Ball security will be crucial against Chiefs

Amidst all the gloom and doom that appears to be surrounding the opening few games of this season, one area that the Patriots have been performing in is limiting turnovers. So far this season, the Patriots have a +6 turnover differential, good for number 1 (tied with Bengals) in the NFL, while the Chiefs have the worst with -5. Brady has yet to throw an interception, none of the backs or receivers have coughed it up. In fact the only turnovers that the Patriots have surrendered this year have been a pair of Brady fumbles in the week 1 game against the Dolphins, which given the relentless pressure he has been under so far could easily be more.

Meanwhile the defense has been turning the ball over at a ferocious rate, racking up 8 turnovers through the first 3 games, including 6 interceptions (also interesting to note: two from up-front courtesy of Easley and Wilfork... crazy). The turnover differential at this point in the season is probably the main reason why the Patriots are sitting at 2-1. With the offensive struggles, things could easily be worse and while the defense is dominant right now, who knows what the rest of the season holds. For Monday night's game however, the turnover story will be a key component of the final score.

The lethal pairing of Tamba Hali and Justin Houston on the Chiefs defensive line, combined with the current frailties of the Patriots O-line could be equivalent to a hot knife through butter. In fact, Brady had this to say of the linemen on Wednesday:

MassLive

It’s not one of those games you want to stand back there and see how long you can hold the ball because eventually they’re going to get there. They’ve got two of the best guys in the league on the edge that can rush quarterbacks, strip-sack.

Holding onto the ball will be imperative for Brady and feature back Ridley - this factor alone makes him one to watch come Monday night. Chandlder Jones and Dont'a Hightower will also have to continue their impressive form and continue to make Alex Smith one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the NFL currently. Forced throws and hard hits will be the way to ensure that this turnover differential maintains it's impressive clip, and whoever gets more will likely win the game on Monday.

Photo by AP Photo/Elise Amendola

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