Chiefs vs. Packers Preseason: Rushing Attack Gets A Big Test

The Kansas City Chiefs are the second ranked rushing team in the NFL through three games of the 2010 preseason. Between Thomas Jones, Jamaal Charles and Jackie Battle (team rushing leader), the Chiefs are showing where the strength of their team lies.

Now it's time for the Chiefs to put their strength against the Packers', who were the No. 1 rush defense in the NFL last year.

I talked with Brandon over at Acme Packing Company to determine how the Packers will handle the Chiefs rushing attack.

Their run defense was fantastic in 2009 but they've struggled this preseason. Their backup linebackers have played a lot, which I'm sure hasn't helped. They've also had to throw their rookie 3rd round pick Morgan Burnett into the fire as the starting strong safety, and his coverage skills (he picked off QB Peyton Manning last week) are well ahead of his run support (he gave up a huge run to RB Joseph Addai). I expect it will be great again in 2010 once all the starters are back and playing full-time, including starting SS Atari Bigby who's missed all of training camp with an ankle injury.

Anyone remember the name B.J. Raji?

Unfortunately, there won't be much time to test the starters vs. starters. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said this week that QB Aaron Rodgers and the starters would only play for a series so I suspect we can expect a similar amount of time from the defense.

That's too bad because I'd love to see where the Chiefs rushing attack stands against one of the best in the NFL.