Chiefs vs. Browns: Scouting KC with our Q&A with Arrowhead Satisfaction

On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns tackle the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. To assist preview a couple of subjects from the Chiefs’ perspective, we reached out to Jared Sapp from Arrowhead Satisfaction and exchanged 5 questions with him.

Picture by Cooper Neill/Getty Photos

Chris: “Obviously, winning is winning, and the Chiefs are the best in the AFC at 12-1. But, in their last five games, they have their one loss, and each win has been by 2, 3, 2, and 2 points. In a couple of those games, it came down to a last-minute field goal situation that swung in the Chiefs’ favor. Why haven’t the Chiefs been able to just put teams away much earlier?”

Jared: “It’s turn into a cliche, however the Chiefs have actually been somebody’s Tremendous Bowl each week for 2 years. I do assume a part of it’s they get all people’s greatest shot.

The Chiefs have a few main on area deficiencies which might be maintaining opponents within the recreation. Go safety has been an issue all yr, particularly from the sort out positions. The Chiefs can nonetheless draw up some spectacular performs, however they’re additionally a serious threat to go three-and-out if Mahomes doesn’t discover time within the pocket. They misplaced beginning cornerback Jaylen Watson in October. That has led to a reshuffling within the secondary that makes their protection particularly weak to huge cross performs.”

Picture by Cooper Neill/Getty Photos

Chris: “Former Browns running back Kareem Hunt is now back with the Chiefs. We miss him, but tell us how he’s performed in his return to KC.”

Jared: “Everybody loves a redemption story, and it has been particular to see Hunt return to Kansas Metropolis after the unlucky state of affairs (of his personal doing) that noticed him launched throughout his second season. Hunt has been strong, although unspectacular. His second stint with the Chiefs has seen an insane mixture of environment friendly runs with an absence of explosive performs. Brief yardage woes plagued the Chiefs a yr in the past, and Hunt has just about been cash shifting the chains when a vital yard or two is required.

The Chiefs had been sporting Hunt out with an insane workload within the absence of starter Isiah Pacheco. The Chiefs have gave the impression to be managing his position considerably the final couple of weeks since Pacheco returned, presumably to protect him for a playoff push.”

Chris: “Which member(s) of the Chiefs’ 2024 draft class are having the biggest impact, besides Xavier Worthy?”

Jared: “To be sincere, nobody. Everybody in draft media knew second spherical sort out Kingsley Suamataia wanted a pink shirt yr, and the Chiefs seem to have reached the identical conclusion after beginning him the primary two weeks. Tight finish Jared Wiley was rotating in for 13-personnel however tore his ACL in observe final month.

Security Jaden Hicks has an interception already this season, and his snaps are slowly trending up in response to the large performs the Chiefs secondary continues to give up. I gained’t be stunned if he’s beginning by the point the playoffs begin.”

Chris: “Tell us about one player who Browns fans may not have heard of, but who could have an impact on this Sunday’s game.”

Jared: “Everybody is aware of Travis Kelce, however the very best tight finish on the Chiefs roster at this time is likely to be Noah Grey. The fourth-year professional has benefited over the past month from consideration on Kelce and DeAndre Hopkins and has discovered the top zone 4 instances. Grey has the belief of Mahomes and may benefit from lighter matchups as consideration is paid to the larger names on the Chiefs’ offense.

On protection, defensive sort out Tershawn Wharton has made probably the most of consideration given to celebrity Chris Jones. Wharton introduced down Justin Herbert twice on Sunday Night time.”

Chris: “The Browns are early underdogs against the Chiefs on Sunday (Browns +4.5 as of this question, per FanDuel Sportsbook). Who would you pick against the spread?”

Jared: “On Arrowhead Pride, I predicted a slightly higher scoring game. With information about Sunday’s forecast, I am going to scale it back a little. I am going to take the Chiefs to win 24-20, meaning they do not cover the spread, though I will predict that the Browns score a garbage time touchdown to bring the score that close. I do think the Chiefs will try to run the ball and shorten the clock, especially with a struggling offensive line going against Myles Garrett and company.”

Thanks once more to Jared for taking the time to reply my questions.