KC Chiefs vs Eagles: Takeaways from Week 4

The Kansas City Chiefs could not be stopped in their 42-30 win over the Eagles on Sunday. Like every game, there are positives and negatives to take away.

Games are not always perfect, and there are still reasons to worry about this Chiefs team. There are still glaring holes that the team must address before its Sunday night tilt against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5.

Here are some takeaways from the Chiefs win over the Eagles.

The Run Game is Opening Up

For the second consecutive game, Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 100 yards. The second year running back took 14 carries for 102 yards against an Eagles’ defense that was supposed to be stout against the run, but have faltered the last two weeks. The offensive line was dominant in the rushing attack on Sunday, and Edwards-Helaire was presented with massive running lanes. Over the last two weeks, the former LSU running back has 202 yards on 31 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per carry.

Last season, the 22-year-old running back was constantly stifled at the line of scrimmage, but this year we are seeing a running back given the opportunity to run in open space. Edwards-Helaire is starting to hit the second level of the defense more often than not, and defenses are begging the Chiefs to run. In addition, CEH has a receiving touchdown in each of the last two games. He is starting to receive touches near the goal line which is something that lacked last season.

The running game is not going to be prolific like the Browns or Ravens, but this offense is turning a corner in its rushing attack.

Why Were People Freaking Out About This Offense?

Yes, Patrick Mahomes threw another interception on Sunday, but when this offense does not turn the ball over, the opposing defense does not stop them. Outside of the interception, the Chiefs found the endmzone on their six other drives. The Chiefs’ offense never punted the football to the Eagles. Mahomes completed 24 of 30 passing attempts for 278 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception.

The 26-year-old quarterback is learning that simplicity is essential to a successful offense. People have been spoiled by the big plays, but this offense is taking what the defense gives them, and are churning out eight, nine, ten playdrives. On Sunday, the Chiefs picked up 31 first downs and were nine of 10 on third down conversions. Against the Chargers, Kansas City piled up 33 first downs and were six of 10 on third downs.

People were quick to jump on this offense for not picking up big plays, but when the defense takes everything away, checking down is not a bad option. The Chiefs have had to do this for much if not the entire season thus far. However, teams are not going to hold down the big plays for long. Tyreek Hill cracked the Eagles defense for 186 yards and three touchdowns on 11 receptions. Teams will continue to attempt taking away the big play, but Hill will still exploit them in some capacity.

Kansas City has learned that the big play is not everything. It is OK to take the short passes and turn those into solid gains that give the offense manageable third downs. That is why we are seeing the Chiefs convert on third downs at such a high rate. As long as this offense continues to score touchdowns, it does not matter how it gets done. If defenses want the Chiefs to methodically move the ball down the field, then so be it.

This Defense is Showing No Signs of Progress

Kansas City’s defense allowed an Eagles offense that struggled to move the ball against the 49ers and Cowboys in the last two weeks to do whatever they wanted on Sunday. Philadelphia never punted the ball and the Eagles totaled 461 yards of offense. Jalen Hurts looked like a star quarterback on Sunday, completing 32 of 48 passes for 387 yards and two touchdowns. If the Eagles are going to move the ball on Kansas City, then expect this to be a trend until the Chiefs make adjustments on defense.

One positive takeaway from the defensive play on Sunday was the fact that Eagles did not score a touchdown on every red zone drive. Kansas City forced the Eagles to settle for three field goals. Entering Sunday, Kansas City possessed the worst red zone defense in the NFL. This defense is allowing teams to score in bunches, and if the Chiefs want to compete for another championship, this defense has to start making plays.