It will be an understatement to say the group’s offense was lackluster.
Though the offense gained 294 complete yards — practically 60 greater than the Eagles — it failed to maneuver the ball constantly, struggling in a number of areas. It transformed solely 4 of 12 third-down makes an attempt and couldn’t create any explosive performs till late within the sport.
Patrick Mahomes completed 16 of 29 for 187 yards with one landing and one interception. He additionally led all Chiefs rushers with 66 yards and a landing. Regardless of the tough stat line, he was one of many offense’s lone shiny spots. With out broad receivers Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, the Kansas Metropolis offense regarded very like it did within the season opener: flat and out of sync.
It was a tough sport — each in execution and play-calling — and even a number of the group’s greatest stars aren’t exempt from criticism.
By means of two video games this season, the Chiefs’ dashing assault has not lived as much as its potential. Poor execution of the blocking scheme, in addition to poor play from the working backs, have each been in charge for the shortage of success working the soccer.
The Chiefs sometimes launch their tight ends inside on run performs to climb to the second degree. On Sunday, Vic Fangio’s protection had a plan to cease that.
On one snap, the sting defender instantly will get palms on Noah Grey, knocking him off stability. This disrupts Jaylon Moore’s task, stopping a clear strike and creating no motion on the edge. Grey goes down, and rookie Brashard Smith has nowhere to run.
Grey’s struggles as a run blocker value the Chiefs a number of alternatives for further yards.
On this play, the Chiefs run energy. The offensive line executes properly, however Grey fails to kick out the sting defender, who crashes inside to swallow up Isiah Pacheco. That wastes stable work from the down blockers and Trey Smith.
Execution wasn’t the one problem. Play-calling additionally raised eyebrows.
On this second-and-long, the Chiefs strive a modified draw, however defensive finish Za’Darius Smith sniffs it out instantly, dropping Pacheco for a loss.
Later, early within the second half, Kansas Metropolis confronted a vital fourth-and-1 by itself facet of the sphere.
However we see that as a substitute of working straight forward, Kansas Metropolis dials up a slow-developing exterior run from heavy personnel. With Robert Tonyan and Grey main the way in which — and Creed Humphrey pulling — the play takes too lengthy to unfold. Nolan Smith shoots into the backfield to blow it up, whereas Jalen Carter crashes by way of the B-gap to assist end the cease.
The Eagles turned the turnover on downs into three factors — the eventual distinction within the sport.
Errors from key gamers
Travis Kelce led the Chiefs with 61 yards on 4 receptions, however his efficiency was marred by expensive errors that damage the offense in important moments.
On this play, the Chiefs arrange a downfield shot with full slide safety to the left. Kelce’s task is the C-gap, with Grey protecting the skin. However Kelce lets the rusher by way of untouched, giving Mahomes no probability to throw — although JuJu Smith-Schuster is breaking free on a crossing route.
Kelce’s greatest blunder got here within the purple zone, when the Chiefs had an opportunity to take the lead.
Underneath strain, Mahomes releases the ball a contact early, but it surely nonetheless hits Kelce within the palms. As an alternative of securing the catch, he suggestions it into the air — and the following interception practically ends in a defensive landing.
The Chiefs are 0-2 for the primary time since 2014 underneath Andy Reid. They clearly have work to do.
With out their high two wideouts — Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy — the offense is restricted. Each gamers are game-changing abilities whose presence alters how defenses scheme towards Kansas Metropolis.
Nonetheless, the primary two weeks ought to function a wake-up name. The remainder of the NFL is closing the hole. If Kansas Metropolis fails to execute, it dangers additional setbacks till Rice and Worthy return.
The excellent news? These errors might be fastened. However accountability — for each gamers and coaches — will decide whether or not the season will get again on observe.
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