KC Chiefs Vs. Titans: Analyzing Tennessee's Football Tendencies

by Bewsaf on Dec 23, 2010 10:00 AM CST in 2010 Kansas City Chiefs Season

The Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) take on a 6-8 Tennessee Titan team this Sunday. KC is still holding a 1 game lead over their AFC West rival, the San Diego Chargers.

The Titans are led by the explosive running back Chris Johnson. Johnson has rushed for 1267 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. If there was ever a threat to take the rock to the house...it would be Chris Johnson.

The Chiefs have had some problems of late shutting down the opposing team's rushing attack when they go left (defensive right). Currently the Chiefs are ranked 29th in the NFL in yards allowed per carry when the offense rushes the ball around the left end (defensive right), 22nd in the NFL when rushing at the left tackle, and 20th in the NFL when rushing at the offensive left guard.

Every team in the NFL has strengths and weaknesses, tendencies, and go-to guys. They have plays they like to call during tight situations or directions they like to run when in the middle of the football field.

Let's check out those tendencies.

Please refer to the Bewsaf Past Posts bar at the bottom of this article for any inquiries into other articles written this week.

Titans Rushing Offense

Left End

Left Tackle

Left Guard

Up the Middle

Right Guard

Right Tackle

Right End

Plays: 47

Plays: 51

Plays: 38

Plays: 88

Plays: 30

Plays: 55

Plays: 43

NFL Rank: 13

NFL Rank: 12

NFL Rank: 16

NFL Rank: 18

NFL Rank: 10

NFL Rank: 15

Avg Gain: 7.09

Avg Gain: 2.45

Avg Gain: 6.34

Avg Gain: 4.11

Avg Gain: 2.40

Avg Gain: 5.69

Avg Gain: 4.42

NFL Rank: 3

NFL Rank: 32

NFL Rank: 1

NFL Rank: 16

NFL Rank: 30

NFL Rank: 1

NFL Rank: 22

Titans Rushing Notes:

When we look at the rushing tendencies we can see that the Titans are in the upper half of the NFL in attempts in every category. The Chiefs will have to defend the entire line of scrimmage this coming Sunday if they intend on slowing down Tennessee.
Tennessee is ranked 3rd in the NFL in average yards per carry when rushing the ball around the left end. That's not good news for KC fans because the Chiefs are ranked 29th in stopping teams from rushing that direction. Look for a long day for KC around the defensive right end.
The Titans are ranked 1st in the NFL in average yards per carry when rushing the ball at the left guard and the right tackle. The Chief's defense is ranked 20th and 10th respectively.

Titan's Rushing Yards Per Team vs Defensive Rushing Rank

Week	Team	D.Rank	yds
1	Oakland	26th	205
2.	Pittsburgh	1st	46
3.	New York-G	10th	161
4	Denver	31st	121
5.	Dallas	14th	158
6	Jacksonville	18th	153
7.	Philadelphia	11th	75
8.	San Diego	2nd	65
9.	Miami	6th	135
10.	Washington	27th	151
11.	Houston	9th	24
12.	Jacksonville	18th	57
13.	Indianapolis	28th	121
14.	Houston	9th	147

Five teams have shut the Titans down this season: Pittsburgh, Houston (1st game), San Diego, Jacksonville, and Philadelphia. So stopping Tennessee's rushing attack is possible.
One common denominator with all the teams that have shut Tennessee down is that they all were ranked in the upper half of the NFL in rushing defense. The Chiefs are currently ranked 13th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game.

Titan Passing Offense

LEFT DEEP	MIDDLE DEEP	RIGHT DEEP
Plays: 41 NFL Rank: 5th Avg Gain: 13.6	Plays: 24 NFL Rank: 14th Avg Gain: 16.8	Plays: 32 NFL Rank: 18th Avg Gain: 8.47
LEFT SHORT	MIDDLE SHORT	RIGHT SHORT
Plays: 102 NFL Rank: 30th Avg Gain: 5.89	Plays: 72 NFL Rank: 21th Avg Gain: 4.68	Plays: 124 NFL Rank: 31th Avg Gain: 4.44
	Titan Passing Zone Frequency Chart

Titans Passing Notes:

The Titans don't pass the ball short as often as other teams in the NFL. Tennessee is ranked 30th in the NFL when throwing short left and 31st when throwing the ball short right.
The Chiefs can expect the Titans to run the ball and then throw it deep. Tennessee is 5th in the NFL in attempts when throwing the ball deep left. Look for Carr to have some deep action this Sunday.
The interesting stat about the Titans is that not only do they like to throw the ball deep left but their quarterback completion percentage is 51% when going into that deep zone (stat not shown in chart). That's the 2nd best completion % in the NFL when throwing deep left. The Chiefs need to be ready for the deep ball if they expect to come out of this game with a win.
Interestingly enough, the Titans only have a 28% completion percentage (stat not shown in chart) when throwing the ball deep right. That's only 25th in the NFL.

