7 Things That Went Right For The Chiefs On Saturday

Aug 23, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on the sidelines against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

SCREEN GAME IMPROVED

One thing the Chiefs did manage to do well on offense Saturday was move the ball through the screen game. With all the issues the Chiefs offensive line had blocking the pass and the run, PFF gave the offensive line a +2 grade for their performance blocking on screen passes.

Andy Reid’s offense is in a lot of ways built on the screen game. Attacking the edges of the field with screens, sweeps, end arounds, and quick passes is in a lot of ways how Reid likes to move the ball down field. Yes, there needs to be a down field element, and Reid does like to attack the middle of the field with his tight ends and with players with elite speed. That part of the offense did not show well Saturday.

But when you consider the strengths of the Chiefs personnel it is a good thing the screen game is working. We’ve discussed how the Chiefs best formation involves two tight ends, but we have discussed how having both of those guys out there to block in the screen game could make the Chiefs offense incredibly dangerous once Jamaal Charles returns.

Kansas City may not be able to stretch out the defense north and south just yet but they should be able to stretch the defense east and west. Add in the Charles magic and the consistent hands of Anthony Fasano and Travis Kelce and there is reason to think the Chiefs can move the ball effectively against most defenses even with the offensive line issues.