Matchups with the Chiefs

Pretty interesting game for the Birds this week.

The big matchup should be the Chiefs run game vs. Eagles D

-Looks like Willie Roaf might not play. That's great news, that guy is a beast who seals the end on those power sweeps like nobody else. He lets the G's pull and create mismatches. Without him, the Eagles quick ends can get involved more against plays between the hash and the sideline.

-The Chiefs will probably try to put a body on Trot every single run play. The worst case scenario for them is Trot blowing plays up in the backfield and Trent Green dealing with long yardage situations. If they do stick Trot, the OLBs will have to step up. With Tony Gonzalez out there, I'll be interested to see how much JJ lets the safeties up in the box.

-The D-line has had a few injuries and hopefully can hold up over the length of the game. The Chiefs will change speeds with Larry Johnson, so they will always have a fresh RB ready. How fresh the Eagles' front seven is in the 4th quarter will probably depend on if Andy commits to eating some clock.

To run some clock, obviously you can't expect Andy to commit to the run. What I think we'll see is alot of misdirection plays (screens, shovel-passes, counters) to take advantage of KC's aggressive and inexperienced LB's and get Westbrook touches without actually having to run too much.