Other Interesting Stats:

	Efficiency
Red	10%	20%	30%	40%	50%	60%	70%	80%	90%	00%
Zone					58%

	Efficiency
Goal	10%	20%	30%	40%	50%	60%	70%	80%	90%	00%
to G								80%

	Efficiency
3rd	10%	20%	30%	40%	50%	60%	70%	80%	90%	00%
Down			35%

Stats Observations:

The big stat that stands out is the Titans goal-to-go stats. Tennessee has scored 80% of the time when they have had 1st and goal. That is pretty good considering the NFL average is 69%.

			No.	Yds	Avg	Long	TD
RECEIVING	1.	Washington, Nate	38	612	16.1	71	6
	2.	Britt, Kenny	33	601	18.2	80	7
	3.	Scaife, Bo	36	318	8.8	30	4
	4.	Gage, Justin	20	266	13.3	30	1
	5.	Cook, Jared	17	207	12.2	36	0
	6.	Johnson, Chris	38	194	5.1	25	0
	7.	Williams, Damian	12	185	15.4	39	0
	8.	Stevens, Craig	11	122	11.1	28	2
	9.	Hall, Ahmard	10	78	7.8	19	0
	10.	Moss, Randy	5	62	12.4	26	0
	11.	Hawkins, Lavelle	5	61	12.2	24	0
	12.	Ringer, Javon	6	37	6.2	9	0
	13.	Mariani, Marc	0	0	0.0	0	0
		Total	231	2743	11.9	80	20
		Opponents	358	3728	10.4	69	18

Click On " Bewsaf Past Posts " for more past articles

*It's All About The Match-ups When Asking If The Chiefs Can Win The AFC West

*KC Chiefs Passing Attack Threat Alert: Tennessee Titans

*Chiefs vs Rams: Breaking Down The O-Line Tape

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Comments

This just in!

Stop Chris Johnson.

What's the difference between jelly and jam?

by WestonK on Dec 23, 2010 10:13 AM CST reply actions

Hmmm

CJ seems to do his damage running over the RT where Hali lines up. I’ve always thought that he can be neutralized by running right at him, so I wonder if there is any thought of moving him around the line. If Vrabel is better vs the run, maybe Romeo can do the ol’ switcheroo.

by craig in calgary on Dec 23, 2010 10:19 AM CST reply actions

Maybe

The Chiefs should use Studebaker and Vrabel in situations that they think the titans will run and use Hali more as a situational pass rusher this week.

by ajmchief on Dec 23, 2010 10:23 AM CST reply actions

See more four man front in this game?

by Turkeyleg on Dec 23, 2010 10:23 AM CST reply actions

The one thing I have noticed of Hali that keeps him from going to next level is

that he engages his blockers too much. He gets caught up with them, he could gain a step by not trying to over man them so much…that may hurt him on run coverage as well as he is locked up too much to slide towards the run one step quicker

by Turkeyleg on Dec 23, 2010 10:26 AM CST reply actions

This also may be reason he gets held so much is that he is engaging so heavily

by Turkeyleg on Dec 23, 2010 10:27 AM CST up reply actions

I'm cool with a few more holding calls

Sure, the sack is better for stats and whatnot but as far as momentum goes, a sack is about equal to a hold imo.

Bask in the glory that is Kwame Harris. Poor Alex...

by JHWK on Dec 23, 2010 5:17 PM CST up reply actions

Knock CJ

in his pearly whites Mr Smith!! Just dont make it obvious if you go for down to hit his bongos!!

Smear on the War Paint, Sharpen the Tomahawks, its CHIEFS Football Reborn!! CHIEEEEEFS!!!!!!

by Mas Cervezas on Dec 23, 2010 10:28 AM CST reply actions

Good work as usual bewsaf

One thing about these stats is the fact that their successes have not translated into wins. They have only won 6 games this season, in spite of being 2nd best in deep left completions and running at 80% success rate when finding themselves in 1st and goal. This is a team that has the talent to win, but it loses because it is suffering a rift between the players and it’s leadership. Collins has reaggravated a thumb injury and has an injured middle finger on his throwing hand as well. Combine that with players who know that their season is over save for a miracle and an attitude that VY should be their starting QB in spite of what their HC thinks and you have a franchise that has trouble being unified. It will continue this Sunday at Arrowhead. With Collins injuries, I will be looking for him to try to make those deep throws but be slightly short giving our secondary more than one int. Chris Johnson will get his yards just like he has against almost everyone all season, but it most likely won’t be up the middle with a rookie Center being chewed on by Edwards and Smith. I woudn’t be surprised to see DJ locked up on Johnson since Tenn has showed a lack of desire to throw the short pass.

