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Kansas City Chiefs offense is peaking at the right time

By Lyle Graversen

Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after a Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (right) touchdown during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after a Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (right) touchdown during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) points to a San Diego Chargers defender during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) points to a San Diego Chargers defender during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chiefs won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Alex Smith has to be a threat to run

I think one of the underrated aspects of the Chiefs offense the past two weeks has been the return of Alex Smith the running quarterback. Through 14 games Smith had just 67 yards rushing on the season (after almost 500 yards rushing in 2015). In the final two games Smith matched his total from the first 14 games with exactly 67 yards rushing. While a little over 30 yards a game may not seem like a huge deal, it really makes a massive difference in KC’s offense. I feel it is one of the biggest reasons we’ve seen such a dramatic jump in KC’s third down conversion percentage.

It’s not just when Smith can take off and pick up a third down either. It’s when he takes off on second down instead of throwing the ball away and changes a 3rd and 10 to a 3rd and 4. He’s also come through with a rushing touchdown in each of the last two games. If linebackers and safeties have to hesitate for just a split second to account for Smith’s potential to run it allows guys like Maclin and Kelce that extra foot of separation they need to get the ball in their hands.

Alex Smith has been incredibly accurate the past two weeks completing 71.9% of his passes. While he will never strike fear into a defense with his passing prowess, if he completes around 70% of his passes AND is a threat to take off and run then KC’s offense becomes very hard to stop. If the majority of those passes are going to playmakers like Kelce, Maclin, and Hill then the Chiefs are going to score some points on offense. Period.

I don’t know what the playoffs will bring for this Chiefs team. I know I love their playmaking defense (especially if Houston is back). I know they have one of the best special teams units in all of the NFL. The only question mark has been the offense and the past two weeks leading into the playoffs that offense has looked MUCH better. Andy Reid now has an extra week to get them ready and if the results are anything like they’ve been to end the season I like Kansas City’s chances.

So what do you think Addicts? Do you believe this offense can get the job done in the playoffs? Are you worried the offense that we saw against the Titans may rear its ugly head again at the worst possible time? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Until next week, take a moment and enjoy the fact that your team is 12-4, are the AFC West division champs, and have earned a first round bye and a home playoff game at Arrowhead.

As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!

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