Kansas City Chiefs: 5 keys to get back on track on Monday Night Football

A Quick Passing Attack

The Chiefs’ passing attack just hasn’t been able to find a rhythm this season. Teams have decided to play the Chiefs deep to prevent the big plays that K.C. has become known for. The Chiefs have really struggled to answer this defensive strategy so far, but in my opinion, the solution is simple. If teams are going to play to stop the deep pass the Chiefs need to come out with a plan to effectively move the ball with their short game.

Game after game we’ve seen Patrick Mahomes drop back and look uneasy in the pocket as his usual deep targets aren’t there. By the time he starts looking for a short/safe option the outside protection is breaking down and he either forces something or runs for his life. This has led to a string of turnovers that are killing the offense and the team in general. To counter this the Chiefs need to come in with a plan to get the ball out quick to Mahomes top options, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.

Andy Reid is one of the game’s top offensive minds and is known for his massive playbook. I understand the urge to not let opposing teams change your identity, but the current plan isn’t working. Mahomes needs to get in a rhythm and there simply isn’t a better way to do that than to let him come out throwing quick and decisive throws to his best targets. The Giants don’t have a great secondary and I simply don’t believe they can play two deep safeties and blanket K.C.’s options in a short passing attack. The Chiefs don’t need to hit a lot of home run plays to score points against the Giants. Just get in a rhythm and march down the field. Force the safeties to come up and help stop the short passing attack or the run game (more on that in a minute) and then maybe you can go deep, but they can’t start by looking for that with how teams are now playing them.

The trio of Mahomes, Hill, and Kelce is simply too good to contain if you have a smart plan on how to get them the ball and let them get in a rhythm early. So the Chiefs shouldn’t be stubborn and try to play the same way they always have when defenses have now adjusted to that style of attack. The Chiefs have clearly been frustrated on offense, but if the plan is to attack the Giants with quick passes they should be able to see success early.

Now let’s talk about the running game.