Chiefs grades: No excuses, the offense blew it
By Andrew Jones
Offense: D
I can see some of the comments now:
“We don’t need an identity. We win!”
“The Patriots don’t have an identity and they keep winning.”
The Patriots do have an identity. It’s called the “Patriot Way.” It isn’t necessarily traditional like “run first” or “high flying.” But it makes everyone in that locker room buy in or else. Look at the cuts and trades they’ve made. I’m not saying that the Chiefs should be more like the Patriots. That already happened with disastrous results. I’m saying that Kansas City needs a rally point. A leader who holds himself and other players accountable. Smith is not that guy. He’s a good guy, a team player, an extremely smart individual. But he doesn’t inspire great play from his teammates.
There are countless examples this season. On Sunday a perfect throw from Smith goes right threw the hands of De’Anthony Thomas. It costs the Chiefs a first down. What does Smith do? Hangs his head and walks to the sideline. That play was all on Thomas but Smith’s body language sends a message. That message is, “Do not look to me to lead you.” Harsh, yes but the evidence is there. You’re QB doesn’t have to be the leader to win the Super Bowl but the teams that do always have that guy that holds everyone to a higher standard.