The Chiefs head into Monday night's game with the Giants at a surprising 3-4. Here's what you need to know:
When the Chiefs have the ball…
1. The Chiefs are coming off a game against Tennessee last Sunday where they lost, 27-3. Prior to that outing, the Chiefs had only scored fewer than 20 points in three games Patrick Mahomes started, including last year's Super Bowl. Despite being outscored by 24 points vs. the titans, the Chiefs were only outgained by 35 yards and had just two fewer first downs.
The Chiefs had only four drives in the first half and ran 16 plays. They held the ball for just under seven minutes of the first half. The Chiefs' first drive was short-circuited by false start and sack, while their second was a three-and-out. Their other two drives of the half were ended by two Mahomes turnovers, an interception off a deflection and a fumble on a scramble.
Turnovers have been the bane of the Chiefs' efforts on offense all year long. They have an NFL-worst minus-10 turnover ratio (tied with Jacksonville) and no one has more than their 17 total giveaways. Mahomes has nine interceptions and four fumbles this season. He has run into some bad luck with five coming off deflected passes, but he has also made some bad decisions trying to make something out of nothing as he is being dragged to the ground by defenders.
2. Aside from the turnovers, the Chiefs' offense is not broken. Here are some of their offensive numbers:
- 419 yards per game – 3rd in the NFL
- 6.19 yards per play – 5th in the NFL
- 57% 3rd down conversion rate: 1st in the NFL
- 6.08 yards per first down play – 8th in the NFL
- .08 EPA (expected points added) per play: 5th in NFL
- 60.6% successful play rate: 1st in the NFL (using PFF's numbers their success rate is 44% - still best in the NFL)
- 14.7% Offensive DVOA: 5th in the NFL
The Chiefs are not making the same number of big plays that they have in the past.
Their 24 completions of 20+ yards is only tied for 13th in the league. They manage explosive pass plays (15+ yards) on only 11.6% of their pass plays, which ranks 28th in the NFL. Their 42 explosive pass plays is tied for 12th and the have managed five 40+ yard pass plays, which is tied for fifth. KC remains a pass-first team, ranking in the bottom quartile of rush attempts on 1st-and-10 and in the first halves of games.
Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce are still Mahomes' preferred targets down the field. Hill is fifth in the NFL with 641 receiving yards and tied for second with 52 receptions. His 12.3 yards per reception is the lowest of his career. Travis Kelce is tied for the fifth-most catches in the NFL with 45 and his 533 yards is 12th in the NFL. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman is the team's third option in the passing game, with 30 catches for 289 yards. He is only 5'10 and weighs less than 200 pounds but he ran a 4.33 40 yard dash at the combine and has top-notch speed. The Chiefs have faced soft two deep safety shell coverages for most of the season in an effort to prevent their big plays.
3. The Chiefs' pass protection has been up-and-down this year. According to Pro Football Focus, they allow pressure on 31.9% of their dropbacks, which is tied for 14th in the NFL. Their 4.78 sack per pass attempt rate is 10th-best in the league.
The Chiefs almost completely re-formed their offensive line in the offseason. They drafted center Creed Humphrey in the second round, signed Joe Thuney in free agency and moved him to guard, traded for left tackle Orlando Brown, welcomed back right Lucas Niang who opted out of his rookie season due to COVID-19, and drafted Trey Smith who dropped to the sixth round due to health concerns.
Veteran Mike Remmers has replaced Niang the last two weeks and has allowed a sack, quarterback hit six pressures in two games. Orlando Brown has allowed three sacks and 23 total pressures. Smith has allowed four sacks and 18 pressures.
The Chiefs' ground attack is average, gaining about 118 rushing yards per game. Their 4.95 rush yards per play ranks fifth in the NFL. Starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire is out with a knee injury, and Darrel Williams has been used in his absence, averaging just under 3.5 yards per carry.
Keys for the Giants' defense…
- Disrupt Patrick Mahomes in the pocket early in the game to disrupt his rhythm and force mistakes
- Play coverage and plaster to the whistle to prevent off-schedule plays
- Force the Chiefs into a methodical offensive approach by keeping them in front of the defense
View rare photos of the history between the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs ahead of their Week 8 matchup on Monday Night Football.
Giants TE Mark Bavaro gathers in a Phil Simms pass over the Chiefs' Lloyd Burruss and Aaron Pearson, right, for a first quarter touchdown at Giants Stadium, Dec. 11, 1988.
