The Kansas City Chiefs offense is once again a topic of conversation this season. However, this time the narrative is different. Now when people talk about the offense, it’s no longer to heap on praise. Now, everyone is asking the same question; what’s wrong with the Chiefs offense?
It’s tough to pinpoint exactly what’s off. There’s certainly been untimely penalties and drops. But it’s not just those issues; there seems to be a bigger problem. To me, the chemistry doesn’t seem to be there. Patrick Mahomes and his receivers can’t seem to get on the same page. However, as frustrating as the offense has been at times this year, some of the numbers may surprise you.
Chiefs are 7th in total yards per game
When you hear the national media talk about the Chiefs, you would think they’re incapable of scoring. Their narrative paints a worse picture than what’s actually taking place. Yes, it’s still weird to see the Chiefs look human on offense, and I know we keep saying it, but they’re close. Despite the season long list of issues, the Chiefs currently rank 7th in total yards per game.
As I’ve said all year, the problem isn’t that the Chiefs can’t move the ball. Yes, the deep ball and quick strike ability isn’t what it used to be. But when they don’t get in their own way, the Chiefs still move the ball effectively. They are ahead of the Eagles, Texans, and Jaguars in terms of yards per game.
Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) and TE Travis Kelce (87) – Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
7th in pass yards per game
Again, when you hear the narrative around the Chiefs receivers, you’d think their pass game was non-existent. Well, that’s not true. Like with total yards, Kansas City ranks 7th in pass yards per game. They average 253.5 yards a game, which is down considerably from last year, but only 10 pass yards per game away from being a top-three passing offense.
It’s no secret that drops have been an issue for Chief’s receivers. They lead the league with 32 total dropped passes. Drops have cost the Chiefs a win against Detroit as well as Green Bay. The drops are frustrating, but what’s equally frustrating to me are some of the routes.
This receiving core is young and lacks some of the veteran savviness of a more experienced group. This shows itself in the little details, such as not working back towards the quarterback, or not understanding leverage. However, the biggest thing I want to see is Andy Reid trust his receivers enough to fully unleash them.
At times this year I think the Chiefs have fallen in love with screen passes. I understand the thought process; it’s an easy way to try and build confidence. Guys like Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling all have yards-after-catch ability. But by throwing short routes and screens, you’re limiting Mahomes ability.
17th in rush yards per game
Aside from the defense, the rushing attack has been the most pleasant improvement this season. Even though their total rush yards per game is down slightly from last year, it feels the run game has been more consistent this season. Isiah Pacheco has been a beast with the ball in his hands and has helped Andy Reid solve the 3rd and short problem.
Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (10) – Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY Sports
Mahomes has also been a more willing runner this season. He has already carried the ball 58 times. Last year, for the season, he ended with 61 attempts. He may not be the fastest quarterback in the league, but is one of the smartest runners. Mahomes has an ability to know exactly when to leave the pocket and his runs usually go for decent yardage.
Big picture
After looking closer at the statistics, you can see the Chiefs move the ball just fine. However, to win footballs games, it’s not about accumulating yards, it’s about scoring points. The Chiefs are knocking on the door of being a top 10 team in points per game. They average 22.5 points per game.
I know everyone is tired of the players and coaches saying we’re “close” to breaking through. But they say it because it’s true. At the end of the day, they’re still a good offense, they’ve just been their own worst enemy. The Chiefs still can’t play 4 good quarters, or even two good halves, and that’s because of the lack of attention to details.
Andy Reid hit on this in his press conference on Tuesday; he said, “it’s not getting it done 90% of time, but you have to keep it right the whole time at this level, and that’s what we’re working on.” This season, it’s felt like the Chiefs have caught some unlucky breaks. But by cleaning up the smaller details, you don’t have to put the game in the hands of the officials.
Against the Packers, if MVS catches that ball, they don’t need a pass interference call. Against the Bills, if Toney just lines up correctly, that play stands. However, there’s nothing they can do about that now. Now the focus needs to be turning these yards per game into points.
The last bit of good news is no one can accuse the Chiefs of peaking too early. If there was ever a time to get hot, it’s right now. Finish the season strong and carry that momentum into the postseason, which is something Kansas City has done well under Andy Reid and Mahomes.
