Chiefs grades: Winning from behind
By Andrew Jones
The Kansas City Chiefs looked putrid during the first half of their game in Carolina on Sunday.
They were so bad that it really looked like the Panthers’ 17 point lead was insurmountable. Don’t tell that to Eric Berry or Marcus Peters. The defense continues to be the strength of this team and right now it isn’t close.
Offense: C-
Ok so the Chiefs are without Jeremy Maclin and it appears that wide receiver might be the thinnest position on the team. The depth behind Maclin struggles to hold on to the ball and there is a severe lack of experience. Tyreek Hill is exciting and Chris Conley is strong but Albert Wilson is not who the Chiefs want starting on the outside.
Another position that has turned out to be more of a hinderance than a strength is tight end. Outside of Travis Kelce it is drop city. The blocking doesn’t look all that great either from Ross Travis or Demetrius Harris. James O’Shaughnessy has proven some use but the Chiefs need playmakers in the passing game.
None of this is to shift blame from Alex Smith however. He had a bad day in the redzone with at least two touchdowns missed with bad throws. He is usually very accurate and it may just be a lack of rhythm due to missing last week or he is skittish from the big hits he took in Indianapolis. Either way this offense needs to get back on track.
The one place aspect that continues to outperform their expectations is the offensive line, especially in pass protection. The sacks achieved by Carolina on Sunday were due to coverage and not blown assignments. The running game struggled but the Panthers entered the game with one of the best run defenses. Penalties are really the only issue I have with the offensive line.