Chiefs gameplan: stick to what works

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) passes against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Release the Hounds

The offense has been stagnant often to this point in 2015. They have lacked urgency in the first half in all but two games thus far. However, there has been a consistent trend of a second half take off. For instance, over the last two games, the offense has gained 151 yards in the first halves. (Yes, that is a total). Conversely, it has gained 497 yards in the second halves. At more than a 3-to-1 ratio, that is alarming. Reid is having trouble motivating his players.

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks with the media after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

On the plus side, they do appear to be responding to pressure when playing from behind. The coach has to find a way to harness that urgency and put it to sustained use over the course of games. If they can use this downfield focus, they can build and maintain leads that will win games.

Go to the Sweet Spot

As the Chiefs offense has been able to produce more chunk plays in the last two weeks, the success has been concentrated in one area of the field. In week six, the offense created 10 plays of 11 yards or more. All were passes and nine were caught over the middle of the field (between the numbers).

The season started with similar success in the middle when running deep crossing routes. The recent success has been on more angular and long passes on “in” and “seam” routes. Adding the deeper cross routes back into the mix will bring some variety, but still emphasize the area that Smith and his receivers are most successful in. Right down the middle.

Next: Feed the Big, Fast Pass-Catchers