Bolt Beat Speaking with the Enemy: One-on-One with KC Kingdom
By Travis Wakeman
As we draw closer to the start of the 2016 NFL season, the anticipation grows. We can analyze the games up and down, which we will, but we thought we’d give readers something a little different here.
Recently, I met with Ben Almquist, a site expert for KC Kingdom. We both had questions as it relates to the upcoming AFC West showdown between the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs.
To read my interview with Ben, click on the banner below.
Here were my questions, and his answers.
1. In two games last season, the Chiefs held Melvin Gordon to 39 yards rushing on 18 carries. Though Gordon looked much improved during the preseason, do you see the Chiefs having the same success in bottling him up on Sunday?
KC Kingdom: “I do see the Chiefs having the same success in stopping Gordon. The Chiefs have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL with Dontari Poe, Jaye Howard, and Allen Bailey. Plus the always reliable Derrick Johnson backing them up. Gordon may be able to increase his production this year, but I don’t see him having a major effect on the game.”
2. Last season, Keenan Allen missed both games against the Chiefs due to injury, meaning we didn’t get to see him go head to head with Marcus Peters. How much do you expect Peters to cover Allen in this game and do you feel he can keep the wide receiver in check?
KC Kingdom: “The Chiefs use a Left/Right configuration with their cornerbacks instead of a #1/#2, so the ball is really in San Diego’s court when it comes to how often those two are matched up. If I’m the Chargers, I like Keenan Allen against Phillip Gaines a whole lot more. When Peters and Allen do match up, it will be fun to watch. Marcus Peters is a ball hawk and bases his game more on trying to convince a QB to make a certain throw rather than playing the receiver. It’s risky, and some veterans can pick it apart, but Peters has the athletic ability to recover when his plan doesn’t work out.”
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3. Looking over the Chargers’ new additions to the roster, which player should the Chiefs be most concerned with in this game?
KC Kingdom: “Travis Benjamin hands down. If he can provide a reliable balance to Keenan Allen, the Chiefs may struggle. KC has a young group of corners and that gives Rivers an advantage. If Benjamin can build on what he showed in Cleveland last year, that’s trouble.”
4. Give us an X-Factor from Kansas City in this game, someone we’re not expecting to have a big game but one that potentially could.
KC Kingdom: “The Chiefs 3-TE set. Everyone knows about Travis Kelce, but you probably don’t know much about Demetrius Harris and Ross Travis. These two young guys are former basketball players turned to football, and they have some major athleticism. When the Chiefs get into the redzone, this group is going to create all kinds of problems with their size and athleticism.”
5. What is your final prediction?
KC Kingdom: “I have the Chiefs by a comfortable margin. KC expects to be a really good team this year, and I don’t think the Chargers have an answer for Spencer Ware or our TEs. That will keep Rivers playing from behind which limits the Charger offense. Give me the Chiefs 31-13.”
What are your thoughts? Where do you agree and/or disagree with the statements made by Mr. Alquist? Let us know by sounding off in the comments section below.