Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) in the huddle during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
What can help this team right now?
Simply put, leadership.
This season for the Chiefs is a high speed re-play of the last 2-3 season for Reid in Philadelphia. Reid is a “players coach” and once a coach of that type loses the ability to hold his players accountable; it is over. This roster has the look of an unmotivated group of highly-paid athletes who have a friend in the head coach. Reid defense of his players is commendable in public. In private, a head coach must hold his players to perform to their ability. He may be better-able to do just that if he were not as close to the action, especially on offense.
compiled by R. Tracy
Reid’s playcalling is a serious problem. It is no coincidence that the two closest losses of the season have been the two games where he called the most balanced offense games, Denver and Chicago. Still, the team gave up significant leads in both games while playing at home. The other game with a near 60/40 split was a win.
A lot has to change. They have to remove or limit the number of passes behind the line of scrimmage. They have to stick to what works for them. In week 5, De’Anthony Thomas averaged 9.67 yards per touch in the first half. Reid didn’t get him a single touch in the second half, even after losing Charles.
With all that in mind, there is a solution that could do the trick. Andy could replace himself as the play-caller. It is not as simple handing it off to Doug Pederson, however. Pederson is not prepared to make significant changes. He is too close to his mentor and sees things through similar eyes. The offense needs a more experienced signal caller to take over. It would be fitting given the Chiefs week 6 opponent.
Aug 15, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs special projects coach Brad Childress reacts against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Andy Reid could promote Brad Childress.
Childress had success as an OC and a head coach in the past. Granted, “Chilly” had Brett Favre as his QB for two of his five seasons in Minnesota and that cannot be overlooked. Despite that fact, a change could be very effective for this offense. Change of tempo, change of emphasis, change of focus. While he does come from the Andy Reid coaching tree and could have similar tendencies, every coach calls a different game. Childress could break the cycle of behind-the-line passes and open up the capabilities of Smith and the offense. A new playcaller could be the way to get more out of the Chiefs talented skill positions, which must be utilized better in the absences of Charles. Childress is on staff for a reason. He too, is being under-utilized. Changing that fact could pay off for this 2015 Chiefs team.
I’ll have more for you next week…
And jump on twitter for my live, in-game observations of the Chiefs-Vikings this weekend. You can Follow @RyanTracyNFL