Pre-Game Recon: Five Questions with Arrowhead Pride

Joel Thorman from our sister site, Arrowhead Pride, was kind enough to stop by and answer some questions about the Chiefs’ big comeback win over the Chargers in Week One, as well as his expectations for KC as the season goes on. Here is what he had to say:

1. In your opinion, what was wrong with Marcus Peters last week?

He seemed to really struggle with Keenan Allen before his injury. I think he was just too amped up. We saw something similar last year when he played in front of family and friends in his hometown of Oakland, and he got a little out of control. Given the pregame demonstration, I imagine his emotions were high. In fact, talking to him after the game I know his emotions were high. You take the good with the bad with Peters. He will give up the touchdown but then come up and make the key defensive stop as he did in the San Diego game.

2. What would you say are the Chiefs’ biggest strengths on offense and defense?

Offensively, it's the depth at running back. They can really go any direction you want. Jamaal Charles is Jamaal Charles. You know what he can do but he may not play. Spencer Ware is powerful. Charcandrick West can play any role. Their versatility stands out. They can both catch and pass block, so they don't have to come off the field.

Defensively, the Chiefs’ defensive line is the strength. The way the Chargers ran on them last week was disappointing, but the talent level along the line is impressive. The starters - Allen Bailey, Dontari Poe and Jaye Howard - are a good group with their own strengths. Chris Jones is a rookie who provides some pass rush help. He only played 12 snaps last week, but he can be a factor.

3. Biggest weaknesses?

Offensively, you know that Alex Smith doesn't stretch the field enough, so I'll skip that and point out a specific position - left guard. Rookie Parker Ehinger had his ups and downs in his debut, so that's an area where the Chiefs could be vulnerable. Defensively, the Chiefs’ pass rush is a problem with Justin Houston out. Tamba Hali could be a part-time player. That leaves Dee Ford to make up the difference. Brock Osweiler could have time on Sunday.

4. What are your personal expectations for this season? Do you feel that the Chiefs will beat out Oakland and Denver for the AFC West crown?

The Chiefs should be pretty good. They're the most complete team in the AFC West, but you could tell me the Broncos or Raiders win the AFC West and I wouldn't be surprised. The Chiefs are best prepared to deal with injuries at any position and they have three consecutive years of success (unlike the Raiders), so the track record is there. Give me the Chiefs in the AFC West this year.

5. What's your score prediction for this weekend?

30-24, Chiefs. Who else did you expect me to pick?

Thank you to Joel for coming by to give us some insight on perhaps the Texans’ biggest test of the first half of the season. Houston has an early lead in the AFC South race as the only 1-0 team in the division, but a win over Kansas City might actually give them an inside track to the front of the race for the entire AFC.

Fingers crossed, everyone.

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