Three Jaguars to Watch at Kansas City on Sunday

The Jacksonville Jaguars march into Kansas City for a matchup with the undefeated Chiefs on Sunday. Here are three players to watch for the visitors.

It isn’t often that a team can present many challenges for the Jacksonville Jaguars defense, but that is exactly what this unit faces when they travel to Kansas City on Sunday.

Awaiting them is the best offense in the NFL and many weapons to shut down. For some defenses, the task might be daunting.

But not for the Jaguars. Yes, it will be a tough game, and the idea of completely shutting down the Chiefs offense will take a monumental effort. It’s something this defense welcomes and hopes will help solidify them as the best in the NFL.

"They’re getting all the recognition for a reason,” Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash said on Friday via Jaguars.com. “They’re very good offensively. They do a lot of different things to make you go out and really start thinking instead of playing fast. It’s important we go out and do what we do, but we have to play fast. They’re extremely fast at all positions.”"

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Wash and his coaching staff have faced high-powered offenses in the past. Second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes is lighting the world on fire right now but has not faced a scheme like this, The hope is to rattle the youngster where the secondary can capitalize.

The defense might be the primary focus of the game on Sunday, but quarterback Blake Bortles must find a way to continue his offensive output from last week. With T.J. Yeldon starting for the injured Leonard Fournette, the running game must also find a way to remain effective.

I picked the Jaguars to win on the road 24-20, but this is a game the Jaguars as a whole must continue to gain momentum with a trip to Dallas awaiting them next week.

Here are three players to watch on Sunday from Arrowhead Stadium.

Tashaun Gipson

The man who is asked to cover tight end Travis Kelce has developed a reputation for playing bigger opponents tight and taking them out of the passing game. Tashaun Gipson is the perfect foil for the Chiefs use of tight ends.

The Jaguars will also have to deal with speed on the outside in Sammy Watkins and Tyreek Hill. If the running game is contained, Mahomes will go to the air more, which plays right into what the Jaguars want to accomplish.

Dede Westbrook

Dede Westbrook had his breakout game last week against the New York Jets with nine catches and 130 yards at TIAA Bank Field. How will his speed factor into the game, playing on a wet but fast track in Kansas City?

I suspect both Westbrook and Donte Moncrief will once again become top targets in the offense, hoping to spread the field and open up passing lanes for Keelan Cole or even tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins across the middle.

The Jaguars might also use rookie DJ Chark more this week, especially if red zone opportunties present themselves. Jacksonville must take advantage of his 6-foot-4 frame against the Kansas City secondary.

This is another opportunity for quarterback Blake Bortles to hit his wide receivers in one-on-one coverage.

Logan Cooke

I will say this again, because of the special teams play by the Chiefs, Logan Cooke could be the most important player out there on Sunday.

On 20 punts this season, the rookie is averaging 41.4 yards per kick. The Jaguars must be aware of Hill at all times on punt coverage.

If Cooke is able to kick the ball high and deep, taking away short field position, it gives the Jacksonville defense a chance to come up with a huge play.