For the second straight week, the Chiefs’ defense got off to a slow start. That’s two games in a row where by the time Patrick Mahomes gets the ball, he’s down 7-0. To be fair, Kansas City would not have 8 wins without this defense. There could also be an explanation for this slight step back, and that’s injuries.
The Chiefs have been hit hard with injuries on the defensive side. After losing Nick Bolton with a wrist injury back in October, Kansas City’s linebacker room was already thin. It only took a couple of plays for the room to get even thinner. Drue Tranquill took a knee to the head and left the game with a concussion, leaving the Chiefs with their third-string middle linebacker.
Immediately, Chris Collinsworth mentioned how this may impact the way defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo called the game. Part of the genius of a Spags-coached defense are his exotic looks and blitz packages. However, for most of the game, the defensive playcalling seemed relatively simple. In my game preview, I talked about not letting Jordan Love get comfortable and confident. But that’s exactly what the Chiefs defense did.
With the defense running thin, it was time for the offense to step up and lead the way to victory. The offense once again moved the ball effectively but struggled to finish drives.
Somethings off with Chiefs offense
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what the problem is on offense. At times it feels like if they could just clean up the turnovers, they’ll be fine. Other times it feels like the biggest problem is penalties. Or simply catching the ball. It’s true these issues have all plagued the Chiefs at times, but there seems to be an even bigger issue. No one is on the same page.
It’s weird to see Mahomes drop back, air out a long pass, and watch the ball fall to the ground. Or worst case into the arms of a defender. But that’s been the theme all season. Mahomes and his receivers simply are not on the same page. They’re not seeing the game the same way. Not to mention, when everything does line up, drops have also been an issue.
An example of this came in the second half. On 2nd and 8, Marquez Valdes-Scantling got a step on his defender. MVS saw the opportunity to widen out the route towards the sideline. But Mahomes threw as if MVS would keep going straight, resulting in a not-so-close incompletion. We’ve seen this with MVS and Justin Watson on just about every deep ball attempt this season.
In fairness to the receivers, when they do run the correct route, Mahomes underthrows them. Considering Mahomes never underthrew the fastest guy in the league, Tyreek Hill, it’s odd he continually underthrows this group of receivers. Even on the controversial no-call to MVS there was an underthrow.
Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) and Packers CB Carrington Valentine (37) – Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports
Mahomes talked about this in his post-game presser. “I got to hit the guys whenever they’re there, even the one with the pass interference, I know I was kind of falling back, but if I can get the ball out there. With the not pass interference, if I can get the ball out there, then he scores a touchdown in that situation.
Isiah Pacheco
Isiah Pacheco continues to be a bright spot on this offense. He runs like he carries the entire frustration of Chiefs kingdom with him. He refuses to go down and plays with an edge that is refreshing to see. There was even a moment where he looked injured bad, but a few plays later he was dragging the entire Packers defense for a first down. Pacheco ended the game with 18 carries for 110 yards and a touchdown. (ESPN)
Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (10) – Jeff Hanisch /USA TODAY Sports
Pacheco’s night would end a few plays early. In the midst of the Rashee Rice fumble return chaos, Isiah Pacheco was on the far end of the field throwing a punch at Packers Keisean Nixon. This led to Pacheco being disqualified for the remainder of the game.
Patrick Mahomes
With 6 minutes to go in the game, the defense stepped up and forced Green Bay to settle for 3. Mahomes got the ball back down 24-19. Everyone felt like this was where the Chiefs would take control of the game and not look back. We’ve seen it countless numbers of times from Mahomes. But it was not to be. On the third play of the drive, Mahomes dropped back to hit Skye Moore, only Keisean Nixon read it the whole time and beat Skye to the spot for an awesome over-the-shoulder interception
Mahomes ended the game 21/33 for 210 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. (ESPN) It wasn’t necessarily a bad game, but this offense needs Mahomes the hero. As we get closer and closer to the end of the season, we need to see the best version of Mahomes and I believe we will.
What’s next
Regardless of how their seasons are going, any time Mahomes and Josh Allen meet it’s a treat to NFL fans everywhere. To me, this is still the best QB matchup in the league. Both teams will be coming in looking to get back in the win column. Buffalo will be coming off their bye week, looking to keep their playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, Kansas City could use the win just as badly to stay in the conversation of the 1 seed.
Enjoy this taste of postseason football in December!
