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NE has no vertical threat. The can really only stretch the field of off playaction. Otherwise there offense is dink and dunk to the RB's in the flats, and WR's on shallow crossers. Last week, only 9 of Brady's 44 attempts were beyond 7 yards of the LOS.
So, the first key to slowing NE is stopping the run, because stopping the run renders the playaction less effective. Early in the game, I think the defensive line (and particularly Jones) needs to occupy NE OL, instead of trying to penetrate, and allowing NE's blockers to get to the second level (where KC is most deficient). This appeared to be KC's strategy early on last week, and it was successful. Then once KC got up, they started to focus more on rushing up field after the QB.
If KC can do this to some degree of success, I'd play press cover 1 (since they aren't a threat to go over your head), to disrupt the timing of NE's short passing game, and use the extra defender in the box to blow up the shallow routes, and slow developing screens.
Then once KC gets up 2 scores, unleash the hounds...
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