AFC West Report: Which teams look like real contenders?

Kansas City Chiefs

Boy did the Chiefs need that win. After two straight losses riddled with bad defense and turnovers galore, the Chiefs were most definitely in a “must-win” situation. The offense (minus one Mahomes interception) was fantastic putting together a passing game that lit up the Eagles secondary and a ground game that complemented the passing game nicely.

Mahomes was his usual magician self, casually tossing 5 touchdowns. Tyreek Hill ate his spinach before the game, clearly, and we got to see a second consecutive Jody Fortson touchdown. I love that guy. My favorite touchdown was probably the Fortson one. Just watch Kelce, Hill, and Mahomes sell this thing:

Brilliant acting, men! I also loved this epitome of the Hill-Mahomes connection:

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1444754427991236616

Look, I could go on and on about the offense, but let’s also be realistic. The defense was bad once again. This is troubling. Missed assignments, miscommunication—these are little things that should not be happening under a third-year defensive coordinator. Is Chris Jones even out there? And I get it, we have some injuries, but that certainly doesn’t excuse basic personnel lineups. Spags needs to get this figured out.

BUT, help is on the way. Willie Gay, Jr. has entered the practice window to return from IR so we may see his season debut on Sunday. Hopefully Charvarious Ward and Frank Clark are progressing from their injuries and Rashad Fenton is making his way through the concussion protocol. If that is the case, we might see a bit more from the defense on Sunday which will be needed.

After the game, rookie Joshua Kaindoh was placed on IR with an ankle sprain, so he will be out at least 3 weeks. With that move, the Chiefs signed Josh Gordon to the active roster. We are going to see his debut on Sunday and I CANNOT WAIT. I am clearly over-hyped, but I don’t care. I’m ready to be hurt.

Finally, we need to take a moment to recognize Big Red. With the win on Sunday, Reid became the first head coach to win at least 100 games with two different franchises. Absolutely incredible. Congratulations, Coach!

Next week, on Sunday Night Football, the Chiefs have a huge matchup against the red-hot Buffalo Bills. The Bills are looking to avenge the loss in the AFC Championship game last season and look almost unstoppable. The Chiefs are looking to notch another win that will be vital in the race for the No. 1 seed. I will be in attendance for what will be an undoubtedly crazy game. I cannot wait. I hope the Chiefs come ready to play (I’m looking at you defense) and that the Bills Mafia is ready to crash through tables in sorrow as they see their team owned, yet again, by the draft pick they gave up.