line, which is a strength in talent and depth, can control play, the Packers won't need to score much to win.
In fact, their best chance of slowing down TE Tony Gonzalez is by pressuring quarterback Damon Huard, who doesn't have a strong arm or or quick feet but is smart.
