Chiefs vs. Colts: 9 things to watch Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
Week 1 went about as well as you could ask for for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes returned to the field and scored on a 15-yard touchdown run. Kenneth Walker III, the team’s biggest offseason free-agent pickup, lived up to the signing with a huge debut.
The rookies on defense had an impressive start. Even Mansoor Delane, who played just a handful of plays, had an interception setting up Mahomes’ touchdown run.
Now, it’s another primetime game this coming Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium.
Here are nine things to watch.
1. Can Walker do it all over again?
Walker had 173 yards against a Denver Broncos defense considered among the best in the league. You can’t expect that production every week, but consistent production would be a huge plus. The Colts allowed Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens to rush for 202 yards and four touchdowns in Week 1, so at least early this season, the Colts appear vulnerable on defense.
2. Does Mahomes take another step?
He had three total touchdowns in the 31-10 win over Denver, but he said this week he felt he left passes on the field that could have been made. He completed 13 of his final 15 passing attempts after a slow start, with most of them coming on short, quick hit passes.
3. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is another test for the Chiefs’ run defense
The Broncos did not run the ball enough in the first week of the season. The Colts probably won’t make that mistake unless they fall behind early. In a 41-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Taylor carried the ball 19 times for 98 yards. He scored two touchdowns and gained 44 yards after contact.
4. Will the Chiefs make Daniel Jones uncomfortable?
The Chiefs sacked Broncos quarterback Bo Nix four times, with those sacks from several places. The Colts had some protection issues in Week 1. Jones was pressured nine times and hit seven times in the game.
5. The Chiefs wide receivers look to get going
You couldn’t complain much about the 31-10 win, but one concern was the lack of production from the wide receivers.
Mahomes took some of the blame in the postgame press conference, and depending on which narrative you believe, Mahomes either missed open wide receivers or they couldn’t get open.
The Colts allowed 304 passing yards in the season opener against the Ravens.
Rashee Rice, who found the end zone against Denver, will look to breakout with Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton against the Colts.
Wide receivers accounted for just 37 yards against Denver.
6. Both quarterbacks are back from major injuries
You know about Mahomes at this point.
Colts quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles late last season. He returned in Week 1, completing 19 of 31 passes for 166 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
Both quarterbacks are healthy enough to play.
7. What’s next for the rookies?
Along with Delane’s interception, R Mason Thomas recorded his first career sack. Peter Woods, who was double-teamed on multiple snaps, received favorable reviews for his performance. Rookie running back Emmett Johnson finished with 68 yards from scrimmage. Head coach Andy Reid said this week that they now have film available on them, so the rookies will need to adjust. Week 2 will provide an early test to see if they can do it again.
8. Week 1 doesn’t mean much
Last year in Week 1, the Las Vegas Raiders defeated the New England Patriots in a game that no one really cared about. Four months later, the Raiders earned the first overall pick, while the Patriots were celebrating an AFC Championship win in Denver.
There’s plenty to be excited about after a 31-10 win over Denver, but don’t let the Ravens’ 41-23 win over the Colts set expectations for this game.
Week 1 can help set the standard for a team, but weird things can happen in Week 1 as well.
9. Will the Chiefs continue evolving into a running team?
One of the biggest questions coming out of Week 1 is whether Kansas City’s commitment to the run was matchup-specific or a sign of what’s ahead.
The Chiefs ran 38 times for 220 yards against Denver. Walker handled most of the work, but Johnson was involved, and Kansas City also used heavier personnel packages, including defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga.