Despite an impressive 7-2 record post-bye, the Kansas City Chiefs acknowledge the need for improvement in various team aspects. Looking ahead to a significant Monday Night Football clash with the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 20, which also marks a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, the Chiefs aim to gauge their performance and make necessary adjustments. While the team boasts one of the top defenses in the NFL, both offensive and defensive sides can enhance their game for a more formidable second half, crucial for postseason readiness.
Here are four specific areas that merit attention as the Chiefs resume play:
- Streamline the Wide Receiver Rotation: Originally confident in deploying up to seven wide receivers for strategic diversity, the Chiefs have found reliance on only a couple of players, namely Justin Watson and rookie Rashee Rice. The team faces a pivotal decision to narrow down the rotation for more effective offensive plays. Recent trends, such as reduced playing time for Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney, indicate a potential shift in the receiving dynamic. With Mecole Hardman returning, the upcoming Eagles game may reveal the preferred set of receivers, emphasizing quality over quantity.
- Enhance Situational Play-Calling: While the Chiefs’ offense holds up well on a broad scale, closer examination reveals room for improvement in red zone efficiency, short-yardage plays, and overall play-calling consistency. Critical decisions, such as second-and-10 runs leading to third-and-long situations and passing on short-yardage attempts, have raised concerns. Coach Andy Reid and the coaching staff must address these issues to prevent the offense from facing disadvantageous positions, especially considering the team’s reduced margin for error.
- Strengthen Steve Spagnuolo’s Run Defense: Despite the Chiefs’ overall defensive success, their run defense lags behind, surrendering an average of 4.5 yards per rush attempt, ranking sixth highest in the league. The team faces challenges in EPA/play standards and success rate, particularly against opponents committed to run plays. While this may not significantly hinder playoff performance, shoring up the run defense is crucial for maintaining defensive excellence and overcoming opponents’ ground strategies.
- Define a Clear Identity in the Return Game: While the Chiefs excel in special teams overall, their return game faces inconsistency. Ranking sixth in special teams DVOA, the team struggles with kickoffs, having the second-lowest average on return efforts. Punt returns also pose challenges, ranking 26th in average yards per return and tying for the league lead in fumbles. Despite changes in returners, including the acquisition of Mecole Hardman, consistency remains elusive. Hardman, offering the highest potential, should continue as the primary consideration, but both he and the return units must strive for greater reliability
Leave a Reply