This game will be played in the cold and that should make turnovers a factor as well. Tennessee will also commit a few penalties. Courtland Finnegan can cover up Bowe all day for all I care, but if Bowe can frustrate him he might grab a facemask or commit a personal foul late hit. This is Chambers/Moeaki’s/Pope’s day for passes and our duo of RBs will move the chains. Looks to me like Chiefs 28, Titans 17. The Arrowhead fans should make a difference (assuming they show up). There is talk of a Blackout. Unbelieveable that this game is still in jeopary of being blacked out when for the first time in seven years the Chiefs are trying to reclaim the AFC crown.

"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"

by Aiken_Drum on Dec 23, 2010 11:15 AM CST reply actions

How the heck can regular Americans afford Arrowhead?

I figure about 2/3 of Americans are either underpaid, underemployed or without a job at all. I am seriously underemployed and am working cheap when I do. There’s no way I could go to more than 1 game a year. Most fans on AP are in the same boat I am.

The NFL blackout policy is archaic and a travesty considering the current economic conditions. Attendance is down everywhere. The NFL or the individual clubs should let all unsold tickets go for a nominal fee with reduced parking prices dependant upon availability.

Most of us have been priced out of the ability to go see our Chiefs. It hurts when we hear or read such clamor about showing up. Trust me dudes, we wish the fu%# we could!

"The best way to convince a fool that he is wrong is to let him have his way" Josh Billings
Kansas City Chiefs - 2020 Team of the Decade

by skunk420 on Dec 23, 2010 12:14 PM CST reply actions

Yeah, same boat financially here...only reason going to game this year is for xmas present for son

It is a bit archaic as the threat of blackout does not really translate to fans getting up to buy tickets…it translates to owners pushing marketing news days before game. What’s funny, is the blackout causes loss of revenue to tv stations in local area so it is a lose-lose. Perhaps they should make it where the revenue share to a team is reduced according to “blackout type games”..that keeps pressure on the team to market the unsold tickets but still lets local tv make their dollars and fans see games

by Turkeyleg on Dec 23, 2010 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

You shouldn't take take it personally about showing up

I understand your plight very well and would never suggest that anyone should spend their grocery money on football tickets. Don’t tell me that there are just too many people that can’t afford it. This is about supporting the Chiefs. There are more than enough people in the KC area that want a football team and can afford to show up and support it. Will they do it? This is exactly the kind of stuff that teams cite when they make a case for moving to another city. KC kicks and screams at the idea of ever losing the Chiefs but they won’t put their butts in the seats to kick and scream when they can make a difference? Having the 12th man in the situation that the Chiefs find themselves in may just be enough of a difference to put them over the top. We have gone through recessions and economic downturns several times in the last 20 years, yet the Chiefs managed to sell out those home games. With well over 2 million people in the KC metro area, you can’t get 3.5% of them to go out to Arrowhead and scream their heads of for three hours to help put their team in the playoffs? In the past it was done with a lot smaller fan base than there is now.

"You gonna pull them pistols...or whistle Dixie?"

by Aiken_Drum on Dec 23, 2010 1:34 PM CST up reply actions

any new news regarding the blackout?

can we watch the game or not? This is silly with the season on the line, so the club needs to buy the rest of the tickets and donate them to a non profit or give them to some revenous fans. we need to be a dominant force as home fans this weekend.

by The Blaster on Dec 23, 2010 1:05 PM CST reply actions

Nice work Bewsaf...

looks like Tenn does not mind airing it out on Offense and relies on big plays every so often. I checked out what Titans have done against 3-4 teams. Tenn seems to gain ave of 100 rushing against 3-4 teams and 115 ypg against 4-3. This is more likely related to talent than scheme:
46 yds rush vs STeelers # 1 against rush
65 yds rush vs Philly #11
65 yds rush vs SD # 2
158 yds rush vs Dallas # 14
135 yds rush vs Miami # 6
121 yds rush vs Denver # 31

It looks like a big stong physical front with good pursuit and filling cut back lanes is what is required to shut down their rush attack. Since we are a middle of the road D against rush they may have some success.

Dallas is similar to KC on Defense IMO (#14 rush defense) let them have158 yds rushing. Young had about 175 yds passing and under 50%, Britt had only 34 catches for 86 but CJ had 131 yds. Result – Win against Dallas 34-27

Philly is also similar to KC on D. K Collins had 276 yds , CJ held to 66 on 24 carries, but Britt had 225 yds on just 7 catches. result – Win against Philly. 37-19

IMO we can’t rely on shutting down run or they find a way to make big plays passing. We can’t rely on shutting down pass or CJ has a big day. We have to have some success at both. Plus it looks like we have to put up a lot of points. Chiefs win 34-31

"You talkin' to me? You TALKIN' to me ?" - Travis Bickle

by CatChief on Dec 23, 2010 1:45 PM CST reply actions