Kansas City Chiefs: Winning without hitting their stride

In a league known for its parody, a team being without their most talented player on both offense and defense should be enough to tip their scales in the wrong direction. The Kansas City Chiefs have found themselves in that position in 2016 as they have essentially been without star running back Jamaal Charles and their premier pass rusher Justin Houston.

Imagine where the Broncos might be if they had been without Demarius Thomas and Von Miller so far this season? As it stands now the Chiefs and Broncos both have a 4-2 record, but the Chiefs should be adding two of their best players back into the mix as the season plays on. That’s a huge advantage in KC’s favor.

Granted, the Chiefs have minimized the loss of Jamaal Charles because of the outstanding play of Spencer Ware. In fact, Ware’s play has been so good that it has allowed KC to continue resting Charles despite his actual return to the active roster several weeks ago. Charles has totaled just 14 touches through three weeks since officially returning from his injury.

If the Chiefs can get to a point where Charles is 100 percent and they can interchange he and Ware to keep them both fresh and even use them both on the field at the same time it will only help the offense. A KC offense that has six legit playmakers in Charles, Ware, Maclin, Conley, Hill, and Kelce is one that should be effective.

The bigger addition to this team will be the return of Justin Houston. The Chiefs defense has played pretty well since the Pittsburgh game but they would benefit greatly from a pass rush. Dee Ford and Chris Jones have flashed some and provided some pressure here and there, but nothing like what we have come to expect from a healthy Justin Houston. Adding a premier NFL pass rusher to an already solid defense should take it to the next level.