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Chiefs fans should both keep calm and panic

By Andrew Jones

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) catches a pass as Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) defends during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) catches a pass as Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) defends during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) scrambles out of the pocket as Houston Texans outside linebacker John Simon (51) chases during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) scrambles out of the pocket as Houston Texans outside linebacker John Simon (51) chases during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

One reason is that Alex Smith is not having a good start to his season. The work put in by the wide receivers this off season was supposed to produce some impressive numbers. But Smith can’t seem to get them the ball with any kind of consistency. It is apparent when reviewing the first four games that Smith doesn’t trust his throws.

Against Houston, the Chiefs quarterback was rarely accurate and threw many passes low and behind receivers. He finished with a terrible nine yards per completion. Against the Steelers, Smith gave up quickly on reads that were becoming open and tried to dump off passes after only one read despite a fairly clean pocket. Smith won’t become more talented, but he will operate this system better as it was tailor made for him.

Another reason for worry is since Andy Reid arrived in Kansas City, the Chiefs are 4-10 against the best in the NFL. I consider the best in the NFL to be Pittsburgh, New England, Denver, Green Bay, Seattle, Arizona, and Minnesota. In 2014 the Chiefs did well against the two best teams but failed against Denver, Pittsburgh and Arizona.

Then last season the Chiefs failed early to playoff teams Denver, Green Bay, Cincinnati, and Minnesota. Their first real test after their winning streak came against New England in the playoffs. We all know how that turned out. Unless Reid can figure out how to take the next step to beat the better teams, the Chiefs will always be just a wild card team.

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