Keys for tonight’s Rams-Chiefs matchup

OK, Ok, okay already … I KNOW it’s a pre-season game. I get it. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t get just a little bit excited about going to see my two favorite NFL teams battle it out in one of the league’s best venues to watch a game. Chiefs. Rams. Arrowhead. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Here are some of the things I’ll be watching out for tonight:
(Post-game comments in italics, color.)

Stopping the Run – Whichever team does a better job of shutting down the other side’s rushing attack will have the upper hand. Both the Rams and the Chiefs want to establish the run to set up the pass (especially the Chiefs). Whoever does that most consistently will win the game. Advantage: RAMS

Controlling the Line of Scrimmage – This is where it all happens … in the trenches. It you don’t win the battles there, the game will get away from you ... and fast. Both of these franchises have been working hard to build solid offensive and defensive lines, with key additions this offseason for both teams. Which one solidifies first? Balanced.

Defense, Defense, Defense – The current strength of the Rams and the Chiefs alike is on the offensive side of the ball, but both teams desperately want their defense to step up and complete the football team. We should see early on whether the off-season moves are working or not. Advantage: CHIEFS

But most importantly … Helping Joplin – It’s the Governor’s Cup Game, and there is a lot on the line. But seriously, it’s a football game. It is really neat to see these organizations band together and make this annual gridiron fight all about helping those still very much in need in Joplin. I’ll be there wearing my “2011 Joplin Chiefs” shirt. I’m praying that piles of money are collected tonight to benefit those still seriously impacted by the May 22 tornadoes. Advantage: Joplin EAGLES!!

Watch my twitter feed tonight for real-time updates from the game.

Thanks for reading.

Steve