Chiefs win, but offense struggles against Ravens

Dec 20, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) runs for a gain before being tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker ZaDarius Smith (90) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs improved to 9-5 on the year with an impressive effort by the defense, which scored two defensive touchdowns. Kansas City controls its own destiny headed into the last two home games of the season against the Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders. While they have been impressive reeling off eight wins in a row they have a lot they can improve on and it starts with Andy Reid and his play calling.

Kansas City jumped out to a quick 21-7 lead against the Ravens and then after kicking a field goal and allowing a garbage Hail Mary touchdown to end the first half flipped back into a conservative offense. For much of the third quarter Kansas City never attempted a pass and if they did it was a lot of short screens and flat passes to the RB. Andy Reid has times when he looks like a genius but his lack of wanting to step on the other teams throat early will cost Kansas City if it goes to the playoffs.

Alex Smith has mostly done his part over the past eight games by not making costly mistakes and doing just enough to keep the defense honest and from flooding the line of scrimmage. On Sunday Kansas City didn’t attempt any throws downfield and it showed on offense. When their offense stumbled in the second half it was because Baltimore started to sell out against the run and not respect the pass. Smith had a third and 8 inside the Baltimore 20-yard line late in the third quarter and didn’t check out of a read-option. The Chiefs ended up several yards short of the first down and Cairo Santos kicked another field goal.

Next: Playing not to lose