LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 14: Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Chiefs face a big challenge to stop the Cowboys passing attack. That task becomes much tougher if Tyrann Mathieu can’t go for Kansas City.
If the Chiefs want to score a big win against the Cowboys they will need to keep Dak Prescott and the Dallas passing attack under control. A healthy Tyrann Mathieu would give Kansas City a massive boost in their hopes to stop Prescott from racking up yards through the air.
Unfortunately, head coach Andy Reid and his staff may need to make other plans. Mathieu has been officially ruled as questionable for the Sunday afternoon game due to a knee injury. His absence will take away a ton of versatility from the Chiefs’ secondary.
Mathieu may not be the most disciplined safety in the NFL, but he is one of the most dynamic playmaking safeties in the league. His ability to make plays at the line of scrimmage and drop into coverage to protect the final third of the field is a key to any success the Kansas City defense has enjoyed this season.
If Mathieu isn’t able to go look for more pressure to be heaped onto fellow safeties Juan Thornhill and Daniel Sorensen. Armani Watts may also be in line for increased snaps on Sunday if the Honey Badger remains tethered to the sideline.
Even if Mathieu does play, expect the Cowboys to test him early and often in coverage. If his knee injury costs him any significant amount of mobility it could make him vulnerable to deep go routes by Dallas’ talented receiving corps. Kansas City’s coaching staff cannot afford to throw Mathieu onto the field if his knee isn’t truly ready to go.
Mathieu’s status won’t likely be clarified until kickoff on Sunday afternoon. His status could be a huge factor in one of this weekend’s biggest games.