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Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots is in the books, and there’s a ton to digest. Here’s a look at five takeaways from the festivities.
5. Inability To Score Touchdowns In First Half Doomed Kansas City
Credit: Getty Images5. Inability To Score Touchdowns In First Half Doomed Kansas City
Kansas City was never going to be able to defeat New England without scoring at least three touchdowns. In the first half, the Chiefs were moving the ball at will on the Patriots, but settling for field goals prevented them from truly making this a competitive game.
4. It's Virtually Impossible To Defend Rob Gronkowski
Credit: Getty Images4. It's Virtually Impossible To Defend Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski's size makes it impossible for linebackers and defensive backs to cover him. Most teams don't have a weapon who is virtually unstoppable, and he clearly was the difference in this one with seven receptions for 83 yards and two TDs.
3. Return Of Julian Edelman Made New England's Offense Run Like New
Credit: Getty Images3. Return Of Julian Edelman Made New England's Offense Run Like New
New England's offense was able to dominate Kansas City despite tallying only 38 rushing yards thanks to the return of slot-receiver Julian Edelman, who finished with 10 receptions for 100 yards. Without Edelman to move the chains, the Patriots would have had no choice but to feed newly-signed veteran RB Steven Jackson, who rushed for just 16 yards over six carries.
2. Bill Belichick Coached Circles Around Andy Reid
Credit: Getty Images2. Bill Belichick Coached Circles Around Andy Reid
Bill Belichick was able to counter everything Andy Reid threw at him in this one. Belichick seemed to call the right play almost every time no matter what Reid was able to muster. Obviously, Reid's inability to properly manage the clock reared its ugly head in this one, as down 27-13 in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs drained 5 minutes, 16 seconds on a 16-play drive that brought them within one score. By the time the drive was over, there was only 1:13 left in the game and Kansas City was forced to try an onside-kick, which was recovered by New England.
1. New England's Offensive Line Gave Brady The Time He Needed
Credit: Getty Images1. New England's Offensive Line Gave Brady The Time He Needed
New England's offense line was terrible during the final month of the regular season, but rebounded in a major way against Kansas City. Tom Brady was hit just once, and was not sacked a single time. The Chiefs needed to get to Brady in order to truly frustrate him, and they failed to do so against an impregnable Patriots line.
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