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants defensive tackle Jim Burt (64) takes out Kansas City Chiefs running back Ken Lacy (40) during an NFL game in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants linebacker Carl Banks (58) pass rushes during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford on November 25, 1984. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-27. (AP Photo/Chuck Solomon)
New York Giants running back Rob Carpenter (26) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs Nov. 25, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh (6) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs Nov. 25, 1984, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Chuck Solomon via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler enjoys a scoring moment with teammate Mark Ingram during the first quarter of game against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford, New Jersey Saturday, Dec. 20, 1992. Hostetler connected for Ingram for a 21 yard touchdown pass, one of two tossed by the quarterback, after being out for three weeks with a severe concussion. The Giants downed the Chiefs 35-21. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants receiver Chris Calloway runs with a reception during an NFL Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 17, 1995 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Giants 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Rodney Hampton dives forward for yadage during an NFL Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 17, 1995 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Giants 20-17. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants, Michael Strahan (92) during a game against the Kansas City Chief on December 20, 1998 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants beat the Chiefs 28-7. Michael Strahan played for 15 years all with the Giants. He was a 7-time Pro Bowler and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 20, 1998. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 28-7. (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants coach Jim Fassel wears a New York Police Department cap while pausing during a moment of silence before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001. New York coaches and officials wore New York emergency services caps to honor those killed at the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez blocks against New York Giants Brandon Short during an NFL football game on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins calls signals at the line during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Tiki Barber #21 of the New York Giants runs for yardage against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL football game on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants won 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants defensive back Jason Sehorn defends on a play during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
New York Giants running back Ron Dayne runs for yardage during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 23, 2001 in Kansas City, Mo. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 13-3. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green (10) looks for a receiver as New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) forces him out of the pocket in the third quarter Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001, in Kansas City, Mo. New York won 13-3. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants cornerback Will Allen (25) brings down Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez during the first half Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. New York won 13-3. (AP Photo/Ed Zurgal)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber escapes from Kansas City Chiefs' Kendrell Bell during the third quarter in NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber ran for 220 yards and the Giants won, 27-17.(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giantswide receiver Plaxico Burress gains 15 yards on a pass-play as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Eric Warfield, reart, attempts to bring him down during fourth-quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber powers his way to the end zone as Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley tries to bring him down in the fourth quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber, left, heads down field ahead of Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley (25) to score a touchdown during the second quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer manages to keep his knee from touching the ground despite the efforts of Kansas City Chiefs Kendrell Bell, left, and Sammy Knight during the fourth quarter in NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. Toomer broke free on the play and scored a touchdown. The play was reviewed but the call stood. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer (81) holds up the ball after scoring a touchdown despite the efforts of Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley (25) during the fourth quarter of NFL action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants' Amani Toomer, right, drags along Kansas City Chiefs' Greg Wesley on his way to the end zone during the fourth quarter of NFL football action Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, left, grabs Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green by the jersey during fourth quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) breaks a tackle by Kansas City Chiefs safety Sammy Knight, left, as he runs 31 yards for a touchdown during fourth-quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Chiefs, 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green (10) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Kendrick Allen during first quarter NFL football Saturday night, Dec. 17, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, center, is pulled down by New York Giants safety C.C. Brown, left, and safety Michael Johnson after running up the middle for a 15-yard gain during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning passes during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Corey Mays (51) defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss, center, catches a pass as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page, left, and safety Jon McGraw, right, defend during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) celebrates after stopping Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson during second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City. The Giants won 27-16. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs past Kansas City Chiefs safety Jon McGraw (47) during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City. The Giants won 27-16. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith, front, catches a 25-yard pass for a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page looks on during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) is knocked to the ground by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora after throwing during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning yells instructions during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith, right, catches a 25-yard pass for a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs safety Jarrad Page looks on during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham, left, catches a pass under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) for a 43-yard gain during the first quarter of a their NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) gets past Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Brown (30) to score a touchdown during the second quarter of a their NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) is tackled by New York Giants middle linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
The New York Giants defense gets set at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs offense during an NFL football game on Sept. 29, 2013 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won, 31-7. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) catches a ball against New York Giants middle linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) and cornerback Aaron Ross (31) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants outside linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) recovers a ball fumbled by the Kansas City Chiefs with help from defensive tackle Mike Patterson (93) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Akeem Jordan (55) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) is run out of bounds by New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to hand the ball off during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants outside linebacker Spencer Paysinger (52) recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) runs in the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes to a teammate during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants defensive back Terrell Thomas (24) brings down Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) during the second half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) looks to advance under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) looks to advance under pressure from Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dunta Robinson (21) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) reacts with teammates after rushing for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) greets Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce (87) after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 12-9. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Jerell Adams (89) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs' Reggie Ragland (59) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87 is tackled by New York Giants safety Darian Thompson (27) in action Sunday Nov.19, 2017 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs' Eric Murray (21) chases New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) is tackled during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) prepares for the snap during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) rushes as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) and Chris Jones (95) watch during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa (26) celebrates with teammates Brett Jones (69) and Chad Wheeler (63) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs with the ball during the game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) is tackled by New York Giants' Ross Cockrell (37) and Calvin Munson (46) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) runs with the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants defeated the Chiefs 12-9. (Al Tielemans via AP)
When the Giants have the ball…
4. The Chiefs' defense ranks in the bottom six in every total yardage and yards per play ranking in terms of overall, pass and rush yardage. Only four teams have allowed more than the Chiefs' 29 points per game.
