Chiefs will stick with Andy Reid and Alex Smith
By Andrew Jones
The Chiefs can make some improvements that will, in the right circumstances, win some playoff games. First, Bob Sutton’s scheme against Pittsburgh was terrible. I know why people aren’t pointing this out. Sutton has done some great things in Kansas City and his defense is always one of the top scoring units in the league. But why is your most confident defensive player not following the offenses best receiver? Marcus Peters is good and he is confident enough to match-up with a number one pass catcher. Yet he stays on one side of the field.
Two plays in particular that could have won a game for Kansas City had linebacker Justin Houston as the nearest player to Antonio Brown. No matter what way you look at it, it’s a mismatch. When in the zone the Chiefs also seemed to forget about the tight end in the middle of the field. I understand that they didn’t have the personnel to stop Le’Veon Bell but a better scheme could have produced some punts.
I think that the Chiefs have someone on their staff that would take a good defense and make it great. Emmitt Thomas is a hall of fame cornerback who knows how to play against great quarterbacks. His experience and fire would bring an edge back to Kansas City that is invaluable in the playoffs.
At quarterback the Chiefs need to look to the draft. Nick Foles is far too expensive to keep as a backup and Tyler Bray just needs to be cut loose. Right now, Bleacher Report has their most recent mock draft out. They have the Chiefs just two spots away from who I think is their best fit at quarterback. I believe that is close enough to trade up to 24 and grab Patrick Mahomes. He needs some help with his footwork but a year behind Smith to develop in a low pressure, west coast system would be perfect for him.
Most don’t think the Chiefs will go after a guy in the first round. Some have the Chiefs taking tight end O.J. Howard or CB Gareon Conley. Both good picks. However, I believe that if the Chiefs don’t take a risk on a first round quarterback then we are meant to play the one-and-done game forever.
Lastly the guard position must be addressed in the draft or free agency. The Chiefs’ current starters are fine stop gaps but Smith needs a solid run game to be successful. The last quarter of the season showed that the offensive line just wasn’t creating the holes. Parker Ehinger should resume his role and continue to play at an above average level. The other side will need a similar style of guard to allow both sides of the field to be worked.
We have a little over seven months to obsess over every little change the Chiefs make or don’t make. September will tell what might be, but January will firmly decide the fate of Andy Reid and Alex Smith.