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In the most hyped game of the NFL regular season, the Chiefs’ most significant flaws were on display for all to see.
Their 21-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles showed us that they still have a long way to go offensively.
Kansas City didn’t just lose the game on Monday; they fell out of first overall in the AFC, with the Baltimore Ravens overtaking them at 8-3.
Playing in that atmosphere at Arrowhead in the postseason always gives the Chiefs an edge, but as Monday’s result shows, it’s no guaranteed win.
Weeks ago, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said that unit needs to improve, while also saying the issues were “fixable”.
A pair of up and down performances since that statement, and it doesn’t appear those problems are any better.
What’s holding the Chiefs back?
Right now, there appears to be two areas of concern that head coach Andy Reid and his staff need to address.
The first is one that’s been discussed non-stop since the start of the season: inconsistent play among their wide receivers.
Most of the fingers were pointed at Marquez Valdes-Scantling Monday for dropping what looked to be a perfect throw from Patrick Mahomes for a sure touchdown.
Valdes-Scantling has done a lot of that in 2023, dropping five passes of 30+ yards, according to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell.
Cause for Concern?
The Chiefs’ offensive woes have many doubting that a Super Bowl repeat can happen.
Defensively, there’s little doubt about their capabilities, but is that enough to lift the Lombardi Trophy?
It’s understandable to be worried about the offense, though it may not be as detrimental as we think.
Even with their poor offensive play, there’s a good chance KC will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
At the moment, though, it won’t be because of their offense but their stingy defensive setup and maybe by default.
The Bengals lost Joe Burrow for the year, Lamar Jackson’s not playoff-tested, the Dolphins struggle against good defenses, Jacksonville is hot and cold offensively, and the Browns are without Deshaun Watson.
Needless to say the AFC is there for the taking and no one is a clear frontrunner and the Chiefs are experienced and playoff-tested.
If they can get to the Super Bowl, we know that one-off games are unpredictable.
Can this current formula produce a title? Yes, but will it be pretty? Not at all.
A win is a win, though, as the saying goes.