The Chiefs are last in the league managing a sack on only 3.4% of opponent's pass attempts. Their 28.2% pressure rate is the third-lowest in the NFL. Those numbers aren't from a lack of effort. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has sent extra pressure on 33% of opponent's pass attempts, which is the eighth-highest rate in the NFL. According to PFF, no team brings 6 or more rushers more frequently than the Chiefs (41% of their blitzes).
Despite missing two games with a wrist injury, Chris Jones leads the Chiefs with 20 pressures, according to PFF. He has two sacks and four quarterback hits. For most of his career Jones was one of the best pass rushing defensive tackles in the league, but for the first four games this season he was used primarily as an edge rusher. After missing Week 5 and 6 with a wrist injury, he came back in Week 7 against the Titans and split his time virtually every spot along the defensive line.
5. With the Chiefs bringing so many blitzers, they play more "Cover 0" (man-to-man with no safety deep) more than any other defense in the NFL (14.5%). They play "Cpver 1" (man-to-man with one safety deep) 24% of the time as their most common coverage.
Tyrann Mathieu is the Chiefs' best playmaker in the secondary with two interceptions, four passes defended, and a tackle for loss. He plays all over the field but spends most of his time closer to the line of scrimmage in the box or in the slot. Safety Juan Thornhill has taken more and more snaps from Daniel Sorensen as the other starting safety the past two weeks. He is strong in coverage. L'Jarius Sneed starts on the outside but moves inside in sub-packages. Sneed has allowed 27 catches on 36 targets for 379 yards and three touchdowns this season, according to PFF. Charvarius Ward returned from a fractured hand last week to play across from Sneed. Mike Hughes and Rashad Fenton will also play cornerback off the bench. Hughes has allowed four touchdowns and 282 yards this year in 64 fewer snaps than Sneed.
Linebacker Anthony Hitchens missed last week's game with an elbow injury. Rookie second-round Nick Bolton, 2020 second-round pick Willie Gay Jr. and Ben Niemann will take most of the snaps at linebacker. Bolton is known as a physical, instinctive downhill linebacker who Is strong against the run.
The Chiefs' defense has struggled on third down (48.7% conversions - 30th in the NFL), first down (6.96 yards per play – second-highest in the NFL), in the red zone (73% touchdown rate – tied for fourth-worst in the NFL) and in allowing big plays. Only four teams have allowed more 20+ yard plays than the Chiefs' 33.
Keys for the Giants' offense…
- Be prepared for Steve Spagnuolo's blitz package
- Get early separation to give Jones a place to put the ball versus the blitz
- Take advantage of the Chiefs' aggressive posture with big plays
View photos of the Kansas City Chiefs likely starters ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Giants on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
HC Andy Reid
OC Eric Bieniemy
DC Steve Spagnuolo
AHC/STC Dave Toub
QB Patrick Mahomes
RB Darrel Williams
FB Michael Burton
WR Tyreek Hill
WR Mecole Hardman
TE Travis Kelce
LT Orlando Brown
LG Joe Thuney
C Creed Humphrey
RG Trey Smith
RT Mike Remmers
DE Chris Jones
DT Jarran Reed
DT Derrick Nnadi
DE Frank Clark
LB Ben Niemann
LB Anthony Hitchens
CB Charvarius Ward
CB L'Jarius Sneed
CB Mike Hughes
FS Juan Thornhill
SS Tyrann Mathieu
P Tommy Townsend
K Harrison Butker
H Tommy Townsend
LS James Winchester
PR Mecole Hardman
KR Byron Pringle
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