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Kansas City Chiefs: Winning without hitting their stride

By Lyle Graversen

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) gets the hypes up the crowd during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) gets the hypes up the crowd during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) carries the ball in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The offense in particular has been incredibly inconsistent and frustrating at times. While Reid deserves more than his fair share of the blame for that he also has the ability to improve on this as the season progresses. As I stated last week I think Reid needs to not overthink things and rely on his running game. Even without Jamaal Charles for most of the season (more on that in a minute) they have proven to be a good running team with Spencer Ware as the feature back.

Alex Smith simply performs better when defenses are focused on the run and he is able to take shots where he feels comfortable without the weight on the entire offense resting on his shoulders. The Chiefs offense finally has enough playmakers to get things done. Jeremy Maclin, Chris Conley, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce give them four legit NFL weapons in the passing game. If you combine them with a dominant run game this offense can be good enough to get this team to the playoffs and beyond.

The Chiefs just need to commit to being the type of offense that has proven to work and then get everybody on the same page. That really falls on Reid’s shoulders. Don’t overthink things Andy. Don’t get too cute Andy. Run the ball consistently, supplement the run game with short efficient passes and occasionally stretch the defense deep to keep them on their toes. That’s it, it’s not super complicated. Reid is a master play designer and has proven to be a good play caller when he stays out of his own way.

The Chiefs young players on this team should only continue to improve with quality coaching as well. Young guys like Parker Ehinger, Tyreek Hill, Chris Jones, Steven Nelson, and D.J. White that have been forced into key roles with very little experience should see their play get better each week thanks to a combination of valuable playing experience and quality coaching. If the Chiefs are already 4-2 and can coach up their young players and find some offensive consistency this team could even compete for a division title and possibly a first round bye.

But that’s not the only reason this team should get better….

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