Gametime: Sunday, September 8, 2019, at 12 p.m. CT
Location: TIAA Bank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL
Network Provider: CBS
Radio (Kansas City residence): Chiefs Fox Football Radio Network KCFX (101.1 FM)
The Kansas City Chiefs head to Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday to open their 2019 season against the Jaguars, a team looking to rebound from a disappointing 5-11 season after making the AFC Championship game the year prior.
The Chiefs made short work of the Jags in Week 5 last season, improving to 5-0 with a 30-14 win at Arrowhead Stadium.
Since being hired by Kansas City in 2013, Head Coach Andy Reid is 5-1 in season openers, including a 28-2 victory over the Jaguars in Week 1 of his first season
Chiefs Kingdom is hoping the team will set the tone for the season with another big win on Sunday.
However, this won’t be the same Jaguars team that Kansas City played last year.
Despite losing defensive tackle Malik Jackson and defensive back Tashaun Gibson in free agency, Jacksonville still has a strong defensive core that includes defensive linemen Marcell Darius and Abry Jones, linebacker Myles Jack, who led the team with 107 tackles, and all-pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
On offense, the Jaguars moved on from quarterback Blake Bortles after winning the Nick Foles sweepstakes back in March. The Jags are hopeful Foles will bring consistency on offense, something the team lacked with Bortles at the helm.
Jacksonville also added running back Alfred Blue to provide depth to the ground game in case they ever lose Leonard Fournette again to injury. Fournette can be quite the bruiser when healthy, however, he missed seven starts last season due to injuries and only rushed for 439 yards after breaking the thousand-yard mark in his rookie season in 2017.
Head Coach Doug Marrone is hopeful the facelift he and his staff gave the offense will be enough to take the Jaguars back to the postseason.
The Chiefs offense vs the Jags defense
The Jacksonville defense ranked 5th in the league in total defense in 2018 and will provide a tough test to begin the season.
Before going up against gunslinger Patrick Mahomes last season, the Jaguars defensively hadn’t allowed a 300-yard passer for 15 straight games dating back to the 2017 season.
That streak ended when Mahomes put up the worst numbers of his career thus far, throwing 22 of 38 for 313 yards, and two interceptions. The Jaguars were the only team Mahomes didn’t throw a touchdown against last season.
When speaking with the media, Mahomes admitted he forced some passes against a ‘fast, deep and sound defense’ and there were some deep he’d like back as well.
Luckily the Chiefs ride into Jacksonville with more weapons than what they had last year.
Tight end Travis Kelce and receivers Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins all had a field day against the Jags last season. Kelce made five receptions for 100 yards, Watkins caught six passes for 78 yards and Hill reeled in 4 catches for 61 yards.
With all three players healthy, plus the additions of rookie receiver Mecole Hardman and veteran running back LeSean McCoy, there’s no doubt the Jags defense is going to have their hands full on Sunday.
Head Coach Andy Reid said Damien Williams will be the starter going into Sunday’s game but recently signed running back LeSean McCoy is expected to play in Week 1.
The Chiefs believe the 31-year-old-McCoy still has what it takes to carry some of the load on offense. In 2018 with the Bills, he rushing for 514 yards on 161 carries and racking up 238 yards through the air on 34 catches. Rookie Darwin Thompson will also likely see the field in some moderation.
Dustin Colquitt
Veteran punter Dustin Colquitt could make history on Sunday if the Chiefs are forced to punt or go for a PAT at least once against the Jaguars. If either of the two circumstances happens, Colquitt will appear for his 223rd career game with the Chiefs, one game shy from tying Hall of Fame guard Will Shields for the team’s franchise record. Colquitt was draft by the Chiefs in 2005 and is currently the longest-tenured player on the team.
Prediction
Foles will provide improved quarterback play for the Jags and lead their offense to take advantage of a Chiefs defense that’s still on a learning curve but it won’t be enough to keep up with Kansas City’s high powered offense. The Chiefs take Week 1 and go 1-0 on the year.
Chiefs: 31 Jaguars: 21
