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Kansas City Chiefs must find identity

By Chris Clark

Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

The defense must be able to take away any quick reads that Carr may have. If they can find a way to get him to hold on to the ball for just a little bit longer the pass rush may be able to get to him. The Chiefs pass rush isn’t formidable to this point but Sutton has multiple blitzes he can use to create pressure. Kansas City must find a way to get Carr off his game early. Otherwise, the Raiders will jump out to a quick lead and never look back.

The biggest issue with the Raiders starting quick and never having to look back is that the Chiefs offense couldn’t catch them. Kansas City’s defense has had the Chiefs in three of the four games where if the offense is just decent KC should win going away. Instead KC is 2-2 and could just as easily be 1-3 after the horrible season opener.

Why has the Chiefs offense taken so many steps back? Several factors have caused a step back on offense. First, missing Jamaal Charles has not helped the KC rush attack. Spencer Ware started the first game great but has now had a fumble in 3 straight games. This happening after not fumbling since before high school. Charles’ return to the lineup should be a boost for the ground game.

Another issue with the offense is the overly high reliance on the passing attack. The Chiefs have thrown close to 75 percent of the time this season which is way above normal. The Chiefs must get back to a more balanced attack and ask Smith to do what he is most capable of. Quick reads and using his legs to buy time. If Alex can get back to being efficient than the offense will start being more productive.

Kansas City has lacked a second wide receiver for some time but Chris Conley is changing that. Conley has shown he is fully capable of being that added dimension in the offense. Smith has shown that he trusts Conley to make plays as well. With the addition of Conley to the mix and Maclin rounding back into shape the Chiefs should be in position to take a step forward against the Raiders.

What do you think, Addicts?

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