On The Beat: 5 questions with Kansas City writer Lynn Worthy - 'Mahomes has the arm to make all the throws'

Every week, we go deep on the Patriots’ next opponent with our “5 questions…” feature where we check in with a writer who covers New England’s next opponent. For this week’s game against Kansas City, we talk with Chiefs’ beat writer Lynn Worthy, who covers the team for The Kansas City Star. Check him out on Twitter here.


1. Is there some sort of kryptonite that might be able to slow down Pat Mahomes? Does he have a weakness?



We haven’t seen much of it thus far, but confusing him with exotic pre-snap and post-snap looks could lead to interceptions, and interceptions appear the best bet to slow Mahomes. His first two of the season came last week against the Jaguars, but he’d thrown 14 touchdown passes before throwing his first interception of the year. He has the arm to make all the throws, and he has shown an ability to get the ball out quick. He’s also used his legs to buy time and create plays with improvisation.

2. How big of a concern is the health at the back end of the Kansas City defense?

It’s a major concern, at least in the short term. They’ve been without their projected starting safeties since training camp when Daniel Sorensen (knee) and Eric Berry (heel) went out with injuries. They added veteran Ron Parker, who’d been with the team for five years prior to being released in March. However, they’ve lost rookie Armani Watts to injured reserve and Eric Murray, who’d started in place of Berry, is out for this weekend. They had backup wide receiver Marcus Kemp working with the defense in practice this week in case of emergency. Meanwhile, Jordan Lucas will likely start despite having not joined the team until after the conclusion of training camp via trade. Josh Shaw was signed less than two weeks ago, and immediately becomes the third safety.

3. Is there an under-the-radar guy who has a chance to play a big role on Sunday night?

Rookie outside linebacker Breeland Speaks is in the middle of a transition from a down lineman to edge rusher. He’s still searching for consistency both in coverage and as a pass rusher. With Justin Houston unlikely to play, Speaks could start opposite of Dee Ford. If Speaks surprises everyone with a big game rushing the passer, he’d be a truly surprising impact player.

4. Where is Kansas City most vulnerable — on either side of the ball?

Pass defense. The Chiefs enter the weekend ranked 31st in passing yards allowed and have allowed an average of 343 passing yards per game. Their secondary has been under construction since the offseason. They’ve added Kendall Fuller through free agency, but during camp they signed veteran Orlando Scandrick and they continued adding with Ron Parker, Jordan Lucas, Charvarius Ward and Josh Shaw having joined the unit since Aug. 31. Prior to four interceptions last week, the unit had picked off just two passes. Teams have also enjoyed a lot of success isolating the Chiefs’ linebackers in pass coverage.

5. The Chiefs win Sunday if….

They don’t turn the ball over, win the special teams battle and disrupt Tom Brady and the offense’s timing.

Lynn's Pick: 30-24, Chiefs -- Even with Bill Belichick’s track record against young quarterbacks, I don’t know that the Patriots’ defense has the personnel to matchup with the Chiefs without leaving major vulnerabilities. That personnel could handicap Belichick’s ability to give Mahomes unconventional looks without paving the way for big plays from Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce or Sammy Watkins in the passing game.