Kansas City Chiefs: Who are they?

Might we see a similar scene when the Chiefs step into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Sunday? Andy Reid is 15-2 coming off of a bye week. Historically, he’s been tough to beat with extra time to prepare. It’s also been reported that the team’s leaders, in the locker room, have issued a challenge to get refocused (as a group). Safety Eric Berry had this to say:

"“It does sour (the bye),” Berry said. “But all the things that happened are fixable…it’s not anything like we’ve got to do anything drastic. We’ve just got to have a little more focus and lock in a little bit. That’s it.”"

In the NFL, sometimes there’s nothing better than having your back against the wall to help a team exorcize its demons. Thus far, it’s been offensive ineptitude that’s hurt the Chiefs. Only four teams have scored fewer points through five weeks. On the one hand, Chiefs Kingdom should be optimistic about the future.

Reid’s offense has a number of weapons: Jeremy Maclin, Chris Conley, Travis Kelce, Spencer Ware, Jamaal Charles, Charcandrick West and newcomer Tyreek Hill. It’s hard to imagine that group doesn’t stabilize and start producing more consistently. On the other hand, Alex Smith seems to have taken a step backwards as a signal caller. Reid appears to have joined him in his duties as a play caller. If just one of them can turn things around, this offense has a chance to be successful.

Oakland’s been a team of few flaws to this point in the season, but their weakness is clearly on the defensive side of the football. The Chiefs have an opportunity to exploit them on Sunday with the right offensive game plan. Sean Smith’s been wildly inconsistent through the first month of the season.

He’s always had trouble with fleet footed receivers who run crisp routes. Reid should challenge him early and often come Sunday – I’m looking at you, Jeremy Maclin and Chris Conley. In fact, that Raiders defense is dead last in the league at defending the pass. They’ve also had trouble getting to the quarterback in 2016. Oakland has just seven team sacks on the season. Star OLB/DE Khalil Mack has just one on the year.